ObjectiveCoat color is a complex trait and plays an important role in breed identification. However, information regarding genes associated with coat color in cattle is limited, especially at the skin transcriptome level.MethodsWe investigated the differential expressed genes (DEGs) and genomic selection signal underlying the coat color variation between black and brown cattle breeds. A total of 19 cattle (Brangus, Angus, Simmental, and Guanling) were performed skin transcriptome analysis and 262 cattle (Angus and Simmental) were performed whole genome analysis.ResultsAngus cattle (black coat) had a significantly higher melanin content in both their hair and skin compared to that of Simmental and Guanling cattle (brown coat). Transcriptomic analysis identified 14,118 expressed genes, with principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealing clear differences between black and brown cattle. DEGs analysis across four pairwise breed comparisons highlighted 343 downregulated and 54 upregulated genes common to all comparisons, with the ASIP gene (agouti signaling protein) emerging as a key gene linked to melanogenesis. The ASIP expression was several dozen-fold higher in brown cattle than in black cattle, suggesting a crucial role in coat color determination. Path-way enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified the “Melanogenesis” pathway as significantly enriched and central to coat color variation. Genes such as FZD10, WNT6, and ASIP showed differential expression patterns that correlated with coat color. Genomic analysis revealed strong selection signals in the ASIP gene region, with several SNPs exhibiting high linkage disequilibrium. Notably, the mutation type was predominant in Simmental cattle, while the reference allele was more common in Angus cattle.ConclusionBased on the skin transcriptomic and genomic analyses, we found that ASIP was significantly differential expressed between black and brown cattle breeds and under strong positive selection. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of coat color variation in cattle and highlight the ASIP gene as a critical determinant of this trait.
Larissa Leão F. de Sousa, Mariana Dias Guilardi, Junior Olimpio Martins
et al.
Abstract Background Rabies, a lethal viral zoonotic disease, remains a significant global public health concern. In northeastern Brazil, in particular, its epidemiology is complex and dynamic, characterized by the presence of several reservoirs associated with human rabies infection. Methods This study, conducted from June 2022 to July 2023, was part of a passive epidemiological surveillance initiative under Brazil’s National Rabies Surveillance Program. It investigated the presence of Rhabdovirus (RhabV) in 356 postmortem chiropteran brain samples using three diagnostic techniques for rabies and conducted an evolutionary study on both pan-RhabV- and pan-LYSSAV-positive PCR samples. The samples were collected from 20 bat species and different locations in the State of Ceará, an endemic region for the rabies virus (RABV). Rabies-positive samples were further explored through Bayesian, genetic distance mapping and recombination analyses. Results From a total of 356 samples collected, 43 (12.07%) were positive for direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and 40 (11.23%) for mouse intracerebral inoculation (MIT) tests. Among the positive results, 40 samples were confirmed by both DIF and MIT, while 13 (3.65%) had inconclusive results for one or both techniques. Molecular assays identified 38 rabies-positive samples (10.67%). Members of the Molossidae and Phyllostomidae families had the highest prevalence, highlighting the role of insectivorous and frugivorous bats in the cycle and dynamics of rabies transmission. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed three distinct and well-supported clusters and clades, indicating the cocirculation of different RABV lineages in the region and shedding light on both intra- and interhost diversity. We also demonstrated genetic distance among the RABV clusters and inferred that their common ancestor originated in Europe, later diversifying across continents. No recombination breakpoints were identified. Conclusions This study highlights the dynamic nature of RABV evolution within individual bat hosts, contributing to the understanding of the genetic diversity of RABV variants found in several bat species in northeastern Brazil. This study provides crucial insights into viral transmission dynamics within and between different host species and is essential for designing effective rabies control and prevention strategies tailored to endemic regions.
Environmental sciences, Public aspects of medicine
Tatik Hernawati, Suherni Susilowati, Tri Wahyu Suprayogi
et al.
