Extensive Management System Research Articles

Innovative technologies for energy retrofit of historic buildings: An experimental validation

Abstract Refurbished buildings should also increase their energy efficiency, according with current regulation; however, in case of historical buildings, preservation orders are so strict to hamper usual energy efficient interventions on the building envelope side. As a consequence, in historical buildings, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) systems and control strategies should be further improved, since they are the only true means for energy efficiency. This paper presents the set of technologies implemented in the frame of the refurbishment of an historical building in the very center of Venice, in order to lower energy consumption and increase occupants’ comfort. The refurbishment consisted mainly in the application of the following technologies: Surface Water Heat Pump (SWHP), Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) and trigeneration. Furthermore, the paper proves the achieved energy savings by comparing the actual energy consumption against detailed building energy simulations for baseline HVAC system configurations. For such a purpose, the authors take advantage of the installed extensive building management system (BMS), which is able to record detailed data about flow rates (of air and water), temperature and humidity for all of the key devices of the HVAC system. The building used as a case study is very significant because of its energy intensive intended use as well as for the very strict preservation orders acting on it. In particular, global primary energy savings equal to 36% have been calculated, if compared with a traditional baseline HVAC system.

Gastrointestinal helminths and their predisposing factors in different poultry management systems; Haromaya, Ethiopia

Among several diseases, gastrointestinal parasites affect poultry production through retarded growth and reduced productivity. The severity varies according to management system and associated predisposing factors. Epidemiology of chicken gastrointestinal helminths were studied using coprological and necropsy examination, with the objectives to estimate the prevalence, identify species of helminths and associated predisposing factors in Haromaya town from November 2011 to April 2012. Fecal samples from selected chicken were collected from both intensive and extensive farms. Coprological examination on 384 chicken and 24 post mortem examinations were conducted. Out of 384 samples examined, 51.8% were positive of which a high prevalence of 110(28.6%) Ascaridia galli followed by 33(8.6%) of Heterakis gallinarum, 11(2.8%) of Raillietina species and 44(11.5%) mixed infection were recovered. Factors for the occurrence of GIT helminths were investigated using logistic regression models; where each assumed predisposing factor analyzed using uni-variable and followed by multi-variable logistic regression to determine the interaction and power of influence among factors. Accordingly, statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed when prevalence of helminths compared with breed, sex, age and management system separately using univariable logistic regression; whereas, when all predisposing factors subjected together using multi-variable backward stepwise analysis, it showed that the odds of local, Fayoumi and White Leghorn breeds had odds of (OR= 6.4, 50.8 and 6.9) more likely to be affected than Bovan Brown breed with significant difference (p<0.05). Male birds were 1.9 times more likely to be affected than female birds and birds in extensive management system were 2.8 times more likely to be affected than intensive farming system. The study indicated that gastrointestinal (GIT) helminths were more prevalent in extensive management system than in intensive management system, the finding was associated with poor management system or due to poor bio-security. Therefore, there is a need to improve hygienic situation, especially in area where extensive management system prevails.Keywords: Gastrointestinal; Haromaya; Helminths; Poultry; Production systems

Seasonal changes in blood biochemical and endocrine responses of different indigenous goat breeds of tropical island agro-ecological environment

The objective of the current study was to observe the impact of two seasons viz. summer (February–May) and monsoon (June–August) on the blood biochemical and hormonal responses in different indigenous goats of tropical island agro-ecological environment maintained under extensive management system. Sixty animals of three different indigenous goat breeds were included in the study: Andaman local goat (AL, n = 20), Andaman local × Malabari (AL × M, n = 20), and Teressa goat (n = 20). Sixty serum samples (n = 10/season/breed) from the three groups of animals were analyzed. Study revealed that there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in serum total protein in Teressa goats during summer than monsoon. Serum albumin showed significant variation (p ≤ 0.05) between AL and AL × M during summer whereas significant variation of albumin (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between AL and Teressa, AL × M and Teressa during monsoon season. Significant differences in serum albumin (p ≤ 0.05) were also observed in AL and AL × M during summer and monsoon seasons, respectively. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in AL goats during summer than in monsoon season. Thus, the study could able to establish the seasonal variation in biochemical and hormonal values of indigenous goat breeds in hot and humid tropical island environment.

