The livestock sector contributes largely to the economy of India. Different systemic diseases like renal diseases, neurological and cardiovascular diseases cause huge loss in production and productive potential of livestock in India, which is considered as a major concern for both small and large ruminants. Early detection of diseseses is essential to combat the economic loss. An efficient biochemical marker can be developed which would provide more specific, sensitive and reliable measurement of functions of different organs. Determination of endogenous marker Cystatin C may fulfill the above need which can provide a detection platform not only for Kidney function but also for assaying other organs' function. Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein which is removed from the bloodstream by glomerular filtration in the kidneys. Thus, it may act as a potential biological tool in diagnosis of renal and other systemic diseases in livestock. This mini-review focuses on the Cystatin C and its clinical importance which can be extensively employed in the livestock sector. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 200-205]

Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence and the associated risk factors (e.g., sex, age, breed, management system and climate) of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Makurdi metropolis in Nigeria. Materials and methods: Prevalence study of canine heartworm disease in dogs was conducted over a period of six months covering five localities of Makurdi metropolis in Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 186 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy and sick dogs, and the samples were examined for the presence of microfilaria between September 2015 and February 2016. Three methods (wet mount, Buffy coat and modified Knott's techniques) were used for the examination of the samples. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and complete blood count for each sample were also determined. Results: Out of the 186 dogs, 4 (2.15%) were found to be positive for the presence of microfilaria. Out of the 4 positive cases, 3 (1.61%) were microfilaria and 1 (0.54%) was unidentified motile parasite. A total of 104 females were examined and only 1 (0.96%) was positive, while 3 (3.66%) males out of 82 examined were positive. Out of 141 older dogs examined, 4 (2.84%) were positive. Hematology of the positive dogs revealed mild anemia and moderate thrombocytopenia with Mean+/-SD of 34.8+/-15.30% and 108+/-60.81x109/L, respectively. Conclusion: The study confirms Knott's technique to be the most sensitive in the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in dogs using parasitological techniques. The findings confirm the occurrence of D. immitis in dogs in Makurdi with low prevalence and that the general public are at high risk of spreading infection from the dogs. Infection is more in male and adult dogs. This work can assist in planning appropriate strategies for controlling and prevention of D. immitis infection in Nigeria. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 338-344]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth response and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed graded levels of boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal as replacement for soybean meal. Materials and methods: Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated. The diest were- control diet (with 0% inclusion level boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal i.e., 100% soybean meal), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% inclusion level (total replacement of soya bean meal). The feeds were fed to C. gariepinus juveniles at 5% of their body weight for 84 days in an indoor partial flow through system. Weight and standard length of C. gariepinus juveniles were taken every fortnight and water quality parameters were monitored weekly. Results: Experimental fish fed diets with 0 and 25% inclusion level of boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal gave the best results in terms of Mean Weight Gain (MWG) (20.22 and 19.79 g, respectively), Specific Growth Rate (1.82 and 1.83 respectively), Protein Efficiency Ratio (2.75 and 2.00, respectively) and the Lowest Feed Conversion Ratio (1.29 and 1.39 respectively). The lowest growth and feed utilization were observed in fish fed 100% inclusion level. The weight gain of fish decreased with increase in replacement level above 25%. There was no significant difference between control diet 0 and 25% inclusion level (P and #8805;0.05). Conclusion: Boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal is a nutritive source of plant protein and a good replacement for soybean meal at 25% inclusion level of boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal in formulating catfish feed for C. gariepinus juveniles without any deleterious effect. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 345-352]

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the pathogenicity of local isolates of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and M. arginini in West African dwarf goats (kids) in Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 22 goats aged less than 1-year were purchased from markets. The goats were divided into six groups comprising of four experimental groups (EG; 4 in each) and two control groups (CG; 3 in each). The goats were fed ad libitum with standard diets and safe water. Groups EG1 and EG2 were infected with M. ovipneumoniae through trans-tracheal (TT) and intravenous (IV) routes, respectively, while those in groups EG3 and EG4 were infected with M. arginini through the same routes. Goats in groups CG1 and CG2 were inoculated with sterile Mycoplasma broth through TT and IV routes, respectively. In all cases, the amount of bacteria inoculated was 1.5x108 cells/mL. After the onset of the disease in goats, re-isolation of Mycoplasma was performed by culturing on mycoplasma agar supplemented with mycoplasma supplement G. The goats were monitored for 14 days post-infection (PI) to observe respiratory signs and mortality. Post-mortem (PM) examination was performed on each animal that died, while one surviving goat from each of the groups was sacrificed at 14 days PI for PM. After PM, histopathology was performed to observe the changes in tissues. Results: Cough and nasal discharges were observed in all the experimentally infected goats seven days PI. Mortalities were recorded in goats in EG1 (two goats), EG2 (one goats), EG3 (two goats) and EG4 (one goat). At PM, pneumonic lesions were observed in the lungs of all the experimentally infected goats. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the local isolates of M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini strains are pathogenic for goats in Nigeria. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 242-251]

