Department of Livestock Development

The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological variation of somatic cell count (SCC) and milk somatic cell subsets in relation to total bacterial count and milk production parameters, in mastitis-free local Greek ewes. To this end, we studied the SCC, daily milk yield and composition, milk somatic cell subset distribution and total bacterial count in the milk of first and second parity Frizarta ewes, at different lactation stages. As there is a total lack of evidence for differential milk somatic cell distribution in local Greek ewes, we chose to study the Frizarta breed, one of the most promising local sheep breeds, extensively reared in Western Greece, highly productive and well adapted to geoclimatic conditions. Partial correlation analysis was performed between SCC and somatic cell subtype populations with milk yield, composition and total bacterial count. Total SCC in Frizarta ewes ranged between 35 and 74×103 cells/ml and was significantly influenced by lactation stage and parity number. Neutrophils and lymphocytes were the most abundant immune cell types followed by mammary epithelial cells and macrophages. A positive association of bacterial count with neutrophils and macrophages and a negative association with lymphocytes were observed. Finally, a negative association between total bacterial count with daily milk yield was detected. Our data forms the basis for understanding how parity and stage of lactation affects different immune and epithelial cell populations in the milk of healthy Frizarta ewes and can be used in future studies investigating the effect of the health status on differential cell count in ewe milk.

Fermented Chinese herbal medicines (FCHMs) are considered a promising natural feed additive in livestock production. While their potential benefits for growth and health are recognized, the mechanisms underlying their effects on meat quality traits such as flavor, and the mediating role of the gut environment, remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate the multifaceted effects of FCHMs on finishing pigs, with a focus on potential links between growth, cecal microbiota, metabolism, and muscle composition. A compound FCHM was prepared by fermenting 10 traditional herbs using selected lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Eighty Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (30.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly assigned to a control group (CK, basal diet) or groups supplemented with 0.4% (GL), 0.6% (GM), or 0.8% (GH) FCHM. After a 110-day trial, FCHM supplementation was associated with improved growth performance. Pigs receiving FCHM showed significantly higher final body weight and average daily gain compared to the CK group, while the high-dosage group (GH) exhibited a reduced feed-to-gain ratio. Analysis of a subset of animals revealed that FCHM appeared to reshape the cecal microbiota structure, notably decreasing the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Muribaculaceae, and Prevotella, while promoting genera such as Marvinbryantia, Veillonella, and Tyzzerella. Concomitant shifts in cecal metabolite profiles were observed, including altered levels of compounds like cytosine, hypoxanthine, L-malic acid, and uric acid. Furthermore, analysis of muscle tissue indicated that FCHM supplementation coincided with changes in the profile of fatty acids and volatile organic compounds, which are relevant to flavor. Preliminary integrative analysis suggested potential associations between specific microbial shifts, metabolite changes, and alterations in muscle flavor-related compounds. This exploratory study indicates that dietary FCHM supplementation can enhance the growth performance of finishing pigs and is associated with concurrent modifications in the cecal microbial ecosystem, metabolic profile, and muscle composition. The observed multi-level changes suggest potential associations between gut microbial alterations and muscle characteristics that may contribute to the effects of FCHMs. These findings provide a foundational framework for understanding the complex role of fermented herbs in animal nutrition and warrant further investigation to validate the proposed mechanisms.

The investigation was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging Indian Bison inhabiting Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 60 fecal samples were collected over a 12-month period encompassing summer, rainy, and winter seasons. Samples were examined using direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation techniques to identify parasitic ova. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was recorded at 68.33%. Among the identified parasites, Strongyle spp. showed the highest occurrence (31.66%), followed by Amphistome spp. (26.66%), Trichuris spp. (6.66%), and Fasciola spp. (3.33%). Seasonal analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence rates, with the highest occurrence during the rainy season (85%), followed by winter (80%) and summer (40%). Strongyle spp. prevalence was comparatively higher during winter, whereas Amphistome spp. exhibited greater prevalence during the rainy season, reflecting seasonal variation in parasite dynamics.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacterial isolates from sheep and goats in Hyderabad and Tandojam, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples (nasal swabs, fecal matter, wound exudates, and milk) were collected from clinically healthy and diseased small ruminants. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using morphological, cultural, and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against 11 commonly used antibiotics. Results revealed an overall bacterial prevalence of 42%. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (48%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (45%), Bacillus cereus (32%), Streptococcus pyogenes (30%), Pasteurella multocida (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25%), and Micrococcus luteus (18%). High antimicrobial resistance was observed against ampicillin, enrofloxacin, and ofloxacin among most isolates, whereas gentamicin and tetracycline remained largely effective. The findings highlight the significant presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in small ruminants, posing potential zoonotic risks and emphasizing the need for prudent antimicrobial use in veterinary practice in the region.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious fatal viral disease of pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV). Since its introduction into Nepal in 2022, ASF has caused major losses to pig farmers. However, information on the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Nepal remains limited, and this study represents the first systematic investigation of ASFV seroprevalence and farm management practices in the country. To determine the seroprevalence of ASF in domestic pigs and slaughterhouse in Nepal and to identify farm management practices that contribute to disease transmission. A cross-sectional study was conducted across pig farms in Bagmati Province. A total of 324 serum samples were collected and tested for ASFV antibodies using competitive ELISA. Additionally, 43 farmers were interviewed to assess management practices and biosecurity measures. Data were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Of the 324 samples screened, seven tested positive, with an overall seroprevalence of 2.16%. Seropositivity was detected in multiple districts, but no significant differences were observed by location, sample source, sex, or age group (p > 0.05). The survey revealed poor biosecurity practices: only 6.9% of farmers used protective clothing, 27.9% used foot dips, and 62.8% did not quarantine new animals. Swill feeding was common (34.9%), while 39.5% of farmers used both swill and commercial feed. Improper carcass disposal and sale of sick or dead pigs were also reported. Detection of ASFV antibodies in slaughtered and farm pigs indicates ongoing circulation of the virus in Nepal. Combined with poor farm-level biosecurity, this underscores the urgent need for preventive measures, including strengthened surveillance, farmer awareness, and enforcement of swill-feeding bans, to safeguard Nepal's pig industry.

