Traceability methods in livestock sector through the tracking of animal species, breed or even individuals, has become of utmost importance as a vehicle for ensuring consumers food safety. The advent of new technology at DNA level has facilitated the convenience and the accuracy of the implementation of traceability methods. The scope of this review is to highlight the most up to date progress on DNA based approaches concerning the traceability procedures for small ruminant species and/or their products, giving emphasis on short tandem repeats (microsatellites) and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The conclusions of this review may be used either from the farmer or the State and other Organisations in order not only to certify traceability throughout the whole food process chain but to ensure also consumers food safety. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 255-264]

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 significant number of animals enrolled at UVH regularly from surrounding villages for treating their sick animals, de-worming, vaccination purposes. Therefore, a study was done to define the occurrence of common diseases and disease conditions in cattle and goats at the Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Debidwar under Comilla district. Materials and methods: Data on various diseases were collected from the record book of hospital during April 2016 to March 2017. The total number of animals were 889, among which cattle were 637 (71.65%) and goats were 252 (28.35%). The presumptive diagnosis was performed based on general examination, physical examination, and clinical examination of animals, and microscopic examination based on common laboratory techniques. Results: Based on clinical examinations, 14 different types of diseases and disease conditions were detected. In cattle (N=637; 71.65%), where FMD (14.44%, n=92), mastitis (6.59%, n=42), digestive disorders (19%, n=121), respiratory disorders (6.12%, n=39), parasitic infestations such as mixed infestation of both ecto- and endo-parasites (34.22%, n=218), acidosis (1.88%, n=12), myiasis (6.12%, n=39), corneal opacity (1.57%, n=10), protozoal diseases (1.26%, n=8), BQ (2.20%, n=14), milk fever (0.94%, n=6), reproductive disorders (4.87%, n=31) and others (0.75%, n=5) were detected. Age wise prevalence in young and adult were (38.62%, n=246) and (61.38%, n=391), respectively. Moreover, sex wise prevalence in male and female were (34.85%, n=222) and (65.15%, n=415) respectively. In goat, (N= 252; 28.35%) 11 different types of diseases and disease conditions such as PPR (12.30%, n=31), mastitis (2.38%, n=6), digestive disorders (19.84%, n=50), parasitic infestation (29.76%, n=75), respiratory disorders (15.08, n=38), myiasis (11.11%, n=28), corneal opacity (4.76%, n=12), acidosis (1.98%, n=5) protozoal diseases such as babesiosis, anaplasmosis (0.79%, n=2) and reproductive disorders (1.59%, n=4), correspondingly. Sex wise prevalence in male and female goat were (44.05%, n=111) and (55.95%, n=141), respectively. Conclusion: All the diseases and disease conditionswere recorded more or less frequently among all age group of cattle and goats though some of the specific diseases and disease conditionshad specific age and species susceptibility such as black quarter in young cattle and PPR in young goats, respectively. A comprehensive updated data with the total population record of that area and proper analysis is needed to identify the actual level of disease and disease conditions in UVH. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 117-122]

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the newly arrived pure breed sheep considering antibody against some diseases and immunization of the animal against endemic diseases of hosting area according to species. Materials and methods: A total of 42 pure exotic breed of sheep, originated from Australia namely Parendale (n=14), Suffolk (n=13) and Dorper (n=15), imported by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) were used in this study. Before shifting the animals to sheep farm, 1-month quarantine was done in an isolated shed by following step by step technique; first week was used for close observation, second week for immunization of animal against endemic diseases, third week for monitoring and observation against immunization, and the fourth week was used for determination of animal health status and immunity level. On day 1 and 2, the sheep remained at full rest along with supplied habituated feed, saline and drinking water. On day 3, fecal sample was collected from all animals to measure parasitic load. On day 4, blood and oculo-nasal discharge samples were collected to detect blood protozoa, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), foot and mouth disease (FMD) and other infectious zoonotic diseases like anthrax, brucellosis and tuberculosis. In the second week, immunization was done against PPR, FMD and hemorrhagic septisemia (HS) at two days interval. Farm biosecurity and biosafety for the workers and officers was maintained according to standard guideline. In the third week, the animals continued to be under close observation. On day 29, the antibody level produced due to vaccination was measured. Results: Parasitic load was found to be very low, and blood protozoa, PPR, FMD, anthrax, brucellosis and tuberculosis were negative. The antibody titer was detected at the acceptable level in sheep on day 29. The quarantine committee decided that the sheep were ready to transfer to the farm along with some recommendations. After completion of 1-month quarantine period, all sheep could not transmit any diseases in Bangladesh. Conclusion: Quarantine is mandatory for entering any new animal in a new area that gives the outline of different new diseases. It also acts as radar of exotic disease in a country. So, this quarantine technique serves the purpose for livestock owners effectively. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 67-72]

