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Usage of soyabean meal (SBM) in broiler diets is economically and environmentally unsustainable thus necessitating investigation of alternative protein sources. Therefore, this study investigated effects of incremental inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) for partial substitution of SBM in broiler diets. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 400 day-old Ross 308 chicks were allotted to 5 iso-caloric-nitrogenous MSM-containing (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated 8 times, with each pen having 10 birds, during starter (d1 – 14), grower (d15 – 28), and finisher (d29 – 42) phases. Results showed that dietary MSM decreased feed intake (FI: quadratic: P < 0.001), body weight gain (BWG: linear: P < 0.001), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE: linear: P < 0.001) as it linearly decreased slaughter weight (SW: P < 0.001), hot carcass weight (HCW: P < 0.001), cold carcass weight (CCW: P < 0.001), dressing percentage (P < 0.001), and breast weight (P < 0.05). In contrast, dietary MSM linearly increased the weights of the liver (P < 0.01), proventriculus (P < 0.001), gizzard (P < 0.001), duodenum (P = 0.01), jejunum (P < 0.001), ileum (P < 0.001), caecum (P < 0.01), and colon (P < 0.01). Also, dietary MSM quadratically increased blood heterophils (P < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.05) of the chickens whilst linearly increasing their serum amylase (P = 0.001) and lipase (P = 0.001) activities and linearly decreasing their serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA: P = 0.001) and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Further, dietary MSM linearly decreased chicken breast meat ultimate pH (P < 0.05) whilst linearly increasing its cooking loss (P < 0.01), drip loss (P < 0.05) and shear force (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary MSM compromised growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers as it increased the weights of their digestive-metabolic organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory condition that primarily affects the exocrine pancreas. Diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis can be aided by evaluating particular haematobiochemical alterations. Twelve Wistar albino rats were split up into two groups. Group 1 served as control, while Group 2 (the experimental group) received two intraperitoneal injections of L-arginine at the dose rate of 2.5 g/Kg body weight on the 14th day of experiment. Haematobiochemical parameters were assessed on days 0, 7, and 15 of the experiment. Group 2 exhibited a significant rise in serum amylase and lipase levels when contrasted with Group 1 (P<0.05), coinciding with an observable reduction in both the volume of packed red cells and haemoglobin concentration. No significant changes were observed in the levels of glucose, total leukocyte count, total erythrocyte count, and platelet count between the two groups (P>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venomous snakebites due to various poisonous snakes in equines are seldom reported. The present report describes the case of viperine snakebite in a mare. A 2.5-year-old mare was admitted to clinics with history of swelling over right forelimb, bleeding from limb, anorexia and lameness. Clinical examination of bitten mare showed ascending swelling in right forelimb, lameness, bleeding point and fang mark at the site of bite. Vital parameters showed normal body temperature with tachycardia and tachypnoea. Haematological examination revealed granulocytic leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and prolonged capillary blood clotting time. Biochemical analysis of blood showed elevated values of BUN, creatinine, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase. The case was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs and haemato-biochemical findings. Treatment with polyvalent anti-snake venom and supportive therapy comprising of fluids, corticosteroid, diuretic, antibiotic, styptic and vitamin B complex for 5 days showed uneventful recovery with restoration of haematological and biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Serious disease outbreaks in cattle are usually associated with blood pathogens. This study aims to detect blood pathogens namely Theileria species, Anaplasma species, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos and Trypanosoma evansi, and determine their phylogenetic relationships and haemato-biochemical abnormalities in naturally infected cattle. Methods Molecular analysis was achieved by PCR amplification and sequencing of PCR amplicons of 18SrRNA gene of Theileria species, 16SrRNA genes of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma species, MPSP genes of T. orientalis and T. sinensis, MSP4 gene of A. marginale, 16SrRNA gene of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, and RoTat1.2 VSG gene of Trypanosoma evansi, in sixty-one (61) clinically ill Kedah-Kelantan x Brahman cattle in Pahang, Malaysia. Results A total of 44 (72.13%) cattle were infected with more than one