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Effects of Post-Therapy Changes on the Level of Immunoglobulin M in Dogs with Dermatitis
Get PDFDermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by itching, hair loss, lesions, and redness. Various agents can cause dermatitis, including Sarcoptes scabiei, Demodex canis, and Microsporum canis. Animals experiencing dermatitis undergo internal changes in their bodies, particularly in the immune system. The presence of an infection is usually preceded by the appearance of Immunoglobulin M (IgM). This study aimed to determine the differences in IgM levels in dogs with dermatitis before therapy (pre-therapy) and after therapy (post-therapy), as well as the differences in IgM levels between dogs with mild and severe dermatitis. The study involved 40 local dogs, divided into two groups, including 20 dogs with mild dermatitis and 20 dogs with severe dermatitis. Serum sampling was conducted in two phases: the first phase was pre-therapy, and the second phase was 14 days after therapy (post-therapy). The therapy administered to dogs with mild dermatitis consisted of diphenhydramine HCl and ivermectin, while the therapy for dogs with severe dermatitis included diphenhydramine HCl, ivermectin, amoxicillin, and dexamethasone. Serum samples from the dogs were then tested using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay method. The results of the study revealed that serum IgM levels in dogs with mild and severe dermatitis did not show any significant difference. In dogs with mild dermatitis, serum IgM levels before therapy were not statistically different compared to those after therapy. However, in dogs with severe dermatitis, serum IgM levels before therapy were significantly higher compared to after therapy. The results of this study indicate that therapy can impact serum IgM levels in dogs with severe dermatitis, while it does not significantly affect these levels in cases of mild dermatitis. © (2025), (Scienceline Publication). All rights reserved
Assessing the Population Structure and Inbreeding Rates of Buffaloes in Batanghari District, Indonesia
Get PDFBuffaloes are important in animal husbandry, agriculture, and sociocultural and religious activities in Indonesia. The buffalo population has decreased at the national and regional levels, including in the Batanghari District, Jambi Province, Indonesia. This study analyzed the population structure, effective population size, and inbreeding rate of buffalo populations in the Batanghari District, Jambi, Indonesia, based on secondary data. The data population of 3,149 buffaloes used in this study was sourced from the Integrated National Animal Health System (ISIKHNAS) in the Batanghari District in 2023. The results showed a calf crop of 21.71%, a calving rate of 16.61%, a natural increase of 14.74%, and a net replacement rate of 279.51%. The effective population size was 592 heads, and the inbreeding rate was 0.08%. It can be concluded that the natural increase rate of the buffalo population in the Batanghari District was low, but the number of young replacement animals was sufficient. The effective population size was 592 heads, and the level of inbreeding per generation remained within acceptable limits. Although the buffalo population in the Batanghari District exhibited a negative trend, it still had potential as a source of breeding stock, as indicated by the replacement rate
Effects of Adding Natural Honey to Semen Extender on Ram Epididymal Sperm Quality
Get PDFNumerous studies have indicated that male infertility is often associated with poor semen quality. The present study investigated the use of natural honey as an antioxidant and nutrient additive to semen extender to evaluate its effect on sperm parameters. A total of 16 fresh testes from sexually mature rams were collected for the investigation and immediately transported to the reproductive technology laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad University. For the first group, sperm was collected and diluted with an egg yolk extender mixed with 10% natural honey, while the second group consisted of epididymal sperm diluted with 0.9% normal saline. Epididymal fluid was collected and evaluated for both groups. The results showed significant differences in mean individual motility between the two groups after 48 and 72 hours, as determined by the comparison of proportions. Egg yolk plus honey diluent was significantly more effective than normal saline diluent in preserving sperm cell viability after 48 and 72 hours. The same finding applied to progressive motility; the egg yolk plus honey diluent was significantly more efficient than the normal saline diluent for the time frame after 48 and 72 hours, respectively. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that the egg yolk extender supplemented with 10% honey was more effective in preserving ram sperm motility over time than normal saline. The addition of honey to the egg yolk extender improved the motility, the live-dead ratio, and the viability of the liquid storage of ram epididymal fluid. Furthermore, egg yolk plays a crucial role in protecting sperm from the detrimental effects of low temperatures
