Breed System Research Articles

The Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites from Beef Cattle on Sumedang Regency, Indonesia

Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are common parasitic agents of cattle across the world, causing both clinical and subclinical parasitism that causes massive financial losses. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in cattle in Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Between October and November 2022, 105 cattle had been chosen at random. The sex, breed, age, frequent deworming, cleaning frequency, and management system of each beef cattle were recorded. Fecal samples were obtained through rectum from the selected animals and submitted to flotation and sedimentation procedures. Overall, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 47.62% (95% CI = 0.3791−0.5733). Strongyle-type eggs (STE), Strongyloides spp., Trichuris sp., Moniezia spp., Fasciola sp., and Paramphistomum sp. ova were found. 38.09% of the total samples were positive for Strongyle eggs infection and commonly seen in single infections, followed by Eimeria spp. infection. Mixed infections were found in 25 cattle, with double to multiple parasite infections. As a result, it was determined that beef cattle in Sumedang Regency in Indonesia were infected with a variety of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Thus, frequent anthelmintic treatment, excellent management techniques, and public education about helminth parasites are critical.

Foot-and-mouth disease seroprevalence is higher in young female crossbred sheep and goats compared to their counterparts in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease in ruminants that causes significant economic losses worldwide. However, the prevalence of FMD virus (FMDV) in small ruminants has been overlooked in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FMD in sheep and goats in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. 800 sheep and goats belongs to age groups of 6 month to > 2 years. A total of 800 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 424) and goats (n = 376) and subjected to structural protein (SP) and 3ABC non-SP (NSP) ELISAs for the detection of antibodies against SP and NSP of the FMDV. For NSP, 340/800 (42.5%) of samples were positive, while SP analysis revealed that serotype O (44.5%) was the most common in sheep and goats, followed by Asia-1 (42%) and A (32%) serotypes. Sheep (39%; 95% CI, 34 to 44) had a higher (P < .05) prevalence of FMD than goats (46%; 95% CI, 41 to 51). Statistically significant (P < .05) differences in the seroprevalence of FMD-SP and FMD-NSPs were observed between various agencies (areas) of the study area. Risk factors such as age, sex, breed, season, flock size, body condition, animal movement, and production system were significantly (P < .05) associated with FMDV prevalence. This study showed that FMD is highly prevalent in sheep and goats in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Therefore, outbreak investigation teams should be arranged at the border level to develop FMD risk-based surveillance and control plans for small ruminants in order to mitigate infection risks.

Effect of bone age and anatomy on the variability of the bovine bone by-product by Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis

Bone is among the main by-products of the meat and dairy livestock. Currently, in many countries, it is valorised in pet food, disposed through incineration or exported. However, thanks to its biological and mechanical properties, it could be used in several bio-based products such as coatings, packaging, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium supply, flame retardants, etc. Successful valorisations routes of discarded bones need a comprehensive characterization of the bone tissue variability with major biological factors such as age of the animal and the anatomy of the bone itself. In this study, this variability was assessed through Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Bones optical properties (refractive index and absorption coefficient) and main minerals (calcium and phosphorous), were determined for adult cows’ femurs and tibias, from the same breed and breeding system and in the age range 93–120 months. Clustering analysis was then carried out, by unsupervised statistical tools (Principal Component Analysis and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering). Results showed that the bones considered can be grouped in two classes, represented by each anatomy; besides, the anatomy was most significant than age. The refractive index increased with age and was higher for femur; the cluster of tibias was more homogeneous than femurs. The THz radiation showed to be a useful and non-destructive tool to assess bovine bones variability and also their optical properties. This radiation could be applied to the predict animal bone components (collagen and minerals) extractability so as to valorise each cluster according to its potential.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in pigs of Tripura, India.

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(6-12months) 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.

