Local Zebu Research Articles

Effects of body conformation and udder morphology on milk yield of zebu cows in North region of Cameroon.

Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the effect of udder morphological characteristics on milk yield in zebu cows of Cameroon.Materials and Methods:The diameter and height of the udder, length and diameter of the teat, and the milk yield were measured in 29 Djafun (Red Mbororo) and 19 Aku (White Fulani) cows in Louggueré zootechnical station in the North region of Cameroon.Results:Overall, strong positive correlation (rp=0.60) between the diameter (240.21±28.58 mm) and height (131.12±23.64 mm) of udders (p<0.001) and between length (39.51±6.44 mm) and diameter (19.85±3.08 mm) of teats (rp=0.78) were found in the zebu cows. Udder morphologic characteristics varied significantly (p<0.005) according to breed, lactation stage and parity, and height at whiters. There was significant (p<0.001) correlations between udder diameter (rp=0.541) and height (rp=0.549) with milk yield.Conclusion:This study ascertained udder morphological characteristics values in local zebu cows, and showed that udder size is strong and positively correlated to milk yield. The findings are useful in genetic improvement programs of zebu cows.

STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND CYST CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDATIDOSIS IN CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AT WOLAYTA SODDO MUNICIPAL ABBATTIOR

A cross-sectional survey of bovine hydatidosis was conducted on local zebu cattle slaughtered at Wolayta Soddo Municipal Abattoir from November, 2012 to March, 2013 to determine the prevalence and cyst characterization caused by hydatid disease. No statistical significant variation was observed with regards to place of origin and age of the animals (P &gt; 0.05). After postmortem examination, hydatid cysts were collected and cyst characterization was conducted. Out of a total of 446 animals examined, 50(11.21%) harboring one or more hydatid cyst. The result obtained from Postmortem examination indicated that the lung was the most commonly affected organ followed by liver. The involvement of lung, Liver, kidney, spleen and heart was found to be 50%, 26.92%, 5.77%, 9.62% and 7.69% respectively. From the total of 52 cysts counted, 14(26.69%), 18(34.62%), 20(38.46%) were large, medium and small respectively and 5(9.62%), 35(67.31%) and 12(23.08%) were fertile, sterile and calcified respectively. Out 5 of fertile, 20% (1/5) were viable, all from the lung and higher liver calcification were observed.

Epidemiology and financial loss estimation of blackleg on smallholder cattle herders in Kembata Tambaro zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundBlackleg is one of the major bacterial infections causing tremendous economic losses to cattle herders in many parts of Ethiopia. Despite the huge burden, no comprehensive studies have quantified the impact or its distribution throughout the country. This study was aimed to estimate the epidemiological aspect of blackleg, financial costs and benefits of its control through annual vaccination on small holder cattle herders in Southern Ethiopia.MethodsAnnual financial cost due to blackleg was calculated as the sum of production losses due to mortality, morbidity, treatment and vaccination costs at herd level. Production loss due to the disease was estimated and compared between local zebu and crossbred cattle. Partial budget analysis was used to estimate financial benefit of control intervention through annual vaccination.ResultsAn overall cumulative incidence and mortality rate of blackleg in local zebu cattle population was 17.9 % (95 % CI 16.5–19.4) and 3.6 % (95 % CI 2.9–4.4 %) respectively. Cumulative incidence and mortality rate attributed to blackleg in crossbreds cattle was 19 % (95 % CI 16.9–21.6) and 3.9 % (95 % CI 2.9–5.3 %) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in both variables between the two breeds. Financial costs in blackleg infected herds was estimated to be USD 9.8 (95 % CI 6.7–14.4) per head for local zebu and USD 16 (95 % CI 10–24.4) per head for crossbred cattle. The marginal rate of return that could be obtained from the control intervention was estimated to be 9 (900 %) and the net benefit per head was USD 0.4 for local zebu and USD 0.8 for crossbred cattle. Vaccination, therefore, reduces financial losses due to blackleg by 3.4 and 6.9 % per head in local zebu and crossbred cattle herds respectively.ConclusionsThe present study revealed considerable financial losses due to blackleg occurrence. The information obtained would be helpful to improve the farmers’ livelihood and may open new avenues of research for the eradication and control of the disease at local and national level.

