Veterinärmedizinische Wissenschaft und Technologie

In order to measure the extent to which timing behavior diverges from a scalar property, the authors tested their recently published model of timing behavior [1]. With rats as subjects, peak-interval procedures were performed. For each interval length presented to subjects, the model was used to identify the length of the basic clock period and the weight of the clocks. A carry over effect was observed on the basic clock period, suggesting the uniqueness of the clock (stopwatch) system. Analysis indicated that, when coping with peak-interval procedures of different lengths, the rats changed not only the basic clock period but also the weights of the clocks. It was the changes in the clocks’ weights that led to the observed small deviations from the scalar property, and this also suggested the uniqueness of the clock (stopwatch) system in the range tested in the experiment.

Hard ticks are blood feeding ectoparasites that infest humans and animals and are vectors of pathogenic microorganism that cause severe infectious diseases. Morphological identification has been the main approach of identifying ticks but the technique is considered inaccurate and difficult. Molecular techniques have recently been considered to be appropriate approaches for accurate and rapid identification and Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS 2) has been shown to differentiate genus of hard ticks. Currently, genetic identification of ticks using ITS 2 has not been carried out in Kenya. In this study, 80 tick samples were collected from Lake Nakuru and Tsavo National Parks and were identified morphologically using appropriate identification keys. DNA was extracted from the appendages using DNA extraction kit followed by partial amplification of ITS 2 gene. The PCR products were then analyzed by gel electrophoresis and positive PCR products were sequenced. Of the tick samples four genera were identified morphologically; Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor. Of the tick samples identified and compared with the sequences in the GenBank, six and seven samples showed 98-100% homology with A. variegatum and R. pulchellus respectively and they clustered in their respective monophyletic group in the phylogeny tree with a bootstrap of 99%. Two samples showed 92% homology with H. dromedarii and the study sequences clustered with the reference sequence with a bootstrap of 99% while six samples showed 95% homology with H. marginatum rufipes, however, only four of these samples clustered together with the reference sequence in the phylogeny with a bootstrap of 95%. One sample showed 91% homology with A. humerali and did not cluster together in the phylogeny tree. Congruency between both techniques was high with a correlation coefficient of 0.941. This is the first report of phenotypic and genotypic traits of tick species in Kenya and the findings will add value to the existing knowledge in identification of ticks.

Several air fresheners and deodorants that contain ethylene glycol were found (1-2% (w/v)) in commercially available products. Ethylene glycol is a liquid used as a surfactant or an emulsifier in household products. The aim of this study is to determine the inhalation toxicity of ethylene glycol. The effect of whole-body inhalation to EG was performed for an inhalation study of rat. Specific pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats (7 weeks old) were exposed to ethylene glycol in a stainless steel whole body inhalation chamber with a capacity of 1 m3 (Sibata Model VT3-X15 Japan). For acute and sub-acute rat inhalation toxicities, the differences of body weights were not statistically significant comparing with those of control rats. In sub-acute rat inhalation toxicity, the relative kidney weights were significantly higher in high-exposure group (500 mg/m3) than those of the other groups. In blood biochemistry the values of TG (triglyceride) and BUN (urea nitrogen) were significantly decreased. Other hematological changes with toxicological relevance were not observed in exposed male rats when compared with the control animals. The histopathological findings were not observed in the lung and kidney tissues exposed to chemicals comparing with those of control tissues. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of EG in 28 day’s inhalation test was evaluated to be over 100 mg/m3.

Ischemia is responsible for several heart injuries, leading to functional disorders and higher mortality in animals. This process is a condition of blood circulatory arrest, leading to hypoxia and an anaerobic glycolysis. In this case, glycogen is fundamental to maintain energy homeostasis, through glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) regulations. This enzyme is usually involved in cardio protection, as well as several other biological processes. To study glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), analyzing the involvement of this enzyme on cardiac system protection to understand its role in energetic metabolism during ischemia and reperfusion. Using the inflow occlusion (IO) application, the circulatory blood to the heart was blocked in adult New Zealand white rabbits. Parameters such hemogasometry as lactate levels were evaluated during the transoperatory period, using CG4+test strips (i-STAT® System). GSK3β transcription and activity analysis was performed by real time qRT-PCR and western blotting respectively, and glycogen quantification was determined enzymatically.GSK3β transcription increased during ischemia, followed by a decrease in glycogen content, suggesting that the consumption of this substrate during ischemia is mediated by GSK3β. Lactate level is highest in ischemia, and the pH value. decreased during the same period. The results suggest the importance of GSK3β in the heart metabolic adaptations after ischemia and reperfusion injuries, sustaining glucose anaerobic metabolism through glycogen reserves modulation. The results show that the transcription of GSK3β correlated with cardiac metabolic adaptations after ischemia and reperfusion injuries, sustaining glucose anaerobic metabolism.