Using Coefficient of Variation to Study the Carcass Traits Uniformity for Three Lines of Japanese Quail

Quail body weight and its traits are important to poultry breeders and processors. Body weight correlated positively and negatively to several linear body measurements. Moreover, body weight affected by several factors such as age, sex, breed, rearing and feeding system, handling and slaughtering conditions. Two hundred ten day old unsexed Japanese quail chicks were obtained from three genetic lines of Japanese quail to study carcass traits uniformity by using coefficient of variation. At 40 days of age the feed was withdrawn for 6h, the birds were weighed individually to obtain live body weight. Thereafter the birds were slaughter by knife and let to bleed for 3 min. After the removal of feathers, the carcasses were dissection manually into various parts (chest, thigh, wings, back, head, nick, feet, heart, liver, and gizzard) and weight in gram by using electronic balance with (0.001) sensitivity. General Linear Model within the statistical program SPSS was used to study the effect of genetic lines and sex on carcass traits. Some traits were non-significant effected between the genetic lines such as in male were (Live body weight, head, nick, heart, liver, gizzard), and in female (live body weight, carcass, chest, wing back, head, feet, heart, liver, gizzard). We conclude that the carcass traits of Japanese quail differ among the three genetic lines (white, brown, and grey). And the high values of coefficient of variation may due to the breeding system of the birds.

Porcine parasitic zoonosis in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Pigs are coprophagous omnivores that feed on a wide range of food, thus making them susceptible to parasitic infections. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among pigs in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, kept under different management systems. A total of 400 fresh fecal samples from pigs of varying ages and sex were collected and analyzed using standard coproscopical techniques. Questionnaire interviews were used to assess management practices on the pig farms. The associations between age, breed, sex, and management systems and the prevalence of parasites were determined. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs was 88.75%, with multiple infections being more common than single infections (p &lt; 0.05). Overall, thirteen (13) genera of protozoa and helminths were recovered from the pigs, including parasites of zoonotic importance to man. Eimeria spp. had the highest prevalence (64.5%), while the least prevalence (0.25%) was recorded for Balantidium coli and Isospora spp. Age, breed, sex, and type of management systems were not significantly associated with infections in pigs. The lack of treatment of pigs creates ideal conditions for the spread of zoonotic infections in the region.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Schistosoma indicum infection in cattle of Assam, India

The hepato-intestinal schistosomosis, a chronic debilitating infection caused by Schistosoma indicum is one of the major helminthic problems which cause considerable reduction in production and productivity, and economic losses in Assam, India. Hence their accurate diagnosis by traditional and molecular methods is the key to its management. A total of 420 faecal samples and liver and intestinal mesenteries from different slaughter houses of Assam were collected and examined during March 2015 to February 2016 to record the prevalence of visceral schistosomosis. It was observed that prevalence rate of schistosomosis was found to be more in mesenteric and hepatic portal vein examination (12.38%) than the faecal examination (4.52%). The 28S RNA gene (28S) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene of morphologically identified adult S. indicum was amplified with amplicon sizes 590 bp and 372 bp, respectively which could be used as molecular marker for diagnosis S. indicum infection. However, based on worm pair detection, the study showed an increasing incidence of schistosomosis from the month of May onward reached highest peak in July and gradually decline to lowest point in April, while coprological examination showed the highest peak in August and the lowest in March. The risk factors include age, breed and management systems of the cattle. Therefore, this study emphasizes on employing both conventional and molecular techniques to detect the various risk factors of S. indicum infection in cattle for successful control measures.

Prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Bovine Subclinical Mastitis in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate antibiotic resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus and determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM) at dairy farms in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three (3) dairy herds who met the inclusion criteria were identified and selected by convenience and using a minimum size calculation, 36 lactating cows were sampled. The cows were selected by a blind random sampling technique. Clinical examination was performed to exclude clinical mastitis (CM) and California mastitis test (CMT) to identify subclinical mastitis (SCM). A total of 142 quarter milk samples were collected for culture enrichment in nutrient broth followed by culture on mannitol salt agar (MSA) for S. aureus isolation and biochemical identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of the isolates against selected antibiotics was performed by the disk diffusion method. Using R Commander version 3.6.2 data such as cow breed, age, parity, lactation, and management system were collected, and analyzed to determine their relationship with bovine subclinical mastitis. Of the total of 142 quarter milk samples collected from the 36 cows, 43 (30.3%) were positive for subclinical mastitis by CMT in 16 (44.4%) cows, and S. aureus was isolated in 29 (20.4%) of the positive samples, with MRSA from 17 (11.9%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed resistance of S. aureus to oxacillin (60.7%), cotrimoxazole (46.4%), nalidixic acid (42.8%), ampicillin (39.2%), cefalexin (32.1%), Augmentin (14.7%), gentamicin (10.7%), ciprofloxacin (10.7%), streptomycin (10.7%) and levofloxacin (0%). The result in this study indicates the growing concern in the diary and healthcare industries of Nigeria since the strains of this pathogen is becoming more resistant to commercially available antimicrobials, and this is an alarming concern for both animal and public health. Therefore, public awareness on transmission, prevention and control of methicillin-resistant S. aureus is suggested.