Objective: This case report describes a clinical case of Johne's disease (JD) in a Friesian calf aging one and half years. Materials and methods: Physical examination of the calf was carried out, history of the farm as well as samples for laboratory examinations were obtained. The laboratory examinations included hematological examinations by direct wet mount, hematocrit centrifugation technique and Giemsa stain, biochemical evaluation of serum, bacterial culture and isolation from feces and aspirate from the swollen jaw. Results: Clinical history showed that the farm had a history of JD, and routine health screening revealed that one of the calves had clinical signs suggestive of Johne's disease. Physical examination of the calf revealed a lumpy jaw, enlarged bilateral pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes, while hematological and biochemical findings showed a normocytic normochromic anemia, severe leukocytosis with neutropilic left shift and lymphocytosis with hyperproteinemia characterized by hyperglobulinemia. Fecal bacterial tests showed the presence of acid fast bacilli. Based on the history and laboratory findings, the cow was diagnosed with JD. In order to ensure effective control measures, the calf was culled from the heard. Postmortem examination revealed inflamed pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes with the presence of paramphistomes in the rumen mucosa. Conclusion: Since JD is a chronic disease that lingers in livestock farms, there is need for early identification and culling of infected animal in order to limit its devastation on the farm. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 292-296]

Objective: This study was aimed at elucidating the association between Para influenza virus 3 (PIV3) and respiratory infections in domestic ruminants in different areas of Sudan. Materials and methods: During 2010-2013, five hundred sixty five lung samples with signs of pneumonia were collected from cattle (n=226), sheep (n=316) and goats (n=23) from slaughter houses in different areas in Sudan. The existence of PIV3 antigen was screened in the collected samples using ELISA and Fluorescent antibody technique. PIV3 genome was detected by PCR, and sequence analysis was conducted. Results: Positive results were found in 29 (12.8%) cattle, 31 (9.8%) sheep and 11 (47.8%) goat samples. All the studied areas showed positive results. Highest prevalence (66.7%) was detected in the sheep and goats in Khartoum, followed by in goats in Nyala (33.3%) at western Sudan. Sequence analyses of PIV3 of different regions of Sudan indicated that these were similar in sequence and length. The BLAST analysis indicated that the test sequences were closely related to the available annotated sequences at the GenBank. All these sequences matched with Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 except two those were matching with Swine parainfluenza virus 3. Conclusion: The results prove the existence of PIV3 infection in cattle, sheep and goats in the studied areas in Sudan and suggest its possible role in the respiratory infections. Genetic analysis indicate that the virus is mostly similar with bovine PIV3. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 236-241]

Objective: The present study was an attempt to delineate the roles played by the neutrophil surface adhesion molecules and toll like receptors (TLRs) in crossbred cows suffering from Staphylococcus aureus subclinical and clinical mastitis. Materials and methods: Thirty six Karan Fries (KF) cows were categorized into three groups namely healthy (n=12), subclinical mastitis (SCM; n=12) and clinical mastitis (CM; n=12) after screening 146 cows. The grouping was done based on evaluation of collected milk samples by routine procedures like Californian Mastitis Test (CMT) scoring, microscopic counting of milk cells (SCC), bacterial culture of milk samples and observing gross changes in milk. Culture of milk and blood was done for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus subclinical and clinical mastitis. Results: Healthy cows expressed significantly (P<0.05) higher L-selectin (CD62L) in both milk and blood neutrophils as compared to the animals suffering from SCM and CM; however, no significant difference was noticed between milk and blood neutrophils. Significant (P<0.05) increase in the expression of beta integrin (CD11b) was observed in the CM group of cows as compared to SCM and healthy cows. Similar trend in the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in both blood and milk neutrophils was observed in the CM cows as compared to the healthy and SCM cows. Milk neutrophils revealed a higher expression of TLR as compared to blood neutrophils. Conclusion: Host elicits stage specific expression of surface adhesion molecules and TLR2 and TLR4 as dynamic host innate immune response against Staphylococcal mastitis. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 99-105]

