DETECTION OF aspHS GENE IN ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS DURING ASPERGILLUS INFECTION IN POULTRY AND HUMAN CONTACT

Asmaa G Mubarak and Hams M A Mohamed

Page No: 1-10

Aspergillosis has a significant health concern for poultry and human, it causes economic losses in poultry flocks and many pulmonary infections in human. So our study was conducted to detect the incidence of Aspergillus species in both chicks and farm workers in private poultry farm in Qena Governorate, Egypt. 29 out of 40 examined laryngeal swaps (72.5%) collected from chicks and 15 out of 40 sputum samples (37.5%) collected from farm workers were positive for Aspergillus species. A.flavus, A.fumigatus and A.niger were detected in 60, 10 and 30% of examined chicks samples, while 12.5, 15 and 30% of examined workers samples were positive for these species respectively, beside A.ochraceus which was isolated at a low percentage (5%). aspHS gene was detected in 75 and 33.3% of A.fumigatus strains isolated from chicks and workers respectively. The sequence of the detected aspHS gene in our isolates was similar to reference strains registered with Gene bank at the percentages of 100% and 99.4%. The zoonotic role of this gene during infection was reinforced after the identity was found between our isolates in the amplified part (isolate No. 2 obtained from chicks and isolate No. 9 obtained from workers).

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GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING FRIESIANN COWS REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE UNDER DRYLAND CONDITIONS

Romaz Mohammed Ahmed Omer, Ikhlas Ahmed Nour Ibrahim, Khaleel Jawasreh and Mohamed-Khair Abdalla Ahmed

Page No: 11-21

Data was obtained from the dairy herd of the Arab Company for Agricultural Production and Processing (ACAPP) in a semi arid area 40 km south of Khartoum. The data used was of the first five lactations in 4784 records of 2998 cows covering the period from 1982 to 1998. Harvey’s computer program (1990) was used for data analysis. The analysis of variance showed that sires had a significant effect on age at first calving, Number of Services Per Conception (NSPC), breeding efficiency, calving interval and open period. Age at first calving was significantly (p<0.01) affected by year seasons of birth. The year-seasons of calving had a highly significant effect (p<0.01) on calving interval, open period and breeding efficiency. The effect of parity number on calving interval and breeding efficiencywassignificant, while it was not significant on open period and NSPC. The least squares means of age at first calving, calving interval, open period, NSPCand breeding efficiency were 28.98±0.35 months, 14.74±0.131 months, 131.7±2.08 days, 2.36±0.21 and 80.797±0.614% respectively. Heritabilites for age at first calving, calving interval, open period, NSPC and breeding efficiency were 0.092±0.021, 0.008±0.005, 0.004±0.005, 0.100±0.017 and 0.057±0.011 respectively. There were negative genetic correlations between breeding efficiency and both of age at first calving (-1.000±0.370) and NSPC (-0.956±0.121). There were also negative genetic correlations between calving interval and both of open period (-0.406±0.541) and NSPC (0.705±0.286). There were positive genetic correlations between breeding efficiency and both of calving interval (0.637±0.3080), and open period (0.706±0.551). Open period and NSPC (0.791±0.550). Reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian under dryland conditions was below what was expected. However, their performance was better than that of local types but not better than estimates reported for crossbreds.

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INFLUENCE OF THE STEVIA INULIN TREATED LEAVES OF MULBERRY, Morusalba (L) ON THE MID GUT ENZYMES IN FIFTH INSTAR LARVAE OF SILKWORM, Bombyxmori (L) (RACE: PM X CSR2)

Apurva Baban Tamhane, Mansi Avinash Adagale, Shubhangi Shankar Pawar and Vitthalrao B Khyade

