Tick-borne haemoparasities (TBHs) cause substantial economic loss to the livestock population due to reduced productivity and working efficiency of the animals along with high mortality rate in untreated cases. A total of 240 blood samples were collected from native (N = 95) and crossbred cattle (N = 145) over 12 months. Microscopical examination of Giemsa-stained thin blood smears and PCR revealed that 27.08

Background: Gastrointestinal (g.i.) nematodoses is the main constrain in sheep husbandry and control of g.i. nematodes is challenging due to anthelmintic resistance. Exploitation of host resistance could be an alternative approach to nematodes. Methods: Within breed resistance of Garole sheep to g.i. nematodoses was determined in terms of monthly faecal egg count (FEC), Hb concentration and PCV% in 4- 6-months-old Garole sheep (n=80) in South 24 Parganas district from April, 2018 to March, 2019. On the basis of 6 months’ FEC data sheep were divided into resistant and susceptible group and Hb and PCV were measured in 15 animals from each group at monthly interval. Result: The prevalence of g.i. nematodes was 70 per cent and Haemonchus contortus was the predominant species. The overall FEC in Garole sheep was 360.67 in terms of eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Among the 80 Garole sheep 28 sheep showed persistent low FEC. The mean EPG of resistant group were 97.62 whereas, mean EPG of susceptible group were 502.31. In resistant sheep Hb and PCV did not vary whereas, in susceptible Hb and PCV reduced significantly (P less than 0.05) than the resistant sheep. Within breed resistance was present in Garole sheep and that could be utilized in selection of resistant breed.

Level of Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in serum and relative expression of associated cytokine genes (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in peripheral blood along with other parameters of host resistance were compared between the resistant and susceptible Garole sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus. Resistant (n = 12) and susceptible Garole sheep (n = 12) were selected based on faecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) and were divided into three equal groups: healthy control, infected resistant, and infected susceptible. Sheep of infected groups were orally challenged with infective larvae of H. contortus and then FEC, body weight, haemoglobin (Hb), PCV, peripheral eosinophil counts (PEC), and serum Th-2 cytokines concentration and associated gene (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) expressions were measured. Partial sequences of all the three cytokine genes were also analysed. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower FEC was observed in resistant sheep with no eggs in faeces from 31 to 35 DPI while the susceptible sheep continued to pass Haemonchus eggs through faeces till end of the study. Body weight, Hb, PCV, and PEC of resistant sheep were higher (p < 0.05) compared with susceptible sheep. Concentrations of Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) as well as expression all the genes (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) were found to be greater (p < 0.05) in resistant sheep on different days post infection. No single nucleotide variation was observed in either of the three genes that could be suggested to be responsible host resistance. In resistant sheep, increased eosinophilia, Th-2 cytokine concentration, and relative expression Th-2 cytokine genes in peripheral blood were observed synchronously with that of the elimination of parasites indicating the role of those components in resistance against H. contortus and this needs to be explored by examining local reaction in the abomasum of infected host.

Role of IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines and associated genes (IFN-γ and IL-10) on Haemonchus contortus resistance was studied in experimentally infected resistant and susceptible Garole sheep. Nine resistant and nine susceptible Garole sheep were selected based on faecal egg counts (FEC) and divided into 3 groups; uninfected control (n = 6), infected resistant (n = 6) and infected susceptible (n = 6). Sheep of infected groups were orally challenged with 500 H. contortus infective larvae per kg body weight of experimental sheep. Faecal egg counts were measured from 18 days post infection (DPI) at 3 days intervals for nine occasions, and plasma cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) concentration and expressions of cytokine genes (IFN-γ and IL-10) expressions were measured from 0 DPI to 40 DPI at 10 days intervals. Resistant sheep had significantly (P < 0.001) lower FEC from 27 DPI onwards compared to susceptible sheep and subsequently no eggs were found in resistant sheep from 33 DPI onwards. In resistant sheep, significantly higher concentration of IFN-γ cytokine and expression of IFN-γ gene were observed at early stage (10-20 DPI), and IL-10 cytokine production and IL-10 gene expression upregulated at later stage of infection (20-30 DPI) after which there was significant reduction of egg output in faeces of resistant group of sheep. Hence in Garole sheep both the IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines and their associated genes might be linked with H. contortus resistance with IL-10 cytokine gene playing comparatively more active role in development of resistance to H. contortus.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of the innate immune system in living organisms. They not only have significant impacts on inhibiting microbial growth, but show multiple properties while exhibiting therapeutic potentials. Over the past years, a wide diversity of AMPs has been identified from different natural sources like plants, animals and microorganisms. Recently mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to exhibit strong antimicrobial effects both in vitro as well as in vivo possibly by expressing different families of AMPs depending upon source of cells. It has been revealed that species variations as well as tissue specific localization are responsible for the variation in expressions of AMPs families. In recent years new synthetic peptides are given importance in biomedical sciences. Herein we aim to review the current state of knowledge on identification of AMPs from various types of adult stem cells and tissues in animals including species variations in cell sources and culture conditions. Further, a glimpse of chemical nature and mode of actions of AMPs in general have also been described. In the last part we have also tried to summarize the opportunities and challenges to the development of these peptides in clinical trials for prospective applications.

