Buffaloes In Egypt Research Articles

Animal-level risk factors associated with foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and buffalo in Egypt

There is a paucity of the investigation of risk factors associated with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Egypt. Subsequently, in the present study the impact of risk factors associated with FMD infection was analyzed in cattle and buffalo reared in Qalyubia governorate, Egypt. Serum samples were collected from 288 animals (n = 90 water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and n = 198 cattle) and adapted for detection of FMD virus infection by ELISA assay with monoclonal antibody (MELISA) to type serotype O. Direct FMD virus serotype was detected in 115 animals (n = 82 cattle and n = 33 buffalo). Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between FMD infection and the fattening animals (P = 0.024; odds ratio (OR) 2.118; confidence interval (CI) 1.105–4.058). Multivariate statistics demonstrated that locality was the potential risk factors for infection by FMD virus (P = 0.001; OR 31.613; CI 13.791–72.466). The present investigation draws attention and gives the impression to the potential risk factors associated with FMD-infected cases in cattle and buffalo in Qalyubia governorate in Egypt. Recognition of the potential risk factors associated with FMD-infected cases offer a novel approach to construct the best preventive measures.

First molecular characterization and morphological aspects of Sarcocystis fusiformis infecting water buffalo Bubalus bubalis in Egypt.

Fresh muscle samples from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) aged 2-15, from Giza Province, Egypt; were examined for Sarcocystis infection. Macroscopic ovoid sarcocysts embedded in the muscle tissues of the examined buffaloes were detected; they measured 152-230 (210 ± 7) μm in length and 37-119 (95 ± 3) μm in width. The esophagus was the most infected organ followed by the diaphragm, and tongue, while the heart muscles were the least infected. The cyst cavity was compartmentalized by septa derived from the ground substance located under the primary cyst wall. Using transmission electron microscopy, the primary cyst wall bordered sarcocysts were determined to be 0.08-0.22 μm in thickness, raised from the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane, and surrounded by a secondary cyst wall of host origin. The primary cyst wall had irregular wall folds with numerous cauliflower-like projections of variable sizes and shapes accompanied by knob-like electron-dense elevations. 18S rRNA gene expression studies confirmed that the present parasite isolates belonged to the genus Sarcocystis. The sequence data showed significant identities (>90%) with archived gene sequences from many Eimeriidae organisms, and a dendogram showing the phylogenetic relationship was constructed. The most closely related species was Sarcocystis fusiformis KR186117, with an identity percentage of 98%. The recovered sequences were deposited in the GenBank under the accession number MG572125. The present study, to our knowledge, is the first collective ultrastructural and molecular study that confirmed the taxonomy of sarcocysts isolated from water buffaloes in Egypt as Sarcocystis fusiformis.

Modeling the potential risk factors of bovine viral diarrhea prevalence in Egypt using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses

Aim:The present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) disease in cattle and buffaloes in Egypt, to model the potential risk factors associated with the disease using logistic regression (LR) models, and to fit the best predictive model for the current data.Materials and Methods:A total of 740 blood samples were collected within November 2012-March 2013 from animals aged between 6 months and 3 years. The potential risk factors studied were species, age, sex, and herd location. All serum samples were examined with indirect ELIZA test for antibody detection. Data were analyzed with different statistical approaches such as Chi-square test, odds ratios (OR), univariable, and multivariable LR models.Results:Results revealed a non-significant association between being seropositive with BVDV and all risk factors, except for species of animal. Seroprevalence percentages were 40% and 23% for cattle and buffaloes, respectively. OR for all categories were close to one with the highest OR for cattle relative to buffaloes, which was 2.237. Likelihood ratio tests showed a significant drop of the −2LL from univariable LR to multivariable LR models.Conclusion:There was an evidence of high seroprevalence of BVDV among cattle as compared with buffaloes with the possibility of infection in different age groups of animals. In addition, multivariable LR model was proved to provide more information for association and prediction purposes relative to univariable LR models and Chi-square tests if we have more than one predictor.