Bacterial Etiologies of Subclinical Mastitis in Cows Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and its contagious and environmental bacterial causes in dairy cows in Jos Metro polis of Plateau State. A total of 208 milk samples were collected aseptically from 52 lactating cows and subjected to the California Mastitis Tests (CMT). Milk samples were transferred into peptone water broth for enrichment, followed with bacteriological assays and biochemical identification of bacteria. Using R Commander version 3.6.2, data such as: breed, age, parity, lactation, and management system of cows were collected, and analysed to determine their relationship with bovine subclinical mastitis. Out of 208 quarter milk samples collected from 52 cows, 35.09 % showed subclinical mastitis. While the Cross-breed cows had 15 % subclinical mastitis recorded, the White Fulani had 78.13 %. Cows of the age 3 to 5 years had the highest prevalence of mastitis, while cows with 4 to 6 calves showed the highest prevalence in the parity category. The early lactation stage of these cows showed the highest prevalence. The environmental bacteria isolated where E. coli, K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, C. freundii, K. aerogenes, and Proteus sp. with E. coli having the highest frequency of 40.86 %, followed by K. Pneumoniae with 17.79 %. The contagious bacteria isolated were S. aureus, S. agalactiae, and Corynebacterium sp. with S. aureus occurring most with 69.71 %. This study concluded that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis is high in cows in the study area. It was also discovered that the breed of cow, age of cow, parity number, stage of lactation and husbandry systems have an impact on subclinical mastitis. S. aureus with the highest frequency, indicated that contagious microbes have more effect on subclinical mastitis than environmental microbes.

Prevalence of Bovine Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors in Tis Abay District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of cattle that is caused by trematode worms and results in morbidity, mortality, reduced fertility, and productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for bovine schistosomiasis in Tis Abay district, Amhara, Ethiopia. Fecal samples were collected from 384 randomly selected cattle and examined using the sedimentation technique. Of the total examined fecal samples, 13.02% (50/384) of the samples were positive for Schistosoma bovis eggs. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was highly reported in Dasra (22.4%), which was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001). The prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was higher in females (16.9%), crossbred cattle (17.1%), poorly conditioned cattle (37.1%), extensively managed cattle (17.9%), and cattle greater than 5 years old (23.1%). The multivariate analysis of factors revealed that study area, age, breed, body condition, and management system have a significant role (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis. Schistosoma infection is a problem for cattle in the study region. Therefore, farmers should be aware of the transmission of the disease, prevention, and control of snails.

Seroprevalence Estimates of Q Fever and the Predictors for the Infection in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Nandi County, Kenya

Q fever is an important worldwide zoonotic disease that affects almost all domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. The infection has both socio-economic and public health significance. A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the estimates of seroprevalence of Q fever and to determine the predictors of the infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in six wards of Nandi County. A total of 1,140 blood samples were collected from 366 households. Samples were drawn from 725 cattle (64%), 283 sheep (25%), and 132 goats (11%). Multistage sampling method was adopted. Serum samples were analyzed for antibodies to Coxiella burnetii using the indirect ELISA test. Results showed an overall animal seroprevalence of 5.614% (64/1140) for Q fever. In cattle, the seroprevalence was 8.138% (59/725) with CI 95% (2.8-18.23), 1.413% (4/283) for sheep CI 95% (1.0-7.78), and 0.758% (1/132) goats CI 95% (0.14-7.27). From the findings, Q fever was more prevalent in cattle (OR 7.26) than in sheep and goats. Animal species (p value 0.015, CI 95% OR 7.26) was the only potential predictors in the three considered species for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies. Sex, age, breed, and production system had no statistical significant association for Q fever infection since p value was >0.005. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that cattle, sheep, and goats are widely exposed to Q fever organisms, and hence, it is an important zoonosis in Nandi County. Therefore, to address this "silent" disease, there is an urgent call for both veterinarians and medical personnel to jointly address prevention and control strategy through enhanced surveillance, public sensitization, and awareness creation under the one health concept. There is also a need for enhanced capacity for the diagnosis of Q fever in both animals and humans in Nandi County.

