Mastitis is a condition that affects large numbers of milch animals caused by several species of bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma. A total number of 180 milk samples received from an organized farm in Jamdoli, Rajasthan state, India for a period of two years (2023-24) were subjected to California Mastitis Test (CMT), culture studies and for Gram's method of staining. The study revealed the grams positive bacteria i.e. Staphylococcus Sp Streptococcus Sp, Corynebacterium Sp and Clostridium Sp and the Grams negative bacteria i.e. E. coli, Salmonella Sp, Yersinia Sp, Klebsiella Sp and Pseudomonas Sp. The antibiogram study for these bacteria revealed sensitive patterns of antibiotics which were used regularly in bovine mastitis problem in this farm. The 16 antibiotics belongs to 7 antibiotic classes were subjected to antibiogram studies. In this study amikacin showed a sensitive value of 88.88%, followed by levofloxacin 77.77%, tetracycline 74%, ofloxacin 70.30%, ampicillin/ sulbactam 62.9%, gentamycin 62.9%, doxycycline 59.21%, imipenem 55.5%,co-trimoxazole (51.85%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (44.44), ceftriaxone (CTR)(33.33%), strepto-penicillin (29.6%), cefotaxime (CTX), 22.22%, cefixime (CFM) 14.81%, penicillin-G 11.11% and ampicillin 7.4%.The antibiogram studies with mastitis milk revealed the prevalence of multiple drug resistance (MDR) pattern for 7 antibiotic classes in this dairy herd.
The enteric colibacillosis is a major reason for death of post weaned piglets worldwide. Porcine diarrhoea is commonly caused by different types of E. coli particularly colonization of the small intestine by enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli. The Shiga toxin producing E. coli, neurotoxigenic E. coli, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, entero aggregative E. coli and entero invasive E. coli are the major group of E.coli affecting young piglets. A total of 52 faecal swab and 35 post mortem samples were collected from 3 piggeryfarms in Tamil Nadu having history of post weaning diarrhoea. The post mortem lesions show severe dehydration and distention of the small intestine with yellowish, watery mucoid fluid and the colon dilated with mucoid fluid. The stomach is dilated with partially digested food. The samples were subjected in to culture isolation and identification with Mac Conkey, XLD, EMP,MSA and BHI agar. Among the 87 samples 48 samples showsE.coli and 2 samples shows Salmonella isolates by colony morphology and biochemical test. The intestinal content and rectal swab were subjected into parasitic examination which shows negative for Ascariasis and other parasitic eggs. The samples were subjected into DNA extraction and PCR with specific primers. The clinical examination and the post mortem were performed with suspected piglets and the clinical examination of suspected piglet shows severe emaciation and swelling of head The antibiotic sensitivity pattern shows sensitivity towards chloramphenicol and levofloxacin and moxifloxacin resistance to most of the antibiotics.
A feeding trial of 180 days duration conducted on river buffalo calves following strategic feeding of phyto-feed additives (PFAs) to assess their ability to reduce enteric methane production. Twenty male buffalo calves (average body weight, 165 +/- 4 kg) divided into four groups using completely randomized design, were subjected to four treatments viz.; basal diet (T0, control), basal diet with PFAI (Allium sativum bulb, Trachyspermum ammi seeds, Terminalia chebula seed pulp and Sapindus mukorossi nut pulp, mixed in equal proportion) at the rate of 1% of dry matter intake (T1), basal diet with PFAII (T. ammi oil ) at the rate of 1ml per kg DMI (T2) and basal diet with PFAs where PFAI was offered for 15 days thereafter PFAII for the next 15 days and the switching of the two PFAs continued throughout the experiment (T3). The treatments were formulated to compare the effects of different PFAs on growth, nutrient utilization and methane mitigation in buffalo calves. T3 was designed to examine the possible synergistic effect and reduction in microbial adaptation through alternate use of both additives. All the calves fed on a diet consisting of wheat straw and concentrate mixture in 50:50 ratios. Feeding of PFAI and II did not affect DMI, nutrients digestibility and growth performance of the animals. The methane production was reduced (P<0.05) by 20.2, 19.1 and 25.9 (l/kg DMI) and 24.5, 19.6 and 29.5% (l/kg digestible DMI) in T1, T2 and T3 group respectively, as compared to control. The methane energy loss as percent of gross energy intake was lesser (P<0.07) in PFA supplemented groups as compared to control group. All the animals were in positive nitrogen balance with no difference among the groups. The blood haematology and biochemicals were similar in all the groups. Interestingly, the anti-methanogenic characteristic of both the PFAs persisted up to six months of feeding but the alternate feeding of the PFAs did not have any additional advantage on the enteric methane reduction in buffaloes.
