Haematology of Birds and Microbial Analysis of Recycled Poultry Litter Treated with Graded Levels of Aluminium Sulphate (Alum)

The study was carried out at the poultry unit of the Department of Animal Science teaching and research farm, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to determine the Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Poultry Litter Treated with Graded Levels of Aluminium sulphate (Alum). The alum used was obtained from the Sabon-garimarket in Zaria, Kaduna State. Aluminium sulphate (alum) was applied to the wood shavings by mixing it with alum thoroughly using hands covered with hand gloves. The rates of alum application was as follows: T1 control (normal poultry litter with no alum), T2 (5% alum by kg weight of poultry litter), T3 (10% alum by kg weight of poultry litter) and T4 (15% alum by kg weight of poultry litter). Five sets of litter samples were obtained fortnightly from each pen from different locations i.e. the four corners and centre from which the microbial load were measured. At the termination of the experiment (day 56), two birds from each pen having representative weights for the group (6 birds per Treatment) were selected and 1.5ml of blood was taken via the wing vein. Haematological parameters were analyzed by an auto haemo-analyser (BC2800 vet auto haemo analyser) at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. This result shows significant (P<0.05) difference among all the parameters analysed except MCHC. The result shows a significant decrease in the total bacteria, E. coliand Salmonella spp. in the alum treated litter groups (5%, 10% and 15% alum treated litter) compared to the control group (0% alum treated litter), the mould and yeast load was significantly increased in alum treated litter groups (5%, 10% and 15% alum treated litter) compared to the control group (0% alum treated litter).The study conclude that treating recycled poultry litter with alum can reduce microbial load of the litter. Birds reared on recycled poultry litter have significantly higher haemoglobin and PCV compared to the control.

New fossil wasp species from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation has its closest relatives in late Eocene ambers (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pherhombinae)

Darwin wasps (Ichneumonidae) are one of the most species-rich insect families, but also one of the most understudied ones, both in terms of their extant and extinct diversity. We here use morphometrics of wing veins and an integrative Bayesian analysis to place a new rock fossil species from the Danish Fur Formation (~54 Ma) in the tree of Darwin wasps. The new species, Pherhombus parvulus n. sp., is placed firmly in Pherhombinae, an extinct subfamily so far only known from Baltic and Rovno-Ukranian ambers, which are estimated to be 34-48 Ma and 34-38 Ma, respectively. Our phylogenetic analysis recovers a subfamily clade within the higher Ophioniformes formed by Pherhombinae, Townesitinae and Hybrizontinae, in accordance with previous suggestions. Due to the placement of the new species as sister to the remaining members of Pherhombinae, we argue that our finding is not at odds with a much younger, late Eocene age (~34-41 Ma) of Baltic amber and instead demonstrates that Pherhombus existed over a much longer period than previously thought. Our results also exemplify the power of wing vein morphometrics and integrative phylogenetic analyses in resolving the placement even of poorly preserved fossil specimens.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of mycoplasmosis in layer chickens at southern region of Bangladesh

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the most important pathogenic Mycoplasma spp. causing avian mycoplasmosis and brought about huge economic losses to poultry industry in Bangladesh. The present study was undertaken to know the seroprevalence of MG in layer birds in three different geographical areas of southern Barishal division, Bangladesh. Total 310 sera samples were collected from wing vein of 30 farms for this study. Sera samples were tested with Rapid Serum Agglutination (RSA) for MG using commercial Antigen Kit (manufactured by Lillidale Diagnostic) to detect the presence of antibodies against MG. The overall seroprevalence of MG by RSA was 36.13%. Seroprevalence of MG infection was dominant in winter season (45.54%) and significantly highest occurrence was recorded in age groups from 20-40 weeks of layer chickens (51.79%). Serological investigation in three different upazila of Barishal division showed the highest infection rate (45.26%) in medium scale flocks (1000-3000) in comparison to (21.43%) small (<1000) flocks. The seroprevalence of MG was highest in Swarupkathi (44.38%) than in Barishal Sadar (26%) and Banaripara upazila (28%). Biosecurity and managemental failure is the overall risk factor in all types of farm due to lack of proper knowledge among farmer. This study reveals the current scenario of mycoplasmosis in layer birds of three different areas of Barishal division. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (3), 292-297