PSXV-5 Incorporating Breed of Origin and Runs-of-Homozygosity Information in a Genome-Wide Association for Meat Traits in a Brangus Commercial Herd

Abstract Heterosis is the tendency of crossbreed animals performing better than the average of the purebred parents. Heterosis retention is essential in crossbreeding and composite breeding systems. However, not every genomic region benefits from heterosis, with certain traits showing an improvement when certain genomic regions are kept fixed for a certain breed. The objectives of this study were to detect such regions in a commercial Brangus herd, using genotypes, and Breed of Origin (BO) genotypes to identify runs of homozygosity (ROH) and investigate their effects on meat traits. The Brangus herd was genotyped with the Bovine GGP F250 array, after quality control, 99,669 variants, and 1,046 cattle remained. These genotypes were converted into BO genotypes with LAMP-LD, which describes the origin of the markers either from Angus or Brahman ancestry. The new BO genotypes and original genotypes were then used to identify ROH using the –homozyg function PLINK. The ROH genotypes were fit into a single locus mixed model for hot carcass weight (HCW) and marbling (MARB) using the EMMAX procedures in Golden Helix. The same single locus mixed model was used on both genotypes and Breed of Origin genotypes using the EMMAX procedures in Golden Helix. Using BO alleles, and ROH alongside traditional genotypes can help identify regions with significant effects on carcass traits. Providing important information for crossbreeding/composite breed systems about regions which should remain fixed for breeds.

Breed and Feeding System Impact the Bioactive Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bovine Milk.

In the present study, we aimed at assessing the influence of breed and feeding system on the bovine milk profile of betaines and carnitines and milk capacity in counteracting the inflammatory endothelial cell (EC) damage induced by interleukin (IL)-6. In the first experimental design, two breeds were chosen (Holstein vs. Modicana) to investigate the biomolecule content and antioxidant capacity in milk and dairy products. In the second experimental design, two feeding systems (pasture vs. total mixed ratio) were tested only in Holstein to evaluate the possible effect on the functional profile of milk and dairy products. Finally, the bulk milk from the two experimental designs was used to evaluate the efficacy of preventing IL-6-induced endothelial inflammatory damage. Results showed that Modicana milk and whey had higher biomolecule content and antioxidant activity compared to Holstein milk (p < 0.01). Milk from Holstein fed TMR showed higher concentration of γ-butyrobetaine, δ-valerobetaine (p < 0.01), and l-carnitine (p < 0.05). Similarly, whey from Holstein fed TMR also showed higher content of δ-valerobetaine, glycine betaine, l-carnitine, and acetyl-l-carnitine (p < 0.01) compared to the Holstein fed pasture. Conversely, the antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products was not affected by the feeding system. In ECs, all milk samples reduced the IL-6-induced cytokine release, as well as the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of cell death, with the most robust effect elicited by Modicana milk (p < 0.01). Overall, Modicana milk showed a higher content of biomolecules and antioxidant activity compared to Holstein, suggesting that the breed, more than the feeding system, can positively affect the health-promoting profile of dairy cattle milk.

Dry Season Eimeria Infection in Dairy Cattle and Sheep in and Around Adama and Bishoftu Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia.

IntroductionEimeria infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of Eimeria (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information in Ethiopia on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in and around Adama and Bishoftu towns with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria infection; identify circulating Eimeria oocysts, the intensity/burden of infection and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in cattle and sheep. A total of 384 randomly selected (265 cattle and 119 sheep) fecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined by flotation technique using sheather’s sugar solution to detect the oocysts of Eimeria. A 2.5% potassium dichromate solution was added to the positive fecal samples for sporulation of the oocysts.Results and discussionThe overall prevalence of 48.95% Eimeria infection was recorded during the study. 45.0% and 58% prevalence of the infection was registered in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in Eimeria infection between the study animal species, age of the animals, breed, farm hygiene and management system. However, there was no significant difference in Eimeria infection (P > 0.05) in sex, body condition of the animals and fecal consistency. The maximum oocysts per gram of feces was found to be 10,000. Eimeria infection is of great importance to livestock producers and requires serious control and prevention initiatives.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle in abia state