The present investigation was undertaken to assess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic efficacy and safety of T. chebula extract (TCE) in moderately osteoarthritic (OA) dogs. Dogs with OA received either 500 mg placebo or 500 mg TCE twice daily for 150 days. On a monthly basis, dogs were given a full physical exam and were evaluated for arthritic pain (overall pain, pain upon limb manipulation, and pain after physical exertion), inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR), and analysis of complete blood count (CBC) and serum biomarkers of liver (bilirubin, ALT, and AST), kidney (BUN and creatinine), and heart and skeletal muscle (CK) functions. Elbow and stifle joints were radiographed on day 0 and day 150 for evaluation of arthritic progression. Dogs given TCE showed significant (P<0.01) reductions in overall pain, pain upon limb manipulation, and pain after physical exertion by day 90, with maximum effects on day 150 (81.2%, 81.5%, and 84.2%, respectively). A marked reduction in ESR coincided with pain reduction in TCE-treated dogs, which was indicative of anti-inflammatory effect of TCE. Radiographic evidence also indicated slowed progression of OA in joints examined. No significant change occurred in physical parameters, CBC parameters, or serum biomarkers in dogs on placebo or treatment, which suggested that TCE was well tolerated. It can be concluded that TCE, by having many active principles (chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, corilagin, hydrolysable tannoids, etc.) might have provided antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in dogs without causing any side effects.

The aim of study was evaluation of the quality of feeds for dairy cattle on the content of copper and zinc from two agro-ecological zones (western Slovakia and eastern Slovakia). Feed samples-corn silage (n=70), lucerne silage (n=32), grass silage (n=25), and total mixed ration for dairy cows-TMR (n=66) came from livestock farms. The Cu and Zn contents were assessed in samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Higher average values of zinc were found in lucerne silage from eastern Slovakia (75.04 mg/kg), in other silage were the concentration of zinc in range from 51.77 to 58.13 mg/kg. The lowest average values were found of copper in silages-corn, lucerne and grass (9.80; 9.67 and 8.10 mg/kg), respectively. In the TMR was detected the higher average content of Zn in production phases, before calving 100.43 mg/kg, after calving 109.35 mg/kg and on the top of lactation 105.29 mg/kg. A total of 396 blood serum samples were collected from 22 farms of cattle. In western Slovakia, the percentage of animals deficient in serum Zn and Cu were observed in all production phases. The levels of Zn in serum were lower than the critical level 45.07% before calving and 38.03% after calving. The serum concentration of Cu were higher at after calving 33.8% and at top lactation 33.33% of the total number of analyzed samples. In eastern Slovakia, the levels of Zn and Cu in serum samples were lower. Of the total number of samples, the amounts of Cu in serum were reduced in all production phases (before calving 14.20%, after calving 7.81% and top of lactation 16.33%. Similarly, the amount of Zn in serum was reduced (10.65%, 19.17% and 12.78%, respectively).

Objective: To purify IgG molecules from several species by SpA-affinity chromatography and to study the interactions of mammalian IgGs with a peroxidase-labelled SpL, SpA and SpG conjugate (SPLAG-HRP) in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Materials and methods: The periodate method described by Nakane and Kawoi was used to prepare the SPLAG-HRP conjugate. The 10% non-denaturing sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of sera and purified immunoglobulins was carried out to characterize molecularly the purified IgGs. The chicken IgY fraction was isolated by the chloroform-polyethylene glycol (PEG) method for its use as a negative control in the ELISA that was used to determine the affinity of different immunoglobulins to a SPLAG-HRP conjugate. Results: The SpA-affinity chromatography and the 10% non-denaturing SDS-PAGE of sera and purified immunoglobulins (IgGs) were useful separation techniques. Most purified IgGs interacted moderately with the SPLAG-HRP including IgGs from horse, dog, skunk, coyote and raccoon. The purified mammalian IgG had a molecular weight (MW) of approximately 150 kDa. Conclusion: The SPLAG-HRP was a versatile heterofunctional reagent useful for the detection of purified immunoglobulins from diverse mammalian species.