Objective: Until recently, management of repeat breeding in cattle remains a major problem to dairy farmers. This study was carried out to improve the fertility in cows, those did not conceive after three or more consecutive services. Materials and methods: Twenty-three repeat breeding cows were selected from the Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (CCBS & DF), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data of another 23 repeat breeding cows that conceived after four or more services were collected from the same farm as controls. The repeat breeders were synchronized for estrus with two injections of PGF2α 11 days apart and timed AI (TAI) was performed. Results: Seventeen of 23 cows had uterine infections. Intrauterine infusion of penicillin daily for three successive days from the following day of the first PGF2α injection resulted in 94.1% (16/17) recovery. Of 23 treated cows, four with estrus synchronization and TAI, and one with only AI after hormone treatment were detected pregnant by per rectal examination of the genital tract. By this pregnancy, the treated cows have advanced average of 131.6 days calving interval and days open, and thereby saved neat US $3,045.3 in comparison to control cows. Control group cows incurred losses of US $15,134.0 compared with average days open of the treated pregnant cows. Conclusion: Intrauterine infusion of penicillin can successfully recover the uterine infections, and estrus synchronization followed by TAI resulted in pregnancy in a proportion of repeat breeder cows with economic benefit that had a uterine infection. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 454-458]

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the weight and reproductive performances of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou Breeding Farm (KBF) in the south western of Benin Republic. Materials and methods: The weight performance and body measurements were taken on a total of 150 Girolando cattle. The study of the reproductive traits was based on the recorded demographic indicators between 2012-2013 of 67 cows. Results: From calving to the age of 3 months, the monthly average weight of calves did not vary with the season of calving (P>0.05). Between the 4th and 9th month, the weight varied with the birth seasons and the sex of the calf. Beyond 9th month, the calfs average weight was the same regardless the calving season. At the age of 24 months, the highest weight (393.33 kg) was obtained during the long rainy season. The highest average weight was 398.22 Kg for males against 364.25 Kg for females at 24 months. The fertility rates ranged from 91.18% to 100% and the fecundity rate ranged from 85.29% to 103% during the study period. The apparent fertility rate was 91.18%. As for the calving and abortion rates, they were 93.55% and 6.45%, respectively. The mortality rate before weaning was 6.90% while the weaning viability was 93.10%. Calving occurred from January to June and from August to December. Conclusion: In overall, the Girolando performances are satisfactory and show a good adaptation at KBF. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 123-130]

Objective: This study was aimed at studying efficacy of medical management of corneal opacity in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Material and methods: A 42 years old male Asian elephant was brought to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital (TVH) at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) with a history of chronic lacrimation and impaired vision. On clinical examination, the animal was found apparently healthy. Opthalmological examination tentatively revealed the condition as corneal opacity. The left eye was much more affected as compared to the right one. Medical management was instituted with topical administration of ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone, subconjunctival prednisolone and dexamethasone along with intramuscular ketoprofen (at 1 mg/Kg bwt) and vitamin A (at 5000 IU/Kg bwt). Results: The mahout (elepenat caretaker) of the elephant was kept in close contact over cell phone to follow up the progress of the condition. Clinical examination after 19 days revealed complete recovery of the cornel opacity. There was no sign of lacrimation and the animal regained its normal vision. Conclusion: The treatment protocol successfully eliminated the discomfort along with corneal opacity and lacrimation in an Asian elephant. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(1.000): 98-100]

