Egyptian Provinces Research Articles

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Bovine Leukemia Virus in Egyptian Dairy Cattle

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), the most common neoplastic disease in cattle worldwide. The first EBL outbreak in Egypt was reported in 1997. To date, there are few studies regarding BLV diagnosis using only serological detection and no studies investigating the distribution of BLV provirus, which is the retroviral genome integrated into the host genome, in Egypt. The genetic characteristics of Egyptian BLV strains are also unknown. Therefore, we aimed to detect BLV provirus and determine BLV genetic variability among dairy cattle in Egypt. We collected 270 blood samples of dairy cattle from 24 farms located in five provinces in Egypt. Out of the 270 samples, 58 (21.5%) were positive for BLV provirus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18 420-bp selected sequences out of 50 isolates of the BLV env-gp51 gene demonstrated that Egyptian BLV isolates were clustered into genotype-1 and-4, among 11 genotypes detected worldwide. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis and alignment of the 501-bp sequence of the env-gp51 gene revealed that at least six genetically different strains are present in Egypt. Genotype-1 isolates comprised four different strains (G1-a, G1-b, G1-c, and G1-d) and genotype-4 isolates included two different strains (G4-x and G4-y). Moreover, in one farm with 100% infection rate, we identified three isolates of G1-a strain, 35 isolates of G4-x strain, and two isolates of G4-y strain. Overall, this study provides the new report on molecular prevalence of BLV in Egypt and records the coexistence of BLV genotype-1 and-4 in Egyptian cattle.

Characterization of wheat landraces and commercial cultivars based on morpho-phenological and agronomic traits

Wheat landraces are valuable genetic resource for diversity and specific adaptation to local environmental conditions as well as increasing agronomic traits in breeding programs. Admittedly, this type of genotypes has become more crucial to face the challenges of recent climate change. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity among Egyptian bread wheat landraces and commercial cultivars based on morpho-phenological and agronomic characters. Thirty-two wheat landraces were collected from eleven Egyptian provinces through collecting trips during 1987 to 1999 and, in addition, three commercial cultivars were evaluated all for fifteen qualitative and quantitative characters. Wide genetic diversity was detected based on evaluated morphological characters was observed among the landraces compared to commercial cultivars. Various landraces exhibited strong glaucosity on flag leaf, culm and ear, which is crucial character especially under dry and hot cultivation conditions as Mediterranean region. Furthermore, considerable variation among tested genotypes was demonstrated on the basis of yield-related traits and they were classified into four groups (A–D) from very high-yielding to low-yielding genotypes. Wheat landraces number 3, 8, 14, 27, 29, 33 and 35 exhibited superiority for earliness, grain yield/plant and its components compared to commercial cultivars (number 18, 19 and 20). The association among morpho-phenological and agronomic characters was studied according to principal component analysis. The evaluated characters were divided into four groups. Certain morphological characters (coleoptiles anthocyanin coloration and awns or scurs at tip of ear length) alongside the phenological characters (days to heading and maturity) and certain agronomic characters (plant height and 1000-grain weight) displayed strong association with grain yield/plant. Furthermore, estimated broad sense heritability was high for plant height, number of grains/spike, 1000-grain weight, days to heading, moderate for days to maturity and grain yield/plant presented and low for number of spikes/plant.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes, parasite control practices and anthelmintic resistance patterns in a working horse population in Egypt.

