A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding processed kidney bean meal (PKBM) by replacing soybean meal (SBM) on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of white leghorn (WL) hens. A total of 225 white leghorn hens (195 layers and 30 cocks) with uniform body weight (BW) and age were randomly distributed into 15 pens and assigned to five treatments (i.e., T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). A total of 360 eggs collected from all the treatment birds were used for the analysis. The feeds of the treatments were SBM substituted by PKBM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Replacement of SBM with PKBM in the diet did not affect the fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick length, chick weight, and chick quality by visual score. As no difference is observed, 100% replacement of SBM by PKBM (dosed at 100 g/kg concentrate diet) is possible. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b66

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding processed kidney bean meal (PKBM) by replacing soybean meal (SBM) on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of white leghorn (WL) hens. A total of 225 white leghorn hens (195 layers and 30 cocks) with uniform body weight (BW) and age were randomly distributed into 15 pens and assigned to five treatments (i.e., T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). A total of 360 eggs collected from all the treatment birds were used for the analysis. The feeds of the treatments were SBM substituted by PKBM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Replacement of SBM with PKBM in the diet did not affect the fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick length, chick weight, and chick quality by visual score. As no difference is observed, 100% replacement of SBM by PKBM (dosed at 100 g/kg concentrate diet) is possible.

The present study was undertaken to mitigate Salmonella from betel leaf in Mymensingh. A total of 35 betel leaf samples were collected from 2 baroujes and 5 local markets in Mymensingh. The samples were sub-divided into two groups: (i) phosphate buffer solution (PBS) washed, and (ii) grinded sample. There was control and treated (with 1.5% vinegar, sorbitol, and sodium benzoate) sub-groups in both groups. Mitigation of Salmonella was determined by comparing Total Viable Count (TVC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSAC) of control with treated groups. No bacterial growth was observed in the betel leaf samples collected directly from barouj level. At market level, when grinded, there was no growth of bacteria in Plate Count Agar (PCA) and Salmonella- Shigella (SS) or Xylose Lysine De-oxy-chocolate (XLD) in both treated and untreated groups. But when the PBS washed samples were used, the TVC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) of betel leaf ranged from 5.16±0.82 to 5.96±1.11, whereas the TSAC value ranged from 4.87±0.58 to 5.56±1.00 for untreated group. In vinegar, there was no growth, but when treated with sorbitol, the TVC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 5.00±0.54 to 5.66±1.09, and TSAC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 4.28±0.71 to 4.78±0.64. When treated with sodium benzoate, the TVC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 5.06±0.53 to 5.75±1.02, and TSAC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 4.34±0.79 to 4.92±0.64. Data of this study indicates that all the three chemicals were effective in terms of reducing bacterial load but vinegar (1.5%) was found to be the most effective against Salmonella as well as some other bacteria when treated for 10 min. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b83