English

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cattle trypanosomosis and assess the distribution of its vectors in Gimbo and Guraferda districts of Kaffa and Bench Maji zones, respectively, in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional State (SNNPRS), Ethiopia from November 2011 to March 2012. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 490 local zebu cattle from purposively selected three peasant associations in Gimbo and four peasant associations in Gurafereda districts. Blood samples were examined for trypanosmes by the buffy coat technique (BCT) after determining the packed cell volume (PCV) and traps were employed for collection of tsetse. The overall prevalence of cattle trypansomosis was 14.5%. The prevalence varied between the two districts, that is, Gimbo (9.2%) and Guraferda (19.6%). Trypanosoma congolense was the predominant species in the area (62%) followed by T. vivax (28.2%). Statistically significant (P 0.05) difference was noted in prevalence rates among animals of the different age groups, sex and coat colors. The mean PCV per cent value of parasitaemic animals (21.31±5.070) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that of aparasitaemic animals (27.00±5.097). Glossina pallidipes and Glossina fuscipes were captured in the study area with an overall apparent density of 3.73 flies/trap/day. In the light of these findings, integrated approaches involving both vector and trypanosome directed measures are suggested for effective management of the problem of cattle trypanosomosis in the study area. Key words: Bench Maji, bovine, buffy coat, Kaffa, trap, trypanosomosis, tsetse fly.

Epidemiology of Cattle Trypanosomosis and Its Vector Density in Bullen District

The study was conductedin Bullen district of Metekele zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia between April 2013 and July 2013 to assess trypanosomosis prevalence, prevailing trypanosomes species, risk factors and vector density. Buffy coat technique and hematological procedures was used to analyze blood samples collected from (n= 394) randomly sampled local zebu cattle. Traps were deployed to catch flies during the survey. A trypanosomosis prevalenceof 22/394(5.6%) was found. Trypanosoma vivax14/22(63.6%) and Trypanosoma congolense 8/22(36.4%) were identified with no mixed infections. Mean packed cell volume (PCV) value of parasitaemic animals was lower (24.86% + 5.50) than aparasitaemic animals (26.54% + 5.00) and the variation was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Out of the total animals examined, 34.8% (137/394) were found anemic. Interestingly, 31.47% of the anemic animals were aparasitaemic whilst 3.29% were parasitaemic. However, the anemia distribution was higher (59.09%) in infected animals than in non-infected ones (33.33%). The study sites, body conditions, age categories and gender groups were found statistically not significant (p>0.05) risk factors for trypanosomosis prevalence. The entomological survey identified Glossina tachinoides in the area with mean apparent density as determined by fly/trap/day(F/T/D) of 0.72. Biting such as stomoxys, haematopota and tabanus were also collected with mean apparent densitywith F/T/D of 2.22, 0.41, and 0.28, respectively. To sum up, the study showed the prevalence of trypanosomosis in the area warranting the need for developing controlling strategies in the district to overwhelm its negative economical impacts.

Effects of breed, management system, milk yield and body weight on onset of postpartum ovarian cyclicity in cows

To determine the factors affecting onset of postpartum ovarian cyclicity (PPOC) milk progesterone concentrations were measured in 84 cows. About 30% showed cyclicity within 120 days of parturition. Intensively managed cows started cyclicity earlier (P&gt;0.05) than extensively managed animals. Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows started ovarian cyclicity earlier (80.2 ± 17.5 days) with higher proportion (37.9%) than local zebu cows (84.8 ± 21.0 days) and about 13.3%, respectively (P&gt;0.05). The cows yielding 4-12 kg milk/day required 73.5 ± 10.0 days to start ovarian function earlier than those producing 1-2 kg/day (84.8 ± 21.0 days) (P&gt;0.05). Cows with lower (&lt;200 kg) and higher (&gt;300 kg) body weights started ovarian activity by 81.6 ± 16.6 and 76.3 ± 17.4 days, respectively (P&gt;0.05). Cows with lower body weight showed PPOC at lower rate (5.2%) than those of medium (38.3%) and higher body weight (33.3%) (P&lt;0.05). The delayed onset of PPOC prolonged the calving interval.Bangl. vet. 2015. Vol. 32, No. 1, 27-34

Smallholder Dairy Farm Management in Ethiopia: Status in Hawassa and Debrebrihan Cities