One of the many efforts to increase the quality of livestock genetics is through artificial insemination (AI). Other than increasing it, AI can be conducted to preserve semen. A successful AI is determined by seminal quality, therefore, a method to preserve semen for a longer storage time is needed. The method used is adding an extender that fulfills prerequisites for a semen extender such as coconut water combined with egg yolk citrate extender. Coconut water is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants while egg yolk contains lecithin. This study aims to find out the Pote buck spermatozoa quality stored in coconut water and egg yolk extender. This study uses three groups of treatments (T0: 0.1 ml semen + 0.9 ml egg yolk citrate, T1: 0.1 ml semen + 0.9 ml coconut water, and T2: 0.1 ml semen + egg yolk citrate (20%) + coconut water). All three of these are stored at 5oC and evaluated every day until day 5 of their motility, viability, intact plasma membrane, abnormality, and MDA level. Data analysis used is ANOVA and a further test called BNT is conducted if a significant difference is determined. No significant difference was found between T0 and T1 (p>0.05). The highest progressive motility, viability, and intact plasma membrane (%) among the three groups of treatments happened to be from T2. Meanwhile, a low percentage of spermatozoa abnormality and MDA level were also found in T2 with its extender being coconut water combined with egg yolk citrate. To conclude, the best extender for storing Pote buck semen is stored at 5oC is coconut water combined with egg yolk citrate extender.
Ljubisa Veljovic, Dimitrije Glisic, Marko Kirovski
et al.
Objectives: Although bluetongue is not a contagious disease, it is easily transmitted and spread by appropriate insect vectors, causing great economic damage. Climate change has led to the fact that vectors and diseases have spread to the top of Northern Europe, causing great economic losses in livestock production. An even greater problem is controlling the disease, because numerous species of domestic and wild ruminants are susceptible to bluetongue. The most effective tool against bluetongue disease is vaccination. Methods: Our goal was to carry out laboratory tests of the starting material and the finished product of the candidate inactivated vaccine against BTV4, and to comment on the obtained laboratory results and the results of previously performed clinical studies. There is no ideal vaccine against the bluetongue virus (BTV) due to the serotype diversity of its strains. Thus, there is a need for a vaccine for at least 24 clinically significant serotypes. Sometimes, it is difficult to obtain the desired amount of vaccine against a defined serotype on the market, and this has led to the need for a new vaccine against bluetongue disease. In this study, we tested an experimental inactivated vaccine against BTV4. The master seed BTV4 was examined and characterized by sequencing. Results: The candidate BTV4 vaccine induced the onset of immunity at the latest at day 21 after the application of the first dose in more than 80% of the vaccinated individuals, while the ELISA test detected specific antibodies against BTV for more than a year. Along with our laboratory results, the preliminary results of safety and efficacy trials are also presented. Conclusions: The side effects of this inactivated BTV4 vaccine are within the limits of permissible local reactions without generalized changes in the health status, while the serology and challenge test leads to the conclusion that this vaccine against BTV4 protects a high percentage of vaccinated individuals against BTV4 or causes a significant reduction in the intensity and duration of the clinical signs in the vaccinated sheep. Based on the trial results, the new vaccine has given encouraging results in terms of quality, safety, and preliminary efficacy tests. Thus, we believe that a new vaccine against BTV is on the horizon.
Abstract Background Fipronil (FPN) is a broad-spectrum pesticide and commonly known as low toxicity to vertebrates. However, increasing evidence suggests that exposure to FPN might induce unexpected adverse effects in the liver, reproductive, and nervous systems. Until now, the influence of FPN on immune responses, especially T-cell responses has not been well examined. Our study is designed to investigate the immunotoxicity of FPN in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. The mice were administered with FPN by oral gavage and immunized with OVA. Primary splenocytes were prepared to examine the viability and functionality of antigen-specific T cells ex vivo. The expression of T cell cytokines, upstream transcription factors, and GABAergic signaling genes was detected by qPCR. Results Intragastric administration of FPN (1–10 mg/kg) for 11 doses did not show any significant clinical symptoms. The viability of antigen-stimulated splenocytes, the production of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ by OVA-specific T cells, and the serum levels of OVA-specific IgG1 and IgG2a were significantly increased in FPN-treated groups. The expression of the GABAergic signaling genes was notably altered by FPN. The GAD67 gene was significantly decreased, while the GABAR β2 and GABAR δ were increased. Conclusion FPN disturbed antigen-specific immune responses by affecting GABAergic genes in vivo. We propose that the immunotoxic effects of FPN may enhance antigen-specific immunity by dysregulation of the negative regulation of GABAergic signaling on T cell immunity.
Uzakov Gulom, Chudov Ivan, Yunusov Khudaynazar
et al.