The present study was undertaken to mitigate Salmonella from betel leaf in Mymensingh. A total of 35 betel leaf samples were collected from 2 baroujes and 5 local markets in Mymensingh. The samples were sub-divided into two groups: (i) phosphate buffer solution (PBS) washed, and (ii) grinded sample. There was control and treated (with 1.5% vinegar, sorbitol, and sodium benzoate) sub-groups in both groups. Mitigation of Salmonella was determined by comparing Total Viable Count (TVC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSAC) of control with treated groups. No bacterial growth was observed in the betel leaf samples collected directly from barouj level. At market level, when grinded, there was no growth of bacteria in Plate Count Agar (PCA) and Salmonella- Shigella (SS) or Xylose Lysine De-oxy-chocolate (XLD) in both treated and untreated groups. But when the PBS washed samples were used, the TVC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) of betel leaf ranged from 5.16±0.82 to 5.96±1.11, whereas the TSAC value ranged from 4.87±0.58 to 5.56±1.00 for untreated group. In vinegar, there was no growth, but when treated with sorbitol, the TVC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 5.00±0.54 to 5.66±1.09, and TSAC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 4.28±0.71 to 4.78±0.64. When treated with sodium benzoate, the TVC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 5.06±0.53 to 5.75±1.02, and TSAC (mean log CFU±SD/mL) value reduced to 4.34±0.79 to 4.92±0.64. Data of this study indicates that all the three chemicals were effective in terms of reducing bacterial load but vinegar (1.5%) was found to be the most effective against Salmonella as well as some other bacteria when treated for 10 min.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of boldenone undecylenate (BUL) on carcass traits and blood stress parameters in growing male rabbits. A total of 170 male rabbits comprising of three breeds namely New Zealand White (NZW; n=55), Californian (CAL; n=50), and Rex (RX; n=65) were taken for this study. The rabbits of each breed were divided into three groups viz., D0 (control), D1 provided with normal dose of BUL (at 4.4 mg/kg body weight), and D2 provided with BUL (at 8.8 mg/kg bwt). The rabbits were kept under temperature ranged from 28-32°C during the experimental period. Carcass traits of the rabbits were studied, and the blood parameters were measured by radioimmunoassay. Most of carcass traits, globulin and cholesterol levels in the serum were significantly improved for the injection of BUL at normal dose. Plasma corticosterone levels in normal dose injected rabbits were lowered by 27.21 and 15.25% as compared to controls and double dose, respectively. The effect of interaction between dose and breed was non-significant (P>0.05) on almost all carcass traits and blood parameters. In conclusion, BUL improves all carcass traits in male growing rabbits when injected with normal dose of BUL, with the exception of dressing-out%, and has a significant lowering effect on stress hormone (i.e., corticosterone), and increasing effect on serum total protein, globulin and cholesterol.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b64

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of boldenone undecylenate (BUL) on carcass traits and blood stress parameters in growing male rabbits. A total of 170 male rabbits comprising of three breeds namely New Zealand White (NZW; n=55), Californian (CAL; n=50), and Rex (RX; n=65) were taken for this study. The rabbits of each breed were divided into three groups viz., D0 (control), D1 provided with normal dose of BUL (at 4.4 mg/kg body weight), and D2 provided with BUL (at 8.8 mg/kg bwt). The rabbits were kept under temperature ranged from 28-32 and deg;C during the experimental period. Carcass traits of the rabbits were studied, and the blood parameters were measured by radioimmunoassay. Most of carcass traits, globulin and cholesterol levels in the serum were significantly improved for the injection of BUL at normal dose. Plasma corticosterone levels in normal dose injected rabbits were lowered by 27.21 and 15.25% as compared to controls and double dose, respectively. The effect of interaction between dose and breed was non-significant (P>0.05) on almost all carcass traits and blood parameters. In conclusion, BUL improves all carcass traits in male growing rabbits when injected with normal dose of BUL, with the exception of dressing-out%, and has a significant lowering effect on stress hormone (i.e., corticosterone), and increasing effect on serum total protein, globulin and cholesterol. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 263-270]

The objective of this study was to compare theefficacy of tulathromycin (TUL) with a combinationof florfenicol (FFC) and long-acting oxytetracycline(LAOTC) in the treatment of naturally occurringundifferentiated respiratory diseases in largenumbers of sheep. In this study, seven naturaloutbreaks of sheep pneumonia in Garmsar, Iran wereconsidered. From these outbreaks, 400 sheepexhibiting the signs of respiratory diseases wereselected, and the sheep were randomly divided intotwo equal groups. The first group was treated with asingle injection of TUL (dosed at 2.5 mg/kg bodyweight), and the second group was treated withconcurrent injections of FFC (dosed at 40 mg/kg bwt)and LAOTC (dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt). In the firstgroup, 186 (93%) sheep were found to be cured 5 daysafter the injection, and 14 (7%) sheep needed furthertreatment, of which 6 (3%) were cured, and 8 (4%)died. In the second group, 172 (86%) sheep were curedafter the injections, but 28 (14%) sheep needed furthertreatment, of which 10 (5%) were cured, and 18 (9%)died. This study revealed that TUL was moreefficacious as compared to the combined treatmentusing FFC and LAOTC. As the first report, this fieldtrial describes the successful treatment ofundifferentiated respiratory diseases in largenumbers of sheep. Thus, TUL can be used for thetreatment of undifferentiated respiratory diseases insheep.http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b86

