A total of 186 samples comprising of poultry feed ingredients (n=114) and finished poultry feeds (n=72) were analyzed for the detection of total aflatoxin (TA) and ochratoxin A (OTA). The concentrations of TA and OTA in the samples were determined using direct competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Overall incidence of TA was recorded as 80.64% (n=150/186); whereas, in the feed ingredients, it was 86.84% (n=99/114), and in the finished feeds, the incidence of TA was 70.83% (n=51/72). Corn, cotton seed meal, sunflower meal, and cotton gluten meal were found to be highly (100%) contaminated with TA. The OTA was determined in 63.15% (n=72/114) and 29.17% (n=21/72) feed ingredients, and finished feed samples, respectively, with an overall incidence of 50% (n=93/186). Maximum level of OTA contamination (100%) was recorded in corn gluten meal. However, no feed contained OTA above the acceptable level as set by the European Union on OTA contamination in poultry finished feed. On the other hand, a number of samples contained TA above the acceptable limit. Thus, immediate control measures should be taken to ensure safe poultry for human consumption.

The current study was aimed to investigate the influence of housing system on female reproductive traits of Black Bengal goats at rural areas in Bangladesh during the period of July to December 2012. A total of 200 Black Bengal goats reared under semi-intensive (n=100) and extensive conditions (n=100) were selected considering their age, body weight, body shape, and conformation. In semi-intensive condition, average age at puberty was 197.82±12.58 days, and age at first conception was 292.96±0.50 days; whereas, these lengths were 208.82±12.60 days and 287.65±0.52 days in extensive condition, respectively. Age at first kidding was 448.26±25.48 days under semi-intensive condition, whereas under extensive condition it was 450.07±22.43 days. Under semi-intensive condition, average litter size at the first, second and third parity were 1.06±0.13, 1.76±0.12 and 1.96±0.12, respectively. In contrast, under extensive condition, these values were 1.01±0.10, 1.62±0.12 and 1.75±0.11, respectively. The average kidding interval under semi-intensive system was 190.2±20 days, and the length reduced to 178.23±0.50 days (p<0.01) in the case of extensive housing system. It is concluded that rearing under extensive condition provoked better reproductive performance in Black Bengal goats as compared to semi-intensive housing system at rural level in Bangladesh.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of parenteral gibberellic acid (GA3) and/or vitamin D3 supplementation in diet on egg quality and blood physiological characteristics in aged laying hens. A total of 270 Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens aging 73-week were randomly assigned to equal three treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) with equal 3 replicas in each group. The birds of group T1 (control group) were injected subcutaneously (SC) with sesame oil at 0.2 mL/kg body weight. The birds of group T2 were given with GA3 at 400 µg/kg b.wt., SC, whereas group T3 had diet containing vitamin D3 at 500 IU/kg feed. Relative weight of albumen and egg shell, Haugh unit, shell thickness, serum glucose, serum calcium, serum phosphorous, serum estradiol, and bone calcium absorption were significantly increased in the birds of group T2 and T3. On the other hand, relative weight of yolk, yolk cholesterol, and serum cholesterol were significantly decreased in group T2 and T3 as compared to group T1. However, serum protein and albumen were unaffected in the treatments. In conclusion, the parenteral GA3 and vitamin D3 supplementation in diet could improve egg quality traits and serum blood biochemical perperties in agend laying hens.

The aim of current study was to assess the seroprevalence of Neospora (N.) caninum and Toxoplasma (T.) gondii infections in aborted cattle and subsequent estimation of role of these parasites in cattle abortion in Hamedan province, Iran. Blood samples (n=85) of aborted cattle were collected from different locations of Hamedan province for a period of two years from January, 2010 to December, 2012. All the samples were evaluated for the presence of IgG-antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The results showed that 61.2% (n=52/85), 5.9% (n=5/85) and 3.5% (n=3/85) animals were positive for N. caninum, T. gondii and co-infection of these two, respectively. There was no significant correlation between seroprevalence rates, age groups and breeding (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was found between T. gondii infection and the type of cattle (p=0.05), unlike to N. caninum (p=0.52). This is the first report of N. caninum and T. gondii co-infection in cattle in Iran. Although the rate of T. gondii infection was lower but this parasite might partly be responsible to be transmitted to humans. Further investigations and appropriate control strategies in management of cattle farms are highly recommended.

The current work was carried out to investigate the gross and microanatomical features of moderator bands (septomarginal trabecula) in camel heart. Ten hearts were collected from healthy mature dromedary camels. Anatomically, the moderator bands were present in both right and left ventricles. In right ventricle, the walls had one muscular moderator band which was extended from the interventricular septum to the opposite ventricular wall especially to the papillary muscle. In left ventricle, there were two bands; one extended from the interventricular septum to the papillary muscles, and the other one was present in various places especially in the apex running as a thin thread-like band across the left ventricular wall. Histological examination revealed that the moderator band consisted of two major layers; the central (core) myocardium and the peripheral endocardium, acting as band capsule. The myocardium had two bundles; the contractile cardiac muscle bundles and the Purkinje fiber bundles. The endocardium consisted of three layers; the endothelial layer of simple squamous epithelium, the subendothelial layer of loose connective tissue and the subendocardial layer, connecting the endocardium with the myocardium.