Bovine brucellosis caused by the organism Brucella abortus is a chronic infectious disease of public health and economic significance. Studies on prevalence of bovine brucellosis in Abia State are scarce. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the State. Blood samples were collected from 212 cattle from various parts of the State and sera subjected to Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) to detect antibodies against Brucella. Overall sero-prevalence of 13.7% was reported. The prevalence was higher in female cattle (24.2%) than in males (11%). Red Bororo showed higher seropositivity (26.7%) than other breeds screened. Sero-prevalence was higher in the semi-intensively managed animals (27.8%) than in extensively reared cattle. Similarly, cattle aged 2 to 3 years recorded a higher prevalence (25%) than others. However, there was no statistically significant association between the seroprevalence of brucellosis and sex (P= 0.05), age (P=0.82), breed (P=0.25), and management system (P=0.07 ). The detection of brucellosis in cattle poses a very significant public health risk in Abia state, and so it is important to carry out awareness campaigns to enlighten cattle handlers and the general public of its public health significance.

Effects of breed and fattening system on fatty acid and chemical composition of meat from male lambs

The purpose of this study was to examine the fatty acid and chemical composition of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) from male Tuj and Hemşin lambs reared in extensive, semi-intensive and intensive feeding systems. At the end of 90 days eight lambs from each breed and feeding system were slaughtered to determine chemical composition, and six lambs in each group were selected at random to assess fatty acid composition. Breed and feeding system interaction affected the quantities of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and the atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI), and nutritive value (NVI) indices. In Hemşin the ratio of PUFA to SFA was higher in lambs fed in the extensive system than those produced in the semi-intensive and intensive systems, which were similar, whereas in Tuj this ratio decreased from the extensive to semi-intensive to intensive feeding systems. The ratio of omega n-6 to omega n-3 fatty acids was lower in the extensive and semi-intensive systems than it was in intensively fed Hemşin lambs, but increased with the intensity of feeding in Tuj lambs. Intramuscular fat content was higher in Hemşin lambs than in Tuj lambs and increased with the intensity of the feeding system. Conjugated linoleic acid content (CLA) was affected by feeding system in Hemşin lambs, but not in Tuj lambs. Because of their high PUFA/SFA ratio and low TI value, Tuj lambs reared in extensive feeding system were deemed to have the best performance.

Tropical Beef: Is There an Axiomatic Basis to Define the Concept?

Cattle production in tropical regions has been estimated to account for just over half of cattle worldwide, yet it has not been demonstrated that sufficient similarities in the cattle exist to describe tropical cattle and, even less so, to characterize the meat from these animals. The aim of this review is to investigate the quality and nutrient composition of meat from cattle raised in the Tropics to determine if there is an axiomatic basis that would allow the definition of a concept of “tropical beef”. Tropical beef is the meat obtained from cattle raised in tropical environments, the population of which remains largely uncharacterized. Production systems in the Tropics are highly diverse but converge on the use of indigenous and Bos indicus breeds or Bos indicus-influenced crossbreeds under pasture feeding regimes. While some systems allow cattle to be slaughtered at ≤2 years of age, most often animals are ≥3 years. These production systems generally produce lean, low-yielding carcasses and tough (>46 N), lean (≤3.6% intramuscular fat) meat with a macronutrient composition otherwise similar to beef from animals raised elsewhere (72–74% moisture and 20–24% protein). Fatty acid profiles depend on the breed and production systems, while mineral content is influenced by the environment. Although lean and tough, tropical beef is highly acceptable to the consumers it serves, is culturally and traditionally relevant and, in many countries, contributes to food security. Consolidating the findings from animal and meat science studies in the Tropics has allowed the demonstration of an axiomatic basis defining “tropical beef” as a concept.

Long-Term Immunocastration Protocols Successfully Reduce Testicles' Size in Bísaro Pigs.

