Exotic Cattle Research Articles

MAP3K1, SPEF2 and PLCZ1 genes association with fertility and semen quality traits of AI bulls in Andhra Pradesh

Bull fertility plays an important role in improving the economic value of the herd and is measured in terms of semen quality traits, which is influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors. Polymorphism of MAP3K1/ CviQI (rs463712269), SPEF2/HpyCH4V (rs722354121) and PLCZ1/AvaII (rs208019489) and their association with scrotal circumference, sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity, respectively were studied on 239 bulls of different breeds reared in different frozen semen bull stations. The MAP3K1/CviQ1 assay revealed that T allele was more frequent in Ongole and Murrah population. RFLP at SPEF2/ HpyCH4V locus indicated fixation of T allele in both the exotic purebred cattle (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) whereas selective advantage of C allele was observed in Murrah buffaloes. Except in Holstein Friesian crossbred, other cattle genetic groups were with CC genotype for PLCZ1/AvaII assay and the Murrah population had low genetic diversity and heterozygosity excess. The PLCZ1/ AvaII genotypes had significant influence on the plasma membrane integrity of sperm in Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Ongole bulls. The plasma membrane integrity of sperm was reported to be high in heterozygotes (CG) of Jersey and Ongole cattle. The present study, concluded the importance of PLCZ1 gene as a marker for semen quality assessment and selection in bulls.

Risk factors contributing to tick-acaricide control failure in communal areas of the Oliver Tambo district eastern cape province, South Africa

Application of chemical acaricides in the control of ticks has led to the problem of tick-acaricide control failure. To obtain an understanding of the possible risk factors involved in this tick-acaricide control failure, this study investigated tick control practices on communal farms in the north-eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) of South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire designed to document specific farm attributes and acaricide usage practices was administered at 94 communal farms from the Oliver Tambo District municipality of the ECP. Data collected indicated that the main acaricide chemicals used at plunge dips of inland and coastal areas were synthetic pyrethroid formulations. Most (75%) farmers claimed not to have noticed a significant reduction in numbers of actively feeding and growing ticks on cattle after several acaricide treatments. Based on the farmers’ perceptions, leading factors that could have led to tick-acaricide control failure included: weak strength of the dip solution (76%); poor structural state of dip tanks (42%); and irregular tick control (21%). The rearing of crossbreeds of local and exotic cattle breeds, perceived weak strength of the dip solution and high frequency of acaricide treatment, were statistically associated with proportions of farms reporting tick-acaricide control failure. Furthermore, approximately 50% of farms reported at least four tick control malpractices, which could have resulted in the emergence and spread of tick-acaricide control failure. Other sub-optimal tick control practices encountered included incorrect acaricide rotation, and failure to treat all cattle in a herd. This data will inform and guide the development of management strategies for tick-acaricide control failure and resistance in communal farming areas.

Seasonal variations in semen traits of exotic cattle bulls of different age groups in the subtropical region

Background: The age of the bull and season of semen collection may significantly impact semen characteristics, although the results of previously published studies vary somewhat. Unfortunately, breeding programs still do not account for male reproductive traits for a bull's fertility. The effects of season and age on the quality of exotic cattle breeds’ semen have been investigated in the current study. Methods: Two exotic cattle breeds, Jersey and Holstein Friesian, have been chosen from the subtropical region of India for study. The pooled dataset from the Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health (INAPH, 2017–2022) containing data collected at the Frozen Semen Bank in Bassi, Jaipur, India, on three semen traits was used in the study. Three semen traits of exotic bulls – total semen volume, sperm concentration, and the number of sperms per ejaculation were examined in connection to the influences of age and season. Results: The age of the bulls was found to influence the concentration and sperm counts significantly. The semen volume was minimal in the older group, while the sperm concentration was lowest in the adult group. All the tested semen traits were highest in summer and lowest in winter. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that the age and seasonal variations significantly influence the semen quality of exotic cattle breeds and suggested that the reproductive traits of the bulls should be considered for the breeding programs.

