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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.
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.
Evaluating the effect of preventative trimming on distance from the sole surface to the distal phalanx using Ultrasonography for lameness prevention in pasture-based Dairy cows
(MDPI, 2023) Werema, Chacha W; Laven, Linda J; Mueller, Kristina R; Laven, Richard A
One common management strategy used to reduce the risk of lameness is prophylactic claw trimming. However, in pasture-based cattle, there is a concern that the immediate reduction in sole thickness resulting from sole trimming will lead to medium-to-long-term reductions in sole thickness, which may increase the risk of lameness. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data on sole thickness and trimming in pasture-based cows. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of trimming on sole thickness over the medium-to-long term, as estimated using the ultrasound- measured distance from the external claw sole surface to the distal phalanx (DDP) and of DDP on the interval between calving and increased locomotion scores. A total of 38 cows were randomly selected from a 940-cow spring calving dairy farm in the North Island of New Zealand; 18 were allocated to the ultrasound hoof-trimming group and 20 were allocated to the ultrasound non-trimming group. Starting in May 2018, at the end of the 2017/18 lactation, ultrasound measurements of DDP of the right hind hoof were made on all 38 cows, and the hindlimbs of the trimming group cows were trimmed by an experienced professional hoof trimmer using the five-step Dutch method. This was repeated in October 2018 (early lactation) and May 2019 (late lactation). After calving, the cows were locomotion scored fortnightly until the end of lactation using the 4-point (0–3) scale DairyNZ system. The effect of DDP on the interval between calving and the first locomotion scores ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, and the association between trimming and DDP was explored using linear mixed models. The results suggest that DDP has no effect on the time to locomotion scores ≥ 1 or ≥ 2, although the wide confidence intervals of the latter suggest that more data are needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. The study failed to find any clinically important impact of prophylactic trimming on DDP. This is likely related to the finding that cows with the highest DDP at the first trimming were identified by the hoof trimmer as those needing the most trimming. The results of this study thus suggest that if the Dutch five-step method is properly applied, it is unlikely to affect sole thickness over the short-to-medium term in pasture-based cattle.
Evaluating alternatives to locomotion scoring for lameness Detection in pasture-based dairy cows in New Zealand: Infra-red thermography
(MDPI, 2021) Werema, Chacha Wambura; Laven, Linda; Mueller, Kristina; Laven, Richard
Lameness in cattle is a complex condition with huge impacts on welfare, and its detection is challenging for the dairy industry. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between foot skin temperature (FST) measured using infrared thermography (IRT) and locomotion scoring (LS) in dairy cattle kept at pasture. Data were collected from a 940-cow dairy farm in New Zealand. Cows were observed at two consecutive afternoon milkings where LS was undertaken at the first milking (4-point scale (0–3), DairyNZ). The next day, cows were thermally imaged from the plantar aspect of the hind feet using a handheld T650sc forward-looking infrared camera (IRT). The association between FST and locomotion score was analysed using a generalised linear model with an identity link function and robust estimators. ROC curves were performed to determine optimal threshold tem- perature cut-off values by maximising sensitivity and specificity for detecting locomotion score ≥ 2. There was a linear association between individual locomotion scores and FST. For mean temperature (MT), each one-unit locomotion score increase was associated with a 0.944 ◦ C rise in MT. Using MT at a cut-off point of 34.5 ◦ C produced a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 92.4% for identifying cows with a locomotion score ≥ 2 (lame). Thus, IRT has a substantial potential to be used on-farm for lameness detection. However, automation of the process will likely be necessary for IRT to be used without interfering with farm operations.
Evaluating alternatives to locomotion scoring for detecting Lameness in pasture-based dairy cattle in New Zealand: In-parlour scoring
(MDPI, 2022) Werema, Chacha W; Yang, Dan A; Laven, Linda J; Mueller, Kristina R; Laven, Richard A
Earlier detection followed by efficient treatment can reduce the impact of lameness. Cur- rently, locomotion scoring (LS) is the most widely used method of early detection but has significant limitations in pasture-based cattle and is not commonly used routinely in New Zealand. Scoring in the milking parlour may be more achievable, so this study compared an in-parlour scoring (IPS) technique with LS in pasture-based dairy cows. For nine months on two dairy farms, whole herd LS (4-point 0–3 scale) was followed 24 h later by IPS, with cows being milked. Observed for shifting weight, abnormal weight distribution, swollen heel or hock joint, and overgrown hoof. Every third cow was scored. Sensitivity and specificity of individual IPS indicators and one or more, two or more or three positive indicators for detecting cows with locomotion scores ≥ 2 were calculated. Using a threshold of two or more positive indicators were optimal (sensitivity > 92% and specificity > 98%). Utilising the IPS indicators, a decision tree machine learning procedure classified cows with loco- motion score class ≥ 2 with a true positive rate of 75% and a false positive rate of 0.2%. IPS has the potential to be an alternative to LS on pasture-based dairy farms.
