Riaz Hussain

Effects of feeding urea and copper sulphate in different combinations on live body weight, carcass weight, percent weight to body weight of different organs and histopathological tissue changes in broilers.

The study was carried out on a total of 100 broiler chicks divided into six equal groups at day 7 of age. Birds were fed copper sulphate and urea in different combinations for up to 37 days and then the birds of all the groups were fed plan feed for one week. The general signs were an increased water intake, ruffled feathering, watery droppings along with salivation in treatment groups. These signs were mild in groups fed low level of urea, while were severe in fed higher levels of these compounds together. Mild to moderate gross changes were observed in the birds of group B, C and D, while more pronounced changes were seen in birds of group E and F. In the latter groups, the liver was pale to yellowish and fragile. Kidneys were enlarged, swollen, congested and sometimes hemorrhagic. Histologically, mild cytoplasmic vacuolation and condensation/pyknosis or disappearance of the nucleus in the cells of the liver and kidney were the salient changes observed in the treatment groups, those were severe in birds fed higher levels of the two compounds. Changes in lungs were congestion and edema. Changes in the bursa of Fabricius were mild cytoplasmic vacuolation, cell depletion and chromatolysis. The live and carcass weights were lower in broilers fed higher levels of both copper and urea than the control group. The weights of kidney and heart were higher in birds fed higher levels of both of the compounds than the control group. It can be concluded from the present study that urea above 2% and copper sulphate above 1 gm in combination cause tissue damage, especially the liver and kidneys.

Clinico-hematological and tissue changes induced by butachlor in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The present experiment was executed to determine the pathological effects induced by concurrent feeding of butachlor (chloroacetanilide herbicide) in male Japanese quail. For this purpose mature male quail about 4-5weeks of age were procured from the local market and randomly divided into six equal groups (A-F). Butachlor was mixed in corn oil and administered orally for 30days using crop tube. Four birds from each group were killed at day 10, 20 and 30 of the experiment and blood was collected with and without anticoagulant. The birds in groups (A-D) did not reveal any clinical and behavioral alterations. Clinical signs like watery droppings, dullness, ruffled feather, depression, decrease frequency of crowing, mounting with pen mates and foam production were observed. Maximum intensity of these clinical signs and behavioral alterations were observed in group F throughout the experiment. Significant lower values of erythrocytes, hematocrit percent and hemoglobin were recorded. Significantly increased numbers of erythrocytes with micronuclei, lobed and notched nuclei were observed. Histopathologically, enlarged intertubular space, fewer numbers of round spermatids, necrotic spermatids and admixture of dead spermatids were observed in testes. The results revealed significant increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea concentrations. The results of present experimental study indicated that butachlor induces hematobiochemical and testicular changes in birds.

A review on epidemiology, global prevalence and economical losses of fasciolosis in ruminants

Fasciolosis is an important plant borne trematode zoonosis in ruminants caused by the Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigentica, It is classified as a neglected tropical disease and found in more than 50 countries especially where sheep and cattle are reared. Fasciolosis is a serious animal health problems in many rural and urban areas of world, causing significant financial losses due to decrease in production and viscera condemnation in animals. Accurate diagnosis of fasciolosis is always remained a challenging task for the field practitioners. There is no comprehensive summary on the occurrence and distribution of the infection at international level. Therefore, we intended to provide a complete overview on the prevalence and epidemiology of fasciolosis in farm animals from a global prospective. It includes to map the global distribution of fasciolosis in different areas of the world to identify the endemic regions which may be a source of potential disease outbreak. The financial liability related to fasciolosis on the livestock production has also been addressed. For this purpose, the published data during 2000-2015 (15 years) on fasciolosis was reviewed and collected by electronic literature search of four databases including Google, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Data presented are contemplated to enhance our current understanding of the parasites geographical distribution, host range, and economic losses. Information provided would be useful for the application of more effective control strategies against fasciolosis in different geo-economics regions of the world.