Page No: 22-30

The inulin is a heterogeneous collection of fructose polymers anda soluble dietary fiber. Four different concentrations of aqueous solution of herbal formulation: Stevia inulin powder (5.0 ppm; 10.0 ppm; 20.0 ppm and 50.0 ppm) were used to treat the leaves of mulberry and fed to the fifth instar larvae of polyvoltine, crossbreed silkworm, Bombyxmori (L) for first three days, second day, third day and third day (only). The larvae fed with untreated and water treated leaves were also maintained. Bioassays of proteins (S.P. and T.P.) and enzymes (protease and amylase) were carried out on fifth day through the use of mid gut homogenate. Treating the mulberry leaves with herbal formulation: Stevia inulin powder and feeding them to fifth instar larvae was found reflected into significant improvement in the levels of proteins (S.P. and T.P.) and velocities of biochemical reactions catalyzed by protease and amylase. The pattern of increase in soluble proteins and total proteins in the mid gut tissue were 32.147 to 90.074% and 5.657 to 39.052% respectively. The activities of mid gut protease and amylase were increased by 21.444 to 83.706% and 14.54 to 52.257% respectively. The nutrient contents of herbal formulation: Stevia inulin powder serve to improve the digestibility and exert the influence on efficient metabolism in the fifth instar larvae of silkworm, Bombyxmori (L). The herbal Stevia inulin powder treatment may gear overall biochemical constituency of silkworm larvae, through mid gut enzymes. Use of herbal Stevia inulin powder to treat mulberry leaves and feeding the fifth instar larvae of silk worm, Bombyxmori (L) may be introduced in the rearing schedule to fortify the digestibility and qualitative silk production.

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RESISTANT STARCH CONTENTS AND THE IN VITRO STARCH, PROTEIN AND MINERAL DIGESTIBILITY OF MILLET AND PULSE BASED PASTA PRODUCTS

Thilagavathi T and Kanchana S

Page No: 31-39

Samples from millet and pulse based pasta products were analyzed for their contents of Resistant Starch (RS), digestible starch and total starch, as well as the in vitro starch digestibility. The RS analysis was based on -amylase and amyloglucosidase hydrolysis followed by colorimetric assay of the glucose released. The results showed that the RS sources were found in the millet and pulse based pasta group (21.21±0.90 to 22.43±0.47%) and control group (21.12±0.71%). Extrusion cooking condition significantly (p<0.05) increased the protein digestibility by 90.64% in control pasta group, and 93.75 to 95.47% in experimental pasta group; whereas, there was a reduction in in vitro starch digestibility by 90.0 to 94.5% in experimental group and 90.0% in control group. The highest concentrations of mineral elements were found in millet and pulse based pasta products. Pasta products analysed were subjected to in vitro enzymatic digestion, simulating the digestive process occurring in the human alimentary tract. The supernatants thus obtained were analyzed for their content of the previously determined mineral components; the percentage of minerals released from the products was calculated.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPELLED FOETAL MEMBRANE FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH INTRAVENOUS BACTERIAL COLLAGENASE ON RFM IN COWS

Mohan P

Page No: 40-48

The collagenase administration through umbilical artery is the effective treatment for Retained Fetal Membrane (RFM) in dairy cows. RFM was treated with collagenase enzyme through jugular vein as it is easy route than previous study of experimenting on umbilical arteries which is very difficult in a delayed case in field conditions in bovines. The study was conducted in bovines with RFM and presented within 12 to 24 hours after parturition to Obstetrics Unit of Madras Veterinary College, Chennai). Data on time of expulsion of foetal membrane, duration of lochial discharge and gross appearances was collected, compared and analyzed.The experimental animals were divided in to four different treatment groups (Gp:n=7; Gp:n=15; Gp:n=15; Gp:n=15). The findings showed that the expelled foetal membrane were bulky and shiny appearance in group I; shreds of foetal membranes with voluminous discharge in group II, remnants of digested foetal membrane with resisted umbilical vessels in group III and dark coloured remnants of digested foetal membrane with resisted umbilical vessels in group IV. The mean time taken for the foetal membrane expulsion was significantly shorter (P<0.01) in group I (6.00 ± 0.69 h) and longer in group II (126.40 ± 6.8 h) than group III (38.93 ± 2.54 h) and IV (50.60 ± 0.76 h). The mean duration taken forlochial discharge in group I (5.00 ± 2.16 h) and III (6 ± 2.25 h) had significantly (P<0.01) shorter than group II (15.00 ± 0.78 h) and IV (10 ± 3.36 h).

