Suresh Kumar Sharma

Evaluation of factors contributing to excessive nitrate accumulation in fodder crops leading to Ill-health in dairy animals

A study was conducted to estimate nitrate content in commonly used fodder crops, viz., berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), maize (Zea mays), oats (Avena sativa), sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) and toriya (Brassica napus), collected from the fields of different villages of Punjab and farms of the university, and to evaluate the factors associated with nitrate accumulation in these crops. The nitrate level was highest in sorghum on dry matter basis, followed by oats and toriya, berseem, maize and bajra. The nitrate content was also determined in fodder samples harvested from young and mature stages and in different parts of plants. The stem part of forages had higher content than leaves; however, concentrations were low in mature crops as compared to immature ones. The environmental and soil factors associated with it are discussed and correlated with the experimental findings.

Acaricidal activity of leaf extracts of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. (Fabaceae) against synthetic pyrethroid resistant Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

Resistance status of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus against synthetic pyrethroids was assessed by larval packet test which revealed level I and II resistance against cypermethrin and deltamethrin, respectively. Adult immersion test was employed to study the acaricidal activity of leaf extracts of Dalbergia sissoo (sheesham) against these ticks. Mortality and fecundity of ticks exposed to sheesham leaf aqueous (SLA) and ethanolic (SLE) extracts were evaluated at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% and controls (distilled water and 10% ethanol). Higher acaricidal activity was recorded in SLA with a lower LC50 (95% CL) value of 1.58% (0.92-2.71%) than SLE [5.25% (4.91-5.63%)]. A significant decrease in egg mass weight and reproductive index was recorded in treated ticks along with an increase in percent inhibition of oviposition. A complete inhibition of hatching was recorded in eggs laid by ticks treated with higher concentrations of SLA, whereas, SLE exhibited no effect on hatching percentage.

Comparative antibiogram of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) associated with subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Aim: The present study was planned to determine the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) strains isolated from clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis in dairy cows. Antibiotic sensitivity profile will be helpful to recommend early therapy at the field level prior to availability of CST results. Materials and Methods: The milk samples from cases of clinical mastitis received in Mastitis Laboratory, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana and those of subclinical mastitis collected during routine screening of state dairy farms, were subjected to microbial culture. Identification of CNS organisms was done by standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity testing, based on 30 antibiotics belonging to 12 groups, was done on 58 randomly selected CNS isolates (clinical isolates: 41, subclinical isolates: 17). Results: Isolates were highly susceptible to chloramphenicol (98.3%), gentamicin (93.1%), streptomycin (91.4%), linezolid (91.4%), ceftixozime (87.9%), cloxacillin (86.2%), clotrimazole (86.2%), bacitracin (86.2%), enrofloxacin (84.5%) and ceftrioxone + tazobactum (70.7%), while resistance was observed against amoxicillin (77.6%), penicillin (75.9%), ampicillin (74.1%) and cefoperazone (51.7%). Overall, isolates from clinical cases of mastitis had a higher resistance than subclinical isolates. Conclusion: CNS isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, gentamicin and streptomycin, while higher resistance was recorded against routinely used penicillin group.

Prevalence of parasitic infection in captive wild animals in Bir Moti Bagh mini zoo (Deer Park), Patiala, Punjab

Aim: The study was conducted to know the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of captive wild animals at Bir Moti Bagh Mini Zoo (Deer Park), Patiala, Punjab. Materials and Methods: A total of 31 fecal samples from eight species of captive animals including Civet cat (Viverra zibetha), Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Spotted deer (Axis axis), Black buck (Antelope cervicapra), Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), Hog deer (Axis porcinus), and Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) were screened using classical parasitological techniques including sedimentation and floatation technique. Results: Out of 31 fecal samples examined, 20 were positive for parasitic ova/oocysts of different species indicating an overall prevalence of 68.0%. The six different types of parasites observed in the study included strongyle (67%), Strongyloides spp. (14%), coccidia (38%), Trichuris spp. (19%), ascarid (10%), and Capillaria spp. (10%). Strongyles were the most common parasites observed (67%) followed by coccidia (38%). Mixed helminth and protozoan infection were observed in 48% of animals. No cestode or trematodes were detected during the study. Conclusion: The high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites without overt clinical signs of disease or mortality as observed in this study is suggestive of subclinical infection. The findings will help in formulating the appropriate deworming protocol for parasitic control in these captive animals.

Acute phase response in lame crossbred dairy cattle

Aim: The study was undertaken to study acute phase response based on acute phase proteins (APPs) such as C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen in lame crossbred dairy cattle. Materials and Methods: Lame animals (n=30) were selected within 3-7 days of being noticed as lame by the farm veterinarian, from a local dairy farm in southeast Ludhiana over a period of 6 months, stratified proportionately with respect to stage of lactation with non-lame healthy cows (n=10). All the cows were otherwise healthy and did not have any other inflammatory problems such as pneumonia, enteritis, mastitis, or any kind of acute uterine inflammation. Blood samples were collected from all the animals; serum and plasma samples were separated and stored at −20°C. The levels of CRP, Hp, and SAA were estimated using Sandwich ELISA, whereas fibrinogen was estimated by heat precipitation method. Results: SAA levels in lame cows were significantly higher (22.19±0.85 µg/ml), approximately 3 times as compared to non-lame cows (8.89±0.72 µg/ml), whereas serum Hp concentration was approximately 20 times higher in the lame cattle (21.71±3.32 mg/dl) as compared to non-lame cows (1.17±0.07 mg/dl). Fibrinogen also increased in the lame cattle (3.97±0.22 g/L) as compared to non-lame group (1.40±0.17 g/L). Serum CRP levels analyzed in the lame cattle for the first time in the present study, and significant high concentration was appreciated in lame cattle (4.41±0.33 mg/L) as compared to non-lame cattle (0.61±0.14 mg/L). Lame cattle were having more of sole hemorrhages, sole ulcers, and white line lesions as compared to non-lame cattle. Conclusion: It can be concluded that lame cattle exhibit high levels of APPs including CRP, Hp, SAA, and fibrinogen as compared to non-lame cattle.

