Articles, Conferences and Workshop Papers Collection

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Analgesic, behavioural and cardiopulmonary effects of epidurally injected medetomidine (Domitor ® ) in goats
(Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2000) Mpanduji, D. G.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Mgasa, M. N.; Batamuzi, E. K.
This study was carried out in order to evaluate the analgesic, sedative, immobilizing and cardio- pulmonary effects of medetomidine in goats after lumbosacral epidural injection of three (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight) doses. The volume of the injection for all three medetomidine doses was 5 ml in sterile water. Seventeen clinically healthy, Small East African goats of either sex and weighing between 12 and 22 kg (mean 2 SD; 14.8 2 2.5 kg body weight) were used. The animals were randomly assigned to two groups. Seven goats were used for evaluating analgesic, behavioural and cardiopulmonary effects while 10 were used for experimental surgery. The cardiopulmonary values and rectal temperature were determined and recorded at time 0 (preinjection) and at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min, and thereafter at 15-min intervals up to 180 min after injection. Analgesia of the flank and perineum was determined at time 0 (preinjection) and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min using a scoring system. The spread of analgesia to the thorax, neck, forelimbs and head was also determined and recorded. The onset and duration of lateral recumbency was noted and recorded. Medetomidine at the given doses induced variable cardiopulmonary depression, which was not detrimental to the animals. All three doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) of medetomidine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum. Analgesia extended to the thorax, forelimbs, neck and head. The duration of lateral recumbency was 136 and 166 min for the 20 and 30 mg/kg medetomidine doses, respectively. The duration of lateral recumbency was not determined for the animal given 10 mg/kg medetomidine. Signs of sedation (lowering of the head, drooping of the lower lip, partial to complete closure of the eyes and salivation) were noted after administration of all three doses. It can be concluded from this study that all three doses induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum. Surgical analgesia of the flank of goats was achieved after lumbosacral epidural administration of 20 mg medetomidine/kg, diluted in 5 ml of sterile water. Surgery was not performed with the other doses (10 and 30 mg/kg) of medetomidine.
Anatomy of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
(Macrothink Institute, 2019-02) Makungu, M.
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is an endangered species primarily distributed in the southern China and Himalayas. It lives in mountain forests with bamboo understory. This review outlines the normal anatomy of the red panda in terms of its musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system and urogenital system. Knowledge of the normal anatomy of individual animal species is important for species identification and accurate interpretation and diagnosis of diseases.
Assessing alternatives to locomotion scoring for detecting Lameness in dairy cattle in Tanzania: infrared thermography
(MDPI, 2023) Werema, Chacha W; Laven, Linda J; Mueller, Kristina R; Laven, Richard A
Lameness detection is a significant challenge. Locomotion scoring (LS), the most widely used system for detecting lameness, has several limitations, including its subjective nature and the existence of multiple systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether the foot skin temperature (FST) of hind limbs, as measured using infrared thermography (IRT), could potentially be used as an alternative on Tanzanian dairy farms. Each of the three study farms were visited twice during the afternoon milking on consecutive days, with a total of 170 cows assessed. DairyNZ LS (4-point scale (0–3)) was undertaken on the first day as the cows exited the milking parlour after being milked, while on the following day, the plantar aspect of the hind limbs of the cows was thermally imaged while they were standing in the milking parlour, using a handheld T650sc forward-looking infrared camera. Mean FST was higher for cows with a locomotion score of 1 than those with a score of 0; higher for cows with a locomotion score of 2 than those with a score of 1; and higher for cows with a locomotion score of 3 than those with a score of 2, with each one-unit locomotion score increase being associated with a 0.57 ◦ C increase in mean temperature across all zones. The optimal cut-off point of 38.0 ◦ C for mean temperature across all zones was identified using a receiver operator characteristic curve. This cut-off point had a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 86.0% for distinguishing cows with a locomotion score ≥ 2 (clinical lameness). The prevalence of clinical lameness across all three farms was 33%, which meant that only 72% of cows with a mean FST across all zones ≥ 38.0 ◦ C had been identified as clinically lame using LS. This study confirmed that IRT has the potential to be used to detect lameness on Tanzanian dairy farms. However, before it can be widely used, improve- ments in accuracy, especially specificity, are needed, as are reductions in equipment (IR camera) costs.