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in Beetal goats

Seroprevalence, clinical findings, and lesions of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Beetal goats were recorded during an outbreak. The overall seroprevalence of CCPP was 32.50%. Confirmation of Mycoplasma mycoides in serum was carried out using counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) technique. The highest CIE-positive cases were recorded in the older goats (51.72%) as compared to young ones. Nasal swabs collected from 39 goats showing respiratory signs were found positive for M. mycoides. The most consistent clinical findings were mild to severe cough, purulent nasal secretion, emaciation, dyspnea, increased respiration rate, and pyrexia. Mortality due to CCPP was 9.17%. Consolidation of lungs exhibited the highest frequency (100%), followed by alveolar exudation (90.90%) and pleural adhesion (72.72%). Among the microscopic lesions, septal peribronchiolar fibrosis exhibited the highest frequency (81.81%), followed by fibrinous pleuritis (63.63%) and peribronchiolar cuffing of mononuclear cells (54.54%) in lungs. From these results, it was concluded that CCPP under subtropical conditions has high prevalence in Beetal goats and leads to significant mortality.Seroprevalence, clinical findings, and lesions of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Beetal goats were recorded during an outbreak. The overall seroprevalence of CCPP was 32.50%. Confirmation of Mycoplasma mycoides in serum was carried out using counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) technique. The highest CIE-positive cases were recorded in the older goats (51.72%) as compared to young ones. Nasal swabs collected from 39 goats showing respiratory signs were found positive for M. mycoides. The most consistent clinical findings were mild to severe cough, purulent nasal secretion, emaciation, dyspnea, increased respiration rate, and pyrexia. Mortality due to CCPP was 9.17%. Consolidation of lungs exhibited the highest frequency (100%), followed by alveolar exudation (90.90%) and pleural adhesion (72.72%). Among the microscopic lesions, septal peribronchiolar fibrosis exhibited the highest frequency (81.81%), followed by fibrinous pleuritis (63.63%) and peribronchiolar cuffing of mononuclear cells (54.54%) in lungs. From these results, it was concluded that CCPP under subtropical conditions has high prevalence in Beetal goats and leads to significant mortality.

Hemato-biochemical and genetic damage caused by triazophos in fresh water fish, Labeo rohita.

Extensive use of pesticides in agriculture sector represents a major proportion of pollutants and poses serious threats to both environment and aquatic organisms. In the present study micronucleus assay and nuclear abnormalities were used as a biomarker to assess the cyto-genotoxic potential of different concentrations of triazophos insecticide in fresh water fish (Labeo rohita L.). For this purpose 16 fresh water fish of same age and weight were kept into four equal groups (A-D) having four each. All the fish were kept in aquaria with 75 L water capacity for six days for acclimatization. Various sub-lethal concentrations of organophosphate insecticide triazophos (0.010, 0.015 and 0.200 ppm) were tested. For hematological and cyto-genotoxic studies blood samples were collected from each fish after 48, 72 and 96 h of post-treatment. Duplicate thin blood smear was made from fresh blood of each fish. Results revealed that total erythrocyte count, pack cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, serum total proteins, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume values were significantly (P<0.05) decreased, which indicated that fish were suffering from microcytic hypochromic anemia. Lymphocyte and monocyte values were also significantly decreased while leukocyte count was significantly increased. The results obtained by micronucleus assay showed significantly a higher frequency of erythrocyte with micronuclei, blebbed nuclei, lobed, notched, heteropicnotic nuclei, binucleated and pear shape erythrocyte. The serum analysis showed that the concentration of different enzymes and lipid peroxidation products were significantly increased in exposed fish. It can be concluded that triazophos poses adverse hemato-biochemical and DNA damage effects in aquatic organisms.

An outbreak of enterotoxaemia at livestock farm during subtropical summer

Present investigations were carried out on 10 dead animals including eight in lambs, one in goat kid and one in calf during subtropical summer at a local farm. The weather was hot and humid with rain occurring during the period. The history suggests an association of weather and concentrate/lush green diet/fodder with occurrence of the disease. The most consistent clinical signs reported were no interest in feeding, herding in a corner with head down, diarrhea of low degree and temperature around 102 degrees F. At postmortem examination, the most consistent findings were swollen soft kidneys, hydropericardium, congested and edematous lungs, congested liver, myocardial hemorrhages and ballooning of intestines. The histopathological examination revealed the most striking changes in kidney of vacuolation in renal tubular epithelial cells and increased Bowmans space in the glomeruli. The histopathological examination of liver revealed congestion. Lungs revealed congestion and edema. The urine from urinary bladder collected showed high glucose. The deaths in these animals were probably due to enterotoxaemia type D.

Effects of natural environment on reproductive histo-morphometric dynamics of female dromedary camel

Camel shows a seasonal breeding pattern with enhanced reproductive activity during the period of low climatic temperature, high rainfall and better food conditions. Therefore, the study was conducted to explore the underlying seasonal effects on histological dimensions of reproductive tract in adult female one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) kept in the natural environment of Pakistan. A total 25 reproductive tracts were collected during spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons and were analysed for histo-morphometric parameters during different environmental conditions. A significant increase in number (p<0.05) and size (p<0.05) of surface with secondary and tertiary ovarian follicles was observed in winter season. The epithelial height (p<0.05) and luminal diameter (p<0.05) of infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus of uterine tubes were also significantly increased during winter season. Moreover, significantly increased length (p<0.05) and circumference (p<0.05) of uterine cornua, increased number (p<0.001) and diameter (p<0.001) of endometrial glands with enlarged surface and glandular epithelia (p<0.001) were found in winter compared to summer season. Therefore, we concluded that quiescent ovarian follicular and uterine glandular activities are the main reason of camel low breeding during summer season.

