Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a major constraint to livestock productivity in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where recurrent outbreaks cause substantial economic losses. Despite routine biannual vaccination, the continued circulation of FMD virus (FMDV) serotype A predominantly the A-Iran-05 lineage raises concerns regarding antigenic mismatch between field strains and vaccine formulations. Results A total of 244 epithelial tissue samples were collected from clinically infected cattle and buffaloes across four districts of KP. Of these, 226 samples were confirmed positive for FMDV serotype A by RT-PCR, and 215 VP1 gene sequences were successfully obtained. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all isolates clustered within the A-Iran-05 lineage and were genetically distinct from the vaccine strain A22/Iraq/64. Antigenic relationship analysis demonstrated low r₁-values (< 0.39), indicating poor antigenic matching and suggesting reduced vaccine effectiveness. Epidemiological analysis identified age (2–4 years) as a significant risk factor for infection, while no significant associations were observed with sex, species, vaccine brand, or clinical severity. The dominance of antigenically divergent FMDV serotype A strains in KP highlights the limitations of current vaccine formulations. Continuous molecular surveillance and the development of region-specific vaccines are essential to improve FMD control strategies in endemic regions of Pakistan.
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease affecting livestock, causing significant economic losses. This sero-epidemiological study investigated FMD distribution and associated risk factors in cattle and buffaloes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. A total of 800 serum samples were collected from cattle (n = 610) and buffaloes (n = 190) and tested for antibodies against FMD viral structural proteins (SP) and non-structural proteins (NSP) using ELISA. Overall, 35.25% (282/800) of samples were NSP-positive, indicating natural infection. Serotype-specific analysis showed serotype O as the most prevalent (66.1%), followed by serotype A (50%) and Asia-1 (32%). Cattle exhibited higher FMD prevalence (37%; 95% CI: 33-40) than buffaloes (30%; 95% CI: 23-37). Significant spatial variations in SP and NSP Seroprevalence were observed across different areas. Risk factor analysis identified male sex, young age (1-2 years), crossbred and exotic breeds, summer season, large herd size, smallholders subsistence production systems, poor body condition, and animal movement as factors associated with significantly higher (p < 0.05) FMD circulation. These findings indicate that FMD is highly endemic in the border region and highlight the critical need for government-led mass vaccination campaigns, targeted risk-based surveillance, and stringent movement control to mitigate disease spread. Implementation of such control strategies is essential to safeguard livestock health and protect the regional economy from substantial losses.
The quest for sustainable, alternative, and cost-effective biofeed resources has been driven by the increasing costs and environmental concerns linked to conventional poultry feed. The banana plant (Musa spp.), traditionally valued for its fruit, is gaining recognition as a versatile and sustainable resource for the livestock and poultry industry. Rich in essential nutrients, fibers, and bioactive compounds, banana by-products enhance animal health, improve digestion, and reduce feed costs. Studies reveal that banana plant have potential as natural growth promoters, prebiotics, and antioxidants, contributing to improved feed efficiency and resilience against diseases. The peel of a banana is a good source of vitamins, crude protein (6–9 %), starch (3 %), total nutritional fiber (43.2–49.7 %), and crude fat (3.8–11 %), making it good source of nutrition for animals and birds. In addition, banana’s peels contain flavonoids, tannins, phlobatannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids. These compounds have antibacterial, growth promoter, antioxidant, stress reducer, anti-cholesterol, antihypertensive, immunostimulants, and anti-inflammatory properties. The banana plant, which is often regarded as agricultural waste, is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a valuable feed component. Results from experimental studies showed improved feed conversion efficiency, growth performance, and gut health in poultry fed with fermented banana plant-based diets. Fermentation improves the nutritional quality of banana plant biomass by increasing digestibility, reducing anti-nutritional factors, and enriching it with probiotics and bioactive compounds. The fermented banana had a substantial influence on weight gain and feed consumption in chickens. Banana meal may be used into broiler chicken diets at a maximum of 10 % without negatively impacting productivity. Silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) produced by the banana plant can be used as an alternate growth-promoting supplement for poultry production. This approach offers environmental advantages by minimizing agricultural waste and encouraging more sustainable poultry production practices. Overall, the available studies highlight the considerable promise of fermented banana plants as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option in poultry feeding, tackling both economic and ecological issues faced by the poultry sector.
