Average Packed Cell Volume Research Articles

Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density in Loka Abaya and Derara districts in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia.

Animal trypanosomosis is a significant livestock disease with economic and social repercussions, reducing the supply of animal products and restricting the utilization of animals for traction and transportation. In Ethiopia, it is prevalent and poses a major hindrance to the advancement of animal production. This repeated cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing seasonal variation in bovine trypanosomosis prevalence and tsetse fly density and identifying the potential risk factors in the Loka Abaya and Derara districts of the Sidama National Regional State. Blood samples were collected from 964 cattle, 484 samples during the dry season, and 480 during the wet season. The buffy coat method was employed to analyze these samples. Furthermore, 78 standard NGU traps were set up at various locations in the two districts during both seasons for entomological investigation. The overall apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis was 9% (95% CI 7.3-11.0), without a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the dry season (7.4%) and wet season (10.6%). The apparent prevalence was significantly higher in Loka Abaya (11.8%) than in Derara (6.3%) district (OR = 2.04; p = 0.003) and in cattle with black coat color (29%) than in mixed color (6.8%) (OR = 5.3; p < 0.001). The majority of infections were caused by Trypanosoma congolense (70%), followed by T. vivax (29%), and mixed infections (1%) with the two species. The average packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in infected animals (20.7 ± 4%) compared to uninfected ones (25.5 ± 5.4%), in cattle examined during the dry season (24.1 ± 6%) versus the wet season (26.1 ± 4.7%), in cattle sampled from the Loka Abaya district (24.2 ± 5.5%) versus Derara district (26 ± 5.3%), and in cattle with poor body condition (23.6 ± 5.7%) compared to those with good body condition (26.5 ± 5.3%). A total of 5282 flies were captured during the study, with 4437 (84%) being tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes), 439 (8.3%) Tabanids, 190 (3.6%) Stomoxys spp., and 216 (4.1%) Musca spp. The apparent density (AD) of G. pallidipes was 28.4 flies/trap/day, showing no statistically significant difference between wet (32.1) and dry (24.6) seasons (p > 0.05). The AD of G. pallidipes was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the Loka Abaya district (57.3) than in the Derara district (0.9). The study highlights a moderate trypanosomosis apparent prevalence and high AD of G. pallidipes, showing significant variation between the study districts but no seasonal difference. The observed apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density notably affects animal health and productivity. As a result, strategies for vector control like insecticide-treated targets, trypanocidal medications for infected animals, and community-based initiatives such as education and participation in control programs are recommended.

PSV-7 Sire fecal egg count EBV are predictive of offspring response to an artificial gastrointestinal nematode infection in Rambouillet sheep

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) pose a significant risk to the health and productivity of Rambouillet sheep, a noted wool and meat producing breed, in the United States. Capturing phenotypic measurements of Rambouillet while infected with GIN is essential for the calculation of estimated breeding values (EBV) as a selection tool to improve host resistance to GIN. Weaned (age= ~120 d.) Rambouillet lambs (n = 75) were each inoculated with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae and placed in a feedlot. Lambs were offspring of two representative sires, A (n = 26) and B (n = 49), with post-weaning fecal egg count EBV (PFEC) from LAMBPLAN, of -9.94 and +9.20%, respectively. Lamb fecal egg count (FEC), packed-cell volume (PCV) and body weight (BWT) measurements were captured at 7-day intervals for 6 subsequent weeks. Actual FEC were loge transformed (lnFEC) to meet normality and then backtransformed least squares means (LSM) are reported. lnFEC, PCV and BWT were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures including fixed effects of sex, sire and average daily gain (ADG) classification (for lnFEC and PCV), and sex and sire (for BWT). Significant differences (P = 0.0216) in average lnFEC were observed between offspring from sires A [2242 eggs per gram (epg)] and B (2914 epg). Weekly lnFEC differed (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and a trend identified between sexes (females = 3414 epg vs males = 2712 epg, P = 0.0909). Interestingly, females exhibited a higher average PCV than males, (34.93% v. 31.15%, P &amp;lt; 0.0001), suggesting potential pathological differences by sex in response to GIN infection. Artificial GIN infections offer a more controlled test than under natural conditions and are a viable option to aid in identifying Rambouillet sheep more resistant to GIN. These results indicate EBV calculated with FEC from a natural GIN infection are predictive of the response of Rambouillet lambs to an artificial infection of H. contortus.