Reproductive performance and milk bacteria study carried out using questionnaire survey and milk bacteriology from December, 2011 to March, 2013 in Hawassa and Debrebrihan cities. Four hundred forty nine household interviewed and 87 pooled milk samples research work result were used to draw inference about smallholder dairy farm management in the study area. It was observed that there was no plot for forage development in sampled household and there was poor feeding, housing and health management. Cross breed and local zebu were breed by artificial insemination (72%) and natural mating (28%) in Hawassa, whereas almost all cross breed animals were breed by natural mating (85%) in Debrebrehan the remaining was artificial insemination. Health problems of calf mortality (34%), infectious (13%), retained placenta (10%), dystocia (5%), mastitis (8%) and others were reported. Average milk yield in cross breeds were 6-10 liters and local zebu produce an average range of 2-4 liters. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in calving interval, where local breed had 14.2 ± 0.44 months than others; age at first calving was 33.9 ± 0.9 than other breeds the difference was significant (p<0.05). Number of service per conception using artificial insemination was within the range of 1.18 up to 1.72 in majority of the selected animals which was in the accepted ranges. Bacterial milk assessment indicated that different gram positive and negative bacteria observed, showing the level of bacterial contamination The study indicates that there was clear managerial problems in smallholder dairy farms, where feeding, housing, health and milk quality management were poor. Therefore, strong policy should be implemented in order to leverage the existing smallholder dairy farm status in the country in general.

Bovine Mastitis: Prevalence, Isolation of Bacterial Species Involved and its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test around Debrezeit, Ethiopia

A total of 300 local zebu lactating cows of small holders farmers around Debrezeit were examined to determine the prevalence of mastitis with associated risk factor, isolate bacterial pathogens involved and its antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Clinical prevalence was determined through examination of abnormalities of milk and udder and California Mastitis Test (CMT) were used for determining subclinical mastitis. Bacterial culture and Agar disc diffusion was used for isolation and antibiotic susceptibility test. Based on the result out of 18 (6%) positive samples, 2 (0.7%) were clinical and the other 16 (5.3%) were sub-clinical mastitis. Among the potential risk factors considered, there was significant difference (P<0.05) between semi-intensive and extensive farming system. All positive samples were positive for aerobic bacteria. The bacterial species isolated were CNS and Micrococcusspecies 22.2%, Staphylococcus aureus 16% Staphylococcus epidermis and Mycoplasma species 11.1%, Enterococcus species, Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus hycus were 5.65%. Comparing the overall efficacy of antimicrobials on isolate kanamycin was the most effective antibiotic where 85.7% of the total isolate were found to be susceptible.

Status and challenges of smallholder dairy cattle production in the highlands of Bale, Southeast Ethiopia

A diagnostic survey was conducted in the highlands of Bale, Southeast Ethiopia with the objectives to assess the status and challenges of smallholder dairy cattle production. The study area was stratified into two based on the rainfall patters, human and livestock population. For the study the total of 120 households were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Dairy cattle management system was predominantly traditional. Livestock breeds were almost indigenous local zebu type. About 31.7% of the interviewed households had only a single lactating cow whereas 20% of them did not have lactating cows. Mating was free and commonly seasonal in the area. Almost all classes of dairy cattle were herded together with other livestock species on communal grazing lands. Stall-feeding was, however, practiced in certain cases. Native pasture, crop residues and grazing of aftermath and fallow land are the dominant feed resources available for dairy cattle. Reproductive and productive performances are poor, and mean age at first calving, parturition interval and average calf born per lifetime of local breeds are discussed in the text. Traditional management system coupled with poor nutrition resulted in low milk production in the study area.Therefore, improvement should be made in the area of feed resources and feeding strategies, husbandry practices, health aspects, artificial insemination services and reproductive performance as well as marketing and market infrastructure to increase milk production and household income in the area.