This study evaluated the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica), girawa (Vernonia amygdalina), and garlic (Allium sativum) powder on the haematological, serum biochemical, and gastrointestinal bacterial counts in layer hens. A total of 128 layer hens were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: a control diet (T1) with no additives; neem leaf meal (T2); girawa leaf meal (T3); and garlic powder (T4), each at 2.5%. Each treatment had 4 replicates with 32 hens per treatment, and the study lasted for 12 weeks following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Blood samples were collected for haematological and serological analysis, and at the end of the study, two chickens from each replicate were slaughtered for bacterial load analysis. The results showed significant effects of dietary treatments on haematological parameters. Packed cell volume (PCV) differed significantly (P < 0.01), with the highest value in T2 (35%) and the lowest in T1 (17.43%). Hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell (RBC) count also differed significantly (P < 0.01), with the highest values in T2 (9.22 g/dl and 2.61 & times; 106/mm3, respectively) and the lowest in T1. Lymphocytes, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Serum biochemical indices were not significantly affected (P > 0.05). Importantly, bacterial counts in various gut segments were significantly lower in treated groups compared to T1 (P < 0.01), with reductions in E. coli and Salmonella counts and increased lactobacillus counts. In conclusion, the inclusion of 2.5% neem, girawa, or garlic powder in the diet did not negatively impact blood profiles and improve haematological health and gut microbiota.
In the present study, ileal endogenous amino acid (EAA) losses were estimated in broiler chicks on 7(th) and 21(st) day with a nitrogen free diet (NFD) to determine standardized ileal digestibility of rice distiller dried grain with solubles (Rice DDGS). Day-old 240 broiler chicks were equally distributed into two phases i.e. 7(th) day phase and 21(st) day phase. In both the phases there were two treatment groups (T(1 )and T-2)-each having four replicates of 15 birds. All the birds from 7(th) day phase were procured broiler pre-starter feed during first 2 days. Then they were assigned into dietary treatments, T-1 (NFD) and T-2 (Rice DDGS diet) till day 7. Similarly, all birds from 21(st )day phase were provided broiler starter diet up to 16 days after which assigned into similar dietary treatments like 7(th) day phase till day 21(st). On 7th and 21(st) day respective all birds were killed to obtain ileal digesta. Ileal endogenous amino acid flow was determined in T-1, and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility (AIAAD) and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) were calculated in T-2 group. The study concludes that endogenous ileal amino acid flow was found to be higher at 7(th )day compared to 21(st) day. Further, AIAAD and SIAAD of rice DDGS increased with growth of birds.
A retrospective study of 180 cases of bovine dystocia presented to Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, was conducted between June 2022 and September 2023. The incidence of torsion was recorded as 76.67% (138/180). Among the 138 animals, 93.48% were buffaloes and 6.52% were cows. Detailed obstetrical examination revealed a higher incidence of uterine torsion in pluriparous animals (72.46%) compared to primipara (27.54%), with right-sided torsion being more prevalent (93.48%). Post-cervical torsion was more common (90.58%) than pre-cervical torsion (9.42%). Most cases had a torsion of 90-180 degrees (57.25%), compared to 0-90 degrees (14.49%) and 180-360 degrees and greater than 360 degrees (28.26%). Modified Schaffer's method of detorsion was successful with per-vaginal delivery of calves in 100 buffaloes (77.52%) and 4 cows (44.44%), with more calves being delivered in anterior longitudinal presentation (95.2%) rather than posterior longitudinal presentation (4.8%). The survival rate of the newborn calves was 17.70%, with a higher proportion of males (65.49%). This study provides field-level insights into the clinical presentation and outcome of uterine torsion in cattle and buffaloes under referral conditions.
