Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances - Current Issue

Inhibin: A Role for Fecundity Augmentation in Farm Animals

26 May, 2012

Inhibin is a non-steroidal glycoprotein hormone of gonadal origin with major action as negative feedback control of the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) by anterior pituitary gland which in turn modulates male and female reproductive functions. Its physiological role has led to the development of inhibin based immunogens for fertility enhancement in farm animals. It is envisaged that a reduction of endogenous inhibin secretion would increase FSH concentrations and thus offers a potential for increasing the number of ovulatory follicles in the ovary. Immunization against inhibin has been reported to be a useful method for inducing multiple ovulations in farm animals. Inhibins play important roles in the regulation of fertility based on their dual inhibitory action on the process of folliculogenesis in the ovary and FSH secretion by the pituitary. Inhibins are also recognized as paracrine ovarian and testicular regulators and have multiple paracrine effects in the utero-placental unit, representing a promising marker for male and female infertility, gynecological and gestational diseases.

Immunohistochemical Studies on Duodenum of One Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

26 May, 2012

The objective of this study was to study in detail about the endocrine cells of the camel duodenum. The duodenum is not only an important part of the gastrointestinal tract, but also works as endocrine portion by secreting some hormones that play key roles in the regulation of certain organs. Specimens from eleven dromedarian camels (Camelus dromedarius) of both sexes with age ranging from 2-12 years were examined. The immunohistochemistry was performed using five types of hormones. Gastrin showed high immunoreactivity at the endocrine of tunica mucosa and duodenal glands. Somatostatin showed very high immunoreactivity at endocrine of tunica mucosa and duodenal gland. The performance of insulin, which was done for the first time on the duodenum of camel, showed low immunoreactivity at endocrine cells of tunica mucosa and duodenal glands. Serotonin showed high immunoreactivity at the enteroendocrine cells of the tunica mucosa and few cells that produced serotonin at duodenal glands. Glucagon showed moderate to low immunoreactivity at the endocrine of tunica mucosa and duodenal glands. In conclusion, the study results found that the duodenum of the camel has distinctive characters immunohistochemically. Therefore, further physiological and experimental studies are required.

The Polymorphisms of Goat THRSP Gene Associated with Ecological Factors in Chinese Indigenous Goat Breeds with Different Lipogenesis Ability

26 May, 2012

THRSP gene has been regarded as a candidate gene for lipogenesis in domestic animals. To understand the association of THRSP gene with habitats and fatty deposits in goat breeds, the polymorphisms of goat THRSP gene, the fat content of goat carcass and their association with the ecological factors were investigated. The Chinese indigenous goat breeds selected were Guishan, Yunling, Chuandong, Banjiao, Xiangdong, Matou and Anhui white goat. The polymorphisms in the 5’ regulatory region and exon 1 of THRSP gene were analyzed using PCR-RFLP. The longissimus Muscle Fat Grade (MFG) and Carcass Fat Grade (CFG) of all goat breeds were estimated. The observed data of ecological factors were provided by the meteorological observatory in the goat habitats which included Average Daily Rainfall (ADR), Elevation (E), average Daily Sunshine Duration (DSD), Latitude (LAT) and longitude. E/LAT, ADRxDSD and SCxEC were regarded as Space Coefficient (SC), Energy Coefficient (EC) and Ecological Index (EI), respectively. The results showed that three mutational sites, C-233T, G113A and A138G, were detected. Nine genotypes in all goat breeds were only found, of which the frequencies of TCAAGG, TTGAAG and TTAAGG genotype were lower than 0.05. The EC significantly related to CAG haplotype frequency (0.8859, p<0.01) and the associations of EI with TGA haplotype frequency was significant (-0.8377, p<0.025). In the four haplotype frequencies, the relationship between CAG haplotype frequency and MFG was significant (-0.8633, p<0.025). The results suggest that the polymorphism of goat THRSP gene may be associated with the ecological factors and affect the goat lipogenesis ability.