Anatomic and Radiographic Studies on the Parana- sal Sinuses of the Buffalo in Egypt (Bos bubalis, L.)

This survey was applied on the pa- ranasal sinuses of the Buffalo in Egypt (Bos bubalis L.) and its surgi- cal approach. Ten adult buffaloe heads of ages ranging between 2 -7 years were used. Six of these heads were used for dry skull preparation while the other four were used for radiography and cross sections. The study concluded that, in addition to sinuses conchales, four paranasal sinuses have been found to occur in adult buffalo comprising the sinus frontalis, sinus maxillaris, sinus palatinus and sinus lacrimalis. The anatomical and radiographic description of these paranasal sinuses as well as its dimensions and communications has been mentioned. Two sites for trephination of the frontal sinus could be indicated.Trephining the rostral frontal sinus through was indicated at the middle of a transverse line extending between the caudal margins of the orbital rim to the median plane while trephination site to gain the caudal frontal sinus was indicated at the middle of another transverse line extending from the middle of the base the horn to the median plane. Surgical approach of the maxillary sinus for trephining could be indicated on a vertical line extending upward from the caudal margin of the 2nd premolar for about 4.0-4.5 cm.

Bloody Milk in Buffalo Cows: Diagnosis and Trials for Treatment

The present study was conducted on 80 composite milk samples collected from dairy buffaloes secreting bloody milk from all four quarters without any inflammatory signs on mammary gland, systemic reaction or decrease in milk yield at Sharkia Governorate. Somatic cell count (SCC) revealed that 46 samples (57.5%) have SCC range between 200,000 to 250,000 cell/mL, while, 34 samples (42.5%) have SCC below 200,000 cell/mL. California mastitis test (CMT) was negative for 65 out of 80 (81.3%) and positive in 15 out of 80 (18.7%). Bacteriological examination revealed that 56 out of 80 samples (70%) were bacteriologically positive and 24 (30%) were bacteriologically negative. Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus were identified in 14 out of 56 (25%), however, 42 samples out of 56 (75%) were contaminated with coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS), 20 of them had SCC less than 200,000 X 103 . All Coagulase positive S. aureus were isolated from milk of SCC between 200 X 103 to 250 X 103 cell/mL. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that Gentamycin, Amoxycillin + Clavuylinic acid and Enrofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics on both S. aureus and CNS. Group 1, 2 and 3 (bacteriologically positive cases) were treated with Gentamycin, Amoxicillin + Clavulenic or Enrofloxacin in addition to coagulant (Amri-K) showed cure rate of 80%, 80% and 60%, respectively. Group 4 that contained animals with negative bacteriological culture were treated by coagulant (Amri-K) only, showed cure rate of 60%. However, the return rate of the disease was 0, 20, 40 and 40%, respectively. Biochemical and hematological parameters showed nonsignificant differences between bloody milk and healthy control dairy buffaloes. This study concluded that either coagulase positive or coagulase negative S. aureus is incriminated with the bloody milk syndrome in dairy buffaloes in Egypt, however, Gentamycin in addition to coagulant (Amri-k) is the best treatment.

Clinical and molecular evidences of circulation of sheep-associated MCF in cattle and buffaloes in Egypt

Clinical and molecular evidences of circulation of sheep-associated MCF in cattle and buffaloes in Egypt

Effect of some factors on prevalence of FMDV antigen in both cattle and buffaloes in Egypt

Effect of some factors on prevalence of FMDV antigen in both cattle and buffaloes in Egypt

Molecular characterisation of Sarcocystis bovifelis, Sarcocystis bovini n. sp., Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis cruzi from cattle (Bos taurus) and Sarcocystis sinensis from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