Molecular Identification of Eimeria Species in Desi Chickens Using ITS-1 rDNA PCR Analysis
Get PDFEimeria (E.) species are protozoan parasites responsible for coccidiosis, a widespread and economically significant disease affecting all chicken breeds. Coccidiosis negatively impacts poultry health and performance, leading to substantial economic losses in the global poultry sector. The present study aimed to assess the current status of coccidiosis in desi chickens reared on farms and processed at retail poultry dressing centers in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer one (ITS-1) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was performed to identify Eimeria species in desi chickens (dual purpose of broilers and layers) aged one to eight weeks. Among different DNA extraction methods tested for Eimeria oocysts in desi chickens, including liquid nitrogen, hypochlorite, direct, sonication, and glass bead techniques, the glass bead method proved to be the most efficient for oocyst disruption and genomic DNA extraction. Two species, E. tenella and E. acervulina, were successfully identified based on distinct bands of 278 base pairs (bp) and 145 bp, respectively, observed on a 2% agarose gel. The minimum number of oocysts required for DNA extraction was 32 oocysts (0.10 ng) for E. tenella and 127 oocysts (0.41 ng) for E. acervulina. Amplicon sizes of 278 bp for E. tenella and 145 bp for E. acervulina were consistently obtained. Among the identified species in the present study, E. tenella was the most predominant cause of coccidiosis in desi chickens
Infestation of Ixodes ricinus with Babesia spp. in Natural and Anthropogenic Habitats of Kharkiv Region and Its Relationship with the Detection of Canine Babesiosis
Get PDFAmong parasitic diseases in dogs, babesiosis plays a significant role as a natural-focal, tick-borne hemoparasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia, which invade erythrocytes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with Babesia spp. and to assess the epizootiological characteristics of canine babesiosis distribution in various districts of Kharkiv region and the city of Kharkiv during 2012–2023, taking into account seasonal dynamics, age-related susceptibility of dogs, and conditions of the urban environment. A total of 2,690 I. ricinus ticks were collected from natural habitats: 1,955 from the Kharkiv Region and 735 from the city, including 294 obtained from dogs. Tick sampling was conducted in parks and residential areas using the flagging method (2 km routes, May 10–20). Ticks were examined morphologically to determine developmental stage and species. In total, 1,486 dog blood samples were analyzed (578 from the region and 908 from the city). Babesia parasites were identified via microscopy of methanol-fixed, Giemsa-stained thin blood smears from the ear vein. Samples were positive if Babesia trophozoites or paired pyriform merozoites were observed in erythrocytes. I. ricinus ticks infected with Babesia were found in all studied areas. From 2012 to 2023, average infection rates were 27.8% for nymphs and 35.8% for imago. The infection rate among dogs following tick bites was 36.9%. In the city parks, 48.9% of ticks were infected, compared to 39.7% in residential zones. Among ticks removed from dogs, 52.4% carried Babesia, and 46.1% of bitten dogs had babesiosis. The age group most affected in the region was dogs aged 5-6 years (37.7%), followed by 2-4 years (28.8%) and 7-9 years (25.3%). In Kharkiv city, the highest incidence was also in 5-6-year-old dogs (50.7%). Puppies (6 months to 1 year) and dogs over 10 years indicated the lowest rates of incidence (below 5%). Seasonal peaks occurred in April–May (18.3-22.7%) and September (16.1%), indicating clear patterns of disease activity. Thus, babesiosis remains a relevant parasitic disease in dogs in the region, requiring continuous epizootiological monitoring and effective prevention
Prevalence of Lungworms and Liver Fluke Infections in Ruminants Slaughtered at Kirkuk City, Iraq