Chilling, freezing, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles are common meat preservation methods; however, they can alter key physicochemical properties. Comparative data across different species under standardized conditions are limited. To compare the effects of chilled storage, frozen storage, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles on pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), thaw loss, cooking loss, and drip loss in buffen (buffalo), chevon (goat), and chicken meat. Longissimus dorsi muscles from buffalo and goat, and breast meat from broiler chickens, were stored under chilled (2–4 °C), frozen (–10 to –12 °C), or repeated freeze–thaw conditions. "Measurements were performed at defined intervals of chilling, freezing and freeze thaw cycles, and data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD (P ≤ 0.05). The pH declined significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all treatments, with the steepest reductions in repeatedly thawed samples. WHC decreased from 63.32 %, 69.98 %, and 68.00 % in fresh buffen, chevon, and chicken, respectively, to 45.94 %, 48.61 %, and 47.64 % after 15 days of chilled storage. Thaw loss and cooking loss increased markedly over time, especially in freeze–thaw treatments, reaching 26.35 %, 25.77 %, and 26.15 % for thaw loss and 64.66 %, 61.19 %, and 65.44 % for cooking loss at the final intervals. Drip loss rose progressively, with chilled and repeatedly thawed samples showing the highest increases. Extended storage and repeated freeze–thaw cycles significantly reduce meat quality across all species, with repeated thawing causing the most pronounced deterioration. Minimizing freeze–thaw cycles are essential for preserving physicochemical quality during meat handling, distribution, and retail.
This study was conducted to look into the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of farmers, animal wholesalers and veterinary practitioners on foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the border area of Pakistan adjoining Afghanistan. Nearly half (41%) of the farmers understood the name of the disease or were aware of its incidence in their neighbourhood. The majority of farmers were able to identify the clinical signs (77.9% salivation, 74% tongue ulcers, 73.4% gum lesions, 71% hoof lesions) of FMD in their livestock. Over half of the farmers (54%) preferred not to purchase cattle from unidentified or potentially contaminated sources to stop the spread of FMD. The majority of farmers (61%) claimed that the 'introduction of new animals' was the main reason the illness appeared on their farms. The extent of the animal wholesalers' clinical knowledge was restricted to identifying salivation and lesions in the mouth and on the feet as signs of the disease. Eighty-three percent of local veterinarians reported the prevalence of FMD to the provincial, regional and central veterinary authorities. More than half of them (71%) kept records of the animal diseases seen and/or treatment plans implemented. In the border region between Pakistan with Afghanistan, there is no ongoing formal FMD immunization programme. According to the majority of veterinary practitioners (63%), the main obstacles to FMD control in the area were thought to be poor import restrictions and no quarantine of livestock. Farmers and wholesalers need to have their knowledge gaps filled to reduce the burden of illness in the border region.
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects goats and sheep, causing severe clinical signs, high mortality, and significant economic losses in many developing countries. Pakistan is one of the endemic regions where PPR outbreaks caused by the Asian lineage IV virus have been reported frequently, affecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who depend on these animals for food security and income generation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges and prospects for vaccine development against PPR in Pakistan. We discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of PPR in Pakistan, as well as the existing vaccines based on the attenuated strains and their limitations, such as low thermostability, short shelf life, and inability to differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals. We also highlight the recent advances in vaccine research and development, such as recombinant and vectored vaccines, thermostable formulations, and novel delivery methods that could overcome these limitations and enhance the immunogenicity and safety of PPR vaccines. We review the current and potential strategies for vaccine deployment, such as mass vaccination, targeted vaccination, ring vaccination, and their implications for the global eradication of PPR by 2030. We conclude by providing some recommendations for future research and development to improve vaccine efficacy, safety, and coverage in Pakistan, as well as to monitor the impact of vaccination on PPR incidence and prevalence.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including small ruminants such as sheep and goats. FMD causes severe economic losses due to reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and control measures. The epidemiology and transmission of FMD among small ruminants are influenced by various factors, such as the virus strain, the host species, the environmental conditions, and the animal management practices. This paper reviews the current knowledge on the epidemiology and transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among small ruminants. It also examines the global distribution and prevalence of FMD in small ruminants, the clinical signs and lesions of FMD in small ruminants, the role of small ruminants in the maintenance and spread of FMD, the transmission routes and risk factors of FMD in small ruminants, and the implications of FMD in small ruminants for disease control and eradication. The paper also identifies the knowledge gaps and research priorities for improving the understanding and management of FMD in small ruminants.
