Riyadh S. Aljumaah

Nutritional value of green seaweed (Ulva lactuca) for broiler chickens

The current work aimed to assess the potential of the green seaweed Ulva lactuca (U. lactuca) as an alternative ingredient in broiler chicken diets. The effect of substituting 1.0 or 3.0% of corn with U. lactuca on performance, carcass characteristics and serum constituents of broilers from 12 to 33 d of age was evaluated. Three treatments were distributed in a RCBD design: T1, control diet (0% U. lactuca); T2, 1.0 % U. lactuca; T3, 3.0 % U. lactuca. A total of 45 chicks were assigned to three treatments (5 replicates per treatment) used in this experiment. Cumulative feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and nutrients retention from 12 to 33 d of age were not affected by treatment (P>0.05). Birds which had received T3 had a higher dressing percentage and breast muscle yield compared to those which had received T1 or T2. Serum total lipid, cholesterol and uric acid concentrations were significantly lower in birds which had received T2 and T3 (P<0.05). Serum enzymes and electrolytes were not influenced by any dietary treatment except for alanine transaminase (ALT) which was significantly lower for the treated groups. Based on presented evidences, it is recommended to substitute 3.0% of corn with green seaweed (U. lactuca).

Factors influencing the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating dromedary camels in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the factors influencing its incidence. A total of 740 quarter milk samples were collected from 47 camel herds belonging to Majahim, Maghatir, Shu’l, and Sufer breeds. California mastitis test (CMT) was used as a screening test for subclinical mastitis. Samples giving negative or trace CMT scores (0) were assigned to healthy quarters, while those giving positive scores of 1+ to 3+ were assigned to subclinically affected quarters. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of breed, parity, and stage of lactation with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Milk fat, protein, lactose, solid nonfat percentages and Na, Ca, and K concentrations were compared in CMT-positive versus healthy quarters. One third (33%) of tested quarters had subclinical mastitis based on CMT. The estimated probability of subclinical mastitis with the combined effects of breed, parity, and stage of lactation ranged from 15.8% to 54.6%. The risk of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with parity and with the early stage of lactation. The Shu’l breed had significantly higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis than other breeds. Significant decreases in protein, lactose, and solid nonfat, Ca and K concentrations and increase in Na concentrations were associated with subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, subclinical mastitis is prevalent in Saudi camels, and its incidence is influenced by breed, parity, and stage of lactation.

Effects of dietary seaweed (Ulva lactuca) supplementation on the reproductive performance of buck and doe rabbits

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of seaweed on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Two trials were performed during this study. In the first trial, semen quality was evaluated in 15 buck rabbits with mean body weight of 4.80±0.41 kg and six month of age. In the second trial, prolificacy was determined in 30 artificially inseminated does with a mean body weight of 4.84±0.50 kg and five to six months of age. Rabbits in each trial were randomly allocated to one of three dietary seaweed levels; commercial pelleted diet (C), pelleted diet supplemented with 1% seaweed (T1), and pelleted diet supplemented with 2% seaweed (T2). Dietary supplementation of seaweed significantly increased plasma testosterone concentration and improved various sperm motility parameters. Analysis of acrosomal membrane integrity using electron microscopy revealed no significant influences of dietary seaweed supplementation on quality grade (I–IV) of all tested samples. These results reflected in positive prolificacy response of does artificially inseminated with semen samples pooled from bucks fed on T2, and offered diet supplemented with 2% seaweed one week prior to their insemination and throughout the gestation period. Feeding diets supplemented with 2% seaweed to doe rabbits improved their kindling rate, litter size, and their offspring ratio. Seaweed supplementation to the diets of rabbits raised under summer conditions had improved their reproductive performance by improving the semen fertility characteristics of bucks and the prolificacy characteristics of does. Hematological and biochemical parameters investigated in this study did not reveal any pathological signs in both rabbits genders due to dietary seaweed supplementation.

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever in Saudi Arabia: molecular detection from camel and other domestic livestock

Abstract Objective To detect Coxiella burnetii ( C. burnetii ) DNA in clinical specimens from camel, goats, cattle and sheep in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 367 clinical samples including blood, milk, faeces and urine were collected from different livestock and subjected to PCR amplification using primers which amplify transposon-like region and transposase gene. Results Positive amplification from both regions was obtained from camel, goats and cattle but not from sheep. A percentage of 10.8% samples yielded positive PCR amplification from both blood and milk, where 15 of 139 blood and 16 of 148 milk samples were positive. Faeces and urine showed higher percentages of positive samples reaching 40.8% and 23.8% respectively. Conclusions The preferred route of shedding in camel appeared to be the faeces followed by urine, while that of goats appeared to be the faeces and that of the cattle appeared to be the milk.

