Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology
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Item 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.Item 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.Item Antimicrobial resistance and genotypic diversity of Campylobacter isolated from pigs, dairy, and beef cattle in Tanzania(Frontiers in Microbiology, 2015-11-12) Kashoma, I. P.; Kassem, I. I.; Kumar, A.; Kessy, B. M.; Gebreyes, W.; Kazwala, R. R.; Rajashekara, G.Foodborne Campylobacter infections pose a serious threat to public health worldwide. However, the occurrence and characteristics of Campylobacter in food animals and products remain largely unknown in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to determine the revalence, antibiotic resistance, and genetic profiles (sequence types, STs) of Campylobacter isolated from feces of pigs and dairy and beef cattle in Tanzania. Overall, 259 (∼30%) of 864 samples were positive for Campylobacter spp, which were detected in 32.5, 35.4, and 19.6% of the pig, dairy, and beef cattle samples, respectively. Multiplex PCR analysis identified 4.5 and 29.3% of the Campylobacter isolates as C. coli and C. jejuni, respectively. The majority (91.9%) of the isolates from pig samples were identified as C. coli, while C. jejuni accounted for 65.5% of the isolates from cattle. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion assay and the broth microdilution method revealed resistance to: ampicillin (Amp) (70.3% and 75.7%, respectively), gentamicin (Gen) (1.8% and 12.6%), streptomycin (Str) (65.8 and 74.8%), erythromycin (Ery) (41.4 and 48.7%), tetracycline (Tet) (18.9 and 23.4%), and ciprofloxacin (Cip) (14.4 and 7.2%). Resistance to nalidixic acid (Nal) (39.6%), azithromycin (Azm) (13.5%), and chloramphenicol (Chl) (4.5%) was determined using the disk diffusion assay only, while resistance to tylosin (Tyl) (38.7%) was quantified using the broth microdilution method. Multilocus sequence typing of 111 Campylobacter isolates resulted in the identification of 48 STs (26 C. jejuni and 22 C. coli) of which seven were novel (six C. jejuni and one C. coli). Taken together, this study revealed the high prevalence, genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter in important food animals in Tanzania, which highlights the urgent need for the surveillance and control of Campylobacter in this country.Item Aspects of the morphological, radiographic and ultrasonographic anatomy of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and ring-tailed lemur (Lemur Catta)(University of Pretoria, 2015-07) Makungu, Modesta L. J.The red panda and ring-tailed lemur are species, which are commonly kept in zoological gardens. The red panda and ring-tailed lemur are classified as vulnerable and endangered, respectively, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. The aim of this study was to describe the normal radiographic thoracic anatomy, radiographic and ultrasonographic abdominal anatomy as well as the normal morphology of the pelvis, thoracic and hind limb in captive red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs as a reference for clinical use. Radiography and ultrasonography were performed in adult captive red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs during annual health examinations. Bone specimens of adult red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs were used for gross osteological study. The morphology of the pelvis, thoracic and hind limb of the red panda and ring-tailed lemur supported the presence of strong flexor and supinator muscles and flexibility of limb joints, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. However, the scapula of the ring-tailed lemur is modified for both arboreal and terrestrial quadrupedal locomotion. Additionally, the morphology of the pelvis and hind limb of the ring-tailed lemur showed locomotor adaptation for jumping. Normal radiographic and ultrasonographic reference ranges for thoracic structures and abdominal organs were established and ratios were calculated. Knowledge of the normal morphology, radiographic and ultrasonographic anatomy of the red panda and ring-tailed lemur should prove useful in the diagnosis of diseases and for routine health examinations.Item 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 ALameness 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.Item Bacteriological analysis of ready-to-eat foods from Morogoro municipal Market(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019) Ndunguru, J.N; Ndossi, D.GStreet 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.Item Bacteriological analysis of ready-to-eat foods from Morogoro municipal Market(2019) Ndossi, D.G; Ndunguru, J.NStreet 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.Item 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.Item 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 seasonItem 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.Item 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.Item Characterization of giraffe ear disease in Mikumi Selous Ecosystem(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Lyaruu, V. H.A