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that impacts cloven-hoofed animals globally. The illegal trade of livestock between the border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan can contribute to the spread of this disease. This study focuses on investigating the outbreaks of FMD that occurred in this area from June 2020 to May 2021. A total of 233 epithelial tissue samples were collected, and 77
Essential oils (EO), ascorbic acid, sugars, carotenoids, flavonoids, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and trace minerals are found in citrus residue. It gives animals energy and promotes health. On a dry matter basis, the citrus pulp is composed of 7% crude protein, 14% crude fiber, 21.6% nitrogen detergent fiber, 2.5% fat, 24.4% total sugars, and 12.1% ME MJ/kg. It has been reported that the natural antioxidant content of citrus pulp has a beneficial effect on growth and microbial and immunological parameters. The literature indicates that the ultimate weight and weight gain of poultry are significantly (P > 0.05) greater with 7.5% inclusion. Growing knowledge of the health benefits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in producing beneficial metabolites has led to interest in developing LAB-containing products for use in biofeed businesses. The consumption of fermented citrus residue significantly decreased blood cholesterol levels. Fermentation results in the production of many compounds (including organic acids, exopolysaccharides, bioactive peptides, phenolic compounds, and gamma-aminobutyric acid), which have many multidimensional functions for maintaining the health and well-being of poultry. During fermentation, the pH may quickly decrease, and harmful bacterial and fungal organisms may be substantially retarded at the early stage of ensiling. The published literature has shown that the fermentation of citrus waste with different probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentocaseus, and Lacticaseiobacillus paracasei, in the diet has fantastic effects on the conversion of citrus waste into fermented high-quality feed with extended shelf life and sensory value. Citrus waste lactic acid fermentation may be a viable option for producing nutritional biofeed for poultry, but there is a lack of related research on poultry, so more research on food-grade bacterial fermentation is needed.
The current study investigated the individual and combined immunomodulatory and gut microflora modulatory effects of moringa and neem leaf powder in Japanese quails. A total of eighty (80) unsex day-old Japanese quail chicks were distributed into the four groups. The T0 offered only a basal diet, while T1, T2 and T3 were supplemented with moringa (5%), neem (1%) and moringa (5%) + neem (1%) leaf powder respectively in the basal diet. Results showed that live body weight and carcass weight were better (p<0.05) in T3 than in control and other supplemented groups. The relative weight of the spleen was found higher (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 groups as compared to T0 and T1 groups. The relative weight of the thymus was recorded as higher (p<0.05) in T3 as compared to control and other treated groups. The relative weight of the bursa was higher (p<0.05) in the T1 and T3 groups as compared to T0 and T2 groups. All treated groups exhibited significantly high (p < 0.01) total bacterial count, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium count as compared to the control group (T0). Whereas, E. coli and Salmonella count was found significantly lower (p < 0.01) in treated groups as compared to the control group. Hemoglobin and erythrocyte count was higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T3 groups as compared to T2 and T0. MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) was found higher (p < 0.05) in T3 as compared to T0 groups. White blood cell count was recorded higher (p < 0.05) in T3 as compared to T1 group. Lymphocytes (L) percentage was recorded highest (p < 0.05) in T3 followed by T2, T1 and T0 groups. While, heterophil (H) percentage and H/L ratio were found lowest (p < 0.05) in T3 followed by T2, T1, and T0 groups. It is concluded that moringa and neem leaf meal in combined form (5%+1%) have a significant potential to modulate immunity, haematological profile and gut microflora in Japanese quails.
