PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF CANINE PARVOVIRUS AND CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS INFECTIONS IN PET DOGS IN DHAKA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Background: There are approximately 1.6 million dogs in Bangladesh and almost 83% of these dogs live on the street and accordingly 17.0% dog population are kept as pet mostly in the metropolitan cities with major population in Dhaka, Chottogram and Sylhet in Bangladesh. Some promiscuous research findings on Canine parvovirus enteritis (PVE) and Canine influenza virus (CIV) have been reported in inland literature. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of canine parvovirus and canine influenza virus infections in dogs supported with brief review for future direction of research and prevention Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on total of 173 pet dogs for the prevalence of CIV and 70 dogs for CPV infections of different breed, age and gender by collecting nasal swab samples for CIV and rectal swabs for CPV infection. Each of the collected nasal swabs was tested by RapiGen Canine influenza Ag test kit and rectal swab samples with RapiGen Canine parvovirus Ag test kit (RapiGen INC., South Korea, 2012). Chi-square test was used detect the significance of risk factors of the infections in dogs. Results: All the 173 nasal swabs of pet dogs collected from different thanas of the Dhaka district showed negative with RapiGen CIV Ag test kit test. Out of four published reports on the prevalence of CIV infection in dogs, of which two reports showed 10.71 to 13.33% prevalence rate of CIV whereas two reports (including this one) showed negative result with the same test. An overall 7.14% prevalence of CPV infection in pet dogs was recorded in this study. The prevalence of CPV in relation to breed was found 22.22% in German shepherd and 2.86% in Labrador whereas local, Bull mastiff and Samoyed breeds found negative for CPV infection. The higher prevalence of CPV infection was recorded in puppies up to six months of age (14.81%) than in growing dogs aged between >6 to 12 months (7.14%) whereas adult (>1 to 2 years) and older (> 2 years) dogs found negative to this infection. Comparatively higher prevalence of CPV infection was detected in male (8.33%) than in female (5.88%) dogs. No CPV infection was recorded in vaccinated dogs, whereas 19.23% unvaccinated dogs affected with this infection. All the rectal swab samples of apparently healthy dogs (no sign of diarrhea) showed negative to CPV infection, whereas 25.0% dogs with diarrhea sign found positive to CPV infection. Review of inland literature reveals that out of nine articles published on CPV infection of which RapiGen CPV Ag test kit has been used in four, PCR in one and clinical method of diagnosis in four articles, whereas only RapiGen CIV Ag test kit has been used for the diagnosis of CIV infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of CPE associated with diarrhea in 7.14% pet dogs has been recognized in this investigation with supports of earlier reports whereas the prevalence of CIV in pet dogs varied widely from negative to 13.33% prevalence in dogs. Age and vaccination of dogs have been recognized as primary risk factors which should be considered in planning a control program whereas others factors like breeds, season, geographical areas can be considered as secondary risk factors varied widely in different reports and countries. Comparative evaluation of different diagnostic tests to find out the ‘gold standard’ and vaccination against CPI in puppies may be suggested to control this disease in dogs. Keywords: Prevalence, Risk factors, CIV, CPV, Dogs, Breeds, Dhaka district, RapiGen Ag test kit, Brief review

SERO-MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION OF COXIELLA BURNETII INFECTION IN DOMESTIC RUMINANTS AND HUMANS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS BASED ON ‘ONE HEALTH’ PERSPECTIVES IN BANGLADESH

