AN ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY ON SERUM PROTEINS IN ARABIAN RACE HORSES NATURALLY INFECTED WITH Babesia equi

Electrophoretic patterns of serum protein in 12 Arabian race horses acutely infected with Babesia equi revealed a significant decrease in albumin (P<0.01) and beta globulins (P<0.05) where, alpha globulins fractions significantly (P<0.01) increased. No significant (P>0.05) changes were recorded in gamma globulins fractions and total serum protein.

Hemato-biochemical changes during xylazine-ketamine and xylazine-thiopentone anesthesia in dogs

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate certain haemato-biochemical changes during Xylazine-Ketamine (X-K) and Xylazine-Thiopentone (X-T) anesthesia in dogs. Methods: For this, six dogs of 18 to 25 kg BW were selected and divided into two groups: Group I (X-K) and Group II (X-T). Atropine sulfate @ 0.05 mg/kg BW (IM) was used for premedication in both groups. Dogs in Group I (n=3) were anaesthetized with Xylazine HCl @ 1.1 mg/kg BW (IM) and Ketamine HCl @ 5.5 mg/kg BW (IM), whereas Xylazine HCl @ 1.1mg/kg BW (IM) and Thiopentone sodium @ 20 mg/kg BW (IV) were used for anesthesia in Group II (n=3). In both groups, peripheral blood samples were collected from the dogs before induction of anesthetic agents (control) and thereafter on 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes of post-induction and again after complete recovery from anesthesia to evaluate hematological changes in Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV). In addition, serum biochemical changes in Total Serum Protein (TSP), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Chloride (Cl) were also assessed in both groups. Results: TEC, Hb, and PCV were altered significantly (P<0.05) in most of the cases, TSP was decreased significantly (P<0.05) but BUN was increased significantly (P<0.05), and creatinine was also increased in both groups during the experiment. There were mild alterations in Na, K, and Cl values after induction, and found near to the baseline (control) after recovery. Conclusions: These findings ascertained that the anesthetic combinations of X-K and X-T assert some definite haemato-biochemical changes in dogs which should be carefully judged by the veterinarians during surgical interventions to avoid anesthesia-related risks and complications.

Effect of Replacing Bone Ash with Fresh Water Snail (Pila Ampullacea) Shell Ash on Serum Biochemical Indices of Weaned Rabbits

Twenty five (25) mixed breed weaned rabbits were utilized in 84-days experiment to investigate the effect of replacing bone ash with fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash on the serum biochemical composition of weaned rabbits. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria for a period of 12 weeks. The rabbits were randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments and replicated five times giving a total of one rabbit per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Rabbits were raised intensively in hutches of about 4ft × 4ft. Five experimental diets tagged T1 to T5 were formulated such that fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash replaced bone ash at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Feed and water were served ad libitum. Bio sanitary and bio security measures were strictly adhered to. At the end of the feeding trial, three rabbits per treatment were selected for the evaluation of serum biochemistry. The parameters assayed for were: total serum protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, cholesterol, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus. The study showed that the serum biochemical indices were not influenced (P˃0.05) by the dietary treatments except for calcium which was significantly (P<0.05) influenced, however, calcium values were within the normal reference values for rabbits. This study had shown that fresh water snail (Pila ampullacea) shell ash can serve as a substitute for bone ash in weaned rabbit diet up to 100% inclusion levels without adverse effect on the serum biochemical indices.

Bioindicators of homeostasis’ constants of growing conditions of warm-water aquaculture objects in the context of obtaining marketable products

To create recommendations regarding the technological process of growing objects of warm-water aquaculture, the health of individuals in the created conditions of maintain is a necessary study. Taking into account the similarity of the necessary conditions for the organization of growing warm-water aquaculture objects, it is important to monitor the indicators that are bioindicators of homeostasis constants with a projection on the conditions of maintain, for subsequent adjustment of satisfactory conditions of maintain. First of all, these are hematological and biochemical bioindicators that determine the general characteristics of blood in the case of fish objects of sterlet and hemolymph in the case of crustacean objects of Australian freshwater crayfish and the concentration index of total serum protein that determines the “physiological norm”. When growing sterlet, a high level of total blood protein was established at 40.14±1.73 g/l and the hemolymph of the Australian freshwater crayfish was determined to have a protein concentration of 40.8±4.5 g/l. The presented analysis of bioindicators complements the missing information for monitoring the data of representatives of warm-water aquaculture, which will be valuable for specialists engaged in breeding these objects.

