Objective: The main objective of this study was to study the effect of stocking density in two genetic groups of rabbits (purebred Californian (CAL × CAL) and Californian × Rex (CAL × RX) crossbred rabbits) on growth performance, some blood hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and carcass traits. Materials and methods: A total of 120 weaned rabbits were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (two genetic groups; 60 of each CAL × CAL and CAL × RX and three stocking densities; 8, 12 and 20 rabbits/m2; the number of rabbits under each stocking density was 24, 36 and 60; respectively) and 6 replicates. Results: The effects of genetic group × stocking density interactions were significant (P [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 265-274]

Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) at the municipal abattoir and cattle herds in peri-urban nomadic settlements of Bauchi state of Northeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 2440 cattle slaughtered at the municipal abattoir from June to September were examined for lesions characteristic of bTB and eighty-six (n=86) cows selected from two cattle herds located at temporary nomadic settlements in Bauchi metropolis were also screened for bTB using purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin skin test. During the study period, total of 2,440 cattle were slaughtered comprising majority of females (n=1656) and males (n=784) as well as of different breeds including majority of White Fulani (n=1864) followed by Red Bororo (n=508) and Sokoto Gudali (n=68). Results: The results revealed that out of the 2,440 slaughtered cattle inspected for tuberculous-like lesions, 51 had lesions suspected to be lesions characteristic of tuberculosis, while 48 were positive for Ziehl-Neelsen. Prevalence rate of 1.96% based on microscopic examination and 2.0% based on suspected gross lesion were recorded. The prevalence was 0.77% for males, 1.2% females, 1.84% for adults, 0.12% for calves and 1.8% for white Fulani (Bunaji), 0.12% for Red Bororo (Rahaji) and 0.04% for Sokoto Gudali (Bokoloji). In addition, screening of 86 cows showed that 8.1% were positive for tuberculosis using tuberculin test. Conclusion: The outcome of this study showed that bTB is still endemic in Bauchi state and this can pose a significant public health challenge. Thus, it is recommended that the government should intensify the test-and-slaughter policy as well as put in place an effective monitoring and surveillance control programs for bTB to mitigate the risks posed to public health by this zoonotic disease in the study area. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 53-59]

Objective: This study assessed personality traits in five cattle breeds (Bos taurus), two cosmopolitan (Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss) and three endangered Italian autochthonous (Varzese, Rendena, and Modenese). Our aim was to provide an evaluation of the personality dimensions obtained by our questionnaire in order to compare some Italian autochthonous breeds with the cosmopolitan one. Our choice fell upon the comparison of the Varzese, the Modenese, the Rendena, the Brown Swiss, and the Holstein Friesian because the genetic selection at the base of the typical attitudes has induced different characteristics, and as a consequence, detectable differences in personality can be expected between the populations. Materials and methods: A personality questionnaire was completed by milkers/owners for each subject involved in this study. The milking staff involved in the study have been working with cows for over 20 years; they have experience with numerous breeds, and therefore, can be considered expert evaluators since they certainly have an appreciation of the full range of cow behavior. Results: The milkers assessments analysis found breed differences in dairy cattle, showing that certain personality traits are more marked in certain breeds in terms of curiosity, friendliness to milkers, and responses to unknown people. Conclusion: This pilot survey shows the usefulness of questionnaires in cattle personality studies, highlighting some peculiarity of the endangered breeds. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 315-323]

Objective: Veterinary Anatomy is considered as the backbone subject in the veterinary medicine program. Formalized specimens were not very much accepted by the veterinary students due to their wetness, bad smell and potential harmful effects. Plastination has evolved as a new technique for prolonged preservation of specimens by replacing the water and fat by a curable plastic polymer. Material and methods: The process of plastination involved fixation, dehydration, impregnation and curing. The plastinated specimens were used for teaching and learning of veterinary gross anatomy courses for veterinary students. Results: Plastinated specimens were appreciated by the staff and students as they were odorless, non-toxic and durable, needed less space for storage and they were used in teaching the veterinary anatomy courses. Plastinated specimens were used for studying not only in the dissection hall but also in the lecture room, both individually and in groups. Conclusion: The plastinated specimens were excellent for demonstration but they could not completely replace the traditional dissection because students learn best by exploratory and hands-on dissection. Moreover, the wet specimens provided a more accurate visual representation of the body parts and skills to aid in dealing with actual clinical cases in the future. Therefore, the plastinated and wet specimens were used simultaneously depending on the topic being taught at the time. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 44-52]

