A field study was conducted to determine the prevalence of various poultry diseases in broilers and layers at Khushab district in Pakistan. The prevalence study was conducted in 360 poultry farms. Diagnosis of diseases in poultry was done based on history, clinical signs, post-mortem examination, cultural, and biochemical characterization. Overall, incidence of Newcastle disease (ND) was found as the highest (avg. 7.85%) in broiler, followed by Fowl typhoid (avg. 6.58%), Mycoplasma (avg. 5.68%), Escherichia coli infection (avg. 5.52%), Coccidiosis (avg. 4.59%), Mycotoxicosis (avg. 4.56%), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD; avg. 2.84%), Infectious coryza (avg. 2.50%), Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS; avg. 1.67%), and Infectious bronchitis (IB; avg. 1.59%). The period during April to June appeared to be comparatively safer for the broilers as low incidence of disease was recorded at this period. In case of layers, incidence of ND was the highest (avg. 7.92%), followed by Fowl typhoid (avg. 6.97%), Mycotoxicosis (avg. 5.52%), Coccidiosis (avg. 4.75%), IBD (avg. 3.17%), Mycoplasmosis (avg. 3.0%), Infectious coryza (avg. 2.52%), Fowl cholera (avg. 1.52%), IB (avg. 0.90k%), E. coli infection (avg. 0.73%), and HPS (avg. 0.46%). For layers, the period during January to March appeared to be safer. In conclusion, diversified diseases are prevalent in both layers and broilers. Thus, proper vaccination practices, brooding arrangements, preventive measures, and biosecurity practices are recommended. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b65

A field study was conducted to determine the prevalence of various poultry diseases in broilers and layers at Khushab district in Pakistan. The prevalence study was conducted in 360 poultry farms. Diagnosis of diseases in poultry was done based on history, clinical signs, post-mortem examination, cultural, and biochemical characterization. Overall, incidence of Newcastle disease (ND) was found as the highest (avg. 7.85%) in broiler, followed by Fowl typhoid (avg. 6.58%), Mycoplasma (avg. 5.68%), Escherichia coli infection (avg. 5.52%), Coccidiosis (avg. 4.59%), Mycotoxicosis (avg. 4.56%), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD; avg. 2.84%), Infectious coryza (avg. 2.50%), Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS; avg. 1.67%), and Infectious bronchitis (IB; avg. 1.59%). The period during April to June appeared to be comparatively safer for the broilers as low incidence of disease was recorded at this period. In case of layers, incidence of ND was the highest (avg. 7.92%), followed by Fowl typhoid (avg. 6.97%), Mycotoxicosis (avg. 5.52%), Coccidiosis (avg. 4.75%), IBD (avg. 3.17%), Mycoplasmosis (avg. 3.0%), Infectious coryza (avg. 2.52%), Fowl cholera (avg. 1.52%), IB (avg. 0.90k%), E. coli infection (avg. 0.73%), and HPS (avg. 0.46%). For layers, the period during January to March appeared to be safer. In conclusion, diversified diseases are prevalent in both layers and broilers. Thus, proper vaccination practices, brooding arrangements, preventive measures, and biosecurity practices are recommended.

To explore the expected role of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in pneumonia in cattle, cattle lungs (n=242) showing signs of pneumonia were collected from slaughter houses of three different localities located at Northern, Central and Western Sudan during 2010–2013. The collected samples were tested for the presence of BVDV antigen using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT). Twenty six (10.7%) out of 242 samples were found to be positive for BVDV. Positive results were seen in all the three studied areas, with the highest prevalence (16.7%; n=4/24) at Gezira State in Central Sudan. BVDV genome could be detected in all ELISA positive samples. The results indicated the existence of BVDV infection in cattle in different areas in Sudan, and its possible association with respiratory infections in cattle. Analysis using BLAST indicated that the sequence was identical to the previously reported BVDV-1 (GenBank accession AF220247.1.); nucleotide A was found in our study at position 9 of our sequence, whereas T was present instead in the reference virus. This is the first report of detecting BVDV antigen, genome, and its sequence analysis collected from cattle lungs in Sudan. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b67

To explore the expected role of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in pneumonia in cattle, cattle lungs (n=242) showing signs of pneumonia were collected from slaughter houses of three different localities located at Northern, Central and Western Sudan during 2010–2013. The collected samples were tested for the presence of BVDV antigen using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT). Twenty six (10.7%) out of 242 samples were found to be positive for BVDV. Positive results were seen in all the three studied areas, with the highest prevalence (16.7%; n=4/24) at Gezira State in Central Sudan. BVDV genome could be detected in all ELISA positive samples. The results indicated the existence of BVDV infection in cattle in different areas in Sudan, and its possible association with respiratory infections in cattle. Analysis using BLAST indicated that the sequence was identical to the previously reported BVDV-1 (GenBank accession AF220247.1.); nucleotide A was found in our study at position 9 of our sequence, whereas T was present instead in the reference virus. This is the first report of detecting BVDV antigen, genome, and its sequence analysis collected from cattle lungs in Sudan.