OBJECTIVE:Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease in ruminants that causes significant economic losses worldwide. However, the prevalence of FMD virus (FMDV) in small ruminants has been overlooked in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FMD in sheep and goats in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan.ANIMALS:800 sheep and goats belongs to age groups of 6 month to > 2 years.METHODS:A total of 800 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 424) and goats (n = 376) and subjected to structural protein (SP) and 3ABC non-SP (NSP) ELISAs for the detection of antibodies against SP and NSP of the FMDV.RESULTS:For NSP, 340/800 (42.5%) of samples were positive, while SP analysis revealed that serotype O (44.5%) was the most common in sheep and goats, followed by Asia-1 (42%) and A (32%) serotypes. Sheep (39%; 95% CI, 34 to 44) had a higher (P < .05) prevalence of FMD than goats (46%; 95% CI, 41 to 51). Statistically significant (P < .05) differences in the seroprevalence of FMD-SP and FMD-NSPs were observed between various agencies (areas) of the study area. Risk factors such as age, sex, breed, season, flock size, body condition, animal movement, and production system were significantly (P < .05) associated with FMDV prevalence.CONCLUSIONS:This study showed that FMD is highly prevalent in sheep and goats in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Therefore, outbreak investigation teams should be arranged at the border level to develop FMD risk-based surveillance and control plans for small ruminants in order to mitigate infection risks.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious and economically devastating pathogen that affects cloven-hoofed animals worldwide. FMDV infection causes vesicular lesions in the mouth, feet, and mammary glands, as well as severe systemic symptoms such as fever, salivation, and lameness. The pathogenesis of FMDV infection involves complex interactions between the virus and the host immune system, which determine the outcome of the disease. FMDV has evolved several strategies to evade immune recognition and elimination, such as antigenic variation, receptor switching, immune suppression, and subversion of innate and adaptive responses. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of FMDV infection and the mechanisms of immune evasion employed by the virus. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing effective vaccines and therapeutics against this important animal disease.
IMPORTANCE:Gastrointestinal nematodiasis poses significant economic losses in the livestock industry due to mortality, morbidity, and decreased production. OBJECTIVE:This study examined the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia, Northern China, the associated risk factors, and the effects on the pepsinogen and gastrin levels. METHODS:Fecal samples (n = 590) were collected from four regions and analyzed using the standard floatation and sedimentation techniques. The serum gastrin and pepsinogen levels were also assessed as potential biomarkers for gastrointestinal nematodiasis. RESULTS:Among 590 animals, 259 (43.9%; 95% confidence interval, 36.7-49.8) tested positive for at least one type of gastrointestinal nematode parasite. Among the positive animals, 38.6% were poly-parasitic, while 61.4% were mono-parasitic (p < 0.05). Cooperia was the predominant nematode among mono-infections, accounting for 10.8%, followed in order by Oesophagostomum (10.0%), Trichuris (9.6%), Trichostrongylus (8.5%), Dictyocaulus (6.9%), Ascarid (6.9%), Haemonchus (4.6%), and Strongyloides (3.9%). Among the poly-parasitic infected cattle, 22.7%, 9.3%, 4.2%, and 2.3% had two, three, four, and five parasite combinations, respectively. The risk factors, such as age, breed, area, physical condition, and presence of diarrhea, were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis. Poly-parasitic infected cattle showed 49.1% higher (p = 0.013) serum pepsinogen levels than the control group, while the mono-parasitic ones exhibited a 28.33% increase (p = 0.030). Similarly, the serum gastrin levels increased by 99.2% (p = 0.004) and 71.3% (p = 0.015) in the poly-parasitic and mono-parasitic animals, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:These findings demonstrate the high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis in Northern China, with an alarming rate of poly-parasitic infections. In addition, polyparasitic infections affect the enzymes pepsinogen and gastrin levels.
Red beets, table beets, garden beets, or just beets are all terms for the same root vegetable, beetroot ( Beta vulgaris L.). Beetroot is an excellent source of the potent antioxidant beta-carotene, which aids in blood production, increases RBC count, and augments the immune system. Furthermore, red beetroot is known to improve stomach and intestine functions, stop lipid peroxidation, boost the immune system, improve appetite, boost digestion, and regulate the activity of the intestines. Due to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds its' use in poultry results the improved quality of meat. Because of their chemical makeup, previous authors reported that red beets alter productive performance and influence egg parameters, including yolk color and antioxidant components in poultry. Chickens given fractionated red beetroot juice were protected from the oxidative effects of cadmium (Cd) and received an immunomodulatory benefit. Available literature reported positive effects on many parameters in poultry like egg yield, growth performance, and meat quality characteristics (viz., cooking yield, fat percentage, moisture retention, palmitic and linolenic acid content); and recommended to add red beet to the diets of poultry by up to 1% or aqueous extract at a concentration of 15 ml/ liter of drinking water or powder @ 15 g/kg to the feed. The research that has been published shows that fermenting red beets with different probiotic strains, has great effects on turning them into fermented high-quality feed that lasts longer and tastes better. Lactic fermentation of red beetroot waste could be a good way to make nutritionally dense biofeed for chickens, according to the studies cited earlier. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on this topic; hence, more studies must be conducted to prepare and use this biofeed on commercial scale. Fermented beetroot may solve the poultry feed shortage.