Anthelmintic resistance is commonly reported in horse populations in developed countries, but evidence in some working horse populations is either lacking or inconclusive. To estimate prevalence of GI nematode infections in working horses in Egypt and to evaluate strongyle resistance to ivermectin, doramectin and fenbendazole. Cross-sectional study. Faecal egg count was performed on 644 working horses from 2 provinces in Egypt. A short questionnaire about horse signalment and worming history was completed for each horse. Horses identified with ≥50 strongyle type egg/g (n=146) underwent faecal egg count reduction testing (FECRT) following treatment with ivermectin (n=33), doramectin (n=33) or fenbendazole (n=30). Risk factors for strongyle (≥200 egg/g) and Parascaris equorum (>0 egg/g) infection were investigated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of low (0-199 epg), medium (200-500 epg) and high (>500 epg) strongyle infection was 88.4%, 5.9% and 5.8%, respectively. P. equorum eggs were detected in 5.1% (n=33) of horses. Strongyle FECR was 100%, 99.97% and 100% following treatment with ivermectin, doramectin and fenbendazole respectively. Anthelmintic treatment in the 12months preceding examination was associated with reduced likelihood of strongyle infection (odds ratio [OR]=0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.14, 0.47, P<.001). The likelihood of P. equorum infection was significantly associated with horses' age (OR=0.78, 95% CI=0.69, 0.90; P<.001). Male horses were more likely to have P. equorum infection (OR=2.86, 95% CI=1.37, 5.93, P=.005). Nonrandomised selection of study areas and larval cultures was unsuccessful for some samples. There were low prevalence of strongyle and P. equorum infection and no evidence of macrocyclic lactones or benzimidazole resistance in strongyles in the studied working horse population.

An epidemiological survey of Theileria equi parasite in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt.

In the present study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of Theileria equi, with sequencing analysis of the PCR product using blood-DNA samples collected from donkeys (n=149) reared in different Egyptian provinces in Lower Egypt (Menoufia and Mersa Matruh) and middle Egypt (Giza). All animals were tested for the presence of T. equi parasite using species-specific PCR assay targeting the Equi merozoite antigen-1 (EMA-1). Nine- (6.04%) samples were positive for T. equi. The highest positive rate for infection was detected in Giza zoological garden (10.16%). Egyptian EMA-1 gene sequence exhibited a high identity with gene sequence from Italy, Japan, South Africa, Indian and Israel, the Palestinian Authority. In conclusion, data presented here revealed for the presence of T. equi in donkeys in two provinces of Egypt either in form of acute infection or carriers. These findings have economic significance and indicate the importance of introducing effective prevention and control strategies throughout Egypt to minimize the prevalence of equine piroplasmosis caused by T. equi.

Cenomanian/Turonian oceanic anoxic event 2 in October oil field, central Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Gulf of Suez is one of the world most prolific Cretaceous and Miocene oil provinces in Egypt. In this basin the Late Cenomanian/Early Turonian organic rich limestone and shale sediments are referred to oceanic anoxic event 2 (OAE2). Two oil-cored wells (GS 197-2 and OCT-A8) have encountered the Late Cenomanian/Early Turonian Abu Qada Formation in October Field, central part of Gulf of Suez. The aim of this work is to pick the global Cenomanian/Turonian anoxic boundary in the subsurface sediments within the Gulf of Suez basin. Consequently, the core samples of the studied wells have been investigated in order to recognize the lithofacies, biostratigraphy, geochemistry and isotope content of upper Raha, Abu Qada and lower Wata formations. The microfacies association of anoxic middle to outer shelf marine were recognized. In addition, remarkable turnover and significant change in biostratigraphy and ichnological diversity and abundance were confirmed the abrupt change in oxidation and nutrition the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. The recorded positive δ13C excursion (1.8‰) matched with maximum TOC value encountered to mark OAE2 as well as source rock maturity and potentiality of Abu Qada Formation. The neighboring exposed section of Abu Qada Formation in Gabal Nezzazat show similar isotopic and biostratigraphic characteristics that recorded in the studied wells. This work define the Cenomanian-Turonian OAE2 as material based chronostratigraphic surface boundary in Nezzazat Group from surface to subsurface integrated data to improve sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the heterogeneous Upper Cretaceous shallow marine reservoirs in Gulf of Suez.