Hypolipidaemic Effect of Processed Sulfur, Allium tuberosum Rottl. and Fermented Allium tuberosum Rottl. in Rat

26 May, 2012

This study was performed to determine the hypolipidaemic effects of Allium tuberosum Rottl. (ATR), fermented Allium tuberosum Rottl. (FATR) and processed sulfur. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (i) CON (control, normal diet); (ii) HFD (high fat diet); (iii) HS (HFD+processed sulfur); (iv) AS (HFD+ATR+processed sulfur) and (v) FAS (HFD+FATR+ processed sulfur). Animals were fed the diets for six weeks. Body weights of the animals were recorded in the beginning and end of experiment. The animals were sacrificed, organ and tissue weights recorded and blood and liver samples were analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Body weight gain in the AS group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the other groups. Spleen and kidney weights in FAS group were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the other groups. The weight of epididymal adipose tissue in AS group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of HFD group. The weight of retroperitoneal fat in HFD groups was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other groups. The concentration of aspartate amino transferase (AST) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in HFD group compared to HS, AS and FAS groups. Total liver lipid contents in the HFD group was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the other groups. AS and FAS group rats had significantly (p<0.05) lower triglyceride and total cholesterol compared to HFD group. All together, these results suggest that FATR and processed sulfur may play an important role in reducing body fat deposition and altering the serum and liver lipid profile in rats.

Isolation and Identification of Swainsonine from Oxytropis glabra and its Pathological Lesions to SD Rats

26 May, 2012

Locoweeds cause significant livestock poisoning and economic loss all over the world. The principal compound responsible for its toxicity is the indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine, a new potential anticancer and antiviral drug. O. glabra is a locoweed found mainly distributed throughout the inner Mongolia region of China and presents a serious hazard to the local livestock industry. The purpose of this study was to analyze the main toxic products of O. glabra first by TLC and GC-MS methods and then to evaluate its alkaloids’ toxicity in vivo. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group in which the rats received 0 and 800 mg kg^-1 (swainsonine content 88.64 mg) body weight day^-1 of crude alkaloid extract by intragastric administration for 65 days. Results showed that a white needle crystal was isolated and purified through systematic extraction of the alkaloid by a silica gel column and gradient sublimation from O. glabra; it was identified to be swainsonine (SW) according to physicochemical properties and spectral data analyses. Pathological lesions were revealed in the brain, heart, liver and kidney of alkaloid-treated rats. We also observed diffuse vacuolation of neurons, epithelial cells of renal tubules by electron microscope. These histopathological changes demonstrated that the main toxic ingredient of O. glabra is swainsonine.

Effect of Asiaticoside Rich Extract from Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. on Physical Fatigue Induced by Weight-loaded Forced Swim Test

26 May, 2012

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism responsible for ameliorating effect of asiaticoside rich Centella asiatica leaf extract (CAE) on fatigue. CAE at 10 mg kg^-1 b.wt. was administered orally to rats for 2 weeks and subjected to weight-loaded forced swim test (WFST) every alternative day for a period of three weeks to evaluate physical fatigue. CAE administrated rats prolonged the swimming time for exhaustion almost two fold compared to the control. Moreover, WFST also reduced the levels of glycogen content in muscle and liver tissues and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver and brain tissues. These effects were reverted back with the administration of CAE and therefore it is concluded that C. asiatica extract ameliorates the various impairments associated with physical fatigue in enhancing the physical endurance capacity.

Protozoan and Myxozoan Infections in Some Fishes of Parishan Lake

26 May, 2012

In parasitological investigations on some fishes of Parishan Lake in 2008, totally 76 numbers of fish from 6 species were examined. They were as follows: Cyprinus carpio, Barbus luteus, Barbus grypus, Carassius carassius, Liza abu and Mastacembelus mastacembelus. The fishes were collected seasonally and were transported alive to the aquatic laboratory in Islamic Azad University of Kazerun. According to the results, there were eight different parasites collected; five species of Myxozoa including: Myxobolus karuni, Myxobolus persicus, Myxobolus mulleri, Myxobolus bramae, Myxidium pfeiffer and three species of protozoa including: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina nigra, Trichodina puytoraci. During this study, Barbus grypus is introduced as new host for Myxobolus bramae and also Barbus luteus for Myxobolus mulleri, Myxidium pfeiffer and Trichodina nigra; The Trichodinads were recorded for the first time from Iranian freshwater fishes. No parasites were seen from examined Mastacembelus mastacembelus.