Background: Among life-threatening infections of small ruminants (sheep/goat), enterotoxaemia has vital importance. This disease is caused by certain serotype of Clostridium perfringens and commonly known as pulpy kidney or overeating infection. The current study was carried out to determine the prevalence of C. perfringens in small ruminants in different zones (Kalat, Mangochar, Johan, and Gazg) of district Kalat, Balochistan. Methods: Fecal samples (n=100) were collected aseptically, from rectum of enterotoxaemia suspected animals. The samples were cultured in Reinforced Clostridial Media (RCM). Biochemically identified isolates were further confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result: Overall prevalence of C. perfringens was noticed 48%, with higher occurrence rate (p less than 0.01) in sheep (60%) than goat (36%). Among fifty samples of each specie, 30 and 18 isolates recovered from sheep and goat respectively. The area wise analysis showed that, in goats, the highest prevalence was found in Kalat (50%) followed by the Mangochar (38.46%), Johan (30.77%) and Gazg (25%). The statistical analysis revealed the significant differences (p less than 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 18.80-68.91) in C. perfringens prevalence in various areas of Kalat district. The results of the gender-wise prevalence of C. perfringens exhibited a numerically higher (p greater than 0.05; 95% CI 9.23-49.02) prevalence in female goats (40%) than male goats (32%). Whereas, the age-wise analysis indicated that, in less than 1 year age group (44.44%), the prevalence of C. perfringens was higher (p less than 0.05; 95% CI 8.00-57.89) than greater than 1 but less than 2 years (29.41%) and ³ 2-year (33.33%) age groups. Similarly, in sheep, the highest prevalence (p less than 0.05) was found in Kalat (76.92%) followed by Mangochar (66.67%), Johan (58.33%) and Gazg (38.46%). The age wise and gender-wise differences (p less than 0.05) were also observed in various age and gender groups of sheep similar to goat. Among 30 sheep isolates of C. perfringens, a highest number (28 isolates) showed resistance against amikacin, followed by amoxicillin/penicillin (25 isolates) and colistin sulphate (22 isolates); while among 18 isolates of goat 17 were found resistant against colistin sulphate and 16 were resistant against amoxicillin and amikacin. In conclusion enterotoxaemia is prevailing in small ruminants of district Kalat, Balochistan thus mass scale vaccination campaign should be carried out to prevent losses.
Traditional medicines are becoming more popular as people become more aware of the dangers of synthetic pharmaceuticals. Tribulus terrestris L., (Gokharu) an annual herbaceous plant, has been extensively utilized by herbalists for numerous medicinal purposes. T. terrestris has been studied for its multiple therapeutic effects, including immunomodulatory, aphrodisiac, anti-urolithic, absorption enhancer, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, neuro-protective, anticancer, and analgesic properties. Saponins and flavonoids are two examples of beneficial substances that have recently been found in T. terrestris. These chemicals are very important for a variety of therapeutic effects. Numerous studies have shown that T. terrestris products and various parts may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, testosterone-boosting, and liver protective effects. According to the published evidence, T. terrestris boosts testosterone secretion, regulates blood pressure, and protects the human body against injuries. The cardiovascular, reproductive, and urinary systems are all severely impacted. Due to its potent bioactive compounds, the literature evaluated from a wide range of sources including books, reports, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and other databases demonstrated the extraordinary potential to treat numerous human and animal ailments. Our review is different from other published articles because we explored its importance for humans and especially in veterinary like poultry health. It could also be used as an aphrodisiac to treat different fertility-related disorders in human and animal science. More research into the pharmacodynamics of herbs like T. terrestris is needed so that it can be used in a wider variety of nutraceutical products for humans and poultry.