Breeding pure and crossbreeds of European cattle breeds for milk production improvement under tropical climate conditions-a review.

The aim of this review was to present the breeding status of pure or crossbreeds of European cattle with African indigenous cattle in order to improve milk yield in African tropical conditions. As the African indigenous breeds are characterized by small size, low body weight (300-450 kg) and low production performances (less than 1000 kg per lactation), short lactation length (205-240 days), etc., the crossbreeding with pure European cattle was done in order to ameliorate production performances especially milk and beef production. As results, it was seen that F1 offspring improved output productions than their parents of tropical origin. Also, it was seen that F1 offspring showed disease and heat resistance than their parents of temperate climate origin. However, at different degrees of crossbreeding, it was seen that the offspring can demonstrate bad production performances than their parents and therefore, the crossbreeding has to respect a certain degree. Other consequences are that the crossbreeding of local and pure European cattle breeds has resulted in calving complications in African local cattle. In African indigenous cattle, the selection as an improvement tool was given less emphasis as a solution to improve output production. That is why, the implementation of a well-prepared selection programs could be practiced in African indigenous cattle in order to preserve African cattle genotypes, as they are endangered of extinction due to various crossbreeding with exotic cattle breeds.

Dual RNA-seq to catalogue host and parasite gene expression changes associated with virulence of T. annulata-transformed bovine leukocytes: towards identification of attenuation biomarkers

The apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata is transmitted by Hyalomma ticks and causes an acute lymphoproliferative disease that is invariably lethal in exotic cattle breeds. The unique ability of the schizont stage of T. annulata to transform infected leukocytes to a cancer-like phenotype and the simplicity of culturing and passaging T. annulata-transformed cells in vitro have been explored for live vaccine development by attenuating the transformed cells using lengthy serial propagation in vitro. The empirical in vivo evaluation of attenuation required for each batch of long-term cultured cells is a major constraint since it is resource intensive and raises ethical issues regarding animal welfare. As yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying attenuation are not well understood. Characteristic changes in gene expression brought about by attenuation are likely to aid in the identification of novel biomarkers for attenuation. We set out to undertake a comparative transcriptome analysis of attenuated (passage 296) and virulent (passage 26) bovine leukocytes infected with a Tunisian strain of T. annulata termed Beja. RNA-seq was used to analyse gene expression profiles and the relative expression levels of selected genes were verified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Among the 3538 T. annulata genes analysed, 214 were significantly differentially expressed, of which 149 genes were up-regulated and 65 down-regulated. Functional annotation of differentially expressed T. annulata genes revealed four broad categories of metabolic pathways: carbon metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. It is interesting to note that of the top 40 genes that showed altered expression, 13 were predicted to contain a signal peptide and/or at least one transmembrane domain, suggesting possible involvement in host-parasite interaction. Of the 16,514 bovine transcripts, 284 and 277 showed up-regulated and down-regulated expression, respectively. These were assigned to functional categories relevant to cell surface, tissue morphogenesis and regulation of cell adhesion, regulation of leucocyte, lymphocyte and cell activation. The genetic alterations acquired during attenuation that we have catalogued herein, as well as the accompanying in silico functional characterization, do not only improve understanding of the attenuation process, but can also be exploited by studies aimed at identifying attenuation biomarkers across different cell lines focusing on some host and parasite genes that have been highlighted in this study, such as bovine genes (CD69, ZNF618, LPAR3, and APOL3) and parasite genes such as TA03875.

Characteristics of cattle farm breeders in Aceh Province

Livestock is an important and potential agricultural sub-sector in Aceh Province. Because of the climate and social conditions of the community, this business is able to increase the income of farmers. This study used primary data from 400 farmer respondents and secondary data from library research. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of cattle husbandry management in Aceh province. The results of this descriptive research showed that livestock farming in Aceh was dominated by smallholder farms that were not yet legal entities with relatively low levels of farmer education. Farming activities were generally only used as a side activity with a cow rearing system that was still semi-intensive. In this context, cows tended to look for forage that extended from nature. The number of livestock owned by the farmers ranged from 2 to 4 individuals, either privately owned or in the form of mawah (profit sharing). Generally, the types of cattle raised were Aceh cattle and exotic cattle.