Get PDFParasitic infections represent one of the most prevalent and economically significant diseases affecting livestock worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate risk factors associated with liver fluke and lungworm infections in small ruminants, characterize the diversity of lungworm species, and determine the prevalence of infections in Kirkuk, Iraq. The study was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024 in Northeastern Iraq, examining 30,900 sheep, 797 goats, 9,990 cattle, and 84 buffalo at slaughter. All carcasses underwent thorough gross pathological examination to detect parasitic infections, including lungworms, liver flukes, hydatid cysts, and associated pulmonary lesions. Distinct pathological manifestations were particularly evident in naturally infected local sheep. The present study revealed the following disease prevalence patterns across species. Pneumonia was detected in 0.31% of sheep and 0.35% of cattle, with no cases observed in goats or buffalo. Hepatitis showed an incidence rate of 0.39% in sheep and 0.75% in cattle. Hydatid cyst occurrence in hepatic and pulmonary tissues was documented at 0.38% in sheep and 1.13% in cattle, while remaining undetectable in caprine and bovine specimens. Liver fluke infection rates varied significantly among species, with sheep exhibiting 0.32% prevalence, goats demonstrating the highest rate at 3.76%, cattle showing 0.90% infection, and buffalo populations remaining completely uninfected. The present findings revealed significantly higher disease susceptibility in ruminants during winter months, with progressively lower infection rates observed throughout summer and monsoon seasons. This seasonal pattern may reflect environmental factors influencing parasite life cycles and host immunity
Effects of Bitter Melon Fruit Fraction with Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy on Histopathological Changes of Koi Fish (Cyprinus carpio) Liver Infected with Aeromonas salmonicida
Get PDFBitter melon is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, including its potential health benefits in various species. The present study investigated the impact of the bitter melon fraction on liver histological changes of koi fish infected with Aeromonas salmonicida (A. salmonicida). Maceration of bitter melon fruit was carried out for 4 days, then filtered and evaporated to obtain a thick extract. Phytochemical testing included column chromatography for the separation of active compounds and UV-Vis spectrophotometry for the analysis of the absorbance spectra of the fractions. The A. salmonicida bacterial infection was performed five days prior to the fish being soaked in a bitter melon fraction, at a bacterial density of 10⁷ cells/ml for 48 hours. A completely randomized design was employed, featuring five treatments, including no bitter melon fraction with no infection (K -), other groups infected with A. salmonicida and supplemented with 75 ppm of bitter melon (A), 95 ppm of bitter melon (B), 115 ppm of bitter melon (C), and 5 ppm chloramphenicol (antibiotic, K +). Each treatment group consisted of 15 fish (average length and weight of Koi fish were 8 cm and 12 grams) with three replications, which were immersed in their respective solutions for 48 hours. The current study adopted the maceration method with 98% ethanol for the extraction of bitter melon fruit. To determine liver histological damage in Koi fish, the authors employed the scoring method. The findings indicated slight liver damage in histology parameters with an average score of 1.2-1.4 for treatments A and B, respectively; however, treatment C and the positive control exhibited moderate damage with an average necrosis score of 2. According to the obtained data, the bitter melon fruit fraction at a concentration of 95 ppm had the highest preventive effects on the liver of the Koi fish infected with A. salmonicida
Assessing Performance and Economic Efficiency of Table Eggs Production in Southern Togo
Get PDFEnsuring better allocation of productive resources necessitates socioeconomic considerations. This study examined the performance of table egg production in southern Togo by determining the breeders’ production efficiency level through the stochastic frontier analysis in table egg production. Consequently, identifying the factors that significantly impact technical and allocative efficiency, and explaining the reasons for the technical inefficiency of table egg production. A parametric approach was used to estimate the technical and allocative efficiency levels from a stochastic frontier analysis. Data were collected from primary sources via a structured questionnaire (open-ended) administered to 88 poultry farms in southern Togo (2021) randomly. The parameters measured in this study were table egg production, the feed consumption during the production (each stage separately), veterinary treatment costs (drugs, vitamins), the flock size, the size of the exploitation, and the related costs of production. The finding indicated that 70% of table egg poultry farms in the Maritime Region of southern Togo are moderately technically efficient, although individual efficiency varies. Factors, such as flock size, labor, and veterinary treatments significantly influence the egg production process. Estimating the stochastic production function frontier revealed that inefficiencies in layer production largely stem from technical inefficiency among producers rather than inefficient resource allocation. The present study shows that poultry farms in Southern Togo exhibit medium technical efficiency but demonstrate effective allocation efficiency. Despite high-capacity facilities and financial constraints, the variation in the poultry breeders' production efficiency is explained by both endogenous and exogenous socioeconomic factors revealed through Tobit analysis. These factors are categorized into two groups, including primary (age, education, active membership, density, conflicts, gender), and secondary (credit, type of feed, association membership). Despite moderate technical efficiency, Southern Togo's poultry farms showed effective resource allocation. Financial constraints hinder full facility optimization, and unregulated input markets contribute to fluctuating costs