Background: Q-fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii with wide host range of mammals, birds and arthropods worldwide. The prevalence of C. burnetii infection has been reported in domestic ruminants in Bangladesh with no attention on the ‘One Health’ approach for the epidemiological investigation associated with risk factors for prevention of the disease. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection and associated risk factors in domestic ruminants and humans based on ‘One Health’ approach in Bangladesh Materials and Methods: This study on C. burnetii infection was conducted in cattle, goats and humans of the four randomly selected districts (Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Pabna and Mymensingh) in Bangladesh during the period from 2018 to 2021. A total of 162 and 172 serum samples respectively from cattle and goats with the reproductive disorders, 159 serum samples from human patients with pyrexia of unknown origin lasting over a period of three weeks and who were in close contact with animal, 119 milk samples from cows with reproductive disorders and 6 aborted materials from goat were collected from these selected districts for the detection of C. burnetii antibody by ELISA and DNA by PCR assay. The research was performed with the collaboration of OIE reference laboratory for Q fever, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Germany. Results: The overall sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection by ELISA was 3.01% in cattle, 7.6 % in goats and 0.63% in humans. The highest sero-positivity was recorded in cattle in Mymensingh (4.5%) in comparison to Pabna (2.8%), Kurigram (2.5%) and Sirajgonj (2.4%) districts. Risk factors associated with higher sero-positivity of C. burnetii infection was recorded in cattle with  5 years (4.4%) than 3 to 5 years (2.1%), indigenous (4.2%) than cross-bred (2.6%), history of retention of placenta (5.6%) than abortion (2.3%) and natural service (5.9%) than artificial insemination (2.3%). The sero-positivity of C. burnetii infection in goat showed highest in Kurigram (10.0%), followed by Sirajgonj (9.5%) and Mymensingh (9.3%) with no positive reactors in Pabna district. Risk factors associated with sero-positivity of C. burnetii infection in goats showed higher in > 2 years (14.1%) than up to 2 years (2.1%) age group and higher with the history of abortion (10.0%) than retention of placenta (4.2%). Risk factors associated with positivity of C. burnetii infection detected in milk samples of cows by ELISA showed an overall 21.85% positivity associated with history of reproductive disorders, with highest positivity in anestrus (33.3%), followed by retention of placenta (24.4%), abortion (21.7%) and lowest with repeat breeding (8.3%). In addition, higher positivity was recorded in cross-bred (24.2%) than in indigenous (12.5%) cattle. In case of humans, only one human patient (0.63%) had positive for IgG phase-II ELISA. C. burnetii DNA was detected in two sero-positive milk samples but all of the intermediate positive milk samples by ELISA were negative by PCR assay and even none of the aborted material of goat was positive in PCR and cell culture. Conclusions: This study recorded the prevalence and risk factors associated with the zoonotic C. burnetii infection in both the domestic ruminants and humans but still it is unrecognized and underestimated in both human and animal health and research in Bangladesh. The findings of this study support the further research on C. burnetii in both human and veterinary medicine under ‘One Health’ approach particularly targeting epidemiology on the agent, host and environment for the control and prevention of the disease in Bangladesh. Keywords: C. burnetii, Ruminants, Humans, ELISA, PCR, Sera, Milk, Prevalence, Risk factors, ‘One Health’ approach