Review: Genetic diversity of local and exotic cattle and their crossbreeding impact on the quality of Indonesian cattle

Sutarno, Setyawan AD. 2015. Genetic diversity of local and exotic cattle and their crossbreeding impact on the quality of Indonesian cattle. Biodiversita16: 327-354.Several species of cattle had been domesticated around the world, but only two species werefarmed extensively, zebu cattle (Bos indicus) of the tropics and taurine cattle (Bos taurus) of the subtropical areas. Both of them hadhundreds variety of offspring in the worlds. The third species of cattle that most widely farmed was Bali cattle (Bos javanicus), anindigenous cattle from Indonesia that was domesticated from wild banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus). Besides Bali cattle, Indonesia hadalso some local cattle as direct descendants of or as Crossbreeds of those three cattle. These cattle had been adapted to climaticconditions, feeds and diseases in Indonesia. Local zebu cattle that relatively pure were Peranakan Ongole (PO) or Ongole breeds andSumba Ongole (SO). The main Crossbreed between zebu and Bali cattle was Madura cattle. The other well-known cattle of this wereAceh cattle, Pesisir cattle, Rancah cattle, Jabres cattle, Galekan cattle and Rambon cattle. Crossbreeds of taurine and zebu cattlegenerally produced calf that declining reproductive ability in generations. One fairly successful was Grati cattle or Holstein FreisianIndonesia (FHI) which was a crossbreed of Holstein Friesian and PO cattle. In recent decades, there were many crossbreed activitiesthrough artificial insemination between local cattle and taurine cattle to produce excellent beef cattle, mainly Simmental and Limousin.This activity was carried out widely and evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. It was conducted on all local cattle breeds and wasstrongly supported by local farmers. This crossbreeding activity was feared to change the genetic diversity of local Indonesia cattle,where the descendants could not adapt to the climatic conditions, feeds and localized diseases; and the ability of reproduction continuesto decline in generations, there fore the availability of parental cattle should be maintained continuously. This crossbreed had producedsome new breeds, among others Simpo (Simmental x PO), Limpo (Limousin x PO), Simbal (Simmental x Bali cattle), Limbal(Limousin x Bali cattle), and Madrasin or Limad (Limousin x Madura cattle). Male offsprings were sterile, while female offsprings hadlower reproductive capacity than of the parent’s. This lead to uncertainty over the guarantee of meeting the needs of protein (meat andmilk) of Indonesian in the future, thus there was a need of regulation. On the other hand, in the grasslands of North Australia, thebreeder had produced an eminent cattle breeds, namely Australian Commercial Cattle (ACC), from uncontrolled crossbreeds betweendifferent breedsof taurine and zebu cattle in the pasture, therefore this concerns ignored.

Sero-prevalence of lumpy skin disease in selected districts of West Wollega zone, Ethiopia.

BackgroundLumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically devastating emerging viral disease of cattle caused by a virus associated with the Neethlig poxvirus in the genus Capripoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2012 to May, 2013 in two districts of Western Wollega of Oromiya Regional State, with the objectives to determine animal and herd level seroprevalence of lumpy skin disease in the study area. The study population comprised of indigenous and crossbred cattle. Multi-stage sampling method was applied to select cattle and herd owners for the interviews. A total of 544 sera samples were collected from 252 herds and the serological test were conducted using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT).ResultAn overall individual level sero-prevalence of 6.43 % (n = 35) and herd level seroprevalence of 5.95 % (n = 15) were estimated. There was significant variation (P < 0.05) between the seroprevalence in Gimbi (4.41 %) and Lalo Assabi (8.46 %) districts at animal level. The sero- prevalence of LSD exposure among breeds (local and cross) was significantly different in that it was found significantly higher in cross breeds (OR = 2.85, p = 0.016) than in local zebu. There was statistically significant difference (p = 0.384) among the age groups (adult, young and calf) in the sero-prevalence of LSD. The average sero-prevalence according to age groups was 8.78 %, 5 % and 2.74 % in adults, youngs and calves, respectively and this shows the prevalence was very low in calves. The current finding revealed no significant variation between male and female animals (p > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant association between seropositivity to LSD and, the agro-climatic zones (midland and highland).ConclusionThe present study revealed a moderate distribution of sero-positive cattle in the study area and the disease observed warrants future detailed study on the spread of the disease in the area.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0432-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Admixture mapping of tuberculosis and pigmentation-related traits in an African-European hybrid cattle population.

Admixture mapping affords a powerful approach to genetic mapping of complex traits and may be particularly suited to investigation in cattle where many breeds and populations are hybrids of the two divergent ancestral genomes, derived from Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Here we design a minimal genome wide SNP panel for tracking ancestry in recent hybrids of Holstein–Friesian and local Arsi zebu in a field sample from a region of high bovine tuberculosis (BTB) endemicity in the central Ethiopian highlands. We first demonstrate the utility of this approach by mapping the red coat color phenotype, uncovering a highly significant peak over the MC1R gene and a second peak with no previously known candidate gene. Secondly, we exploit the described differential susceptibility to BTB between the ancestral strains to identify a region in which Bos taurus ancestry associates, at suggestive significance, with skin test positivity. Interestingly, this association peak contains the toll-like receptor gene cluster on chromosome 6. With this work we have shown the potential of admixture mapping in hybrid domestic animals with divergent ancestral genomes, a recurring condition in domesticated species.