The in vitro gas technique was used to predict the efficiency of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) bagasse (SSB) based total mixed ration comprising different ratios of roughage and concentrate, with the objective of identifying optimum ratio for feeding buffaloes. Eight rations were prepared with roughage to concentrate ratio of 100:0 to 30:70. Significantly (p<0.01) higher in vitro gas production volume (mL) at 24 h incubation were recorded for the rations with roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio of 60R:40C to 30R:70C as compared to other rations. Whereas, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was significantly (p<0.01) higher for the rations 70R:30C to 30R:70C as compared to other rations. Metabolisable energy (ME) and truly digestible organic matter (TDOM) were significantly (p<0.01) higher for the rations 90R:10C to 30R:70C as compared to sole SSB. The rations from 90R:10C to 30R:70C were significantly (p<0.01) higher in partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass production (MBP) and efficiency of microbial biomass production (EMBP) as compared to sole SSB. However, the PF was not significant among rations 50R:50C, 40R:60C and 30R:70C. Therefore, the present study suggested that SSB can be included in total mixed ration of buffaloes at 50-60% for economic ruminant livestock production.

The study was conducted to assess the therapeutic competence of garlic (Allium sativum) in lead (Pb) exposed chickens. The experimental birds (n=350) were grouped into T0 (as control), T1, T2, T3 and T4. The birds of group T1 was provided with lead acetate at 100 mg/kg body weight. Group T2 had lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 1% garlic supplement, whereas group T3 was fed with lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 2% garlic supplement, and group T4 had lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 4% garlic supplement. The mean values (mg/dL) of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and blood glucose in the birds of group T1 were significantly increased (p<0.01) on day 42 of post-treatment. Elevation of these parameters was suggestive for the pathological involvement of different organs like liver, kidney, muscles. Statistical analysis of variance indicated that lead acetate at 100 mg/kg b.wt. + 2% garlic supplement (T3) resulted significant (p<0.01) ameliorative effect on the biochemical parameters as compared to the group T2 and T4. In conclusion, potency of garlic in reversion of the values of the biochemical properties in Pb exposed chickens was close to the normal levels of the values.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity and immunosuppressive effects of GM-97 strain of infectious bursal disease virus in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 500 broiler chickens were vaccinated with the virus through oral route at 10 and 17 days of age (102-103 EID50/dose). Chickens were also vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus (Hitchner B1) orally at 14 and 21 days old. Chickens were euthanized (at 12, 14, 16, 20, 23, 26 days of age) after measuring body weight. Bursa of Fabricius was examined for any gross lesion, weighed and processed for histological investigations. Bursa to body weight ratio and bursal lesion scoring were made to evaluate pathogenicity of the virus. Blood samples were analyzed for antibody response to ND vaccine virus using HI test. Results showed that the GM-97 strain of IBDV induced mild to moderate depletion of lymphoid cells in the center of bursal follicles and non-significant difference in bursa to body weight ratio amongst vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens. Chickens responded well to ND vaccine by mounting high level of serum NDV specific HI antibody titers. It can be concluded from the present study that GM-97 strain of IBDV has mild pathogenicity but is not immunosuppressive.

In this study, milk samples were collected from 109 dairy cows to detect antibodies against Brucella (B.) using Milk Ring Test (MRT). Overall, 18.35% (n=20/109) of the milk samples were positive by MRT. The cows were divided into three groups based on lactation number viz., 1st, 2nd to 4th and ≥5th lactations; the prevalence of brucellosis in the groups were found to be 0.92% (n=1/109), 15.60% (n=17/109) and 1.83% (n=2/109), respectively. Considering simplicity and cost effectiveness, the MRT can be used for the preliminary screening of B. abortus infection especially in single cow herds.

Many human diseases relating to central nervous system (CNS) are mimicked in animal models to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy. The therapeutic role of stem cells in animal models of CNS diseases include replacement of diseased or degenerated neuron, oligodendrocytes or astrocytes with healthy ones, secretion of neurotrophic factors and delivery of therapeutics/genes. Scaffolds can be utilized for delivering stem cells in brain. Sustained delivery of stem cells, lineage specific differentiation, and enhanced neuronal network integration are the hallmarks of scaffold mediated stem cell delivery in CNS diseases. This review discusses the therapeutic role, challenges and future perspectives of stem cell therapy in animal models of CNS diseases.