Effective feed management in dairy calves is essential for their performance as high-quality replacement stock. To support optimal growth, calf starters must possess high nutritional value and digestibility. Enhancing the digestibility of calf starter feed can be achieved by including whey dangke, a by-product known for its high protein digestibility. These lipid parameters are vital for growth, including tissue development and as precursors for various growth-related hormones. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the concentrations of triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and cholesterol in response to dietary supplementation with whey dangke. A completely randomized design was employed, with three treatment groups and six replicates per group. The treatments involved levels of whey dangke supplementation: T0 (0% of body weight), T1 (2.5%), and T2 (5%). A total of 18 Friesian Holstein dairy calves aged 2-3 months were used in the experiment. The findings demonstrated that whey dangke supplementation significantly affected (P<0.05) blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. As the supplementation level increased, both cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased, yet remained within normal physiological ranges. Significantly, supplementation up to 5% did not disrupt blood lipid profiles, indicating that whey dangke is safe and does not induce adverse health effects in dairy calves.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding chemically treated cotton seed cake (CSC) on the intake, body condition score, urine pH, and serum mineral concentrations of dry buffaloes. Twenty dry Nili Ravi buffaloes weighing 600 ± 20 kg and of approximately 5 years of age were selected. Animals were divided into five groups having four buffaloes in each group. Dietary treatments based on the concentrate ration were: A) normal concentrate; B) un-treated CSC; C) CSC treated with 0.25% calcium (Ca) propionate; 4) CSC treated with 0.5% Ca propionate, and E) CSC treated with 0.75% Ca propionate. In addition to the concentrate, corn silage and wheat straw were fed at the rate of 2.5 and 0.9% of BW on DM basis, respectively. The CSC had an aflatoxin contamination level of at least 100 ug/kg. The buffaloes fed untreated CSC (Group B) had higher total DMI compared with all other treatment groups. The buffaloes fed either “normal” concentrate (Group A) or CSC treated with 0.75% Ca propionate (Group E) had lower total DMI compared with the other treatment groups. However, average daily gain did not vary between the groups. The feed efficiency was better in group consuming 0.5% treated CSC as compared to other groups. Neither urine pH nor serum Ca, P, K and Na concentrations were affected by the source of concentrate or the treatment of CSC with Ca propionate.

Theileria, Babesia, and Anaplasma species caused haemoparasitic infections which represent major constraints to cattle and buffalo productivity in subtropical and tropical areas. This study has evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of these hemoparasites in Lahore District, Punjab, Pakistan, through microscopic examination of blood smears of 2,176 cattle and buffaloes, with reference to associated risk factors, including age, sex, and management system. The total prevalence was 10.3% (224/2,176 positive samples). Among positive Theileria spp. were the most predominant positives (94.6% 212/224), followed by Babesia spp. (3.6% 8/224), and Anaplasma spp. (1.8% 4/224) meanwhile, there were no positive results of Trypanosoma spp. or mixed infections. The rates of infection were notably higher in animals below 2 years of age (15.6%, 109/700) than in those at age 2 years and older (7.8% 115/1476; p=0.001) and in females (11.6%, 160/1376) than in males (8.0, 64/800; p=0.01-0.04), probably because of immunological immaturity and reproductive stress The prevalence of animals in extensive/ grazing systems was almost twice (13.9%, 136/976) when compared to semi-intensive stall-fed systems (7.3%, 88/1200; p=0.003), and this indicates higher exposure to ticks in open grazing. These results affirm that tropical theileriosis is endemic in peri-urban Punjab with less burdens of babesiosis and anaplasmosis potentially attributed to the ecological conditions of vectors and their management. The microscopy is probably underestimating actual prevalence because there is low parasitemia in the carriers.