study on GED was conducted in the Mikumi - Selous ecosystem with an overall objective of finding the cause and predisposing factors. Giraffes were examined for change in conformation, discharges, and lesions on the pinna. Samples were collected from immobilized giraffes. Water and browsing materials in giraffe habitat were collected for micro-organisms isolation. Tick and oxpecker surveys were conducted. GED overall magnitude was 11.7% (dry) and 11.1% (wet) seasons (1999 to 2006).3.1% (dry) and 8.1% (wet) seasons (2007 to March 2010). Matambwe in Selous Game Reserve 1.2% (dry) 2.4% (wet), MINAPA 0.8% (dry) and 1.2% (wet) seasons (2007 to March 2010). The difference mean sick giraffe examined in each ecozone seasonally was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Immobilized giraffes revealed thickening of the ridges of antihelix, and distal part of the scapha, superficial erosion, pus, and foul smelling of the pinna concave surface. GED harboured environmental bacteria Pseudomonas auregenosa and Bacillus firmus. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Amblyoma variegutum were common ticks associated with giraffes. Ticks and oxpeckers played no role on GED occurrence. Histologically GED biopsies had epidermal nematode larvae and interepidennal necrosis. Molecular investigation concluded the nematode was a Spirurid. GED is dermatitis caused by Spirurid nematode. The DNA sequence lies between Onchocerca and Dirofilaria species which are parasitic to human and animals. It is therefore a species that is new and specific to this ecosystem. Furthermore, possibly it is a species that have evolved from older, non pathogenic and common environmental agent. It is concluded that for the first time this work has been able to demonstrate and isolate a Spirurid nematode which is the primary cause for GED with bacteria and fungi working together. The mechanism by which the nematodes and bacteria cause the damage to the pinna is of interest. Also the trend of the disease magnitude was downwards. It is recommended GED be known as Giraffe Pinna Dermatitis. Mechanisms by which the nematodes cause lesions and role of vectors need further study. Establishment of national nematode bank, reference archive with identification keys, micro weather stations, electronic geomaps, and monitoring programme.Item Comparative assessment of productive and reproductive performances of Mpwapwa breed cattle and its crosses(Sokoine University of Agricurture, 2022) Mabruck, Mercy MaxwellMpwapwa breed, an Indo-African composite dual-purpose cattle, is suitable for production in medium to low input production systems, established in Tanzania in 1960s with the breeding goal of 2,300 kg milk yield per 305-day lactation length and for steers to reach a carcass weight of 230 kg in less than four years. This breed is currently faced with slow country-wide distribution which may be associated with many factors including scarcity comprehensive baseline information on productive and reproductive performances of animals, diseases, management practices and government policy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the productive and reproductive performances of Mpwapwa cattle breed and its crosses reared at the nuclear breeding center, Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), Mpwapwa and under low in-put smallholder farmers around Mpwapwa district. A retrospective study of five consecutive years (2015 - 2019) involving 295 cows reared at TALIRI and a cross sectional study involved 986 cows kept by 100 householders in seven administrative wards of Mpwapwa district were used in this study. In retrospective study, individual animal records including date of birth, calving dates, insemination records, pregnancy rates (PR), lactation length (LL), average milk yield per day (AMYD), and total lactation milk yield (TLMY) were captured. For smallholders, the questionnaire captured socio-demographic characteristics of farmers, animals’ lactation length, average milk yield per day, number of services per conception (NSC), age at first heat, age at first calving, calving interval and major animal reproductive problems. Results from the animals kept at TALIRI revealed an overall mean of AFC, CI, PR, LL, AMYD and TLMY of 38.5±5.9 months, 19.92±5.64 months, 29.1%±14.4%, 237.72±71.20 days, 2.65±1.12 liters and 667.18±397.11 liters, respectively. The results for AFC, CI, LL and TLMY showed significance difference (p < 0.05) between Mpwapwa breed cattle and its crosses. However, PR results did not show significance difference (p > 0.05) between Mpwapwa breed and its crosses. For smallholders, majority of respondent (>94%) were married males, having primary education (66%), had over 15 years of experience of keeping livestock (76%) and keeping more than 20 Mpwapwa cattle breed (76%) for different motives such as economic enterprise, supplementary enterprise, home milk consumption and hobby. Recorded average productive and reproductive performance of animals in low-input production system were; 332 ± 16.7 days of lactation length, 3.08±1.11 liters of average milk yield per day, 17.5±6.6 months