Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has emerged as a potential physiological indicator of heat stress (HS), recognized for its substantial upregulation in response to increased temperatures and cellular stress. The accurate measurement of HSP70 is crucial for its application in research and on-farm monitoring. Commercial ELISA kits are widely available and exhibit high sensitivity; however, their limited working ranges require the dilution of high-concentration samples, which can potentially introduce variability. A recently developed in-house competitive ELISA provides a cost-effective alternative, previously validated for bovine HSP70 detection; however, its performance across various biological matrices has not been systematically evaluated against commercially available systems. A secondary objective was to determine whether HSP70 levels measured in less-invasive matrices such as milk and saliva, correspond to those obtained from blood. This study compared an in-house competitive ELISA to a commercial sandwich ELISA kit for detecting HSP70 in milk, blood, and saliva samples of dairy cows. Samples were analyzed with optimized methods, and assay performance was evaluated using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and linear regression models. As expected for assays using different formats and calibration systems, the in-house ELISA indicated elevated absolute concentrations across all matrices; however, these differences were systematic and did not affect the strong agreement between methods. Blood samples had the lowest CV in both assays (2.76% in-house; 5.89% commercial), indicating greater repeatability than milk (5.69% and 10.24%) and saliva (7.5% and 9.95%). The consistently lower CV for the in-house method across all fluids indicates that it is more precise and can lead to higher statistical power than commercial assays for a given sample size. Strong positive correlations were observed between assays across all matrices (milk r = 0.91; blood r = 0.88; saliva r = 0.87). Regression analysis validated these relationships, with R2 values of 0.777, 0.833, and 0.752 for milk, blood, and saliva, respectively. The findings indicate that the in-house ELISA closely aligns with the performance of the commercial kit. Despite the lower detectable minimum concentration of the commercial assay, the in-house assay provides a more economical alternative for evaluating physiologically high and moderate HSP70 levels; however, the commercial kit remains widely available for purchase. Among biological matrices, plasma exhibited the highest cross-assay correlation, whereas milk and saliva showed consistent relative trends, indicating their potential as noninvasive alternatives for HS monitoring in dairy cows.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the several zoonotic bacteria that causes food-borne disease, has socioeconomic sphere and public health impacts. Cattle are an important reservoir of E. coli O157:H7, and shed in their feces as well as contaminate animal-origin food products, sometimes leading to transmission to humans. This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, and genomic characteristics of E. coli O157:H7 from calf fecal swabs and cow milk in Bangladesh. A total of 290 samples were collected from dairy cattle of different areas, screened using real-time PCR and selective culture, followed by phenotypic and genotypic AMR profiling, and whole‑genome sequencing with comparative genomics. Overall, 20% of samples tested positive in real-time PCR with a higher prevalence in fecal samples (24.8%) than milk (7.5%). All E. coli O157:H7 isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin‑clavulanate, azithromycin, tetracycline, and gentamicin; however, 50% were multidrug‑resistant (MARI up to 0.33). Genomic analysis revealed the presence of stx2 and eae virulence genes, and multiple AMR genes including acrA, acrS, emrR, emrB, and marA. This also explores the E. coli O157:H7 belongs to lineage ST11 which harbor mobile genetic elements, multiple plasmid types and stx-converting prophage, and showed high genomic similarity to outbreak‑associated Sakai strain. The co‑occurrence of high‑risk virulence genes, multidrug resistance, and an epidemic lineage highlights an urgent need for integrated genomic surveillance, improved hygiene, and responsible antimicrobial use within a One Health framework to mitigate zoonotic transmission of E. coli O157:H7 through the dairy value chain.