Analysis of multivariate relations among birth weight, survivability traits, growth performance, and some important factors in Suffolk lambs

Abstract. The aim of this study was to describe the relationships among lambs' birth weight, survivability traits, growth performance, and selected factors in Suffolk lambs kept under a specified extensive management system. Data were collected regarding 1012 Suffolk lambs born during a 3-year period (2012–2014) in one flock. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SAS and CANOCO program software. Birth weight was found to be an important factor influencing survivability and growth performance traits. Lambs with too low a birth weight (< 2.9 kg) had the worst results of practically all the survivability and growth performance traits. A significantly lower percentage of live-born lambs (5.2 to 6.1 %; P < 0.05) was also observed amongst overweight lambs at birth (> 6.0 kg) compared to lambs with a birth weight of 4–5.9 kg. Generally, the highest results of growth performance traits were detected in groups of lambs with a birth weight of 5.0–5.9 and 6.0–9.0 kg. Therefore, the optimal birth weight of Suffolk lambs was in the range of 5.0 to 5.9 kg in the evaluated flock management system. Litter size was found to be the dominant factor influencing birth weight, survivability, and growth performance traits, such that singles tended to have the highest birth weight and growth performance traits, while higher survivability traits were found in twins. The results of multivariate relations also clearly indicated that the selection of lambs should be focused on twins with regard to the monitoring of mature ewes' live weight at mating, which helped to improve the lambs' survivability traits, in particular. The monitoring of ewes' mature live weight at mating should also serve as a tool for flock management to shorten the lambing period in the flock and to improve the birth weight and growth performance traits of lambs. The mature ewe body condition score at mating should be monitored to ensure that lambs are adequately meaty and fatty. This study confirmed the importance of keeping records of birth weight and suggested practical implications of some important factors when improving flock profitability.

Strain characterization of West African Dwarf Goats of Ogun State I

Characterization of West African Dwarf goat is an approach to a sustainable use of its great potentials. In this study, strains of WAD goat were characterized using linear body measurement. The WAD goat included the gold (brown), black, buckskin and chaimose of ages 1, 2, 3 and 4 years,raised under extensive system of management. The quantitative traits measured included the face length (FaL), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), fore limb length (FL), hind limb length (HL), tail length (TL), height at wither (HW), hip width (HpW), body length (BL) and live weight (LW) of the animal. Attainment of highest live weight with age varied in this goat. At age 3 years, the chaimose (16.67 ± 3.35kg) was superior in live weight to the gold (14.88 ± 3.73kg).At age 4 years, the buckskin (19.23 ± 6.83kg) was superior in live weight to the black (16.69 + 7.79kg). At age 3 years, FL, HL, HW and HpW was 10.39 ± 0.57 inches, 11.43 ± 0.55 inches, 16.91 ± 0.89 inches, 5.42 ± 1.01 inches respectively in chaimose WAD goat. At age 4 years, FL, HL, HW, HpW was 9.89 ± 2.29 inches, 10.97 ± 2.49 inches, 16.8 ± 3.95 inches, 5.60 ± 1.53 inches respectively in buckskin WAD goat. Live weight was positive and highly significantly correlated (P<0.05) with all body parameters in the male and female goats. Highest correlation (P<0.05) between live weight and body parameters were HG (r = 0.913) and BL (r=0.909) in the male chaimose, HpW (r = 0.903) and HG (r = 0.894) in the female chaimose, HL (r = 0.710) and FL (r = 0.689) in the male buckskin, HpW (r= 909) and HG (r = 0.859) in the female buckskin. Chaimose and buckskin could be selected for an improvement programme because they exhibited superiority in most traits.Keywords: strain, live weight, male, female, chaimose, buckskin

