Emerging Animal Species最新文献

Ankole Longhorn (ALH), Nganda (NGA) and Small East African Shorthorn Zebu (SEAZ) are indigenous Ugandan cattle and poorly characterized. The ancestry of ALH is traced to lateral horned Zebu and indigenous African long horned taurine. The ALH and SEAZ are parent breeds of NGA. Therefore, the current study aimed at phenotypic characterization of Nganda (NGA) and Teso Zebu (TSZ) in Uganda. Data were collected on 41 variables including geographic location, breed and morphometric measurements. A sample of 129 NGA from central and 63 TSZ from eastern Uganda were studied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated. Generally, the NGA was a chest-humped breed akin to its parent breeds. The breed had a solid brown coat and extremities (e.g., hooves) compared to the wide color variation tending to solid black in the TSZ. The NGA had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean values for all linear body measurements except height at withers. However, all linear measurements except ear length were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the interaction between breed and sex. The rump profile showed distinct breed differences. Our results demonstrate superiority of NGA over the TSZ in terms of linear traits. These results are pertinent in planning the sustainable utilization of these breeds.

Pneumonia is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in caprines. Although bacterial organisms play important role in the pathology of pneumonia in goats, it has a multifactorial etiology. In the present investigation 480 goat carcasses in Akola, Maharashtra, India, were examined during April to December 2022, for pneumonic lesions and the occurrence was found to be 6.66% (32/480). Pathological and molecular studies were conducted on pneumonic lungs of goat carcasses, these pneumonic lung samples revealed gross lesions like hepatization, consolidation, congestion, and bronchial froth. Histopathologically, pneumonia was categorized as bronchopneumonia (59.375%, 19/32), interstitial pneumonia (28.125%, 9/32), bronchointerstitial pneumonia (9.375%, 3/32), and hydatidosis (3.125%, 1/32). Bronchopneumonia was further subtyped into suppurative (acute) bronchopneumonia (34.375%, 11/32), chronic bronchopneumonia (15.625%, 5/32) and fibrinous bronchopneumonia (9.375%, 3/32). PCR assays identified Mycoplasma spp. (40.62%), C. pseudotuberculosis (9.37%), P. multocida (21.87%), and M. haemolytica (25%) as bacterial etiologies. This study provides novel insights into the occurrence, histopathological classification, and associated bacterial causes of goat pneumonia in the Akola region.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by the poxvirus lumpy skin disease virus has entered India, causing serious economic consequences for the Indian dairy sector. To evaluate the diagnostic value of intranodular saline lavage in the identification of LSD-infected animals, skin nodule tissue biopsy, intranodular saline lavage, whole blood, and nasal swab specimens were collected simultaneously from LSD-symptomatic animals. TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR was performed targeting the EEV glycoprotein gene (LSDV126) and the results were compared. qPCR analysis could detect LSDV in all the skin nodule tissue biopsy and intranodular saline lavage. The mean cycle threshold (Cq) values of skin nodule tissue biopsy samples (23.94 ± 2.97) were also comparable with intranodular saline lavage (25.23 ± 2.41) samples. Whole blood and nasal swabs have an extremely poor detection rate for PCR-based viral detection.Our findings demonstrate that intranodular saline lavage is an excellent alternative specimen for the detection of LSDV. Taking into consideration, the simplicity of specimen collection, intranodular saline lavage could be adopted in field conditions for accurate LSDV surveillance testing.

This experiment aimed to determine the effect of urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) supplementation on growth performances and blood biochemical parameters of Mithun calves (Bos frontalis). Ten growing Mithun calves were allocated into two groups (control and UMMB) and the diet including natural grass (50%) and tree forage (50%) was used as basal diet. The Mithun calves from control group were fed only basal diet and calves from treatment group were fed basal diet with supplementation of UMMB. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks and nutrient intakes, digestibility, energy status, body weight gain and blood biochemical parameters were measured. The intakes, digestibilities and digestible intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre, energy intake, energy balance, mineral intake, total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) were higher (p < 0.05) in UMMB supplemented group than in control group. The serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), globulin, calcium, available phosphorus, sodium and potassium concentrations of UMMB supplemented group was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of control group, however the albumin and chloride concentrations were not different (p > 0.05). Thus, UMMB supplementation increased the growth performances and some blood biochemical parameters of growing Mithun calves.

The aptness of multi-processed cassava root meal in place of maize was examined using four hundred (4 0 0) day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks. The quails were randomized to five sets of four replicates each, of 20 quails per replicate. The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. Fresh cassava roots (Manihot esculenta) were rid of extraneous materials, ground to pasty form, and left in the sac for seven days to let out the water content and ferment. The cassava tuber cakes obtained were further sundried to reduce the moisture level. The resulting meal was used to formulate the experimental diet at 0.00%, 25.00%, 50.00%, 75.00%, and 100.00% replacement levels for maize in the diets C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 respectively. The final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and all hematological parameters were significantly different (p < 0.05). However, Alanine aminotransferase, total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the serum biochemistry parameters. Similarly, meat sensory properties were not significantly influenced (p > 0.05) but yolk color, smell, taste, and overall acceptability differ significantly (p < 0.05) for egg sensory properties. The liver, empty gizzard, abdominal fat, and testicle weights were significantly different (p < 0.05). The results obtained suggest that maize can totally (100%) be replaced with multi-processed cassava root meal in the diets of Japanese quails because the feed conversion ratio was not affected, the birds were not anemic, serum metabolites were not adversely influenced and meat sensory properties were not affected. In addition, egg organoleptic showed that yolk color, smell, and taste were improved.