Bacteriological analysis of ready-to-eat foods from Morogoro municipal Market
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019) Ndunguru, J.N; Ndossi, D.G
Street vendors supply large quantities of food at affordable prices in many places especially in developing countries. Street foods are common sources of bacteriological contamination causing food poisoning, diarrhea, cholera and typhoid fever. This study analyzed the bacteriological quality of ready-to-eat foods vended in Morogoro Municipal Market. A total of 70 samples from different street foods were randomly collected from different vendors and transported in cool boxes to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. Standard microbiological methods were used for isolation, enumeration and identification of bacteria. Additional information regarding food preparation, storage and handling practices observed by vendors was noted to correlate with the extent of bacterial contamination. Majority (67.1%) of the ready to eat foods were contaminated with bacteria. Vegetable salads and Potato fries showed highest bacterial contamination rates (78.6%). Escherichia coli (49.2%) was the major isolate in all food types. Other bacteria isolated were Bacillus cereus (19.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.8%) and Salmonella spp. (1.6%). E. coli was resistant to some antimicrobials (carbenicilin, clindamycin and tetracycline). High levels of bacterial contamination were associated with poor hygiene of vendors, unsafe food handling practices and use of contaminated water in food preparation. Although the presence of the microorganisms is not necessarily a threat to human health, the fact that some microorganisms were resistant to some antibiotics is of concern. Provision of sanitation and hygiene education to vendors and regulations for implementation of good hygienic practices can improve quality of street foods.
Bacteriological analysis of ready-to-eat foods from Morogoro municipal Market
(2019) Ndossi, D.G; Ndunguru, J.N
Street vendors supply large quantities of food at affordable prices in many places especially in developing countries. Street foods are common sources of bacteriological contamination causing food poisoning, diarrhea, cholera and typhoid fever. This study analyzed the bacteriological quality of ready-to-eat foods vended in Morogoro Municipal Market. A total of 70 samples from different street foods were randomly collected from different vendors and transported in cool boxes to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. Standard microbiological methods were used for isolation, enumeration and identification of bacteria. Additional information regarding food preparation, storage and handling practices observed by vendors was noted to correlate with the extent of bacterial contamination. Majority (67.1%) of the ready to eat foods were contaminated with bacteria. Vegetable salads and Potato fries showed highest bacterial contamination rates (78.6%). Escherichia coli (49.2%) was the major isolate in all food types. Other bacteria isolated were Bacillus cereus (19.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.8%) and Salmonella spp. (1.6%). E. coli was resistant to some antimicrobials (carbenicilin, clindamycin and tetracycline). High levels of bacterial contamination were associated with poor hygiene of vendors, unsafe food handling practices and use of contaminated water in food preparation. Although the presence of the microorganisms is not necessarily a threat to human health, the fact that some microorganisms were resistant to some antibiotics is of concern. Provision of sanitation and hygiene education to vendors and regulations for implementation of good hygienic practices can improve quality of street foods.
Blood metabolites and their relatioriship to dairy cattle productive and reproductive performance in Smallholder farms in Morogoro, Tanzania
(2002) Nkya, R .; Kessy, B. M.; Aboud, A.A.
