African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production

African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production ISSN 2375-1258 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of dietary vitamin E on daily intake, serum testosterone and epididymal sperm quality in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to heat stress

D.  T. Yates¹*, A. F. Montoya², L. J. Yates¹, C. A. Warner¹, A. R. Otis ¹, L. M. Lankford¹, R. A. Halalsheh¹, D. M. Hallford¹ and T. T. Ross¹

¹Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Box 20003, MSC 3-I, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-0003.

²Small Animal Care Facility, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-0003.

Accepted 18 December, 2018

Abstract

This study examined the effects of vitamin E on daily intake, serum testosterone levels, and epididymal sperm quality in heat stressed male rats. Rats were heat stressed (HS; 35°C) or housed at room temperature (control; 24°C) for 20 days and offered one of the following dietary vitamin E concentrations: 42 (low), 242 (med- low), 2,042 (med-high), or 20,042 (high) IU/kg diet. On day 21, rats were euthanized. In rats offered a low vitamin E diet, serum testosterone was greater (P = 0.002) in controls than in HS rats on the same diet. However, serum testosterone did not differ (P > 0.201) between controls and HS rats offered other dietary vitamin E levels. Epididymal sperm motility was reduced (P = 0.002) in HS rats compared to controls independent of vitamin E level, while sperm cell concentration was reduced (P = 0.010) in HS rats offered med-high dietary vitamin E compared to controls of the same diet. Sperm cell morphology did not differ between HS and control rats (P = 0.183). No sperm trait mentioned above was affected by dietary vitamin E level (P > 0.170). Testicular weight (P = 0.005) was reduced in HS rats, but not affected (P > 0.190) by vitamin E. Data indicate testicular mass loss and mild adverse effects on some components of male fertility due to heat stress However, these effects were inconsistent and were not relieved by increased dietary vitamin E concentration. Interestingly, no organ lesions were observed in rats consuming extreme amounts of vitamin E and vitamin E concentration did not influence intake or weight gain.

Key words: Epididymal sperm collection, heat stress, sperm quality, vitamin E.

African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production ISSN 2375-1258 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2019.  © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Abattoir survey on the prevalence and monitory loss associated with Fasciolosis in sheep and goats

Dawit Kifle and Adem Hiko*

Department of Veterinary Epidemiology, Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, P. O. Box 289-Haramaya University, Ethiopia.

Accepted 06 July, 2018

Abstract

Study was conducted to assess the prevalence and economic loss associated to Fasciolosis in small ruminants slaughtered at Modjo Modern Export Abattoir (MMEA) Modjo in East Shawa, Oromia regional State, central Ethiopia. A total of 1000 animals (500 sheep and 500 goats; 250 animals each from 4 origins) were examined for the presence of Fasciola sp. Species, age and origin of animals was taken in to consideration. Liver incision, observation and species identification on the basis of size and morphology of adult worm were applied. An overall prevalence of 3.2% was registered. The prevalence was 5.6 and 0.8% sheep and goats, respectively. It was 1.25% in young and 4.5% in adult by age groups. The prevalence of 7.6, 0.8, 2.4 and 2.0% was observed in animals from Arsi, Borana, Jinka and Yabello in respective origin. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in occurrences of Fasciola between animals species and age as well as among origin of the animals. The prevalence of 1.9% Fasciola hepatica and 1.6% Fasciola gigantica was identified from positive cases. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in prevalence of F. hepatia in animal species, age and origin. Although insignificance difference (P>0.05) in F. gigantica among animal origin, significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between animal species and age groups. The current study also shows annual monitory loss of $3784.52 from liver condemnation as result of fasciolosis and other associated pathological and parasitological conditions. Therefore further studies on the epidemiology, seasonal dynamic of the disease, the snail intermediate host and impacts of the disease in animal production with implementations of fruitful intervention strategies in the animal origin areas necessary.

Key words: Fasciolosis, prevalence, goat, sheep, abattoir.

Key words: Goat, sheep, peri-parturient rise, semiarid.

African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production ISSN 2375-1258 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

 Buffalo population (Bubalus bubalis) characteristics in Kosovo

Bytyqi Hysen*, Muji Skender, Jahja Ardita and Aliu Sali

Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo.

