Estimates of the Economic Cost Caused by Five Major Reproductive Problems in Dairy Animals in Assam and Bihar, India

Reproductive problems in dairy animals reduce fertility, prevent conception, create problems in the delivery of healthy calves, lead to postpartum complications, increase inter-calving periods, reduce milk yield, and lower overall lifetime productivity. This study aimed at understanding the incidence of reproductive problems and the cost caused by these. The study covered 954 dairy animals in Bihar and 1348 dairy animals in Assam that were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. The costs were calculated as the sum of income losses and expenditures incurred. The major cost incurred resulted from extended calving intervals (46.1% of the total cost), followed by loss through salvage selling (38.1%), expenditure for treatment of repeat breeders (5.9%), loss of milk production (5.3%) and expenditure for extra inseminations (2.0%). About one fifth of the selected reproductive problems were left untreated. The estimated cost of reproductive problems was Indian Rupees (INR) 2424.9 (USD 36.1) per dairy animal per year (of the total dairy animal population) which represented approximately 4.1% of the mean value loss of dairy animals (INR 58,966/USD 877) per year. Reproductive problems were significantly (p < 0.001) higher among improved (exotic breed or cross-bred) dairy animals than indigenous (native breed or nondescript indigenous) dairy animals. The study suggests that with the increase of improved dairy animal population, the loss may further increase. The study concludes that any economic estimation of reproduction problems based on aetiology without confirmatory diagnoses could be highly misleading because of the complex nature of the problems.

Genetic diversity and population structure of sheep (Ovis aries) in Sichuan, China

Sichuan, China, has abundant genetic resources of sheep (Ovis aries). However, their genetic diversity and population structure have been less studied, especially at the genome-wide level. In the present study, we employed the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing for identifying genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among five breeds of sheep distributed in Sichuan, including three local pure breeds, one composite breed, and one exotic breed of White Suffolk. From 494 million clean paired-end reads, we obtained a total of 327,845 high-quality SNPs that were evenly distributed among all 27 chromosomes, with a transition/transversion ratio of 2.56. Based on this SNP panel, we found that the overall nucleotide diversity was 0.2284 for all five breeds, with the highest and lowest diversity observed in Mage sheep (0.2125) and Butuo Black (0.1963) sheep, respectively. Both Wright’s fixation index and Identity-by-State distance revealed that all individuals of Liangshan Semifine-wool, White Suffolk, and Butuo Black sheep were respectively clustered together, and the breeds could be separated from each other, whereas Jialuo and Mage sheep had the closest genetic relationship and could not be distinguished from each other. In conclusion, we provide a reference panel of genome-wide and high-quality SNPs in five sheep breeds in Sichuan, by which their genetic diversity and population structures were investigated.

Bayesian Estimation of the True Seroprevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Bovine Leukemia Virus Infection in Pakistan

The objective of this study was to determine the true seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in dairy cattle from Pakistan at the animal and herd-level. We tested 1380 dairy cattle from 451 herds and 92 water buffalo. The sera were tested by ELISA and the results were analyzed using Bayesian inference. The median posterior estimate of the herd level true BLV prevalence was 1.4%, with a 95% credible interval (CI) 0.7–3.1, whereas the median posterior estimate of the within-farm true seroprevalence was 3.8% with a 95% CI 2.8–4.8. All 92 sera collected from water buffalo were negative. Several risk factors potentially associated with seropositivity to BLV infections in Pakistan were analyzed using logistic regression model based on calculation of an odds ratio (OR). The study showed an association between seropositivity and medium herd (≥50) size (OR = 23.57, 95% CI: 3.01–103.48). Common housing of indigenous cattle with exotic-breed cattle (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 06–2.35) or housing indigenous or their crossbred cattle with exotic-breed cattle (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.14–3.01) had no effect on the BLV seroprevalence. Similarly, common housing of cattle and water buffalo was not risk factor for increased BLV seropositivity (OR = 27.10, 95% CI: 0.63–119.34).

Study on Prevalence and Major Species Identification of Ixodidae Ticks of Bovine in Soddo Zuria Districts of Wolayta Zone in Southern Nation Nationalities and People’s Region

A cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 to identify the major ixodidae tick species and their prevalence in Sodo Zuria districts of Wolaita Zone in SNNPR of Ethiopia. A total of 3287(1701 male and 1586 female) adult ixodid ticks were collected from 500 animals during the study period. In this study three genera/sub-genus; Amblyomma, Rh. (Boophilus) and Rhipicephalus and four species were identified. From the three genera Amblyomma takes highest prevalence (45.29%). From four species identified, two of them belong to genus Amblyomma; Amblyommavariegatum and Amblyommacohaerence, one Boophilus; Boophilusdecoloratus and one Rhipicephalus; Rhipicephalusevertsievertsi. The quantitative hierarchy of the tick species was Rh. evertsi (14.40%), A. cohaerence (17.60%), A. variegatum (27.66%) and B. decoloratus (40.34%) in ascending order. Therefore, the result indicated that B. decoloratus (40.34%) and A. variegatum (27.66%) are the most abundant tick species of cattle in Sodo Zuria districts. Except B. decoloratus of which more females than male were collected, the number of male ticks counted were exceed those of female. The result of this study also demonstrated a significance variation (p<0.05) on infestation between local, cross and exotic breed cattle’s with highest prevalence in exotic breeds (75%),than both cross (56.2%) and local (68%) breeds and poor body conditioned cattle’s. Although a comparatively higher infestation was found on animals > 4 years compared with ≤ 4 year ones and between females than males and the difference was not statistically significant (p >0.05). Acaricide application was the main tick control method in the study area. Thus strategic application of acaricides might minimize the burden of ticks on the cattle of the study area.

Effect of feathering genes on growth performance of F2 backcrosses and comparison of F1 and F2 crosses of Abor Acre broiler breeder x native chickens in humid tropical environment

This study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, brooding and rearing mortalities of F2 main and reciprocal backcross progenies of Abor Acre broiler breeder x native chicken crosses and to compare their F1 and F2 backcross progenies. The base population used in the study consisted of mature (~ 48 weeks) male and female native chickens and exotic (Abor Acre) broiler breeder parent stock. The native chicken varieties were made up of normal feather, naked neck and frizzle genotypes. These birds were mated to the Abor Acre broiler parent stocks in main and reciprocal fashion generating F1 main and reciprocal crossbreds. Females of these F1 hybrids were then mated back to the broiler breeder cock to generate F2 main and reciprocal backcross progenies that were evaluated in the present study. Data analyzed include body weight (BWT) and linear body parameters (LBPs), average feed intake (AFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), brooding and rearing mortalities. Comparisons between genetic groups for these parameters were done by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. Results indicated improved growth performance and feed conversion ratios in the F2 reciprocal backcross groups compared to their F2 main backcross counterparts. The F2 individuals in both crosses were superior to F1 crossbred populations. Chick mortality rates were higher in main and reciprocal backcross groups involving the naked neck genotype compared to other plumage types. It was concluded that backcrossing the F1 individuals to the exotic broiler breeder cocks increased the genetic profile of the backcross lines resulting in enhanced growth performance of progenies. Crossbreeding of exotic and local chicken varieties generated progenies that had higher genetic potentials for growth relative to the local strains and better adaptability relative to the exotic breed. However, incubation and brooding strategies capable of minimizing mortalities at embryonic, brooding and rearing phases should be explored and integrated in local chicken improvement programmes involving the use of these plumage reducing genes for optimal results.

Some reproductive abnormalities in domestic fowls

Of the 102328 birds presented to the avain ambulatory clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for diagnosis between March, 1976 and February, 1992, only 261 were found to have reproductive abnormalities. The abnormalities recorded were, oophoritis (39.2%), egg yolk peritonitis (11.9%), salphingitis (7.7%), rudimentary ovary (7.0%), ruptured ovary (2.8%), ectopic eggs (2.1%), hermophrodisnt (2.1%), oviduct discontinuity (1.4%), oviduct impaction (1.4%), atrophied (1.4%), cystic (1.4%) and ruptured oviduct (0.8%), sex reversal (0.7%) and regressed testis (0.7%). Most reproductive abnormalities occurred in the second phase of egg production except rudimentary ovary which was common in the first phase of egg production. The results also showed that most of the cases of reproductive disorders were recorded in improved (exotic) breed of chickens and only a few cases were recorded in local birds. Oophoritis, egg yolk peritonitis and salpingitis were found to be the most important reproductive abnormalities of domestic fowls. These conditions are usually caused by infectious agents like bacteria and viruses, which can be controlled by very good management practices.