Chronic Effects of Diazinon® Exposures Using Integrated Biomarker Responses in Freshwater Walking Catfish, Clarias batrachus

Diazinon exposures have been linked to the onset of toxic pathways and adverse outcomes in aquatic species, but the ecological implications on model species are not widely emphasized. The objective of this study was to determine how the organophosphate pesticide diazinon affected hematological (hemoglobin, total red blood count, total white blood count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin), growth (condition factor, hepatosomatic index, specific growth rate), biochemical (total serum glucose, total serum protein), and endocrine (growth hormone, tri-iodothyronine, and thyroxine) parameters in Clarias batrachus after chronic exposure. Diazinon was administered at predefined exposure doses (0.64 and 1.28 mg/L) and monitored at 15, 30, and 45 days into the investigation. Observation for most biomarkers revealed patterns of decreasing values with increasing toxicant concentration and exposure duration. Correlation analysis highlighted a significant inverse relationship between variables (mean corpuscular hemoglobin, condition factor, specific growth rate, tri-iodothyronine, thyroxine, and total serum protein) and elevated chronic diazinon exposure concentrations. The integrated indices (IBR and BRI) indexes were used to provide visual and understandable depictions of toxicity effects and emphasized the relativity of biomarkers in terms of sensitivity and magnitude or severity of responses under graded toxicant exposures. The significant damage reflected by evaluated parameters in diazinon exposure groups compared to control portends risks to the health of local fish populations, including Clarias batrachus in aquatic systems adjacent to agrarian landscapes.

Utilization of processed kola nut husk meal in poultry production: Effects on the performance, carcass, biochemical indicators, and antioxidant enzymes of broiler chickens

This study looked at the effects of processed kola nut husks meal (PKHM) utilization as a feed ingredient on broiler chicken in a 42-day feeding trial. Kola nut pod husks were processed into a PKHM using ash treatment and rumen liquor fermentation. Three experimental diets were developed at both the starter and finisher phases, with PKHM included at 0, 4, and 8%, and dubbed diets 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In a fully randomised design, 240 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three treatments (10 birds per replicate). Except for the significantly improved (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens fed diets 2 and 3 at the grower phase (22-42 days) and overall (0-42 days), the performance indices were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by PKHM dietary inclusion. Broiler chicken carcass characteristics and relative internal organ weights remained constant (P>0.05) through diets. The serum glutathione concentration in broiler chickens fed an 8 percent PKHM inclusive diet increased significantly (P<0.05) than those on the control diet and 4 percent PKHM inclusive diet. When broiler chickens fed an 8 percent PKHM inclusive diet were compared to those fed a control diet, the serum catalase concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05). The total serum protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transferase, and cholesterol levels remained constant (P>0.05) regardless of dietary treatment. Dietary PKHM inclusion of up to 8% enhanced improved feed efficiency and increased antioxidant enzyme concentration and did not affect the serum biochemical indices concentration.Statement of NoveltyKola nut husk is one of the agro-wastes that contributes to environmental deterioration due to its underutilization. The kola nut husk is underutilised in broiler production due to its chemical constitution, minimal nutritional value, and poor digestion. In this research, kola nut husk meal was ash treated and rumen liquor fermented before being integrated at varying levels in the experimental diets and the performance characteristics, antioxidant status, serum protein, enzymes and biochemical were evaluated. The findings of this study could aid in the development of an agro-waste-based, low-cost functional feed for broiler chicks that incorporates the underutilised kola nut husk and other abundant agrowastes as macro-ingredients.

Fermented medicinal herbs improve hematological and physiological profile of Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