Sixty-four dairy cows (B taums x B indicus crosses) belonging to 40 peri-urban smallholder farms were investigated for relationship of their blood metabolites, body condition score (BCS) and body weight to milk yield and reproductive performance. Feed availability and quality were monitored monthly. Plasma concentrations of selected metabolites [albumin globulin beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) inorganic phosphorus urea] and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured at one month before calving at 30 days and 60-90 days postpartum (DPP). Milk yield BCS and body weight were taken once a month. The reproductive status was monitored by measuring milk progesterone (P4) concentrations and rectal palpation. Average daily food intake was 98=0.3 kg DM/day. Cows calved in good BCS (4-6) had mean milk yield between 6. 4±0. 44 and 7.3±0.66 L day in the first 90 days of lactation and delayed calving to conception interval (126.1 ± 6. 3 days) There was no relationship between apparent feeding level and therefore change in body weight and BCS with milk yield and reproductive performance (P>0.0.5). The mean body weight and BCS dropped within one month after calving which gradually recovered within the second month postpartum. A large proportion of cows (22-38%) had low PCV values (<27%) before calving to 60-90. DPP an indication of anaemia possibly due to low feed intake and probably diseases. Blood metabolite values remained more or less constant before calving and during the first 60-90. DPP 24% of cows had high BHB values (1 nmol L) before calving indicating a negative energy balance in late gestation. Globulin levels were high (50. g L) in 20% of the cows during the 60-90 DPP period suggesting probably an inflammatory reaction within the body. The differences between metabolite concentration among animals were small and they were not significantly related to productive and reproductive performance (P<.0.5). The use or metabolic profile testing identified under-nutrition as the potential constraint to productivity in dairy cows in smallholder farms in Morogoro.
Calcium and phosphorus supplementation in grazing lactating Zebu cows, in Iringa District, Tanzania
(2002) Phiri, E.C.J.H.; Pereka, A.E.; Balthazary, S.T.; Mgasa, M.N.; Larsen, T.
The effects of dietary supplementation with dicalcium phosphate containing 10 g calcium and 8 g phosphorus on plasma total calcium inorganic phosphate, body condition score and milk yield were studied for 42 days, during the dry season of 1997 in forty grazing, lactating Zebu cows, in lringa region, Tanzania. The animals were allocated to two groups: one control group (T1) comprising off fifteen cows and a supplementation groUp (T2) comprising of twenty five cows. Dicalcium phosphate supplementation was done twice per week. Blood samples were collected before supplementation and at the engd of experimental period. Total milk yield and body condition of the animals were also recorded. Supplemented cows had higher (P< 0.001) mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate (1.30 mmol/Ca and 2. 08 mmol P/l) than the control cows (1.08 mmol/Ca and 1.58 mmol P/l). Supplemented cows, had a better (P<0. 0001) body condition score and produced more milk (3. 10 BCS and 181 kg) than control cows (2.63 BCS and 149 kg) and total 42 days milk yield (149 vs 181 kg). It is concluded that low plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate may be a problem to Zebu cows and that decalcium phosphate can provide a boost to plasma Ca and Pi ,during the dry season
Campylobacter species isolated from Pigs in grenada exhibited novel clones: genotypes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of sequence types
(FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND DISEASE, 2017-07-01) Amadi, V.; Mattew-Belmar, V.; Subbarao, C.; Kashoma, I.; Rajashekara, G.; Sharma, R.; Hariharan, H.; Stone, D.
Infections caused by Campylobacter species pose a severe threat to public health worldwide. However, in Grenada, the occurrence and characteristics of Campylobacter in food animals, including pigs, remain mostly unknown. In this study, we identified the sequence types (STs) of Campylobacter from young healthy pigs in Grenada and compared the results with previous studies in Grenada and other countries. Antimicrobial resistance patterns and diversity of the Campylobacter clones were evaluated. Ninety-nine Campylobacter isolates (97 Campylobacter coli and 2 Campylobacter jejuni) were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing. Eighteen previously reported STs and 13 novel STs were identified. Of the 18 previously reported STs, eight STs (ST- 854, -887, -1068, -1096, -1445, -1446, 1556, and -1579) have been associated with human gastroenteritis in different geographical regions. Among these 18 previously reported STs, ST-1428, -1096, -1450, and -1058 predominated and accounted for 18.2%, 14.1%, 11.1%, and 8.1% of all isolates, respectively. Of the 13 novel STs, ST-7675 predominated and accounted for 20% (4 of 20 isolates), followed by ST-7678, -7682, and -7691, each accounting for 10% (2 of 20 isolates). Antimicrobial resistance testing using Epsilometer test revealed a low resistance rate (1–3%) of all C. coli/jejuni STs to all antimicrobials except for tetracycline (1–10.1%). Some of the C. coli STs (13 STs, 24/99 isolates, 24.2%) were resistant to multiple antimicrobials. This is the first report on antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance patterns associated with Campylobacter STs recovered from swine in Grenada. This study showed that pigs in Grenada are not major reservoirs for STs of C. coli and C. jejuni that are associated with human gastroenteritis worldwide.