About 200 individual sarcocysts were excised from 12 samples of cattle beef from five countries (Argentina, Brazil, Germany, New Zealand, Uruguay) and tentatively identified to species or cyst type on the basis of their size and shape and cyst wall morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from 147 of these sarcocysts and used initially for PCR amplification and sequencing of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) in order to identify the sarcocysts to species and/or sequence type. In addition, seven Sarcocystis sinensis-like sarcocysts collected from the oesophagus of water buffaloes in Egypt were examined at cox1 for comparative purposes. Based on the results from the cox1 marker, selected sarcocyst isolates from both hosts were further characterised at one to three regions of the nuclear ribosomal (r) DNA unit, i.e. the complete 18S rRNA gene, the complete internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region and the partial 28S rRNA gene. This was done in order to compare the results with previous molecular identifications based on 18S rRNA gene sequences and to evaluate the utility of these regions for species delimitations and phylogenetic inferences. On the basis of sarcocyst morphology and molecular data, primarily the cox1 sequences, four Sarcocystis spp. were identified in the samples of cattle beef. Twenty-two microscopic sarcocysts (1 × 0.1 mm) with hair-like protrusions were assigned to Sarcocystis cruzi, 56 macroscopic sarcocysts (3-8 × 0.5 mm) with finger-like protrusions were assigned to Sarcocystis hirsuta and 45 and 24 microscopic sarcocysts (1-3 × 0.1-0.2 mm) with finger-like protrusions were assigned to Sarcocystis bovifelis and Sarcocystis bovini n. sp., respectively. Sarcocysts of S. cruzi were identified in samples of beef from Argentina and Uruguay; sarcocysts of S. hirsuta in samples from Argentina, Brazil, Germany and New Zealand; sarcocysts of S. bovifelis in samples from Argentina and Germany; and sarcocysts of S. bovini in samples from Argentina and New Zealand. The microscopic sarcocysts from water buffaloes were confirmed to belong to S. sinensis. The cox1 sequences of S. bovifelis and S. bovini, respectively, shared an identity of 93-94 % with each other, and these sequences shared an identity of 89-90 % with cox1 of S. sinensis. In contrast, the intraspecific sequence identity was 98.4-100 % (n = 45), 99.3-100 % (n = 24) and 99.5-100 % (n = 7) for sequences of S. bovifelis, S. bovini and S. sinensis, respectively. In each of the latter three species, an aberrant type of cox1 sequences was also identified, which was only 91-92 % identical with the predominant cox1 type of the same species and about 98 % identical with the aberrant types of the two other species. These aberrant cox1 sequences are believed to represent non-functional nuclear copies of the mitochondrial genes (numts or pseudogenes). They might be used as additional markers to separate the three species from each other. Sequencing of a considerable number of clones of S. bovifelis, S. bovini and S. sinensis from each of the three regions of the rDNA unit revealed intraspecific sequence variation in all loci in all species and particularly in the ITS1 locus (78-100 % identity). As regards the 18S rRNA gene, it was possible to separate the three species from each other on the basis of a few consistent nucleotide differences in the less variable 3' end half of the gene. A comparison of the new sequences with GenBank sequences obtained from S. sinensis-like sarcocysts in cattle in other studies indicated that previous sequences derived from cattle in Germany and Austria belonged to S. bovifelis, whereas those derived from cattle in China belonged to S. bovini. On the basis of the new 28S rRNA sequences, it was possible to separate S. sinensis from S. bovifelis and S. bovini, whereas the latter two species could not be separated from each other. Based on ITS1 sequences, the three species were indistinguishable. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony placed with fairly high support cox1 sequences of S. bovifelis, S. bovini and S. sinensis, respectively, into three monophyletic clusters, with S. bovifelis and S. bovini being a sister group to S. sinensis. In contrast, phylogenies based on each of the three regions of the rDNA unit did not separate sequences of the three species completely from each other. Characterisation of cox1 of 56 isolates of S. hirsuta from four countries revealed only 13 haplotypes and an intraspecific sequence identity of 99.3-100 %. In the three regions of the rDNA unit, there was more extensive sequence variation, particularly in the ITS1 region. The 22 cox1 sequences of S. cruzi displayed a moderate intraspecific variation (98.6-100 %), whereas there was no variation at the 18S rRNA gene among 10 sequenced isolates. Sequencing of 16 clones of the partial 28S rRNA gene of S. cruzi yielded two markedly different sequence types, having an overall sequence identity of 95-100 %.