Study on Prevalence of Major Ixodid Ticks of Cattle, in Selected Sites of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted on the identification and prevalence estimation of cattle tick species in selected areas of Harari Regional State from December 2015 to April 2016 with a total number of 384 cattle. Adult ticks were collected from main body regions of cattle which were kept under extensive management system and then transported to the parasitology laboratory of College of veterinary medicine, Haramaya University for identification. Out of the total 384 cattle examined, 229 (59.6%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. In this study, 1201 adult ticks were collected and identified to genera level. Four tick genera (<i>Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, Boophilus and Hyalomma</i>) were identified. The highest tick prevalence recorded was <i>Amblyoma</i> with a prevalence of 38.5 (n=462) followed by <i>Rhipicephalus</i> recording 29.9 (n=356) prevalence. The prevalence of tick infestation was found to be statistically significant (P= 0.032) among the age groups, with highest prevalence in adult than young animals. In female animals higher tick prevalence was obtained than male animals in the study area with no statistical significant difference. Special attention should be given to the control and prevention of ticks in the study area.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Small Ruminant’s LungwormInfection in and around Mekelle Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2016 to April, 2017 to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and its associated risk factors, and to identify predominant species of lungworms in small ruminants in and around Mekelle town, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. In this study both coproscopic examination and Berman techniques were employed on a total of 384 fecal samples of small ruminants (218 sheep and 166 goats) of different age groups and both sexes. The overall prevalence of lungworm infection in small ruminant was found to be 23.4%, where goats (25.9%) were more susceptible than sheep (21.6%). In the present study the highest prevalence was observed in goats (25.9%) than in sheep (21.6%). Regarding age, the highest prevalence was observed in animals 3 years (18.2%). Animals with poor body condition have higher prevalence than (27.5%), medium (26%) and good (18.1%) ones. Furthermore, animals kept under extensive management system have highest prevalence (25.8%) than those kept under semi-intensive management system (17.7%). The study revealed that there was no statistical significant difference (p>0.05) between prevalence of lungworm infection and risk factors such as species, age, sex, body condition and management system. In the present study Dictyocaulus filarial was found to be the highest in prevalence (11.4%) followed by Muellerius capillaris (6.25%); while Protostrongylus rufescens was found the least prevalent (4.16%) and mixed infection (1.04%) and the difference was statistical significant (p<0.05). Hence, it was concluded that lungworm infection is quite prevalent in the present study and warrants implementation of economically acceptable control measures both on the hosts and the intermediate host.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Nematodes Infections in Small Ruminants in Tullo District, Western Harerghe, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out in sheep and goats kept under extensive management system in Tullo district, Western Harerghe zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, during the period from November, 2013 to April, 2014. The main objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of nematode infection in small ruminants and to assess associated risk factors with its occurrence. A total of 384 fecal samples were collected from 168 sheep and 216 goats. The samples were examined using floatation technique and eggs per gram of faeces were determined. The overall prevalence for the nematode infection was 50.8% (195/384). Different nematode eggs including Strongyle (177, 46.1%), Strongyloides (35, 9.1%) and Trichuris eggs (31, 8.1%) were identified. The mean eggs per gram count showed that, 100 (56.5%) were heavily infected, 61(34.5%) were moderately infected and the remaining were lightly infected. The coproculture examination from the positive samples for strongyle eggs revealed the presence of Trichostrongylus species (sp), Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Cooperia sp., and Bunostomum sp. Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism is more prevalent (AOR=2.23) in sheep as compared to goats. It was also higher in animals with poor (AOR=4.54) and medium body conditions (AOR=2.02) as compared to animals with good body conditions. However, there was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of the infection and age, sex and origin of the animals’. In conclusion, gastrointestinal nematode parasites were highly prevalent in the study area and this could hamper health and productivity of the small ruminants. Thus, strategic control of nematode parasites should be planned and implemented to reduce the economic losses and welfare problems of the animals.