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of season on cauda epididymal spermatozoa isolated from bucks. Materials and methods: Testes of 30 mature bucks were collected from local slaughter house, and were processed for the retrieval of cauda epididymal spermatozoa for evaluation. Testes were collected in three seasons (winter, summer and rainy), and each season was having 10 pairs of testicles. Recovered spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis were processed immediately for evaluation of semen attributes (Spermatozoa motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal status and DNA integrity). Results: Physiological effect of season was observed on progressive motility, percent of live spermatozoa, spermatozoal membrane integrity (HOST), acrosomal integrity, capacitation status and DNA integrity. Progressive motility, percent live spermatozoa, HOST positive spermatozoa, were found significantly (P<0.05) high in summer season, whereas, significantly (P<0.05) lower comet positive spermatozoa were found in summer season as compared to rainy and winter. Compromised acrosomal status was seen in winter and rainy seasons as compared to summer. Conclusion: Compromised acrosome along with plasma membrane and higher percentage of spermatozoa with damaged DNA in cauda spermatozoa were observed during winter and rainy seasons as compared to summer season. Summer season was found to be the most suitable season for collection of cauda epididymal spermatozoa and can effectively be used for assisted reproduction with further investigations of associated mechanisms. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 263-267]

Objective: Efficacy of AV/CSP/29 premix (Ca, P supplement with Vit. A and D3 along with synergistic herbs) (M/S Ayurvet Ltd.) was evaluated in commercial broiler chicks. Materials and methods: A total of 144 day-old chicks were randomly divided into three groups. Group T0 (n=48) control group, supplemented with basal diet without any additional source of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Group T1 (n=48) was administered with AV/CSP/29 premix at 500 gm/ton of feed and Group T2 birds (n=48) were supplemented with Brand A at 500 gm/ton of feed for 0 to 42 days. Parameters viz., growth, performance, serum biochemical and carcass quality traits were evaluated. Results: More gain in body weight was observed in the AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds as compared to other groups. Similarly, FCR was improved in the AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds. Blood Ca and P concentrations were comparatively improved in AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented birds. Parameters viz., carcass yield, dressing percentage, tibial mineralization, water holding capacity and extract release volume were also found to be better in AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds. Conclusion: The results from the current study suggest that feeding of AV/CSP/29 premix to broiler chickens may have a beneficial effect on bone quality and in improving overall performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 268-273]

Objectives: Bovine anaplasmosis is an arthropod-borne hemolytic disease of cattle which is caused by a rickettsia; Anaplasma marginale. Anaplasmosis is also called "Yellow bag" or yellow fever, where the affected animals usually develop a jaundiced appearance. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical findings, treatment and gross pathology of a severe anaplasmosis in a dairy cow. Materials and methods: In this report, a rare case of fatal anaplasmosis in a 4 year old Jersey-Friesian cow, weighing about 200 kg was reported. Diagnosis was done based on clinical symptoms, blood examination for the presence of A. marginale, and biochemical analyses of blood. Leishman staining was done to check the A. marginale at the margin of erythrocytes. Treatment was instituted with blood transfusion and Oxytetracyline dosed at 20 mg/kg body weight and iron supplement containing 20 mL Cobaphos (containing Phosphorus 125mg + Cyanocobalamine 0.05 mg) and 20 mL Fercobsang containing Iron (as ammonium citrate) 1.75 mg, Cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12) 0.025 mg, Nicotinamide (vitamin PP) 20 mg, Cobalt (as digluconate) 0.0067 mg, Benzyl Alcohol (E1519) 20.8 mg) were given intramuscularly. Results: The cow did not survive the infection as it eventually died of the disease. Post mortem examination showed gross evidence of splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, distended bile duct and generalized jaundice. Conclusion: Based on the consequence of this case report, preventive vector control, prompt and appropriate treatment and improved management practices are recommended in order to prevent clinical anaplasmosis cases among cattle. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 195-199]