Potential status of A1 and A2 variants of bovine beta-casein gene in milk samples of Indian cattle breeds

This study aimed to determine the polymorphism in 7th exon of beta-casein gene (CSN2) gene in seven domestic (Kosali, Tharparkar, Gangatiri, Sahiwal, Gir, Khariar, Motu) and two exotic cattle breeds (Jersey and Holstein-Friesian). Genomic DNA was extracted from 1000 milk samples, and the C > A polymorphism in CSN2 was determined using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. In all Indigenous cattle breeds, the mean frequency of A1A2 and A2A2 genotypes was 0.19 and 0.80, respectively. The A1A1 genotype was absent in all seven domestic cattle breeds. The frequency of the A2A2 genotype was highest in the Gir breed (0.93). However, the Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Motu breeds also had a higher frequency of A2A2 genotype compared to other breeds. In contrast, Gangatiri breed of India showed lowest frequency of A2A2 genotype. The mean A1 and A2 allele frequency was 0.09 and 0.91, respectively. In exotic breeds, the mean frequencies of the A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2 genotypes were 0.42, 0.55, and 0.03, respectively. Similarly, the mean A1 and A2 allele frequency was 0.69 and 0.31, respectively. This study suggests the high potential of Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Motu cattle for A2 milk production since they carry a favorable A2 genotype.

A Retrospective Study on Dairy Cattle Mortality Patterns in Two Farms of South-eastern Botswana

Generally, high mortalities of dairy cattle due to infectious and non-infectious diseases cause huge economic losses, unprofitability, and low productivity in the dairy industry. The present study aimed at determining the mortality rates, their causes, and risk factors among 1779 cattle at two dairy farms belonging to the Department of Agricultural Research, Botswana. An 8-year retrospective study was conducted using farm records during 2005-2012. Monthly and annual records of the farms were examined regarding the total dairy cattle population, sex, breed, age, cattle deaths, and causes of death. Mortality was calculated from the total cattle population and expressed as a percentage, and it was analyzed with respect to farm, breed, age, sex, year, season, and mortality causes. The overall mortality rate was 8.5%. The semi-intensively managed Farm II, as well as young stock (<12 months old), and males recorded significantly higher mortalities than their counterparts. Dairy crosses of pure exotic and indigenous Tswana cattle had higher mortalities than the Friesians and Jerseys, and the wet season accounted for over 70% of the total deaths. Only two years (2010 and 2012) out of the 8-year study period had a mortality rate < 5%. Notably, 28.1 % of mortalities with a known cause were due to heartwater disease (n = 57), but most deaths (62.3%) were due to unknown causes. In conclusion, to improve farm herd health and husbandry practices, more efforts should be devoted to preventing heartwater and mortalities in young stock and male animals, particularly during the hot-wet season.

Desiccant Dusts, With and Without Bioactive Botanicals, Lethal to Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in the Laboratory and on Cattle.

The exotic southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), since its eradication from the United States in 1943, made a strong incursion into Texas, beginning 2016. The pest is arguably the most economically detrimental ectoparasite of cattle, Bos taurus L., worldwide. Current R. (B.) microplus control mostly relies on conventional synthetic acaricides to which the ixodid has been developing resistance. Our study demonstrates that commercially available desiccant dust products, with and without bioactive botanical additives, are strongly lethal, when applied dry, against larval R. (B.) microplus in the laboratory, and after being released on dust-treated cattle. Deadzone (renamed Celite 610, a diatomaceous earth product), Drione (silica gel + pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide synergist), and EcoVia (silica gel + thyme oil), each prophylactically prevented larval R. (B.) microplus from attaching to and feeding on stanchioned calves. Desiccant dust-based products are less likely than conventional synthetic acaricides to decline in terms of efficacy as a result of ixodid resistance, and other desiccant dust advantages, including extended residual, flexibility in terms of application methods, environmental, animal, and human safety, and possible compatibility with organic, or 'green', production systems, are discussed. We anticipate that the desiccant dusts we evaluated, and others not included in this study (e.g., kaolin, perlite, and silica gel) will be effective when used with other control tactics in integrated pest management approaches for controlling R. (B.) microplus (and other ixodid species).