A serological survey for the detection of antibodies to Mycoplasma bovis was conducted in Adamawa State, Nigeria during the year 2012. A total of 400 serum samples were collected from three local government areas (LGA) namely Yola (n=140), Mubi (n=130) and Ganye (n=130), and the samples were examined for the presence of M. bovis antibodies using BIO-X M. bovis antibody ELISA Kit. The overall seroprevalence of M. bovis was recorded as 19.5% (n=78/400). The highest seroprevalence was recorded in Ganye LGA (27.7%; n=36/130), followed by Yola LGA (20.0%; n=28/140) and Mubi LGA (10.8%; n=14/130). The cattle aging <1-year had the highest prevalence (25.8%), followed by 4-year-old cattle (22.4%). Based on sex distribution, 20.4% of the cows and 17.4% of the bulls were seropositive to M. bovis. Breed susceptibility to M. bovis infection showed that White Fulani had the highest prevalence (21.8%), and Sokoto Gudali had the lowest (11.9%). No statistical significant association was found between M. bovis infection and age, sex and breed of the cattle. In conclusion, the above findings are indicative for the presence of M. bovis in the study area. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b77

A serological survey for the detection of antibodies to Mycoplasma bovis was conducted in Adamawa State, Nigeria during the year 2012. A total of 400 serum samples were collected from three local government areas (LGA) namely Yola (n=140), Mubi (n=130) and Ganye (n=130), and the samples were examined for the presence of M. bovis antibodies using BIO-X M. bovis antibody ELISA Kit. The overall seroprevalence of M. bovis was recorded as 19.5% (n=78/400). The highest seroprevalence was recorded in Ganye LGA (27.7%; n=36/130), followed by Yola LGA (20.0%; n=28/140) and Mubi LGA (10.8%; n=14/130). The cattle aging <1-year had the highest prevalence (25.8%), followed by 4-year-old cattle (22.4%). Based on sex distribution, 20.4% of the cows and 17.4% of the bulls were seropositive to M. bovis. Breed susceptibility to M. bovis infection showed that White Fulani had the highest prevalence (21.8%), and Sokoto Gudali had the lowest (11.9%). No statistical significant association was found between M. bovis infection and age, sex and breed of the cattle. In conclusion, the above findings are indicative for the presence of M. bovis in the study area.

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

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.

In the last two decades, the chemical and biological contaminants in livestock and livestock products worldwide have been considered as one of the causes that threatens life of both man and animals. In Sudan very little work has been done in this field. This study was carried out to detect Oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in sheep liver and muscle samples in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 150 samples comprising of liver (n=75) and muscle (n=75) of sheep were collected from three different localities in Khartoum State during the period from March to September 2013. The OTC residues were detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and one plate test (OPT). The results of HPLC showed that the level of OTC residues in liver samples above maximum residue limit (MRL) was 4% (n=3/75) and under MRL was 96%. Regard to muscle samples, the level of OTC residues above MRL was 60.3% (n=35/58), whereas, under MRL was 39.7%. Using OPT, 14.7% (n=11/75) and 6.7% (n=5/75) of liver and muscle samples showed inhibition zone, respectively. It is concluded that OTC residues are detected in sheep liver and muscle sample with different levels in Khartoum state. Further investigation on level of OTC residues in other farm animals and other organs throughout the country is recommended.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b101

In the last two decades, the chemical and biological contaminants in livestock and livestock products worldwide have been considered as one of the causes that threatens life of both man and animals. In Sudan very little work has been done in this field. This study was carried out to detect Oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in sheep liver and muscle samples in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 150 samples comprising of liver (n=75) and muscle (n=75) of sheep were collected from three different localities in Khartoum State during the period from March to September 2013. The OTC residues were detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and one plate test (OPT). The results of HPLC showed that the level of OTC residues in liver samples above maximum residue limit (MRL) was 4% (n=3/75) and under MRL was 96%. Regard to muscle samples, the level of OTC residues above MRL was 60.3% (n=35/58), whereas, under MRL was 39.7%. Using OPT, 14.7% (n=11/75) and 6.7% (n=5/75) of liver and muscle samples showed inhibition zone, respectively. It is concluded that OTC residues are detected in sheep liver and muscle sample with different levels in Khartoum state. Further investigation on level of OTC residues in other farm animals and other organs throughout the country is recommended. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 321-325]