Sero-prevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in and Around Kombolcha, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out on bovine brucellosis in and around kombolcha form November 2006 to April 2007, in the Amhara Regional State. A total of 240 blood samples were collected from semi-intensively and extensively managed cattle. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was used as a screening test. Those serum samples reacting positively to (RBPT) detected 9 of 240 (3.75%) of the samples as brucellosis positive. The positive sera when further retested using CFT 5 out of 9 RBPT positive sera were confirmed to be positive. The prevalence of brucellosis based on CFT in and around kombolcha was 2.08%, and all positive sera were from old aged female cattle. An attempt was also made to investigate the prevalence rate of abortion and fetal membrane retention in both extensive and semi-intensively management systems. A higher prevalence rate of abortion was recorded in extensively managed cows (10.8) than semi-intensively managed cows (2.08%). The difference in prevalence rate was statistically significant (P<0.05). A relatively higher prevalence rate of retained fetal membrane was found in extensive managed cattle (13.8%) than semi-intensively managed cattle (4.1%). The difference in prevalence rate was statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence rate of brucellosis is low in and around kombolcha. However, this low infection of bovine brucellosis may be spreaded in the study area and may cause economic loss and human infection unless control strategy should be conducted.

Nellore Sheep : Local Practices for Conservation of Germplasm - A Survey in Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh

A detailed survey was conducted among 150 shepherds depending on sheep farming for their livelihood to know the information about breed preferred, various managemental practices followed like feeding, housing, breeding and healthcare in rural and peri-urban areas in and around proddatur town, kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Among the total shepherds surveyed, 72% were maintaining Nellore brown sheep and 28% were maintaining goats also along with sheep. 86% of the shepherds were landless and no shepherd was engaging outside labour for rearing animals. 64% of shepherds preferred extensive system of management, followed by semi intensive system (34%) and intensive system (2%). Majority of the shepherds were taking the animals for grazing in the open lands, nearby forests and hilly areas for about 10 hrs in the winter and 6 hrs in summer. More than 86% shepherds were aware of heat symptoms in sheep and goat and only 28% shepherds were maintaining 2-3 rams per flock for practising flock mating while only 18% shepherds were aware of exchange of rams and were exchanging them after every 2 years. Most of shepherds were adopting deworming (98%) and vaccination (96%) to maintain the animals healthy. Approximately 90% of shepherds were seeking the help of a veterinarian for the treatment and vaccination of the commonly encountered diseases in this region.

English

This study was conducted in and around Yabello, Southern Ethiopia, with the objective of determining the prevalence of poultry coccidiosis and its associated risk factors. Faecal samples were collected from total of 384 chickens. Floatation technique was used to detect coccidian oocyst. The result revealed that out of 384 chickens, 74 were positive to coccidiosis and overall prevalence was 19.3%. The frequency of detection of oocyst in the faecal samples from exotic and local breed chicken were 18 and 20.4%, respectively. The result of the current study disclosed that the prevalence of coccidiosis was almost similar in female (19.6%) and male (18.2 %) chickens. The prevalence rates of 18.4 and 21.9% were recorded in chicken grouped under the age category of 2-8 weeks (young) and greater than 8 weeks (adult), respectively. The prevalence rates of 21.6 and 18% were also recorded in good and poor body condition, respectively. Furthermore, coccidiosis occurrence in intensive and extensive management system were 22.1 and 16.7%, respectively. In conclusion, even though the difference for all risk factors was statistically insignificant (p>0.05), the study showed that coccidiosis is important disease of poultry in Yabello district, Southern Ethiopia and this is an indication for intervention to tackle the disease without any priority within the risk factors. Key words: Coccidiosis, poultry, prevalence, Yabello district.

English

The aims of the study were to characterize the socio-economic features of village chicken producers, types of chicken production systems, flock management practices, family task sharing and production constraints in lowland, midland and highland of Ethiopia. Data were collected at 360 rural households of which 120 were from lowland, 160 midland and 80 highlands. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect the data using person to person interview method. The extensive chicken management system was predominant in all of the three agro-climatic zones. Most of the studied parameters were different (P<0.01) across agro-climatic zones. Based on the whole data set, 77.9% of the households practiced an extensive form of chicken management system. However, the proportion was much higher (90%) in lowlands. From the visited 360 poultry farms, 96% of them had native chicken breeds, 3% had exotic chicken breeds and the remaining 1% had crossbreds. Chicken ownership was pre dominated by rural women than men in all of the three agro-ecological zones. Regarding family task sharing in rural poultry production systems, women were responsible for 47.9 to 77.6% of farm activities. The major production constraints and/or problems were the lack of high performing chicken breeds and disease occurrence during the period in which this study was carried out. Newcastle disease was the most prevalent health problem at 61% of the visited farms and it was highly important in all of the three agro-ecological zones. Our findings will support agro-ecology based interventions for improving village chicken management systems and enhance their economic contributions to the farmers. Key words: Agro-climatic zone, flock management, production constraint, production system, task sharing, village chicken.