Objective: The objectives of our study were to estimate the effect of some non-genetic factors on production and reproduction traits of Egyptian buffaloes and to estimate the breeding values for these traits. Materials and Methods: Data from 965 lactation records of 305 Egyptian buffalo cows mated by 73 sires that were raised at Mahallet Mousa Experimental farms of Animal Production Research Institute were collected. Dairy records covered the period from 2001 to 2015. The data were arranged and statistically analyzed using SAS version 9.1.3 to study the effect of non-genetic factors and the MTDFREMAL program was included in estimating the expected breeding values. Results: Our results showed that buffalo cows that calved in winter season recorded the highest and significant total milk yield (TMY) and daily milk yield (DMY) traits and the best reproductive performance was indicated by the lower number of services per conception and the shortest calving interval (CI) period. Moreover, age at first calving and dry period (DP) showed a highly significant effect on the TMY and DMY. A significant effect for the level of milk production on days open (DO) period was recorded in our study. The range of sires EBV was 540 kg, 295.2 days, 113.9 days, 2.8 months, and 71.1 days for TMY, LL, DO, CI, and DP, respectively. Conclusion: Buffalos breeders must consider the season of calving, parity, and DP in management program because they greatly affect the farm productivity and profitability and they must select animals with higher breeding values to be the parent of the next generation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 374-380]

Objective: Screening of antibiotic residues in broiler chicken meat and liver collected from farms and local markets in Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 160 samples (breast, thigh muscle and liver) were collected from markets and farms from different region of Bangladesh. PBS buffer system with trichloracetic acid and diethyl ether based sample extraction was performed. For comparison the standard antibiotics; Ciprofloxacin (CIP), Enrofloxacin (ENR), Oxytetracycline (OTC), Amoxicillin (AMOX) and Doxycycline (DOX) were prepared by dissolving in methanol. Samples were pointed on TLC plates transferred to TLC tank containing acetone-methanol (1:1) as mobile phase. Retention factor (Rf) was calculated after observing the chromatograms on UV light at 256 nm. Same Rf value of standard and sample considered similar compound. Results: Liver sample were mostly positive for antibiotics residue followed by thigh muscles and breast muscle. The frequency of antibiotic residues was highest in liver followed by thigh muscles and breast muscle. Among the antibiotics CIP ranked top in all types of sample. In breast muscle highest antibiotic was CIP (39%) followed by DOX (26%), AMOX (24%), OTC (23%) and lowest was ENR (21%). In thigh muscle, 42, 29, 28, 27 and 24% sample was positive for CIP, OTC, DOX, AMOX and ENR, respectively. Highest number of liver samples were shown positive result for all screened antibiotics (CIP-52%, OTC-46%, DOX-43%, AMOX-42% and ENR-36%). Conclusion: This study ascertained those antibiotics residues are present in chicken muscle and liver which causes serious health hazards to consumers. So proper steps should be taken to control emergence of antibiotic resistance in human being as well as in the environment. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 140-145]

Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the outbreak situation in terms of animal, place, and time towards minimizing the risk of animal infection at the source in future and subsequent spillover in human in the endemic rural settings. Methodology: An outbreak investigation team from the Department of Livestock Services visited in each of the outbreak sites to explore the event towards strengthening the control program in the future. Meat samples of the infected slaughtered animals were collected to confirm the causal agent of the animal outbreak using polychrome methylene blue microscopic examination technique. Participatory epidemiology tool such as semi-structured interview had been used in these investigations to realize the knowledge and practices of local people/cattle keepers on anthrax control and prevention in animal and human as well. Results: All identified affected human cases had been confirmed as a history of contact with the animal carcasses or handling/processing with infected meat. The level of awareness at the community level was not satisfactory for the prevention and control of anthrax at the source and further spillover in human. The infected slaughtered animals found to be in non-vaccinated status during the outbreak investigation and uncontrolled animal movement is considered to be responsible for new outbreaks in a vaccinated zone where enforcement of veterinary legislation is inadequate. Conclusion: A comprehensive preparedness and response strategy is to be obligatory for prevention, control and respond on anthrax in Bangladesh. Maximum vaccination coverage in the animal, increase community awareness of animal and human anthrax are also demanded for transmission of anthrax from animal to human. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(4.000): 397-404]