Inbreeding effects in Drosophila congenic strains: the influence of genetic background of different origin

Aim. To compare reproductive indices and stress resistance of Drosophila at outbreeding and inbreeding. Methods. Drosophila melanogaster congenic strains with incomplete development of the radial wing vein – radius incompletus – were used: the laboratory one and the strain, in which the mutation was placed into the genetic background of wild type strain, which originates from the natural population from radiation contaminated territory. Before the experiment strains have passed 65 generations of inbreeding. Viability (number of individuals, pupa stage mortality), dominant lethal mutations frequency and life span of imago at starvation were analysed. Results. After inbreeding, there was a decrease in the frequency of dominant lethal mutations and an increase in viability of the strain, which originates from the natural population, and a decrease of mortality at the pupal stage in both strains. Decreased life span of imago at starvation has been shown only for the inbred strain, which originates from the natural population. Conclusions. Inbreeding for 65 generations has no significant negative effect on reproductive indices; reduction of stress resistance during inbreeding has been shown only for the strain, which originates from the radiation contaminated territory. Keywords: Drosophila, viability, dominant lethal mutations, life span of imago at starvation, inbreeding.

Effect of wing length on the prevalence of trypanosomes in Glossina morsitans morsitans in eastern Zambia

Background Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) transmit trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock). Several studies have indicated that age, sex, site of capture, starvation and microbiome symbionts, among others, are important factors that influence trypanosome infection in tsetse flies. However, reasons for a higher infection rate in females than in males still largely remain unknown. Considering that tsetse species and sexes of larger body size are the most mobile and the most available to stationary baits, it was hypothesized in this study that the higher trypanosome prevalence in female than in male tsetse flies was a consequence of females being larger than males. Methods Black screen fly rounds and Epsilon traps were used to collect tsetse flies in eastern Zambia. Measurement of wing vein length and examination for presence of trypanosomes in the flies were carried out by microscopy. Principal component method was carried out to assess the potential of wing vein length as a predictor variable. The multilevel binary logistic regression method was applied on whole data, one-method data and one-sex data sets to evaluate the hypothesis. Results Data derived from a total of 2195 Glossina morsitans morsitans were evaluated (1491 males and 704 females). The wing length variable contributed the highest variance percentage (39.2%) to the first principal component. The variable showed significant influence on prevalence of trypanosomes when the analysis was applied on the whole data set, with the log odds for the prevalence of trypanosomes significantly increasing by 0.1 (P = 0.032), per unit increase in wing length. Females had higher trypanosome prevalence rates than males, though not always significant. Furthermore, moving from females to males, wing length significantly reduced by 0.2 (P < 0.0001). Conclusions We conclude that wing length is an important predictor variable for trypanosome prevalence in Glossina morsitans morsitans and could partially explain the higher prevalence of trypanosomes in females than in males. However, reasonably representative population data are required for analysis—a serious challenge with the current tsetse sampling methods. Thus, analysis combining data from mobile and stationary methods that include both sexes' data could be useful to verify this hypothesis. Graphical abstract

Establishment of Recombinant Eimeria acervulina Expressing Multi-Copies M2e Derived from Avian Influenza Virus H9N2

The potential of Eimeria parasites as live vaccine vectors has been reported with successful genetic manipulation on several species like E. tenella, E. mitis and E. necatrix. Among seven Eimeria species infecting chickens, E. acervulina is a highly prevalent, moderately pathogenic species. Thus, it is valuable for the study of transfection and for use as a potential as vaccine vector. In this study, a plasmid containing expression cassette with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP) and 12 copies of extracellular domain of H9N2 avian influenza virus M2 (M2e) protein was used for the transfection. Nucleofected sporozoites were inoculated into birds through wing vein. Recombinant E. acervulina oocysts with 0.1% EYFP+ and RFP+ populations were collected from the feces of the inoculated birds. The fluorescent rate of transgenic parasites reached over 95% after nine successive propagations with a pyrimethamine selection in vivo and fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) of progeny oocysts. The expression of M2e in the transgenic parasites (EaM2e) was confirmed by Western blot and its cytoplasm localization in sporozoites was displayed by an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Meanwhile, we found that the fecundity of EaM2e was equivalent to that of wild type E. acervulina (EaWT). Taken together, the stable transfection of E. acervulina was successfully established. Future studies will focus on whether transgenic E. acervulina can serve as a live vaccine vector.