Caudal mediastinal abscessation in an adult East African black headed Ewe -A case report
(TANZANIA VETERINARY ASSOCIATION, 2017) Makungu, M.; Malago, J.
A 4-year-old East African black headed ewe was presented to Sokoine University of Agriculture Animal Hospital with a history of loss of body condition and respiratory distress. Clinical examination revealed poor body condition, severe leukopenia with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Radiographic examination of the thorax revealed an elongated caudal mediastinal mass with soft tissue opacity dorsal to caudal vena cava and caudal to the carina. The ewe was humanely euthanised due to deteriorated body condition. At post-mortem examination the mass contained caseous creamy material with early laminated appearance surrounded by a whitish fibrous capsule suggestive of chronic abscessation of caudal mediastinal lymph node. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated on bacterial culture of pus sample. A diagnosis of an abscessed caudal mediastinal lymph node as a result of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was made. Thoracic radiography should be considered in sheep with chronic progressive emaciation and respiratory distress. Further, in sheep with caudal mediastinal mass, caseous lymphadenitis should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses.
Comparison of analgesia and cardio-pulmonary effects of epidural injection of pethidine and lidocaine in small East African goats
(RESEARCH OPINIONS IN ANIMAL & VETERINARY SCIENCES (ROAVS), 2013) Mpanduji, D. G.; Ndossi, D. G.
Analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of epidural injections of 2% lidocaine (4mg/kg, n=6) and pethidine (2.5mg/kg, n=6) were compared in healthy goats weighing 18-25 kg. All drugs were injected at lumbosacral epidural space. Mean heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, analgesia effect (response to pinprick stimuli), sedation and motor incoordination were determined. Results were recorded before and at various times (every 5 minutes for the first 10 minutes and every 10 minutes upto 2 hrs) after the epidural injection. Onset of analgesia was after 5 minutes following injection of either lidocaine or pethidine. Duration of analgesia was over 120 minutes and 60 minutes after epidural injection of lidocaine and pethidine respectively. Hind limb paralysis was observed in goats that received lidocaine while only mild incoordination was observed in pethidine treated goats except for one goat that remained recumbent for the entire observation period. Significant increase in body temperature was recorded in 10 minutes after pethidine injection but did not change following lidocaine injection. There was no significant change in heart rate following epidural injection of lidocaine but significantly decreased following pethidine injection. Respiration rate significantly increased in lidocaine group but did not change in pethidine treated goats. Results of this study indicate that epidural injection of pethidine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg produce analgesia of a shorter duration compared to lidocaine, but is sufficient and safe for short duration surgeries of the perineal region in goats.
Comparison of xylazine and lidocaine effects for analgesia and cardiopulmonary functions following lumbosacral epidural injection in goats
(Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 1999) Mpanduji, D. G.; Mgasa, M. N.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Batamuzi, E. K.
The present study was carried out in order to compare the effects of xylazine and lidocaine on analgesia and cardiopulmonary parameters following epidural injection in goats. Twelve healthy Small East African goats of both sexes (mean 2 SD; 15.6 2 1.9 kg body weight) were used. The goats were randomly assigned to two groups of five and seven animals. The first group (n = 5) was given 2 % lidocaine-HCl at 4400 mg/kg body weight. The second group (n = 7) was administered 2 % xylazine-HCl at 150 mg/kg body weight. All drugs were diluted in 5 ml of sterile water and were injected epidurally through the lumbosacral interspace with the injection taking over 20 s. Both drugs induced analgesia within 5 min. Signs of sedation, cardiopulmonary changes and lateral recumbency developed within 5–7 min after administration of epidural xylazine. Tail flaccidity and hind limb paralysis developed 3 min after epidural administration of lidocaine. The time from recumbency to regaining normal stance was 60 and 158 min for xylazine- and lidocaine-treated animals respectively. Xylazine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum, which extended to the head and forelimbs. In contrast, lidocaine induced adequate bilateral flank and perineal analgesia extending up to the third thoracic vertebra. For both drugs, analgesia of the flank and perineum persisted for the entire 180-min observational period. Epidural injection of xylazine and lidocaine caused variable depression effects on the cardiopulmonary values but was not so low as to cause concern. It is concluded that lumbosacral epidural injection of xylazine at 150 mg/kg body weight in 5 ml of water for injection offers the most desirable sedation and analgesia of the flank and perineum. The longer duration of analgesia may be useful for postoperative analgesia and relief of continuous straining in goats.