PSX-20 Internal parasite resistance measured on pasture and in confinement of young Kiko bucks

Abstract Resistance to internal parasites (IP) is important in the sustainability of a meat goat enterprise. Langston University (LU) and the American Kiko Goat Association conducted a SecondGeneration Buck Performance Test in 2019. The performance test measured fecal egg count (FEC) and packed-cell volume (PCV) in a natural challenge of 6 wk on pasture (PAS) and in an artificial challenge in dry-lot confinement (CON). Seventy-seven Kiko bucks less than 1 yr of age completed both PAS and CON. The PAS was conducted on a 23-ha pasture with native grasses and forbs. Bucks were supplemented at 0.5% BW (25.8±0.18 kg) daily to facilitate visual inspection of animals. CON was conducted at LU’s testing facility. Bucks were sampled every 2 wk in PAS. In CON, bucks were sampled on d 29, 34, and 38 following an artificial challenge with each buck receiving 7,000 L3 Haemonchus contortus larvae. Average FEC and PCV for each buck for PAS and CON were analyzed. The correlation between FEC-PAS and PCV-PAS was -0.283 (P &amp;lt; 0.05), which is almost identical to the correlation between FEC-CON and PCV-CON (r=-0.280, P &amp;lt; 0.05). The Spearman rank correlation between FEC-PAS and FEC-CON was 0.069 (P &amp;gt; 0.50). However, the Spearman rank correlation between PCV-PAS and PCV-CON was 0.376 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Using mixed model methods, the means for FEC-CON and FEC-PAS were similar (1,428 vs 1,698±169 epg for CON and PAS, respectively). However, PCV were different (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with 28.3 vs. 20.7±0.34 for CON and PAS, respectively. Pasture PCV was a predictor of PCV in confinement and vice versa; however, that was not true for FEC, indicating that FEC in PAS and in CON may be two separate traits. Future buck performance tests should incorporate pasture and confinement phases to more precisely identify superior bucks for IP resistance.

African animal trypanosomosis (nagana) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Strategic treatment of cattle on a farm in endemic area

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is caused by several species of the genus Trypanosoma, a parasitic protozoan infecting domestic and wild animals. One of the major effects of infection with pathogenic trypanosome is anaemia. Currently, the control policies for tsetse and trypanosomosis are less effective in South Africa. The only response was to block treat all infected herds and change the dip chemical to one which controls tsetse flies during severe outbreaks. This policy proved to be less effective as demonstrated by the current high level of trypanosome infections in cattle. Our objective was to study the impacts of AAT (nagana) on animal productivity by monitoring the health of cattle herds kept in tsetse and trypanosomosis endemic areas before and after an intervention that reduces the incidence of the disease. The study was conducted on a farm in northern KwaZulu-Natal which kept a commercial cattle herd. There was no history of any cattle treatment for trypanosome. All cattle were generally in poor health condition at the start of the study though the herd received regular anthelminthic treatment. A treatment strategy using two drugs, homidium bromide (ethidium) and homidium chloride (novidium), was implemented. Cattle were monitored regularly for 13 months for herd trypanosomosis prevalence (HP), herd average packed cell volume (H-PCV) and the percentage of the herd that was anaemic (HA). A total of six odour-baited H-traps were deployed where cattle grazed from January 2006 to August 2007 to monitor the tsetse population. Glossina brevipalpis Newstead and Glossina austeni Newstead were collected continuously for the entire study period. High trypanosomes HP (44%), low average H-PCV (29.5) and HA (24%) were rerecorded in the baseline survey. All cattle in the herd received their first treatment with ethidium bromide. Regular monthly sampling of cattle for the next 142 days showed a decline in HP of 2.2% – 2.8%. However, an HP of 20% was recorded by day 220 and the herd received the second treatment using novidium chloride. The HP dropped to 0.0% and HA to 0.0% by day 116 after the second treatment. The cow group was treated again by day 160 when the HP and HA were 27.3% and 11%, respectively. The same strategy was applied to the other two groups of weaners and the calves at the time when their HP reached 20%. Ethidium and novidium treatment protected cattle, that were under continuous tsetse and trypanosomosis challenge, for up to 6 months. Two to three treatments per year may be sufficient for extended protection. However, this strategy would need to be included into an integrated pest management approach combining vector control for it to be sustainable.