English

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis, assess the associated risk factors and public health importance of Taeniasis at Elfora abattoir, Bishoftu town. Active abattoir survey from local zebu cattle presented to Elfora Abattoir and questionnaire survey data collected were analyzed using STATA version 11. From the total 430 carcasses examined, 24 (5.6%) were found to be infected with Cysticercus bovis. Cyst prevalence per organs were tongue, 14 (3.2%), triceps muscle 9 (2.1%), masseter muscle 7 (1.6%), heart 4 (0.9%) and diaphragm 1 (0.2%).&nbsp; From a total of 54 C. bovis cysts collected, 36 (66.6%) and 18 (33.3%) were live and degenerated cysts, respectively. 64% human Taeniasis was recorded with a statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among age groups, gender, raw meat consumption, education level and occupation of individuals interviewed. High raw meat consumers had higher odds of acquiring taeniasis (OR= 48.71) than low raw meat consumers. However, no statistically significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the prevalence of taeniasis among various religions of the interviewee. The study revealed the presence of bovine cysticercosis and its public health hazards in the area, which needs increasing awareness about the health impact of taeniasis to safeguard the public. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Abattoir,&nbsp;Cysticercus bovis,&nbsp;prevalence,&nbsp;public&nbsp;health,&nbsp;Taenia&nbsp;saginata

A report on management practices and milk production from jersey cows raised in Ibadan

In order to kick-start milk production and upgrade genetic base of local zebu cattle at the University of Ibadan, four in-calf Jersey heifers and one bull were acquired in September 2012, from a pure herd of Jersey cattle maintained on a private farm in Shonga, Kwara State, Nigeria. Management at Shonga was based on an intensive, zero-grazing system. The animals were apparently in a good state of health at the time of procurement. At the University of Ibadan, management was also intensive, with partial grazing, fortified grass silage and concentrates supplementation. Health management of Jersey cattle involved preventive and curative measures. Calving occurred within 7 and 156 days of arrival at Ibadan. Two out of four heifers calved successfully while two had still-births. Calves were allowed to suckle their dams for 14 days after calving and bottle-fed from milk collected from their dams afterwards. Milking was done twice daily at 7am and 4pm using a portable milking machine. Milk yield averaged 8.8 kg/cow/day with lactation length ranging between 93 and 246 days. Average composition of milk was 13.69, 3.60, 4.73, 0.65 and 4.71% for total solids, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate respectively. In order to maximize milk production from Jersey cattle under the humid tropical condition of Ibadan, there is need to maintain a high plane of nutrition, adopt a preventive healthcare system and incorporate a cooling system to ameliorate the effects of high ambient temperatures.Key words: calving age, dairy cattle, lactation length, milk composition, milk yield

Characterization of Smallholder Cattle Milk Production System in Aleta Chukko District, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Aleta Chukko district, Southern Ethiopia with the objective of characterizing smallholder cattle milk production system. A single-visit multiple-subject formal survey was used to collect data on milk production system from a total of 100 households. For this purpose, six kebeles were selected using purposive sampling method, while households from each kebele were selected randomly. Local indigenous zebu cattle breed dominated cattle population in the study area (95.6%). The major purposes of cattle rearing in the district was for milk production (72%), income generation (17%), fertilizer, social value and saving purposes (11%). Milking, milk processing, barn cleaning and sale of dairy products were mainly performed by women while live animal marketing and stall feeding were performed by a husband. Majority of households kept their animals in the same house in the family house (89%). Communal grazing and stall feeding were feeding systems practiced in the study area. River water, well water and tape water were used as a source of water for the cattle. About 91% of farmers used only natural mating system with a bull available in the area. Average lactation length of local and crossbred cows was 9.93 ± 0.2 and 10.61 ± 0.4 months with mean calving interval of 19.93 ± 0.2 and 21.7 ± 0.3 respectively. The overall mean daily milk yield of local and crossbred cows was 1.45 and 4.69 liters, respectively. Shortage of grazing land, diseases and parasites, inadequate veterinary services and low milk production potential of indigenous cattle were major constraints of cattle production in the district. Put together, milk production in Aleta Chukko district is subsistence type despite of its great role in consumption and income generation.