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of tulathromycin (TUL) with a combination of florfenicol (FFC) and long-acting oxytetracycline (LAOTC) in the treatment of naturally occurring undifferentiated respiratory diseases in large numbers of sheep. In this study, seven natural outbreaks of sheep pneumonia in Garmsar, Iran were considered. From these outbreaks, 400 sheep exhibiting the signs of respiratory diseases were selected, and the sheep were randomly divided into two equal groups. The first group was treated with a single injection of TUL (dosed at 2.5 mg/kg body weight), and the second group was treated with concurrent injections of FFC (dosed at 40 mg/kg bwt) and LAOTC (dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt). In the first group, 186 (93%) sheep were found to be cured 5 days after the injection, and 14 (7%) sheep needed further treatment, of which 6 (3%) were cured, and 8 (4%) died. In the second group, 172 (86%) sheep were cured after the injections, but 28 (14%) sheep needed further treatment, of which 10 (5%) were cured, and 18 (9%) died. This study revealed that TUL was more efficacious as compared to the combined treatment using FFC and LAOTC. As the first report, this field trial describes the successful treatment of undifferentiated respiratory diseases in large numbers of sheep. Thus, TUL can be used for the treatment of undifferentiated respiratory diseases in sheep. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 279-284]

Duck plague (DP) is the most feared duck disease in the world. For isolation, identification, molecular detection and characterization of DP virus (DPV), a total of 94 samples were collected from commercial farms (n=6) and households (n=13) from Rajshahi (n=37), Netrokona (n=35) and Mymensingh (n=22) districts of Bangladesh. The samples were processed and inoculated into 11-13 days old embryonated duck eggs for virus propagation. Virus was identified using agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIT) and passive hemagglutination (PHA) test, and was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting DNA polymerase and gC genes, followed by sequencing. Pathogenicity tests were performed using duck embryos, ducklings and ducks. Among the 94 samples, 17 isolates were confirmed as DPV by PCR amplification of partial DNA polymerase (446-bp) and gC genes (78-bp), respectively. One of the isolates (Anatid herpes 1 BAU DMH) was sequenced and found to be closely related with a Chinese variant of DPV (GenBank: JQ647509.1). Thus, we assume that both Bangladeshi and Chinese isolates of DPV may have a common ancestor.http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b90

Duck plague (DP) is the most feared duck disease in the world. For isolation, identification, molecular detection and characterization of DP virus (DPV), a total of 94 samples were collected from commercial farms (n=6) and households (n=13) from Rajshahi (n=37), Netrokona (n=35) and Mymensingh (n=22) districts of Bangladesh. The samples were processed and inoculated into 11-13 days old embryonated duck eggs for virus propagation. Virus was identified using agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIT) and passive hemagglutination (PHA) test, and was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting DNA polymerase and gC genes, followed by sequencing. Pathogenicity tests were performed using duck embryos, ducklings and ducks. Among the 94 samples, 17 isolates were confirmed as DPV by PCR amplification of partial DNA polymerase (446-bp) and gC genes (78-bp), respectively. One of the isolates (Anatid herpes 1 BAU DMH) was sequenced and found to be closely related with a Chinese variant of DPV (GenBank: JQ647509.1). Thus, we assume that both Bangladeshi and Chinese isolates of DPV may have a common ancestor. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 296-303]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE) and/or live yeast culture supplementation in total mixed ration (TMR) on rumen fermentation patterns in buffalo. For this, four adult buffalo bulls weighing 377.05±43.36 kg were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments viz., TMR containing R:C ratio of 70:30 (T1), T1 supplemented with EFE at 15 g/animal/day (T2), T1 supplemented with live yeast culture at 10 g/animal/day (T3), and T1 supplemented with EFEs at 15 g/animal/day and live yeast culture at 10 g/animal/day (T4). Rumen liquor from the fistulated animals was collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-feeding, and was analyzed. This study revealed that rumen pH values were highest at 0 h, and were declined to minimum by 4 h post-feeding, while total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and nitrogen (N) fractions reached to peak at 4 h post-feeding, and later followed a decreasing trend in all the treatments. Supplementation of EFE in TMR (T2) had no effect (P>0.05) on rumen pH and food and protozoal N concentration, while it influenced to increase (P<0.01) the concentration of TVFA, NH3-N and other N fractions as compared to the T1. Yeast culture supplementation in TMR (T3) increased (P<0.01) rumen pH, TVFA, NH3-N, total N, TCA-insoluble N and residual N. However, no effect (P>0.05) on food and protozoal N in buffalo bulls was found. This study indicated that, supplementation of EFE and/or live yeast culture in TMR (T4) increased (P<0.01) the rumen pH, TVFA, NH3-N and N fractions in buffalo bulls as compared to the control group. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementation of EFE and/or live yeast culture in TMR can increase the concentration of rumen metabolites in buffalo bulls.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b98