Serological and molecular diagnostic surveys combined with examining hematological profiles suggests increased levels of infection and hematological response of cattle to babesiosis infections compared to native buffaloes in Egypt.

BackgroundBabesiosis threatens the development of the cattle and buffaloes industries in Egypt and improved control is needed. The main objectives of this study are surveying the presence of bovine babesiosis in distinct selected bovine and buffalo populations in Egypt using novel molecular and previously validated serological methods, while also comparing the occurrence of hematological alterations among Babesia infected cattle and buffalos.MethodsA total of 253 and 81 blood samples from apparently healthy cattle and buffaloes, respectively, were randomly collected from diverse locations in Egypt. All samples were tested for Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infection using blood film examination, competitive ELISA (cELISA) and PCR. Novel semi-nested and nested PCR assays for the detection of B. bovis and B. bigemina respectively, were developed and used to analyze DNA extracted from bovine and buffalo samples. Hematological profiles were studied using a hematological analyzer.ResultsBlood films examination revealed 13.8 % and 7.4 % Babesia infection rates in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. However, in cattle, the cELISA detected 32.8 %, 21.3 % and 10.7 % infection rates with B. bigemina, B. bovis and mixed infection, respectively. In addition, cELISA identified 22.2 %, 22.2 % and 6.2 % infection rates with B. bigemina, B. bovis and mixed infection, respectively in buffaloes. The semi-nested PCR assay showed that 15 % of the tested samples were positive for B. bovis in cattle, but just 3 % in buffaloes. Infections with B. bigemina were also found in cattle (32.4 %), but not in buffaloes upon nested PCR analysis. Sequencing analysis confirmed the identity of the PCR amplicons and showed that Egyptian genotypes of B. bigemina and B. bovis highly resemble sequences previously deposited in GenBank. Hemograms performed on the sampled animals revealed macrocytic hypochromic anemia associated with reduced platelet counts in infected cattle with babesiosis. In addition, marked increases in total leukocyte and granulocytic counts and decreases in lymphocytic counts were found in infected cattle. In contrast, no such hematological anomalies were found in presumably Babesia-infected buffaloes.ConclusionsFrequent occurrence of babesiosis among apparently healthy bovines in Egypt, suggests the need for appropriately designed prevalence studies in this country. Infected bovine, but not buffalo, populations often present hematological disorders compatible with intravascular hemolysis and thrombocytopenia.

Detection of Rabies Virus and its Pathological Changes in Brain of Buffaloes in Egypt

Detection of Rabies Virus and its Pathological Changes in Brain of Buffaloes in Egypt

Redescription of Sarcocystis fusiformis sarcocysts from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Four valid species of Sarcocystis have been reported from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Sarcocystis fusiformis, Sarcocystis buffalonis, Sarcocystis levinei and Sarcocystis dubeyi. Here, we redescribe structure of S. fusiformis sarcocysts by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Twenty-one macroscopic sarcocysts from oesophagus of the water buffalo in Egypt were examined by light microscopy, SEM and TEM. The sarcocyst wall was up to 9 μm thick, depending on the section and the technique. In 5 μm paraffin-embedded sections, the sarcocyst wall was indistinct, 2-5 μm thick and appeared smooth. In 1 μm plastic-embedded sections stained with toluidine blue, the sarcocyst wall was 2.5-5.2 μm thick and had branched villar protrusions (vp)-like branches of a dead tree. By SEM, the sarcocyst wall had a mesh-like structure with irregularly shaped vp that were folded over the sarcocyst wall. On each vp there were uniform papillomatous structures that were 100 nm wide. By TEM, vp were up to 6 μm long and contained filamentous tubular structures, most of which were parallel to the long axis of the projections; granules were absent from these tubules. By TEM, bradyzoites within the same cyst varied from 11.2 to 16.8 μm in length. By TEM, bradyzoites had a very long (10 μm) convoluted mitochondrion, up to 12 dense granules, but only 2 rhoptries. This redescription should help to differentiate the sarcocysts of S. fusiformis from similar sarcocysts in domestic and wild ruminants.