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.
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.
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.
Treponema infection associated with genital ulceration in wild baboons
(The American College of Veterinary Pathologists, 2012) Knauf, S; Batamuzi, E. K; Mlengeya, T; Kilewo, M; Lejora, I. A. V; Nordhoff, M; Ehlers, B; Harper, K. N; Fyumagwa, R; Hoare, R; Failing, K; Wehrend, A; Kaup, F. J; Leendertz, F. H; Mätz-Rensing, K
The authors describe genital alterations and detailed histologic findings in baboons naturally infected with Treponema pallidum. The disease causes moderate to severe genital ulcerations in a population of olive baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) at Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. In a field survey in 2007, 63 individuals of all age classes, both sexes, and different grades of infection were chemically immobilized and sampled. Histology and molecular biological tests were used to detect and identify the organism responsible: a strain similar to T pallidum ssp pertenue, the cause of yaws in humans. Although treponemal infections are not a new phenomenon in nonhuman primates, the infection described here appears to be strictly associated with the anogenital region and results in tissue alterations matching those found in human syphilis infections (caused by T pallidum ssp pallidum), despite the causative pathogen’s greater genetic similarity to human yaws-causing strains.
Tick burden and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle in the lake zone of Tanzania
(springer, 2014-08) Kusiluka, Lughano; Chenyambuga, Sebastian Wilson; Mwega, Elisa Daniel; Mwilawa, Anjello Joseph; Karimuribo, Esron Daniel; Mdegela, Robinson Hammerthon; Msalya, George; Kipanyula, Maulilio John; Laisser, Emmanuel Levillal Katamboi
This study was carried out to assess the distribution, abundance of different tick genera and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle kept in selected wards of Serengeti and Tarime districts in Mara region. Adult ticks were identified and counted from half body parts of 360 animals which were extensively managed in communal land with natural pastures. Concurrently, blood samples were col- lected and thereafter DNA extracted and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was done using primers specific for p104 gene to detect the presence of T. parva DNA. Ticks were identified into four groups: Amblyomma genus, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus, other species of Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genus. Rhipicephalus genus accounted for 71.8 % of the total ticks, whereas Amblyomma, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus and Hyalomma constituted 14.1, 14.0 and 0.1 %, respectively. There were more animals (p<0.05) infested with ticks in Tarime district (96.1 %) than in Serengeti (61.7 %). The average counts of ticks were higher in adult animals (p<0.05) than in young animals. The overall prevalence of T. parva was 27.7 % and was higher (p<0.05) in Serengeti (38.3 %) than in Tarime district (16.7 %). However, all animals tested positive for T. parva did not show any clinical signs of East Coast fever (ECF), suggesting the existence of subclinical infection in Tarime zebu. These results suggest that Tarime cattle can tolerate ECF infection and are likely to serve as potential carriers of T. parva to other less-tolerant cattle breeds in mixed herds. Since Tarime cattle are preferred by most farmers with mixed herds, routine screening for T. parva is highly recom- mended to minimize introduction of infected cattle into an immunologically naive population.
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.
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.
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.
An investigation of the endocrine disrupting potential of enniatin B using in vitro bioassays
(ELSEVIER, 2015-01) Kalayou, S.; Ndossi, D.; Frizzell, C.; Groseth, P.; Connolly, L.; Sørlie, M.; Verhaegen, S.; Ropstad, E.
Evidence that some of the fungal metabolites present in food and feed may act as potential endocrine disruptors is increasing. Enniatin B (ENN B) is among the emerging Fusarium mycotoxins known to contaminate cereals. In this study, the H295R and neonatal porcine Leydig cell (LC) models, and reporter gene assays (RGAs) have been used to investigate the endocrine disrupting activity of ENN B. Aspects of cell viability, cell cycle distribution, hormone production as well as the expression of key steroidogenic genes were assessed using the H295R cell model. Cell viability and hormone production levels were determined in the LC model, while cell viability and steroid hormone nuclear receptor transcriptional activity were measured using the RGAs. ENN B (0.01–100 m M) was cytotoxic in the H295R and LC models used; following 48 h incubation with 100 m M. Flow cytometry analysis showed that ENN B exposure (0.1– 25 m M) led to an increased proportion of cells in the S phase at higher ENN B doses (>10 m M) while cells at G 0 /G 1 phase were reduced. At the receptor level, ENN B (0.00156–15.6 m M) did not appear to induce any specific (ant) agonistic responses in reporter gene assays (RGAs), however cell viability was affected at 15.6 m M. Measurement of hormone levels in H295R cells revealed that the production of progesterone, testosterone and cortisol in exposed cells were reduced, but the level of estradiol was not significantly affected. There was a general reduction of estradiol and testosterone levels in exposed LC. Only the highest dose (100 m M) used had a significant effect, suggesting the observed inhibitory effect is more likely associated with the cytotoxic effect observed at this dose. Gene transcription analysis in H295R cells showed that twelve of the sixteen genes were significantly modulated (p < 0.05) by ENN B (10 m M) compared to the control. Genes HMGR, StAR, CYP11A, 3 b HSD2 and CYP17 were downregulated, whereas the expression of CYP1A1, NR0B1, MC2R, CYP21, CYP11B1, CYP11B2 and CYP19 were upregulated. The reduction of hormones and modulation of genes at the lower dose (10 m M) in the H295R cells suggests that adrenal endocrine toxicity is an important potential hazard.