A Prospective Study: Is Routine Pre-operative Urinalysis Mandatory in Ambulatory Operations in Children

There are controversies regarding pre-operative routine investigations in ambulatory operations in the paediatric age group. Routinely, patients’ packed cell volume (PCV), and genotype were the investigations done for children before surgery, but somewhere along the line, the anaesthesiologists now demand for pre-operative routine urinalysis in children going for ambulatory operations to help detect occult urinary tract diseases. The aim and objectives was to find out the benefits of doing routine preoperative urinalysis and whether it was really necessary in children undergoing ambulatory operations in Lagos, Nigeria”? It was a one year prospective study, carried out from the 1st of September, 2018 to the 31st of August, 2019 in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Eighty four children, between the ages of 0 - 12 years, slated for ambulatory operations were mandated to do routine pre-operative urinalysis, routine packed cell volume estimation, and genotype studies. All the children were operated under general anaesthesia. Eighty four children were recruited, comprising of 72 (85.7%) males and 12 (14.3%) females with a male: female ratio of 6:1. The patients’ age ranged from 0 to 12 years with a mean age of 5 ± 3 STD. An average, minimum and maximum weights of 18.9kg, 5.0kg, and 44.0kg respectively were recorded, while the average PCV was 34.4%, with a minimum of 26.9% and maximum of 48.0%. The results of urinalysis were normal in 82.1% and abnormal in about 17.9% participants. In the abnormal group, (proteinuria trace = 7, leucocytes = 4, nitrites = 2, proteins + nitrites = 1, and urobilirubin = 1). All study subjects underwent the procedures successfully with no record of cancellation of any procedure as a result of an abnormal urine finding. We conclude that routine pre-operative urinalysis should be done on all our paediatric ambulatory surgery patients with a view to detecting any abnormalities that may require a follow-up.

Dynamics of natural infection by Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in dairy cattle from an enzootic instability area in Northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to determine the dynamics of natural infection in the transmission of Babesia spp. to cattle in an enzootic instability area in Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 30 calves located on two dairy farms to determine the packed cell volume (PCV) and the timing of the primo-infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and their association with climatic factors and management practices. On Farm A, the determination of primo-infection was observed on average at 249.4 (±24.42) days of age for B. bigemina and at 252.6 (±17.07) days of age for B. bovis; there was no significant difference between the times of infection (P> 0.05). The infection coincided with a period of high rainfall in the region. On Farm B, primo-infection infection was not observed. There was no infection by Babesia spp. on Farm B due to the intensive use of acaricides that led to an absence of ticks. There was no significant difference between the average PCV of animals from Farms A and B (P> 0.05). The management practices on the properties, in addition to the weather conditions influenced the exposure of the animals to disease vectors and may have contributed to the maintenance of this enzootic area in Northeastern Brazil.

Blood Profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats Fed Cassava Peel Meal Based- Diets Supplemented with African Yambean Concentrate

The blood profile of twenty (20) West African Dwarf bucks fed cassava peel meal based diets supplemented with varying levels of African yambean meal (AYBM) concentrate was investigated. Four diets were formulated with AYBM at 0, 10, 20 and 30 % levels designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Before the commencement of the study, a baseline status of the blood was established. Thereafter at the end of the study, the haematological and serum biochemical values were investigated to show if the difference existed principally due to the feedstuffs fed. Results showed that values for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell counts (RBCs) and white blood cell counts (WBCs) differed significantly (P&lt; 0.05) between the respective diets. Average PCV value was highest in the control diet (T1) and least in diet T4 (30% YBSM). Serum biochemical values for total bilirubin (TB), serum urea, creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, serum glumate oxalotransaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvatetransaminase (SGPT) differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) between dietary treatments. The control diet had higher serum urea, but diets T2, T3, and T4 were statistically similar. The control diet had higher creatinine value, similar to diets T2 and T3 but different from diet T4. Cholesterol value was higher in the control diet similar to diet T2 different from diets T3 and T4. SGOT was higher in the control (diet T1) but differed from diets T2 and T3. SGPT was higher in the control diet, very different from other diets. Though some of the results were inconsistent, total protein, creatinine, cholesterol and SGOT and SGPT were lower in animals fed the supplemented concentrate. Therefore, the results suggest the positive potential of the use of crop residues (cassava peel meal) supplemented with varying levels of AYBM concentrate in the feeding of goats without deleterious effects on blood chemistry.

Prevalence of trypanosomiasis in sheep in the Kachia Grazing Reserve, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria

An investigation was carried out in the Kachia grazing reserve in Kaduna, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of trypanosomiasis among sheep. The reserve has had a history of high prevalence of the disease and farmers in the area are known to ignore the control of trypanosomiasis in sheep and goats and focus more on cattle. The sheep studied showed lacrimation, pale mucous membranes, hair loss, lameness and tick infestation. Blood samples from 110 sheep were collected and examined by using the Standard Trypanosome Detection Method i.e. Haematocrit Centrifugation Technique (HCT),Buffy Coat Method (BCM), and Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films.The packed cell volume (PCV) of each animal was also determined.An overall point prevalence rate of 40.9%(45 positive) was recorded. The average PCV of the infected sheep (19.6±0.45) appeared lower but statistically not significant (p&gt;0.05)than that (18.6±0.51) in those non-infected.The trypanosomes observed were T. congolense (40.0%),T. Brucei (28.8%), T.vivax (17.7%) and mixed infections (13.3%). The potential of small ruminants serving as reservoirs of infection for cattle, insufficiency of professional Veterinary services, absence of alternative trypanosomiasis control methods other than chemotherapy and poor land use practices which forces migration of herds and complicates the control of the disease in the area were discussed.Keywords: Prevalence, Trypanosomiasis, Sheep, Grazing reserve, Chemotherapy, Reservoir

Characteristics and Associations of Renal Dysfunction at Presentation in Haart-Naïve HIV-Infected Subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Renal impairment is a major concern for HIV-infected individuals. It affects the way of life of the patients and could lead to a poor prognosis during the course of treatment. A retrospective study of 375 newlydiagnosed HAART naive HIV-infected individuals from April 2014 to April 2015 was carried out. Information collected from the patients’ hospital folders include: Data and reports of biochemical and hematological investigations. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the MDRD equation. Patients were grouped according to the WHO clinical stage of HIV disease and the KDIGO CKD stages. The Kruksall-Wallis’s and Dunn’s posts test was used to compare the difference between the PCV and CD4 cell counts of the different groups. Chi-square analysis of the proportions of subjects according to WHO clinical stage of HIV disease at presentation and CKD Stages was also performed. Renal failure (eGFR< 60mL/min) was highly prevalent (13.7%) in the study subjects with a high proportion (90.1%, n=46/51) observed in individuals at Stage 3 and Stage 4 of HIV-disease. A decline in the average packed cell volume (PCV) from CKD stage 1 through 5 and HIV clinical stages1 to 4 was observed, however it was not significant (p < 0.05). Hyperfiltration was observed in 2.9% (11/375) of the study subjects, with a majority (81.8%, 9/11) at HIV clinical stages 3 and 4. The study showed that renal dysfunction is prevalent in HAART naive HIV-infected individuals at initial diagnosis. Individuals with a CD4 cell count <300cells/mm 3 are at a higher risk for renal dysfunction. Thorough evaluation and identification of at risk

FAMACHA© scores history of sheep characterized as resistant/resilient or susceptible to H. contortus in artificial infection challenge

With the aim of validating the FAMACHA© as a method for phenotypic selection of sheep resistant/resilient to gastrointestinal nematodes, 27 Suffolk ewes with known FAMACHA© score histories were experimentally infected with 25,000 larvae of Haemonchus contortus. From the day of infection (day 0) to 60 days post-infection, at intervals of 7–15 days, ewes were evaluated for packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC). A statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in FEC occurred between day 0 and day 60. PCV values showed a decrease (p<0.05) starting from day 21, compared to day 0. Based on the changes in FEC and PCV values from day 0 to day 60, 15 ewes (55.56%) were classified as susceptible (S) and 12 ewes (44.44%) as resistant/resilient (RR). A comparison of the average FEC after infection between susceptible (4487.6 eggs per gram—epg) and resistant/resilient (1317.9epg) ewes showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the two groups. The difference in average PCV values after infection (24.8% and 30.3% for S and RR, respectively) was also significant (p<0.05). Data from 980 previous evaluations of FAMACHA© scores from the 27 ewes showed that 58.33% of the ewes classified as RR and 46.67% of the S group had a history of only F1 and F2 scores. In the RR group, only one animal (8.33%) had an F4 score, occurring one time out of the 61 evaluations of this ewe. In contrast, 40.0% of S group ewes had F4 and/or F5 scores. During the period of FAMACHA© score history that was evaluated, 69.56% of the total number of anthelmintic treatments in the flock were administered to ewes from group S. Since ewes with F4 and/or F5 scores during the FAMACHA© score time period were classified as susceptible during the experimental infection (with the exception of one ewe), we conclude that the FAMACHA© score history is a useful tool for the selection of ewes that are resistant/resilient, as well as for the identification of susceptible animals that should be culled.

