Could natural phytochemicals be used to reduce nitrogen excretion and excreta‑derived N_(2)O emissions from ruminants?

Ruminants play a critical role in our food system by converting plant biomass that humans cannot or choose not to consume into edible high-quality food.However,ruminant excreta is a significant source of nitrous oxide(N_(2)O),a potent greenhouse gas with a long-term global warming potential 298 times that of carbon dioxide.Natural phytochemicals or forages containing phytochemicals have shown the potential to improve the efficiency of nitrogen(N)utilization and decrease N_(2)O emissions from the excreta of ruminants.Dietary inclusion of tannins can shift more of the excreted N to the feces,alter the urinary N composition and consequently reduce N_(2)O emissions from excreta.Essential oils or saponins could inhibit rumen ammonia production and decrease urinary N excretion.In grazed pastures,large amounts of glucosinolates or aucubin can be introduced into pasture soils when animals consume plants rich in these compounds and then excrete them or their metabolites in the urine or feces.If inhibitory compounds are excreted in the urine,they would be directly applied to the urine patch to reduce nitrification and subsequent N_(2)O emissions.The phytochemicals’role in sustainable ruminant production is undeniable,but much uncertainty remains.Inconsistency,transient effects,and adverse effects limit the effectiveness of these phytochemicals for reducing N losses.In this review,we will identify some current phytochemicals found in feed that have the potential to manipulate ruminant N excretion or mitigate N_(2)O production and deliberate the challenges and opportunities associated with using phytochemicals or forages rich in phytochemicals as dietary strategies for reducing N excretion and excreta-derived N_(2)O emissions.

The application of omics technologies for understanding tropical plants-based bioactive compounds in ruminants:a review

Finding out how diet impacts health and metabolism while concentrating on the functional qualities and bioactive components of food is the crucial scientific objective of nutritional research. The complex relationship between metabolism and nutrition could be investigated with cutting-edge "omics" and bioinformatics techniques. This review paper provides an overview of the use of omics technologies in nutritional research, with a particular emphasis on the new applications of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes in functional and biological activity research on ruminant livestock and products in the tropical regions. A wealth of knowledge has been uncovered regarding the regulation and use of numerous physiological and pathological processes by gene, m RNA, protein, and metabolite expressions under various physiological situations and guidelines. In particular, the components of meat and milk were assessed using omics research utilizing the various methods of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomes. The goal of this review is to use omics technologies—which have been steadily gaining popularity as technological tools—to develop new nutritional, genetic, and leadership strategies to improve animal products and their quality control. We also present an overview of the new applications of omics technologies in cattle production and employ nutriomics and foodomics technologies to investigate the microbes in the rumen ecology. Thus, the application of state-of-the-art omics technology may aid in our understanding of how species and/or breeds adapt, and the sustainability of tropical animal production, in the long run, is becoming increasingly important as a means of mitigating the consequences of climate change.

Establishment of High-sensitivity Rapid Fluorescence Quantitative Detection Method for Antibody against Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish a rapid quantitative method for detecting antibody against Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus(PPR V)in sheep serum.[Methods]Soluble N protein and NH fusion protein were obtained in Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system by optimizing codons and expression conditions of E.coli.Furthermore,based on the purified soluble N protein and NH fusion protein,a high-sensitivity fluorescence immunoassay kit for detecting the antibody against PPR V was established.[Results]The method could quickly and quantitatively detect PPR V antibody in sheep serum,with high sensitivity and specificity,without any cross reaction to other related sheep pathogens.The intra-batch and inter-batch coefficients of variation were less than 10%and 15%,respectively,and the method had good repeatability.Through detection on 292 clinical serum samples,it was compared with the French IDVET competitive ELISA kit,and the coincidence rate of the two methods reached 93.84%.Compared with the serum neutralization test,the detected titer value of the high-sensitivity rapid fluorescence quantitative detection method was basically consistent with the tilter value obtained by the neutralization test on the standard positive serum(provided by the WOAH Brucellosis Reference Laboratory of France).[Conclusions]This method can realize rapid quantitative detection of PPR V antibody on site,and has high practical value and popularization value.