A FIVE-DECADE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH PROGRESS ON PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF SMALL RUMINANTS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Small ruminant animals (SRA) have been associated with humans since their domestication are of world significance as socioeconomic animals providing products (meat, milk, wool, hair) that are in growing demand and sustainability of rural economics and many ecosystems with poverty elevation and food security in rural people in developing world including Bangladesh. People clearly want the benefit of SRA with the application of knowledge of science and technological research. Some research progress on production and management of SRA has been made during the past five decades in Bangladesh. However, such research information is often fragmented and not easily accessible, although these research findings are essential for further research and effective SRA development planning. Objective: This review aimed to improve the information based on various aspects of production and management of SRA by compiling and reviewing published research findings to identify constraints of their production for practical and sustainable solutions. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature of review of research articles on production and management of SRA published mainly in journals from 1968 to early 2021 of Bangladesh has been reviewed. A total of 332 inland research articles on these aspects supported with 19 foreign related articles have been reviewed and analyzed. Results: Bangladesh has approximately 26.435 million goats and 3.607 million sheep. Among goat population, 90% Black Bengal goat (BBG), 8.0% Jamunapari (JP) and 2.0% crossbred goats. Ten phenotypic coat color characteristics of BBG with high performance with solid black color goats documented. Sheep and goats are considered polyestrous species, and the average gestation length lasts for 150 days and give birth twice a year under good management and nutrition. Most of the smallholder farmers (80.5-95%) are raised their goats in semi-intensive system and 47% rural women are involved in goat rearing. Approximately 96% goat farmers and 60% sheep farmers used roadside grass and tree leaves and only 4.0% goat farmers used cultivated fodder whereas 40% sheep farmers used cultivated and road side grass to feed their sheep. Daily supplement of 100-300g concentrate to grazing SRA improved the growth and carcass gain, productive and reproductive performances. Castrated goats at eight weeks of age showed a much higher growth rate (76.33g/day) than un-castrated (62.72g/day) goats. The productive and reproductive performances of SRA have been reviewed and discussed. The BBG has excellent reproductive efficiency but its lower live weight and milk yield encouraged for crossbreeding with exotic bucks. The meat and milk yield traits of crossbred improved but reproductive efficiency decreased in comparison to BBG. Selection breeding of BBG not only increased live weight but also improved carcass value and preserves the indigenous genetic resources from extinction of unplanned breeding. Similarly, the crossbreds between native ewes  exotic rams resulted positive effect on wool quality and live weight but a negative effect on prolificacy and lambing interval. Almost all SRA farmers depended on natural breeding system with some research data on the uses of AI and more than 70% farmers are being faced breeding service shortages. Major advances in methods of semen collection and evaluation, evaluation of male fertility, cryopreservation of sperm and estrous cycle control have been reported in both the goat and sheep in Bangladesh. In addition, knowledge of ovulation control, timing of insemination, gamete biology has also been reported in inland literature. The average slaughtering age of BBG reported to be approximately 12 months whereas in native Bengal sheep has been suggested to be 6 to 9 with an average of 8 months to get maximum return. The major challenges for SRA production are breeds, poor management, inadequate feeds, breeding bucks and rams and high neonatal mortality (kids 25.2%) and lambs (12.4%) in Bangladesh. Conclusions: The SRA rearing as smallholder farmers managed mostly semi-intensive system and requires improved feeding, provision of veterinary medical services, financial assistance, improve natural breeding and/or AI services and extension services to encourage and enhance production of sheep and goat at rural levels in Bangladesh. An improvement in the performance of SRA would directly improve the diet and standard of living of rural smallholder farmers in Bangladesh. Keywords: Systematic review, Five decades, Small ruminants, Production, Management, Bangladesh

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANTHRAX AT THE ANTHRAX BELT SIRAJGONJ DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Anthrax is one of the most important endemic zoonotic diseases due to its negative impact on the smallholder farmers associated with mortality in livestock and disease in humans in Bangladesh. Objective: The main objective of this investigation was to assess the extent of knowledge, awareness, attitude and practices addressing anthrax in animals and humans in the communities of Bangladesh Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the ‘anthrax belt’ Sirajgonj district where several anthrax outbreaks have been reported in both the livestock and humans. A total of 26 household were selected randomly for sampling from each of four villages during the period from August to December 2013. A total of 104 adult respondents participated in the questionnaire survey and the data were calculated by using the formula 4 pq/d2 and Chi-square test using software. Results: Result shows that 55.8% of the community respondents had knowledge of anthrax, while 44.2% of them did not. Analysis of anthrax cases record obtained from respondents showed 49.8% animals, 44.0% humans and 6.2% birds affected with this disease. Only 18.3 to 28.2% respondents knew the clinical signs cutaneous, gastro-intestinal and pulmonary forms, whereas 13.3 to 25.5% respondents knew more than one transmission routes in animals and humans. A certain percentage (2.9 to 16.8% & 8.9 to 20.9%) of community people obtained information on the outbreaks of anthrax in animals and humans from communication media, NGO workers and community health workers. Conclusions: The knowledge on anthrax of the participants was low with no consistent understanding of the disease. The educated family members in farming practices could improve the awareness and knowledge towards zoonotic diseases including anthrax. These findings could be useful for the decision makers to build technical capacity of veterinary medical services and to foster a ‘One Health’ approach especially a continued infection prevention and control training program for animal owners and local residents with close surveillance and reporting, burying or cremation of dead animal carcasses and decontamination and disinfection procedures as well as immunization of animals against anthrax to prevent the infection in endemic areas. Keywords: Anthrax, Bangladesh, Questionnaire survey, Knowledge, Attitude, Anthrax belt district