Crossing the Line: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Transboundary Animal Diseases Along the Tanzania-Zambia Border
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2022-03-11) Lysholm, S; Lindahl, J.F; Munyeme, M; Misinzo, G; Mathew, C; Alvåsen, K; Dautu, G; Linde, S; Mitternacht, L; Olovsson, E; Wilén, E; Berg, M; Wensman, J.J
Transboundary pathogens pose a threat to livelihood security in countries such as Zambia and Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), sheep and goat pox virus (SGPV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Brucella spp. in sheep and goats along the Tanzania-Zambia border. Another aim was to assess the association between certain predictor variables and seroprevalence, focusing on trade and proximity to an international border, to a town and to the Tanzania-Zambia highway. During September-October 2018, 486 serum samples from small ruminants in Zambia and 491 in Tanzania were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A questionnaire focused on management strategies was administered to each household. The animal-level seroprevalence in Zambia was 0.21% [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.01–1.14) for PPRV, 1.03% (95% CI 0.33–2.39) for FMDV, 0% (95% CI 0–0.76) for SGPV, 2.26%(95%CI 1.14–4.01) for RVFV and 1.65%(95%CI 0.71–3.22) for Brucella spp.]. In Tanzania, animal-level seroprevalence was 2.85% (95% CI 1.57–4.74) for PPRV, 16.9% (95% CI 13.7–20.5) for FMDV, 0.20% (95% CI 0.01–1.13) for SGPV, 3.26%(95%CI 1.87–5.24) for RVFV and 20.0%(95%CI 14.5–26.5) for Brucella spp. For PPRV (OR 6.83, 95% CI 1.37–34.0, p = 0.019) and FMDV (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.58–20.3, p = 0.008), herds situated more than 30 km from an international border were more likely to be seropositive, while being located 10–30 km (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.22–16.1 p = 0.024) from a border was identified as a risk factor for Brucella spp. For FMDV (OR 79.2, 95% CI 4.52–1388.9, p = 0.003), being situated within 30 km from a town was associated with seropositivity.Furthermore, contact with wild ruminants (OR 18.2, 95% CI 1.36–244), and the presence of sheep in the household (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.00–26.9, p = 0.049), was associated with seropositivity for PPRV, and FMDV. No significantassociations between trade or distance to the Tan-Zam highway and seroprevalence were found. We recommend that the impact of trade and proximity to borders, towns and roads should be further evaluated in larger studies, ideally incorporating aspects such as temporal trade fluctuations.
Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (gnrh) analogue on semen characteristics of three ecotypes of Tanzanian native chickens
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2021) Luvanga, J.D; Kashoma, I.P.
