body condition scores
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2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Nato Hundessa ◽  
Eshetu Esrael ◽  
Haben Fesseha ◽  
Mesfin Mathewos

Background. Trypanosomosis is a significant impediment to Ethiopia’s livestock and farm production, adding adversely to the overall growth of agriculture in general and the nation’s food self-reliance efforts in particular. Methods. Cross-sectional research was performed on the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle and the distinction of Trypanosoma species and potential factors in six selected provinces of the Sodo zuriya district in southern Ethiopia. Blood samples from the ear vein of 400 local and exotic cattle species were taken randomly. A hematocrit reader was used after centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for a five-minute assessment of anemic conditions of animals, and the anemia of the thin blood spraying and buffy coat procedure was tested to assess the incidence, detection, and packaging of Trypanosoma and the cell volume of each sampled animal. Results. Accordingly, twenty cattle were positive for trypanosomosis, with an overall proportion of 5.0%. From this overall prevalence, Trypanosoma congolense (3.3%) and Trypanosoma vivax (1.8%) were the two common Trypanosoma species in this study. The highest and the lowest prevalence of trypanosomes occurred in Guttuto Larena (35%) and Dalbo Wogane (0.00%), respectively. Age-wise prevalence revealed that young adults (45%) were the most affected, followed by old adults (35%) and adults (20%). Cattle with poor body condition scores (65%) were the most affected, followed by cattle with medium (30%) and good (5%) body condition scores, and this was found to be statistically significant ( p ≤ 0.002 ). In addition, the variation in packed cell volume (PCV) between infected and noninfected cattle was significantly different ( p ≤ 0.0001 ). Conclusion. Thus, the present study revealed the predominance of bovine trypanosomosis in the region and had a significant effect on body condition and anemia growth. The government and public should then collaborate in parasite-observed areas on the disease’s management and prevention efforts in an environmentally sustainable way.


2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 67-71
Author(s):  
T. Mihok ◽  
L. Bujňák ◽  
V. Mihok ◽  
N. Rovňanová

Abstract Obesity and overweight have been frequently observed in dogs in recent years as in humans. The compositions of fatty acids in the accumulated lipids in tissues of obese animals may have important roles in the process and mechanisms related to the onset of metabolic disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a vegetarian diet, which contained a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids on individual morphometric parameters in spayed dogs. Seven mongrel dogs without ideal body condition scores (average: 7.42) were fed vegetarian dog kibbles and received the daily amount of energy calculated with the following formula: 130 kcal × weight (kg) 0.75. The animals were evaluated on days 0 and 60 in relation to the body measurements, such as: body weight, metabolic body weight, body fat percentage, nape, rib, tail base, chest, and abdomen, using a plicometer. Also determined were the body condition scores (scale from 1—thin to 9—obese), canine body mass index, and their waist circumference. These data were analysed by the Student’s t-test. The body measurement variation of body fat percentage, waist circumference, body condition score and thickness values of the abdomen differed significantly (P < 0.01).


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 544-558
Author(s):  
Errol I. Ronje ◽  
Casey Brechtel

To explore the potential macroscopic tissue effects of select remote biopsy tools to common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), carcasses were darted and their traumatic effects on the anatomy in target and non-target areas of the body were described. In total, 87 samples were collected (target area, n = 19; non-target area, n = 68) within standardized grid partitions from five carcasses of sub-adult to adult age classes with a range of body condition scores. We broadly classified impacts penetrating completely through the blubber into muscle or deeper internal tissues as over-penetrations (n = 51/87, 59%). For samples collected in the defined target area, there was a low number of over-penetrations (n = 5/51; 10%). However, for samples collected in the defined, non-target areas, a much higher number of over-penetrations occurred (n = 45/51 88%). A visual examination of some samples indicated that sample length and appearance may not be reliable guides to assess the penetration depth of the wounds. These preliminary results suggest samples collected in non-targeted areas could pose much higher risk to the individual. We encourage other researchers considering the use of remote biopsy tools to conduct similar assessments prior to field sampling to better understand the potential consequences of misplaced samples with a view towards continually improving remote biopsy tools and techniques for the benefit of cetacean welfare.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 375-376
Author(s):  
Matthew M McIntosh ◽  
Richard Estell ◽  
Andres Cibils ◽  
Andrew Cox ◽  
Shelemia Nyamuryekung’e ◽  
...  

