Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of daily intake of vitamin C or selenium against deleterious effects of nicotine toxicity on pregnant albino rats. Materials and methods: Forty albino pregnant rats were equally distributed into four groups. Group A was considered as control. Group B was administered with nicotine dosed at 1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) daily for 7 weeks (wks) from 1st day of gestation until the postnatal 4 wks. Group C was treated with nicotine and vitamin C dosed at 1 mg/kg bwt orally for 7 wks, group D was treated with nicotine and sodium selenite dosed at 1 ug/100 g bwt concurrently for 7 wks. The levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), protein carbonyl (PC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were estimated in homogenates of the lung, kidney and liver. Histopathological studies using hematoxylin and eosin as well as immunohistochemical studies using p53 antibody were also done. Results: Nicotine significantly elevated the levels of TBARS and PC as compared to control rats. Groups C and D showed decrease in these levels significantly. CAT and SOD activities of group B were decreased significantly. Significant elevation of CAT and SOD activities was detected in both groups C and D. Vitamin C elevated the antioxidant enzymes activities to normal levels, however selenium administration improved these levels but still lower than those of group A. Expression of p53 was decreased in group B as compared to group A. Vitamin C completely reversed the expression of p53 as group A. However, group D did not showed any significant changes in expressions as compared to group B. Conclusion: It is concluded that vitamin C intake was useful than selenium in prevention against nicotine-induced oxidative stress including p53 expression in the lung, kidney and liver of pregnant rats. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 321-331]

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify rabies virus in camels and other animals in Sudan. Materials and methods: Four camel samples were collected from Garraht Elzawia, Kab-kabia and North Darfur areas in Sudan. The samples were collected based on clinical signs. In addition, two camel samples were obtained from Khartoum and Tambool, one goat sample was collected from El-Fashir, and one cattle sample was obtained from Atbara. The samples were transported to the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) at Khartoum, Sudan for further studies. The samples were subjected for nested and hemi nested RT-PCR (hnRT-PCR) along with the gold standard Fluorescent antibody test (FAT) to diagnose rabies. Results: Out of eight samples, seven were found to be positive by both FAT and RT-PCR methods. The remaining one sample was positive by FAT but negative by hnRT-PCR indicating the suitablity of hnRT-PCR along with FAT for accurate diagnosis of rabies in animals. Conclusion: The study concluded that FAT and RT-PCR are useful tools for research and diagnosis of rabies. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 274-277]

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the some hematological values and ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratio of Jaydara sheep in Kyrgyzstan. The availability of information on hematological and biochemical parameters is essential to research conducted with an aim to increase yields in animal production. Materials and methods: The investigation was carried out on 60 healthy sheep aged between 2-3 years old. Leucocyte and erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), differential leucocyte ratios and ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratios were investigated in blood samples using an automated cell counter machine. Results: The leucocyte count in Jaydara sheep was found to 4.92+/-0.59 x 103/mm3. Similarly, erythrocyte count was 11.73+/-0.65 x 103/mm3. On the other hand, hemoglobin content in blood was 11.70+/-0.51 gm/dL. The hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and MCHC values were 30.02+/-1.70 %, 25.64+/-1.28 and micro;3, 10.68+/-0.59 pg and 41.76+/-2.31% respectively. The differential leucocyte counts in Jaydara sheep were 42.53+/-1.13 (Neutrophil), 52.61+/-1.08 (Lymphocyte), 2.75+/-0.55 (Monocyte), 1.58+/-0.17 (Eosinophil), and 0.52+/-0.52 (Basophil). The ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratios in Jaydara sheep was found to be 65.00+/-2.55. Conclusion: The hematological parameters in healthy Jaydara sheep can be used as reference values for this particular sheep breed in future. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 8-12]