Six new species of Handaoia Seyrig, 1952 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Phygadeuontinae): the first to be described from the New World

Handaoia Seyrig, 1952 is a small genus of Phygadeuontinae currently represented by eleven described species from Madagascar, Tanzania and Europe, and can be recognized by the combination of the distally expanded and ventrally flattened antennal flagellum, complete posterior transverse carina of the mesosternum, isolated ‘pit’ (episternal scrobe) in the mesopleuron, and a single bulla in fore wing vein 2m-cu. Most species have a distinctive combined area basalis and area superomedia on the propodeum. The following six new species from Central and South America are described and illustrated: H. cuscoensis Bordera sp. nov. from Peru, H. fritzi sp. nov. from Brazil, H. mercedensis Bordera sp. nov. from Peru, H. plaumanni sp. nov. from Brazil, H. ruizcancinoi Bordera sp. nov. from Mexico, and H. urceus sp. nov. from Brazil. A key to the New World species is provided.

Physiological status of broiler chickens with diets supplemented with milk thistle extract

Background and Aim: In recent decades, the use of various feed supplements is the current trend in poultry farming, among which phytogenics serve as alternatives to feed antibiotics. This study aimed to examine the effect of feeding various doses of milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum) on the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: Experiments were carried out in an industrial poultry farm on broiler chickens of the Hubbard ISA F15 cross for 40 days. One control group and five experimental groups of day-old chickens were formed. The number of birds in each group was 50. Broilers of all groups received complete feed, and the experimental groups received an additional milk thistle extract at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/kg of body weight. Milk thistle medicinal plant extract was obtained using water-ethanol extraction followed by low-temperature vacuum drying. For the assessment of blood analyses, samples were collected from the wing vein of six chickens per group. Using unified methods recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, the content of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, total protein, protein fractions, triglycerides, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and the concentration of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood serum were determined. Results: It was found that the introduction of milk thistle extract into the diet of broiler chickens with the aforementioned doses increased the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells in the blood, as well as a decrease in the level of albumin and an increase in the content of γ-globulins in its serum. Conclusion: The authors assume that the introduction of milk thistle extract into a complete feed for broiler chickens increased the anabolic processes in their bodies, accompanied by increased use of proteins of the albumin fraction as the main material for organogenesis.

Haematological and serum biochemical responses of pullet chicks fed diets containing single and combined levels of turmeric and clove