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis from cattle and buffaloes in Egypt using traditional culture, serological and molecular based methods

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis from cattle and buffaloes in Egypt using traditional culture, serological and molecular based methods

Studies on rumen magnet usage to prevent hardware disease in buffaloes

Buffaloes are an important part of livestock agriculture in Asia since 5000 years, producing milk, meat, hides and draft power [1]. Foreign body syndrome of bovine is still a matter of concern in different veterinary practices all over the world [2-4]. Hardware disease is an alternative term for bovine traumatic reticuloperitonitis and sharp foreign body syndrome. It is usually caused by the ingestion of a sharp object. These foreign objects settle in the reticulum, and can irritate or penetrate the reticular wall causing several complications [5]. Various serious complications originate from hardware disease such as traumatic reticulitis, traumatic reticuloperitonitis (local and diffuse), traumatic pericarditis, reticular abscess, diaphragmatic hernia, hepatic abscess, vagal indigestion, splenic abscess, rupture of left gastro-epiploic artery, pleurisy, traumatic pneumonia and mediastinal abscess [6]. The ingestion and lodgment of foreign bodies is common in bovine due to indiscriminate feeding habits. In addition, industrialization and mechanization of agriculture have further increased the incidence of foreign bodies in the foods of these animals [7]. The incidence of this disease is high in all developing countries especially in Iraq and Egypt, resulting in devastating economic losses. The disease was recorded in 25% of the examined buffaloes in Egypt [2] and in 87% of dairy buffaloes and 93% of buffaloes over 2 years of age in India [8]. This disease is of high economic importance and serious due to severe reduction in milk and meat production, treatment costs, potential fatalities and fetal losses in affected pregnant animals [3, 9, 10]. In addition, this condition may prove lethal for two reasons. First, the bacteria and protozoa can contaminate the body cavity resulting in peritonitis and second, the heart and diaphragm may be punctured causing cardiac failure [11]. Oral administration of a magnet before the age of one year is recommended as a preventive method for this disease [12-14]. After oral administration, most magnets drop firstly into the rumen then move to the desired location in the reticulum following ruminoreticular contractions [14]. In addition, keeping the animals away from construction sites and passing metal detectors or magnets over the animals feed were also recommended as preventive measures of this disease in bovine [5]. Although using of reticular magnets has become a popular preventive routine for hardware disease, especially in the dairy breeds of cattle and buffaloes, there is no report concerning its efficacy as a long term preventive measure of hardware disease in buffaloes. Veterinary World, EISSN: 2231-0916 Available at www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.7/June-2014/9.pdf

Evidence for bovine besnoitiosis in Egypt—first serosurvey of Besnoitia besnoiti in cattle and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt

The present study evaluated the presence of specific antibodies against Besnoitia besnoiti in cattle and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt. Sera from cattle (n = 216) and water buffaloes (n = 133) collected from five different provinces of Egypt (Behera, Alexandria, Assuit, Gharbia, and Matrouh) were analyzed. Testing for B. besnoiti antibodies by PrioCHECK® Besnoitia Ab 2.0 ELISA initially identified 13.75% (48 out of 349) of individual sera as positive at the manufacturer's suggested cutoff threshold, 15 percent positivity (PP). Statistically significant associations between B. besnoiti prevalence, species, sex, age, and geographical distribution were observed. Seropositive animals were distributed in all of the provinces from which animals were sampled except Gharbia province. Assuit province showed the highest percentage of infection (30.76%) followed by Matrouh, Alexandria, and Behera provinces (25, 16.29, and 9.6%, respectively). The highest infection rate of B. besnoiti was significantly higher in cattle (17.13%) than in water buffaloes (9.02%). Positive cases were observed in all age categories. While the highest infection rate (17.13%) was recorded in the age group 5-10years followed by the age group 1-5years (15.38%), and only one positive case (1.58%) was recorded in the age group less than 1year. The highest infection rate of B. besnoiti infection was recorded in the female animals (14.95%) followed by the male animals (8.33). This is the first report on the detection of B. besnoiti in cattle and water buffaloes in Egypt.