At present time the standard procedure to diagnose cardiovascular diseases (CVD) of domesticated animals (dogs) is electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring at animal clinic. Sadly, results, obtained that way, are often mistaken because of stressful state of the animal, caused by medical manipulations [1]. The usage of photoplethysmography (PPG) method can become a good substitute for CVD monitoring. Main advantages of PPG, in compare with ECG, are single probe placement (on the ear or tailset), no need of gel electrodes and capability of measuring actual CVS parameters without need of special medical training or laboratory conditions. It is one of non-invasive methods for measuring the amount of the blood volume changes inside the blood vessels, applicable for cardio activity estimation by calculating heart rate variability. In most cases, PPG monitoring devises are small, easy to place and can monitor different physiological parameters of the animal, such as heart rate, pulse wave characteristics, blood oxygen saturation, etc.

The use of veterinary drugs in food-producing animals has the potential to generate residues in animal derived products (meat, milk, eggs and honey) and poses a health hazard to the consumer. There are many factors influencing the occurrence of residues in animal products such as drug’s properties and their pharmacokinetic characteristics, physicochemical or biological processes of animals and their products. The most likely reason for drug residues might be due to improper drug usage and failure to keep the withdrawal period. The major public health significances of drug residue are development of antimicrobial drug resistance, hypersensitivity reaction, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and disruption of intestinal normal flora. The residual amount ingested is in small amounts and not necessarily toxic. However, there is limited information on the magnitude of veterinary drug residue worldwide. Hence, an extensive work has to be carried out to determine the magnitude of the problem, to prevent the occurrence of veterinary drug residues, and to familiarize all animal health professionals with the knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicological effects of veterinary drugs to minimize the potential public health hazards due to drug residues in food of animal origin.

Deformed wing virus (DWV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), sacbrood virus (SBV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) and chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) are the most common RNA viruses in bee population worldwide. To determine the prevalence of these viruses in Apis cerana in Yunnan Province, China, 270 adult Eastern worker bee (A. cerana) samples have been collected from nine major bee breeding regions in Yunnan province for screening. Our data showed that BQCV, DWV, KBV and SBV are widely prevalent in Yunnan Province. The total prevalence rates of KBV, DWV, SBV and BQCV in Yunnan province were 3%, 14.8%, 24.1% and 36.3%, respectively. BQCV was detected in all selected regions except Jinghong City. The prevalence of KBV in Tengchong County is the first evidence, to our knowledge, showing that Eastern bees could be infected by KBV. The highest infection rate of SBV was found in Kunming city (56.7%). Sequence analysis demonstrated high nucleotide homology between the isolated BQCV, DWV, KBV and SBV strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that except SBV (YNO7), Yunnan isolates can be likely clustered into independent branches, which indicates the possibility of geographic origins.

This study aimed to study the Efficacy of different anti-bacterial medicaments for treatment of equine endometritis. This study was carried out on 67 mares of varying ages (average age was 5 years old) from February 2012 to December 2013. They were diagnosed to be affected with endometritis by case history, clinical examination, ultrasonographic examination, low volume uterine flush and cytological examination of the uterine flush. The affected animals were then randomly classified into four groups; the 1st group was treated by intra-uterine wash with saline only (control), the 2nd group was treated by intra-uterine wash with saline supplied with gentamicin 10%, the 3rd group was treated by intra uterine wash with saline supplied with Cefepime, while the 4th group treated by Ceftiofur systemically. The results showed that there was a significant variation (P<0.05) between groups treated by intra uterine wash with saline supplied with Cefepime (3rd group), and which was treated by intra uterine wash with saline only (control group) in both conception and pregnancy rates where the 3rd group showed the highest conception and pregnancy rates and the control group gave the lowest ones. In conclusion, Cefepime is the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment of endometritis in mares.

Nikkhah A (2016) Shifting Eating Time Alters Rumen Dynamics in Once-daily Fed Dairy Cows. J Veterinar Sci Technol 7:e123.

The white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is one of the most road-killed animals in Brazil, especially due to its opportunistic habits and great adaptation to urban environment. Although radiology is present in the veterinary daily routine, it is uncommon in forensic necropsies, especially in wild animals. A white-eared opossum killed by a vehicle in a road of the State of São Paulo, Brazil was submitted to entire-body radiographs followed by forensic necropsy. The images revealed diffuse increased radio-opacity in both hemi-thoraces possibly of hemorrhagic origin, whereas the forensic necropsy findings were consistent with bloody pleural effusion. It was possible to conclude that postmortem radiographs in wild animals could contribute to determine the cause of death and improve forensic investigations.