The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different freezing durations in combination with three semen diluents (Triladyl, Andromed, and Tris-citrate) on sperm plasma membrane integrity and fertility of post-thawed semen in Black Bengal goats. Data on frozen semen production and evaluation were collected over a period of six months. Post-thawed semen samples were obtained according to the specified freezing times and diluents, and sperm plasma membrane integrity was assessed using the Hypo-osmotic Swelling Test (HOST). In this study, 3 freezing times (F1 = Freezing time 15 minutes, F2 = Freezing time 20 minutes, and F3 = Freezing time 25 minutes) were used in an ice box filled with liquid nitrogen (LN) vapor. After freezing with 3 different freezing times and 3 diluters, F1 showed sperm motility ranged from 20.3±1.33% to 53.7±.88%. A significant effect (p<0.0001) on sperm motility was found among the F1 freezing time and diluter groups. F2 showed sperm motility ranged from 24.0±1.03% to 43.7±.88%, freezing time and diluter groups both had a statistically significant effect (p<0.0001) on sperm motility. F3 freezing rate showed motility ranged from 30.3±1.05% to 34.8±1.45%. The F3 freezing time and diluter groups also had a significant effect (p<0.05) on sperm motility. For sperm plasma membrane integrity, F1 showed the highest result for Triladyl diluter (67.8 ±.61%) and a level of significant effect (p<0.0001) was found among the freezing time and the diluter groups. F1 and Triladyl diluter group also showed higher coiling rates on the HOS test. A positive correlation was observed between sperm that had swelled under the HOS test and motility. Finally, a better conception rate was observed with the F1 and Triladyl diluter group. So the result of these studies revealed that cryopreservation of Black Bangal goat semen with freezing within 15 minutes (F1) and Triladyl diluter group offers better sperm plasma membrane integrity and post-thawed semen fertility

Goat husbandry is an essential component of many farming systems in Bangladesh, particularly for rural and poor households, due to its role in income generation, food security, and poverty alleviation. To evaluate the socio-economic status and husbandry methods of backyard goat farmers, a study was conducted in Zanjira upazila of Shariatpur district, Bangladesh, from March to May 2023. A total of 50 goat-raising farmers were selected at random from eight different unions in the Zanjira upazila. Data were collected using a pre-tested standard questionnaire, in-person visits and observations, formal and informal conversations, and farm records. The results reveal that the majority of farmers rear Black Bengal goats (70%) under a semi-intensive system (82%). Most farmers are landless (58%), middle-aged (62%), and primarily educated (52%), with many being housewives or males who started raising goats with their own money (50%) and without formal training (84%). While only 36% of goat owners engage in summer bathing, night shelter is provided in a goathouse (64%), cattle house (22%), or home (14%). Additionally, 80% of goat owners use bedding materials throughout the winter, and green grass and concentrates are provided by the majority of farmers (98%). A tube well serves as a significant source of water for 82% of the farmers. All farmers (100%) employed natural breeding, with 98% using a hired breeding buck. While a significant portion (68%) frequently used anthelmintics, very few (14%) provided regular vaccinations to their goats. The most common diseases and disorders in the assessed area include myiasis (30%), PPR (28%), dog bites (22%), and abscesses (20%). This study also revealed that goat owners face challenges related to housing, feeding, healthcare, and limited grazing access. Addressing these issues could significantly improve livelihoods and contribute to the national economy. The present study will be helpful for farmers, scientists, and policymakers in making decisions to enhance productivity and sustainability through better feed management, improved healthcare practices, and organic goat production. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2026, 10(1), 6-19