Microscopical and serological studies on Sarcocystis infection with first report of S. cruzi in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Assiut, Egypt.

This study was performed for the purpose of investigating the prevalence and the species composition of Sarcocystis spp. in buffaloes in Assiut province, Egypt. Macroscopically we reported the infection of buffaloes with Sarcocystis fusiformis, while microscopically three Sarcocystis species (Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis levinei and Sarcocystis hominis) cysts were recognized, and were differentiated by their morphological features using both histopathological sections and electron microscope scanning. Regarding the prevalence of Sarcocystis species among buffaloes in Assiut province, we reported that, using gross examination of 90 buffaloes' esophagus, only 23 samples out of 90 (25.5%) were found to be infected; on the other hand, by using microscopical examination, the prevalence was 27.7% (25 samples out of 90 samples were found to be infected). Using ELISA, 85 samples out of 90 (94.4%) were found positive, an overall prevalence of 94.4%. In this work we concluded that customary meat inspection methods in abattoirs in Egypt are insufficient for detecting Sarcocystis infection. Due to the presence of hidden or microscopic cysts, we strongly recommend the use of combined microscopical examination and ELISA for Sarcocystis diagnosis, to avoid human infection of such zoonotic parasite and to control the consequent disease. In addition, this study introduced the first report of S. cruzi in buffaloes in Egypt, and proved the hypothesis that S. cruzi is able to use animals such as water buffalo as intermediate hosts.

Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Cp31, Isolated from an Egyptian Buffalo

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is of major veterinary importance because it affects many animal species, causing economically significant livestock diseases and losses. Therefore, the genomic sequencing of various lines of this organism, isolated from different hosts, will aid in the development of diagnostic methods and new prevention and treatment strategies and improve our knowledge of the biology of this microorganism. In this study, we present the genome of C. pseudotuberculosis Cp31, isolated from a buffalo in Egypt.

Identity and public health potential of Cryptosporidium spp. in water buffalo calves in Egypt

Little is known about the diversity and public health significance of Cryptosporidium species in water buffaloes. In this study, we examined the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in water buffalo calves in Egypt. Rectal fecal specimens from 179 calves and 359 adults were screened microscopically for Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified Ziehl–Neelsen stain. Cryptosporidium spp. in 17 microscopy-positive specimens from calves were genotyped by DNA sequence analysis of the small-subunit rRNA gene, and Cryptosporidium parvum was subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60kDa glycoprotein gene. Cryptosporidium ryanae was found in 10 specimens and C. parvum in 7 specimens, with the former belonging to the newly identified C. ryanae buffalo variant and the latter belonging to the subtypes IIdA20G1 (in 5 specimens) and IIaA15G1R1 (in 2 specimens). The prevailing occurrence of C. ryanae and the subtype family IId of C. parvum and the absence of C. bovis and C. andersoni represent some features of Cryptosporidium transmission in water buffaloes in Egypt.