The effect of hormone treatment on semen quality characteristics and reproductive performance in male animals has been studied extensively. However, limited information is available on effect of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment on semen characteristics in galliform species. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the effect of synthetic GnRH on semen characteristics in three ecotypes of Tanzanian native chickens. A total of thirty-six mature cockerels (Ching’wekwe, Morogoro-medium and Kuchi ecotypes) were used in this study. Thirty cockerels (ten from each ecotype) were intramuscularly injected with 10 mcg (0.2 mL) of GnRH (Factrel®) once a week for five consecutive weeks. Six cockerels (two from each ecotype) were used for control purposes and they were given 0.2 mL of normal saline solution. Semen was manually collected at weekly interval by abdominal massage technique immediately after last GnRH injection for five consecutive weeks. Results showed that respective semen quality characteristics including semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, proportion of morphologically normal and live spermatozoa increased significantly (p<0.05) in the treatment group (0.55±0.02 mL, 80.02±0.30%, 4.80±0.14 × 10 9 sperm cells/mL, 91.25±0.3%, 91.65±0.31%) when compared to the control group (0.48±0.02 mL, 74.90±0.76%, 4.04±0.18 × 10 9 sperm cells/mL, 87.58±0.43%, 89.05±0.55%). Variations in semen pH between treated and control group was not significant. In conclusion this study indicates that semen quality characteristics can be improved by administration of GnRH to cockerels for increased semen quality characteristics and therefore increasing productivity in the poultry industry.
Effects of mycotoxins on hormone production in primary Leydig cells isolated from pigs
(Lysbilde, 2013) Ndossi, D.; Kalayou, S.; Groseth, P. K.; Ropstad, E.; Verhaegen, S.
Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi in many agricultural products worldwide either pre- or post-harvesting. Fusarium species are among the most researched plant pathogenic fungi (1) that produce a number of mycotoxins including DON, NIV, T-2, HT-2, fumonisins, ZEN and its metabolites α- and β-zearalenol (2). Some fungi are able to produce more than one mycotoxin, but also multiple fungi can contaminate the same crop (3). Natural co-occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins increases the concern on the exposure to mixtures of mycotoxins e.g. co-occurrence of DON/ ZEN/ T-2/ HT-2 (4,5). Exposure to mycotoxins can result in a variety of health effects, ranging from acute toxic response to potential long-term carcinogenic and teratogenic effects (6). Effects of mycotoxins on reproduction in livestock have been reviewed extensively (7). ZEN ingestion in animals is associated with anestrus, abortion, increased embryonic and fetal death, increased stillbirths, reduced milk production, hyperestrogenism and poor quality semen (7,8) In vitro, ZEN increased the progesterone production in porcine granulosa cells (9). ZEN and α-ZOL have potent estrogenic effects and promote hormone production in H295R cells (10). DON, T-2 and HT-2 reduced cell viability, inhibit steroidogenesis and alter expression of steroidogenic genes in human adrenocarcinoma (H295R) cells (11) Leydig cells are the testicular endocrine cells capable of producing steroid hormones. Pig Leydig cell culture is a good in vitro model to study steroidogenesis and screen effects of some chemicals (12,13). We hypothesize that F. graminearum culture extracts contain a mixture of naturally co-occurring mycotoxins that are able to cause deleterious effects in vitro in Leydig cells.
Effects of mycotoxins on hormone production in primary Leydig cells isolated from pigs
(Lysbilde, 2013) Ndossi, D.; Kalayou, S.; Groseth, P. K.; Ropstad, E.; Verhaegen, S.
Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi in many agricultural products worldwide either pre- or post-harvesting. Fusarium species are among the most researched plant pathogenic fungi (1) that produce a number of mycotoxins including DON, NIV, T-2, HT-2, fumonisins, ZEN and its metabolites α- and β-zearalenol (2). Some fungi are able to produce more than one mycotoxin, but also multiple fungi can contaminate the same crop (3). Natural co-occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins increases the concern on the exposure to mixtures of mycotoxins e.g. co-occurrence of DON/ ZEN/ T-2/ HT-2 (4,5). Exposure to mycotoxins can result in a variety of health effects, ranging from acute toxic response to potential long-term carcinogenic and teratogenic effects (6). Effects of mycotoxins on reproduction in livestock have been reviewed extensively (7). ZEN ingestion in animals is associated with anestrus, abortion, increased embryonic and fetal death, increased stillbirths, reduced milk production, hyperestrogenism and poor quality semen (7,8) In vitro, ZEN increased the progesterone production in porcine granulosa cells (9). ZEN and α-ZOL have potent estrogenic effects and promote hormone production in H295R cells (10). DON, T-2 and HT-2 reduced cell viability, inhibit steroidogenesis and alter expression of steroidogenic genes in human adrenocarcinoma (H295R) cells (11) Leydig cells are the testicular endocrine cells capable of producing steroid hormones. Pig Leydig cell culture is a good in vitro model to study steroidogenesis and screen effects of some chemicals (12,13). We hypothesize that F. graminearum culture extracts contain a mixture of naturally co-occurring mycotoxins that are able to cause deleterious effects in vitro in Leydig cells.