Molecular identification and characterization of Fasciola has been a recent trend which is the most reliable technique over morphological identification of this parasite. In the light of this consideration, the current study was aimed carry out molecular characterization of Fasciola gigantica from cattle and buffalo from West Bengal, India using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) as markers. The flukes (n = 24) were primarily identified based on their morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from the flukes and Polymerease Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed with specific primers to detect and amplify 180 bp and 520 bp of mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 regions respectively of the adult flukes collected from liver and bile ducts of slaughtered cattle and buffalo. The amplicons were consequently sequenced and the sequence data were analysed. PCR, multiple sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree reconstruction confirmed the presence of F. gigantica flukes in West Bengal region. All the present Fasciola sequences phylogenetically clustered in F. gigantica clade for both cox1 and nad1 regions with respect to the basal group Paragonimus westermanii (Gen bank acc.no-AY190066 and AF051840). Intra-specific multiple sequence analysis of experimental samples exhibited no nucleotide site variation for both mitochondrial cox1 and nad1regions. On the other hand, inter-specific multiple sequence analysis revealed five base substitutions with other F. gigantica of GenBank derived for both cox1 and nad1 regions. Similarly intra-species amino acid alignment revealed zero amino acid site variation among the present experimental Fasciola flukes for both cox1 and nad1 regions. Furthermore, inter-specific amino acid sequence analysis revealed single amino acid sequence polymorphism in mitochondrial cox1 region and three amino acid sequence polymorphisms in mitochondrial nad1 regions among F. gigantica of West Bengal isolates with other F. gigantica of different isolates. The present study revealed a higher level of species specific homogeneity coexisting in mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 region. Multiple sequence alignment also revealed significant similarity sites which can also be used to identify F. gigantica. All sequenced Fasciola of West Bengal isolates were identified as F. gigantica and the sequence analysis also revealed the relatedness between isolates from West Bengal, India and other different countries. Comparison of p-distance revealed that the sequences of F. gigantica isolated from cattle and buffalo of West Bengal diverged from each other by values ranging between 0.000 and 0.742 for mitochondrial cox1 gene while the values for nad1 gene was 0.000–0.000. This is the first report of molecular identification of F. gigantica from cattle and buffalo of West Bengal (India) isolates using mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 as molecular marker. Finding of our study based on multiple sequence analysis, phylogenetic tree analysis and low level of genetic p-distance study suggests that host variations are not likely to be useful characters for genetic differences of F. gigantica in a relatively confirmed geographical area.

Background: Sheep resistant to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) is preliminary selected based on faecal egg count (FEC) and in the present study some important phenotypic markers including FEC were evaluated in Garole sheep. Methods: FEC, FAMACHA score and body condition score (BCS) of sixty Garole sheep of Sundarban delta were evaluated at monthly interval for one year. Some haemato-biochemical parameters (Hb, PCV, eosinophil count, total protein) were also measured and compared between the preliminary resistant and susceptible sheep. Result: Twenty Garole sheep showing persistently low FEC were considered as preliminary resistant sheep and forty sheep showing variable EPG were considered as preliminary susceptible sheep. FAMACHA score and BCS were (P less than 0.05) higher in resistant sheep. All the haemato-biochemical parameters were also (P less than 0.05) higher in resistant sheep. One resistant Garole sheep did not have higher value of other phenotypic markers except low FEC. Whereas, three susceptible sheep showed higher values of other phenotypic markers instead of high EPG. Hence other phenotypic indicators should also be considered along with FEC while selecting GIN resistant and susceptible sheep.