COAGULATION PROFILE AND PLATELET PARAMETERS OF THE ARABIAN SAND GAZELLE (GAZELLA SUBGUTTUROSA MARICA): COMPARISON WITH HUMANS AND CAMELS

During March 2009, we evaluated the hemostatic profile and platelet indices of 18 Arabian sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) and compared the results with those from humans and camels (Camelus dromedarius). Gazelles and camels had shorter activated partial thromboplastin times, lower proconvertin and higher antihemophilic factor coagulation activity, and plasma fibrinogen levels than humans. Prothrombin time was longer in sand gazelles and shorter in camels than it was in humans. Plasma thromboplastin component, Stuart factor, and plasma thromboplastin antecedent were similar in gazelles, humans, and camels, whereas the platelet count of the sand gazelle was significantly higher than it was for camels and humans.

Influence of introducing machine milking on biothermal parameters of lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The current study wanted to investigate the physiological suitability of using the machine milking in lactating camels by assessing several biothermal (thermophysiological and infrared thermographical) parameters. These parameters were assessed on 3 consecutive days, immediately before, immediately after, as well as 1 h after machine milking. The sample was composed of 12 multiparous dromedary camels at mid-lactation. The hypothesis of the current study was that introducing machine milking would produce noticeable effects on the physiological status of lactating camels. On the contrary, the obtained results revealed that machine milking had no effect (P>0.05) on average rectal (37.88±0.23°C) and vaginal temperatures (37.94±0.14°C), as well as respiratory (16.12±0.23 breath/min) and heart rates (56.78±1.89 beat/min). A significant decrease (P<0.001) in udder (−1.0°C) and teat (−1.6°C) surface temperatures, instead, was detected 1 h immediately after milking. Accordingly, this study provides a clear evidence that introducing machine milking has no effect on the homeothermic status of lactating camels.

Serological prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in captive wild ruminants in Saudi Arabia

Serum samples from sand gazelles (n = 227), mountain gazelles (n = 232), and Arabian oryx (n = 96) reared in captivity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were tested for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies using an indirect enzyme immunoassay. C. burnetii antibodies were present in 18.3%, 7.3%, and 46.9% of these animals, respectively. The difference in serological prevalence between the three species was statistically significant. Age- and sex-related differences in prevalence were also observed. This study is the first record of C. burnetii antibodies in Arabian gazelles.

Selenium and iodine status of two camel breeds (Camelus dromedaries) raise under semi intensive system in Saudi Arabia

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are very important trace mineral for animals and human health. Selenium is an essential constituent of the antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px, while I as a thyroid hormone play a crucial role in regulating body metabolism. The aim of this study was to provide preliminary data on the Se and I status of two camel breeds (Majaheem and Maghateer: Camelus dromedaries) raised under the semi intensive system in Saudi Arabia (SA). Ten Majaheem male camels and ten maghateer, age 1.5±0.5 yrs old, were slaughtered and blood and tissues (liver, kidney and meat) were collected. Blood serum samples were analyzed for Se, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), glucose, cholesterol, true protein and albumin. Tissues samples were wet digested and analyzed for Se level using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results showed a significant breed effect on serum and tissues Se with higher concentration of Majaheem compared with Maghateer breed. The same trend was found for glucose and total protein. Furthermore, serum Se was significantly correlated with liver Se (r2=0.698; P<0.01), meat Se (r2=0.453; P<0.05), T3 (r2=0.527; P<0.05) and T4 (r2=0.476; P<0.05). Thyroxine was significantly correlated to T3 (r2=0.693; P<0.01). In conclusion, a highly significant breed effect was reported for Se metabolism. The highest Se concentration occurs in kidney followed by liver and meat.

Serological prevalence of ovine and caprine chlamydophilosis in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia

The serological prevalence of Chlamydophila abortus was determined in 399 sheep and 171 goats in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, using the CHEKIT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from 30 (7.52%) sheep and 59 (34.50%) goats were positive for anti-C. abortus antibodies. Higher serological prevalence and antibody concentration (percent optical density) was recorded in goats as compared to sheep. In both species, the prevalence of chlamydophilosis was markedly higher in female than male animals. Statistical analysis showed highly significant species and sex effects on prevalence. Further studies should be undertaken to assess the role of chlamydophilosis in ovine and caprine abortion in Saudi Arabia, its economic impact and the need for implementing effective control strategies such as vaccination.

Hemostatic profile, platelets, and blood constituents of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Hemostatic, hematological, and chemical parameters were determined in 25 captive Arabian oryxes (Oryx leucoryx) of both sexes. Hemostatic parameters included prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and clotting factors activities. Serum concentrations of 26 biochemical and inorganic constituents were determined along with hematological data, namely platelet counts, platelet indices, and red and white blood cell variables. Hemostatic parameters, platelet indices, and many biochemical components are reported for the first time in the Arabian oryx. Relatively low mean platelet volume, plateletcrit and platelet distribution width, and relatively short prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and high platelet counts, and F:VIII clotting activity were recorded in the oryx. Most of the basic hematological and biochemical parameters recorded in this species were consistent with other wild bovidae.