The present experiment was designed to elucidate the serum biochemical, oxidative stress and pathomorphological changes in liver induced by feeding of graded doses of T-2 toxin in Wistar rats. A total of 192 male Wistar rats, 4 weeks of age were divided into four groups of 48 rats each receiving different levels of T-2 toxin in feed i.e. groups I- 0.5, II- 0.75 and III- 1.0 parts per million (ppm) and group IV (control) toxin free diet. The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks and 8 animals each were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks intervals. Biochemically, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, decreased albumin: globulin ratios (A:G), and increased serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were observed in T-2 treated group rats in dose and duration dependent manner. Significant (P<0.05) changes in oxidative stress enzymes like Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Reduced glutathione levels in liver were observed indicating potential role of free radicals in causing hepatic injury due to T-2 toxicity. Pathomorphological studies revealed appreciable gross changes in liver viz, mottling of surface, enlargement and paleness in the highest dose group. The relative weights of liver were increased in T-2 treated rats as compared with those in control group rats. The most consistent histopathological lesions in the liver included swollen hepatocytes with granular or vacuolated cytoplasm, karyomegaly, double nuclei and anisokaryosis, proliferation of bile ductules and mononuclear cell infiltration in the portal areas in a dose and duration dependent manner. It was concluded that oxidative stress played a major role in T-2 toxin induced hepatotoxicity.
Livestock wastewater, primarily consisting of animal excreta and wash water, poses a growing environmental challenge due to its high content of organic matter, suspended solids, nutrients, and microbial load. In regions like Northeast India, improper disposal of such effluents can significantly degrade surface water quality, threaten aquatic ecosystems, and pose public health risks. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological properties of wastewater from six livestock farms in and around Guwahati, Assam, over 12 months (September 2021 to August 2022). A total of 144 wastewater samples were collected monthly and analysed using APHA (2017) standard protocols. Key parameters included temperature, pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), electrical conductivity (EC), and total viable count (TVC). Significant seasonal variation (P<0.05) was observed across all parameters. Maximum temperature (28.84 +/- 0.04 degrees C) occurred in August, while the lowest (16.99 +/- 0.03 degrees C) was in December. Peak turbidity (280.06 +/- 17.51 NTU) and TSS (736.73 +/- 1.66 mg/L) were observed in June, likely due to rainfall-induced runoff. Conversely, the highest TDS (852.78 +/- 27.09 mg/L) and EC (5.73 +/- 0.43 mS/cm) were found in January, attributed to reduced dilution and evaporation. BOD peaked in December (155.11 +/- 2.39 mg/L), and TVC reached a maximum of 8.63 log cfu/mL in January. Most values exceeded WHO permissible limits, especially for turbidity, BOD, and microbial count. The findings stress the urgent need for effective livestock wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and policy interventions to mitigate pollution risks and safeguard public health and aquatic resources in the region.
The present study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of antioxidants in bovine tropical theileriosis. Eighteen Theileria-positive cattle based on PCR were selected for a therapeutic trial, comprising 6 animals in each three treatment groups (II, III, IV) and a healthy control group (I). Group II received standard treatment, Group III received standard treatment with Vitamin E and selenium, and Group IV received standard treatment with multivitamins lacking selenium. Haematological and biochemical evaluations were conducted on day 0, 7, and 14 post-treatment. Haematological findings revealed anaemia and leucopenia, however the biochemical findings showed hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminemia, and increased levels of GGT. Results also indicated significant hematological improvement in treatment groups receiving adjunctive therapy, but animals under Group III showed the highest recovery rates in PCV, hemoglobin, TEC, total protein, albumin, GGT, and antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, GPx, and catalase). The study confirms that Vitamin E and selenium adjunctive therapy enhances recovery and mitigates oxidative stress in T. annulata-infected cattle more effectively than standard treatment alone.