Aim: This research intended to assess the in vitro anthelmintic properties of Mahaneem leaves (Melia azedarach) and whole plant of Chirata (Swertia chirata). Study Design: In vitro study was conducted aganist Haemonchus contortus eggs and adult stage by egg hatch assay (EHA) and adult motility inhibition test (AMIT). Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the departement of Veterinary Parasitology, WBUAFS, Kolkata-37 between November,2023 to August, 2024 Methodology: The aqeous extract of Mahaneem and Chirata whole plants were prepared by decoction method, dried and desolved in 2% Dimethyl Sulfoxide to make desirable concentration of extract solutions. Adult Haemonchus contortus was collected from freshly slaughter abomasum of sheep for separation of eggs and active motile adult was used for AMIT. Each EHA and AMIT was performed in triplicate. Results: The results revealed that both Chirata and Mahaneem extracts shows anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus. Chirata extract had better efficacy against both eggs and adult stage of Haemonchus contortus compare to Mahaneem leave extract. In EHA, Chirata extract efficacy at the dose of 50 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml was more statistically significant (p<0.05) than Mahaneem extract. In AMIT, also Chirata shows significantly more efficacy at 50mg/ml and 25 mg/ml than Mahaneem,but at the dose rate of 10 mg Mahaneem shows better efficacy (38.88 2.22) than Chirata (31.11 2.22) extract. At 50 mg/ml concentration after 10 hours of experiment Chirata shows higest efficacy (82.22 2.22) compare to Mahaneem (57.77 2.22). Conclusion: Both Chirata and Mahaneem aqueous extract can potentially be effective against Haemonchus contortus and other GINs in small rumunats when administer properly with selected doses.

The study was conducted to assess the effects of a postbiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) and a commercial phytogenic feed additive (PFA) as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter(AGP) on growth performance, gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and immune response of commercial broiler chickens at a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) classified sector 3 commercial poultry farm. One-day-old mixed sex Vencobb 430 Y chicks (n=4800) were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups for 35 days experimentation encompassingT1 (positive control, PC) basal diet supplemented with bacitracin methylene disalicylate as an AGP at 500 g/MT; T2 (negative control, NC) basal diet without a growth promoter; T3 basal diet supplemented with commercial PFA at 500 g/MT; T4 basal diet supplemented with SCFP at 1.25 kg/MT.At day 35, ADG and FCR were significantly improved in PFA and SCFP groups compared to the NC group. The levels of blood glucose, total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and uric acid in serum showed no significant variation across different dietary treatments. From day 21 of the study, log cfu count and DNA concentration of pathogens (Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Salmonella) decreased significantly in the AGP, PFA, and SCFP groups compared to the NC group. Whereas the log cfu count and average DNA concentration of Lactobacillus was significantly increased in PFA and SCFP groups, but not in AGP group. Increased Lactobacillus concentration in PFA and SCFP groups downregulated the virulence gene expression of pathogens (Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli and Salmonella). The duodenal and jejunal villi height was significantly higher in PFA and SCFP groups, although ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum did not show significant differences among the groups. On day 28, antibody titers against the IBDV and NDV were significantly higher in SCFP groups than other groups. The present study did not identify any modulation of the cell mediated immune response in the chickens. In conclusion, addition of SCFP at 1.25 kg/MT or PFA at 500 g/MT in diet could produce better nutrient utilization ability, reduction of pathogens and their virulence gene expression, increased Lactobacillus count, but incorporation of SCFP increased antibody titre against two fatal viral infections such as NDV and IBDV which was not detected with PFA.

Pig husbandry plays a pivotal role in providing subsidiary source of income to the economically weaker section of people in rural areas of Tripura, a north-eastern state of India. However, gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infection is one of the prime constraints in profitable pig husbandry in the state. Though, anthelmintic drugs are commonly used in treatment of such cases, reduced effectiveness has been observed for some of the commonly used drugs. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of four common anthelmintics viz., albendazole, fenbendazole, ivermectin and piperazine on GI nematodes of pigs in Tripura using faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Fecal samples were collected from a total of 50 randomly selected pigs at pre-treatment and 10-days post- treatment. The highest FECR percent was shown by ivermectin (97.32%) and the lowest by albendazole (88.39%). The results indicate the effectiveness of ivermentin and at the same time, development of resistance against albendazole in GI nematodes of pigs in the study area. This is the first ever report on efficacy of the anthelmintic drugs on GI nematodes of pigs in Tripura. The study provides baseline information which can be further confirmed by using molecular techniques.