A SIX-DECADE REVIEW: RESEARCH ON CATTLE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Historical changes in the demand of animal protein sources (milk & meat) for human consumption have been largely increased due to increased growth of human population, income and urbanization in Bangladesh. Research on cattle production and management especially cattle breeding, feeds and fodders, milk production and products have contributed to increase potential production and genetic gains of cattle. A comprehensive review on the published inland research reports on cattle production, management and dairy products are lacking in literature which is required for further research for the cattle development and production. Objectives: An attempt to review on the published inland research reports on the advances in science and technology on cattle production, management and dairy products in Bangladesh Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review of research articles on cattle production, management and dairy products published between 1962 and 2020 from Bangladesh has been reviewed. A total of 1185 research articles on cattle production, management and dairy products supported with some international related articles have been reviewed and analyzed. Results: Research data on cattle production, management and dairy products are compiled from 1185 different research reports supported with some international reports. This review covers the status of cattle breeds and varieties with tabulated summary of 21 reports on draught cattle, 83 on fodder production, 97 on nutrition, feeds and feeding, 88 on trials of different feed formulations in non-dairy cattle and 68 on dairy cattle, 5 on the effects of heat stress on health and production, 39 on fattening of cattle, 27 on genetics and breeding, 75 on semen and AI, 20 on factors associated with conception rate (CR), 8 on oocyte and embryo collection, 9 on genotypes of dairy cows, 7 on management of smallholder dairy farms, 48 on milk production status of dairy cattle, 32 on economics of rearing cattle, 99 on productive and reproductive performances of cattle, 7 on estrus and pregnancy diagnosis, 7 problems of dairy farmers, 23 on preservative and adulteration of milk, 20 on constituents and methods of sweet preparation, 11 on cheese preparation, 9 on ice-cream, 56 on yoghurt, 4 on beef cattle production, 34 on birth weight, and 15 on calf rearing including calf milk replacer and calf starter. Conclusions: Data based reports are important for priority setting and targeting with mandate for cattle development and increase production. Currently, one of the biggest gaps in the inland datasets on cattle research and this review addresses this gap by bringing together in a review and highlighting some of the major findings. Cross-breeding remains an attractive option for cattle improvement because of the quick results that can be obtained by its use and the potential benefits it has farmers. This review would serve as an archive of research reports on cattle production, management and dairy products for the concerned academicians, research scientists, organizations and government for future planning for education, research and extension on cattle production. Keywords: Systematic review, Six decades, Cattle, Management, Production, Dairy products, Bangladesh

HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE IN CROSS-BRED HEIFERS IMMUNIZED WITH BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN RB51 VACCINE IN MILITARY DAIRY FARM OF BANGLADESH