Within the framework of the presented proceedings, the results of the conducted III International Conference on Current Issues of Breeding, Technology and Processing of Agricultural Crops, and Environment (CIBTA-III-2024).
Cátia F. Martins, Paolo Trevisi, Diogo F. Coelho
et al.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Chlorella vulgaris (5% in the diet), supplemented or not with two exogenous carbohydrase mixtures on piglets’ performance, nutrient digestibility and gut morphology, fermentation products and microbiota. Forty-four male piglets weaned at 28 days of age, with 11.2 ± 0.46 kg of live weight, were used and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: cereal and soybean meal based-diet (control, n = 11), control diet with 5% of C. vulgaris (CH, n = 10), CH diet supplemented with 0.005% of Rovabio® Excel AP (CH + R, n = 10) and CH diet supplemented with 0.01% of a recombinant 4-carbohydrase mixture (CH + M, n = 11). Growth performance was not changed by the of C. vulgaris inclusion during 21 days of trial. However, total tract apparent digestibility of nutritional fractions was negatively impacted by the inclusion. In addition, the viscosity of duodenum plus jejunum contents slightly increased in all groups fed with the microalga. In contrast, dietary microalga increased duodenum villus height and promoted a healthier gut microbiota, with higher abundance of some specific bacterial taxa (Colidextribacter, Oscillospira and Lactobacillus). This study indicates that the dietary inclusion of 5% C. vulgaris improves piglets’ gut health without impairing performance. Data also indicate that C. vulgaris reduces nutrient digestibility but promotes compensatory developments of gut mucosa and prebiotic effects. Dietary supplementation with exogenous carbohydrases does not seem to be necessary for this inclusion level. Therefore, the incorporation of CH as a sustainable feed ingredient in piglets’ nutrition is a viable alternative approach.
L. G. Slivinska, V. Y. Yaremchuk, A. R. Shcherbatyy
et al.
Hepatoses of laying hens are quite common in poultry farms as a result of improper practices of poultry maintenance consisting in excessive number of protein feeds for provision of high productivity. The objective of the study was preventive efficacy of Gep-A-Stress hepatoprotectors (carnitine hydrochloride, D L methionine, sorbitol, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) and Hepasan VS (L-carnitine hydrochloride, sorbitol, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate hepahydrate, betaine hydrochloride, L-arginin) against hepatosis of laying hens. To determine the efficacy of Hep-A-Stres and Hepasan-VS hepatoprotectors during production tests (n = 4,500), we monitored the parameters of survival rate (the final number of individuals as percentage of the initial number) and egg productivity of laying hens. We determined that after 30 days of using the hepatoprotectors, the content of overall protein in blood serum of laying hens of the first and the second experimental groups decreased by 21.4% and 18.9% compared with the parameters prior to providing the hepatoprotectors and by 26.3% and 23.3% compared with the control group after receiving the drug. The urea contents in blood serum increased by 19.0% and 10.5%. Compared with the control, the activity of alanine aminotransferase decreased by 43.7% and 24.1% in the first experimental group and by 23.4% and 14.9% in the second. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase in blood serum of the experimental groups decreased by 10.7%. The cholesterol concentration decreased by 50% and 58.3%. The content of triaglycerols decreased by 24.1% and 8.9% respectively. The concentrations of high-density lipoproteins after 30 days of the experiment decreased by 33.3% and 77.8% respectively, the content of low-density lipoproteins decreased by 61.3% and 40.4% and 42.3%. Population maintenance equaled respectively 97.1%, 98.3% and 98.1%. At the end of the experiment, the egg productivity of laying hens of the first and second groups increased by 4% and 3.6% compared with the control. Therefore, intake of the hepaprotectors by laying hens stimulated their metabolism, positively influenced the blood parameters, survival and egg productivity. The conducted studies confirm the benefits of using hepatoprotectors for the prohylaxis of hepatosis of hens.
Julia Ramos Sampaio, Rodrigo Pedro Soares, Thiago Doria Barral
et al.
Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), when used as an ELISA target, confers high specificity and sensitivity to the detection of Leishmania infantum antibodies in dogs. Glycoconjugates are economically viable because the yield is very high after extraction/purification. In addition, they are very stable, which allows their use in point-of-care testing without special storage conditions. During the glycoconjugate extraction, a glycoinositolphospholipid (GIPL)-enriched fraction is obtained in similar quantities as LPG. Since GIPLs can be extracted from the same parasite pellet as LPGs, this work aimed to evaluate the immune recognition of GIPLs by Leishmania infantum-infected dogs and its use for canine leishmaniasis (CanL) immunodiagnosis. Like LPG, GIPLs were recognized by sera from L. infantum-infected dogs, but with less sensitivity (83.8%). However, 80% (16/20) of subclinically infected dogs were detected as positive in the assay. Different from LPG, the GIPL-based assay achieved a lower specificity (73.7%) and cross-reactions occurred with T. cruzi and L. braziliensis-infected dogs. Although GIPLs exhibited a similar performance to LPG for subclinically L. infantum-infected dogs, the occurrence of cross-reactivities with other protozoa and a lower sensitivity hinders its use for an immunodiagnostic test. In places where those diseases do not co-exist such as in the Mediterranean region, its use for subclinically dogs could be an alternative.
Kennedy Mwacalimba, Deborah Amodie, Lisa Swisher
et al.
Background: Heartworm disease (HWD) is a potentially fatal condition caused by the nematode Dirofilaria immitis. It is endemic in North America, and the American Heartworm Society recommends that owned dogs be on a Food and Drug Administration-approved HWD preventive year-round. The objective of this study was to compare the 12-month HWD preventive purchase compliance rates of injectable moxidectin (ProHeart® 6) and the dose equivalent in monthly HWD preventives and their associated economic value to the veterinary hospital.Methods: This study used retrospective anonymized transactional data of 7,926,392 unique dogs from 3,737 companion animal practices across the US for the period 2014–2017. Compliance was defined using American Heartworm Society guidelines. Comparisons were purchases of a 6-month moxidectin injection or six doses of any monthly HWD or HWD combination preventive product, tracked for the next preventive purchase 5–7 months later. Total revenue, HWD prevention cost, 12-month repurchase compliance, and patient retention were calculated. Data were expressed on an annualized basis. Compliance comparisons were calculated based on proportion analysis with the SAS ProbNorm function (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC), using a two-sided t-test, at the 5% level of significance (P < 0.05).Results: At 51.7%, annual compliance with injectable moxidectin was higher than the dose equivalent in monthly HWD preventives, which was 24.4% (P = 0.0001). Eighty-five percent of patients on injectable moxidectin recorded additional transactions during the first visit (average invoice of $161), compared with only 55% of pet owners who purchased monthly HWD prevention (average invoice $141) or monthly HWD combination (average invoice of $171). The average costs of 6 months of HWD preventives were as follows: injectable moxidectin, $48 (29.7% of the total visit invoice); monthly HWD prevention, $45 (31.0% of the total invoice); and monthly HWD combination, 95 (55.6% of the total visit invoice). Finally, dogs receiving injectable moxidectin had a higher proportion of patients with repeat injections within 12 months between 2014 and 2017, with 68% retention rate after 4 years. In comparison, the six-dose monthly HWD cohort retention rate dropped to 55% by 2017.Conclusions: Dogs receiving injectable moxidectin had higher HWD preventive compliance, generated more practice revenue, and had a higher rate of practice retention compared with monthly HWD products.
Joshua O. Amimo, Eunice M. Machuka, Edward O. Abworo
et al.
Astroviruses (AstVs) are widely distributed and are associated with gastroenteritis in human and animals. The knowledge of the genetic diversity and epidemiology of AstVs in Africa is limited. This study aimed to characterize astroviruses in asymptomatic smallholder piglets in Kenya and Uganda. Twenty-four samples were randomly selected from a total of 446 piglets aged below 6 months that were initially collected for rotavirus study and sequenced for whole genome analysis. Thirteen (13/24) samples had contigs with high identity to genus <i>Mamastrovirus</i>. Analysis of seven strains with complete (or near complete) AstV genome revealed variable nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities with known porcine astrovirus (PoAstV) strains. The U083 and K321 strains had nucleotide sequence identities ranging from 66.4 to 75.4% with the known PoAstV2 strains; U460 strain had nucleotide sequence identities of 57.0 to 65.1% regarding the known PoAstV3; and K062, K366, K451, and K456 strains had nucleotide sequence identities of 63.5 to 80% with the known PoAstV4 strains. The low sequence identities (<90%) indicate that novel genotypes of PoAstVs are circulating in the study area. Recombination analysis using whole genomes revealed evidence of multiple recombination events in PoAstV4, suggesting that recombination might have contributed to the observed genetic diversity. Linear antigen epitope prediction and a comparative analysis of capsid protein of our field strains identified potential candidate epitopes that could help in the design of immuno-diagnostic tools and a subunit vaccine. These findings provide new insights into the molecular epidemiology of porcine astroviruses in East Africa.