The experiment was conducted during June-August, 2023 at South Gurguria village and farms under the project ‘Biotech Kishan Hub’, Mohanpur, West Bengal to study gastrointestinal nematodes response in Garole sheep. Faecal samples from 70 Garole sheep aged 1-2 years of either sex were examined for three months (June-August, 2023) and total 210 animals were examined. In every month, based on FEC, 33 sheep were categorized in to 3 groups; non-infective (n=11; EPG=0), highly infective (n=11; EPG>500) and low infective (n=11; EPG<200) group and haematological, biochemical, immunological and clinical parameters were recorded in sheep of all the three groups. Uninfected sheep had significantly (p<0.01) higher values of haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) than both the low and highly infected groups, while peripheral eosinophil count (PEC) and total leukocyte count (TLC) were significantly higher in low infected group. Serum protein concentration including albumin and globulin levels, was significantly (p<0.01) reduced in both infected groups. Haemonchus contortus specific serum IgA concentration was significantly higher in the low infected group but, but serum IgG levels did not differ significantly between the groups. The body condition score (BCS) was found to be significantly (p<0.01) lower in the highly infected group than in the low infected group, which had significantly lower values compared to non-infected group. The results were exactly reversed in terms of FAMACHA score in the selected sheep. Gastrointestinal nematodes cause alterations in haematobiochemical profiles and also modulate immune response of the host; hence, these parasites should be managed properly.

Pigs breeds are an important livestock species mostly reared by economically lower incomesection of people in India. Within North-Eastern (NE) states, pig husbandry is very much popular hence maintain the livelihood of the rural native population. Gastrointentinal (GI) parasitic infectionisone of the major constraint in profitable pig production in this area. In the present study, the GI parasitism was investigated in 388 pigs in the three districts of Tripura, NE State of India. The examination of faecal samples revealed 61.65% overall prevalence of parasitic infestation, precisely6 GI parasitic species; including 4 nematodes and 2 protozoa, while 46.91 % were the mixed infections. Metastrongylus spp. (17.53%), Strongyloids spp. (19.33%), Trichuris spp. (15.98%), Coccidia spp. (12.37%), and Balantidium coli (10.82%), were detected, however, Ascaris spp. was the most prevalentrecording 32.47%. The epidemiological factors including: age, sex, season, breed, area and farming system wise when considered as markers of study showed the highest prevalence of GI parasites in grower(6–12 months) stage, female, monsoon season, non-descript breeds, Khowai district and free range farming system, recorded 71.52%, 67.27%, 65.78%, 65.71%, 64.57%, and 69.44%, respectively. Overall, our study provides a baseline data for further investigation and formulation of strategies for control of GI parasitism in pigs in Tripura.

To overcome the antimicrobial residues in food, benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) are used in the broiler chicken industry. Independently, both exerted anticoccidial and antimicrobial actions and improved growth performance in broiler chickens. Their effect may be multiplied when they are used in combination. This present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of dietary BA and OEO alone or in combination as a substitute for a commercial coccidiostatic drug on growth performance and physiological and immunological responses in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria species. A total of 252 unsexed 1-day-old broiler chicks were equally allotted to 36 pens, each pen containing seven chicks. The pens were randomly assigned to six treatments with six pens (replicates) for each treatment (n = 6)—(i) negative control, (ii) positive control, coccidia-challenged and non-treated, (iii) supplemented with salinomycin (an anti-coccidial drug) at 60 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (iv) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (v) supplemented with OEOat 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (OEO), and (vi) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and OEO at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (B&O). The liver enzymes and thyroxine and creatinine levels were not affected (p > 0.05) both in coccidia-challenged and supplemented chickens. The BA and OEO applied separately or in combination (B&O) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced gut pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and Eimeria spp., and concurrently enhanced (p > 0.05) the Lactobacillus population with better body weight gain, improved feed utilization, and superior hematological values. It also up-regulated (p > 0.05) the interferon-γ gene expression and down-regulated (p < 0.05) the interleukin-10 and Toll-like receptor-4 gene expression to protect the chickens from inflammatory reactions, which were not demonstrated in salinomycin-treated birds. The B&O supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the immune system by enhancing Eimeria-specific immunoglobulin Y titer and lymphocyte proliferation response. This study suggests that the combined application of OEO and BA can substitute for a commercial anti-coccidial agent (salinomycin) in controlling coccidiosis as well as improving growth performance, gut health, and immune responses in broiler chickens with a means of antimicrobial-resistant free food products.