Production and Toxicological Evaluation of Foam-Mat Dehydrated Banana Powder for Food Applications

This study investigated the toxicological effects of foam-mat dried banana powder in order to assess its safety for use as food ingredient. Two banana cultivars, Chinensis (PAR) and giant Cavendish (SNR) at soft ripe stage were obtained and pectinase hydrolysed banana pulp pastes of each cultivar was prepared. A 2.5% suspension of glyceryl-monostearate (GMS) as edible foam agent was incorporated into the pastes at 0.4%, whipped, dried, milled (375 micron powder), and used for toxicological evaluation. Fifty male adult rats were fed extracts of banana samples at levels of 150, 250, 750 and 1000mg/kg rat weight for 21 days. The rats’ blood serum were used for the biochemical/enzyme analyses and complete blood counts. The rats’ tissue organs (liver, kidney, brain, heart, intestine) were also used for histopathological examinations. The serum protein ranged from 6.8 – 7.2g/dL in rats administered PAR and SNR extracts. Albumin and globulin contents of serum ranged from 4.1–4.5 and 2.5–3.9g/dL, respectively and the blood glucose levels varied from 120 – 125 and 120 – 127 mg/dL, respectively. The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) contents of the rats ranged from 77–92, 26–39, and 38–45mg/L respectively. The average packed cell volume (PCV) ranged from 43.5–47.0% for rats fed PAR and SNR extracts, Haemoglobin (Hb) (14.1–14.6 g/100mL), RBC (7.3–7.8x10 6 mg/L), WBC (6.290–9.612 mg/L) of the rats varied. Rats administered SNR and PAR extracts (150–1000mg/kg body wt) had liver that showed moderately congested hepalocellular sinusoids, no visible lesions; brain with normally congested vessels, no visible lesion, heart with no myocardial degeneration similar to those of the control. The kidney showed moderate tubular epithelium, intestine with normal architecture, villi and no visible lesions. The use of GMS as edible foam agent in banana powder was safe and constituted no health hazard to experimental rats

Effects of supplementation with dietary green tea polyphenols on parasite resistance and acute phase protein response to Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with dietary green tea polyphenols (GTPs) on parasite resistance and acute phase protein (APP) response to Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs. Thirty male Ujumqin lambs were randomly assigned to five treatment groups for an 8-week feeding period. Treatments included: (1) uninfected as control, (2) infected but not given GTP (INFGTP0) and (3)–(5) infected and fed 2, 4, or 6g GTP/kg feed (dry matter basis; INFGTP2, INFGTP4, and INFGTP6, respectively). Fecal and blood samples were collected to determine fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and APP concentrations. Live weight was measured once every 2 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, lambs were slaughtered to determine the adult H. contortus burden. The results demonstrated interaction effects between treatment and sampling time on the average daily gain (ADG; P=0.0005), FEC (P<0.0001), PCV (P=0.0005), and concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and α1-acid glycoprotein (α1AGP) (P<0.0001). From days 0 to 56, the ADG values for all infected lambs were lower than that of uninfected lambs, but the ADG values for all GTP-fed lambs were higher than that of INFGTP0 lambs, especially from days 28 to 42. The FECs of all GTP-fed lambs were higher than those of uninfected lambs but lower than that of INFGTP0 lambs. The PCVs of all infected lambs were lower than those of uninfected lambs, but PCV increased with increasing amounts of GTP supplementation. Furthermore, supplementation with different concentrations of GTP significantly reduced the numbers of adult H. contortus, including both males and females (P<0.0001), and the H. contortus burden in INFGTP6 lambs was reduced to uninfected levels. Overall, the SAA, Hp, LBP, and α1AGP concentrations of all infected lambs were higher than those of uninfected lambs from days 0 to 56. Two peaks in expression were observed from days 0 to 3 and at day 28, and APP concentrations of all GTP-fed lambs were lower than those of INFGTP0 lambs, except for SAA in INFGTP6 lambs. In conclusion, quantitative measurements of APP responses to H. contortus infection provide valuable diagnostic information for monitoring infection progression and treatment responses in lambs. An appropriate dose of dietary GTP supplementation can increase host resistance by reducing H. contortus burden and weight loss and suppressing blood APP expression.

Effect of fall-grazed sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) on gastrointestinal nematode infections of growing goats