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE) and/or live yeast culture supplementation in total mixed ration (TMR) on rumen fermentation patterns in buffalo. For this, four adult buffalo bulls weighing 377.05+/-43.36 kg were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments viz., TMR containing R:C ratio of 70:30 (T1), T1 supplemented with EFE at 15 g/animal/day (T2), T1 supplemented with live yeast culture at 10 g/animal/day (T3), and T1 supplemented with EFEs at 15 g/animal/day and live yeast culture at 10 g/animal/day (T4). Rumen liquor from the fistulated animals was collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-feeding, and was analyzed. This study revealed that rumen pH values were highest at 0 h, and were declined to minimum by 4 h post-feeding, while total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and nitrogen (N) fractions reached to peak at 4 h post-feeding, and later followed a decreasing trend in all the treatments. Supplementation of EFE in TMR (T2 and not;) had no effect (P>0.05) on rumen pH and food and protozoal N concentration, while it influenced to increase (P<0.01) the concentration of TVFA, NH3-N and other N fractions as compared to the T1. Yeast culture supplementation in TMR (T3) increased (P<0.01) rumen pH, TVFA, NH3-N, total N, TCA-insoluble N and residual N. However, no effect (P>0.05) on food and protozoal N in buffalo bulls was found. This study indicated that, supplementation of EFE and/or live yeast culture in TMR (T4) increased (P<0.01) the rumen pH, TVFA, NH3-N and N fractions in buffalo bulls as compared to the control group. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementation of EFE and/or live yeast culture in TMR can increase the concentration of rumen metabolites in buffalo bulls. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 310-315]

The aim of the present study was morphological and histochemical analysis of the lacrimalgland (LG) in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatalperiod. Studies were conducted on 50 ostriches aged between the 28th day of incubation until7 months old. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome,periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale’s dialysed iron. The LGin ostrich was classified as a tubulo-acinar type. The primordia of the lobes were determinedin the LG structure on the 28th day of incubation, whilst the weakly visible lobes with aciniand tubules were observed on the 40th day of incubation. Morphometric studies of the LGshowed steady growth, characterised by an increase in both length and width. Histometricmeasurements of lobe size showed little difference between the first, second and third agegroups, whilst in the fourth age group a marked increase in size of lobes was observed.The study showed that, apart from morphological changes, during the growth of the LGthe character of acid mucopolysaccharides changed. Sulphated acid mucopolysaccharideswere indicated, particularly with aldehyde fuchsin (AF) staining in the fourth age group.The Hale’s dialysed iron (HDI) staining showed a low concentration of carboxylated acidmucopolysaccharides in the first and second age groups and a higher concentration in thethird and fourth age groups. Periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS)-positive cells were observedin each age group, but only a small number of cells with a weakly PAS-positive reaction weredemonstrated in the first age group.