Little is known about gastrointestinal parasite infections in wild ruminants. Faecal survey of parasitic prevalence plays an important role in wildlife management. The Wildlife interface regions, adjoining regions of forests serve as potential marker zones that serve to intermediate buffer zones that provide the viable ecology for the transit of various parasites between domestic and wild animals sharing the same landscape. Parasitic infections can cause disease and death in wild animals and can become a source of infection for domestic animals. Epidemiological studies are important to know about the status and transmission of these diseases. Parasitic diseases are best controlled by preventing the contact and parasite transmission between wild and domestic animals and by manipulating the factors involved in the disease transmission. The aim of this paper was to find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in gaur (bos gaurus) and domestic cattle at interface zones of the nilgiri hills. Qualitative examination of faecal samples from wild gaur (n=30) sharing ecosystem with domestic cattle (n=20) in the Nilgiri hills was done by Centrifugal sedimentation method and Floatation method. The prevalence was 63.3% and 80.0% in wild gaur and domestic cattle respectively with overall prevalence of 70.0%. The helminthes observed were trematodes (13.3%) include Fasciola sp. (3.3%), Amphistome sp. (6.7%) and Schistosoma sp. (3.3%), cestodes (20.0%) include Moniezia sp. nematodes (43.3%) include Toxocara sp. (6.7%), Strongyle sp. (23.3%), Oesophagostomum sp. (3.3%), Trichuris sp. (6.7%) and Mecistocirrus sp. (3.3%) and unsporulated Coccidia oocysts (13.3%) in wild gaur. It was concluded that, parasitic prevalence survey is vital in monitoring the impact on the health and maintenance of wild gaur population, and the prevalence of GI parasites recorded in the wild gaur and domestic cattle in the study areas shows the need to design and implement a control policy of helminth parasites in the Nilgiri hills.

Throughout four successive seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn), one hundred and ninety five camels (Camelus dromedarius) from slaughtered houses in different regions at Assiut governorate were examined for protozoa parasites in blood and muscles. These parasites were Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma type 1. (n.sp.) Babesia sp, Theileria cameli in blood and Sarcosystis sp. in muscles. The prevalence of infection for the different parasites in both blood and muscles was also studied through the different seasons. Generally Sarcosystis sp. was represented the highest incidence of infection (55.38%) in the present study especially in spring (81.08%). The lowest incidence of infection was represented in Trypanosoma evansi (2.5%). At the same time the lowest incidence through different seasons was represented in Theileria cameli and Trypanosoma evansi (4.83%) in autumn.

The present investigation was conducted to assess the effect of different dietary protein percentages and starvation on the health, behavior, blood chemistry, immune response and histoarchitectures of fan tail gold fish Carassius auratus L. Experiment was carried out using 80 Carassius auratus with an average body weight 18 ± 2 g which were divided into four groups in duplicate in which, group 1 feed with diet A; 28% Crude Protein (CP). Fish in group 2 was fed on diet B (17% CP) and fish in group 3 was feed on diet C (45% CP) and group 4 kept as fasted group. The experimental period was 8 weeks. The current study clarified that significant high growth rate, improved welfare; decrease aggressive behavior, improved biochemical serum parameters and immune response were observed in group feed with diet containing 45% crude protein. Starvation is directly affected health, immunity and welfare as well as histoarchitectures of all selected organs. Histologically, there is no any significant changes on the histoarchitectures of the all selected organs; liver, spleen, intestine, head kidney as well as muscle of groups 1, 2 and 3 feed with diet A (28% CP), diet B (17% CP) and diet C (45% CP) respectively. Meanwhile, the fasting of group 4 had the most effective changes on the histoarchitectures of all selected organs.

A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was conducted in Jima Rare District from January 2013 to June 2014. A total of 384 faecal samples were randomly collected directly from the rectum of individual animals. Parasitological investigation was performed using sedimentation technique. From a total of 384 coprologically examined sheep 214 animals were found positive for fasciolosis with an overall prevalence of 55.7%. Gemeda, Shumbo, kalo Guracha, Burka Hobo and Bekela Erer Peasant Associations (PAs) accounted for 47.36%, 50.6%, 64.47%, 58.97% and 57.14% respectively. The difference in the prevalence in the five PAs was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was computed for the different age, sex and body condition categories. The prevalence rate of fasciolosis in young sheep 50.8% was less than in adults sheep 59.8% and the difference were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The prevalence of fasciolosis in two sex groups in the present study was 55.89%, 55.5% in female and male respectively. The difference in the prevalence was not significantly significant (p>0.05) .On the other hand in present study area the prevalence of fasciolosis was found to be higher in sheep with poor body condition than those with medium and good body condition ones with an overall prevalence of 67.8%, 51.8% and 43.68% respectively. There is no statically deference (p>0.05) between three types of BCS. It was concluded that ovine fasciolosis was prevalent, thus causing major economic loss in the study area. Hence, control strategies targeted on the parasite and the intermediate hosts as well as implementation of appropriate grazing management in the study area are warranted.