blood pathogen. Theileria species was the blood pathogen with the highest molecular detection rate (72.13, 95% CI 59.83–81.81%). Nucleotide blast analyses of all sequences demonstrated high degree of molecular similarity (98–100%) in comparison with their respective reference sequences. Analysis of 18SrRNA gene sequences of Theileria species and 16SrRNA gene sequences of Anaplasma species revealed Theileria sinensis and Anaplasma platys respectively as additional species detected in these cattle. MPSP-PCR analysis was conducted for further confirmation of T. sinensis. The blood picture of eight infected cattle groups revealed poikilocytosis, anisocytosis, rouleaux formation and degenerative left shift. High mean erythrocyte fragility values were common in infected cattle groups. Anaemia of the macrocytic normochromic type and spherocytes were observed in the T. evansi and Anaplasma platys + Theileria sinensis double species co-infected cattle group. Normocytic normochromic anaemia was observed in the T. sinensis infected cattle group. Significant (p

Six dogs each with open and closed-cervix pyometra (Group I and II) were medically managed with mifepristone @ 2.5mg/kg body weight orally twice daily for five days, followed by cloprostenol @ 5µg/kg body weight subcutaneously on every alternate day after ensuring cervical patency, till complete evacuation of uterus was assessed by ultrasonography. Haematological and serum biochemical values were estimated on the day of presentation. The treatment response was assessed by reviewing both haematological and serum biochemical values further on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 of treatment. The mean total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin concentration and volume of packed red cells (VPRC) were significantly lower and mean total leucocyte count (TLC) was significantly higher in all animals of both groups during the day of presentation. The values significantly improved after initiation of treatment. Total thrombocyte count, serum total protein, albumin, BUN and serum creatinine levels were within the normal range. TEC, TLC, Hb concentration, VPRC could be used for prognostic markers of treatment evaluation in canine pyometra.

Despite the low per capita consumption of poultry products in Nigeria, available statistics have indicated that there is still a huge supply gap that need to be addressed. High cost of feed ingredients has been implicated as the leading factor in this problem, hence the need for sourcing of relatively cheaper alternatives feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the carcass characteristics and haemato-biochemical parameters of finisher broilers fed maiwa millet-based diets. Millet was made to replace maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels, designated as diets T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Three hundred broiler chickens weighing 876.25 - 950.04 g each, were allotted to these diets in replicates of four containing 15 birds each in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were given ad libitum and the study lasted for 4 weeks. Results for carcass analysis revealed no significant effect of maiwa millet on nearly all the parameters studied. Slaughter weight and dressing percentage ranged from 2.22 to 2.51kgand 67.83 to 71.28%. Liver weight was within the range of 2.26 and 2.49%. However, some haemato-biochemical indices were significantly (P<0.05) influenced. Packed Cell Volume was highest (P<0.05) on T5 (33.25%) and lowest on T1 (27.37%) and T2 (27.75%). Total protein was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed T3 (47.35g/dl) and T5 (47.08g/dl) and lowest (P<0.05) in those on T1 (40.74g/dl). It was therefore concluded that maiwa millet can replace maize up to 100% level without decrease in carcass yield or any deleterious effect on finisher broilers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical theileriosis is one of the major causes of newborn calves mortality. Observation of clinical manifestations is important while making the presumptive/tentative diagnosis of tropical theileriosis in newborn calves. The phenotypic and haemato-biochemical appraisals of tropical theileriosis could be of great help to make a holistic therapeutic plan for diseased newborn calves. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the haemato-biochemical and phenotypic diagnostic markers of tropical theileriosis in newborn calves. A total of 43 newborn calves naturally infected with Theileria annulata and 16 age-matched healthy calves were enrolled. The percentage distribution of clinical markers was generalized lymph nodes enlargement (100%), pyrexia (97.67%), respiratory distress (95.34%), tick infestation (90.69%), anorexia (88.37%), pica (81.39%), pallor mucous membrane (67.44%), hyperlacrimation (58.13%) and exophthalmia (30.22%). Haemograms including TEC, Hb and HCT were found to be significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lowered in diseased calves. Remarkable alterations in the leukogram panels were not observed. Serum glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations of calves with theileriosis were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lower than healthy ones, whereas triglycerides and total cholesterol levels of diseased calves were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) higher. Significantly (P ≤ 0.001) elevated activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes were observed in diseased calves. An evaluation of clinical phenotypes could be helpful to initiate quick treatment of diseased calves in field conditions and save the lives of sick calves of economically poor farmers. Altered haemato-biochemical panels to be appraised by veterinary clinicians while making a therapeutic plan of tropical theileriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serious disease outbreaks in cattle are usually associated with blood pathogens. This study aims to detect blood pathogens namely Theileria species, Anaplasma species, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos and Trypanosoma evansi, and determine their phylogenetic relationships and haemato-biochemical abnormalities in naturally infected cattle. Methods: Molecular analysis was achieved by PCR amplification and sequencing of PCR amplicons of 18SrRNA gene of Theileria species, 16SrRNA genes of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma species, MPSP genes of T. orientalis and T. sinensis, MSP4 gene of A. marginale, 16SrRNA gene of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, and RoTat1.2 VSG gene of Trypanosoma evansi, in sixty-one (61) clinically ill Kedah-Kelantan x Brahman cattle in Pahang, Malaysia. Results: A total of 44 (72.13%) cattle were infected with more than one blood pathogen. Theileria species was the blood pathogen with the highest molecular detection rate (72.13, 95% CI 59.83–81.81%). Nucleotide blast analyses of all sequences demonstrated high degree of molecular similarity (98–100%) in comparison with their respective reference sequences. Analysis of 18SrRNA gene sequences of Theileria species and 16SrRNA gene sequences of Anaplasma species revealed Theileria sinensis and Anaplasma platys respectively as additional species detected in these cattle. MPSP-PCR analysis was conducted for further confirmation of T. sinensis. The blood picture of eight infected cattle groups revealed poikilocytosis, anisocytosis, rouleaux formation and degenerative left shift. High mean erythrocyte fragility values were common in infected cattle groups. Anaemia of the macrocytic normochromic type and spherocytes were observed in the T. evansi and Anaplasma platys + Theileria sinensis double species co-infected cattle group. Normocytic normochromic anaemia was observed in the T. sinensis infected cattle group. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in serum liver and kidney parameters, total protein, globulin, total and unconjugated bilirubin and decreased albumin values were observed in the T. evansi infected cattle when compared to clinically healthy cattle. Conclusion: We present the first evidence of Theileria sinensis-associated bovine anaemia (TSABA) in Malaysian cattle. Because of the high occurrence of bovine theileriosis and detection of A. platys, there is an urgent need for appropriate preventive and control measures against these blood pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oroxylum indicum plant is a herbal plant commonly eaten by the locals in Malaysia while the application of herbal remedies from the plant has been inherited and passed down through generations. However, there is a lack of toxicity profiling of the plant, hence this research aimed to investigate acute oral toxicity of ethanol extract of O. indicum in C57BL/6 male mice at different concentrations, to determine the LD50 of the plant extract. A total of twenty-five mice were randomly assigned into five experimental groups comprising the control (normal saline), vehicle (5% DMSO), low dose (1000 mg/kg bw), medium dose (2000 mg/kg bw) and high dose (5000 mg/kg bw). The extracts were administered in a single oral dose on day 1 and the mice were observed daily for mortality, physiological and behavioural changes throughout the 14 day study period. At the end of the study, vital organs and blood samples were collected to determine the effects of the extract on the relative organ weight, tissue changes and blood profile alterations. No mortality nor behavioural changes were recorded for 2 weeks. Results of the body weight, relative organ weight, haematological and serum biochemistry assessments showed no significant (p>0.05) changes. Nevertheless, there were significant differences in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), urea and alanine transaminase (ALT) values but the levels were still within the normal range. Histopathological analysis of the liver and kidney tissues also revealed no striking lesions. In summary, this study indicates that O. indicum leaf ethanolic extract up to 5000 mg/kg bw did not cause any toxicological effects in the mice model and is safe to be used for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a risk of iron overload in grazing livestock. However, the effects on nutrient absorption