Wild animal densities as predictors of cattle disease risks and breed types in southwestern Uganda.

This study investigated the spatial distribution of wild ungulates that pastoralist communities perceive as culprits in the transmission of cattle diseases outside protected areas in southwestern Uganda.Diseases are hypothesized as having influence on pastoralists' choice of cattle breed types. Until now, there have been no studies conducted on spatial patterns of wild animal species association with cattle breeds reared in Lake Mburo Conservation Area (LMCA), and how diseases transmitted therein potentially influence cattle breed herd sizes. Animal population survey was carried out on cattle and wild ungulate species along transect lines laid perpendicular to the northern boundary of Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP). Data on the costs of cattle mortality and disease control were gathered using face-to-face interviews. We used SPSS version 17 for descriptive statistics to summarize unit cost of disease control at herd level, whereas chi-square (χ2) tests of goodness-of-fit were used to analyze observations on frequency of wild animal sightings, whose association with spatial distribution patterns of cattle breeds was examined using Pearson correlation test. Our results show inverse association of distance away from LMNP with wild animal populations and the cost of cattle disease control. The mean population of exotic cattle significantly increased as that of indigenous cattle decreased with increasing distance from LMNP. In a similar way, the cost of disease control and cattle abortion incidences were much lower in rangelands far away from LMNP (R2 = 0.965,p < 0.001). Spatial distribution of wild ungulates was significantly associated with reported cattle mortality, disease, and cost of disease control. Diseases and their costs of control potentially influenced spatial patterns of cattle breeds and breed herd sizes in LMCA, which in turn could affect range resource use for conserving different species of wild animals outside protected area.

Drivers and potential distribution of anthrax occurrence and incidence at national and sub-county levels across Kenya from 2006 to 2020 using INLA

Anthrax is caused by, Bacillus anthracis, a soil-borne bacterium that infects grazing animals. Kenya reported a sharp increase in livestock anthrax cases from 2005, with only 12% of the sub-counties (decentralised administrative units used by Kenyan county governments to facilitate service provision) accounting for almost a third of the livestock cases. Recent studies of the spatial extent of B. anthracis suitability across Kenya have used approaches that cannot capture the underlying spatial and temporal dependencies in the surveillance data. To address these limitations, we apply the first Bayesian approach using R-INLA to analyse a long-term dataset of livestock anthrax case data, collected from 2006 to 2020 in Kenya. We develop a spatial and a spatiotemporal model to investigate the distribution and socio-economic drivers of anthrax occurrence and incidence at the national and sub-county level. The spatial model was robust to geographically based cross validation and had a sensitivity of 75% (95% CI 65–75) against withheld data. Alarmingly, the spatial model predicted high intensity of anthrax across the Northern counties (Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit) comprising pastoralists who are often economically and politically marginalized, and highly predisposed to a greater risk of anthrax. The spatiotemporal model showed a positive link between livestock anthrax risk and the total human population and the number of exotic dairy cattle, and a negative association with the human population density, livestock producing households, and agricultural land area. Public health programs aimed at reducing human-animal contact, improving access to healthcare, and increasing anthrax awareness, should prioritize these endemic regions.

Bovine cerebral theileriosis: first molecular report in cross bred cattle calf in India.