High prevalence of anthelmintic-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in goats has increased pressure to find effective, alternative non-synthetic control methods, one of which is adding forage of the high condensed tannin (CT) legume sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) to the animal's diet. Previous work has demonstrated good efficacy of dried SL (hay, pellets) against small ruminant GIN, but information is lacking on consumption of fresh SL, particularly during the late summer–autumn period in the southern USA when perennial warm-season grass pastures are often low in quality. A study was designed to determine the effects of autumn (September–November) consumption of fresh SL forage, grass pasture (predominantly bermudagrass, BG; Cynodon dactylon), or a combination of SL+BG forage by young goats [intact male Spanish kids, 9 months old (20.7±1.1kg), n=10/treatment group] on their GIN infection status.Three forage paddocks (0.40ha) were set up at the Fort Valley State University Agricultural Research Station (Fort Valley, GA) for an 8-week trial. The goats in each paddock were supplemented with a commercial feed pellet at 0.45kg/head/d for the first 4 weeks of the trial, and 0.27kg/head/d for the final 4 weeks. Forage samples taken at the start of the trial were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and a separate set of SL samples was analyzed for CT in leaves, stems, and whole plant using the benzyl mercaptan thiolysis method. Animal weights were taken at the start and end of the trial, and fecal and blood samples were collected weekly for determination of fecal egg counts (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. Adult GIN was recovered from the abomasum and small intestines of all goats at the end of the experiment for counting and speciation. The CP levels were highest for SL forage, intermediate for SL+BG, and lowest for BG forage samples, while NDF and ADF values were the opposite, with highest levels in BG and lowest in SL forage samples. Sericea lespedeza leaves had more CT than stems (16.0g vs. 3.3g/100g dry weight), a slightly higher percentage of PDs (98% vs. 94%, respectively) and polymers of larger mean degrees of polymerization (42 vs. 18, respectively).There were no differences in average daily gain or blood PCV between the treatment groups, but SL goats had lower FEC (P<0.05) than the BG or SL+BG forage goats throughout most of the trial. The SL+BG goats had lower FEC than the BG forage animals by the end of the trial (week 8, P<0.05). The SL goats had lower numbers (P<0.05) of male Haemonchus contortus and tended to have fewer female (P<0.10) and total (P<0.07) H. contortus compared with the BG goats. The predominant GIN in all the goats was Trichostrongylus colubriformis (73% of total GIN).As a low-input forage with activity against pathogenic GIN (H. contortus), SL has a potential to reduce producers’ dependence upon synthetic anthelmintics and also to fill the autumn ‘window’ in good-quality fresh forages for goat grazing in the southern USA.

Bovine trypanosomosis prevalence at the edge of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The northern KwaZulu-Natal (NKZN) region of South Africa is the southern limit of the African tsetse belt. Entomological information on Glossina brevipalpis and Glossina austeni was generated following the outbreak of trypanosomosis in cattle in 1990. However, these data have not been supported by parallel studies on epidemiology of the disease and therefore there has been no control policy in place. This study presented the first intensive investigations to address the epidemiology of trypanosomosis in NKZN. Tsetse abundance, trypanosome herd average prevalence (HAP), herd average anaemia (HAA) and herd average packed cell volume (HA-PCV) were investigated at three communal diptanks located at the edge of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park by monthly sampling from June 2006 - November 2007. Seasonal trypanosome surveys were conducted at seven other communal diptanks. Glossina brevipalpis prevalence was high at two of the diptanks, Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni, but low at Ocilwane, whilst G. austeni was only collected from Mvutshini. This high and low tsetse challenge presented different disease scenarios. Cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni had the highest HAP of 12.3% and 8.9% respectively, both significantly different (p = 0.001) from the HAP obtained from cattle at Ocilwane (2.9%). These two cattle herds also had the highest HAA, 27.7% and 33.4% respectively, whilst cattle at Ocilwane had the lowest, 11.1% (p = 0.001). Conversely, cattle at Ocilwane had the highest HA-PCV, ranging between 29.0% and 32.0%, whilst cattle at Mvutshini and Ekuphindisweni had the lowest HA-PCV (24.0% - 29.0%). By combining the data from the three diptanks (1318 observations), 62.0% of the infected cattle were found anaemic, compared to 20.0% in the uninfected group. Trypanosome seasonal surveys showed that cattle at all the seven diptanks were infected with trypanosomes; mean HAP, HAA and HA-PCV of 10.2%, 46.6% and 23.7%, respectively. This study generated information on the epidemiological factors related to the wide spread of trypanosome-infected cattle and tsetse flies. Trypanosomosis is a disease of economic importance impacting the livelihood of resource-poor farmers in NKZN.

Effect of Vitamin C on the packed cell volume of trypanosome infected rats

This research was interested in using nutrient in the amelioration of trypanosomiasis which is one of the most endemic diseases of livestock. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Vitamin C on the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of Trypanosoma brucei infected rats. Twenty albino rats (Rattus novegicus) were used. They were divided into four groups. Cages A and B contained non infected rats while Cages C and D contained infected rats. Treatment one contained only chick mash while treatment two contained 1kg of chick mash and 1g of vitamin C thoroughly mixed together. Rats in Cages A and C were fed Treatment 1, while rats in Cages B and D were fed Treatment 2. Rats in Cages A and B served as control groups. Blood samples of the rats were taken weekly for determination of Packed Cell volume using haematocrit centrifuge method. The experiment lasted for five weeks. At the end of the experiment, it was observed that rats fed with Vitamin C had higher average PCV than the rats fed only chick mash. The rats in Cage B had approximately 48% PCV while that of Cage A had approximately 46% PCV. Also in the infected group, those in Cage D had approximately 40% PCV while those in Cage C had approximately 30% PCV. It was also observed that rats fed with vitamin C lived longer than the rats fed only chick mash in the case of rats infected with T. brucei.Keywords: Packed cell volume, Trypanosoma brucei, Rattus novegicus.