The aim of the present study was morphological and histochemical analysis of the lacrimalgland (LG) in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatalperiod. Studies were conducted on 50 ostriches aged between the 28th day of incubation until7 months old. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome,periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale’s dialysed iron. The LGin ostrich was classified as a tubulo-acinar type. The primordia of the lobes were determinedin the LG structure on the 28th day of incubation, whilst the weakly visible lobes with aciniand tubules were observed on the 40th day of incubation. Morphometric studies of the LGshowed steady growth, characterised by an increase in both length and width. Histometricmeasurements of lobe size showed little difference between the first, second and third agegroups, whilst in the fourth age group a marked increase in size of lobes was observed.The study showed that, apart from morphological changes, during the growth of the LGthe character of acid mucopolysaccharides changed. Sulphated acid mucopolysaccharideswere indicated, particularly with aldehyde fuchsin (AF) staining in the fourth age group.The Hale’s dialysed iron (HDI) staining showed a low concentration of carboxylated acidmucopolysaccharides in the first and second age groups and a higher concentration in thethird and fourth age groups. Periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS)-positive cells were observedin each age group, but only a small number of cells with a weakly PAS-positive reaction weredemonstrated in the first age group.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of maternally derived antibody (MDA) on live vaccine against infectious bursal disease. A total of 140 chicks selected from vaccinated parent stock were used in this investigation. In a preset vaccination schedule, blood samples were collected to check for the actual effect. It was noticed that on day 1 the chicks contained a high level (6400.54 ± 2993.67) of maternally derived antibody that gradually decreased below a positive level within 21 days (365.86 ± 634.46). It was found that a high level of MDA interferes with the vaccine virus, resulting in no immune response. For better immune response, it is suggested that the chickens should be vaccinated at day 21, as the uniformity of MDA is poor (coefficient of the variation [CV] 30%), and boosted at day 28. Indeed, two vaccinations are necessary to achieve good protection against infectious bursal disease virus of the entire flock.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of maternally derived antibody (MDA) on live vaccine against infectious bursal disease. A total of 140 chicks selected from vaccinated parent stock were used in this investigation. In a preset vaccination schedule, blood samples were collected to check for the actual effect. It was noticed that on day 1 the chicks contained a high level (6400.54 ± 2993.67) of maternally derived antibody that gradually decreased below a positive level within 21 days (365.86 ± 634.46). It was found that a high level of MDA interferes with the vaccine virus, resulting in no immune response. For better immune response, it is suggested that the chickens should be vaccinated at day 21, as the uniformity of MDA is poor (coefficient of the variation [CV] > 30%), and boosted at day 28. Indeed, two vaccinations are necessary to achieve good protection against infectious bursal disease virus of the entire flock.

Eperythrozoonosis is a small ruminant disease caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma ovis (formerly known as Eperythrozoon ovis). Whilst acute infection in sheep may result in an anaemia and ill thrift syndrome, most animals do not develop clinical signs. Molecular methods were used to compare and evaluate the prevalence of infection with M. ovis in sheep and goats in Tunisia. A total of 739 whole blood samples from 573 sheep and 166 goats were tested for the M. ovis 16S rRNA gene using PCR. The overall prevalence was 6.28% ± 0.019 (36/573). Only sheep were infected with M. ovis (p 0.001), and the prevalence was significantly higher in central Tunisia (29.2%) compared with other regions (p 0.05). The prevalence revealed significant differences according to breed and bioclimatic zones (p 0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence in young sheep (35/330; 10.6%) was higher than in adults (1/243; 0.41%) (p 0.001). Only sheep of the Barbarine breed were infected, with a prevalence of 11.8% (p 0.001). This is the first molecular study and genetic characterisation of M. ovis in North African sheep breeds.