Lumpy skin disease in cattle in central Ethiopia: outbreak investigation and isolation and molecular detection of the virus.

The study was a combination of two investigations into active outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle in central Ethiopia and a retrospective analysis of outbreak reports between January 2007 and December 2011 covering the entire country. Active outbreaks were investigated in four districts of central Ethiopia: Adama, Wenji, Mojo and Welenchiti. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to acquire data at individual and herd levels, and tissue samples were collected for viral isolation and characterisation. The retrospective analyses showed that, during the five-year period, a total of 1,675 outbreaks were reported, with 62,176 cases and 4,372 deaths. The highest number of outbreaks was reported in Oromia (1,066), followed by Amhara (365) and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (123). Outbreaks were more frequently observed between September and December and the highest number of outbreaks was reported in 2010. During the period studied, a total of 2,174 local zebu cattle were clinically examined and morbidity and mortality rates of 13.61% (296) and 4.97% (108) were recorded, respectively. Analysis of the active outbreaks revealed a relatively consistent morbidity rate, with the highest observed in Adama (15.38%), followed by Wenji (10.26%). The highest mortality rates were also observed in Adama (5.89%) and Wenji (3.42%). The LSD virus was isolated from 22 samples and all tested positive in polymerase chain reaction analysis. The disease was observed in the cattle regardless of previous vaccination with Kenyan sheep- and goat-pox vaccine; thus, vaccine efficacy was assessed under field conditions and the authors' findings, together with a possible remedy, are presented in this paper.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and its association with bacteria and risk factors in lactating cows of Barisal district in Bangladesh

The subclinical mastitis is more serious and is responsible for much greater loss to the dairy industry in Bangladesh. This study was per-formed to determine the prevalence of bovine subclinical mastitis and to isolate and identify the bacterial agents and risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in randomly selected 200 lactating cows (147 local zebu and 53 crossbreds) of Barisal district in Bangladesh. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed on each quarter sample of lactating cows at field condition for determination of subclinical mastitis. Out of 200 lactating cows, 57 were found to be positive for subclinical mastitis by CMT. Out of 57 CMT positive cows, only 15 cows showed strong positive reactions and these samples were used for bacteriological culture to isolate and identify bacterial agents. The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 28.50%. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was significantly high in crossbreds (45.28%) compared to local zebu (22.45%) (p &lt; 0.05). Based on CMT results of quarters, prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 40.57% (n=212) in crossbreds and 20.92% (n=588) in local zebu cows. The prevalence was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in cows with a daily milk yield of 3-5L and 5-7L. The highest prevalence found in mid lactation was 32.50% and the highest prevalence in the age group of 7 to 9 years was 37.50%. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was comparatively higher (32.69%) in lactating cows where housed with earthen floor compared to concrete floor (23.17%). Among the pathogens isolated from the strongly positive subclinical mastitis samples, the most frequent bacteria were Staphylococcus spp. (73.33%). For early detection of subclinical mastitis, CMT can be performed regularly as a control measure and emphasis should be given on farm management practices, particularly on milking procedure and udder sanitation. Keywords : Bacteria, CMT, Prevalence, Risk factors, Subclinical mastitis. Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy farms

A total of 560 lactating cows belonging to Bangladesh Agricultural University dairy farm (n = 59): Local Zebu (L), Local × Friesian (L × F), Local × Jersey (L × J), Local × Red Chittagong Cattle (L × RCC), Local × Sahiwal (L × SL), Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC); and Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (n = 501): Local Zebu, L × F, SL × F, Sahiwal and Australian Friesian Sahiwal (AFS) were selected to measure prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SM). The California Mastitis Test was done and the prevalence of SM was 68% on cow basis and 57% on quarter basis. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in L × F (87%, P &lt; 0.05), SL × F (88%, P &lt; 0.05), L × J (100%, P &lt; 0.01), AFS (89%, P&lt; 0.05) and SL (100%, P &lt; 0.01). The local Zebu (31%) and RCC (28%) were least susceptible to SM. SM was significantly higher in multiparous (P &lt; 0.05) and older cows (P &lt; 0.05). The front quarters were more prone to SM than the rear. Factors such as breed, age, parity and management may have been responsible for high prevalence of SM in both farms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i2.18257 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 2, 70-77

Bovine cysticercosis and its food safety implications in Harari People's National Regional State, eastern Ethiopia.