Bovine tropical theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata, is a serious constraint to Indian dairy industry with more fatal infections in exotic cattle and substantial losses to cross-bred and indigenous zebu cattle. The present communication is to place on record the first report of molecular based confirmed case of cerebral theileriosis caused by T. annulata coupled with its morphological detection, clinical manifestations, haematological alterations and therapeutic management in a cross bred cattle calf from India. After preparation of peripheral thin blood smear from cross bred cattle calf at the site of collection and fixation with methanol, blood sample brought to Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H, Jabalpur and stained by standard protocol for Giemsa staining. Genomic DNA was isolated from the collected blood sample using QIAamp® DNA blood mini kit following the manufacturer's recommendations and PCR was performed. The cross bred cow calf revealed high rise in temperature (105.5°F), increased heart rate, labored breathing with seromucous nasal discharge, enlargement of prescapular lymph node and animal exhibited tonic clonic convulsions in response to any sudden noise. Giemsa stained thin blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasm and Koch'sblue bodies of T. annulata within the cytoplasm of lymphocytes. The species of Theileria was confirmed by molecular amplification of genomic DNA as T. annulata.

Oxidative stress, biochemical, and histopathological changes associated with acute lumpy skin disease in cattle.

Background and Aim:Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious endemic viral disease of cattle in Africa and the Middle East. The objectives of this study were to assess histopathological changes in cattle infected with LSD and measure serum malondialdehyde (MDA – oxidant) and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC – anti-oxidant), trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron), cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine concentrations.Materials and Methods:Blood samples were collected from a total of sixty native and mixed breed cattle; (healthy; n = 25) and (LSD diseased; n = 35). Serum concentrations of MDA and TAC were measured by colorimetric methods. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, Hp, and SAA concentrations were determined using human-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay kits.Results:Serum MDA, cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), Hp, SAA, AST, ALT, CPK, BUN, and creatinine concentrations were significantly higher, while TAC, IL-10, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations were significantly lower in LSD compared to healthy cattle (p < 0.05). Cows and exotic mixed breed cattle were at higher risk of LSD oxidative stress than bulls and local breeds (p < 0.05). Age was not associated with the risk of LSD (p > 0.05). Histologically, there was extensive tissue necrosis, severe vasculitis, mononuclear cell infiltration, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies.Conclusion:LSD is associated with pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory states from imbalances that favor pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory factors in the detriment of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory factors, leading to organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Oxidative stress is more frequent in cows and mixed breed cattle than in bulls and local breeds.

Comparative Pathologic, Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural and Molecular study of Bovine Papilloma Virus type 1 E5 Oncogene infection in Exotic and Indigenous cattle breeds

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) induces benign tumors of cutaneous or mucosa epithelia, called papillomas or warts in cattle and generally regress without eliciting any serious clinical problems in the host, but occasionally persist and provide the focus for malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. This has a negative implication in beef and hide industry. There is paucity of information on the comparative pathology and molecular detection of BPVs in different breeds of nomadic cattle. Consequently, 340 nomadic cattle grazing in Plateau state Nigeria were screened clinically for papillomatosis followed by histopathology. Lesion consistent with papillomatosis were further investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electron microscopy. Twenty cattle (0.06%) of Friesian, Zebu, Muturu and White Fulani breeds had cutaneous papilloma and skin lesions of the head, neck, shoulders, legs, dorsum, lower abdomen and scrotum. However, only 16 (0.05%) cattle skin biopsy samples were consistent with papillomatosis histopathologically revealing varying degrees of hyperplastic epidermis with acanthosis and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. Nuclei in the granular layer of the epidermis were IHC positive for Bovine papillomavirus type I antigen while skin biopsy was BPV-1 E5 oncoprotein gene positive by PCR. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes consistent with Bovine papillomavirus infection. The distribution and severity of lesion varied in different breeds of nomadic cattle. The detection, diagnosis and characterization of papillomavirus in these cattle enabled the development of autogenous vaccine to immunized cattle. This study highlighted the comparative pathology and molecular characterization of BPVs in different breeds of nomadic cattle, which hitherto was lacking.