Evan F. Griffith, Job Ronoh Kipkemoi, Alison H. Robbins
et al.
Abstract Pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa have limited access to public services due to their mobile lifestyle, economic and political marginalization, and the limited health infrastructure that is common to arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) where they primarily reside. This often results in poor health outcomes, including increased rates of maternal, neonatal, and under-5 mortality. One Health approaches that integrate human and animal health service delivery can help to improve pastoralists’ health through increased vaccine coverage and improved access to services. Kenya has institutionalized One Health at the national level; however, progress at the subnational level has been limited due to sustainability concerns, competing priorities, and insufficient coordination platforms. To address this gap, this paper presents a One Health framework (OHF) to aid in the implementation of integrated human and animal health policies in Turkana County, which can act as a model for other ASALs. Utilizing a grounded theory design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with human health, animal health, and pastoralist stakeholders. Inadequate engagement with the public sector was identified as a major limitation by community members. Factors that contributed to this include distance to health facilities and restricted department capacities such as availability of vehicles, personnel, and cold chain maintenance. Our proposed OHF harnesses the existing structure of service delivery in Turkana and establishes an official coordination mechanism to implement One Health activities, through the form of mobile “One Health Huduma Centres”, offering a range of public services. This innovative framework is supported by stakeholders in Turkana and can improve service delivery constraints thereby improving the health of Turkana pastoralists.
Anaam E. Omar, Hanan S. Al-Khalaifah, Wafaa A. M. Mohamed
et al.
The effect of phenolic-rich onion extract (PROE), as a feed additive, was evaluated on the growth, carcass traits, behavior, welfare, intestinal histology, amino acid ileal digestibility “AID%,” and the immune status of broiler chicks for 35 days. A total number of 400, 1-day-old broiler chicks (45.38 g ± 1.35) were allocated to four different treatments with 10 replicates each (100 chicks/treatment) consisting of: T1, basal diet without additives (control treatment) (PROE0); T2, basal diet + phenolic-rich onion extract (1 g/kg diet) (PROE1); T3, basal diet + phenolic-rich onion extract (2 g/kg diet) (PROE2); and T4, basal diet + phenolic-rich onion extract (3 g/kg diet) (PROE3). An increase in the final body weight “FBW,” bodyweight gain “BWG,” and feed consumption was observed (P < 0.05) at different PROE levels. Also, the thymus and bursa percentages were increased in the PROE2 and PROE3 treatments (P < 0.05). The chicks fed on PROE supplemented diets had increased frequency of feeding and drinking and showed comfortable behavior (P < 0.05) with lesser aggression (P < 0.05). Additionally, an increase was observed in the antioxidant enzyme activity, phagocytic %, phagocytic index, and serum lysozyme activity in PROE supplemented treatments, with the best outcome reported in the PROE3 treatment (P < 0.01). IgM was increased in the birds fed with PROE2 and PROE3 diets (P < 0.01). PROE supplementation increased the AID% of lysine and methionine (P <0.01), PROE3 treatment increased the AID% of threonine (P < 0.05), and PROE2 and PROE3 treatments increased the AID% of leucine and isoleucine (P < 0.05). Besides, PROE2, and PROE3 treatments increased the villus height and width, mucosal thickness, and goblet cell count from the duodena, jejuna, and ilea (P < 0.05) compared to control treatment. Based on these results, we concluded that the dietary addition of phenolic-rich onion extracts can improve the growth rate of broiler chicken by improving the AID% of amino acids and intestinal histology. Also, it can improve the welfare, antioxidant enzymes activity, and immune status of the birds. Phenolic-rich onion extracts can be used as a natural growth promoter in the poultry feed for good health and improved performance.