Accepted 21 November, 2018

Abstract

Buffalo population in Kosovo belongs mainly to Mediterranean type, which is spread in many countries of the Balkan Peninsula. The basic aim of this study was to characterize the buffalo population in Kosovo and focus on their breeding characteristics. In the past (up to years 80th), this specie played significant role in the Kosovo rural families, mainly used for its products (milk and meat) and work. In the last decade, the number of buffaloes has dropped rapidly for about 20 times less. Now, it is considered that population size is > 400 heads, in total. Buffaloes in Kosovo are characterized by black color, long and rare hair, curved horns, the average ear, shining eyes, and developed udder. The live body weight varies from 500 to 700 kg per mature animal. For the period of about 240 days of lactation, produce approximately 950 kg milk. Females enter in the first lactation after 30 months of age. Under rather extensive environment compared to some countries in Europe, milk production was lower in Kosovo for approximately 66.8%. The fertility traits to a large extent were poorer comparing them on indicators to achieving a 15 month calving interval, as ideal scenario in dairy buffalo breeding. However, there is an indication that this animal was less sensitive to an extensive environment and balanced ratio and a better management may have significantly improved overall traits. Design of the conservation program for this animal and study of the components of their products for their economic effects, and their importance in relation to genetic biodiversity require immediate attention of all stake holders in Kosovo.

Key words: Buffalo, population, identification, breeding, genetic biodiversity.

African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production ISSN 2375-1258 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Zoonotic helminth parasites in faecal samples of household dogs in Jimma Town, Ethiopia

Hailu Degefu*, Abyot Tefera and Moti Yohannes

School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia.

Accepted 13 September, 2018

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted in Jimma town from October 2009 to April 2010 to determine the occurrence and prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth parasites in household dogs. For the purpose, faecal samples from 334 dogs were collected and examined using faecal floatation and Mac-master egg counting parasitological tools. Among the animals examined, helminth parasite infection was detected in 215 (64.4%) dogs, and the species of helminth parasites found with their relative frequencies were: Ancylostoma caninum (58.8%), Toxocara canis (25.8%), Dipylidium caninum (25.8%), Taenia spp. (18.3%), Toxocara leonina (16.8%) and Trichuris vulpis (0.6%). There was a significant difference in the overall prevalence between adult and young animals (P < 0.05). The species specific prevalences similarly showed a significant variation between the two age groups, being high in young dogs. Both the overall and parasite specific prevalences were statistically insignificant between genders. The overall and parasites specific prevalence showed a decreasing trend as the host age increases. The overall mean faecal egg counts for T. canis, T. leonina, A. caninum and D. caninum were: 657.5 ± 76.4, 674.5 ± 96.2, 3368.2 ± 258.3 and 622.1 ± 51.8, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence and intensity of gasterointestinal parasites were high; all of the parasites identified were potential public health risks. It implies the necessity of providing education to the public about the potential health risks associated with owning pet animals and how to prevent and minimizing the risk of acquiring helminth zoonotic parasites from dogs.

Key words: Zoonotic, helminth parasites, dog, faeces, Ethiopia.

African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production ISSN 2375-1258 Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2019.  International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Factors influencing the sero-prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense sleeping sickness in Juba District, Central Equatoria State, Southern Sudan

Yassir Osman Mohammed¹, Khitma Hassan ElMalik², Mohammed Musa Mohammed-Ahmed³ and Intisar Elrayah^4*

¹Department of Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Control, Centeral Veterinary Research Laboratries (CVRL), Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Sudan.

²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan.

³Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan.

⁴Tropical Medicine Research Institute (TMRI), Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Sudan.

Accepted 19 May, 2018

Abstract

A surveillance of the Gambian type of Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT) conducted in Juba area using the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomosis (CATT) showed that 257 (11.1%) out of 2322 individuals were sero-positive. The sero-positive rate in the pooled adults was higher but not significanty different from that of the pooled children. The adult females sero- prevalence rate was significantly higher than those of adult males, male or female children. There were no significant differences in the sero-prevalence rates between adult men and male or female children. The internally-displaced group and the military personnel showed statistically higher sero-positive rates than the resident groups regardless of the presence or absence of the only extant tsetse species, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes. The proportions of sero-positives differed significantly between locations in the study area. The respondents examined along the riverine vegetation had a statistically higher encounter with the disease than those in the derived savanna and the open savanna woodland. There was no significant correlation between the density of G. fuscipes fuscipes and the incidence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.

Key words: CATT, sero-prevalence, sleeping sickness, HAT, Gambian type.