Isolation and Molecular Detection of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus from Outbreak Cases in Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Background: Lumpy skin disease is one of the most economically important viral diseases of cattle and Asian water buffalo caused by lumpy skin disease virus, which occurs in most African countries including Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, it has been detected in exotic and local breed cattle. To this end, there is scarcity of information on its epidemic status, among cattle in Illubabor, Ethiopia. Therefore, outbreak investigation was conducted to estimate epidemic status of lumpy skin disease among cattle in illubabor zone, Yayo district. Methodology: Outbreak investigation was done from August to December 2020 in the Ilubabor zone, Yayo district, with the goal of isolating and detecting the virus using molecular methods. All ages and both sexes of local breed cattle from reported disease outbreaks of the study area were subjected to the study. Skin biopsies (n=44) were collected from non-vaccinated lumpy skin disease affected cattle after examining the presence of skin lesions and transported to NAHDIC for laboratory test. Virus was isolated by growing on Vero cells and molecular detection was performed by conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The characteristic capripoxvirus cytopathic effect was observed on 17 out of 44 Vero cells inoculated. Out of the total 44 samples, 88.63% (39/44) and (95.45%) 42/44 were found positive for LSDV by conventional and real time polymerase chain reaction respectively. Chi-square (x²) test was used to assess the association of sex and ages with affected group. Morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates were 15.49%, 1.4% and 9.09% respectively. Adult cattle showed higher morbidity (17.18%) than young ones (11.1%). Also not statistically significant, higher morbidity was observed in female (16.66%) than male (14.11%) cattle. Conclusion: The study showed that lumpy skin disease was circulating in cattle in the area and causing great loss to the farmers with high morbidity rates. To reduce economic losses caused by the disease, it was suggested that strategic programs for effective control and prevention be established.

Identification of important genomic footprints using eight different selection signature statistics in domestic cattle breeds.

In the present study, the population genomic data of different cattle breeds were explored to decipher the genomic regions affected due to selective events and reflected in the productive, reproductive, thermo-tolerance, and health-related traits. To find out these genomic deviations due to selective sweeps, we used eight different statistical tools (Tajima's D, Fu & Li's D*, CLR, ROH, iHS, FST, FLK, and hapFLK) on seven indigenous and five exotic cattle breeds. We further performed composite analysis by comparing their covariance matrix. Several candidate genes were found to be related to milk production (ADARB, WDR70, and CA8), reproductive (PARN, FAM134B2, and ZBTB20), and health-related traits (SP110, CXCL2, CLXCL3, CXCL5, IRF8, and MYOM1). The outcome of this investigation provides a basis for detecting selective sweeps that explain the genetic variation of traits. They may possess functional importance for multiple cattle breeds in different subcontinents. However, further studies are required to improve the findings using high-density arrays or whole-genome sequencing with higher resolution and greater sample sizes.

Dynamics of livestock population in Himachal Pradesh

An attempt has been made to analyse the trends in livestock population in Himachal Pradesh in last two decades. Minor livestock species like Yak, Pig, Horse, Mule, Donkey and Camel population was excluded from the study as their all combined population accounted for only 1% of the total livestock population in the state in the 20th livestock census. The percent growth rates were calculated for all inter census period from 1997 to 2019. The study concluded that total livestock population in Himachal Pradesh has shown negative trend over the years 1997-2019. Except for the 190.2 % growth of crossbred/ exotic cattle population in the state, all other including Indigenous cattle, Buffalo, sheep and goat population has shown negative growth in the mentioned period i.e. 1997-2019. The recent census has recorded negative growth rate for all livestock species excluding crossbred cattle.

Susceptibility to disease (tropical theileriosis) is associated with differential expression of host genes that possess motifs recognised by a pathogen DNA binding protein.