Background: Brucellosis is a chronic zoonotic disease with negligible mortality rate that might be the reason not to attract the concerned authority to prevent and eradicate it in low income endemic countries. Recently, it has been recognized as a re-emerging zoonotic disease not only in low income countries but also its eradicated developed world. Objective: The main objective was to determine the humoral immune response (HIR) in crossbred dairy heifers immunized with Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine by using indirect ELISA Materials and Methods: Each of the 20 randomly selected B. abortus sero-negative crossbred (Holstein-Friesian  Local) dairy heifers aged between 4 to 8 months old at the Military Dairy Farm received 2.0 ml imported commercial B. abortus SRB51 strain vaccine subcutaneously in the neck region at day 0 and then booster dose at 60 days after first vaccination with similar dose and route during the period from June to October 2020. Each of the collected serum samples of 20 heifers at day 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90, 120 and 150 was tested to detect the antibody status by using commercial indirect ELISA kit. Results: The humoral immune response (HIR) in terms of antibody levels detected by OD values in the serum of immunized cross-bred dairy heifers by using B. abortus strain RB51 commercial vaccine resulted 0.097  0.0032 (mean  SE) OD value at 0 day (i.e. pre-immunization) and 0.108 ± 0.0032 at 7th day. After that, the OD value started to rise from day 14 (OD value 0.124 ± 0.0032) and reached to a peak level at 60 days (OD value 0.223  0.0032) with the initial vaccination. Booster vaccination inoculated at 60 days resulted peak antibody level in terms of OD value (0.313  0.0032) at the day 90 and then the antibody level started to decline from 120 days (OD value 0.242  0.0032) to 150 days (OD value 0.199 0.0032) in cross-bred dairy heifers. Conclusions: This study suggests that the commercial B. abortus RB51 strain vaccine has induced satisfactory HIR with initial inoculation and significantly higher HIR produced with a booster dose in crossbred heifers by using commercial I-ELISA. The presence of Brucella antibodies have importance on sero-diagnosis whereas the cell mediated immunity (CMI) plays major role in protection against brucellosis which needs further investigation in cross-bred heifers in Bangladesh. Keywords: Brucellosis, SRB51 vaccine, Humoral immune response, I-ELISA, Cross-bred heifers, Bangladesh

HOST FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING GOATS AT CHATTOGRAM CITY CORPORATION AREAS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Mastitis is a multi-factorial and complex contagious disease of animal and public health importance associated with heavy economic loss in dairy industry worldwide. Some inland reports on the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) have been published but reports on clinical mastitis (CM) in lactating goats are very limited in Bangladesh. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of host factors associated with the prevalence of CM in lactating goats of Chattogram City Corporation areas (CCCA). Materials and Methods: This study included 100 selected lactating goats brought for treatment at the two Veterinary medical hospitals which include TVH, CVASU and Upazila Veterinary Hospital, CCCA in Bangladesh during the month of April 2019. The CM was diagnosed in each of the selected lactating goats by visual inspection and physical palpation methods of teat and udder and abnormalities of milk. Results: This study examined clinically 100 lactating goats brought for treatment at the two veterinary hospitals at the CCCA, of which 43.0% affected with CM. Host factors including breeds, age, parity and lactation periods were used to detect their influence on the prevalence of CM in lactating goats. Higher prevalence of CM was recorded in Jamnapari (48.21%) in comparison to crossbred (37.5%) and Black Bengal (33.33%) goats. Higher prevalence of CM was observed in goats aged between 3 and 4 years (53.66%) in comparison to < 2 years (28.57%), 5-6 years (44.44%) and >6 years (50.0%). Influence of parity on the higher prevalence of caprine mastitis was observed during 3 to 4 parities (58.06%), followed by > 6 (28.57%) and < 2 (26.67%) parities. Similarly higher prevalence of CM was recorded in late (60.0%) in comparison to mid (43.90%) and early (33.33%) lactations. Conclusions: An overall 43.00% prevalence of CM recorded in lactating goats at the CCCA where goats are mainly maintained in both semi-intensive and intensive management systems. This study showed some association exists between the host factors and prevalence of CM in lactating goats which suggests the need for prevention of mastitis in goats considering these host factors.