Predicting body weight of Tanzania shorthorn zebu cattle using heart girth measurements
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2011-04-01) Kashoma, I.; Luziga, C.; Werema, C.; Shirima, G.; Ndossi, D.
Impact of research findings on Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSHZ) cattle under agropastoral system in Tanzania have been lessened due to difficulties in relating visual appearance of animals with their live body weights. Managerial decisions have therefore been based on rough and inaccurate estimates. A simple, workable and accurate means was therefore thought to predict live weight of zebu cattle using heart girth measurement. A total of 300 TSHZ cattle were subjected to weighbridge as well as heart girth measurements and the findings subjected to regression analysis. Their live weights ranged from 170 to 390 Kg. The study revealed that heart girth had high correlation coefficient with live weight (r = 0.94, p<0.01). Grouping of data according to sex indicated that heart girth and live weight had closest correlation coefficient in both male and female, r = 0.9385 and r = 0.9318, respectively. The regression analysis of live weight on heart girth was highly significant (R² = 0.88, P<0.01), and the regression lines indicated that a linear relationship existed. The general equation for prediction of live weight of the TSHZ cattle was as follows: Y = 4.55 X – 409 (± 17.9), Where, Y = live weight (Kg), X = heart girth (cm). This implies that the use of the heart girth measurements in prediction of live weight of TSHZ cattle is credible.
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.
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.
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.
Relative quantification of the proteomic changes associated with the mycotoxin zearalenone in the H295R steroidogenesis model
(Elsevier Ltd, 2011) Busk, Ø. L.; Ndossi, D.; Verhaegen, S.; Connolly, L.; Eriksen, G.; Ropstad, E.; Sørlie, M.
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin with endocrine disrupting effects having vast economic implications in e.g. pig farming. Structurally, ZEN resembles 17 b -estradiol, and thus is able to bind to estrogen receptors (ER) in target cells. Because of this, it is also classified as a non-steroidal estrogen, a phytoestrogen, a mycoestrogen, and a growth promoter. Quantitative proteomic analysis was undertaken using stable-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) upon exposure of the steroidogenesis cell model H295R with ZEN to elucidate its effect on protein regulation. ZEN significantly regulated 21 proteins, including proteins with known endocrine disrupting effects and several oncogenes. In addition, network analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that ZEN affected the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and the mitochondrial dysfunction pathway, both previously reported to be involved in endocrine dysfunction.
Using SILAC proteomics to investigate the effect of the mycotoxin, alternariol, in the human H295R steroidogenesis model
(Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014, 2014-11) Kalayou, S.; Hamre, A. G.; Ndossi, D.; Connolly, L.; Sørlie, M.; Ropstad, E.; Verhaegen, S.
The mycotoxin alternariol (AOH) is an impor- tant contaminant of fruits and cereal products. The current study sought to address the effect of a non-toxic AOH concentration on the proteome of the steroidogenic H295R cell model. Quantitative proteomics based on stable iso- tope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) coupled to 1D-SDS-PAGE-LC-MS/MS was applied to subcellular-enriched protein samples. Gene ontology (GO) and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) were further carried out for functional annotation and identification of protein interaction networks. Furthermore, the effect of AOH on apoptosis and cell cycle distribution was also determined by the use of flow cytometry analysis. This work identified 22 proteins that were regulated significant- ly. The regulated proteins are those involved in early stages of steroid biosynthesis (SOAT1, NPC1, and ACBD5) and C21-steroid hormone metabolism (CYP21A2 and HSD3B1). In addition, several proteins known to play a role in cellular assembly, organization, protein synthesis, and cell cycle were regulated. These findings provide a new framework for studying the mechanisms by which AOH modulates steroidogenesis in H295R cell model.

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