Polymorphism, Allelic and Genotypic Frequencies of κ-Casein and β-LG genes in Egyptian Buffaloes

With a view to detecting the genotypes of both &amp;kappa;-CN and &amp;beta;-LG genes in native populations of Egyptian buffalo using PCR-RFLP technique, 80 randomly, individuals were selected from five geographical locations of some Egyptian provinces. Also, to estimate the population genetic parameters such as, allelic and genotypic frequencies, heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient (FIS) of these studied genes. For genotyping, 453 bp PCR product of &amp;kappa;-CN was digested with AcuI and HpyCH4IV (Isoschizomer for MaeII) restriction enzymes while the 247 bp PCR product of &amp;beta;-LG was digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme. PCR-RFLP results discovered polymorphism at the level of &amp;kappa;-CN gene in all studied Egyptian buffaloes with two distinct alleles &amp;ldquo;A&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;B&amp;rdquo;. PCR-RFLP analysis for &amp;kappa;-CN gene using both restriction enzymes successfully detected that polymorphic status of the studied populations. We recommended using AcuI enzyme which was more capable for differentiating between homozygous (17%) and heterozygous (83%) individuals than HpyCH4IV enzyme which defined only 4% of homozygous individuals and the remaining was heterozygous (96%) individuals. Existence of heterozygosity excess in all studied populations referred to higher degree of genetic variability between individuals within these populations. On contrary, results of PCR-RFLP at the level of &amp;beta;-LG gene revealed a monomorphic pattern of Egyptian buffaloes and genotyped as &amp;ldquo;AA&amp;rdquo; animals which signified that PCR-RFLP assay with HaeIII enzyme for &amp;beta;-LG gene failed to discover any evidence of polymorphism in Egyptian buffalo under the circumstances of this study or all studied animals possess only one allele.

Genotyping of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus detected in diseased rabbits in Egyptian Provinces by VP60 sequencing.

Background and Aim:Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an economically important disorder of rabbits, where infection results in severe losses to the meat and fur industries. Our goal was to characterize the RHD virus (RHDV) strains currently circulating in different regions of Egypt.Materials and Methods:Fifty rabbits suspected of harboring RHDV from 15 Egyptian governorates were evaluated. Diseased rabbits were identified by clinical signs and postmortem lesions. RHDV was confirmed through hemagglutination assay (HA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Partial sequencing of the VP60 gene was performed for genotyping.Results:From 50 rabbits, we identified 16 cases of RHDV (32%) by HA and PCR, including seven males and nine females. We identified two distinct genotypes through sequencing of an amplified fragment of the virus VP60 gene. One group is composed of those circulating primarily in upper Egypt, which is closely related to the classical G3-G5 virus strains, and the second group, circulating predominantly in lower Egypt, was more closely related to the RHDV2 variant. The overall nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 78.4% to 100%, and identity with the vaccine strains ranged from 78.8% to 91.1%.Conclusion:Our results constitute important documentation of RHDV strains currently circulating in Egypt. The findings suggest that there may be a limit to the effectiveness of currently applied vaccine strains as this formulation may not cover all circulating strains. A wider investigation that includes both domestic and wild rabbits will be needed to identify appropriate control measures for this disease.

Investigation of Rota And Corona Viruses as Causative Agents for Diarrhea in Egyptian Calves

Rota and Corona viruses are the major causes of calf scour involved in 27% to 36% of calf diarrheic in Egypt. This study was aimed to investigate frequency of Rota and Corona viruses in diarrheic cattle and buffalo calves in Egypt. A total of 82 fecal samples were collected from 0-1-month-old in three provinces in Egypt (Ismailia, Alexandria and Al-Sharqia). All fecal samples were tested by probe based real time polymerase chain reaction technique (qRT-PCR) to determine the presence of BRV and BCoV nucleic acids by using specific generic primers. Fourteen (17.1%) and 22 (26.8%) out of 82 fecal samples were positive for BRV and BCoV, respectively. Positivity percentage of different investigation parameters about both BRV and BCoV were calculated depending on our historical data. Corona and Rota viruses' infection in cattle were more predominant than buffalo calves. Infection rate of Coronavirus is more than Rotavirus infection in cattle calves of Ismailia than other studied provinces. Single infection of cattle or buffalo calves with both viruses is mostly predominant but double infection in the same animal species at the same time is possible. Infection rate of BRV and BCoV in cattle and buffalo calves is higher in winter than autumn, summer and spring.