Eperythrozoonosis is a small ruminant disease caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma ovis (formerly known as Eperythrozoon ovis). Whilst acute infection in sheep may result in an anaemia and ill thrift syndrome, most animals do not develop clinical signs. Molecular methods were used to compare and evaluate the prevalence of infection with M. ovis in sheep and goats in Tunisia. A total of 739 whole blood samples from 573 sheep and 166 goats were tested for the M. ovis 16S rRNA gene using PCR. The overall prevalence was 6.28% ± 0.019 (36/573). Only sheep were infected with M. ovis (p < 0.001), and the prevalence was significantly higher in central Tunisia (29.2%) compared with other regions (p < 0.05). The prevalence revealed significant differences according to breed and bioclimatic zones (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence in young sheep (35/330; 10.6%) was higher than in adults (1/243; 0.41%) (p < 0.001). Only sheep of the Barbarine breed were infected, with a prevalence of 11.8% (p < 0.001). This is the first molecular study and genetic characterisation of M. ovis in North African sheep breeds.

Eperythrozoonosis is a small ruminant disease caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma ovis (formerly known as Eperythrozoon ovis). Whilst acute infection in sheep may result in an anaemia and ill thrift syndrome, most animals do not develop clinical signs. Molecular methods were used to compare and evaluate the prevalence of infection with M. ovis in sheep and goats in Tunisia. A total of 739 whole blood samples from 573 sheep and 166 goats were tested for the M. ovis 16S rRNA gene using PCR. The overall prevalence was 6.28% ± 0.019 (36/573). Only sheep were infected with M. ovis (p < 0.001), and the prevalence was significantly higher in central Tunisia (29.2%) compared with other regions (p < 0.05). The prevalence revealed significant differences according to breed and bioclimatic zones (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence in young sheep (35/330; 10.6%) was higher than in adults (1/243; 0.41%) (p < 0.001). Only sheep of the Barbarine breed were infected, with a prevalence of 11.8% (p < 0.001). This is the first molecular study and genetic characterisation of M. ovis in North African sheep breeds.

Information on the level of foetal wastage in slaughtered cattle in Tanzania is limited. A three-month observational study (April – June 2014) of animals slaughtered at the Tanga abattoir in Tanga region, Tanzania was carried out to determine the number of pregnant cows slaughtered. The total number of cattle slaughtered during the study period was 3643, representing a monthly kill average of 1214 and a daily kill average of 40. Over 98% of the cattle presented to the abattoir for slaughter were local breed (Tanzania shorthorn zebu) and most were above 3 years of age. Improved breeds of cattle represented only 1.3% of all slaughters. Of the cattle slaughtered, 2256 (61.9%) were female and 1387 (38.1%) were male. A total of 655 slaughtered cows were pregnant, representing a foetal wastage of 29.1%. Of the 655 recovered foetuses, 333 (50.8%) were male and 322 (49.2%) were female. Of the recovered foetuses, 25.8% were recovered in the first, 42.7% in the second and 31.6% in the third trimester. This study indicates cases of significant foetal losses, negatively impacting future replacement stock as a result of the slaughter of pregnant animals. The indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant cows suggests that existing animal welfare legislation is not sufficiently enforced and routine veterinary ante-mortem inspection of trade animals is failing to prevent the high level of foetal wastage.

Information on the level of foetal wastage in slaughtered cattle in Tanzania is limited. A three-month observational study (April – June 2014) of animals slaughtered at the Tanga abattoir in Tanga region, Tanzania was carried out to determine the number of pregnant cows slaughtered. The total number of cattle slaughtered during the study period was 3643, representing a monthly kill average of 1214 and a daily kill average of 40. Over 98% of the cattle presented to the abattoir for slaughter were local breed (Tanzania shorthorn zebu) and most were above 3 years of age. Improved breeds of cattle represented only 1.3% of all slaughters. Of the cattle slaughtered, 2256 (61.9%) were female and 1387 (38.1%) were male. A total of 655 slaughtered cows were pregnant, representing a foetal wastage of 29.1%. Of the 655 recovered foetuses, 333 (50.8%) were male and 322 (49.2%) were female. Of the recovered foetuses, 25.8% were recovered in the first, 42.7% in the second and 31.6% in the third trimester. This study indicates cases of significant foetal losses, negatively impacting future replacement stock as a result of the slaughter of pregnant animals. The indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant cows suggests that existing animal welfare legislation is not sufficiently enforced and routine veterinary ante-mortem inspection of trade animals is failing to prevent the high level of foetal wastage.