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.

Mastitis is associated with release of free radicals, increased total oxidant capacity and decreased total antioxidants capacity in milk. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals protect the body from free radicals either by directly scavenging free radicals or by inhibiting the activity of oxidizing enzymes. The supplementation of mastitic dairy cows with antioxidant vitamins as vitamin A (VA) and β-carotene (BC), vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE), and antioxidant minerals as selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) is very important to help the animal recover early. The aim of this review was to discuss the oxidative stress in dairy cows’ mastitis, and the roles of VA and BC, VC, VE, Se, Zn, and Cu in mastitis of dairy cows. Before deciding to supplement dairy cow rations with the levels of vitamins and minerals, dairy farmers should have their animal feeds tested and their rations evaluated by a competent dairy cow nutritionist and a trustworthy laboratory to be sure what levels of supplementation may be warranted. While inadequate intake and absorption of certain nutrients may result in a weakened immune system and perhaps more mastitis during the lactation period, unjustified supplementation can be expensive and lead to other animal health problems.

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]

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.

Megaoesophagus is uncommon but an important consideration for chronic regurgitation in dogs. Five dogs of various breeds were presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC) at College of Veterinary Science, Hyderabad with signs of chronic regurgitation, loss of weight, lethargy, weakness, dehydration and abnormalities of skin, and hair coat were diagnosed for megaesophagus on barium meal contrast radiography. At the TVCC, radiography and gastroscopy were performed, and the condition was confirmed as megaesophagus. Ancillary hemato-biochemical evaluations revealed normocytic normochromic anemia and mild leukocytosis with normal enzymatic activity in liver and kidneys. The thyroid profile in 80% (n=4/5) dogs showed decreased T3 and T4, and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels confirming hypothyroidism. Ultrasonography of abdomen eliminated obstructions in the gastro-intestinal tract and other systemic conditions. Echocardiographic observations were normal in all the dogs. Treatment with metoclopramide (dosed at 5 mg/kg bwt) and levothyroxine (dosed at 20 μg/kg bwt) and modified management practices involving feeding and diets were successful in controlling the regurgitation in dogs and resulted in good clinical recovery within 20-30 days of post-treatment.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ticks infesting cattle and seroprevalence of Theileria annulata antibodies in White Nile State, Sudan between March to June 2012. Ticks, blood smears (n=105) and serum samples (n=82) were collected from Rabak, Kosti, El Dowaim, El Getaina, El Jabalain, Kenana and El Gezira Aba. Three tick genera and eleven species were identified. The genera belong to Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The species were A. lepidum (810), A. variegatum (7), H. impeltatum (189), H. truncatum (78), H. anatolicum (255), H. dromedarii (19), H. rufipes (338), R. (Boophilus) decoloratus (54), R. (B.) annulatus (56), R. evertsi evertsi (476) and R. sanguineus group (60). Out of 105 blood smears, 7 (6.7%) were positive for Theileria spp. piroplasms, whereas in ELISA, out of 82 serum samples, 50 (61%) were positive for T. annulata antibodies. It is concluded that there are three tick genera and eleven species infesting cattle in White Nile State and the high prevalence T. annulata antibodies indicates that tropical theileriosis is endemic in the region. Prevalence of Amblyomma spp. implying that heartwater may be endemic in the area.

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 aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two estrus synchronization treatments i.e., Ovsynch alone and Ovsynch plus Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR), on the occurrence of estrus and conception rate in Kundhi buffalo during breeding season in Pakistan. Forty Kundhi buffaloes were randomly selected and were divided into three groups; Group A (n=16; Ovsynch) received 2 mL GnRH intramuscularly (i/m) on day 0 and 9. On day 7, 5 mL prostaglandin F2 and #945; (PGF2 and #945; analogue) was administered through i/m route. The buffaloes of Group B (n=17; Ovsynch+CIDR) received 2 mL GnRH on day 0 along with implantation of CIDR. On day 7, the CIDR was removed, and 5 mL PGF2 and #945; analogue was injected through i/m route. A second dose of GnRH was administered through i/m route after 48 h of PGF2 and #945; inj. in both groups. Group C (n=7; control) received 2 mL normal saline through i/m route on day 0, 7 and 9. The buffaloes of all three groups were artificially inseminated twice (12 h and 24 h after the second GnRH inj.) using frozen-thawed semen. Estrus response differed significantly (P<0.05) among the groups. The animals of Group B (76.47%) showed superior estrus response as compared to others. Higher conception rate (52.94%) was observed in the animals of Group B; however, the difference was not significant. In conclusion, Ovsynch+CIDR causes to occur better estrus response and conception rate as compared to Ovsynch alone in Kundhi buffaloes during breeding season. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 362-365]

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 objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of EK extender alone or incorporation with CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) and/or soyphosphatidylcholine (SPC) in poultry semen and their effects on seminal traits during temporal storage at 4⁰C for different time intervals (12 h, 24 h, and 36 h). Heterospermic pooled semen samples diluted (1:4) with EK, EK + SPC, EK+ CoQ10 and EK + SPC + CoQ10 extenders separately, preserved and different spermiogram were assessed. Various seminal traits within the same extender differ significantly (p<0.05) among different groups and with different time intervals of storage. CoQ10 and SPC in the EK extender exhibited favorable synergistic effect on sperm quality and were able to protect the male gametes against cold-stress up to 36h at 4⁰C. In this study, we concluded that incorporation of SPC and CoQ10 together in EK extender possess novel potentiality to maintain seminal quality during liquid storage of poultry semen at 4⁰C and for their safe transportation and further use for Artificial Reproductive technologies (ARTs).