Seroprevalence and Real-time PCR Detection of Brucellosis in Abattoirs Animals as a Potential Route of Infection in Egypt

Brucellosis is among the most common and economically serious zoonosis worldwide. Brucellosis in Egypt is an endemic problem among animals and humans. This work intended to evaluate the conventional serological and molecular approaches as a tool for studying the prevalence of brucellosis within abattoir’s animals in two large Egyptian provinces. Two hundred and thirty (n=230) blood and serum samples were collected from (2-3) years male calves in two Egyptian abattoirs. Rose Bengal test (RBT) and modified in-house ELISA were applied to determine the seroprevalence of Brucellosis in abattoirs animals while quantitative Taqman real-time PCRs (RT-PCR) were implemented for the characterization of Brucella species. The overall prevalence of brucellosis in the two proveinces was (53.9 %) , (75.2 %) and (79.1 %) as determined by ELISA ,RBT and RT- PCR assays respectively. Brucella DNA was successfully amplified from serum samples as well as blood. A total of n= 182 samples (79.1 %) were identified by real time PCR amplification for IS711 gene as Brucella genus, n= 118 (64.8 %) were reported as B. aborts while n= 85 (46.7 %) were reported as B. melitensis. N= 44 (24.17 %) from the collected samples comprised the two species of bacteria. This study endorses the application of rose Bengal test as a sensitive and cost effective serological test for brucellosis and real-time PCR as a distinguishing tool to detect the causative agents. Our findings indicate a significantly high prevalence of Brucella antibodies and DNA in blood and serum samples which poses a crucial threat to public health in Egypt.&#x0D;

A new exploration tool for subtle stratigraphic traps in the offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

The offshore Nile Delta Basin is considered as one of the most promising hydrocarbon provinces in Egypt, with an excellent potential for gas and condensate reserves following future exploration. Most of the discoveries in this basin, such as the reservoirs of the Upper Miocene and the Middle–Upper Pliocene, have been enabled by the use of a direct hydrocarbon indicator (DHI), based on a class III seismic amplitude v. offset (AVO) anomaly. However, there are gas-bearing formations in the Lower Pliocene that have been successfully tested where the sand did not show any seismic amplitude anomaly in full stacks or in near- and far-offset sub-stacks. The AVO analysis of this sand reservoir is referred to as AVO class II-P. Another case of a subtle AVO class I anomaly in a Lower Pliocene gas reservoir has also been tested by three wells. These variations in AVO types push us to find a new methodology to reduce the risk of unsuccessful exploration wells, mainly using seismic data. The enhanced AVO pseudo-gradient attribute (EAP) has previously been used in other studies, mainly to highlight AVO class III anomalies. However, in the present paper, we demonstrate a workflow to identify all the principal AVO classes observed in this province. Computing the EAP attribute from our data, we find that AVO class I has negative EAP values, while the other classes have positive values. Class III and classes II and II-P may be distinguished from each other as the former yields a strong positive EAP value, whereas the latter two classes yield weak EAP responses. After determining the AVO class, we define and use a new model attribute, herein termed NM, to differentiate between gas- and water-bearing formations for each class of AVO anomaly found in this province. This new method was successfully tested in many areas in the Nile Delta Basin, where it has helped to identify subtle anomalies and thereby open the gate for further exploration activities in the area.

