Non-inflammatory hemagalactia and mastitis in goats often present with similarly discoloured red or pink-tinged milk, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and inappropriate antimicrobial use under field conditions. This technical note describes a simple, field-applicable methodology for the clinical differentiation of mastitis from non-inflammatory haemagalactia in goats. The protocol involves sequential assessment, including whole blood clotting time, gross examination of the milk, udder, and animal, milk pH measurement, evaluation of the layering pattern of milk after centrifugation, milk sediment microscopy and cytology, followed by microbiological culture and sensitivity test of milk to confirm bacterial involvement. This methodology was applied to five clinical cases as a proof-of-concept clinical demonstration and effectively distinguished between: (a) normal milk, (b) non-inflammatory hemagalactia, (c) non-hemorrhagic staphylococcal mastitis, (d) hemorrhagic coliform mastitis, and (e) hemolytic/tissue necrotic staphylococcal mastitis. This approach enabled the clinician to make early treatment decisions based on clinical and laboratory indicators prior to microbiological confirmation which typically requires 48–72 h. The hemagalactia case responded well clinically to intramammary hemostatic therapy without the need for antibiotics, unlike the infectious mastitis cases. Adoption of this methodology may reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use and promote responsible antimicrobial stewardship in small ruminant practice.
To assess the global prevalence, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and public health significance of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in dairy cattle herds, this systematic review identified 514 studies published from 2015 to 2025. The overall global prevalence of STEC was 28.4%. There was a strong age-dependent colonization, with calves showing a significantly higher shedding rate (42.3%) than adult cows (19.8%). On a regional level, Asia experienced the highest pooled prevalence (36.7%) and Europe the lowest (21.2%). An increasing number of non-O157 serotypes (such as O26, O103, and O111) have been replacing the traditional O157:H7 strain. The most important factors that are associated with shedding are the young age of the herd, large numbers, warmer seasons, high-concentrate feeding, and recent usage of antimicrobial agents. Worryingly, 54.3% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and 28.7% were multidrug resistant. Humans can be exposed to it through contaminated dairy and direct contact or through the environment. Improved biosecurity, integrated interventions, especially vaccination, and a One Health approach are essential to reduce this global public health threat.
Feline filarial parasites remain among the least investigated in India, despite the well-established endemicity of filariosis in canine and human populations. This study aimed to assess filarial infections in domestic cats in Kerala using both microscopy and molecular techniques, with a focus on evaluating their potential role as reservoir hosts. From September 2023 to February 2024, 300 owned cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy, were screened for circulating microfilariae using wet blood film examination. Four cats (1.33
The present study evaluated the comparative economic efficiency of pelleted concentrate feeds incorporating with 10% Moringa (T2 ) and 10% Hedge lucerne (T3 ) leaves in camel calves. Growth performance relative to digestible crude protein intake (DCPI) and total digestible nutrient intake (TDNI), along with feed cost per day and cost per kg weight gain, were assessed. Although DCPI and TDNI did not differ significantly among treatments, T3 showed numerically higher nutrient-use efficiency. Daily feed cost was highest in T2 due to the relatively higher production and procurement cost of Moringa leaves, whereas T3 incurred moderate daily costs. Notably, the lowest cost per kg weight gain was observed in the Hedge lucerne-based diet (Rs 77.00 ± 4.45), indicating superior economic efficiency. When interpreted alongside biomass productivity, Hedge lucerne with its high annual dry matter yield and perennial growth habit emerged as a more economical and scalable leaf resource compared to Moringa. The results demonstrate that Hedge lucerne-incorporated pelleted concentrate feeds offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative protein source for livestock production system without compromising growth efficiency
This study evaluated effect of prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides) and acidifiers as dietary supplementation. Experimental trial involved 120 one-day-old chicks fed different dietary treatments for the duration of 42-days. The birds were randomly divided into four groups (C, T1, T2, T3; 30 birds each). Group C (control) received standard broiler mash, T1 received mash with prebiotics (0.5% for 0-3 weeks, 0.25% for 4-6 weeks), T2 received acidifiers at same supplementation levels and T3 received a 1: 1 combination of prebiotics and acidifiers at same levels. There was improvement (P<0.01) in carcass traits (dressing percentage, eviscerated weight and giblet yield) with T3 group outperforming others. Morphometric analysis showed increased villus height and width along with reduced crypt depth in T3 group indicating improved intestinal health. Improvements in dry matter metabolizability and nitrogen balance were also higher (P<0.05) in T3 group. Mortality rates were lower in supplemented groups. Furthermore, economic analysis highlighted higher net profit in T3 group, emphasizing cost-effectiveness of combined supplementation.