This study sought to determine the effect of fermented medicinal herbs (FMH), i.e. cutchery (Kaempferia galanga), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and curcuma (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) in combination with molasses and probiotic drink (Yakult), administered orally on the hematological and physiological profile of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). A complete randomized design (CRD) experiment was used with four levels of treatments, namely P0 (control), P1 (FMH 100 mL/kg), P2 (FMH 200 mL/kg) and P3 (FMH 300 mL/kg) of feed. The fish were kept in a farm in cages at 75 fish/m3 and fed with the experimental diets for 60 days. The results revealed that FMH (P2) dietary administration improved hematological and physiological profile of catfish, i.e total erythrocytes of 2.81 x 106 cells/mm3, hematocrit values of 39.00%, hemoglobin levels of 10.73 g/dL, total leukocytes of 11.41 x 104 cells/mm3, blood glucose 97.33 mg/dL, and total serum protein 4.10 mg/dL compared to controls with 1.89 x 106 cells/mm3, 32.33 %, g/dL, 9.67 x 104 cells/mm3, 67.33 mg/dL, and total serum protein of 3.10 mg/dL, respectively. Moreover, the diet improved special growth rate, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and the survival rate of catfish. The hematological and physiological profile of catfish improvement are considered to be due to the content of secondary metabolites of FMH, namely curcuminoids, vitamin C, essential oils, tannins, and flavonoids, which trigger immunostimulation. The presence of curcuminoids provide an antioxidant effect on cell membranes reducing erythrocyte cell membrane damage due to oxidation. Similarly, flavonoids are natural antioxidants, which are credited with the ability of reducing free radicals and anti-free radicals.

Effects of Receiving Two Initial Feedings of Colostrum on the Average Daily Gain and Health of Pre-Weaning Group Housed Holstein Heifer Calves

We studied the effect on average daily gain (ADG) and health of an additional colostrum feeding to Holstein dairy heifers 12–16 h after the first colostrum feeding, provided within 2 h of birth. Calves (n = 190) with an average birth weight of 38.8 kg (29.5–52.6 kg) were randomly enrolled in blocks to either the control (CON) or colostrum (COL). The CON received 3 L of acidified pasteurized whole milk, and the COL received 3 L of pasteurized colostrum [average: 25.5 (24.7–26.4)% Brix]. Calves were group-housed, weighed, withers height measured weekly. Serum was obtained and analyzed with a% Brix refractometer. Mixed linear models were used to assess the differences in ADG, body weight, and height between the treatment and control. There was no difference in ADG between the COL and CON. However, serum % Brix was higher in the COL group (9.7%) than in the CON group (9.2%). Calves in the COL had more antibiotic treatments for respiratory diseases but fewer antibiotic treatments for otitis than the CON. In conclusion, providing an extra feeding of colostrum did not contribute to ADG of Holstein heifers during the pre-weaning period but did provide them with a higher total serum protein concentration.

IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis

A 67-year-old man was referred to the renal team following an episode of acute kidney injury on a background of chronic kidney disease. He had a 9-year history of steroid-sensitive arthritis, epigastric pain and isolated submandibular gland enlargement. He was noted to have a raised eosinophil count, total serum protein and total immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) level as well as a serum hypocomplementaemia. A renal biopsy showed a tubulointerstitial nephritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, fibrosis and IgG4-positive plasma cells on immunohistochemistry. A diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was made based on clinical presentation and pathology. Renal function improved with glucocorticoids and the patient was successfully transitioned to azathioprine as a steroid-sparing agent.

67 Association of Morbidity and Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity in Beef-dairy Crossbred Calves

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to describe the prevalence of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in beef-dairy crossbred calves, and its association with morbidity up to 30 d of life. A total of 393 one d old calves were enrolled upon arrival at a calf facility in Central Valley, California, from Jan-Mar 2021. Farm of origin, breed, sex, and weight were recorded at the day of arrival. Blood was collected at 24 ± 1 h post-arrival to evaluate total serum protein (TSP) and % Brix reading. Calves were classified as having FTPI if TSP &lt; 5.2 g/dL, and brix &lt; 8.2%. Farm personnel performed daily health evaluations and recorded diseases. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and survival analysis were conducted using SAS. Calves’ breeds were Angus × Holstein (AN × HO, 58%), Charolais × Jersey (CH × JE, 37%), and Angus × Jersey (AN × JE, 5%). Prevalence of FTPI was 36% (TSP) and 34% (brix). TSP and %Brix readings had a strong correlation (r = 0,99, P &lt; 0.0001). Overall morbidity was 78% (70% had only diarrhea, 7% only respiratory disease and 23% both). The odds of disease up to 30 d was not associated with sex (female vs. male, OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.36–1.62), or breed (AN × HO vs. CH × JE, OR = 1.35, CI = 0.63–2.91; AN × JE not included in this analysis). FTPI was associated with greater odds of disease (OR = 2.91, CI = 1.19–7.09, P = 0.01). There was a tendency for association between FTPI and the hazard of disease up to 30 d (HR = 1.43, CI = 0.96–2.10, P = 0.07). Therefore, FTPI may predispose beef-dairy crossbred calves to diarrhea and respiratory disease up to 30 d of life.