Isolation, conventional and molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. from newly hatched broiler chicks

Salmonella is an important pathogen for poultry production as well as for human due to zoonotic importance. It has more than 2600 identified serovars despite of this identification and classification of Salmonella isolates into different serovars is critical for study of incidence and surveillance. This study investigates the epidemiology and molecular characterization of Salmonella isolates in broiler chicks during 1st week of life. A total of (n = 1000) samples including liver, intestine, yolk sac, spleen and heart blood were collected from El-Gharbia, El-Behera, Kafr-Elshikh, Alexandria, Marsamatroh Provinces in Egypt and tested through bacteriological, biochemical, serological and molecular examinations. Incidence of Salmonella was demonstrated on 75 positive samples from 1000 samples and the predominance of Salmonella that isolated from internal organs of newly hatched chicks was highest from yolk sacs (10%), liver and intestines (9%) followed by the spleen (7.5%) then heart blood (2%). Serotyping of the isolated strains using slide agglutination test revealed that 24 isolates belonging to S. enteritidis (1,9,12 g.m 1,7), while, 14 isolates belonging to S. virchow (6,7 r 1,2), in addition to, 12 isolates belonging to S. typhimurium (1,4,5,12.i.1,2) and 8 isolates belonging to S. kentucky (6,8.I,z). Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) PCR revealed that two S. enteriditis isolates were identical and one isolate differ by 40%, while two S. typhimurium isolates were identical by 80% and one isolate was similar by 20% to the other two isolates, in addition, two S. virchow isolates were identical by 80% and the two S. kentucky isolates were different.

Small Area Procedures for Estimating Income and Poverty in Egypt

In recent years, the demand for small area statistics has greatly increased worldwide. A recent application of small area estimation (SAE) techniques is in estimating local level poverty measures in Third World countries which is necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The aim of this research is to study SAE procedures for estimating the mean income and poverty indicators for the Egyptian provinces. For this goal the direct estimators of mean income and (FGT) poverty indicators for all the Egyptian provinces are presented. Also this study applies the empirical best/Bayes (EB) and the pseudo empirical best/Bayes (PEB) methods based on the unit level - nested error - model to estimate mean income and (FGT) poverty indicators for the Egyptian border provinces with (2012-2013) income, expenditure and consumption survey (IECS) data. The (MSEs) and coefficient of variations (C.Vs) are calculated for comparative purposes. Finally the conclusions are introduced. The results show that EB estimators for poverty incidence and poverty gap are smaller than PEB for all selected provinces. EB figures indicate that the largest poverty incidence and gap are for the selected municipality at the scope of the border south west of Egypt (New Valley). The PEB figures indicate that the largest poverty incidence and gap are for the selected municipality at the scope of the border north east of Egypt (North Sinai). As expected, estimated C.Vs for EB of poverty incidence and poverty gap estimators are noticeably larger than those of PEB estimators in all selected provinces.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in dogs in northern and southern Egypt.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the parasitic roundworms, Toxocara canis, commonly found in the intestine of dogs. Identification of frequent shedders for Toxocara canis eggs and the associated risk factors overwhelmingly remain an important cornerstone of conducting evidence-based deworming regimens to reduce the environmental contamination with the parasite eggs. The present study was undertaken to prevalence rate of shedding of Toxocara canis eggs in dogs in Egypt combined with the possible risk factors naturally associated with the infection A total number of 296 fecal samples of dogs were collected in the period from July 2016 to June 2017 and properly screened for the presence of possible infection with an. Importantly, The overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs was 53.04% whereas, seasonal dynamics, dog breeds, the irregular anthelmintic use, defecation sites, and unconfined management of dogs were among the risk factors with a significant association with Toxocara canis infection. Taken together, our present data reveal the high overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs shedding in in several Egyptian provinces and provide novel information that should pay our attention of the local authorities combined with the public engagement towards implementation of effective control strategies against this disease of zoonotic importance.

