When incubated with solutions of hydrogen peroxide, erythrocytes of stress-susceptible pigs produced more by-products of lipid peroxidation (as measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS]) than did erythrocytes from stress-resistant pigs. Using this technique, discrimination between the 2 pig types was absolute at hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 0.9 and 1.5%. This was in contrast to other methods of identifying stress-susceptible pigs, such as osmotically induced erythrocyte lysis and the determination of plasma pyruvate kinase and creatine kinase activities, for which considerable overlap of data was observed between pig types. The increased TBARS production by erythrocytes was further evidence for the existence of an antioxidant abnormality in stress-susceptible pigs. However, because there were no discernible differences in the major blood antioxidant-related values between stress-susceptible and stress-resistant pigs, the nature of the defect remains unclear. The production of TBARS by erythrocytes when incubated with hydrogen peroxide provides an improved method for identifying stress-susceptible pigs.

The relation between average duodenal mast cell count, duodenal mucosal mast cell numbers, duodenal connective tissue mast cell numbers, circulating basophil numbers, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lesion score were studied to gain an understanding of the events that may lead to intestinal lesion formation associated with hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) infection. Changes in vascular permeability in the duodenum in birds inoculated with HEV were examined, using colloidal carbon and ferritin as vascular markers. Turkeys inoculated with HEV had significantly (P < 0.05) higher duodenal mast cell counts than did noninfected controls. Birds inoculated with HEV had significantly (P < 0.05) more mucosal mast cells than did phosphate-buffered saline solution-inoculated birds. Connective tissue mast cell and basophil numbers were unaffected by viral inoculation. Thermal stress did not have significant effect on lesion severity, but did increase number of birds that developed the characteristic intestinal lesions. The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HEV-inoculated birds, compared with phosphate-buffered saline solution-inoculated controls. Increase in vascular permeability was only detected in HEV-inoculated birds with intestinal lesions. Results indicate that mast cells, and the vasoactive mediators contained within mast cells, may be important in the early manifestation of HEV infection. They also provide a possible mechanism through which biochemical and physiologic changes characteristic of HEV infection can occur.

Zonulin, a well-recognized protein, is influencing the integrity of intercellular connections in the intestines. It has also been evidenced that heat stress (hS) might alter intestinal permeability. In the present retrospective field research the aim was to investigate the gastrointestinal permeability of calves exposed to hS (especially in summer) by determining serum zonulin levels and their relationship to seasonal dissipation among appearently healthy calves. As two different months represented 2 seasons, serum zonulin concentrations in January 2022 (at 20:00 pm 4°C and 08:00 am 10°C) and June 2022 (at 20:00 pm 19°C and 08:00 am 27°C) exhibited significant differences. Inter-group and intra-group comparison showed statistically significant differences (p=0.012) both in seasonal distribution and spatial distribution at different day/night times. When compared between the January and June groups, the mean zonulin levels (ng/mL) at 12 pm and 08:00 am in the January group were 28.04±12.49 vs. 11.55±8.45, respectively (p=0.012). On the other hand at June group the mean zonulin levels at 12 pm and 08.00 am were 58.54±19.16 vs 24.03±9.9, respectively (p=0.012). Obtained results should be cautiously subjected to interpretation, in which hS affect intestinal integrity and seasonal dissipation of circulating zonulin levels should be taken into consideration for intestinal health of calves.

The prevalence of Babesia infection was studied in newly purchased Tellicherry goats from Thalasserry, Kerala State to a private goat farm at Chennai. A total number of 168 goats were examined for the presence of Babesia. The study revealed that 58 (34.5%) goats were infected with Babesia ovis. The prevalence of Babesia infection between males and females and different age groups of goats was non-significant. Infected goats showed varying clinical signs of inappetence, depression, increased respiratory rate, weakness, coughing, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, diarrhea,&nbsp;&nbsp; body temperature ranging 39.5- 41.2oC and abortion. Blood parameters revealed decrease in total red blood cells (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Volume of packed red cells (VPRC), platelets counts and increase in lymphocyte and neutrophil count.

The prevalence of Babesia infection was studied in newly purchased Tellicherry goats from Thalasserry, Kerala State to a private goat farm at Chennai. A total number of 168 goats were examined for the presence of Babesia. The study revealed that 58 (34.5%) goats were infected with Babesia ovis. The prevalence of Babesia infection between males and females and different age groups of goats was non-significant. Infected goats showed varying clinical signs of inappetence, depression, increased respiratory rate, weakness, coughing, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, diarrhea,&nbsp;&nbsp; body temperature ranging 39.5- 41.2oC and abortion. Blood parameters revealed decrease in total red blood cells (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Volume of packed red cells (VPRC), platelets counts and increase in lymphocyte and neutrophil count.