Immunosuppressive effects of arsenic in broiler chicks exposed to Newcastle disease virus

Abstract To assess the effects of prolonged exposure to arsenic (As, as arsenate) on host immune competence overall and resistance to Newcastle disease (ND) viral infection in particular, a study was carried out in broiler chicks. At 7 days of age, chicks were assigned to groups that would undergo varying vaccination, challenge, and/or As exposures; Group 1 was a control; Group 2 was to receive Newcastle disease virus (NDV) only; two groups (Groups 3, 4) were to be given As daily (50 mg/kg, by gavage) from Days 7–35 of the experiment. All groups underwent normal vaccination on Days 5, 23, and 32 against live NDV (B1 type, LaSota strain); two groups (Groups 2, 4) were challenged with field-isolated NDV at Day 24. At Days 14, 21, 28, and 35 of age, subsets of chicks in each group were evaluated. The results showed feed intake and weight gain were lower in As-treated and NDV-challenged chicks. In As-treated chicks, absolute and relative spleen weights were significantly greater, whereas those of the thymus significantly lower, over the entire 35-day period. Effects on bursa weights (absolute, relative) were only significantly reduced through Day 21. Antibody titers against ND were significantly reduced (vs. control) over the whole 35 days in birds that received As alone, but only significantly depressed through the first 21 days in birds that received As + NDV; thereafter, titers were significantly greater (in parallel with effects in birds that received NDV alone). In contrast, antibody responses to T-dependent antigen (Sheep red blood cells [SRBC]) were significantly lower in As only- and As + NDV-treated chicks throughout the study period. Among birds exposed to As (alone or with NDV), in situ phagocytic activity was elevated and cutaneous sensitivity responses decreased during the period from Day 28 to Day 35. NDV alone had spurious effects on phagocytic activity but did cause significant reductions in cutaneous sensitivity responses. It was concluded that arsenic decreased immunity in broiler chicks, thereby making them prone to ND.

Age related changes in the morphometric parameters of the Heart, Kidneys and Adrenal glands of Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract Forty clinically healthy Nili-Ravi buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) were divided into two age groups of 20 animals each viz., young (12-48 months of age) and adult (49-96 months) of each sex. These studies revealed that the absolute heart weight, absolute kidney’s weight, the absolute adrenal gland’s weight, mean values of width of heart, circumference, thickness of wall of right and left atria, thickness of wall of right and left ventricles, mean values of length of right and left kidneys, width, circumference, mean values of length of the adrenal glands were significantly (P<0.05) higher in adult buffaloes than young ones. The average relative heart weight, relative kidneys weight and the relative weight of adrenal glands was significantly (P<0.01) higher in young buffaloes as compared to the adult ones. While the relationship of the width of right adrenal glands between young and adult buffaloes were recorded as non-significant. The results of the present study are the first report on the age related morphological changes in the heart, kidneys and adrenal glands of buffalo. These age induced anatomical changes may affect the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and hence blood pressure of an individual.

Sodium arsenate and/or urea differently affect clinical attributes, hemato-biochemistry and DNA damage in intoxicated commercial layer birds

Abstract An experimental study was ascertained in birds to assess the toxicological effects of arsenic (sodium arsenate) and urea alone or in different combinations. After two weeks of acclimatization, all the birds were randomly divided into six equal groups (T0–T5) each containing 15 birds. Arsenic (A) and urea (U) was given to chickens (mg/kg body weight) daily for 39 days as follow: T1 (A10U0.5), T2 (A15U0.75), T3 (A20U1.0), T4 (A25) and T5 (U1.5). Various signs of toxicity such as depression, dullness, tremors, watery droppings, gasping, anemic comb and wattle were prominent in treated birds. Feed consumption and body weight of experimental birds treated with arsenic and urea decreased significantly. The absolute and relative weights of different visceral organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and bursa of treated birds were decreased significantly. Histologically, tissue sections of liver showed necrosis of hepatocyte, fatty degeneration and mild congestion. Microscopically, necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, congestion and increased urinary spaces in kidneys, mild congestion in spleen and vacuolation in bursa of Fabricius of treated birds was evident. Hematological assessment indicated significant decrease in hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, hematocrit percent and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. Results revealed significant increase in serum cardiac iso-enzyme, triglycerides, cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentration in treated birds as compared to untreated birds. A significant decrease in serum total proteins while increased concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, asparatate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and urea was estimated in treated birds. Significantly increased frequency of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes was recorded. It was concluded that arsenic and urea in combinations even at low levels affect clinical attributes, hemato-biochemical parameters and erythrocyte morphology in layer birds.