and rumen function induced by excessive iron have not been well understood. Therefore, the purpose of present study was to investigate the impact of over‐load iron on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in sheep. Twenty‐four German Mutton Merino cross‐bred sheep with weight (42.66 ± 2.34 kg BW) were randomly divided into 4 groups, each with 6 replicates and 1 sheep per replicate. The basal diet consisted of 60% Leymus chinensis hay and 40% concentrate. The sheep in 4 groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with 50 (Control), 500 (T1), 1,000 (T2) and 1,500 (T3) mg Fe/kg as ferrous sulphate monohydrate (FeSO4·H2O) respectively. And the actual contents of iron in the diet were determined to be 457.68 (control), 816.42 (T1), 1,256.78 (T2) and 1,725.63 (T3) mg/kg respectively. The experiment lasted 62 days including a 7‐day metabolism trial. During the whole experiment, the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre showed a quadratic increase with increasing over‐load iron levels (p <.05), and maximum responses were found with 500 mg/kg supplementation. However, the response of total VFA concentration showed a quadratic decrease, as did the concentrations of propionate, butyrate and valerate (p <.05). Serum total iron‐binding capacity on day 30 showed a quadratic decrease with the increase in high‐dose iron, while the serum iron content increased linearly at day 60 (p <.05). Excessive iron resulted in the change in bacterial communities. An increase in over‐load iron linearly decreased the abundance of bacteria in the phylum Bacteroidetes (p <.05), but linearly increased the Firmicutes (p =.037) and Proteobacteria (p =.018). In addition, there was a quadratic effect (p =.003) on the Fibrobacteres, which was higher in the 500 and 1,000 mg/kg Fe‐supplemented groups. At the genus level, there were quadratic effects on the abundances of Selenomonas_1 (p =.023) and Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014 (p =.016). Furthermore, feeding of iron linearly increased the relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG‐002 (p <.05). These results indicate that increasing ferrous sulphate monohydrate in diets had no negative impact on the growth performance, but it changed nutrient digestibility, blood iron parameters, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to know the haemato-biochemical changes associated with Theileria equi (T. equi) infection in five horse-populated areas/district of Rajasthan viz., Bikaner, Ajmer, Barmer, Nagaur, and Pali. Total 151 horses, irrespective of age and sex, were screened for T.equi infection. Whole blood and sera samples of all these horses were studied for haematology (Hb, PCV, total RBC, and WBC count), serum biochemistry (SGOT, ALP, GGT, and total bilirubin), and serological test like c-ELISA. On the basis of c-ELISA test, the overall seroprevalence of T. equi was 49.66%. Haemato-biochemical studies in seropositive horses revealed none significantly low value of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, and none significantly higher GGT, ALP, and total bilirubin when compared with apparently healthy seronegative horses. Haemato-biochemical studies in seropositive horses revealed a significantly lower value of total leucocyte count and a significantly higher value of SGOT than apparently healthy seronegative horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Diagnosis of foreign body impaction in ruminant is still of interest in most clinical studies. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate this condition using B-mode ultrasonography in addition to evaluation of clinical, hemato-biochemical and ruminal parameters in healthy and affected goats. Materials and Methods: Fifteen clinically normal goats and 15 goats with foreign body impaction were recruited in Menia El-Kamh abattoir. All animals were selected only when revealed negative for internal and external parasite. Thorough clinical, ultrasonographic examination and blood analysis were applied before slaughtering. Meanwhile, ruminal fluid and necropsy findings were assessed after slaughtering. Results: The prominent clinical signs in diseased group were inappetence, dullness, emaciation, weakness, scanty hard feces and tympany. Ultrasonographic examination of diseased goats revealed the presence of foreign body at left 11th-12th ICS. Foreign body in rumen appeared as hyperechoic band with acoustic shadowing. Significant reduction in ruminal wall thickness and biphasic reticular motility along with significant increase in monophasic reticular contraction and relaxation period were recorded in diseased goats when compared with control one. The erythrocytes count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit percent and albumin were significantly decreased in diseased goats when compared with healthy one. Moreover, ruminal fluid analysis of affected goats revealed significant decrease in ruminal pH and prolonged Methylene blue reduction time. Conclusions: Findings indicated that B-mode ultrasonography is a relatively simple and objective method for diagnosis of foreign body impaction in goats.