EVALUATION OF METABOLIC STATUS IN HOLSTEIN COW UNDER SHORT-TERM COLD STRESS
No full textThe research investigates the influence of short-term cold stress on the metabolic status of Holstein cows, when they are kept in large cowsheds in the Ukrainian climate. In the winter (cold season), the air temperature in such cowsheds depends on the ambient air temperature. The temperature-humidity index of the cowshed air is less than 38 at night, which is estimated as mild cold stress. Short-term cold stress has no effect on the level of total protein, urea, cholesterol, glucose, and calcium, but it increases the total lipids in the blood plasma of second-lactation cows with a daily milk yield of 20–25 kg by 32.3, and in those with a daily milk yield of 35–40 kg, by 1.6-fold. For third-lactation cows with a daily milk yield of 20–25 kg total lipids increase by 1.5-fold compared with the data for first-lactation cows with a daily milk yield of 20–25 kg. Cold stress has no significant effect on the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and amylase, but it significantly reduced the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood plasma of second- and third-lactation cows with a daily milk yield of 20–25 kg by 14.3 and 17.8, respectively, compared with first-lactation cows with a daily milk yield of 35–40 kg. Under short-term cold stress, the activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase decreases by 36 in second-lactation cows with a milk yield of 35–40 kg, by 44 in third-lactation cows with a milk yield of 20–25 kg, and by 38 in cows with a milk yield of 35–40 kg compared to first-lactation cows with a milk yield of 20–25 kg. It can be concluded that short-term cold stress causes changes in the metabolic profile of high-yielding Holstein cows, which can provide valuable information about the health of the animals during acclimatization and help develop corrective measures to prevent diseases and reduce milk productivity in the coldest period of the year. © (2025), (Scienceline Publication). All rights reserved
Availability, utilization practices and farmers perception of phytogenic feed additives for chicken production in northwestern Amhara, Ethiopia
No full textThe study was conducted to evaluate the availability, utilization practices, and farmers' perceptions of phytogenic feed additives for chicken production in Bahir Dar city and North Gojjam zone of Amhara region. The study included three areas (Bahir Dar city, North Achefer, and Bahir Dar Zuria districts), from which 320 respondents were selected from eight Kebeles. Data were collected from farm observations, individual interviews, and focus group discussions, supplemented by secondary information from agricultural offices records, and research publications. The study revealed a total of 1625.6 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU) of chickens in the study areas, and the average chicken holding per household (HH) was 5.08 TLU. Phytogenics were used as chicken feed additives by farmers in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, with utilization rates of 58.3, 56.3, and 52.5%, respectively. Phytogenic feed additives such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Girawa (Vernonia amygdalina), and Nech shinkurt (Allium sativum) ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their availability and 1st, 3rd, and 2nd in their utilization practices, respectively. The large majority of urban and peri-urban chicken producers (70.9 and 73.8%, respectively) had awareness of phytogenic feed additive utilization practices for chicken production. Phytogenic feed additives support sustainable poultry production in Ethiopia by improving food security, public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience. Their use supports with national development goals and key sustainable development goals (SDGs), including zero hunger, good health and well-being and climate action. This finding suggests that phytogenic feed additives are readily available and utilized in the study area for chicken production at the farmer's level, albeit with no defined doses. Further research is needed to verify the effects of these phytogenic feed additives on chicken performance, and a nationwide assessment should be conducted to quantify their potential