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PREVALENCE OF EIMERIA INFECTION IN CALVES IN AND AROUND SEKOTA TOWN, NORTH WOLLO, ETHIOPIA

Tarekegn Tintagu, Bethelehem Alemu, Selamawit Fantahun and Temesgen Bihonegn

Page No: 49-57

A cross- sectional study was carried out from July to October 2014 in and around Sekota town in order to determine the prevalence, and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in calves. To achieve these objectives direct fecal smear technique was employed. From a total of 384 calves examined 23(6.0%) of calves were positive for Eimeria infection. The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on breed variation were 22(5.9%) and 1(8.3%) in local and cross breed respectively. The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on sex variation, male 8(6.25%) and female 15(6.0%) recorded. The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on address variation, Urban 12(6.7%) and rural 11(5.3%). The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on age variation 0-6 month 9(5.7%) and >6-1 year 14(6.2%). The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on body condition variation, good 7(6.0%), medium 14(8.3%) and poor 2(2.0%). The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on fecal consistency variation, normal 3(1.8%), soft 8(7.5%) and bloody diarrhea 12(10.9%). The prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in calve based on management system, intensive 1(8.3%) and extensive 22(5.9%). Prevalence associated with breed, sex, age, body condition, address and management system had no significant difference (p > 0.05), but the presence of bloody diarrhea in examined calve of fecal consistency were observed as the most important factors associated with occurrences of Eimeria infection in calves. There was significant association (p<0.005) between the intensity of infection of the calves and bloody diarrhea consistency of the faeces.

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COLLAGENASE VALIDATION ASSAY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF EFFICACY AND DOSE ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIALCOLLAGENASE FOR THE TREATMENT OF RFM IN COWS

Mohan P

Page No: 58-64

The collagenase administration through umbilical artery is the effective treatment for Retained Fetal Membrane (RFM) in dairy cows. RFM was treated with collagenase enzyme through jugular vein as it is easy route than previous study of experimenting on umbilical arteries which is very difficult in a delayed case in field conditions in bovines. The study was conducted in placental tissues of bovines that are presented within 12 to 24 hours after parturition to Obstetrics Unit of Madras Veterinary College, Chennai to determine the efficacy of enzyme and dose effectiveness prior to actual treatment with field cases for therapeutic purposes. The experimental animals were divided in to four different treatment groups (Gp I:n=7; Gp II:n=15; Gp III:n=15 and Gp IV:n=15) and placental tissue samples were collected accordingly from all groups.The dose of 1800 CDU collagenase had significantly higher (P<0.01) concentrations of placental tissue hydroxyproline (35.00 ± 0.63 to 36.31 ± 0.31 μg/ml) and placental tissue total proteinrelease (1.68 ± 0.02 to 1.73 ± 0.02 g/dl), than the remaining groups. The data were collected, compared and analyzed; further, the findings showed that 1800 CDU dose was selected for the RFM treatment.

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CHARACTERIZATION OF VIRULANCE GENES IN CANDIDA ALBICANS STRAINS ISOLATED FROM ORAL LESIONS OF SMALL RUMINANTS

Hams M A Mohamed, Eman G A El-Dawy and Youssuf A Gherbawy

Page No: 65-73

Candida albicans (C.albicans) causes many systematic and opportunistic infection in animals, so this study aimed to investigate some virulence factors in C.albicans strains isolated from oral lesions of small ruminates. Eighty oral samples of sheep and goat were collected from local farms at Qena province (40 samples of each species), these samples were collected from apparently healthy and diseased cases for each species (20 samples for each). All samples were subjected to mycological examination. The results showed that C.albicans recovered from 20% and 10% of apparently healthy cases of sheep and goat while it recovered from diseased cases of the same species with percentage 50% and 20% respectively. Fourteen isolates out of 21 yeast isolate from sheep samples and six isolates out of 11 yeast isolate from goat samples were identified conventionally as C.albicans and confirmed by ITS1-ITS4 primers. Als3 gene was detected in 60% and 50% of C.albicans isolates of diseased sheep and goat respectively. While Hwp1 gene was detected in one isolate of diseased goat samples only. C.albicans isolates were shown a high sensitivity to Clove oil, rather than other herbal oils.