This study evaluated the efficiency of a synchronization protocol based on GnRH and PGF_2α on embryo donor llamas for fixed timed mating and assessed the viability of embryos maintained at 5 °C and 15 °C for 24 h, using the Equitainer® and the Botu-BOX® as cooling devices respectively. Llamas were divided into four follicular wave groups: growth, dominance, static and regression; they received a GnRH analogue on day 0 followed by a second dose plus cloprostenol on day 8 and 15 and mating was indicated in females with a follicle ≥ 6 mm. Embryos were recovered 8 days post mating. Synchronization rate was 80% for the treated embryo donors, with no significant differences among groups. Uterine flushing was performed in 70% of the treated females (87.5% of mated llamas) and an embryo was recovered in 50%. Fourteen embryos were assigned randomly to 5 °C (Equitainer® group) and 15 °C (Botu-BOX® group) preservation for 24 h to be transferred later. In the Equitainer® group, we obtained 14% pregnancies and a female offspring was born. In the Botu-BOX® group, 28% resulted pregnant but subsequently pregnancies were lost. This protocol was effective for synchronizing follicles in growth phase in 80% of embryo donor llamas. In addition, cooling llama embryos using the Equitainer® and the Botu-BOX® as cooling devices to 5 °C and 15 °C respectively, preserves its morphology and viability for 24 h.

Equine-assisted services (EAS) utilize equines in various therapies, educational sessions, and adaptive horsemanship lessons to meet a variety of emotional, mental, physical, psychological, social, and horsemanship goals for individuals with diverse needs. During participant interactions with horses, it is important to consider the risks that equines pose as they are animals prone to fight and flight behaviors. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International recommends that equines should be evaluated for suitability to participate in EAS prior to their participation so that the risks associated with equine-human interactions can be properly managed. To assess equines for EAS, the Basic Ground Skills Assessment (BGSA) was developed and subsequently tested for validity and reliability. Fourteen lesson horses were assessed on BGSA competencies by an EAS professional. Heart rate, an indicator of stress levels that is correlated to safe and unsafe equine behaviors, was collected throughout the testing and compared to each horse’s average BGSA scores as assigned by the rater. This comparison demonstrated that the BGSA was a valid (r = −0.947, p < .001) predictor of equine stress levels and thus a valid indicator of horse behavior. Additionally, two EAS professionals rated a horse using the BGSA to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. Score comparisons revealed that inter-rater reliability was moderate (κ = 0.769; p < .018) and intra-rater reliability was moderate (κ = 0.769; p < .018). Further work should be done to develop and define an objective, valid, and reliable EAS equine assessment process.

Lambda-cyhalothrin (Lch) is a widely used broad-spectrum pyrethroid insecticide. Here, Lch-contaminated green grass (spray 25 mg/liter water; Cyclone 2.5 EC®) was administered to adult male rabbits for 15 (acute) and 90 (chronic) alternate days. The hepatic serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were significantly increased in both acute and chronic Lch-exposed rabbits. Histopathologically, the liver of acute Lch-exposed rabbits showed necrotic changes with inflammatory cell infiltration in the periportal areas. Granulomatous inflammation with infiltration of huge inflammatory cells, fibrosis around the inflammation, and bile duct hyperplasia in chronic Lch-exposed rabbits were seen. In addition, cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes and cholangitis were found.

In testes, the thickness of tunica albuginea was reduced in acute Lch-exposed rabbits and increased with edematous fluid accumulation in the capsular and sub-capsular regions in chronic Lch-exposed rabbits. Spermatogenic cells were degenerated, and their number was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the seminiferous tubules of both Lch- exposed rabbits. The Leydig cell population was also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in both Lch-exposed rabbits. Interestingly, the spermatogenic and Leydig cell populations were significantly reduced in chronic compared to acute Lch-exposed rabbits. The results suggest that Lch has toxicological effects on the liver and testicular tissues, which may cause liver dysfunction and infertility in adult male rabbits.

Yaks are the lifeline of the tribal nomadic herdsmen/ highlanders. The present investigation was carried out to study the alteration of milk and serum micro-minerals with antioxidant status in sub-clinically affected yak. A total 420 mammary quarters from 120 yaks were screened for intramammary infection (IMI). Out of 420 mammary quarters of yaks, 62 were found positive for subclinical mastitis. Out of 62 quarters, 19, 16 and 15 quarters were found to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) respectively. A total 48 quarters were selected for this study. 12 clinically healthy quarters and 12 each quarter from S. aureus, E. coli and S. agalactiae infected mammary quarters were selected and formed Group I, II, III and IV respectively. Oxidative stress was measured on the basis of estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA), ceruloplasmin and nitric oxide (NO) in serum. Serum copper, cobalt, zinc and iron were also estimated. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and ceruloplasmin level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in infected groups as compared to healthy quarters. Maximum nitric oxide (NO) activity was exhibited in S. aureus group followed by E. coli group and S. agalactiae group infected quarters. Among the infected quarters, lowest and highest concentrations of minerals were found in S. aureus infected quarters and E. coli infected quarters respectively. Alterations of milk mineral profiles were more significant in S. aureus group as compared to other groups whereas serum mineral profiles were having significant alteration in between all the groups.