Instrumental Neutron Activation for Analysis of some Human Renal stone samples

Recently the incidence rate of renal stone disease is increased in Egypt. In addition to industrial and environmental effects in this increase, trace elements may also have a role in the formation of such stones, inspit of their significance in biological lithogenesis. In this study instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique is applied for elemental analysis of some renal stones, collected from patient living in different provinces in Egypt. The samples are collected from male, female and children. The patients are of varied ages. The analyses are carried out under various conditions of irradiation and cooling time. Major, minor and trace elements were determine. Standard material is used for accuracy and quality control measurements. The analyzed elements were: As, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, In, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, Sr, Tb, V and Zn under the experimental conditions Some of these elements are biologicaly essential and others are dangerous or toxic.

دراسة اقتصادیة لدوال إنتاج وتکالیف محصول المانجو داخل محافظة الإسماعیلیة

The mango crop is considered one of the most promising horticultural crops in Egypt and the Governorate of Ismailia is one of the important agricultural provinces in Egypt because of its agricultural and crop area, as well as the diversity of patterns of agricultural exploitation، characterized by the province of growing many fruit crops. The problem of research is that reduction in productivity of mangrove for mango and seed varieties from 4.3 tons per feddan in 2007 to 2.7 tons per feddan in 2016. The research aims at measuring the optimum size of mango farms in Ismailia Governorate and determining the returns of capacity and economies of scale according to the different cultivated area. The research was based on the objective of analysis and descriptive and quantitative analysis in explaining the factors affecting mango production in Ismailia. The research was based on secondary data published and unpublished published by the Ministry of Agriculture, in addition to the preliminary data obtained from a questionnaire prepared and collected through a random sample in Ismailia Governorate For the seasonal average production 2017, 2018. As for the study of the development of the cultivated area of the mango crop within the administrative Districts in the Governorate of Ismailia, the results indicated that the Districts of the Eltal El-Keaber, Fayed, Qantara West, Qantara Sharq, Qassasin, Abu Sawir and the total governorate reached about 18.7 thousand feddans, 9.4 thousand feddans, 4.6 thousand feddans, 9.3 thousand feddans, 12.3 thousand feddans, 2.0 thousand feddans, 6.5 thousand feddans, 62.9 thousand feddans, and they are growing annually with a statistical significance of about 0.9 thousand feddans, 0.9 thousand feddans, 0.4 thousand feddans, 1.0 thousand feddans, 1.6 thousand feddans, 0.1 thousand feddans, 1.0 thousand Feddan, and 5.9 thousand feddans, with an annual growth rate of about 4.9%, 9.9%, 7.8%, 10.4%, 12.7%, 7.0%, 15.1% and 9.3%, respectively. As for the statistical measurement of the mango production within the sample, the results showed that the elasticity of the factors of the number of human working hours, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer, the number of automatic working hours, the quantity of potassium fertilizer was about 0.422, 0.263, 0.112, and 0.038, Reflecting the reduced yield relationship of the capacity. The increase of these components by 10%, led to an increase in the quantity of production by 4.2%, 2.6%, 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively. The overall production elasticity refers to the decreasing relationship with capacity yield, with a total production elasticity of about 0.835. The results also confirmed that the maximum size of the profits, the optimum size of production and the actual size reached about 7.18 tons, 5.7 tons and 5.53 tons, which indicates the efficiency of resource use. The research is recommended that the agricultural extension system in the research area should conduct training courses for agricultural extension workers in the knowledge of mango handling and marketing. It is necessary to follow the objective spraying programs to resist pest, while avoiding excessive, to reduce the costs of spraying and avoid the elimination of beneficial insects.