Objective: This research work was conducted for isolation of Salmonella spp. from duck and pigeon and assessment of antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolated Salmonella spp. Materials and methods: A total of 48 duck samples comprising of liver (n=16) spleen (n=16) and intestinal content (n=16) were collected from 16 ducks (8 sick and 8 dead). Similarly, 42 pigeon samples comprising of liver (n=14), spleen (n=14) and intestinal contents (n=14) were collected from 14 pigeons (7 sick and 7 dead). The samples were collected from the selected Duck and Pigeon farms at three Upazillas (sub-districts) in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. The samples were subjected for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. following standard bacteriological examinations such as cultural and morphological characteristics, biochemical properties and motility test. Commercially available antibiotic discs were used for the assesment of antibiotic resistant patterns by disc diffusion method. Results: Salmonella spp. could be isolated from 39.58% (n=19/48) duck and 28.57% (n=12/42) pigeon samples. The growth of colony with different characteristics in Brilliant Green agar, Nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar and Mac Conkey agar indicated positive results. Dextrose and mannitol were fermented and in Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) slant media, the isolates produced red color, yellow in butt with slightly black color. Positive result was found in Indole and Methyl Red media. The isolated Salmonella organisms were found to be highly sensitive to Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin. Conclusion: Pigeons and ducks found in the study area may be the carrier of Salmonella spp. The farm should be checked periodically to know the status of Salmonella infection. Further study might be isolation and identification of Salmonella organism with detail genomic analysis and drug resistance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 386-391]

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]

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: 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: Heavy metals are serious environmental pollutants and their uptake and accumulation in the ecosystem, beyond safe limits, would cause direct consequences to food chain and ultimately to man. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the presence and levels of lead (Pb) in muscles and organs of slaughtered pigs at Nsukka agricultural zone, Nigeria. Materials and methods: From a total of 160 slaughtered pigs, liver, kidney and muscle of each pig were collected and processed for the detection of lead residue using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: A prevalence rate of 81.25% was recorded for Pb residue in Nsukka agricultural zone. There is a strong association (P<0.0001) between occurrence of Pb residue and the source of samples. Mean concentrations of 0.0758 mg/kg, 0.1050 mg/kg and 0.0985 mg/kg were recorded in kidney, mean concentrations of 0.1676 mg/kg, 0.1235 mg/kg and 0.1955 mg/kg were recorded in liver and mean concentrations of 0.0598 mg/kg, 0.0870 mg/kg and 0.1020 mg/kg in muscle samples in Nsukka, orba and Obollo slaughter houses respectively. There is no significant (P<0.05) difference between the mean concentrations of the Pb in the liver, kidney and muscle samples (Nsukka, Orba and Obollo) and its maximum permissible levels (MPL). Conclusion: More than half of the samples were positive for Pb and few samples that exceeded the MPL may pose human health threat to pork consumers in the study area. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(4.000): 392-398]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the keeping quality of powder milk sold at local markets in Mansoura City, Egypt, and to isolate the contaminated bacteria particularly Salmonella spp., E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus from these milk samples. Materials and methods: A total of 50 powder milk samples were collected from different sources at Mansoura, Egypt. The samples were subjected for physical examination to determine their pH and acidity. Microbiologcal assessment of the samples were done by Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), True fecal E. coli count, and Most Probable Number (MPN), and Total mold and yeast count. Results: Minimum and maximum values of TBC were 0.45 and times;102 cfu/gm and 5.11 and times;103 cfu/gm milk powder, respectively. On the other hand, minimum and maximum values of fungal count were 0.08 and times;102/gm and 2 and times;102/gm samples, respectively. No E. coli and Salmonella spp. could be isolated from the samples. However, 18% (n=9/50) samples were found to be contaminated with Staph. aureus. Conclusion: Based on the Egyptian Standards, the samples were satisfactory in terms of the association of Salmonella spp., E. coli, and fungi. Contamination with Staph. aureus warrans the public health. Thus, appropriate care and preventive measures are suggested. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(1.000): 75-78]