Sarcoptes mite epidemiology and treatment in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) calves captured for translocation from the Kafue game management area to game ranches

A cross sectional study was conducted on 110 cattle and 397 small ruminants to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and possible risk factors, and to characterize the species of Mycobacteria circulating in Chifra district. Bacterial isolation and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed on milk and nasal swab samples of reactor animals. In tuberculin test, 13.64% cattle and 5.29% small ruminants were positive, and 31.58% and 25.00% were positive cultures on Lowenstein-Jensen media from milk and nasal swab samples, respectively. Based on PCR products, 12 were positive for genus Mycobacterium and none were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex or Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex group. The reactor rates observed for cattle under different body condition scores were poor (17.24%), medium (6.25%) and good (50.00%) Body Condition Scores (BCS) (P=0.025). The stepwise logistic regression analysis using independent variable medium BCS as a reference category indicated that good BCS (adjusted OR=4.29, 95% CI for OR=0.49-37.89) significantly affected tuberculin reactivity. This study showed that the prevalence of Single Comparative Intra-dermal Tuberculin (SCIDT) test positives and risk of acquiring the disease, increased with good BCS. Thus, more sensitive diagnostic techniques and control strategies should be considered on this risk group.

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) in equines across Haryana. A total of 1500 fecal samples were collected and analyzed, including samples from horses (967), donkeys (178), and mules (355) from three distinct agro-climatic zones of Haryana. The findings revealed that horses had the highest prevalence of GIP at 68.00% among those with a poor body condition score, compared to 53.41% in those with a good body condition score. Conversely, donkeys exhibited a higher prevalence of GIP in animals with a good body condition score (58.28%) compared to those with a poor body condition score (55.56%). Similarly, mules showed a higher prevalence of GIP in individuals with a good body condition score (60.85%) versus those with a poor body condition score (52.70%). This study highlights the varying prevalence of GIP in equines across different body condition scores and emphasizes the need for targeted parasite management strategies in equine populations.

Determination of economic weights for breeding traits in indigenous Nguni cattle under in-situ conservation

The factors that influence the success of Artificial Insemination is affected by acceptors that will be used for AI which have a good Body Condition Score, because BCS has a relationship with animal reproduction, such as fertility and pregnancy. The purpose of this research was to evaluate and determine the relationship of Body Condition Score (BCS) on Service per Conception (S/C) and Conception Rate (CR). The material used was 80 Brahman Cross (BX) cows, the sample was selected by Purposive Sampling with the criteria 2-3 years old with body weight ranged from 300-500 kg, gave birth, and BCS between 4-7 (scale 1-9). The method used in this study was the survey method. The variables observed were the relationship between Body Condition Score (BCS), Service per conception (S/C), and Conception Rate (CR). The data was obtained by using correlation analysis and also a simple regression with the SPSS 2.0 software program, then analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the equation of relationship between BCS and S/C variables obtained r = 0.961% and the regression value equation y = -25.998 + 1.520x (R2) 23.9%. The relationship between BCS and CR variables obtained a value of r = 0.976% and BCS regression equation value with CR y = -39.727 + 1.109x (R2) 29.5%. The research thus concludes that there is a positive relationship that is being between BCS on the S/C and CR of Brahman Cross cows.Â