Diana Fabiola Hernández-Espinoza, Jesús Alberto Ramos-Juárez, Roberto González-Garduño
et al.
El objetivo fue determinar la influencia de la categoría de peso vivo (CPV) de ovejas Blackbelly x Pelibuey sobre el consumo voluntario y digestibilidad del follaje de Erythrina americana, comportamiento productivo, cambios en variables hemáticas y en el número de huevos de nematodos gastrointestinales por gramo de heces (HPG). El diseño utilizado fue completamente al azar. Los factores fueron CPV (ligeras: 22.2 kg y pesadas: 34.4 kg) y periodo de evaluación (PE). Se evaluó peso vivo (PV), ganancia diaria de peso (GDP), índice de consumo de materia seca, consumo diario de materia seca (g kg-1 PV), proteína cruda (PC; g kg-1 PV), carbohidratos estructurales (CE, %), energía metabolizable (Mcal kg-1 PV), taninos condensados (TC; g kg-1 PV) y HPG. La CPV y PE afectaron (P<0.01) el consumo de todos los nutrientes estudiados. La CPV ligeras tuvo mayor consumo de nutrientes y TC con relación al de pesadas (P<0.01), sin incremento en su GDP. Las variables hemáticas y HPG no fueron afectados (P>0.05) por los factores estudiados y su interacción. El contenido de PC, CE y TC de E. americana, sugiere que su follaje puede utilizarse como alimento único durante periodos cortos (menor a 28 días). En ambas categorías de ovejas, el consumo de E. americana permitió un cambio positivo en GDP y no se afectó su estado de salud.
Gabriel Jorge Chula Pereira, Helba Helena Santos-Prezoto, Anna Marcella Neves Dias
et al.
Os gatos convivem com os seres humanos há tempos e essa relação vem se estreitando a cada dia mais, no entanto muitos problemas com¬portamentais são resultados de falhas ao avaliar as reais necessidades de um gato e suas condições ambientais. Esses problemas são a principal causa de abandono, levando os animais desde as ruas até a eutanásia. Nos ambientes urbanos, a presença de animais ferais vem se tornando uma grande preocupação de saúde pública, pois dos gatos ferais, somente uma reduzida parcela é vacinada ou possui um tutor responsável. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as publicações científicas e traçar um perfil dos estudos feitos no Brasil sobre o tema “gatos ferais”. Os dados foram coletados a partir de levantamento de estudos científicos (artigos, livros, monografias, dissertações e teses) disponibilizados digitalmente em sites de busca e de pesquisa, sendo eles Google acadêmico, Scielo, PubVet, PubMed. Foram encontrados 58 estudos científicos publicados, entre 2002 a 2019, e desses, 28 estão relacionados à temática de doenças e zoonoses, 20 relacionados a predação e impacto ambiental e, 10 a comportamento animal. O início das publicações sobre o tema foi em 2002, tendo um pico em 2015, e a região sudeste do país foi onde se concentra o maior número de estudos. Conclui-se que estudos sobre o tema são carentes, sendo necessárias pesquisas que se aprofundem mais na avaliação do comportamento dos gatos ferais.
Se determinó la prevalencia de mastitis, los microorganismos asociados y los factores de riesgo relacionados en explotaciones lecheras de municipios pertenecientes a la provincia de Pamplona (Norte de Santander, Colombia). Se realizó la prueba de California Mastitis Test (CMT) a 1.208 cuartos provenientes de 302 animales ubicados en 108 predios. De los cuartos positivos (de trazas a 3+), se obtuvo una muestra de leche y se realizó aislamiento microbiológico. Mediante un cuestionario se analizaron 64 variables relacionadas con las condiciones y sistema de ordeño en los predios y su correlación con la presencia de la enfermedad utilizando tablas de contingencia y la prueba chi cuadrado ( χ 2). Se determinó una prevalencia individual de 54,6% (165/302) (95% CI 48,8-60,3) animales positivos al CMT. En 67,6% (73/108) (95% CI 58,3-75,7) de los predios se presentó al menos un animal positivo, mientras que un total de 21,6% (260/1.208) (95% CI 19,3-23,9) de los cuartos presentaron reactividad al CMT. De las muestras en las cuales se pudo realizar aislamiento y caracterización microbiológica, en 74,4% se aisló Staphylococcus aureus , 12,3% Streptococcus agalactiae y 13,3% coliformes. Un total de 17 características se asociaron a la presencia de mastitis, mientras la totalidad de estos factores se relacionaron con la ausencia de buenas prácticas de ordeño. La presencia, principalmente de microorganismos asociados a mastitis contagiosas, evidencian la necesidad de capacitación y asesoramiento para implementar buenas prácticas de ordeño y mejorar la competitividad del sector en la región, lo que redundará en un aumento en la producción.
