EFFECT OF MASTITIS ON MILK PRODUCTION IN DAIRY COWS IN KENYA

Purpose: Mastitis is an inflammatory disease condition of udder affecting milk production negatively and having a serious impact on the economy of dairy enterprises. It is considered to be the most costly disease of dairy animals and losses mainly occur through discarded milk, reduction in milk yield, premature culling of animals and replacements. It is usually caused due to the effects of infection by bacterial or mycotic pathogens. Pathological changes to milk-secreting epithelial cells due to the inflammatory processes often bring about a decrease in functional capacity. The general objective of the study is establish the effect of mastitis on milk production in dairy cows in Kenya Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: The study found out that mastitis significantly affect milk production and leads to losses due to discarded abnormal milk and withheld milk from cows treated with antibiotic. There is also lack of information on the economic impact of the disease in the majority of developing countries; lack of awareness among farmers concerning sub-clinical mastitis and the importance of udder health; and lack of specific national programmes to control mastitis in the majority of countries. Recommendations: The study recommends that government should create awareness, management and control measures to be developed for education at farmers’ level as udder health, hygiene and nutrition play an important role in the control of mastitis. The best practices for reducing the incidence of mastitis like teat dip after milking; not allowing the cows to sit for 30 minutes after milking should be propagated widely among the farming community through mass media. The government should provide provision adequate funds and infrastructure required to undertake research in this direction.

THE ROLE OF CANINE SURGICAL STERILIZATION AND OTHER DOG POPULATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO COMPLEMENT RABIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMS

Purpose: To assess the role of canine surgical sterilization and other dog population management strategies to complement rabies prevention and control programs. Findings: Rabies is highly fatal viral anthropozoonotic disease which is caused by virus of the genus Lyssavirus and transmitted from rabid animals to humans by bite or scratch from rabid animals. Rabies is preventable and controllable disease through integration of one or more animal population control and vaccination methods. However, the primary focus of a rabies control program in dogs is vaccination by implementation of mass dog vaccination aiming for 70% vaccination in order to promote and maintain levels of protection above thresh hold between campaigns which consequently reduces ongoing transmission. Not only these but also, interlinking of one or more of other DPM tools such as prevention and control of reproduction, acceptable euthanisation, surgical sterilization, education and legislation of responsible dog ownership can create effective DPM programs. In developing country the integration of animal birth control and vaccination is not at grass root level so well coordination of veterinarians, human health professionals and other stake holders are vital.

REVIEW ON SURGICAL AFFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND THORACIC CAVITY IN DOGS

Purpose: Review on surgical affections of respiratory system and thoracic cavity in dogs Findings: There are many surgical conditions which are conducted on respiratory system and thoracic cavity in dogs. Among these, Brachycephalic dog syndrome, tracheotomy, tracheostomy, tracheal anastomosis, thoracotomy, thoracocentesis, and preicardioectomy. Before conducting any surgical condition, the nature and extent of the respiratory tract should be examined including historical information, suggestive signs of respiratory tract abnormalities, intended use of the animal, prognosis, complication, availability of the equipments, over all preoperative assessment and economic feasibility should be considered. In addition, the physical examination should include evaluation of regional symmetry of the head, neck, and thorax; evaluation of nasal airflow and patency; palpation of the nasal septum, larynx, and trachea; examination for surgical scars auscultation and percussion. Following thorough and systematic examination of the animals at rest, during and following motion may be warranted. Special examination techniques, including endoscopy, stress evaluation, and radiography, may be indicated. Unique Contributions to Theory Practice and Policy: Even though there are many physiological derangements due to surgical intervention in respiratory system and thoracic cavity in dogs, it may be healed through primary and secondary intention of healing under aseptic surgical condition. There are also many post operative cares for animals’ undergone surgical activity on respective and specific organs.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF THREE DIFFERENT ENERGY SOURCES ON HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBITS

Purpose: This study examined the effect of three different energy sources on hematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits. Methodology: Eighteen seven-weeks old rabbits where randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C), each consisting of six rabbits. Group A, B and C were given maize, sorghum and millet respectively as their sources of energy and were fed for a period of five weeks before sample collection and analysis. Results: The results showed, that there was no significant different (P>0.05) in the hematology and serum biochemistry. Nevertheless, the red blood cells in all the treatment fell below the normal range. It was observed that the alkaline phosphatase of all the experimental rabbits were above the normal range. This study suggests that our test materials were not toxic to the muscle, kidney and liver of rabbits at 52.21% inclusion level. Unique Contributions to Theory Practice and Policy: This implies that sorghum or millet can completely replace maize in rabbit diet with no adverse effect on the hematology and serum biochemistry parameters of rabbits.