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to March 2018 to determine the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in the Community Based Horro Sheep Breeding site at Horro district, Horro Guduru Wollega zone, Ethiopia. Coprological examination was performed on a total of 390 sheep at the study area. Age, sex, body condition score and peasant association were taken into consideration as rik factors. An overall prevalence of fasciolosis 45.4% 95% CI (40.41 50.36 was found on the basis of coprological examinations. The prevalence of fasciolosis findings according to PAs were (41.5%) in Laku Ingu and (48.2%) in Gitilo Dole. Statistical analysis of the prevalence among study site (PAs) showed insignificant difference P=0.102 (P>0.05), but significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between animal age groups (P=0.032, with a prevalence of 37.2% in young and 49.8% in adult) and body condition scores (P=0.001, with a prevalence of 57.9%, 43.5% and 29.9% in sheep with poor, medium and good body condition score, respectively. There was insignificance difference (P>0.05) in sex group of study animals in which the prevalence was 47.6% in female and 38.8% in male. Therefore further studies on the epidemiology, seasonal dynamic of the disease, the snail intermediate host and impacts of the infection in animal production with implementations of strategic intervention is necessary.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a viral disease of sheep and goats, is endemic in Nigeria. There are reports indicating the involvement of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), the causative agent of PPR, in a camel respiratory syndrome in Africa. Considering that camels share the same grazing land and drinking points with other ruminants, this study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence and extent of PPRV antibodies in Nigerian camels. A total of 1517 camel sera samples were collected from four states (Borno, Kano, Kastina and Sokoto). The seroprevalence was determined by the H-protein-based competitive ELISA. The overall prevalence was 3.36% (51/1517, 95% confidence interval of 2.51-4.39%). There was no significant differences in prevalence between states (p = 0.8921) and between male and female camels (p = 0.7424). The prevalence differed significantly (p < 0.00001) by body condition score; camels with poor body condition score has higher (16.67%) antibody seroprevalence to PPR compared to those with fair and good body condition score. There was a statistically significant difference between camels aged ≤ 5 years and those >5 years (p = 0.0042). These results show occasional transient PPRV infection of camels in Nigeria, and there is the need to include camels among species to be studied in elucidating the epidemiology of the disease in sheep and goats.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to June 2015 in the Mersa Town of South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State to determine the prevalence of Thelaziasis in cattle and to assess associated risk factors responsible for the occurrence of the disease. A total of 384 cattle of both ages (98 young and 286 Adult) with two sexes (203 males and 181 females) were grossly examined by flushing the conjunctival sacs and lachrymal duct with sterile saline solution. The prevalence of thelaziosis was 18.23% (70 cases). Age, sex, body condition scores and management systems did not show any statistical significant difference (P>0.05) for the prevalence. The prevalence was higher in male (24.12%), young (26.53%), and extensively managed cattle (20.69%) than their comparative female (11.6%), adult (18.38%), and semi-intensively kept animals (13.01%) respectively. Regarding body condition scores, the highest prevalence of bovine Thelaziasis was recorded in poor body condition cattle (30.19%) while the lowest was recorded in cattle with good body condition scores (14.48%). The results of the present study showed that bovine thelaziosis requires special attention considering its impact on cattle production and productivity.

The present study was carried out from selected areas at Rajshahi district to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows in relation to breed/genotype, age, parity, body weight and body condition. A total of 500 cows selected and data were collected directly from the dairy farms owner by using pre-tested questionnaires during the period from September 2013 to December 2014. The average reproductive performance (RP) were recorded as age at puberty (AP) 26.42±0.22 m, age at first calving (AFC) 35.48±0.22 m, post-partum heat period (PPHP) 121.85±3.48 days, service per conception (S/C) 1.93±0.04, days open (DO) 136.80±3.57 days and calving interval (CI) 401.04±3.94 days. Genotype had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on all the reproductive traits except on S/C. Local (L) × Holstein Friesian (HF) genotype showed earlier AP and AFC than L× Sahiwal (SL) and L. Age group had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on AP, AFC and other parameters were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Middle age groups of cows had shown better RP than others groups. Parities of cows had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on PPHP, S/C, DO except on AP, AFC and CI. Third parity had better RP than others. The best RP was found in &gt;300 kg BW groups. Body condition score had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on all RP. Good body condition score (BCS) had excellent RP.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 481-495, December 2020

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of single and double-shot estrus synchronization protocols on conception and estrus response rates in dairy cows. Among 195 sampled female animals, only 174 cows and heifers met a standard of the protocols. Animals were prepared for hormone injections based on their breed, parity number, and body condition score (BCS). Among 174 sampled animals, 120 were indigenous and the rest 54 were crossbreds, and 143 cows and 31 heifers were selected for single alfagladin C (Cloprostenol) injections. Whereas, 16 of them were given double alfagladin C (Cloprostenol) injections when they did not showed estrus prior to single injection. All data was collected and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Through observation, inspection and rectal palpation, 90.8% of 174 synchronized animals showed estrus response with a single dose, whereas 16 of them (100%) showed estrus response with double injections. Overall, 48.3% of cows and heifers became pregnant. The conception rate of cows/heifers varied significantly through each protocol, with 50% of animals conceived by double injection treatment and 48.1% of cows conceived through single shot treatment. Additionally, there was a substantial difference in estrus response across breeds, BCS, and parity number. Furthermore, the rates of conception in local and crossbred cows were 40.8 and 64.8%, respectively. In terms of body condition, a high conception rate (58.6%) was observed in the good body condition score. The conception rate and estrus response were significantly different in parity number. In general, the double protocol outperform than the single protocol in terms of estrus and conception rate. Accordingly, stakeholders or artificial insemination technicians might apply double protocols after a single injection to obtain remarkable results. Nevertheless, strict follow-up is required, and more resources at the farmer's management level are required.