Majid Masoudifard, Vajiheh Rahimi Bidgoli, Seyed Ahmad Madani
et al.
<strong>Objective-</strong> The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of performing echocardiography in apparently healthy pigeons, and measurement of the quantitative cardiac indices using B-mode and Doppler techniques.<br /> <strong>Design-</strong> Experimental study<br /> <strong>Animals-</strong> Ten apparently healthy pigeons<br /> <strong>Procedures-</strong> Echocardiography was performed in ventromedian and right parasternal approaches after evaluating pigeons' heart radigraphically. Cardiac chambers, valves and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated subjectively and objectively by the B-Mode, color and pulse-wave Doppler techniques. The mean and the standard deviation of the quantitative measurements were presented as the objective as well as subjective results<br /> <strong>Results-</strong> The right parasternal approach was more efficient than the ventromedian approach in obtaining high-quality image. Evaluation of the ventricles, atria and aorta was possible objectively by B-mode technique. Valvular function and quality of the blood flow was assessable subjectively by color Doppler technique. Measuring the hemodynamic parameters in the atrioventricular and aortic valves was feasible as quantitative parameters using pulse-wave Doppler echocardiography. No gross lesions were detected at necropsy.<br /> <strong>Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-</strong> Echocardiography showed high accuracy and reliability in determination of avian cardiac indices. Therefore it can be a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for morphological and functional evaluation of avian cardiac system and can be helpful in diagnosis of avian cardiac disorders.
Sandhya S. Chaudhary, Virendra Kumar Singh, Ramesh C. Upadhyay
et al.
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of hot dry, hot humid and comfortable season on physiological, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in Surti buffaloes.
Materials and Methods: Ten lactating Surti buffaloes of similar physiological status were selected. Based on the temperature-humidity index (THI), their natural exposure to the environment was categorized as hot dry (THI1), hot humid (THI2) and moderate winter/comfort season (THI3). Blood/serum samples were collected and analyzed for physiological, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters. The results were analyzed using standard statistical methods.
Results: With increase in THI, significant rise in physiological parameters such as respiration rate (RR), hematological parameters such as red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit, hemoglobin (Hb) and mean cell Hb concentration (MCHC), biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Na, K, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, Mn, Cu and Zn, hormones such as cortisol and oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide (LPO) and total antioxidant status (TAS) and significant decline in glucose, cholesterol and triiodothyronine (T3) was observed.
Conclusion: It was concluded that THI is a sensitive indicator of heat stress and is impacted by ambient temperature more than the relative humidity in buffaloes. Higher THI is associated with significantly increased RR, total RBC count, Hb, hematocrit, MCHC, ALT, urea, sodium, creatinine, triiodothyronine, SOD, GPx, LPO and TAS and with significant decrease in glucose, cholesterol and triiodothyronine (T3).
Magda Sindičić, Nasir Sinanović, Aleksandra Majić Skrbinšek
et al.
<p>Reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) to the Dinaric Mountains in 1973 is one of the rare examples of successful reintroduction of a large predator. Today, Dinaric lynx population includes all lynx in Slovenia south of highway Ljubljana – Trieste, lynx in Croatia as well as lynx in western Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is considered that the population consists of mostly 130 individuals. Being small and endangered, the most important threats for its survival are poaching, depletion of prey, and possible consequences of reduced genetic diversity. In Slovenia, Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the lynx is a protected species, while the current legislation of the Republic of Srpska does not refer to the lynx at all. Slovenia and Croatia have coordinated their monitoring and management activities, while no organized monitoring system is present in Bosnia and Herzegovina. <br />The goal is to establish bilateral cooperation between Croatia and Slovenia as a basis for the management of the entire lynx population in this part of Europe, including primarily Bosnia and Herzegovina but also Austria and Italy.</p><p>Key words: Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx, Dinaric population, legal status, management</p>