A wet season survey of animal trypanosomosis in Shongom local government area of Gombe state. Nigeria

Two hundred and three (203) blood samples were collected from randomly selected herd comprising; cattle, 68 (33.5%), sheep 57 (28.1%), goats 16 (7.9%), donkey, 3 (1.5%) and pigs 59 (29.1%) respectively. The blood samples were collected from animals and examined in seven villages from two districts (Filiya and Lapan) of Shongom Local Government Area. These total numbers of 203 comprises 47 (23.2%) males and 156 (76.8%) females. From the males, 15 (31.9%) were cattle, 11 (23.4%) sheep, 5 (10.6%) goats, 0 (0.0%) donkey and 16 (34.0%) boar while the females consist of 53 (34.0%) cattle, 46 (29.5%) sheep, 11 (7.1%) goats, 3 (1.9%) donkeys and 43 (27.6%) sow. The blood samples from these animals were analysed using a combination of thin and thick blood films and concentration methods. Eleven (5.42%) were found to be positive for hemoparasites. These comprise. Trypanosoma vivax 1 (9.1%), Microfilariae 1 (9.1%), Babesia 8 (72.7%) and 1 (9.1%) Anaplasma. The average packed cell volume (PCV) for infected and non infected males were 33.1 3.3 and 33.4 1.5 while that of females 31.5 5.1 and 31.9 0.8 respectively. Babesia spp were find to be higher in prevalence 8 (72.7%) while T. vivax, Microfilariae and Anaplasma accounts for least occurrence 1 (9.1%) each. This indicates high prevalence rate of ticks (vector of babesiosis) and absence of Glossina spp biological transmitters of zoonotic trypanosomiasis in the study area.

Enhancement of the Mexican Bovine Babesiosis Vaccine Efficacy by Using Lactobacillus casei

To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei on the effectiveness of the Mexican bovine babesiosis mixed vaccine, 20 bovines were randomly allocated into four groups of five animals (I, II, III, and IV). At day -2 animals in groups I and II were inoculated with saline solution by intramuscular route (i.m.) and animals in groups III and IV were inoculated with L. casei. At day 0 bovines in groups I and III were inoculated i.m. with bovine normal erythrocytes and animals of groups II and IV were inoculated with the babesiosis vaccine. Twenty-four days later each bovine was challenged with Babesia bovis- and B. bigemina-infected erythrocytes. The average rectal temperature in groups I and III was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the vaccinated groups after challenge. The average packed cell volume was lower (P < 0.01) in the control groups than in the vaccinated groups. At day 10 after challenge, the average anti-Babesia antibody level was higher in group IV than in group II. At day 7 after vaccination, the percentage of bovines positive to gamma interferon, as determined by real-time PCR, was 20, 0, 40, and 80 for groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. All animals in control groups (I and III) were treated against babesiosis to avoid their death because they showed signs of babesiosis. The results indicate that L. casei, inoculated 2 days before the inoculation of the Mexican bivalent bovine babesiosis vaccine, improves the vaccine's efficiency.

Comparing FAMACHA © eye color chart and Hemoglobin Color Scale tests for detecting anemia and improving treatment of bovine trypanosomosis in West Africa