The zoonotic illness known as Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is spread by mosquitoes and poses a serious risk to public and human health. Within the order Bunyavirales, the genus Phlebovirus and family Phenuiviridae comprise the causal agent, Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV). The transboundary spread of RVFV is seriously threatened by the substantial presence of competent vectors in regions where the disease is often absent as well as the effects of global climate change. The development of innovative vaccinations, such as DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines, has been greatly aided by advances in the last ten years in our understanding of the molecular biology of RVFV. Despite these developments, non-endemic nations still lack a completely approved vaccination for human or animal use. It is clear that endemic nations lack clear policies or procedures pertaining to the routine or strategic immunization of cattle with the goal of averting or mitigating any RVF disease outbreaks. In addition to offering insights on the best methods for managing the illness, this study aims to give a current summary of the state of RVF vaccine development. This study argues that the most effective way to prevent future disease outbreaks and disease spread. First discovered and characterized in Kenya in 1931, Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis spread by mosquitoes. Significant losses have been caused by RVF outbreaks, as seen in the rise in animal abortions and deaths as well as human sickness and mortality. The epidemiology of RVF is thoroughly examined in this research, which covers topics like ecology, molecular diversity, spatiotemporal analysis, and predictive risk modeling. Aedes mosquitoes are recognized as the main cause of outbreaks, whereas Culex mosquitoes act as secondary vectors for the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Nonetheless, the function of Culex species in transmission dynamics could be impacted by environmental change. Our work’s objectives were to compile a thorough set of published research from Kenya and Tanzania, pinpoint knowledge gaps on Culex groups, and determine whether there was enough spatiotemporal published data available for a future meta-analysis. This represents a first effort to use the data currently available to gain a deeper comprehension of Culex’s function in sustaining RVFV transmission. Using Web of Science, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to identify research that sampled Culex in Tanzania or Kenya up until April 28, 2023. In respect to an RVFV risk map, the study identified the major factors impacting the studies, such as their duration and geographic coverage. After that, we evaluated the various methods for identifying species and examined how they could have affected the outcomes. Out of 275 investigations, 17 clearly demonstrated that RVFV served as the catalyst for the inquiry. There was substantial documentation of studies focused on mosquito sampling in regions linked to the risk of RVFV outbreaks, even though different studies examined a variety of topics. Fifty experiments in all were carried out for a minimum of 12 months. Studies on species identification revealed that using a Culex-specific key increased the chance of finding new species outside of the Culex pipiens complex by almost 14 times. We suggest that the data from these broader investigations might potentially provide significant insights into the persistence of RVFV transmission, even though many published studies sampling Culex in Kenya and/or Tanzania did not explicitly specify RVFV as a key study topic.

Since geese (Anser anser) are herbivorous waterfowl, their gizzards are larger and stronger, Allowing them to break down high-fiber roughages with greater force and consume enormous volumes of forages. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) in identifying the water-holding capacity, meat nutrient composition, pH, drip loss, cooking loss, slaughter and carcass characteristics and meat colour of local Bangladeshi white and grey geese varieties supplemented with varying amounts of water spinach. A semi-intensive production system was used to raise 36 adult geese of both white and grey kinds, which were slaughtered at 28 weeks of age. They were split into four groups at random, each consisting of three replicates with three geese each. Maize soya-based diet was considered as control diet (CL) (2700ME/Kcal, 16% CP) where T1 & T3 group were given 180g of CL diets in white and grey variety respectively and other diets included T2 (White variety)-80g of water spinach + 140g of CL diet, T4 (Grey variety)- 80g of water spinach + 140g of CL diet. Following rearing, each bird was weighed separately. Treatments significantly affected the redness value (a*) (p < 0.05). A statistical analysis was performed on 12 slaughter traits, which were separated into two groups: measured traits and calculated traits. For slaughter traits, results suggested that beneficial trails were not significantly varied but tented to be higher in the supplemented group. pH value for T3 group was higher than other groups. Additionally, supplemented group showed lowest drip loss and cooking loss and best water holding capacity, but these parameters were not significantly veried. Notably, the supplemented groups had exhibited the highest dressing percentage, desirable slaughter and carcass traits as well as favourable meat quality parameters. Taking these factors into account, we can say that adding water spinach to geese improved their slaughter and carcass characteristics, meat colour, pH, drip loss, cooking loss, water-holding capacity and meat nutritional content. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 30 (1&2), 2023: P. 23-35

Newcastle disease (ND), a highly contagious viral disease of poultry, is commonly controlled using live-attenuated vaccines. The BCRDV vaccine in Bangladesh was developed from the lentogenic strain of ND virus through serial passaging in embryonated chicken eggs. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the BCRDV vaccine strain used in Bangladesh.