Food Quality and Safety of Mediterranean Sea Cucumbers Holothuria tubulosa and Holothuria polii in Southern Adriatic Sea

26 May, 2012

The aim of this paper was to determine the food quality and safety of two Mediterranean sea cucumbers species, Holothuria tubulosa (HT) and Holothuria polii (HP) collected in the Italian Southern Adriatic Sea. Three hundred samples were collected in the spring of the 2008 and some of them were analyzed for their proximate composition, fatty acid composition, amino acid composition and heavy metals content. Proximate composition was similar in both species: HT: dry matter 16.19%; crude protein 44.58%; ash 46.43 %; HP: dry matter 22.03%; crude protein 36.99%; ash 48.22%. Lipid content resulted very low in both species and an interesting content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found. Among PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and eicosatrienoic acid were present in high percentages in both species. Considering the total amino acids composition, glutamic acid, glycine and aspartic acid were the most abundant amino acids. In terms of food safety, the heavy metals concentrations in the analyzed species were under the limits for the Italian legislation. These results confirmed that the HT and HP could be considered as a suitable seafood for human consumption.

Determination of the Closure Time of Growth Plates of Tibia-Fibula in Colored Mohair Goats Kids by Radiography

26 May, 2012

In the present study, closure times of growth plates of tibia-fibula in mohair coloured goat kids were aimed to determine by radiography. For this purpose, a total of 20 mohair coloured goat kids (10 male, 10 female) were used. Body weights of the kids, sacrum height determined and tibia-fibula radiographies were taken monthly for 17 months. The first signs of the closure in the growth plates were the opaque areas developed in the middle radiolucent growth line up to across region through epiphysis. Full closure times were changed between 2 to 5 months in male and female goads. Full closure in the proximal plates occurred 14 month in females and 15 month in males. On the other hand, full closure in the distal plates occurred 16 month in females and 17 month in males. Therefore, distal growth plates closure of the tibia-fibula occurred latter compared proximal plates.

Relations Between GDF9, Zar1, Mater and DNMT1 Gene Relative mRNA Abundance and Oocytes Quality of Ovine Oocytes

26 May, 2012

Oocyte quality directly affects production efficiency of modern assisted reproductive technologies such as the in vitro maturation, fertilization, cultivation of cattle oocytes and sperm injection, embryo transfer and animal cloning. Thus, maternal genes (GDF9, Zar1, Mater and DNMT1) are selected to analyze the relationship between mRNA expressions of these genes and quality of ovine oocyte. This study collects ovine oocytes at GV stage and 12-30 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) respectively, as well as ovine oocytes with the first polar body emitted and not emitted. With the application of quantitative RT-PCR technique, mRNA expression levels of GDF9, Zar1, Mater and DNMT1 of oocytes in the above test groups are tested. It is found that: mRNA relative expression levels of GDF9, Zar1 and Mater at GV stage are the highest (p<0.05), while expression of DNMT1 reaches the highest level at 12 h (p<0.05). With the maturity of oocytes, all gene expression levels gradually decline significantly between 18 and 24 h (p<0.05), while the expression levels of four genes present an upward trend at 30 h (p<0.05). Expression of 4 genes in non-polar body oocytes are all higher than those in polar body oocytes (p<0.05). In the natural bare oocytes, expression of each gene is lower than cumulus-oocytes complex. Thus, the test indicates that GDF9, Zar1, Mater and DNMT1 can be the molecular indicators to determine the quality of ovine oocytes.

Comparison of the Erythrocyte Sizes of Carassius gibelio and Carassius carassius Species Living Together in Akgöl (Adapazari/Turkey)

