Liviu Bogdan

New records for Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in small mammal species

BackgroundTick-borne diseases pose a major threat in public health. The epidemiological dynamics of these diseases depends on the tick vector species and their hosts, as well as the geographical distribution and ecology of both. Among many possible hosts for ticks, small mammals have a major role in the development of immature stages of several tick species. Small mammals are also important reservoir hosts for several pathogenic agents and possible reservoirs for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In this context, the aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in small mammal species in Romania.ResultsA total of 791 small mammals of 31 species were tested by PCR, targeting the rrs gene for detection of A. phagocytophilum DNA. Positive results were obtained in 20 small mammals: five Apodemus flavicollis (6.49%), three Sorex araneus (9.09%), three A. uralensis (4.84%), two A. sylvaticus (3.92%), and one of each Spermophilus cittelus (7.14%), Microtus agrestis (3.85%), Sorex minutus (3.85%), Muscardinus avellanarius (3.13%), Crocidura suaveolens (2.44%), Mus spicilegus (2%) and M. arvalis (1.75%).ConclusionsEleven small mammal species were found to be carriers of A. phagocytophilum, suggesting a possible involvement of these species in its epidemiology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. phagocytophilum in S. minutus, C. suaveolens, M. spicilegus, M. avellanarius and S. citellus.

Carcass Characteristics of Purebred Tsurcana Lambs and F1 Crossbreds (Tsurcana X Vendeen)

The data presented in this article is included in a larger research regarding the improvement of the Romanian lamb towards the meat production. The study has been carried out from 2015 to 2016. The lambs included in this study were obtained following a protocol of estrus synchronization in Tsurcana ewes and the grouped lambing. The research is a pilot study conducted on a representative sample for the selected groups of animals and further research is needed to complete the research. The research aims to compare carcass characteristics of purebred Tsurcana lambs and Tsurcana crossed with Vendeen lambs. The criteria assessed were: the chemical composition of purebred and crossbred meat, the live body weight, the slaughtering performance and the weight of different carcass cuts. For almost all criteria chosen the crossbred individuals recorded better results.

Advanced Techniques of Bovine Semen Analysis

The aim of the study was to assess bull semen fertility parameters using the classical techniques of sperm quality evaluation (density, motility, viability, and morphology, evaluated by light microscopy, in addition to concentration, evaluated via the hemocytometer and microspermatocrit), as well as advanced techniques, like computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry. Results obtained for classical techniques were comparable to those obtained by automated methods, without significant differences between parameters. The classical methods were inexpensive but required more time and attention, while the operator’s experience was a key element for accurate assessment of sperm parameters. The advanced techniques were fast and objective, but required expensive equipment and dedicated personnel, with proper training in the field. Therefore, classical techniques are suitable for clinics where occasional evaluation of bulls’ fertility parameters is performed, while the advanced methods should be implemented in semen companies, as well as in fertility clinics and research laboratories.

Researches Concerning the Stimulation of Local and General Immune Factors in the Management and Control of the Puerperal Period in Dairy Cows

The natural therapy in puerperal disorders comes as a necessity for farmers, due to the high economic losses suffered when antibiotics are used for this purpose. The new phytotherapy with Plantistim and EucaComp allows the stimulation of the local and general immune factors while helping to obtain a physiological puerperal period in dairy cows. The cows taken into consideration for this research were clinical healthy at the beginning of the puerperal period. Three batches were formed: batch I - five cows that were treated with EucaComp suspension, batch II - five cows that were treated with Plantistim suspension and batch III was the control group. For an accurate results blood samples and uterine secretions were colected from all the cows. This samples were collected in order to determine various metabolic and immunologic parameters: glycemia, proteins, albumins, cholesterol, GOT, GPT, Ig G, lysozyme, lymphoblastic transformation, phagocytic index. The immunologic parameters that were determined show the local and general immunomodulatory effect of both natural products, justifying the high healing percentage following the treatment. We recommend the use of both these natural products for the management and control of this delicate period of the reproductive system of dairy cows.