COMPARISON OF HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSES BETWEEN CATTLE AND BUFFALOES IMMUNIZED WITH COMMERCIAL BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN RB51 VACCINE IN BANGLADESH

Background: The effective control and eradication of brucellosis can be achieved by rapid and accurate diagnosis and effective vaccination but both have limitations. Therefore, brucellosis research is currently focused on the improvement of the diagnosis and vaccine induced prophylaxis. Moreover, diagnostic tests and immunization have not been thoroughly studied in buffaloes and even not compared with cattle. Therefore, the comparative evaluation of the immunological responses of Brucella vaccinated cattle and buffaloes would be required for both the diagnosis and vaccine induced efficacy. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to compare the humoral immune response (HIR) between cattle and buffalo cows immunized with B. abortus RB51 vaccine by using indirect ELISA Materials and Methods: Each of the three randomly selected B. abortus sero-negative native cows and three buffaloes received 2.0 ml imported commercial B. abortus SRB51 vaccine subcutaneously in the neck region at day 0 and then booster dose at 60 days after first vaccination with similar dose and route. Each of the collected serum samples of both the cattle and buffaloes was tested to detect the antibody status by using commercial indirect ELISA kit. Results: The results showed that the OD value of the serum of cows and buffalos before inoculation of RB51 B. abortus vaccine was 0.088 ± 0.009 and 0.096  0.011 at 0 week and 0.124 ± 0.018 and 0.111  0.010 at 1st week, near about the negative control OD value (0.106). After that, the OD value started to rise from the 2nd week (OD value (0.144 ± 0.023 and 0.1333  0.007) and reached to a peak level at 90 days (OD value 0.376  0.0080 and 0.316  0.219) and then started to decline from 120 days (OD value 0.2963  0.0416 and 0.2863  0.070) to 180 days (OD value 0.1943 0.073 and 0.176 0.172) in cows and buffalos respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that the RB51 vaccination has induced satisfactory HIR with initial inoculation but significantly higher immune responses with booster immunization which enhancing immunity against both in the cattle and buffaloes. The CMI plays major role in protection against brucellosis needs further investigation in both cattle and buffaloes in Bangladesh. Keywords: Brucellosis, SRB51 vaccine, Humoral immune response (HIR), I-ELISA, Cattle and Buffaloes

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SUBCLINICAL MILK FEVER AND KETOSIS IN LACTATING CROSS-BRED DAIRY COWS WITH THEIR THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Bovine Milk fever (MF/hypocalcaemia) and ketosis (CK/hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia) both in clinical and sub-clinical forms are the most important metabolic diseases caused by metabolic disorders of calcium and carbohydrate respectively that affect mainly high milk yielding dairy cows worldwide. Sub-clinical form may be more costly due to comparatively high prevalence and consequence of high risk of decreased productive and reproductive performances with increased reproductive and other disorders. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical hypocalcaemia (SCHC) and sub-clinical ketosis (SCK) and to investigate important potential risk factors for SCHC and SCK with their therapeutic management in lactating cross-bred dairy cows. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 220 dairy crossbred (HF  L = 190, SH  L = 20 and JS  L = 10) cows maintained in nine dairy farms and one smallholder farm during the period from July to November 2016. The parity (1 to 8), lactation stages (1 to 13 weeks), body condition score (BCS), breed (3 crossbreds), age (3.5 to 14 years) and milk yield (liter/day) were evaluated as possible risk factors. The serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and glucose concentrations of the 220 dairy cows were determined by using imported commercial kits. Dairy cows with serum calcium concentrations  8.0 mg/dl and serum glucose  44.0 mg / dl with positive ketone tests but not showing any clinical signs were considered SCHC and SCK respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of SCHC was 30.0%, of which 32.11% were recorded in HF  L, 15.0% in SH  L and 20.0% in JS  L cross-bred cows. The overall prevalence of SCK was 25.0%, of which 27.37% in HF  L, 10.0% in SH  L and 10.0% in JS  L cross-bred cows. The SCHC was recorded 10 times greater than MF and SCK 6 times greater than CK in Bangladesh. The hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia with hypermagnesemia status were recorded in SCHC affected lactating cows which were more significantly (p < 0.05) higher (46.67%) at 4th parity and lower (16.67%) at 1st parity. The significantly (p < 0.01) higher prevalence of SCK was recorded at the 4th (53.33%) in comparison to other parity especially lowest at 1st (2.78%) and 2nd (4.0%) parity. The significantly (p < 0.1) highest prevalence of SCHC and SCK were recorded at high milk yield during the 1st (94.44%; 77.78%) and 2nd (66.67%; 56.67%) weeks of lactation period than the higher lactation stages respectively. The effects of BCS on the milk yield and the prevalence of SCHC and SCK are presented and discussed. Encouraging results with increased blood calcium and glucose levels were obtained on the therapeutic response of SCHC with oral calcium and SCK with oral propylene glycol. Conclusions: The SCHC and SCK have detrimental effects on cow health, productivity and reproduction and also predisposes to other diseases and disorders. The efficient balanced ration, periodic screening blood, milk and urine for determination of concerned biochemical constituents and ketone bodies considering risk factors could help to early detection of SCHC and SCK to limit their effects in dairy cattle. The high prevalence of SCHC and SCK recorded in this study should be viewed as a potential health risk to the transition cows that requires further research. Keywords: Sub-clinical milk fever, Sub-clinical ketosis, crossbred cows, prevalence, risk factors, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, glucose, ketone bodies, therapeutic management, Bangladesh