26 May, 2012

Carassius carassius is one of the fresh water fish species living in Turkey under a natural dissemination. The habitat of this species which is in LC category in the UICN list has recently decreased in parallel with destruction of the ecological conditions of the wetland areas. C. gibelio is an alien species for Turkey and the Northern Europe. It is an invader species disseminated in all over the Europe and Turkey by means of its high tolerance ability against the ecological conditions and with the help of a successful reproduction strategy (gynogenetic). One of the natural habitats of C. carassius is Akgöl in the city of Adapazari. However, an invader species, C. gibelio has also been adapted to the same environment, wherein these two species with close characteristics live together in Akgöl. Blood samples were received from the 4 C. gibelio and 3 C. carassius specimens using the Laparatomy method wherein 4 blood smear preparations were prepared from each individual. Among the preparations dyed using Gimse method, the photographs of almost 100 erythrocyte cells were taken and computerized. Using the images obtained from the computer, the width and length of the erythrocyte and erythrocyte nucleus were measured by the Spot advanced program which enabled the calculation of the erythrocyte areas, erythrocyte volumes and the area and volumes of the erythrocyte nucleus. The both species with equal chromosome numbers, the erythrocyte and erythrocyte nucleus areas and volumes of C. gibelio were found to be larger than C. carassius. Particularly the size difference in terms of erythrocyte nucleus area indicates that C. gibelio can display a higher power of adaptation by means of the selective gene implication against the ecologically hard conditions.

Comparative Anatomical Study of the Epidural Retia Mirabile in the Yak and Cattle

26 May, 2012

The epidural retia mirabile is an arterial network formed by many of anastomotic branches from adjacent arteries for supplying blood to the brain in artiodactyla and plays a vital role in regulating cerebral blood flow. The purpose of this work was to compare anatomical differences of the epidural retia mirabile between the yak and cattle and to analyse their blood supply characteristics and provide a morphological basis for further research on the plateau adaptability of the yak. The vascular casts of the epidural retia mirabile were yielded on head specimens of 12 yaks (obtained from Qinghai China) and 10 cattle (obtained in Gansu China) by the corrosion casting technique. Their morphological features and arterial diameters were compared and analyzed using the methods of comparative anatomy. The general arrangements of the epidural retia mirabile in the yak were similar to that seen in cattle and mainly composed of the anterior portion, posterior portion, basi-occipital arterial plexus and anterior V-shaped extension. Middle width of the anterior epidural retia mirabile was more extensive and the posterior joint section was more developed and there were more abundant anterior anastomotic branches and communicating rami in the epidural retia mirabile of the yak. Moreover, the distribution ratios of blood flow from the maxillary artery entering the anterior epidural retia mirabile were 33.12% and 30.42% in the yak and in cattle, respectively. Our results indicated that the yak has more developed epidural retia mirabile. Its anatomical peculiarity perhaps is an adaptive characteristic of supplying blood system to the brain and which would help to buffer and regulate cerebral blood flow better so as to meet the cerebral oxygen demand of the yak in plateau areas.

High Prevalence of Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria in Selected Poultry Farms in Selangor, Malaysia

26 May, 2012

Prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria in apparently healthy chickens from 3 selected poultry farms in Selangor area of Malaysia was investigated. Conventional isolation techniques such as growth on selective media, gram staining and biochemical tests were utilised for the identification of the different bacterial isolates. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was monitored with the disc diffusion assay against 12 antimicrobial agents. A total of 96 Staphylococcus aureus, 48 E. coli, 7 Pasteurella sp. and 6 Salmonella sp. were isolated. All E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were multidrug resistant while 77.2% of Staphylococcus aureus and 71.5% of Pasteurella sp. isolates were multidrug resistant. The study further revealed highest resistance to tetracycline while cephalothin as the best drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by the isolates in the study area. Since not only chickens are at risk, this study recommends urgent intervention by regulatory agencies to limit the emergence and spread of these bacteria as well as prudent use of antibacterial agents among farmers in Malaysia.

Differential Sensitivities of Three Strains of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) to Imipramine as an Antidepressant Drug

26 May, 2012

In developing world, with progression in modernity and industrialization and synthesis of new chemicals and drugs, man, animal and their ecosystem are constantly threatened by wild range of chemical substances. Several of which are known to be mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic. The antidepressant drugs like imipramine and paroxetine are long-term use administered to many patients and they can cause so many complications and side effects. So, the differential sensitivity of three strains of Drosophila melanogaster for imipramine hydrochloride, an antidepressant drug has been tested by larval feeding. Wheat cream agar medium as normal food medium was used for breeding of Drosophila flies. LC₅₀ of imipramine was estimated by the larval feeding method and sub lethal concentrations of imipramine were selected. The effect of drug on viability, rate of development and sex ratio was analyzed. The results revealed that all three concentrations could reduce viability and significantly delay development. Among the three strains, Oregan-K, the wild type was found to be the most resistant. Sex ratio deviation was significant in concentration of 1 and 2 g L^-1 of imipramine in Oregan-K but in two mutant strains the deviation was insignificant.