A longitudinal study on calf management and health problems was conducted in 97 small holder Dairy farms found in Dugda Bora, Arsi Negelle, Shashemene and Kofele districts of Oromia region, Ethiopia, from November 2010 to April 2011. A total of 97 calves (84 local and 13 cross breed) were selected randomly and regularly monitored up to six months of age. Information on potential risk factors was collected by personal observation during the regular visit to farms and from questionnaire survey conducted during the study period. Chi-Square statistics and comparison of proportions were used to analyze the data. Out of 97 small holder dairy farms, 88 (90.7%) follow an extensive type of production system. Out of 97 calves surveyed, 59 (60.8%) were female and 38 (39.2%) were male. Calves were housed separately away from adult animals on 75 (77.3%) of the farms. 86 (88.7%) of the farms practiced a residual suckling feeding system. Based on the questionnaire survey, 26 (26.8%) external parasite infection followed by diarrhea 16 (16.5%). Routine clinical examination of calves for any health problem were also carried out indicating calf diarrhea in 18 (18.6%), tick infestation in 16 (16.5%) and mange mite infection 9 (9.3%). Among the risk factors considered for analysis, hygiene is found to be significantly associated with health problems of calves replied by the farmers (χ2=25.57.6; P<0.12) and result of routine examination (χ2= 27.642; P<0.016). Out of the 97 calves surveyed, 33 (34.0%), 55 (56.7%) and 9 (9.3%) have poor, medium and good body condition scores respectively. Out of the 21 risk factor considered, about 9 were found to be significantly associated with body condition score of calves. The calf health and management problems found in this study can be achieved through creation of awareness among farm owner and implementation of improved calf management practices.

Aim This study was conducted using the questionnaire method to assess the effect of breed and factors affecting conception rate on artificial insemination in dairy cows in Tullo district, Western Haraghe, Ethiopia. Methods A follow-up study design was conducted from December 2018 to June 2019 to determine the effect of breed and factors affecting conception rate to artificial insemination in dairy cows, taking breed, age, parity, body condition and timing of insemination as risk factors. The demographic factors were recorded by interviewing the owners. Most of the cows were examined for pregnancy diagnosis by rectal palpation of the genital tract at 60-80-days post-artificial insemination. Results Out of 114 artificially inseminated cows/heifers, 59 became pregnant, giving an overall first service conception rate of 51.8%. Although the breed, age, parity and body condition score did not affect the conception rate significantly, the pregnancy rate was better in the cross-breed (62.5%), in cows of 5-7-years of age (54.6%), in cows of parity 2-3 (59.2%) and in cows of good body condition score (57.7%). The conception rate in cows inseminated at 12-18-hours after the onset of estrus was significantly higher (62.3%) than those inseminated after 18-hours (31.2%) and before 12-hours (52.4%) after the onset of estrus. Therefore, cows with good body condition score (BCS) and artificial insemination (AI) service at 12-18-hours after the onset of estrus are the best choice of selection for obtaining the best result in the first service conception rate to AI in dairy cows/heifers. Conclusion This study reveals that the conception rate was influenced by the time of AI, so awareness should be given to cattle owners, as they should give AI for their cattle at optimum time within 12-18-hours after onset of heat sign.

Sarcoptic mange is a globally distributed disease caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which also causes scabies in humans. A wide and increasing number of wild mammal species are reported to be susceptible to mange; however, the impacts of the disease in wildlife populations, mechanisms involved in its eco-epidemiological dynamics, and risks to public and ecosystem health are still unclear. Major gaps exist concerning S. scabiei host specificity and the mechanisms involved in the different presentations of the disease, which change between individuals and species. Immunological responses to the mite may have a relevant role explaining these different susceptibilities, as these affect the clinical signs, and consequently, the severity of the disease. Recently, some studies have suggested sarcoptic mange as an emerging threat for wildlife, based on several outbreaks with increased severity, geographical expansions, and novel wild hosts affected. Disease ecology experts convened for the “International Meeting on Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife” on 4–5 June 2018, hosted by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. The meeting had a structure of (i) pre-workshop review; (ii) presentation and discussions; and (iii) identification of priority research questions to understand sarcoptic mange in wildlife. The workgroup concluded that research priorities should be on determining the variation in modes of transmission for S. scabiei in wildlife, factors associated with the variation of disease severity among species, and long-terms effects of the mange in wildlife populations. In this note we summarize the main discussions and research gaps identified by the experts.

