Sublethal toxicity of carbofuran in cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus): hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations

This study was aimed to investigate Carbofuran (CF)-induced pathological changes in cattle egret. Two hundred cattle egrets were reared and equally divided into four groups and given different CF concentrations (0.03 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0 mg/L (control group)). Hematology, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and immunological markers were studied. Our results confirm that CF induces anemic conditions, leukocytosis, elevated liver enzymatic activity, and alterations in renal biomarkers. Moreover, specific microscopic lesions such as multifocal necrosis, pyknotic nuclei, hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammatory cell proliferation were observed in the liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus. These findings suggest that CF can induce harmful effects, so the application of this pesticide in the field must be strictly monitored to mitigate the possibility of exposure to non-target species.

Characterization of the Pathology, Biochemistry, and Immune Response in Kunming (KM) Mice Following Fasciola gigantica Infection

As a putative model of Fasciola gigantica infection, detailed data in Kunming (KM) mice infected with F. gigantica are lacking. In this study, KM mice were orally infected with 15 metacercaria for 8 weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic changes, serum biochemistry, cytokine responses, and changes in parasite-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels were monitored at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 weeks post-infection (wpi), respectively. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased after infection, while that of albumin (ALB) decreased, which was positively correlated with the degree of liver damage. Between 5 and 7 wpi, the mice showed symptoms of anemia and weight loss, possibly caused by the decrease of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Moreover, the changing tendencies of the levels of globulin (GLB) and parasite-specific IgG antibody were similar, suggesting a potential correlation between GLB production and adaptive immune response in the host. Coordinated variations in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) indicated a mixed T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 cellular immune response. Furthermore, the serum IgG antibody increased after infection and peaked at 5 wpi, and it was positively correlated with the average parasite burdens. The worms collected from mice were approximately 1 cm in length at 8 wpi, their digestive and reproductive systems were well developed, and no eggs were found in the uterus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing detailed histological, biochemical, and immunological indices in KM mice infected with F. gigantica, which provides basic information on KM mice against infection with F. gigantica.

Hematological and biochemical parameters of premature kids of goats subjected to different dexamethasone protocols

ABSTRACT: Corticosteroid therapy has been used for ruminants to allow lung maturation and the birth of premature babies. However, when considering laboratory analyses of these animals, very little data is available regarding hematological and biochemical patterns, especially for premature goats, and the effects of corticotherapy on these parameters are unknown. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters during the first hours of life of premature kids from goats subjected to different dexamethasone protocols. For this, the goats were divided into four groups: group I, goats that received 20 mg of dexamethasone at 139 days of gestation; group II, 2 mg of dexamethasone from the 133rd to 136th day of gestation, 4 mg from the 137th to 139th, and 20 mg on the 140th; group III, 16 mg of dexamethasone from the 139th day, with repeated doses every 12 h until elective surgery; and group IV, goats that received 4, 8, 16, and 20 mg of dexamethasone at 137, 138, 139, and 140 days of gestation, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at birth (T0h) and after 1 (T1h), 12 (T12h), 24 (T24h), and 48 h (T48h) of life for hemogram and serum biochemistry assessment of urea, creatinine, total protein (PT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). PT levels and GGT activity were lower at birth in all groups and rose after colostrum ingestion. The creatinine values for all the experimental groups did not differ between T0h and T1h; however, they decreased in the subsequent moments. Except for group I, urea concentrations were higher at T48h than at T1h. The red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin counts decreased over time. The total leukocyte count behaved differently in different experimental groups, and was influenced by the levels of dexamethasone, mainly due to the change in the counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes. It was concluded that significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters occur in the first hours of life of premature kids, and that the treatment of goats with dexamethasone can affect these parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

Assessing the haematology and serum chemistry of Uda rams fed different Kanwa based mineral licks

This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Science’s Teaching and Research farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to evaluate the effect of feeding different kanwa based mineral licks on blood profile of Uda rams. Blood of twenty (20) yearlings Uda rams aged by dentition were used to evaluate the effect of Kanwa¬-based mineral blocks. Four (4) animals were allotted to each treatment (Kanwa block) with each animal serving as a replicate. The Kanwa used were Kanwan Bai-Bai, Kanwan Kolo, Hogga, Balma and conventional mineral lick to represent treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Data was collected at the end of the experiment. The result of haematological analysis showed significant (p<0.05) differences in all the parameters analysed except PCV, MCH, WBC and eosinophil; the result indicated that all the values where within the normal reference range except in MCHC where animals placed in T2 and T3 shows values slightly above the normal range. The result of serum biochemistry showed that all the values measured were within the normal reference range for sheep except the albumin of animals placed in T3 which had values slightly above the normal range. The serum mineral composition showed that Potassium levels were higher in T2 and lower in T4; however, there was no difference between animals placed in treatments 1, 2 and 3, so also between treatments 1, 3 and 4. The study concluded that Kanwa positively affected sheep production with no adverse effect on both haematological and serum chemistry, hence little health hazard is associated with feeding Kanwa-based blocks on growing Uda rams.