Effect of Body Condition Score, Live Weight and Age on Reproductive Performance of Afshari Ewes

26 May, 2012

Effect of Body Condition Score (BCS), ewe live weight and age at mating were studied on reproductive performance of Afshari ewes. Total 162 Afshari ewes divided in four BCS Group (2, 2.5, 3 and more than 3.5). Reproductive parameters, such as number of Lambs born per joined ewes, kilograms (kg) lambs born per joined ewes, gestation period and birth weight of lambs were determined. Obtained results from present study showed that, the BCS had a significant effect on lambs born per joined ewes (p<0.05). In BCS = 3 reproductive performance was better and heavier lambs (kg) were born. While the lambing rate in ewes with BCS >3.5 declined. Estrus cycle in ewes with BCS = 3 was normal, while in ewes with BCS 2 and 2.5, estrous cycle duration was shorter and more irregular. Number of lambs born per lambing in ewes with 74 to 80 kg weighing was higher. Effect of BCS and ewes weight on weaning weight was very significant (p<0.001) and followed by ewes weight increases, lambs weaning weight increased. Effect of ewe age on pregnancy period was significant (p<0.05). Ewes with two years old age had lower gestation period and this factor in eight years old ewes was highest. Results revealed, the importance of BCS on lambs born per joined ewes, lambing rates, positive effect of ewe weight on the number of lambs born per lambing and the impact of age on pregnancy period.

Seasonal Variation of Anestrus Conditions in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Southern Nepal

26 May, 2012

The seasonal environmental fluctuation in Southern Nepal is typical with cold and semi-dry to dry winter, rapidly increasing hot and dry spring, very hot and rainy monsoon summer and moderate autumn. July-December and January-June are the active and low breeding months, respectively, for buffaloes. The objective of this study was to show the seasonal variation of anestrus conditions in association with the changes of environment and body condition score (BCS) in buffaloes in Southern Nepal. Round-the-year reproductive data of 226 anestrus buffaloes, of which, 112 with their BCS (poor: <2.5 or good: >2.5), were analyzed. Among the anestrus conditions, the incidence of true anestrus with inactive ovaries was >70% from March to June that peaked (>80%) in April/May and remained ≤50% in August and October-December. During low breeding months, the proportion of anestrus buffaloes with poor BCS was greater (62.9 vs., 37.1%, p<0.01) and with good BCS was lesser (33.8 vs., 66.2%, p<0.01) as compared to the active breeding months. Similarly, >75% of the anestrus buffaloes with poor BCS showed true anestrus round-the-year. A considerable proportion (37.2-46.2%) of buffaloes with good BCS showed silent estrus (luteal phase) round-the-year. A distinct seasonal variation of anestrus conditions was observed in these buffaloes and the effects of hot and dry environment and poor BCS were associated with higher incidence of true anestrus.

Occurrence of Vertical Fissure (Sand Crack) in a Holstein Heifer: A Case Report

26 May, 2012

The aim of the study reported here was to determine the clinical and morphopathological appearance of sever vertical fissure in a Holstein heifer. A 2.5 year old Holstein heifer was presented with lameness and abnormal weight bearing, for clinical evaluation in March 2010. The heifer was 7 months pregnant. The affected claw was more boxy than normal and the abaxial wall was convex in all directions. The solar surface of the affected claw was angled and bruised in zone 4. The lame cows used the heel region for weight bearing in standing and walking time. The heifer showed type 5 sand cracks. Based on the results the following conclusions were reached: (1) drinking water is analyzed for sulfate, iron, and nitrates, periodically, (2) Supplementing the diet of pregnant heifers in problem herds with biotin is recommended and (3) Management conditions such as poor drainage, accumulation of feces and urine on floors and overcrowding should be improved.