The increased pressure on the poultry industry to encourage organic livestock and poultry production has stimulated increased interest in natural consumer accepted growth promoters. Most of the information on the benefits of turmeric and clove concentrate on broiler chickens and there is no documentation on the synergistic effect of turmeric and clove. This study was conducted to assess the effect of Turmeric, Clove and Turmeric + Clove on haematological and serum biochemical indices of pullet chicks. A total of 504, day old pullet chicks (Isa brown) were used for the experiment. The Chicks were divided into 36 groups of 14 each weighed and allotted into experimental units. A total of nine experimental diets were formulated such that they contained 0, 1 and 2% turmeric, 0, 1 and 2% clove, and 0, 1 and 2% turmeric + clove combination on a 1:1 basis, respectively. The chicks in the different experimental units were randomly assigned to the 9 experimental diets in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement (turmeric x clove x turmeric + clove: 0 x 1 x 2), replicated four times. The experiment lasted 56 days. Blood samples were collected from the wing vein at the 56th day of the experiment and evaluated for their haematological and serum biochemical indices. Birds fed turmeric and clove diets had significantly (p<0.05) higher PCV value than those fed turmeric + clove diet while those fed turmeric had significantly (p<0.05) higher Hb and RBC than the other treatment groups. The other parameters measured were unaffected by the treatments except for the significantly (p<0.05) higher MCV value in birds fed clove diet when compared with turmeric diet group. Birds fed diets containing 2% turmeric, clove or turmeric + clove had significantly (p<0.05) higher Hb and RBC, and lower MCV values than those fed 0 and 1% diets. Inclusion of clove in the diet significantly (p<0.05) decreased the creatinine value of the birds when compared with the turmeric and turmeric + clove diet groups but all the other parameters determined were unaffected. Birds fed 0% turmeric, clove or turmeric + clove had significantly (p<0.05) lower total protein, albumin, globulin, ALP and higher glucose, AST, uric acid, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL values than those fed 1 and 2% diets. Birds fed the 1% turmeric diet recorded the least cholesterol value, across the treatment groups. It was concluded that up to 2% turmeric, clove and TUM+CLV can be included in pullet chick's diet without any detrimental effect on their health status. La pression accrue exercée sur l'industrie avicole pour encourager l'élevage biologique et la production avicole a stimulé un intérêt accru pour les promoteurs de sa croissance acceptés par les consommateurs naturels. La plupart des informations sur les avantages du curcuma et du clou de girofle se concentrent sur les poulets de gril et il n'y a aucune documentation sur l'effet synergique du curcuma et du clou de girofle. Cette étude a été menée pour évaluer l'effet du curcuma, du clou de girofle et du curcuma + clou de girofle sur les indices biochimiques hématologiques et sériques des poussins pullet. Un total de 504 poussins de poulet d'un jour (Isa brown) ont été utilisés pour l'expérience. Les poussins ont été divisés en 36 groupes de 14 chacun pesés et attribués en unités expérimentales. Un total de neuf régimes expérimentaux ont été formulés de telle sorte qu'ils contenaient 0, 1 et 2% de curcuma, 0, 1 et 2% clou de girofle, et 0, 1 et 2% de curcuma + combinaison de clous de girofle sur une base 1:1, respectivement. Les poussins des différentes unités expérimentales ont été assignés au hasard aux 9 régimes expérimentaux dans un arrangement factorial de 3 x 3 (curcuma x clou de girofle x curcuma + clou de girofle : 0 x 1 x 2), répliqué quatre fois. L'expérience a duré 56 jours. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés dans la veine de l'aile au 56e jour de l'expérience et évalués pour leurs indices biochimiques hématologiques et sériques. Les oiseaux nourris au curcuma et aux clous de girofle avaient une valeur de PCV significativement (p<0.05) plus élevée que ceux nourris au curcuma + clou de girofle, tandis que ceux nourris au curcuma avaient significativement (p<0.05) plus élevé Hb et RBC que les autres groupes de traitement. Les autres paramètres mesurés n'ont pas été affectés par les traitements, à l'exception de la valeur significativement (p<0.05) plus élevée de MCV chez les oiseaux nourris au régime de clou de girofle par rapport au groupe de régime de curcuma. Les oiseaux nourris avec un régime alimentaire contenant 2 % de curcuma, de clou de girofle ou de curcuma + clou de girofle avaient des taux de Hb et de RBC considérablement (p<0.05) plus élevés, et des valeurs de MCV inférieures à celles des régimes nourris à 0 et 1 %. L'inclusion du clou de girofle dans le régime alimentaire de manière significative (p<0.05) a diminué la valeur créatinine des oiseaux par rapport aux groupes de régime de curcuma et de curcuma + clou de girofle, mais tous les autres paramètres déterminés n'ont pas été affectés. Les oiseaux nourris à 0 % de curcuma, de clou de girofle ou de curcuma + clou de girofle avaient des valeurs significativement (p<0.05) inférieures au total des protéines, de l'albumine, de la globuline, de l'ALP et du glucose plus élevé, de l'AST, de l'acide urique, du triglycéride, du LDL et du VLDL que ceux nourris à 1 et 2 %. Les oiseaux nourris au régime de 1 % de curcuma ont enregistré la valeur de cholestérol la moins élevée dans les groupes de traitement. Il a été conclu que jusqu'à 2% de curcuma, clou de girofle et TUM +CLV peuvent être inclus dans le régime alimentaire du poussin pullet sans aucun effet néfaste sur leur état de santé.