Evaluation of biochemical alterations produced by acetaminophen overdose in Bubalus bubalis

Aim: Evaluation of the effect of acetaminophen (APAP) overdose on biochemical parameters in buffalo calves. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted on six healthy male buffalo calves of 6-12 months age. The APAP was administered intramuscularly at the dose rate of 250 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) on day 0, followed by two subsequent doses at the dose rate of 50 mg/kg B.W. on day 2 and 4, respectively. Biochemical parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total acid phosphate were estimated in the plasma samples collected on 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6th day from the start of treatment. Results: Significant increase in the plasma levels of ALT (446.0%), ALP (137%), BUN (216.8%) and creatinine (149.2%) was recorded on day 3, 4, 3, and 4, respectively, after the start of APAP dosing. However, a significant decrease was observed in amylase activity with a maximum decline of 48.3% on 6th day after the start of treatment. No significant alteration was observed in ACP activity after APAP overdose. Conclusion: Administration of APAP in overdose produced hepatic dysfunction as evidenced by a significant increase in the activities of ALT and ALP, whereas reduced amylase may indicate acute pancreatitis in buffalo calves. In addition, repeated dosing also resulted in renal impairment in these animals as seen by a significant elevation in BUN and creatinine levels, whereas negligible effect on prostatic function.

Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic integration of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in buffalo calves

Abstract The present study was planned with an objective to test the pharmacokinetics of a new formulation of enrofloxacin (Flobac® SA) in buffalo calves. The drug was administered at the dose rate of 7.5 mg kg−1 body weight through the intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) route followed by plasma collection and analysis at different time intervals. After analysis, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Ultraviolet, various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using visual fit for compartmental analysis, followed by integration with pharmacodynamic parameters against Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida. Although total area under plasma drug concentration time curve was higher through the i.v. route, mean residence time and metabolic conversion ratio was higher following administration by the i.m. route indicating longer persistence of the drug in body. Overall i.m. bioavailability of the parent compound with its metabolite was found to be 91%. Upon, Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic integration, all the parameters indicated significant antibacterial activity. It can be concluded that the dose of enrofloxacin used in the present study can be administered to contain infections caused by P. multocida and E. coli in buffalo calves.

Effect of repeated administration of cefquinome on biochemical and hematological parameters in buffalo calves

Aim: Cefquinome, a fourth generation of cephalosporins have been developed for use in animals. Similar to other species, it may also have some adverse reactions in buffalo calves at therapeutic dosage. In the present study, effect of repeated administration of cefquinome on biochemical and hematological parameters was studied in buffalo calves. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into two groups having three animals in each group. Group 1 was kept as control and animals of Group 2 were given cefquinome at dose rate of 2 mg.kg−1 body weight by intramuscular route for continuously 7 days. Blood samples were collected daily and 3 days post treatment. Results: The values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) in control animals were in the range of 127.7–148.3 IU/L,49.0–55.6 IU/L, 14.0–17.3 IU/L, and 111.0–134.3 IU/L, respectively. The repeated administration of cefquinome did not influence the plasma activities of AST, ALT, GGTP, and ALKP in treated animals. The level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine before treatment was 14.3 ± 0.88 mg/dl and1.70 ± 0.04 mg/dl, which significantly increased on 3rd day (21.0 ± 1.53 mg/dl) and 2nd day (2.33 ± 0.07 mg/dl), respectively. Among hematological parameters, there was significant variation in levels of hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in treated animals. No abnormal clinical symptoms were observed in any animal. Conclusion: The results revealed that clinically, the therapy of cefquinome may be continued up to 7 days.

Selenium toxicokinetics after oral and intravenous administration in buffalo calves.

The blood levels, toxicokinetics and urinary excretion of selenium were investigated in healthy male buffalo calves after single oral and intravenous administration of selenourea at the dose rate of 0.75mg/kg (providing 0.48mg/kg selenium). The concentration of selenium in blood and urine was estimated spectrophotometrically. Following administration of the drug, the blood selenium disposition patterns exhibited two distinct peaks. The toxicokinetic parameters of selenium were determined by employing non-compartmental analysis. The values of AUC, t(1/2elm), Cl(B) and Vd(SS) were 18.46μgml(-1)h, 10.33h, 20.04mlkg(-1)h(-1)and 0.3lkg(-1), respectively, after oral administration and 23.97μgml(-1)h, 7.12h, 20.53mlkg(-1)h(-1) and 0.2lkg(-1), respectively, following intravenous injection of selenourea. The value of MRT was higher after oral dosing. The bioavailability of selenium, following oral administration of selenourea was 77%. Approximately, 22% of the total intravenous dose and 5.9% of total oral dose of selenium was excreted in urine within 24h of administration of selenourea. The data on blood Se levels may be of help in diagnosing the impeding selenium toxicosis and thus preventing mortality due to selenium toxicity.