The intensification and competitiveness of beef cattle production have increased the importance of careful sire selection, as bulls exert a disproportionate influence on the genetic and economic performance of herds. In this context, this study analyzes the factors that determine the selling prices of Hereford and Braford bulls marketed at certified auctions in Brazil. Data from 1,046 bulls sold at 26 auctions held in 2023 and organized by the breed association were used. The empirical analysis was based on multiple regression models estimated using the backward method, with Model 4 adopted as the final specification due to its greater parsimony and statistical stability. The results indicate that price formation is mainly explained by observable productive characteristics, such as animal weight and age, as well as birth weight, which showed a negative effect associated with potential productive risks. Among non-productive factors, the dual brand-assigned to animals ranked among the top 30% in evaluation programs-and the presence of awards stand out, both exerting a positive and statistically significant impact on the final price. The findings suggest that simplified institutional signals of quality play a central role in bull valuation, whereas more complex genetic information remains underutilized in the decision-making process.
Urinary exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles which are released into the urine during the physiological and pathological conditions. Exosomes contain protein, mRNA and microRNA representative of their cell type of origin and their concentration may vary according to the biochemical state of the individual animal. Isolation and characterization of exosomes are necessary before urinary exosome biomarkers can be found. For the first time, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based precipitation method was standardized for the isolation of exosomes from the urine of buffaloes at the estrus phase. The isolated urinary exosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy which revealed the vesicles are of less than 100nm size and had the property to co-precipitate. Upon isolation of total RNA and protein from these urinary exosomes by trizol method, sufficient RNA and protein yield was obtained. More intense protein bands were obtained on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) from urinary exosomes isolated by the PEG precipitation when compared to the ultracentrifugation method. As a result, our PEG precipitation method provides a rapid, scalable, and efficient substitute for the ultracentrifugation method in the process of isolating exosomes from buffalo urine. The use of urinary exosomes isolated by this PEG precipitation method for proteomic and transcriptomic studies needs further validation such that the present study can aid in biomarker studies.
Punganur cattle is a miniature breed that was evolved to endure low rainfall and draught conditions of the native climatic conditions of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This breed thrives on nominal feed with reasonable milk production. Scanty studies were conducted in this breed and there was a lack in establishment of base physio-biochemical values in this breed and also there were almost no studies on the changes in the physiobiochemical activities in these cattle in different seasons. In this context, the present study was designed to present the base levels of serum enzymes in this breed and to see the effect of seasons on serum enzymes in Punganur cattle. Sixty apparently healthy Punganur cattle [Females (n=30) and Males (n=30)] that were aged above 2 years Serum AST, ALT, ALP and GGT enzyme concentrations during different seasons in these cattle were studied and compared. As a result of the present study, establishment of base level serum enzyme values could be achieved in both the sexes of the Punganur breed across the seasons. Also a comparative effect of different seasons on the serum enzymes in both sexes of the breed was studied which shows significantly (P<0.05) elevated levels of AST, ALT and ALP in summer in either of the sexes with no alteration in serum GGT among different seasons in them.
This study aims at analyzing the value chain of honey in Legehida Woreda of the South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were generated by a household survey using a pre-tested, semi- structured questionnaire, a key informant interview, and focus group discussions using checklists. The primary data for this study were collected from 205 beekeepers, 18 traders (6 local collectors and 8 retailers), and 29 consumers using pre-tested questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and STATA software. Secondary data from many published source was used to complement this. The primary participants (actors) in the Woreda, according to value chain analysis, are input suppliers, beekeepers, local collectors, retailers, and consumers. Four market channels were identified, and the greatest and lowest producers' total gross marketing margins (TGMM) were 19.1% and 0% in channels III and I, respectively. Without taking into account channel I (producers selling directly to consumers), the producers' share was highest in channel II and lowest in channel III, at 86.3 and 67.1 %, respectively. The result of the ranking index analysis indicated that honey production was constrained by the prevalence of pests and predators, the death of colonies, and absconding. Despite this, opportunities exist, such as the availability of area closures, simple access to modern beekeeping supplies, bee fodder availability, stimulating government policy, and a strong demand for quality and quantity of honey. Therefore, policies aiming at gender consideration, capacity development, establishing honey collection centers, developing and improving infrastructure, market information, and an adequate supply of beekeeping tools and equipment are recommended to accelerate the honey value chain's development.