Buffaloes play a vital role in Bangladesh's livestock sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s milk and meat production. However, their productivity remains below potential due to limited genetic capacity, poor reproductive performance, and inadequate health and management practices. This review critically synthesizes findings from scientific literature, field studies, and national reports to assess the status of buffalo production, reproductive efficiency, genetic improvement efforts, and disease management strategies in Bangladesh. Major challenges include low milk yield (average 2.50-4.00 liters/day), imbalanced nutrition, reliance on traditional feeding systems, and minimal mechanization. Reproductive inefficiencies are characterized by low conception rates (below 40%), prolonged calving intervals (local:19.36 ± 2.39 months; crossbred: 19.37 ± 2.63 months), delayed onset of puberty (30 to 36 months), and ineffective estrus detection. Although crossbreeding programs with high-yielding breeds such as Murrah and Nili-Ravi have been introduced, progress has been limited due to inadequate record-keeping, lack of performance monitoring, and continued dependence on conventional breeding methods. Disease prevention and control are further impeded by insufficient veterinary infrastructure, low vaccination coverage, and limited farmer awareness. Structural barriers such as the absence of integrated development frameworks, restricted access to artificial insemination (AI), and a shortage of superior germplasm also hinder sectoral advancement. To address these multifaceted issues, the review advocates for enhanced farmer education, expansion of AI services, development of region-specific disease control strategies, and the implementation of systematic genetic improvement programs incorporating molecular technologies. Strengthened collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and farming communities is essential to foster a resilient, productive, and sustainable buffalo industry in Bangladesh.

Lung and colon cancers are the most common causes of cancer deaths. For treatment to work, it is very important to find out what is wrong as soon as possible and correctly. Learning models that use imaging technology to find different types of images have shown promise in automating the process of classifying cancer from histopathological images. The histopathological diagnosis is a big part of figuring out what kind of cancer someone has. This research aims to create a deep-learning model that can find lung and colon cancer in histopathological images with a high degree of accuracy. We suggested a new way to do things that is based on an enhanced version of the residual attention network structure. The model got its training from 25,000 high-resolution histopathological images that were split into groups. Our proposed model was achieved very high accuracy with scores of 99.30% for two classes, 96.63% for three classes, and 97.56% for five classes, respectively. These numbers are better compared to other modern architectures. This study shows that a deep learning model can accurately determine the difference between lung and colon cancer. Our proposed model’s better performance meets a key need in medical AI applications.

Abstract Zoonotic salmonellosis remains a major public health concern, especially in low-resource settings where poultry handling practices are often informal. Biosecurity measure of live poultry/poultry-meat vending shop is necessary to address this zoonoses. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and biosecurity practices of poultry/poultry-meat sellers toward the risk of zoonotic salmonellosis in Bangladesh. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among the 432 poultry/poultry-meat sellers through a structured questionnaire in multistage sampling approach. Majority of the poultry/poultry-meat sellers (n=432) were male (75.5%), age between 26-34 years (31.9%), had primary education (28.9%), experience of ≤5 years (40.3%), and monthly income was <20000 BDT (43.3%). Additionally, minimal had training on live poultry marketing (33.1%), and poultry-meat processing and marketing (28.5%). The 33.34% and 62.03% of poultry/poultry-meat sellers had the good knowledge and positive attitudes respectively. While 41.43% were involved in correct biosecurity practice. Moreover, the mean KAP score was 53.12±0.89, 68.59±0.79 and 54.58±0.73 respectively. From the multivariate analyses, higher education was a strong predictor of good knowledge (Bachelor’s degree: OR=6.64, 95%CI:2.59-17.04, p<0.01), positive attitude (Bachelor’s degree: OR=13.48, 95%CI:3.72-48.87, p<0.01), and correct biosecurity practices (HS: OR=5.52, 95%CI:2.62-11.63, p<0.01; Bachelor’s degree: OR=4.81, 95%CI:2.03-11.39, p<0.01). The sellers with good knowledge, positive attitudes, and correct biosecurity practices perceived higher zoonotic risk (median=7, p<0.05), with perception co-relation that significantly influenced by education (r=0.131, p<0.01) and training (r=0.084, p<0.05). Despite moderate awareness, sellers showed notable gaps in safe practices, highlighting the need for practical training that enhances risk perception, promotes behaviour change, and builds hands-on biosecurity skills.