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine mastitis in Ambo town of West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of mastitis in dairy cows from November, 2012 to July, 2013 in Ambo town of West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State. Thorough clinical examination was made on all lactating cows for evidence of signs of clinical mastitis followed by collection of milk sample for examination of gross changes of milk secretion and screening using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Mastitis was categorized as clinical if lactating cows exhibited clinical features of mastitis, or subclinical based on degree of coagulation up on examination using CMT. A total of 151 dairy cows were selected from all volunteer dairy farms in Ambo town of West Shewa Zone of Oromia region state. Sixty three (41.7%) cows had mastitis, of which 9.9% (15/151) were clinical and 31.8% (48/151) were subclinical mastitis cases. The quarter level prevalence was 44.4% (268/604), comprising 9.3% (56/604) clinical and 31.8% (198/604) subclinical forms of mastitis. In addition, 5.5% (33/604) of teats were found to be blind up on clinical examination of udder and teat. The Chi-square (χ 2 ) analysis of intrinsic risk factors revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence of mastitis in crossbred cattle (47.2%) than indigenous (15.4%), in cattle above 7 years (75%) than less than 2-6 years of age (28%) and cows given more than 4 calves (81.3%) than those with less than 4 calves (31.1%) irrespective to their lactation stage. There was also significantly (P<0.05) higher mastitis prevalence in larger (46.6%) than smaller herds (24.2%) and among the farming systems in semi-intensive (47.1%) and intensive (42.3%) than extensive (8.1%) management system. The present study indicated higher prevalence of mastitis linked with several risk factors. Thus, early diagnosis and regular screening of cows for subclinical mastitis together with treatment of clinical cases are of paramount importance. Moreover, control and prevention strategies should be designed and implemented with great emphasis given to risk factors to reduce bovine mastitis and its impact on milk production and food security. Keywords : Ambo town, CMT, Dairy Cows, Mastitis, Prevalence, Risk factors

Technical-economical aspects of the Alcarreña sheep farms in Spain and characterization of their meat products

SummaryAlcarreña is an endangered Spanish sheep breed (8 009 breeding animals) characterized by its adaptation to a particularly harsh environment and by having a sustainable pasture-based, small-scale, production model. The first objective of this study was to identify the technical-economic aspects of the Alcarreña farms, based on information obtained from surveys. The second objective was to quantify the influence of slaughter weight (12, 19 and 23 kg) on the sensory characteristics of the lamb meat. The mean age of the Alcarreña sheep farmers was lower than the average age of Spanish sheep farmers; however, generational renewal is not assured because most of the farmers’ children were still in school. Mean flock size was higher than the average Spanish sheep flock. Alcarreña sheep were reared under an extensive management system, grazed year-round and had a reproductive schedule of three lambings within 2 years. The carcass and meat qualities of the 12 and 19 kg lambs did not differ significantly, although the lightest lambs had the softest meat and the clearest subcutaneous fat. The most important differences between the lighter lambs and the 23-kg lambs were in meat and fat colour and lipid composition. Among the sensorial characteristics, the 19-kg lambs had the lowest meat fibrosity, and meat colour and slaughter weight were negatively correlated.

Frequency of Neospora caninum infections in beef cow–calf operations under extensive management