A pluriparous cow in third parity with 5 months pregnancy was presented for confirmatory pregnancy diagnosis at VCC, LUVAS, Hisar after conflicted results of pregnancy diagnosis from the field. On the basis of the clinical, USG findings and exploratory laparotomy, the case was diagnosed as case of ectopic pregnancy. Macerated ectopic fetus was removed successfully by laparotomy through paralumbar fossa approach in cow. The animal made a steady and uneventful recovery.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-coccidial activity of Curcumin (Turmeric/ Haldi), Tamarindus indica (Tamarind/ Imli), and Zingiber officinale (Ginger/ Adrak) in sheep infected with coccidiosis, as well as to assess the prevalence of coccidiosis in Parbhani. In this study, 40 lambs aged 0-3 months exhibiting clinical signs such as diarrhea and pale mucous membranes were randomly selected and divided into four groups. Group I was treated with Amprolium powder at 62.5 mg/kg BW PO for 7 days. Group II received Curcumin tablets at 4.3 mg/kg BW PO for 14 days. Group III was administered T. indica (seed coat powder) at 5 g/kg BW PO for 4 days, while Group IV was treated with Z. officinale powder at 300 mg/kg BW PO for 7 days. Faecal and blood samples were collected on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-treatment to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. All treatment groups showed significant improvements in clinical parameters, including temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate. Haematological indices (PCV, TEC, TLC, neutrophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts) and biochemical parameters (total protein and AST levels) also improved significantly across all groups. Group I (Amprolium) demonstrated the highest efficacy (99.08%), closely followed by Group III (T. indica seed coat) at 94.06%, Group II (Curcumin) at 79.26%, and Group IV (Z. officinale) at 67.98%. These results indicate that Amprolium is the most effective in reducing coccidial oocysts, followed by Tamarindus indica, Curcumin, and Zingiber officinale, highlighting the potential of these herbal agents as alternative anti-coccidial treatments.
The key objective of this study is to minimize dependence on synthetic preservatives and antifungal agents in the manufacturing of traditional local desserts. We selected two substances from Achillea wilhelmsii to evaluate the plant's association with antifungal properties. The study involved three analytical approaches: biological, computational, and chemical FTIR and GC-MS spectrophotometry. We sought to pinpoint the primary bioactive elements accountable for the antifungal effect. We then produced various batches of barfi, a traditional milk-based confection, by integrating differing concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) of Achillea wilhelmsii dry powder. The indole alkaloid extracts exhibited considerable antifungal efficacy, suggesting their appropriateness as natural antifungal agents. There is a forceful positive correlation between the concentration of Achillea wilhelmsii and the number of days before fungal growth appears. The regression equation suggests that each 1% increase in powder delays fungal growth by 0.48 days. After ten days, this rule does not apply. This observation shows that although using more Achillea wilhelmsii dry powder helps slow down fungal growth at first, there might be a limit, where adding more doesn't make much difference.
Ruminal impaction with plastics is one of the common ruminal disorders in bovine especially in cities like Bengaluru that occurs due to scanty grazing areas, indiscriminate feeding habit of bovines and most importantly easy access to plastic covers. Six cows suffering from severe impaction containing heavy quantities of plastics were selected for the study. Standing left flank laparo-rumenotomy was performed under paravertebral nerve block and retrieved different quantities of indigestible foreign bodies including plastic bags, tubes, wires, threads, ropes, bone pieces, coins, sand etc. About 250 ml of milk was collected pre and 10 days post-surgery from six plastic impacted animals and analyzed for Polychlorinated biphenyles (PCBs), Dioxins and Phthalates by using GC-MS/MS. No PCBs and dioxins could be detected in the milk samples. Only four out of five phthalate congeners (DIBP, DEHP, DBP, BBP and DMP) (LOD-1.5 pg/g fat, LOQ-0.5 pg/g milk fat) were identified and quantified. Very high concentrations of phthalates before surgery in six animals were identified which ranged from 57.99-134.20 & micro;g/g milk fat and were non-significantly declined after 10 days of post-surgery (ranged from 40.45 to 125.75 & micro;g/g milk fat). These levels are also alarmingly high as per prevailing standards.