The utility of polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of lumpy skin disease in cattle and water buffaloes in Egypt

An outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) occurred among cattle and water buffaloes in Egypt in 2006. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the agar gel precipitation test (AGPT) were compared. Eight of ten (80%) tissue specimens from diseased cattle were positive with AGPT while 100% were positive with PCR. Of ten tissue specimens from diseased water buffaloes, 70% were positive with AGPT while 100% were positive with PCR. Ten milk samples were obtained from diseased water buffaloes; PCR detected nucleic acid of LSD virus (LSDV) in 50% while AGPT failed to detect LSDV antigen. Water buffaloes are susceptible to LSDV infection. The clinical signs of LSD were less severe in water buffaloes, but the virus was excreted in their milk. Diagnosis of LSD outbreaks by PCR will facilitate rapid application of control measures. Mass vaccination should be applied in both cattle and water buffaloes in Egypt using an effective specific vaccine against LSD, such as the attenuated Neethling strain vaccine or a recombinant vaccine.

Phenotypes, Genotypes and Allele Frequencies of B-lactoglobulin in Egyptian Cattle and Buffalo

b-lactoglobulin (B-LG) is the major whey protein and its polymorphic gene affects economical traits in cattle breeds. The present study aims to identify the phenotype, genotype and allelic frequency of B-LG gene among local cattle breeds and Buffalo in Egypt, as the phenotyping and genotyping of that gene have not been extensively studied yet in these breeds. Milk samples from Holestien, Baladi cattle and buffalo were assayed for phenotyping of B-LG as well as well as some milk protein traits. Genotyping of B-LG was performed by PCR-RFLP using Hae III endonuclease digestion of a 262 bp PCR products of exon IV and intron IV. The most frequent phenotype in Holestien cattle , Baladi cattle and Buffalo was the BB variant. AA, AB and BB genotypes were existed in Holestien cattle, meanwhile AB, BB and BC genotypes were present in Baladi cattle and Buffalo breeds in Egypt with the predominance of BB genotype in the three breeds. The Holestien cattle populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium while the Baladi cattle and Buffalo were rejected. The allelic frequency of A, B and C alleles were in the order of 0.205, 0.795 and 0.000 for Holestein cattle, 0.109, o.869 and 0.022 for Baladi cattle and 0.055, 0.917 and 0.028 for Buffalo. The existence of rare BC genotype and the inbred nature were the most interesting result in the Baladi cattle and Buffalo. These results could be included into marker assisted selection programs to improve response to selection in these local breeds.

Brucella spp. infection in large ruminants in an endemic area of Egypt: cross-sectional study investigating seroprevalence, risk factors and livestock owner's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs)

BackgroundBrucellosis is regarded as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide. It was first reported in Egypt in 1939 and is now endemic, the predominate species of Brucella in cattle and buffalo in Egypt is B. melitensis. The aim of the study was to estimate seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in cattle and buffalo reared in households in an Egyptian village, identify risk factors for animals testing seropositive and to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of livestock owners with regards to brucellosis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in a village in Menufiya Governorate of Egypt. In June and July 2009, 107 households were selected using systematic sample and all lactating cattle and buffalo present in the household were sampled and tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. In addition, a questionnaire collecting information on potential risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in cattle and buffalo was administered to the household member responsible for rearing the livestock. Between December 2009 and February 2010 households were revisited and a second questionnaire regarding KAPs associated with brucellosis was administered.ResultsTrue individual and household seroprevalence were estimated to be 11.0% (95% CI: 3.06% to 18.4%) and 15.5% (95% CI: 6.61% to 24.7%), respectively. Cattle and buffalo kept in a household with sheep and goats had 6.32 (95% CI: 1.44 to 27.9) times the odds of testing seropositive for Brucella spp., compared to cattle and buffalo that were not. Most participants in the study stated that livestock owners assist in the parturition of ruminants without wearing gloves and that some farmers sell animals which they suspect are Brucella infected to butchers or at market. Many participants made their livestock's milk into cheese and other dairy products without pasteurising it.ConclusionsBrucellosis was endemic at high levels, in the current study. Although livestock owners had good general knowledge of brucellosis, they still appeared to participate in high-risk behaviours, which may contribute to the high seroprevalence in the area. Veterinarians, public health authorities and other community leaders need to collaborate to control the disease in animals and to manage the risk of human exposure.