Pasteurella multocida type A is the etiologic agent of fowl cholera, a highly contagious and fatal disease of chickens. The present research work was performed for the isolation, identification and molecular detection of P. multocida Type A from chickens. Liver, heart and spleen of suspected dead chicken (n=35) were collected from Gazipur and Pabna districts in Bangladesh. The targeted bacteria from the samples were isolated, identified and characterized based on their morphology, staining, cultural, biochemical characters, pathogenicity test, histopathological study and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The P. multocida organism was isolated from 11.42% (n=4/35) samples. The organisms were gram negative, non-spore forming rod, non-motile, occurring singly or pairs in Gram staining, whereas in Leishman’s stain, bipolar shaped organisms were observed. All the isolates were found positive for oxidase and catalase tests, produced indole, and fermented glucose, mannitol and sucrose. Necrotic foci in liver and congestion with hemorrhages in heart were found on necropsy. After pathogenicity test, the pathological changes were reconfirmed by histopathology depicting congestion, hemorrhage and lymphocyte infiltration in heart, liver and spleen tissues. In type specific PCR reaction, the organisms were confirmed as P. multocida Type A. In conclusion, P. multocida type A is prevalent among poultry in the studied regions; thus, care must be taken to control of the disease. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b104

Pasteurella multocida type A is the etiologic agent of fowl cholera, a highly contagious and fatal disease of chickens. The present research work was performed for the isolation, identification and molecular detection of P. multocida Type A from chickens. Liver, heart and spleen of suspected dead chicken (n=35) were collected from Gazipur and Pabna districts in Bangladesh. The targeted bacteria from the samples were isolated, identified and characterized based on their morphology, staining, cultural, biochemical characters, pathogenicity test, histopathological study and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The P. multocida organism was isolated from 11.42% (n=4/35) samples. The organisms were gram negative, non-spore forming rod, non-motile, occurring singly or pairs in Gram staining, whereas in Leishman's stain, bipolar shaped organisms were observed. All the isolates were found positive for oxidase and catalase tests, produced indole, and fermented glucose, mannitol and sucrose. Necrotic foci in liver and congestion with hemorrhages in heart were found on necropsy. After pathogenicity test, the pathological changes were reconfirmed by histopathology depicting congestion, hemorrhage and lymphocyte infiltration in heart, liver and spleen tissues. In type specific PCR reaction, the organisms were confirmed as P. multocida Type A. In conclusion, P. multocida type A is prevalent among poultry in the studied regions; thus, care must be taken to control of the disease. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 338-345]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of diets with inclusion of beef tallow on growth, and carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid profile in growing lambs. The experiment was conducted with 15 lambs for 63 days. The lambs were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments (T0, T1, and T2) with five animals in each group; T0 (control diet without beef tallow), T1 (diet with 2% beef tallow), and T2 (diet with 4% beef tallow). The body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in T1 group as compared to other groups. Dressing percentages of warm carcass in T0, T1 and T2 group were 43.93, 42.87 and 44.05%, respectively. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) on meat quality and chemical composition among the three dietary groups. Group T1 showed the highest increase of cholesterol concentration (11.5%) at the end of experiment, but serum triglyceride concentration was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) correlated with any of the three dietary groups. To sum up, the use of beef tallow at 2% level in lamb diet can increase their performance without having any deleterious effect on carcass, meat quality and lipid profile.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b96

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of diets with inclusion of beef tallow on growth, and carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid profile in growing lambs. The experiment was conducted with 15 lambs for 63 days. The lambs were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments (T0, T1, and T2) with five animals in each group; T0 (control diet without beef tallow), T1 (diet with 2% beef tallow), and T2 (diet with 4% beef tallow). The body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in T1 group as compared to other groups. Dressing percentages of warm carcass in T0, T1 and T2 group were 43.93, 42.87 and 44.05%, respectively. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) on meat quality and chemical composition among the three dietary groups. Group T1 showed the highest increase of cholesterol concentration (11.5%) at the end of experiment, but serum triglyceride concentration was not significantly (P>0.05) correlated with any of the three dietary groups. To sum up, the use of beef tallow at 2% level in lamb diet can increase their performance without having any deleterious effect on carcass, meat quality and lipid profile. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 346-352]

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

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]