Aims: Epidemiology of naturally occurring gastrointestinal (GI) helminths was studied in buffalo of New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal and the role of different factors such as season, age, sex and rearing practices on prevalence was also recorded in the present study. Methodology: Monthly 120 faecal samples of buffaloes of New Alluvial Zone (NAZ) were collected and examined by standard parasitological techniques from April, 2016 to March, 2017. Results: The overall prevalence of GI helminths was recorded as 46.53% in buffalo of NAZ in West Bengal. Paramphistome (35.9%) was observed as the predominant parasite followed by Strongyle (9.93%), Fasciola (4.17%) and Toxocara (4.03%). Monsoon (54.58%) was found to be the most favourable season followed by winter (44.79%) and summer (40.21%) for GI helminths infection in buffalo. The overall prevalence (52.57%) as well as prevalence of Strongyle and Toxocara was higher in young buffaloes than the adult buffaloes (44.47%). The overall prevalence of GI helminths was higher in female buffalo (48.85%) than the male (40.74%) and the prevalence of individual parasites did not vary greatly between the two sexes of animals. Semi-intensive system (54.46%) of rearing showed higher prevalence of GI helminths than the intensive method (39.07%). Prevalence of Strongyle, Fasciola and Paramphistome was comparatively higher in animals maintaining under semi-intensive system than the intensive system of rearing. Conclusion: The results of the present study might be utilized for planning control programme against GI helminths in buffaloes of NAZ of West Bengal.

Efficacy of four commonly used anthelmintics have been evaluated against naturally occurring gastrointestinal nematodes in goats following the method of faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in the present study. Fifty goats in the age group of 1 to 2 years old and of either sex, having infection with strongyle group of nematodes were selected in the sheep and goat farm under project ‘Biotech Kisan Hub”, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery sciences and the goats were equally divided into five groups; group I (infected control), group II (albendazole treated), group III (fenbendazole treated), group IV (ivermectin treated) and group V (levamisole treated). Faecal egg count (FEC) in terms of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were estimated in all the experimental goats (n = 50) on 0-day post treatment (0 DPT) and again on 10 DPT. Efficacy of albendazole, fenbendazole, ivermectin and levamisole were 78.15%, 80.24%, 86.38% and 95.46%, respectively. Comparatively less efficacy of albendazole and fenbendazole indicated the emergence of anthelmintic resistance and lower efficacy of ivermectin might be due selection of resistant worms. Efficacy of levamisole was comparatively higher and it can be used strategically to control GI helminth parasites of goats in that farm.

The goats have been considered one of the noteworthy animals to provide food security and could promote socio-economic upliftment under challenging climatic scenarios in the coming decades, particularly in the tropics. Black Bengal goat (BBG) is one of the recognised native meat-type breeds of hot-humid tropics with distinguished characteristics, including superior-quality meat, excellent skin and high prolificacy. Smaller body mass, lower metabolic rate and efficient utilisation of high-fibre forages enable BBG to adapt to a wide range of harsh climates in the tropics. The BBG can maintain physiological homeostasis efficiently in terms of electrolyte profile, endocrine functions and haemato-biochemical traits in different life phases, including the gestation period, even in high-saline coastal areas of hot-humid tropics. Crossbreeding to improve its growth rate has been attempted, but the prolificacy has been decayed. This review is intended to attract global attention to the adaptive potentialities of Black Bengal goats in terms of growth and production, haemato-biochemical, endocrinological, salt tolerance and disease characteristics that could be an asset of climate-resilient agricultural farming.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the comparative histopathological changes due to acute Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain) infection in infected and treated mice which might be useful observations for future research on toxoplasmosis in veterinary and medical science.Thirty Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into five equal groups (i.e.Gr.I, II, III, IV and V).The mice of group II, III, IV and V were intraperitoneally inoculated with 5×10 3 tachyzoites of serially passaged T. gondii, respectively).On three days post-infection (DPI) all the mice of group III, IV and V, showing the sign of acute toxoplasmosis (Ascites and respiratory distress) were treated with sulphadoxine with pyrimethamine @21.20 mg kg -1 body weight orally, azithromycin @200 mg kg -1 body weight orally and clindamycin @6 mg per mice, orally, respectively.Histopathological changes of spleen, liver, lungs and kidney of infected and treated groups were more or less similar.Spleen of Gr II, Gr III, Gr IV and Gr V revealed diffused infiltration of lymphocytes in the red pulp.Fatty degenerative changes in liver were the prominent feature in all the infected groups of mice.Lungs showed pneumonic changes and kidney showed intravascular haemolysis.Intestine of Gr III revealed perivascular cuffing of lymphocytes in submucosa and heart showed focal haemorrhages in myocardium whereas, intestine and heart of other treated groups did not reveal any significant changes.