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of Neospora caninum horizontal and vertical transmissions in beef cow–calf operations under three different extensive management systems: group A: 0.75 head per hectare pasturing on natural grass; group B: 1.1 head per hectare on natural grass and improved cultured pastures; and group C: 2 head per hectare on natural grass, improved cultured pasture and whole corn silage. Serum samples from 72 multiparous cows assigned to each beef cow–calf operations were obtained every 3 months during 2 years. A group of 30 replacement heifers from each group were tested similarly since they were 10–21 months old. Twenty four, 20 and 34 calves from groups A, B and C respectively, were bled before colostrum intake and again 6 months later. The samples were analyzed by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for detection of total IgG against N. caninum at a serological titre ≥200 for multiparous cows and replacement heifers, and a serological titre ≥25 for calves. Serum samples from seropositive cows were assessed by ELISA to evaluate the avidity of their specific antibodies. There were no differences in the proportion of seropositive cows from groups A, B and C at the beginning of the trial (p>0.05). Interestingly, the lowest serological titres in seropositive cows from all groups were observed during the first trimester (p<0.05). Although seropositive cows had medium to high avidity antibodies, suggesting chronic infection; seroconversion associated with low antibody avidity was found in 2, 3 and 3 seropositive cows from groups A, B and C. All replacement heifers remained seronegative. No abortions were recorded but 2, 1, and 2 calves from groups A, B and C were seropositive before colostrum intake, respectively. Seropositive calves born from cows having intermediate or high avidity remained with the same serostatus at 6 months of age. Even under varying extensive management conditions, both N. caninum horizontal and vertical transmission methods do occur in beef cow–calf operations.

Epidemiological Studies on Ovine Lungworm Species in Northern Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from November, 2015 to April, 2016 to determine the prevalence, associated epidemiological factors and identifying the species of ovine respiratory helminthes circulating in and around Wogera district. Modified Baermann technique was conducted to detect first stage larvae (L1) from 386 randomly sampled sheep kept under extensive and semi intensive management systems. Out of the total 386 faecal samples examined 180 were found to harboring one or more lungworm parasites with an overall prevalence of 46.6% (180/386). Dictyocaulus filarial (D. filaria) was the dominant lungworm species with prevalence of 18.9%, followed by Mulliries capillaries (M. capillaries) 14.2%, Protostrongylus rufescens (P. rufescens) 2.3% and Mixed infection with D. filarial and M. capillaries species (11.1%). In this study, animals with poor body condition (23.1%) were highly infected with significant difference (P<0.05) than medium (14.8%) and good body conditions (8.8%). There was statistical significant difference in susceptibility between different age groups (P<0.05), the young (25.1%) being more affected than adult (22.5%) animals. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found among areas of different altitude with an infection rate of 29% and 17.6% at higher and medium altitude areas respectively. Sheep kept under extensive management system and semi intensive management system also showed statistically significant variation (P<0.05) in infection rate with different lung worm species. The overall results obtained during this investigation showed that D. filaria is the most common lungworm species in its not only high prevalence rate, but also high degree of association with occurrence of clinical respiratory signs. The result of this study indicated that lungworms in sheep are common parasites which induce heavy economic loss that needs greater attention due to its impact on sheep production of the study area.

Prevalence and Financial Losses of Lungworm Infection in Sheep in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2013 and March 2014 to determine the prevalence of lungworms in sheep in two districts of South Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Alongside the financial losses encountered due to lungworm infection in sheep during retrospective study in Dessie municipal Abattoir was also assessed. A total of 477 fecal samples collected from sheep were examined using modified Baerman technique. Out of which 218 were found to be positive (45.71%). The lungworm species were Muellerius capillaris 212(23.48%), Dictyocaulus filaria 39(8.18%), Protostrongylusrufescens 28(5.87%) and mixed infection 39(8.18%) either with two or three species. The prevalence of lungworm infection was significantly different between sexes (χ2=32.2, P= 0.000), age groups (χ2=72.561, p=0.000) and body conditions (χ2=113.66, p=0.000). Prevalence was significantly higher in female sheep (57.94%), sheep of above 3years of age (69.01%) and poor body condition (89.62%) than males, sheep of less than 3years of age (<1 year, 1–3 years) and medium/good body conditions, respectively. Moreover, sheep showing respiratory clinical syndromes, kept under extensive management system and sampled during wet season showed statistically significant variation (p<0.05) when compared with those sheep without respiratory syndrome, kept under semi-intensive management system and sampled in dry season, respectively. The mean annual financial losses by organ condemnation and carcass weight reduction due to lungworm infection in sheep slaughtered at Dessie municipal abattoir were estimate to be 7445549.6 ETB, equivalent to 402462.1USD.