Abstract Use of adapted beef cattle biotypes is gaining momentum as a novel management strategy for limiting the environmental footprint of ranching and adapting to climate change in the southwest. We compared supplement intake (SI), calf birthweights, cow weights, and body condition scores (BCS) of desert-adapted Brangus (BR; n = 15) vs. Raramuri Criollo (RC; n = 28) cows in four adjacent pastures (1098±85 ha) for three months (Mar 7 – Jun 9, 2020) using ANOVA for a RCBD (significance at P &lt; 0.05). Cows had ad libitum access to 18% crude protein lick tubs in all pastures, which were weighed weekly to determine SI. Brangus cows had greater SI than RC, both overall (BR: 0.21±0.04 vs. RC: 0.08±0.03 kg×cow×d-1) and on a metabolic bodyweight basis (BR: 2.31±0.09 vs. RC: 0.95±0.09 g×kg0.75). All cows were bred to Brangus bulls and calf birth weights were not different between biotypes (BR: 31.5 ± 1.0; RC: 29.6±0.9 kg). Brangus cows weighed more at the beginning (535.0±14.8 kg) and end (582.2±14.5 kg) of the study compared to RC (beginning: 345.5±11.8 kg; end: 357.0±12.0 kg). Percent of bodyweight change was not different between biotypes (BR: 8.51±2.35; RC: 2.85±1.81 %). On a 1 to 5 scale, BCS of Brangus (4.06±0.09) was greater than RC (3.18 ± 0.07) at the onset of the study, but biotypes had similar BCS at the end of the trial (BR: 4.09 ± 0.09; RC: 3.89±0.08). Our preliminary results indicate that lighter RC cows were capable of gaining bodyweight and improving BCS with reduced SI, both overall and on a metabolic bodyweight basis. This finding may reflect lower nutrient requirements, better relative efficiencies and lesser grazing impacts on desert rangelands by RC cattle. Future studies will seek to replicate these breed-comparison trials over multiple years, research sites, and supply chains, with an emphasis on overall systems production efficiency and sustainability.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Michael Undi ◽  
Kevin K K Sedivec

Abstract Methods of supplementing beef cows while bale grazing grass hay were investigated in a study conducted for four winters, from 2016 to 2019, at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center near Streeter, ND. Starting in the fall of each year, cows were assigned to eight groups of similar total body weight (BW) and allowed to bale graze one of four bale grazing treatments as follows: a) grass hay, b) grass hay supplemented with alfalfa hay, c) grass hay supplemented with corn DDGS, and d) grass hay treated with a liquid supplement. Two-day body weights and body condition scores (BCS) were taken at the start and end of the study. Final BW were greater (P ≤ 0.05) when cows were supplemented with DDGS and least when cows were not supplemented. Average daily gains were influenced by method of supplementation and year (P ≤ 0.025). When winters were cold, supplementation with alfalfa hay or a liquid supplement were not adequate to maintain cows resulting with weight loss. Final BCS were greatest (P ≤ 0.05) when cows were supplemented with DDGS and lowest on grass hay. Similarly, change in BCS was greatest in DDGS-supplemented cows and lowest on grass hay only. Calf birth weights, weaning weights and daily gains were not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by method of supplementation. Results suggest that method of supplementation during bale grazing should be based on prevailing environmental conditions during winter. In severely cold winters, good-quality alfalfa hay or a liquid supplement are not adequate to meet requirements of pregnant beef cows in mid-gestation. Under such conditions, supplements such as corn DDGS will be needed to meet animal requirements. Supplementation with good-quality alfalfa hay or grass hay treated with a liquid supplement may be an option during mild winters.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-277
Author(s):  
M Geiger ◽  
J Hockenhull ◽  
H Buller ◽  
M Jemal Kedir ◽  
G Tefera Engida ◽  
...  

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are widely used throughout Ethiopia and play essential roles in a variety of everyday and income-generating tasks for the people that use them. The challenges faced by people and their working equids vary across communities and geographic locations. This may have implications for how donkeys are perceived by the people they work for, the roles they fulfil and ultimately their welfare. Two complementary methodological approaches were used in this study to explore the socio-economic value of donkeys for their owners and the welfare of the donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia. Using a questionnaire, donkey owners were asked about their donkeys, their attitudes and beliefs related to donkey use and ownership, and the role donkeys played in their lives. Animal-based welfare assessments were also conducted on a sample of donkeys from different locations, with the overarching aim of the study to investigate differences in use, beliefs, and donkey welfare between rural and urban locations. In both rural and urban locations, working donkeys are critical for their owners' income-generating activity and therefore their livelihoods. The work they undertake differs substantially between locations, as does their welfare. Work in each setting presents its own challenges and these are reflected in the behaviour and physical health of the donkeys. Rural donkeys showed more apathetic behaviour, a higher ectoparasite burden and greater evidence of tethering/hobbling. Urban donkeys were more alert and had a wider range of body condition scores. The findings highlight marked differences in the role and welfare of donkeys between different areas within the same country, demonstrating the importance of understanding the context, both from the perspective of humans and working equids, prior to staging interventions intended to benefit either party.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shadrach Mamman ◽  
Anthony Danaan Dakul ◽  
Jael Asabe Yohanna ◽  
Goni Abraham Dogo ◽  
Rine Christopher Reuben ◽  
...  