Abortifacient bacteria incur high production and economic losses in small ruminants worldwide. The present study assessed the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia abortus, and Brucella melitensis in 178 sheep and goat samples obtained from Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, and Mirpurkhas districts of Sindh Province of Pakistan. The results revealed that the seroprevalence of Q fever was significantly ( p <0.05) higher than chlamydiosis and brucellosis (43.82% vs. 37.7% and 17.98%). The districts-wise incidences of seroprevalence were also significant in this study, as C. burnetii antibodies were significantly ( p <0.05) higher in Hyderabad than Tando Allahyar and Mirpurkhas (70.37% vs. 37.25% and 9.09%); C. abortus higher ( p <0.05) in Mirpurkhas than Hyderabad and Tando Allahyar (100%, 40.74%, 21.56%, respectively); but B. melitensis higher ( p >0.05) in Hyderabad than Tando Allahyar and Mirpurkhas (29.63%, 15.69%, 0%, respectively). The animal-wise seroprevalence results also exhibited significant differences ( p <0.05), as the incidence of higher C. abortus antibodies (42.46% and 12.50%); but lower B. melitensis (10.95% and 50%) in goats than sheep sera, respectively. However, there was no clear relation between the breed of the ruminants and their seropositivity for C. burnetii , C. abortus , and B. melitensis . In addition, the seroprevalence of C. burnetii was higher ( p <0.05) in nulliparous goats and sheep than multiparous and primiparous (37.50% and 50%, 35.89% and 40%, 30.76 and 25%, respectively). Moreover, C. abortus antibodies were higher ( p <0.05) in multiparous goats and sheep than primiparous and nulliparous (48.71% and 20%, 38.46% and 0%, 25% and 0%, respectively). Furthermore, the incidence of B. melitensis antibodies was higher ( p <0.05) in nulliparous than primiparous and multiparous goats (37.50%, 11.53%, and 5.12%, respectively), but higher ( p <0.05) in primiparous than nulliparous and multiparous sheep (75%, 50%, 40%, respectively). Finally, the sera found positive on ELISA for C. abortus, C. burnetii , and B. melitensis antibodies. In conclusion, the widespread prevalence of the three abortifacient bacteria was responsible for the production and economic losses of goats and sheep in the three selected districts of Sindh Province of Pakistan.
Traditionally, meat is produced from animals when milk production or work becomes unsustainable.In recent years, meat has gained more importance due to its export potential and domestic consumption.Due to the fast growing life style of urbanization, most of consumers purchase the meat in fresh form because they hardly find time to purchase daily fresh meat.Therefore, they purchase the meat in bulk quantity to meet their daily necessities and stored in freezer or refrigerator and consume after certain intervals.Hence the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of chilling, freezing and repeatedthaw cycles on chemical quality of various meats.The influence of different time was observed on chemical characteristics of chilled, frozen and thawed meat against fresh meat.Proximate composition such moisture, protein, fat, ash and glycogen decreased with increasing storage period of chilled, frozen and thawed buffen, chevon and chicken meat samples.Nutritive values of chilled, frozen and thawed buffen sample also decreased with increasing storage period.
Pongamia pinnata is an indigenous medicinal plant of Asia, which has long traditional use, having anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-nociceptive, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, antihyperglycaemic and antimicrobial activities.The current investigation aimed to explore the immunomodulatory and gut microflora modulatory effects of dietary P. pinnata in broilers.Day old broiler chicks (n=125) were purchased from local hatchery and equally divided into the five groups, i.e., C (control) that offered basal diet, while, T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups were supplemented 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% P. pinnata leaf powder (PPLP) in basal diet respectively.The experimental groups were observed for the performance parameters, antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus (NDV), relative weight of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen and thymus) and enumeration of gut microflora.Results showed that PPLP improved (P < 0.05) production performance, final body weight, carcass weight and relative weight of lymphoid organs.Anti-NDV titer was improved on both 21 (P > 0.05) and 35 (P < 0.05) day in PPLP supplemented groups as compared to control.Total bacterial count and Lactobacillus count was increased (P < 0.05), while coliform count was decreased (P < 0.05) on day 21 in PPLP supplemented groups comparing with the control group.In summary PPLP had positive impact on performance, parameters of humoral and cellular immunity and gut microflora in a dose-dependent fashion thus suggested its' inclusion in broilers diet up to 2% level.
Colibacillosis is the name given to the infection brought on by ExPEC.This pathogen may cause egg peritonitis, arthritis perihepatitis, omphalitis, pericarditis, cellulitis,