Identity and biology of Aganaspis daci (Weld) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), recently introduced to Egypt for biological control of Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders, 1841), (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a serious polyphagous pest of tropical and subtropical fruits. In Egypt, the fly was first detected in 1997 and has since become widespread over most of the Egyptian provinces, causing serious damage to many fruit crops, particularly mango, guava, peach, apricot and citrus. In 2008, the larval-pupal koinobiont endoparasitoid, Aganaspis daci (Weld, 1951) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae, Eucoilinae) was introduced to Egypt via Hawaii for evaluation. The parasitoid is a dominant natural enemy of several Bactrocera species from Southeast Asia, the native region of B. zonata. To evaluate the potential of A. daci for biocontrol of B. zonata, this study investigated distinguishing features of A. daci in different stages, developmental periods, reproductive output, and optimal rearing protocols under laboratory conditions of 25 ± 1°C, 54 – 65% RH, and 14L:10D photoperiod, using B. zonata as hosts. The parasitoid Aganaspis daci went through four instars and developed into the ectoparasitic phase late in the third instar, as the larva developed one pair of functional thoracic spiracles. Total developmental period averaged 23.3 days, and males eclosed two days earlier than females. Realized fecundity of mated females averaged 39.6 offspring per female (range 32 – 55) and progeny sex ratio was 1:1. Longevity of honey fed females and males averaged 18.8 and 17.3 days, respectively. A. daci showed relative potential as a biological control agent against B. zonata in Egypt and was propagated for several generations before it was approved for release in 2009. Field recovery was reported one month following its liberation in guava orchard at Al-Arish district, North Sinai Province, with 1.6 – 8% initial rate of parasitism. Further studies, on its adaptation to the new Egyptian environment and efficacy against B. zonata under field conditions are in progress. This study provides important baseline information on the morphological and biological attributes of A. daci and the rearing method provides a basis for the development of a mass rearing protocol for augmentative parasitoid releases.

Sultan Jaqmaq’s domestic and foreign policies (842–857/1438–1453)

The author of the current article intends to carry out a research on the key political events in the Circassian Sultanate (1382–1517) under the rule of Jaqmaq (1438–1453). The study explores the pattern of succession, the sultan’s tactics to control the bureaucracy, riots in Cairo and the provinces of Egypt, and Jaqmaq’s foreign policy. The purpose of the study is to reveal the most significant features of the Jaqmaq’s domestic and foreign policy that influenced the subsequent history of the Circassian Mamlūks. The work is prefaced by a brief historiography summary, then it focuses on the complex of events and factors, that bring Jaqmaq to the throne. The analysis of the relationship between the Mamlūks and their foreign competitors gives a picture of the Sultanate’s turn to the defensive posture. The essay on administration addresses the spread of corruption, measures to strengthen the Sultan’s authority and some cases of replacement of the local elite by the Mamlūk emirs in bureaucracy. In the final section of the paper the author seeks to unravel the circumstances of young Mamlūks rebellions, which undermine the authority of the Sultan and lead to a split in the army.

Surveillance and Molecular Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus From Chickens in North Egypt During 2015-2017

In the present study, fifty broiler chickens flocks suspected to be infected with Newcastle disease virus (NDv) in 5 Egyptian provinces Gharbia (7/50), El Behera(21/50), Kafr EL sheikh (8/50) and Matrouh(7/50) and Alexendaria(7/50) during the period (from september 2015 to February 2017) were investigated for clinical and postmortem examination as well as virus isolation and molecular identification. The results of virus isolation on embryonated chicken SPF eggs (ECE) revealed that 16/50 samples were haemagglutinatig agents by slide haemagglutination test.These haemagglutinating agents were confirmed as NDv by real time PCR .The deduced amino acid sequences of the fusion protein of selected 8 positive isolates revealed that (7/8) isolates possessed the motif 112RRQKRI117at the cleavage site,indicating that these isolates are velogenic ,whereas the other (1/8) isolates carries the motif 112GRQGRL117indicating that is lentogenic . Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the 7 strains belong to the NDv genotype VIId, and the other strain was of genotype II.These isolates were detected even in vaccinated flocks that indicate the possible causes of those outbreaks may be not only useless of vaccines ,but also immunesuppression,use of heterogenous vaccines ,improper application of biosecurity ,moreover,may be arole in spreading of velogenic strain of NDv in Egypt .