Dipylidium caninum Infection in Dogs and Humans in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia

Dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. In Ethiopia, the majority of owned dogs are semi-stray, freely roaming in the community. Studies reporting dog borne zoonotic diseases are scarce in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs and in children with gastrointestinal complaints in Bishoftu Town, Oromia. We collected 384 fecal samples from dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospital and 259 stool samples from children presented to Bishoftu Hospital for clinical examination. Samples were first macroscopically examined for the presence of proglotids, followed by microscopic examination for the presence of eggs with the direct smear following flotation technique. The prevalence of D. caninum was 21% (95% CI: 16.6–24.9) in dogs. Although not statistically significant (p > 0.05), higher prevalence was detected in adult (11.9%), local breed (17.7%), and male (12.6%) dogs compared to young (8.59%), exotic breed (2.86%), and females (7.81%), respectively. Dipylidium caninum was detected in a stool sample obtained from a three year-old child (0.4%, 1/259). This study showed that the prevalence of D. caninum in the dogs is high while it is rare in children. Although the prevalence in children is negligible in this study, the high proportion of infected dogs can pose a significant risk of infection in the general human population. Public health risk can be reduced by eliminating the semi-roaming of owned dogs and proper management of dogs with regular deworming and prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces. Similarly, raising public awareness about dog borne zoonoses and avoiding contact with dog feces are important.

Utilization of microsatellite markers in genotyping of Saudi Arabian camels for productivity and conservation

Camels are considered as integral and notable components of the heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Genetic variabilities within and among four camel populations in Saudi Arabia were evaluated using 21 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci of 122 unrelated individuals, including three indigenous breeds [Humur (HA), Zurg (ZR), Shuguh (SG)] and one exotic breed [Sudanese (SN)]. Nineteen SSR markers generated multilocus fingerprints with a total of 225 alleles, a range of 4–23 alleles per locus, and an average of 9, 7, 7, and 6 alleles per locus in HA, ZR, SG, and SN populations, respectively. The mean multilocus FST value (0.034 ± 0.005) showed non-significant population differentiation. Mean observed heterozygosity values were 0.908 for HA, 0.860 for ZR, 0.919 for SG, and 0.887 for SN, which were higher than the expected heterozygosity. An excess of heterozygotes was observed, suggesting the presence of overdominant selection or the occurrence of outbreeding. Pairwise genetic distances indicated that the three indigenous camel breeds were genetically close to each other and genetically distant to the SN population. This genetic variability assessment by microsatellite analysis is important and useful for the conservation of local camel genetic resources as well as the future development of breeding programs.

PCR Based Genotyping of Lulu Cattle of Nepal for A1, A2 Type Beta-caseins

Lulu is an indigenous breed of cattle (Bos taurus) found in high altitude regions of western Nepal. Population of Lulu cattle has been declining due to introgression with other exotic breeds to increase milk productivity. Here we aimed at finding potential approach for conserving Lulu cattle and its assets by studying the milk contents and investigating which variant of beta-casein protein is present in this breed. Beta caseins are an abundant protein in cow milk with A1 and A2 being the most common genetic variants of this protein. Consumption of A1 type of milk has numerous health-related complications whereas A2 type of milk has numerous human health promoting factors. We used restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for determining the A1 and A2 variant of beta casein in Lulu cattle. For performing DNA extraction, we collected (n = 18) blood samples of Lulu from Mustang and (n=17) Nepal Agriculture research council farm. The amplified fragments in 3% agarose at 251bp and 213bp respectively confirmed the presence of both A1 and A2 gene in Lulu; however, A2 was of greater abundance. Our study indicated that Lulu has A2 variant of beta-casein predominantly. The gene frequency of A1A1 is 0, A1A2 is 0.06 and A2A2 is 0.94. We further found that the allele frequency of A1 and A2 is 0.03 and 0.97 respectively. We designed special primer for sequencing CSN2 genes since A2 type beta casein gene was predominantly seen on Lulu. The sequencing result further supports our RFLP result as most of our samples have “C” nucleotide SNP in amplified CSN2 gene sequence. The Chi-square value of the current study is 0.04 which supports Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium inferring that Lulu cattle are still in the pure state, where there is no genetic introgression with the exotic breed for the sake of improvement of productivity.

Seroprevalence and factors associated with bovine and swine toxoplasmosis in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Background and Aim: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis with major public health importance. To know more about this condition in Burkina Faso, this study was implemented to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pigs and cattle in intra-urban and peri-urban area of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 600 cattle and 600 pigs with 300 samples from each species in intra-urban and peri-urban area of Bobo-Dioulasso. Data about age, sex, and breed of each animal were also noted. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to look for immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies to T. gondii. Results: This study revealed a herd prevalence of 92.5% and 75%, respectively for porcine and bovine toxoplasmosis. At the individual level, we found a prevalence of 29% and 49.2% for cattle and pigs, respectively. For each species, we noticed a significant association between age, sex, breed husbandry system, and the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. The prevalence was significantly higher in female, intra-urban system, exotic breed, and animal <2 years old (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results provided evidence for the presence of T. gondii in pigs and cattle farms around Bobo-Dioulasso. Hence, in Bobo-Dioulasso, raw or undercooked meat consumption is a risk for T. gondii infection for human. Knowledge of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis will help to target prevention efforts.