Simple SummarySurgical castration is an ongoing problem in pig production, especially in breeds reared until older ages, like the Bísaro pig. To avoid this technique, three immunocastration protocols with different numbers of injections and times of inoculation were tested. Scrotal measurements were used to attest their effectiveness. The best protocol was the one with three administrations starting at three months old. It was able to maintain the testis size below puberty size for 16 weeks following the last injection.This study aimed to find a suitable immunocastration protocol for male Bísaro pigs (BP) due to the breed and production system particularities. Twenty-five male BP were treated with Improvac® according to three protocols: using two (GrpE2 and L2) or three vaccinations (GrpL3) and starting at 9 (GrpE2) or 13 weeks old (GrpL2 and L3). Eleven animals were kept as intact males (GrpC). Scrotal measurements and the morphometry of the testes and epididymides collected at slaughter were used to survey the effectiveness of the immunocastration compared with the age-matched intact controls. Animals in groups E2 and L3 were kept until 57 weeks, after a second vaccination cycle at 49 and 53 weeks of age. Scrotal dimensions decreased to almost initial values in treated animals until 17 (GrpE2) and 21 weeks (GrpL2 and L3), thereafter increasing to post-pubertal values until around 29 or 37 weeks of age for groups E2 and L2, respectively, but only at 41 weeks in group L3. Between 41 and 49 weeks, scrotal dimensions were similar in treated and control animals, decreasing to the predicted pre-puberty size after the second cycle of vaccination. This study suggests the most suited protocol for males slaughtered at older ages includes three administrations of Improvac® starting at 3 months of age, followed by a second vaccination cycle.

Estimation of the prevalence and determination of risk factors associated with demodicosis in dogs.

Objectives:Demodicosis is a vital skin problem in dogs. The present study has determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of demodicosis in dogs and the response to treatment.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 skin scrapings were collected from dogs having dermatological lesions brought to the Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for treatment purpose. The collected scrapings were dissolved in 10% potassium hydroxide to detect mites through microscopic examination. Various risk factors like breed, age, sex, hair type, health status, and management system (indoor and outdoor) were analyzed using the logistic regression model. Positive cases were treated with oral ivermectin (Scabo®; at 0.6 mg/kg/day) along with amitraz 12.5% (Ridd®) diluted to 0.05% for rubbing on the body after bathing with chlorhexidine shampoo (PetHex®). Clavulanate amoxicillin (Moxaclav®) and omega-3 fatty acids (OMG-3®) were also suggested to prevent secondary bacterial infection and to maintain skin and hair coat integrity. The recovery rate was observed every 2–4 weeks of treatment upto 11–13 weeks.Results:The overall prevalence of demodicosis was recorded as 27%. Hair type, health status, and management system were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of demodicosis in dogs. Following treatment, the first negative skin scraping for mite was noticed at 8–10 weeks of treatment, and in all cases, clinical signs completely disappeared at 80–90 days of treatment.Conclusion:A good percentage of the dogs having dermatological lesions was determined as demodicosis. Long-term oral ivermectin and topical amitraz, an oral antibiotic, and nutritional therapy are effective against canine demodicosis. Keeping long-haired dogs with good body condition and indoor management is highly suggestive of preventing and controlling the disease.

Effects of cattle breed and production system on veterinary diagnoses and administrated veterinary medicine in alpine dairy farms

The aim of the following study was to investigate the effect of dairy production systems, including housing, farm management, pasture access and concentrate supplementation on veterinary diagnosed diseases as well as on administrated drugs in local dual-purpose Alpine Grey (AG) cattle and specialised Brown Swiss (BS) cattle in alpine dairy systems. In the final dataset 916 veterinary diagnosis from 524 cows farmed in 6 low-concentrate Alpine Grey farms (LAG), 9 low-concentrate Brown Swiss farms, (LBS) 11 high-concentrate Alpine Grey farms (HAG) and 15 high-concentrate Brown Swiss farms (HBS) were available for the statistical analysis. The most diagnoses referred to udder health (mastitis, dry-cow therapy) followed by parasite infections and reproduction disorders. In detail, BS had a higher occurrence for mammary infections than AG while HBS farms showed a significant higher incidence for udder diseases compared to all other farm categories. Pasture access had in tendency a beneficial effect on udder health but was detrimental for cows fertility. For latter, special attention should be put on providing sufficient energy supply to grazing animals for avoiding severe negative energy balances and resulting metabolic disorders which reduce fertility. Finally, to reduce the use of antimicrobials classified as highly critical by the WHO in terms of resistance, selective therapies, particularly for mammary infections and dry-cow therapies as well as the inclusion of preventive strategies in every days farm management should be encouraged. Highlights Pasture access has a favourable effect on udder health Selective veterinary treatments for udder infections and dry-off practice should be promoted Brown Swiss cows are more susceptible to mammary infections than Alpine Grey cows