In order to assess palatability, digestibility and health performance, feeding trials of Prosopis juliflora pods powder containing concentrate mixture were conducted on lactating Tharparkar cattle over the year. Eight lactating cows were divided into control (CG) and treatment (TG) groups. CG cows were fed traditional concentrate mixture in their diet, however, TG cows were fed concentrate mixture prepared utilizing Prosopis juliflora pods powder mixed with other locally available feed resources of arid region. The DMI/100 kg b. wt. was 2.85 and 3.0 kg for CG and TG groups, respectively. The digestibility coefficient of ration was comparable between the groups and the DM digestibility coefficient was 62.23 and 63.07 % for CG and TG groups, respectively. The water intake/animal/day was 45.0 ± 0.38 and 44.0 ± 0.77 litres for CG and TG groups, respectively. Haemato-biochemical parameters remained unaffected. The results revealed comparable palatability and digestibility of Prosopis juliflora included diet with fairly good nutritive value. The inclusion of Prosopis juliflora pods in concentrate mixture had no adverse effect on the health of lactating Tharparkar cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five post parturient (1-3 months) she buffaloes brought to the clinic with a history of passing coffee coloured urine, fever, decreased milk yield and reduced feed and water intake were selected for this study. Clinical examination of the buffaloes revealed enlarged lymph nodes, symptoms of anaemia, dyspnoea, weak pulse, tachycardia, panting and mild salivation. Haematological parameters of these animals showed that they were affected with anaemia andhaemoglobinuria. Serum biochemical parameters revealed that they were affected with post-parturient haemoglobinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indiscriminate use of pesticides has elevated the risk of contamination of environment and aquatic habitat. Considering the above fact, the present study has been under taken to investigate the alteration of some blood parameters of freshwater teleost Mystus vittatus after chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of Metasystox (4 ppm.) and Sevin (7 ppm.) individually. The main alterations observed in certain haematological parameters were clotting time (CT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), haemoglobin percentage (Hb%), red blood corpuscles (RBCs), white blood corpuscles (WBCs), pack cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Alterations in organic constituents of blood, such as glucose, blood urea, total plasma protein and cholesterol, and in inorganic constituents, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, were also studied. Alteration of enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-pase), fructose-1-6-diphosphatase (F-1-6-dipase), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were also studied, so that the changes in the blood biochemistry due to the pesticidal stress could be understood. Results indicated that CT, WBCs, MCH, MCHC, glucose, blood urea, cholesterol, magnesium and SGOT were increased, whereas other parameters were found to be decreased in both cases. Possible reasons for the above elevation are discussed in the light of available literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemato- biochemical and immuno-pathophysiological changes following feeding of broiler chicks with 20 ppm fenvalerate (synthetic pyrethroid, SP), 2 ppm monocrotophos (organophosphate, OP) and 2 ppm endosulfan (chlorinated hydrocarbon, CH) were studied. Four groups of broiler birds (30 each) were fed poultry mash without (control) or mixed with pesticides for 8 weeks. Blood glucose, serum globulin and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity level were decreased (P<0.01) in all treated groups compared to control, but not the serum albumin and BUN. The total ATPase activity was enhanced (P<0.01) in fenvalerate and monocrotophos than birds in control group. Body weight, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, eosinophil and monocyte count did not show any changes. Total leucocytes and T-lymphocyte count was lower (P<0.01) in all treated groups as compared to control group. B-cell count (P<0.01), mean 2-4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) dermal sensitivity score and splenic indices from graft vs. host reaction (P<0.05) were decreased in fenvalarate and endosulfan but the values for monocrotophos were intermediate between control and other treated groups. Pesticide intoxication reduced nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells (active splenic macrophages) (P<0.05) and spleen weight (P<0.01). Whereas bursal weight was reduced only with endosulfan, thymic weight was reduced on endosulfan and fenvalerate-treated feed. Microscopic examination of these organs further revealed atrophy/hypoplasia, decrease in the size of follicles with depletion of lymphocytes and haemorrhages in thymus. The study concludes that the chronic exposure of chicks to small amount of SP, OP and CH pesticide leads to deleterious effects on metabolism and immune system of birds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study which examined the effect of mange-mite infestation on the haemato-biochemical parameters of affected goats. It cited several biochemical parameters included in the study like hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), lymphocyte, eosinophil, neutrophil and monocyte. Topics covered include materials and methods used in the study, symptoms of sarcoptic mange infection, and possible causes of monocytosis in the affected animals.

Twelve dogs of either sex brought to the college clinic with surgical affections were utilized to study the effect of ketofol and propofol after premedication with atropine sulphate, diazepam and fentanyl. The animals were divided into two groups of six animals each. Ketofol (1:1) combination was administered intravenously in group I dogs whereas, propofol was administered @ 6 mg/kg b.wt. intravenously in group II dogs. Induction was excellent, smooth and the dogs attained sternal recumbency rapidly without struggling in both the groups. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and excitement free in both the groups, though prolonged recovery was a consistent observation in propofol group. Ketofol with atropine, diazepam and fentanyl premedication provided better surgical anaesthesia with smooth induction and rapid, safe and smooth recovery in the dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]