of calving interval, 32.3±8.21 months of age at puberty, 44.04±6.49 months of age at first calving,1.23±0.14 of average number of services per conception. Major animal problems reported were calf mortality of (17.0%), retained fetal membrane (24.0%), anestrous (20.0%), abortion (17.0%), endometritis (12.0%), repeat breeding syndrome (9.0%), dystocia (8.0%), pyometra (5.0%), uterine (3.0%) and vaginal prolapse (2.0%). It is concluded that reproductive and productive performance of Mpwapwa breed cattle and its crosses reared at the nuclear breeding center as well as under smallholders were lower as compared to the target goal set in 1960s when the breed was established. Therefore, there is a prudent need for improvement of management practices both at TALIRI as well as at smallholders so as to optimize the reproductive and productive performances of the Mpwapwa cattle; an Indo-Euro-African synthesis.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.JTransboundary 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.Item Cryopreservation of dog semen as an alternative method to improved fertility in bitches: A review article(Tanzania Veterinary Association, 2018-02-01) Bunyaga, A. S.; Kashoma, I. P.Cryopreservation of dog semen facilitates the exchange of genes between populations and makes it possible to preserve genes from valuable males for an extended time. Although AI in dogs can help avert sexually transmitted diseases and reducing the chances of inbreeding, the technique is not routinely practised in most developing countries including Tanzania. Among the reasons are problems associated with cryopreservation. Cryopreservation of semen has a number of problems limiting its success and thus, affecting fertility in dogs as a whole. The common assisted reproductive technologies like AI in dogs are constrained by challenges in semen cryopreservation which partly is caused by freezing temperature, cryoprotectants and lifespan of spermatozoa. The purpose of this review is to study the possible ways which can improve cryopreservation of semen in dogs. Improving semen cryopreservation is not a one process; it involves a combination of factors with the ultimate goal of improving the outcome of semen cryopreservation in terms of conception rates in bitches, and thus, fertility in general. Cryopreservation parameters to improve include: type of ejaculate, insemination technique, storage, post thawing procedures, extenders, cryoprotectants, collection method and antioxidants. Several approaches have been recommended, including cryopreservation protocols, for instance freezing rates should be slow enough to allow the cells to minimize chemical potential and osmolality gradients across the plasma membrane, but fast enough to dehydrate the cell without exposing it to lethal salt concentrations. Moreover, the first ejaculates and the ejaculates from old dogs are to be discouraged if we need to improve fertility output under cryopreservation method. Thawing temperature of 70°C and above within a few seconds, have shown promising results. Possibly, this temperature is helpful to reduce the toxic nature of cryoprotectants. However, this review suggests the use of intrauterine method, and possibly innovation of new modification and training expertise would help to improve fertility in bitches. Nevertheless, more work is needed to accurately predict fertility of cryopreserved canine semen.Item Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha participates in axial skeletogenesis during mouse embryo development(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015-02-12) Luziga, C. D.; Bui, T. N.; Kashoma, I. P.; Aligawesa, E.; Yamamoto, Y.Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha (CTLA-2α) has been discovered and expressed in mouse activated T-cells and mast cells. Structurally, it is homologous to the proregion of mouse cathepsin L, a lysosomal cystein proteinase. Expressed recombinant CTLA-2α is shown to exhibit selective inhibition to cathepsin L and is localized in the uterus during pregnancy where it is implicated in embryo plantation and development. CTLA-2α has also been demonstrated in the maternal side of the placenta in the deciduas basalis, metrial gland and myometrium layers in mouse but its vivo targets in the embryo are yet to be identified. We carried out studies to investigate the specific cell types synthesizing CTLA-2α protein in mouse embryo and examine its cellular localization. Immunofluorescence labeling showed intense localization of CTLA-2α in the cranium, vertebrae of cervical and thoracic region and the sternabrae. In the visceral organs, staining level was strong in the pancreas. Moderate staining was visible within the brain and remnants of the notochord. The rest of the organs including the spleen, small intestine and lungs were delineated by CTLA-2α. These findings suggest that CTLA-2α participates in an important role from the potential commitment of mesenchymal cells lineages to the ossification of axial skeleton early in embryogenesis.Item 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.Item 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.