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH FINDINGS ON BUFFALO HEALTH AND PRODUCTION PUBLISHED DURING THE LAST SIX DECADES IN BANGLADESH

Background: A large number of indiscriminate research reports on buffaloes have been published from Bangladesh but a systematic review based on these findings is lacking in literature. This review was conducted to analyze and summarize all the available inland research reports on buffaloes to identify gaps and to provide recommendations that would be required for future academic and research plan for buffalo development. Objective: The purpose of this review was to assess and provide the research progress on buffaloes to maximize the direction and benefits for the future academicians, research scientists, producers and consumers. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive scientific literature search on all the aspects of buffaloes published in peer-reviewed journals from Bangladesh was reviewed during two years periods of 2018 to 2019. Results: Bangladesh has only 1.485 million indigenous buffaloes distributed throughout the country with higher concentration (40%) in coastal districts and some buffalo pockets. A limited number of imported Nili-Ravi and Murrah buffaloes and their crosses are reared in some farms and smallholder farmers in Bangladesh. Buffalo has been ‘undervalued’ and not addressed properly for development in Bangladesh. Most of the indigenous buffaloes are reared with very minimum housing facilities and limited feed supply. Some farmers are usually supplied local grass (4.98 ± 2.89 kg/DM/day) and rice straw (10.90 ± 2.85 kg DM/day) with one or two concentrate feed (1.51 ± 0.80 kg/DM/day) in their lactating buffaloes. Natural breeding (95.7%) is more prominent practice than AI (4.3%). The buffalo breeders and farmers are facing challenges in terms of poor reproductive efficiency, sub-optimal production potential, lack of feed and fodders, infertility and high calf mortality. However, a total of 236 research reports have been reviewed on buffaloes, which 126 on production and 110 on health aspects. The research on productive and reproductive performances, live weight and meat production, feeds and feeding, balanced rations for calves and lactating cows have been reviewed and described. The buffalo health research includes on anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, pathology and clinical sciences with emphasis to toxoascariasis, mastitis, rotavirus and calf mortality have been described and discussed. Conclusions: The demand of draught animals at rural level decreased due to mechanization whereas the demand of animal sources protein (milk & meat) increased tremendously due to urbanization. Therefore, there is a great scope for dairy buffalo production side by side cattle dairy industry in Bangladesh. The indigenous buffaloes with poor reproductive and productive performances need to be improved through upgrading the genetic improvement by AI with Nili-Ravi and Murrah buffalo semen and adequate provision of feed and fodder with balanced ration, better management practices, adequate veterinary medical services with appropriate extension are required for dairy buffalo production in Bangladesh. An attempt at government level and concerned scientists would be required to solve the seven recognized constraints related to buffalo production and health to promote the livelihood of smallholder farmer’s via-a-vis national economy of Bangladesh. Keywords: Buffalo health and production, Last six decades, Research findings, Systematic review, Bangladesh