A study was conducted on 400 goats in Luna Export Abattoir originated from district area of Borena Range land (that is Yabello and Negella) from November, 2008 to April, 2009 to estimate the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in goats. Detail post mortem examination and bacteriology were applied to undertake this study. On the bases of post mortem and bacteriological results, the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis was 15% (60/400), out of which 42 (70%), 13 (21.7%) and 5 (8.3%) were cutaneous form, visceral form and generalized form, respectively. There is statistical significance difference (P &lt; 0.05) among the three age groups. The study revealed that as age increases the prevalence also increases. Statistical significant difference was also recorded between goats having poor and good body condition score (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, goats with poor body condition score seem to be more infected (24.7%) than those goats with good body condition (12.5%). In conclusion, this study has indicated the occurrence of CLA in high frequency in goats of Borena range land. Therefore, further extensive research should be conducted over all the country to determine prevalence and economic significance of the disease. Key words: Goats, Borena range land, Luna Export Abattoir, caseous lymphadenitis, post mortem examination, bacteriology, prevalence. &nbsp

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 to investigate the prevalence and economic significance of bovine and caprine hydatidosis at Abergelle international export slaughterhouse, Mekele, Tigray region. This study has been carried out based on antemortem and postmortem examinations. Among the 940 cattle and goats examined, 104 (11.06%) were found to be positive for hydatid cyst. Whereas, from 520 slaughtered cattle and 420 goats, 86 (16.54%) and18 (4.29%) were positive for hydatid cyst, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle with different body condition scores (55.34% in poor and 6.25% in good body condition). The same holds true for goats (14.28% in poor body condition and 0.97% in good body condition score). But the variation was not significant concerning the age and origin of the animals. From examined organs, 55 (10.57%) of the lung, and 31 (5.96%) of the liver of cattle were positive. However, in goats, 13 (3.09%) lungs and 5 (1.19%) livers were positive for the cyst. The cyst viability and fertility test indicated that 28 (32.56%) cysts were fertile in cattle while 53 (61.28%) were infertile and 5 (5.81%) were calcified. Of these 28 fertile cysts in cattle, 8 (28.57%) were viable and 20 (71.43%) were non-viable. In goats, 13 (72.2%) were fertile, 4 (22.2%) were infertile and 1 (5.6%) was calcified. Of these 13 fertile cysts in goats, 8(61.54%) were viable and 5(38.5%) were non-viable. The annual economic loss estimated for bovine and caprine hydatidosis was 2,101,540.2 and 65,897.9 ETB, respectively. The annual financial loss recorded altogether by hydatidosis of cattle and goats at Abergelle International Export Slaughterhouse was estimated to be 2,167,438.1 ETB. In conclusion, hydatidosis is a major cause of organ and carcass condemnation and financial loss at the Abergelle export slaughterhouse. The prevalence of hydatidosis was high in cattle compared to goats and in both species; the lung was the most frequently affected organ by hydatid cyst followed by the liver.

The effect of supplementation with agro-industrial by-products and hay on body weight change and carcass characteristics of Ogaden bulls grazing natural pasture was investigated at Haramaya University beef farm. Eighteen uniform and healthy Ogaden bulls with initial mean body weight of 258.5±41.5 kg were selected from the University farm and randomly assigned to one of the three treatments. Treatment 1 (T1; Control) constituted grazing natural pasture alone, while treatments 2 and 3 constituted grazing natural pasture supplemented with agro industrial by-products and hay at a ratio of 25:75 and 50:50, respectively. Average daily body weight gain was highest (P < 0.05) for bulls in T3 (0.65±0.05 kg), while no difference was observed between bulls in T2 (0.47±0.05) and T1 (0.39±0.05). Mean body condition score was highest (P < 0.05) for bulls in T3 and T2 compared to bulls in T1. Feeding period influenced (P < 0.05) body weight change and body condition score , where bulls in the final period were heavier and had better body condition score than the preceding periods Feeding Ogaden bulls with T3 and T2 improved (P < 0.05) empty body and hot carcass weights compared to grazing alone (T1). Dressing percentage was slightly higher for bulls in T3 and T2 compared to bulls in T1. Thus, it could be concluded that supplementation with T3 would be a better feeding strategy to improve the performance of Ogaden bulls under tropical environment. Key words: Body weight, body condition score, carcass and non-carcass components, supplementation, Ogaden bulls.