Successful bilateral phacoemulsification and vitrectomy in a Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)

CASE DESCRIPTION A 7-month-old hand-reared female Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) was evaluated for bilateral ocular opacity of 3 months’ duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS On physical examination, the wallaby was in good overall condition. An ophthalmic examination revealed mature cataracts in both eyes (OU). The cataracts were suspected to have a nutritional origin as it has been described in hand-reared macropods. Results of tonometry were normal OU. Results of CBC and serum biochemistry were unremarkable. The wallaby was premedicated with medetomidine and ketamine hydrochloride. Ocular ultrasonography performed while the wallaby was anesthetized revealed a thickened and opaque lens, mildly heterogeneous vitreous humor, and no sign of retinal detachment OU. An electroretinogram confirmed functional retinae OU. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Surgery was considered necessary for welfare reasons. Phacoemulsification and vitrectomy were performed without intraoperative complication. The wallaby recovered uneventfully, and systemic NSAID, topical corticosteroid, and systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy were prescribed. One year later, the animal had vision OU. Physical examination did not show any vision-threatening postoperative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The etiology of nutritional cataracts is not fully understood in macropods, but this condition is rather common in these species. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of a successful bilateral phacoemulsification and vitrectomy in a Bennett’s wallaby.

Effect of Fermentation with Rumen Content on the Feeding Value of Boiled Iron Tree (Prosopis africana) Seedcoat on Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens

Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inclusion of Prosopis seed coat fermented with rumen content at different levels as energy source on the serum biochemical composition and heamatological indices of broiler chickens. Study Design:Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Between November 2016 and January 2017. Methodology: The study was in two phases; the starter and finisher phase, in each of the phases, there were five dietary groups and fermented Prosopis africana seed coat meal (FPASCM) was included at 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% to replace maize. The total of two hundred and sixty (260), day- old Zartech broiler chicks were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments with four replicates of 52 chickens per treatment and each replicate had 13 birds. The birds were raised on deep litter and fed ad-libitum and drinking water provided daily and performance was monitored. At the end of the eight week, blood was collected via the wing web for serum and haematological assay. Results: The results of haematological parameters of broiler chickens fed varying levels of fermented Prosopis africana seed coat are presented in Table 3.There were no significant (P>0.05) differences between treatments for parameters measured except for PCV and haemogobin. The PCV values ranged from 25.00 -28.25% and haemoglobin values ranged from 8.35 -9.40g/dl. It was observed that most of the haematological indices measured fell within the normal reference range values. The results of serum biochemical assay revealed that serum glucose 45.85-107.22 mg/dl varied significantly (P<0.05) among the dietary treatments. Birds served 25% FPSCM had the highest value while those served 15% FPASCM recorded least value. Conclusion: Based on the observations from this study, it was concluded that FPASCM could be included in the diets of broiler chickens up to 25% without compromising the health of the birds.

Blood Count and Serum Biochemistry Profile in West African Dwarf Goats Fed Ensiled Mixtures of Cocoa Pod, Cassava Pulp and Acacia Leaf

This study investigated the effects of feeding ensiled graded combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp and Acacia leaf on haematological and serum biochemical of West African Dwarf goats. In the bid to control environmental pollution, the wastes of cocoa and cassava were applied as alternative feed ingredients for the goat in spite of its low nutrients’ quality and digestibility. A total of Twenty-eight (28) WAD goats (bucks), aged 4 to 5 months with average body weight of 7.00±0.2kg was used in a completely randomized design for a 45 days study to evaluate the blood profiles of goats fed diet combinations (0:60:40) to (60:0:40). The results revealed significant differences in some of the blood parameters measured among the treatments. The red blood cell, packed cell volume and haemoglobin ranged from 4.90-7.87x106/ul, 19.25-26.83% and 7.33-11.15g/L respectively. The concentrations of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration varied significantly (p < 0.05), white blood cell (5.57-9.75x109L) were comparable and lymphocytes (%) ranged from 43.85-55.67. For serum biochemistry, values obtained for total protein and albumin with sodium followed the same trend while cholesterol, urea, creatinine and glucose followed the same trend. Alanine amino transferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment groups. Since the parameters measured were within the normal range for goats’ blood profile, combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp with acacia leaves in the ratio of 0:60:40 to 20:40:40 as browse plants do not have any deleterious effect on the health of the animals.

RESPONSE OF WEANED PIGS TO DIFFERENT DIETARY PROTEIN SOURCES AND DIET TYPES

Pig is one of the most consumed meat across the globe. However, its production is limited by high cost of feed ingredients. Hence, the search for alternative cheap feed ingredients without any loss to animal’s performance is on the increase. The influence of different protein sources and feed types (wet or dry) was investigated on the growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of weaned pigs. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were higher for soybean and full-fat soya-based diets. Feed and water intake were not significantly different amongst treatments. Nature of feed did not influence weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Groundnut cake meal may compare with soybean meal in pig’s diet, but it may have to be supplemented with lysine, methionine or fish meal.