Knowledge of factors that influence the outcome of infection are crucial for determining the risk of severe disease and requires the characterisation of pathogen-host interactions that have evolved to confer variable susceptibility to infection. Cattle infected by Theileria annulata show a wide range in disease severity. Native (Bos indicus) Sahiwal cattle are tolerant to infection, whereas exotic (Bos taurus) Holstein cattle are susceptible to acute disease. We used RNA-seq to assess whether Theileria infected cell lines from Sahiwal cattle display a different transcriptome profile compared to Holstein and screened for altered expression of parasite factors that could generate differences in host cell gene expression. Significant differences (<0.1 FDR) in the expression level of a large number (2211) of bovine genes were identified, with enrichment of genes associated with Type I IFN, cholesterol biosynthesis, oncogenesis and parasite infection. A screen for parasite factors found limited evidence for differential expression. However, the number and location of DNA motifs bound by the TashAT2 factor (TA20095) were found to differ between the genomes of B. indicus vs. B. taurus, and divergent motif patterns were identified in infection-associated genes differentially expressed between Sahiwal and Holstein infected cells. We conclude that divergent pathogen-host molecular interactions that influence chromatin architecture of the infected cell are a major determinant in the generation of gene expression differences linked to disease susceptibility.

Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Indian cattle and buffaloes.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne viral zoonotic disease of public health importance. Cattle and buffaloes although not showing any clinical symptoms, can be infected by the CCHF virus and act as sources of infection to human beings. The prevalence of CCHF in cattle and buffaloes is important from One health perspective for control of CCHF in humans. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle and buffaloes of India. A total of 804 serum samples from four states of India (Gujarat and Rajasthan: human outbreaks reported; Punjab and Haryana: no outbreak reported) were screened by ELISA test detecting nucleoprotein antibodies of CCHFV. The overall true prevalence was 8.63% (95% CI: 6.76% - 10.9%). The highest prevalence was recorded in Rajasthan (13.24%) followed by Gujarat (8.68%), Haryana (6.84%), and Punjab (6.51%). Prevalence of CCHF was higher in cattle (9.92%) than buffaloes (5.84%); in females (10.87%) than males (4.99%); in adults (10.18%) than young ones (5.66%). Interestingly, higher seropositivity was recorded in indigenous cattle (12.04%) than in exotic and cross-breed cattle (1.69%) which was statistically significant (p=0.001). These findings revealed CCHF virus is circulating unnoticed and the prevalence has increased over time which is of public health concern.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Mastitis on Dairy Cattle in Mogadishu Somalia

Mastitis is one of the main problems that lead to economic inefficiency in dairy farms. In Somalia, the shortage of milk and milk products has many causes, however examination of sub-clinical mastitis and their prevalence has not been adequately addressed and no comprehensive research has been led on their epidemiology. Therefore this study was launched to assess the prevalence of mastitis in Mogadishu as well as identify the risk factors that are associated with mastitis occurrence. The study was cross sectional and took place between March 2019 to February 2020, to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of mastitis on dairy cattle at Mogadishu, Somalia. The study conducted multistage sampling by first purposely selecting three districts from the 17 districts that comprises Mogadishu province. The area selection was based on the availability of dairy farms. Farms were also randomly selected by first listing farms in a piece of paper and selecting it from the bowel, while systematic selection was conducted at animal level by selecting every four animals for sampling and screening. In this study the overall prevalence found was 44.5% and quarter wise the prevalence was 19%. The present study revealed that the presence of mastitis among different age groups of the examined cattle had statistically significant difference in their prevalence (p<0.05), with the highest prevalence found in cattle 7 years and above of age with prevalence of (51.4%) compared to cattle <7 years of age (25.49 %). The study also revealed a statistically significant association between mastitis and stage of lactation of the cattle with animals with early stage of lactation having the highest prevalence (58.86%) compared to the cattle late stage of lactation with the (12.61%). Study also presented a significant association between prevalence of mastitis and production system was (p<0.005) which is higher in intensive systems with the (47.45%) and lower semi-intensive systems (31.4%). Presence of mastitis and hygienic level was also compared and a significant association was found (p<0.05). According to the breed, a significant difference was not found between the prevalence of exotic and local cattle (p>0.05) although exotic were found to have a slightly higher prevalence (47.33%) compared to local cattle (43.1%). Therefore this study recommended that the regular screening for early detection should be done at least once a week for monitoring udder health status of dairy animals.