Abstract Surra, a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi and transmitted non-cyclically by biting flies significantly affects the health, productivity and market value of camels thereby constituting a major constraint to food safety, security and economy. This is the first study on the prevalence of surra in Northern Nigeria, using a broad variety of diagnostic tests along the parasitological-serological-molecular continuum hence, emphasizing it as a major enzootic risk for camels in Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study, 600 blood samples were collected from camels at major abattoirs in Northwestern Nigeria and evaluated for the prevalence of surra due to T. evansi using parasitological (Giemsa staining), serological (CATT/T.evansi) and molecular (VSG-PCR and sequencing) methods. The overall prevalence of surra recorded in this study was 5.3%, 11.5% and 22.5% using Giemsa stained blood smears, CATT/T.evansi and VSG-PCR respectively. However, higher prevalence of 6.0%, 13.7% and 26.7% by Giemsa stained blood smears, CATT/T. evansi and VSG-PCR was recorded in Katsina state when compared with Kano state. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher prevalence byVSG-PCR was observed when compared with both parasitological and serological methods used. Although age and body condition scores were associated (p < 0.05) with surra prevalence in sampled camels, no seasonal association (p > 0.05) was however recorded. Sequencing of the VSG region of Trypanosoma spp. Further confirmed the presence of T. evansi as the aetiological agent of surra from the sampled camels. Findings from this study call for the implementation of adequate control measures aimed at reducing the impact of T. evansi infections on camel production in Nigeria.


2021 ◽  
pp. 104063872110199
Author(s):  
Aslı Mete ◽  
Anibal G. Armien ◽  
Daniel Rejmanek ◽  
Meghan Mott ◽  
Beate M. Crossley

Fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) species D and E are associated with inclusion body hepatitis (IBH); species C, serotype 4 (hereafter, FAdV4) is associated with hepatitis–hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in young chickens. Outbreaks of HHS have led to significant losses in the poultry industry in several countries, predominantly in China. In April 2020, FAdV4 was detected in a remote backyard flock in California. In a mixed flock of chickens of various breeds and ages (6 mo to 2 y old), 7 of 30 were found dead within a week without premonitory signs. One additional bird died after the flock was relocated to fresh pasture, bringing the total mortality to 8 of 30 (27%). Postmortem examination of 3 birds revealed good body condition scores and active laying. One chicken had subtle hemorrhages throughout the liver, and the other 2 had diffusely dark mahogany livers. On histopathology, 2 chickens had hepatic necrosis with hepatocytes containing large, mostly basophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies, identified by electron microscopy as 82.2-nm diameter adenoviral particles. Virus isolation and genomic sequencing performed on a liver sample revealed strains with 99.9% homology to FAdV4 isolates reported from China. To our knowledge, FAdV4 has not been reported in the United States to date. Furthermore, the chickens affected here were all adults and exhibited a variation of serotype 4 disease in which IBH was present but not hydropericardium.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 54-54
Author(s):  
Ning Lu ◽  
Ghenadie Popa ◽  
Ruiming Wang ◽  
Carine M Vier ◽  
Ron A Navales ◽  
...  

Abstract A total of 386 mixed parity sows were used to evaluate the effects of different feeding regimes during the wean-to-estrus interval (WEI) on reproductive performance. At weaning, sows were blocked by genetic line (PIC Yorkshire and Camborough, Hendersonville, TN), parity category (Parity 1 and 4+), weaning visual body condition scores (BCS), and allotted to one of two treatments in a randomized complete block design. The number of weaned piglets of the previous lactation was balanced across treatments. Sows with BCS of 1 at weaning (based on a 3-point scale BCS system) were excluded from the study. A corn-soybean meal-soy hull-wheat bran-based gestation diet with 2.97 Mcal of ME/kg and 0.70% SID lysine was fed in the study. Treatments included two feeding regimes during WEI: T1) feed allowance of 4.5 kg/d with 200 g/day of top-dressed glucose; T2) feed allowance of 3 kg/day. Sows from T1 received two 2.25-kg meals at 0800 and 1630 with 200 g of glucose top-dressed in the morning meal. Sows from T2 received one 3-kg meal at 0800. Experimental data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS and sow as the experimental unit. There was no evidence for differences between treatments on WEI (T1: 4.48 days; T2: 4.53 days; P = 0.60); percentage of sows that returned to estrus within 7 days post-weaning (T1: 86.01%; T2: 89.64%; P = 0.47); or conception rate at day 35 of the subsequent gestation (T1: 95.87%; T2: 98.50%; P = 0.44). In conclusion, feeding 4.5 kg of gestation diet and 200 g of glucose per day during WEI did not improve return to estrus or conception rate compared to feeding 3 kg of gestation diet per day for weaned sows with BCS greater than 1 on a 3-point scale.


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