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is considered the most important cattle disease in sub-Saharan Africa but its diagnosis in the field is difficult, resulting in inappropriate treatments, excessive delay in treatments and under-treatment. A field study in West Africa investigated the usefulness of anemia in the diagnosis of trypanosomosis. A total of 20,772 cattle blood samples were taken from 121 villages in 3 countries. The average packed cell volume (PCV) of trypanosomosis positive cattle was 23%, versus 28% for negative cattle. In a sub-set of animals, other causes of anemia were investigated showing most of the anemia burden was attributable to trypanosomosis. Anemia was a reasonably accurate indicator of trypanosomosis in the study area, with a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 80% and a diagnostic odds ratio of 4.2, the highest of all the signs evaluated (anemia, emaciation, staring coat, lymphadenopathy, fever, lacrimation and salivary or nasal discharge). Having confirmed the usefulness of anemia as a predictor of trypanosomosis, two potential pen-side tests for anemia were evaluated (the first reported trial of their use in cattle), firstly a color chart developed for anemia detection in sheep through visual inspection of conjunctival membranes (FAMACHA ©) and secondly the Hemoglobin Color Scale (HbCS) developed for assessing hemoglobin levels in human patients by comparing blood drops on filter paper with color standards. In a population of cattle suspected by their owners to be sick with trypanosomosis ( n = 898) the sensitivity of the HbCS test was 56% and the specificity was 77%, while the sensitivity of the FAMACHA © test was 95% and the specificity was 22%. The higher sensitivity but lower specificity suggests the FAMACHA © may be useful as a screening test and the HbCS as a confirmatory test. The two tests were also evaluated in cattle randomly selected from the village herd. Using cut-off points to optimize test performance, the HbCS test had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 62% ( n = 505 cattle), while the FAMACHA © had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 30% ( n = 298 cattle). Recommendations are made for the appropriate use of these tests in the West African region.

Equine trypanosomosis in the Central River Division of The Gambia: A study of veterinary gate-clinic consultation records

The objective of this study was to provide epidemiological information of equine trypanosomosis in the Central River Division (CRD) of The Gambia. Therefore, 2285 consultations records of equines, admitted in a gate-clinic at Sololo in CRD, were studied retrospectively. The data were recorded in the period between September 1995 and July 2002 and comprised consultations of 2113 horses and 172 donkeys. ‘Trypanosome infection’ was the most frequently diagnosed condition and accounted for 61% of the cases. Horses were more frequently diagnosed with trypanosome infections than donkeys ( p < 0.001), with an occurrence of 63% compared to 43% in donkeys. In both horses and donkeys, trypanosome infections were mainly due to Trypanosoma congolense (64%) and T. vivax (32%). There was no difference observed in the occurrence of trypanosome infections in male or female donkeys ( p = 0.585), but there were more female (67.8%) horses observed with trypanosome infections than male horses (60.7%; p = 0.003). There was no difference observed in the occurrence of trypanosome infections in donkeys older or younger than 1 year ( p = 0.130), but more older horses (63.2% >1 year) were observed with trypanosome infections than young horses (54.5% <1 year; p = 0.033). The number of donkeys and horses with trypanosome infections decreased during the rainy season (June–September). The majority of equines that were admitted with trypanosome infections were severely anaemic. The average packed cell volume (PCV) declined with increasing parasitaemia ( p = 0.006). Seventy-four percent of the farmers’ predictions of trypanosome infections in their equines were confirmed by darkground-microscopy. That proved that farmers had a fairly accurate knowledge of the diseases affecting their equines. The treatments executed at the gate-clinic were generally effective. The few (0.4%) relapses of the T. vivax infections that were previously treated with diminazene aceturate in this study were not sufficient to prove drug resistance. The study showed that the analysis of consultation records at a gate-clinic can provide complementary information to conventional epidemiological studies in the same research area.

Response of four indigenous cattle breeds to natural tsetse and trypanosomosis challenge in the Ghibe valley of Ethiopia

A comparative study on the response of four indigenous cattle breeds of Ethiopia, namely Abigar, Horro, Sheko and Gurage, to natural challenge of trypanosomosis in the Tolley–Gullele area of the Ghibe valley has been undertaken from August 2000 until August 2004. Fifty female yearlings each of Horro, Sheko and Abigar and 31 of the Gurage were purchased from their natural habitats and introduced in to medium to high tsetse–trypanosomosis challenge area of the Ghibe valley. While the natural habitats of first three breeds are naturally infested with tsetse flies and trypanosomosis, that of the Gurage is known to be very minimal, if any, and hence the Gurage breed was used in this study as the known susceptible breed. During the study animal health, production performance and tsetse fly situation were monitored monthly. The Sheko breed has manifested very significantly ( p < 0.001) high overall average packed cell volume (PCV) values (25%) compared to that of Abigar (24%), Horro (23%) and Gurage (22%). It also had the lowest mean trypanosome prevalence rate of 9% against 23% of Horro, 26% of Abigar and 27% of Gurage, and the least number of Berenil ® treatments (1.36) compared to Abigar (4.0), Horro (4.6) and Gurage (6.7). While the Abigar manifested high sensitivity and frequent death to PCV depression, the Horro showed strong resilience to PCV depression and better response to Berenil ® treatment assistance. At this stage the Sheko breed was also found to be equal to the other breeds in its reproductive performance. These results need to be substantiated with further in-depth investigation including immune response, animal behavior and environmental influences.