Taenia saginata cysticercosis is one of the zoonotic diseases that threaten food safety and food security, particularly in developing countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and cyst distribution in infected cattle, and food safety implications of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in Harari People's National Regional State, eastern Ethiopia. Post-mortem inspection of carcasses and organs of slaughtered cattle in Harar Municipal Abattoir, cyst viability tests and interviews with randomly selected meat consumers were undertaken. The post-mortem inspection showed that of the 898 local zebu cattle slaughtered for human consumption and examined for the presence of cysticerci of T. saginata, 19.7% (177/898; 95% CI = 17.2-22.5) harboured at least one cyst in the muscles or organs inspected. Of the edible anatomical sites with cysticerci, shoulder muscle, liver and heart together represented 65.4%, 66.0% and 65.4% respectively of relative prevalence, total cyst count and cyst viability. These edible sites are preferred above others by local people for preparation and consumption of raw or inadequately cooked meat dishes that are locally served as kurt, kitffo and dullet. The interviews revealed that among the 300 study participants, 182 (60.7%) had been infected by taeniosis at least once during the previous year and of these 99.0% had eaten raw or undercooked beef, the majority (88.3%) obtained from butchers assumed to provide officially inspected meat that was fit for consumption. This indicated that existing meat inspection processes were inadequate to prevent carcasses infected with T. saginata cysticerci from reaching consumers. The high prevalence of viable cysts in the edible parts of beef together with the widespread consumption of raw or undercooked beef indicated the importance of T. saginata cysticercosis as a food safety problem in eastern Ethiopia. The promotion of policies to upgrade existing meat inspection procedures and public education to ensure effective prevention of T. saginata taeniosis in humans were recommended.

Evaluation of bovine (Bos indicus) ovarian potential for in vitro embryo production in the Adamawa plateau (Cameroon)

An abattoir study was conducted to evaluate the ovarian potential of 201 local zebu cattle from Ngaoundere, Adamawa region (Cameroon) for in vitro embryo production (IVEP). The ovaries were excised, submerged in normal saline solution (0.9%) and transported to the laboratory for a detailed evaluation. Follicles on each ovary were counted, their diameters (F) measured and were grouped into 3 categories: small (F &lt; 3 mm), medium (3 = F = 8 mm) and large (F &gt; 8 mm). Each ovary was then sliced into a petri dish; the oocytes were recovered in Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline, examined under a stereoscope (x10) and graded into four groups based on the morphology of cumulus oophorus cells and cytoplasmic changes of the oocytes. Grade I (GI): oocytes with more than 4 layers of bunch of compact cumulus cells mass with evenly granulated cytoplasm; grade II (GII): oocyte with at least 2–4 layers of compact cumulus cell mass with evenly granulated cytoplasm; grade III (GIII): oocyte with at least one layer of compact cumulus cell mass with evenly granulated cytoplasm; grade IV (GIV): denuded oocyte with no cumulus cells or incomplete layer of cumulus cell or expanded cells and having dark or unevenly granulated cytoplasm. The effects of both ovarian (ovarian localization, corpus luteum, size and weight of ovary) and non-ovarian factors (breed, age, body condition score (BCS) and pregnancy status of cow) on the follicular population and oocyte recovery rate were determined. There were an average of 16.75±0.83 follicles per ovary. The small, medium and large follicles were 8.39±0.60, 8.14±0.43 and 0.21±0.02 respectively. Oocyte recovery was 10.97±0.43 per ovary (65%). Oocytes graded I, II, III and IV were 3.53±0.19 (32.21%), 2.72±0.15 (24.82%), 2.24±0.15 (20.43%) and 2.47±0.20 (22.54%) respectively. The oocyte quality index was 2.26. Younger non pregnant cows having BCS of 3 and large ovaries presented higher number of follicles and oocyte quality (P &lt; 0.05) compared with other animals. Oocytes with quality (grade I and II) acceptable for IVEP constituted 57.15% of the harvest. This study indicated that factors such as age, pregnancy status, BCS and ovarian size must be taken into account to increase the potential of the ovary for IVEP.