Three different highly consumed fish species from Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia namely Spangled emporer (Lethriuns nebulosus), Red striped seabream (Pagrus major) and Black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) were evaluated for their muscle contents of heavy metals (e.g., Cd and Pb) and trace elements (e.g., Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn). The possible risks associated with their human consumption were also studied. A total of 60 fresh fish samples comprising of 20 samples from each above mentioned fish were collected, and were subjected for determination of heavy metal and trace element contents by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after Microwave Wet Digestion. The results showed that, accumulation patterns of the heavy metals and trace elements followed the order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cd. There were variations among metal contents in the muscles of the three fish species; S. cantharus accumulated the highest levels of Cu, Zn and Mn, while the highest level of Fe could be detected in the muscles of P. major. The concentration of Cd and Pb remained comparable in the muscles of all three fish species. The calculated maximum daily intake (MDI) values were found as 0.0003, 0.0009, 0.0035, 0.0001, 0.0000, 0.0000 mg/day/person for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd and Pb, respectively. Conclusively, the present study indicated that, fish muscles contain relatively less burden of heavy metals and trace elements, and no health problem can be raised from human consumption of the examined commercial fishes at Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 271-278]

Three different highly consumed fish species from Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia namely Spangled emporer (Lethriuns nebulosus), Red striped seabream (Pagrus major) and Black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) were evaluated for their muscle contents of heavy metals (e.g., Cd and Pb) and trace elements (e.g., Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn). The possible risks associated with their human consumption were also studied. A total of 60 fresh fish samples comprising of 20 samples from each above mentioned fish were collected, and were subjected for determination of heavy metal and trace element contents by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after Microwave Wet Digestion. The results showed that, accumulation patterns of the heavy metals and trace elements followed the order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cd. There were variations among metal contents in the muscles of the three fish species; S. cantharus accumulated the highest levels of Cu, Zn and Mn, while the highest level of Fe could be detected in the muscles of P. major. The concentration of Cd and Pb remained comparable in the muscles of all three fish species. The calculated maximum daily intake (MDI) values were found as 0.0003, 0.0009, 0.0035, 0.0001, 0.0000, 0.0000 mg/day/person for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd and Pb, respectively. Conclusively, the present study indicated that, fish muscles contain relatively less burden of heavy metals and trace elements, and no health problem can be raised from human consumption of the examined commercial fishes at Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b85

Arsenic is a major water pollutant that may cause serious health hazard (e.g., infertility) in human and animal. We evaluated the changes in histoarchitecture of testes and ovaries of adult Black Bengal goats (n=10) reared in arsenic affected areas in Bangladesh. Grossly, we found insignificant variations among the testes and ovaries, but histological evaluation revealed an extensive alteration in morphology of both testes and ovaries in the arsenic affected goats. In testes, the thickening of tunica albugenia and trabeculae, widening of intertubular space between seminiferous tubules, and narrowing in diameter of seminiferous tubules were observed. In ovaries of arsenic affected goats, significant decrease in number of primary follicles and antral follicles were observed. The diameters of secondary and antral follicles were significantly reduced. The granulosa layer of antral follicles showed marked thickening. The findings indicate that chronic arsenic exposure alters the histoarchitecture of both male and female gonads in Black Bengal goat, and thereby may affect their reproductive performance.

Arsenic is a major water pollutant that may cause serious health hazard (e.g., infertility) in human and animal. We evaluated the changes in histoarchitecture of testes and ovaries of adult Black Bengal goats (n=10) reared in arsenic affected areas in Bangladesh. Grossly, we found insignificant variations among the testes and ovaries, but histological evaluation revealed an extensive alteration in morphology of both testes and ovaries in the arsenic affected goats. In testes, the thickening of tunica albugenia and trabeculae, widening of intertubular space between seminiferous tubules, and narrowing in diameter of seminiferous tubules were observed. In ovaries of arsenic affected goats, significant decrease in number of primary follicles and antral follicles were observed. The diameters of secondary and antral follicles were significantly reduced. The granulosa layer of antral follicles showed marked thickening. The findings indicate that chronic arsenic exposure alters the histoarchitecture of both male and female gonads in Black Bengal goat, and thereby may affect their reproductive performance. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b61

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of Amblyomma lepidum in the transmission of Mycobacterium farcinogenes, the causal agent of bovine farcy in Sudan. A total of 22 samples comprising of prescapular, submaxillary, mediastinal, parotid, retropharengeal and pulmonary lymph nodes, and subcutaneous nodules were collected for this study. M. farcinogenes was successfully isolated from the specimens by following traditional bacteriological techniques, and the bacteria were identified using standard biochemical assays, lipid analysis using Thin Layer Chromatography, and duplex Polymerase Chain Reaction. Larvae and nymphs of A. lepidum acquired M. farcinogenes from experimentally infected rabbits, and subsequently transmitted the infection to fresh rabbits within a maximum period of ten weeks. In contrast, adult A. lepidum failed to contract the organism from the infected rabbits; so, trans-ovarian transmission could be ruled out. In conclusion, this study confirmed the trans-stadial transmission of M. farcinogenes through larvae and nymphs of A. lepidum.