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POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION DETECTION OF EHRLICHIA CANIS THE CAUSATIVE AGENT OF CANINE MONOCYTIC EHRLICHIOSIS IN KENYA

Kitaa J M A, Mulei C M, Mande J D, Wabacha J M, Mahinga A O and Ngetich W

Page No: 74-82

Ehrlichieae are important, emerging tick-borne gram negative, obligate intracellular bacteria from the Anaplasmataceae family that infect canines and are also zoonotic. There is limited information in scientific reports available indicating the species of ehrlichia causing disease, and its prevalence in Kenya. Dogs treated at the Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi were recruited into the study after being diagnosed with ehrlichiosis on the basis of presenting clinical signs suggestive of infection and having inclusion bodies in monocytes. Polymerase Chain Reaction using genus and species-specific primers was done on DNA extracted from blood collected from the dogs. The PCR revealed 58.9% (113/192) positive for the genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia using ECC and ECB primers. From these 42.5% (48/113) were positive for species-specific primers for Ehrlichia canis HE3 and ECANS5. The most common clinical signs in the dogs infected by E.canis were congestion of mucous membranes (53%), inappetance (49%), panting (36%), loose hair (31%), lethargy (29%), vomiting (28%), wasting (27%) and ocular discharges 27%. Increase in the mean concentration of alanine aminotransferase 59.04 U/L as compared to the reference range of 0-40 U/L. The clinical manifestations and anaemia observed in this study, though not specific, can be considered to be the case definition for Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in this region. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on molecular identification of Ehrlichia canis in Kenya.

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PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION HEMOLYSINS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM MASTITIC COW’S MILK IN EGYPT

Gamal Younis, Amal Awad and Basma Shabana

Page No: 83-93

One important feature of Staphylococcus aureus virulence is due to its ability to attack the cell membrane of host cell with a large array of membrane-damaging toxins and peptides such as hemolysins. Therefore, this study was undertaken to perform phenotypic and genotypic characterization of S.aureus hemolysins isolated from milk of cows with clinical mastitis. A total of 173 milk samples were collected from two dairy farms and were subjected for S.aureus bacteriological isolation procedures, 55 S.aureus isolates have been recovered with a percentage of 31.79%. S.aureus isolates were evaluated for their Alpha () and Beta () hemolysins production on sheep and bovine blood agar. Alpha hemolysin were detected in 50 (90.90%) strains, beta-hemolysin were detected in 47 (85.45%) strains either alone or in combined. However, non-hemolytic S.aureus strains were detected in 5 (9.09%) strains. On titration, -toxin titers were much more than that for -toxin. Based on PCR results, the overall prevalence rate of hla was higher than hlb and these results were correlated with their phenotypic hemolytic activity on blood agar plates. In conclusion, the high prevalence rate of  and -hemolysins in S.aureus isolated from mastitis suggests that hemolysins could have significant role in pathogenesis of mastitis, in addition, the capability of S.aureus strains to produce alpha and beta hemolysin indicates that these toxins might be necessary for the establishment of the S.aureus in mammary glands.

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ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION USING CIDR PROTOCOL IN POST PARTUM ANESTRUS BUFFALOES DURING SUMMER SEASON

A D Kundulkar, M V Ingawale, S W Hajare and R S Ingole

Page No: 94-97

Sixteen lactating multiparous post partum anestrus buffaloes devoid of any reproductive abnormality as well as infection were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8) and administered with PSMT treatment. The first group was treated with CIDR while second group was kept untreated control. The number of buffaloes exhibited estrus were 87.50 and 37.50% in CIDR and in control groups, respectively. The first service pregnancy rate was 42.85 and 33.33% in Group-I and Group-II, respectively.

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