Effects of urea-molasses-multinutrient block supplementation on reproductive and productive performance of-dairy cattle under, smallholder farm
(2002) Nkya, R.; Mwanga, L. E.; Kessy, B.M.; Shem, M.N.
The effect of urea-molasses-multinutrient blocks (UMMB) as an energy and protein supplement on reproductive performance and milk yield of dairy cows was investigated in 18 crossbred cows from eight smallholder farms. In treatment 1 nine, cows were fed a maximum of 1 kg (UMMB per cow per day in addition to the routine feeds forage and maize bran) and in treatment 2 (control) nine cows were fed routine feeds only. The experiment started 4 weeks pre-partum and lasted for 120 days postpartum. Onset of ovarian activity was monitored through progesterone in 612 sequentially collected milk samples and rectal palpation. In treatment 1. the intervals between calving to completion of uterine involution, first rise of milk progesterone, occurrence of first oestrus and conception were (mean ±se) 24±7. 65.3±8. 99.7±12.8 and 120.2±10 days. respectively. In treatment 2. the intervals were 29.6±5. 77. 6±9. 115,9±l5 and 133. 7±14 days. respectively. The treatment differences were not significant (P> 0. 05). Milk production in treatment 1 increased significantly by 1.21 (P<0.001) while in treatment 2 it decreased by 0. 21. Body condition score (BCS) improved significantly by 0.15 (P<0.05) in treatment 1 compared to treatment 2 cows. Use of UMMB gave an overall profit of US$ 0. 34 per day of lactation from sale of milk that resulted from increased yield and milk due to shortened days open. It was concluded that dry season improvement of reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows under smallholder farms could be cost effectively achieved through supplementation with urea-molasses-multinutrient blocks.
Efficacy of CIDR treatment against ovarian follicular cysts in cows
(Kagoshima University, 2004) Ndossi, D.; Kamimura, S.; Ando, T.; Iwakuma, A.; Hamana, K.; Matsuzaki, K.; Nojiri, Y.; Matsushita, T.; Kaizo, S.
The objectives of this study were to identify cows with follicular cysts and study the efficacy of CIDR (Progesterone=1.9g) treatment against ovarian follicular cysts in Japanese Black and Hoistein cows. Forty-one cows from Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture were initially identified by rectal palpation to have follicular cysts. These were randomly allocated into three groups where group 1 (n=29) were treated with CIDR for 7 days, group 2 (n=11) treated with CIDR for 14 days, and group 3 (n=1) as the control group where no CIDR was inserted. After removal of CIDR, all animals received an intramuscular injection of 25 mg PGF_<2α>. Fifteen out of 41 cows were confirmed to have follicular cysts after plasma progesterone determination by radioimmunoassay, as they had a pre-treatment progesterone concentration of<1ng/ml. Four Holstein cows were treated with 7 days of insertion. The plasma progesterone concentration increased significantly (P<0.01) after CIDR treatment i. e. day 0 (0.32±0.22ng/ml) to day 21 (3.96±1.99ng/ml). Eight Japanese Black cows with a pre-treatment mean plasma progesterone concentration of 0.32±0.26ng/ml were treated with CIDR for 7 days where 7 of them (87.5%) had an increased post-treatment progesterone concentration of 3.66±1.54ng/ml (P<0.01). Three Japanese Black cows treated with 14 days of CIDR insertion had pre-treatment and post-treatment progesterone concentrations of 0.35±0.14ng/ml and 2.40±1.86ng/ml, respectively (P=0.09). Fourteen out of fifteen ovarian follicular cyst cases had increased progesterone levels 14 days after CIDR removal (post-treatment period), 11 cows (73.3%) came to estrus 2-6 days after removal of the CIDR device and ovulation of a dominant follicle occurred with following formation of the corpus luteum. The overall success rate of CIDR treatment against ovarian follicular cysts (increase in plasma progesterone concentration>1ng/ml) was 93.3% in both treated groups.