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of Amblyomma lepidum in the transmission of Mycobacterium farcinogenes, the causal agent of bovine farcy in Sudan. A total of 22 samples comprising of prescapular, submaxillary, mediastinal, parotid, retropharengeal and pulmonary lymph nodes, and subcutaneous nodules were collected for this study. M. farcinogenes was successfully isolated from the specimens by following traditional bacteriological techniques, and the bacteria were identified using standard biochemical assays, lipid analysis using Thin Layer Chromatography, and duplex Polymerase Chain Reaction. Larvae and nymphs of A. lepidum acquired M. farcinogenes from experimentally infected rabbits, and subsequently transmitted the infection to fresh rabbits within a maximum period of ten weeks. In contrast, adult A. lepidum failed to contract the organism from the infected rabbits; so, trans-ovarian transmission could be ruled out. In conclusion, this study confirmed the trans-stadial transmission of M. farcinogenes through larvae and nymphs of A. lepidum. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b84

This study was conducted to determine the effects of garlic on egg per gram (EPG) count of feces for gastrointestinal parasites, live weight, and hematological parameters in Black Bengal goat. A total of 18 dry does of 18-22 months of age were divided into 3 groups as T0, T1 and T2; where, each group comprised of 6 goats. The goats of T0 were feed with normal feeds, whereas the goats of T1 and T2 were fed with normal feeds plus 25 mL and 50 mL of 10% water solution of garlic twice per day, respectively for 60 days. The EPG count was performed by McMaster counting chamber, and live weight was measured by digital electric balance. EPG count for gastrointestinal parasites was found significantly lower in the treatment groups as compared to T0. Weight gain was recorded significantly higher in the treatment groups. The hematological parameters like total leucocyte count (TLC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) showed significant changes in the treatment groups. The study suggests that 10% water solution of garlic is a useful supplementation to decrease EPG count, body weight gain; thus, the 10% aqueous garlic solution can improve the general health condition of goat. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 326-331]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of garlic on egg per gram (EPG) count of feces for gastrointestinal parasites, live weight, and hematological parameters in Black Bengal goat. A total of 18 dry does of 18-22 months of age were divided into 3 groups as T0, T1 and T2; where, each group comprised of 6 goats. The goats of T0 were feed with normal feeds, whereas the goats of T1 and T2 were fed with normal feeds plus 25 mL and 50 mL of 10% water solution of garlic twice per day, respectively for 60 days. The EPG count was performed by McMaster counting chamber, and live weight was measured by digital electric balance. EPG count for gastrointestinal parasites was found significantly lower in the treatment groups as compared to T0. Weight gain was recorded significantly higher in the treatment groups. The hematological parameters like total leucocyte count (TLC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and total erythrocyte count (TEC) showed significant changes in the treatment groups. The study suggests that 10% water solution of garlic is a useful supplementation to decrease EPG count, body weight gain; thus, the 10% aqueous garlic solution can improve the general health condition of goat. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b102

The present study was conducted to estimate crossbreeding parameters for growth traits of growing rabbits in a complete 3 × 3 diallel crossing experiment involving three breeds namely New Zealand White (NN), Californian (CC) and Rex (RR). Highly significant differences (p≤0.001) were observed among different genotypes for almost traits studied with the exception of relative growth rates (RGR) at 4-12 weeks of age. Direct genetic effects of NN were found as positive for most of studied traits. Positive total maternal genetic effect was estimated for kits of NN dose for weight at weaning (57 g) and 12 weeks of age (92 g). Strong individual heterosis was estimated for NN × CC crossbreds for all body weight (BW) and most of body weight gains (BWG). In conclusion, direct additive genetic effects were infavor NN for growth traits and maternal genetic effects were infavor NN for weaning and final weights and higher individual heterosis has been estimated for NN × CC crossbred rabbits for growth traits.

The present study was conducted to estimate crossbreeding parameters for growth traits of growing rabbits in a complete 3 × 3 diallel crossing experiment involving three breeds namely New Zealand White (NN), Californian (CC) and Rex (RR). Highly significant differences (p?0.001) were observed among different genotypes for almost traits studied with the exception of relative growth rates (RGR) at 4-12 weeks of age. Direct genetic effects of NN were found as positive for most of studied traits. Positive total maternal genetic effect was estimated for kits of NN dose for weight at weaning (57 g) and 12 weeks of age (92 g). Strong individual heterosis was estimated for NN × CC crossbreds for all body weight (BW) and most of body weight gains (BWG). In conclusion, direct additive genetic effects were infavor NN for growth traits and maternal genetic effects were infavor NN for weaning and final weights and higher individual heterosis has been estimated for NN × CC crossbred rabbits for growth traits. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b60

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]

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