Objective: The present study was initiated to ascertain the level of shedding of salmonellae by dogs in Makurdi area and to highlight the risk of infection for dog-owners. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs from 200 dogs from different locations in the studyarea were examined in the study. The samples were cultured for salmonellae using Rappaport-Vassiliadis enrichment broth (Oxoid) and brilliant green agar (Oxoid). Suspected Salmonella isolates were serologically identified. Results: Overall, Salmonellae organisms were isolated from 11 (5.5%) of the 200 dogs sampled. Prevalence rates of 5.6% and 4.5% were recorded for apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs, respectively. Salmonella was respectively isolated from 4.1% to 9.1% of male and female dogs. Dogs aged 4 years and above recorded the highest prevalence rate. The study revealed a low prevalence rate in Nigerian local breed (mongrels) and high prevalence rates in exotic breeds of dogs. Conclusion: The isolation of salmonellae in apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs in this study indicates a carrier status which may constitute a serious problem in disease control in the study area. The lower prevalence rate of Salmonella infection in mongrels could be an indication of resistance to Salmonella in local breeds of dogs and should generate interest in research in the pathogenicity and pathogenesis of salmonellae in mongrels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 405-409]

Objective: A retrospective survey was designed to determine the prevalence and factors involved in surgical cases at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Bangladesh Agricultural University from June 2014 to June 2017. Materials and materials: In total, 1042 surgical cases of food animal (large ruminants: n=564, and small ruminants: n=493) and 26 non-food animal (mono-gastric animal) were recorded from patient register book and case recording card. Data were analyzed by Epi Info TM software and frequencies were calculated for different variables using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Result: In large ruminant, hernia (16.13%) ranked top (90% umbilical and 10% lateral) followed by fracture (14.89%), abscess (14.54%), umbilical myasis (10.46%), atresia ani (5.85%) and naval ill (4.07%). Among the reported cattle, 87.41% were crossbred and 12.59% were indigenous. Calf, heifer and adult cattle were 55.32, 10.29 and 34.39% respectively. In small ruminants, castration (32.94%; n=138) ranked top followed by myasis (10.55%) naval ill (10.31%), abscess (7.44%), dystocia (6.24%) and urolithiasis (5.49%). Based on surgical classification in large and small ruminants, 37.56 and 42.50% were reported for general surgery, whereas 28.71 and 7.15% for congenital, 11.18 and 13.12% for gynecological and 2.65 and 37.23 % for andrological problems, respectively. Male and female ratio was 1:1.31 and 2:1 respectively in large and small ruminants, respectively. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the factors related to successful surgical cases management at VTH. The results may help in controlling surgical related cases in Mymensingh region of Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 81-87]

Objective: The aim of this research is to study the effectiveness of mosquito magnet (MM) for reducing mosquitoes (Diptera) populations in coastal areas. Materials and methods: The study sites are in the coastal area of Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, which is divided into two locations; one that is 2 km and another that is 4 km in distance from the sea. We used the Mosquito Magnet® Independence (MMI) trap for effective field testing in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Traps were placed 100 m away from the house (one trap per location) and mosquitoes were collected at night from 6 PM to 6 AM during September and October 2017 (30 days). Results: A total of 2,561 adult mosquitoes, including Anopheles epiroticus Linton & Harbach, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Cx. sitiens Wiedmann, and Cx. gelidus Theobald were collected by MMI. At a 2-km distance from the sea were captured more mosquitoes per night more than at a 4-km distance (63.63 ± 42.30 vs. 21.70 ± 12.42). The comparison of effectiveness of MMI in two locations of the coastal area was shown to have a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) and analysis of the correlation between the number of mosquitoes caught in coastal areas, including at a 2- and 4-km distance from the sea, accounting for weather factors, we found that the effectiveness of MMI was not correlated with weather (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrated that MM can be used to control mosquitoes in coastal areas with high efficiency, especially 2 km away from the sea. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 426-431]

Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of weaning on the abnormal behavior, behavioral problems and some stress indicators in young rabbits. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on seventy two New Zealand rabbit kits which were divided into two groups, one reared with their dams (Unweaned rabbits) and the other group reared without their dams (Weaned rabbits). Rabbits are reared on traditional wire net batteries. A scan sample technique was used during the observation period of the recorded traits. Rabbits behavior was observed three times per day at (from 8.00 to 9.00 h.), (from 12.00 to 13.00 h) and (from 15.00 : 16.00 h) for three days weekly to each group during the experimental period (6 weeks). The observed activities were recorded at 10 min interval for rabbits in each subgroup (6 subgroups for each group). Two blood samplings were taken after weaning process for monitoring some stress indicators. Results: The results showed that the bare biting and lixite bite were significantly affected by weaning which were increased in the weaned group than the unweaned group. Other abnormal behavioral traits and behavioral problems were not influenced by weaning process. The results found that cortisol, growth hormone levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities were significantly increased in serum after weaning. Conclusion: The weaning process has negative effect on some behavioral and physiological responses. So, rearing the young rabbits with their mothers is advantageous from the viewpoint of animal welfare. The findings of this study may help to find out suitable strategies to minimize post weaning stress in both human beings and domestic animals. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 166-172]

Objective: A cross sectional study was conducted in five Haor (wetland) districts of Bangladesh to investigate the epidemiological parameters and associated factors of recurrent outbreak of duck plague (DP) on the basis of molecular detection. Materials and methods: A total of 450 randomly selected duck farms containing 175,467 ducks were investigated for their morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates from December 2012 to November 2014. The farms were surveyed and the owners were interviewed using a prepared questionnaire about husbandry practice, disease history, bio-security measures, and flock and farmer details. A total of 150 samples (liver=50, intestine=50 and oro-pharyngeal tissue=50) were collected from duck plague suspected sick/dead ducks of north eastern part of Bangladesh during outbreak season. Samples were processed and PCR was done directly from the samples using primers specific for duck plague virus. Results: Out of 150 test samples of the fifty duck plague suspected ducks of fifty outbreaks, 90 samples (60%) of 36 ducks of thirty six outbreaks (72%) were found positive by PCR. Overall prevalence of duck plague was 8% at farm level and 3.30% at flock level. Morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates of duck plague at farm level were 52.08, 29.62 and 56.86%, respectively. Of the 22 variables selected for this study, 16 were found significant and the remaining 6 were found non-significant statistically. Conclusion: Results of the epidemiological investigation of the present study regarding duck mortality suggesting that education and training of the farmers on bio-security, modern husbandry practice, regular vaccination and innovation of cost effective intensive duck farming methods are necessary to control recurrent duck plague outbreak in Haor (wetland) areas. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 131-139]

Objective: This study aimed to observe the changes in anatomical pathology, histopathology, and histomorphometry of uterine horn in Aceh cattle with repeat breeding (RB). Materials and methods: In this study, five uterine horns were collected from fertile Aceh cattle (N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5) and Aceh cattle with RB (RB1, RB2, RB3, RB4, and RB5). Changes in the anatomical pathology of uterine horn were observed prior to histopathological preparations. The results were analyzed descriptively. Results: The observation of anatomical pathology revealed that the uterus of fertile cattle was yellowish white with horn-like shape consisting of hollow muscles, while RB cattle were reddish-pale. Furthermore, uterine horn swelling with purulent exudate was observed in the uterine horn of RB1 and RB4, while swelling with serous exudates was found in RB2, RB3, and RB5. Thin-walled uterine horn with caruncular atrophy was observed only in RB3. Histopathological observations showed erosion and hyperplasia of endometrial columnar epithelial and uterine glands in RB1, RB2, RB4, and RB5. Atrophy of uterine gland was found in RB3 and edema of caruncular was observed in RB1 and RB4. In addition, hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages) were found in all RB cattle. Histologically, cow uterus is divided into three layers, endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium with the uterine gland found in the endometrium. Histomorphometric measurements found that the uterine horn wall (endometrial, myometrial, and perimetrium) of RB cattle were thicker than of fertile Aceh cattle, 208.06 ± 39.90 vs. 187.39 ± 29.09 μm, 400.138 ± 51.96 vs. 277.91 ± 42.88 μm, and 23.59 ± 9.67 vs. 18.53 ± 4.40 μm. However, the endometrial gland diameter of RB cattle is smaller than that of fertile Aceh cattle, 4.04 ± 0.88 vs. 4.99 ± 1.37 μm. Conclusion: The changes in anatomical pathology and histopathology of the uterine horn of Aceh cattle with RB indicate endometritis which caused by subacute and chronic bacterial infections. Endometritis causes disrupted blood circulation, which is characterized by hemorrhage, edema, and thickening of the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium, resulting in an increased diameter of the endometrial gland in RB Aceh cattle. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 445-453]