FEED EFFICIENCY OF URBAN AND PERI-URBAN DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

The study aimed at estimating feed efficiency of milk production systems in Urban and Peri-urban areas in three main provinces in Egypt. The targeted provinces were: Cairo, Giza and Qaloubeya. A questionnaire has been developed to cover the variables related to the production systems. The total number of interviewers was 72, included the districts: Manshiat Elbakary; Saft Elaban and Shalaquan as peri-urban, and Elmarg; Elomrania and Dar Elsalam as urban areas. As a result of the great significant in the selected samples, a typology has processed gathering similarities in two main groups of producers: land-access and landless producers. Three crop-livestock systems have been classified due to the concepts: land capacity and herd size (group 1, 2 and 3). Dairy systems have been identified as two main urban dairy specialized systems (group 4 and 5) oriented to dairy activities. In order to measure feed efficiency for each system were represented in the groups, the most significant obtained results were: the small and the micro crop-livestock producers related land-access producers (group 2 and 3) which have small herd appear to be more efficient in valorizing feed in relation to milk production per head per year, and as well as milk production per feddan allocated to fodder crops. On contrary, the landless producers (group 4 and 5) have the lowest feed efficiency due to the amount of concentrates included in their feed strategy (intensive feeding system) and inability to produce fodders. The large mixed crop-livestock system (group 1) represents an intermediate status that producers cultivate fodders inside farm, but remain low economic efficiency in terms of their intensive feed strategy. The results of the study indicated that the small and the micro crop-livestock (group 2 and 3) achieved the highest feed efficiency regarding milk production in Urban and Peri-urban areas and thus the importance of improving productive performance by creating supposed scenarios or technical packages using simulation systems. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and extension programs are essential in performing records and marketing which help to raise product price as well as producers` income and the Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

Epidemiological surveillance of bovine viral diarrhea and rift valley fever infections in camel.

Aim:This study was designed to investigate the current epidemiological situation of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and rift valley fever virus (RVFV) infection of camels originating from Sudan “smuggler” and Egypt as part of our future plan for a national surveillance program in Egyptian provinces, which will aid in establishment of control strategy for animal diseases.Materials and Methods:This investigation was accomplished using serological diagnostic and molecular biology techniques. A total number of 200 blood samples were collected from camel (120 originated from Sudan “smuggler” and 80 from local breed) and were subjected for testing both BVDV and RVFV occurrence with different age and sex.Results:Sixty-six of the 200 camels (33%) were positive for BVDV antibodies, and 44 (22%) for BVDV antigen (Ag), and 27 of the 200 camels (13.5%) were positive for RVFV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. On the other hand, the seroprevalence of BVDV for antibodies (47.5%), Ag (31.6%), and RVFV IgG antibodies (16.6%) was higher in camel originated from Sudan “smuggler” than of local breed which was 11.2% for BVDV antibodies and 7.5% for BVDV Ag, while it was 8.7% for RVFV IgG antibodies. The incidence of BVDV antibodies, Ag, and RVFV IgG antibodies was the highest in male, up to 9 years of age. The frequency of positive cases was significantly different according to the origin of samples and sex and age of camel for BVDV and RVFV. In addition, seven serologically positive samples for BVDV and five serologically positive samples for RVFV were submitted as a buffy coat for molecular detection by one-step – reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results demonstrated that three samples were positive for BVDV of camel originated from Sudan (smuggler), while no RVFV Ag was detected in all five samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the amplicons obtained from positive RT-PCR samples (three samples) indicated 100% nucleotide homology with Sudan strain 2015 except only one (missense point mutation) by substitution of A to T at position 345 that changed the coded amino acids from T (Threonine) to S (Serine) at residue 115.Conclusion:Camels act as risk animals for the introduction of many infectious diseases from Sudan to Egypt, especially transboundary animal diseases, so strict quarantine measures should be taken during importation of live animals from Sudan to prevent the spread of such diseases.