The emergence of antibiotic resistance in poultry farms
(Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited, 2016-12-29) Kassem, I. I.; Helmy, Y. A.; Kashoma, I. P.; Rajashekara, G.
The use of antibiotics in poultry farming has enhanced production via effectively controlling infectious diseases and promoting growth of birds, allowing the industry to cope with the increasing consumer demands and provide safe and affordable products. However, the use of antibiotics results in the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including established animal and human pathogens. The emergence and proliferation of resistant pathogens and the cognate decrease in the efficacy of antibiotic therapy pose a concrete risk to public health and sustainable farming. Consequently, the need to tightly regulate the use of antibiotics in poultry farming has been highlighted as a pre-emptory necessity.
The emergence of antibiotic resistance in poultry farms
(Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited, 2016-12-29) Kassem, I. K.; Helmy, Y. A.; Kashoma, I. P.; Rajashekara, G.
The increasing human population and cognate demands on wholesome and nutritious foods have exerted an indelible impact on modern agricultural practices. In addition, producer and consumer awareness has shaped a modern agricultural stewardship that accounts for affordability without jeopardizing public health, resource conservation, animal health and humane farming ethos. Therefore, now more than ever, there is a need to optimize agricultural production to achieve sustainability and food security and safety. Indeed, this also applies to poultry production, which is continuously evolving in breadth and practice. For example, broiler farming has witnessed a continuous improvement, which is evidenced by producing heavier birds in shorter growth cycles. Specifically, a 1.13 kg chicken was produced in 112 days in 1925 in comparison to 70 days in 1950. As of 2010, production of a 2.27 kg chicken is possible in less than 50 days (Krishnasamy et al., 2015). The expansion in the poultry industry and consumer demand for animal proteins were also evident in a recent Census of Agriculture report that showed that there were 233 770 poultry farms in the United States in 2012. Furthermore, approximately 96.4 billion eggs, 8.69 billion broilers and 233 million turkeys were produced in 2015, and the combined value of production was estimated at $48 billion (United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, 2015).
Endocrine disrupting effects of zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol at the level of nuclear receptor binding and steroidogenesis
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd., 2011-07-23) Frizzell, C.; Ndossi, D.; Verhaegenb, S.; Dahlb, E.; Eriksend, G.; Sørlie, M.; Ropstadb, E.; Mullerf, M.; Elliott, C.; Connollya, L.
The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is a secondary metabolite of fungi which is produced by certain species of the genus Fusarium and can occur in cereals and other plant products. Reporter gene assays incorporating natural steroid receptors and the H295R steroidogenesis assay have been implemented to assess the endocrine disrupting activity of ZEN and its metabolites -zearalenol (-ZOL) and -zearalenol ( -ZOL). -ZOL exhibited the strongest estrogenic potency (EC50 0.022 ± 0.001 nM), slightly less potent than 17- estradiol (EC50 0.015 ± 0.002 nM). ZEN was ∼70 times less potent than -ZOL and twice as potent as -ZOL. Binding of progesterone to the progestagen receptor was shown to be synergistically increased in the presence of ZEN, -ZOL or -ZOL. ZEN, -ZOL or -ZOL increased production of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and cortisol hormones in the H295R steroidogenesis assay, with peak productions at 10 M. At 100 M, cell viability decreased and levels of hormones were significantly reduced except for progesterone. ZOL increased estradiol concentrations more than -ZOL or ZEN, with a maximum effect at 10 M, with -ZOL (562 ± 59 pg/ml) > -ZOL (494 ± 60 pg/ml) > ZEN (375 ± 43 pg/ml). The results indicate that ZEN and its metabolites can act as potential endocrine disruptors at the level of nuclear receptor signalling and by altering hormone production.

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