Prevalence and risk factors for foot and mouth disease infection in small ruminants in Israel

During the last decade, 27% of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Israel affected small ruminant (SR) farms. FMD outbreaks reoccur in Israel despite vaccination of all livestock and application of control measures. We performed a cross-sectional serological study, aimed at estimating the prevalence of FMD infection in SR in Israel and the possible risk factors for infection. Overall, 2305 samples of adult sheep (n=1948) and goats (n=357) were collected during 2011–14 in two separate surveys. One survey was based on random sampling of intensive management system farms and the other was originally aimed at the detection of Brucella melitensis at extensive and semi-intensive management system farms. Sera were tested by NS blocking ELISA (PrioCHECK®). The serological prevalence of antibodies against non structural proteins (NSP) of FMD virus was estimated at 3.7% (95% confidence interval (CI95%)=3.0% –4.5%). Additionally, a significantly lower infection prevalence (p value=0.049) of 1.0% (CI95%=0.1%–3.6%) was found in a small sample (197 sera) of young SR, collected during 2012. The positive samples from adult SR were scattered all over Israel, though two significant infection clusters were found by the spatial scan statistic. Occurrence of an outbreak on a non-SR farm within 5km distance was associated with a fifteen times increase in the risk of FMD infection of SR in the univariable analysis. Yet, this variable was not included in the multivariable analysis due to collinearities with the other independent variables. Multivariable logistic regression modeling found significantly negative associations (P value<0.05) of grazing and being in a herd larger than 500 animals with risk of infection. Grazing herds and herds larger than 500 animals, both represent farms that are intensively or semi-intensively managed. Higher maintenance of bio-safety, fewer introductions of new animals and higher vaccination compliance in these farms may explain their lower risk of infection by FMD virus. We conclude that despite the wide distribution of infection among SR farms, low farm level prevalence indicates that in Israel SR pose only limited role in the transmission and dissemination of FMD. This conclusion may be applicable for other endemic countries in which, similar to Israel, all livestock are vaccinated against FMD.

Authentication of “mono-breed” pork products: Identification of a coat colour gene marker in Cinta Senese pigs useful to this purpose

The possibility to authenticate food products is crucial to defend local livestock production chains from frauds. Cinta Senese is an autochthonous pig breed reared under extensive or semi-extensive management systems, mainly in the Tuscany (Italy). A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) brand for Cinta Senese meat was recently obtained. The breed is characterised by a typical black with a white-belted coat colour pattern. We analysed a coat colour gene (KIT) to identify a DNA marker that could be useful for Cinta Senese meat product authentication. An informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified among different KIT gene haplotypes that were obtained from several pigs of different breeds. This SNP (g.43597545C>T; position on porcine chromosome 8 in the Sscrofa10.2 genome assembly) was genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 631 animals of 11 different pig breeds and one wild boar population. Allele T was almost fixed in Cinta Senese (95.9%) and absent in many breeds and was considered the tag SNP of the belted allele. Probability to correctly assign an unknown meat sample to Cinta Senese was 0.97–1.00. This DNA marker can be useful to distinguish meat of Cinta Senese pigs from meat of non-belted pigs. Thus, it could be an important tool not only to defend Cinta Senese pork chain from frauds but also to design breeding plans to eliminate non belted alleles from this pig population.

Goat management systems in Bulathkohupitiya veterinary range

The main objective of the present study was to identify the prospects and constraints to improve the economic productivity of goat herds in Bulathkohupitiya veterinary range. A survey was conducted using 82 farmers from two different management systems, namely intensive and extensive management systems. Data on religion of farmers, education level of farmers, herd size, herd composition, birth weight, slaughter weight, slaughter age, breeds, feeding, and cost and returns of raising goats were collected over a period of 3 months. Data were analyzed using the statistical software SAS ® . The results of the survey indicated that almost all farmers in the area considered goat farming as a part time business. Women played a major role in goat farming in the area, including feeding and management of goats. Goat farming is a traditional activity in Hindu and Muslim communities, where 92.8% of Hindus contributed to mutton industry. Between the two management systems, the average herd size of extensive management systems (13.1 AU/farm) was significantly greater (p Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 26 (3): 441 – 447 (2015)