Establishment of Double-antigen Sandwich Time-resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay for Detection of Pest des Petits Ruminants Virus

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore rapid and large-scale screening and detection of peste des petits ruminants(PPR),so as to provide important technical means for prevention,control and purification of PPR.[Methods]Soluble N protein and NH fusion protein were successfully obtained in an Escherichia coli expression system by optimizing E.coli codon and expression conditions.Furthermore,based on purified soluble N protein and NH fusion protein,a double-antigen sandwich time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay method for detection of peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV)was established.[Results]The method has high sensitivity and specificity and can specifically detect the antibody against PPRV in sheep serum,and it has no cross reaction with other related diseases.The method was used to detect 292 clinical samples,and compared with French IDVET competition ELISA kit.The coincidence rates of positive samples and negative samples from the two kinds of test kits were 92.47%and 97.26%,respectively,and the overall coincidence rate was 94.86%.The intra-group and inter-group coefficients of variation in the repeatability test were less than 10%.[Conclusions]Compared with the traditional ELISA method,the double-antigen sandwich time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for detection of PPRV has equivalent sensitivity and specificity,and simple and rapid operation,and thus high application and popularization value.

Evaluation of in vitro digestibility of Aspergillus oryzae fungal biomass grown on organic residue derived‑VFAs as a promising ruminant feed supplement

Background As demand for high quality animal feed continues to raise,it becomes increasingly important to mini-mize the environmental impact of feed production.An appealing sustainable approach to provide feed fractions is to use organic residues from agro-food industry.In this regard,volatile fatty acids(VFAs)such as acetic,propionic and butyric acids,derived from bioconversion of organic residues can be used as precursors for production of micro-bial protein with ruminant feed inclusion potential.This study aims to investigate the in vitro digestibility of the Asper-gillus oryzae edible fungal biomass cultivated on VFAs-derived from anaerobic digestion of residues.The produced fungal protein biomass,along with hay clover silage and rapeseed meal were subjected to various in vitro assays using two-stage Tilley and Terry(TT),gas,and bag methods to evaluate and compare its digestibility for application in ruminant feed.Results The produced fungal biomass contained a higher crude protein(CP)(41%–49%)and rather similar neutral detergent fiber(NDF)(41%–56%)compared to rapeseed meal.The rumen in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)of the fungal biomass in the TT method ranged from 82%to 88%(statistically similar to that of the gas method(72%to 85%)).The IVDMD of fungal biomass were up to 26%and 40%greater than that of hay clover silage and rapeseed meal,respectively.The type of substrate and bag method had pronounced effect on the fermentation products(ammonium-N(NH4+-N),total gas and VFAs).Fungal biomass digestion resulted in the highest release of NH4+-N(340–540 mg/L)and the ratio of acetate to propionate ratio(3.5)among subjected substrates.Conclusion The results indicate that gas method can be used as a reliable predictor for IVDMD as well as fermenta-tion products.Furthermore,the high IVDMD and fermentation product observed for Aspergillus oryzae fungal biomass digestion,suggest that the supplementation of fungal biomass will contribute to improving the rumen digestion by providing necessary nitrogen and energy to the ruminant and microbiota.

Small Ruminant Production and Marketing Practices in Harawa, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Small ruminant production is an essential component of agricultural activity for smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to assess small ruminant production and marketing practices in the Harawa district of Somali Region, Ethiopia. For the study 90 households owning small ruminant were selected from three different towns of Harawa district. Information on sheep and goat ownership patterns, production objectives, and management and production constraints were collected from 90 households using semi structured questionnaires. The available feed resources are grass species, crop aftermath and legumes species are the common ones. The average family size was 5.78 ± 0.235 persons per household. Crop-livestock farming was the commonly used farming system with (62.75%) extensive and (27.25%) semi-intensive production system. The mean total land holding was 6.08 ± 0.24 ha per HH and was significantly (P < 0.05) varied across production systems. On average, the sample households owned 46.32 ± 1.22 sheep, 38.28 ± 1.40 goat, 4.85 ± 0.43 cattle, 4.15 ± 0.54 camel, 2.18 ± 0.19 donkey and 0.53 ± 0.20 poultry. The finding shows most of the respondents kept sheep and goats for insurance as ranked first. Feed shortage was ranked first as the main constraint hindering sheep and shortage of veterinary service, drought, disease, water shortage and poor infrastructure were the other major constraints of sheep and goat production in the study area. The major production and marketing constraints in small ruminant production in the area are disease and parasite (cadho), feed and grazing land shortage, low productivity, poor veterinary service and poor of infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to use modern production systems with improved technology in the area and improve traditional system through feed supplementation and better health care. As well as improving marketing efficiency through appropriate policy and provision of information is important.

Small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District,Jordan

This study aims to assess the small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District,Jordan,to identify the potential intervention areas that could improve the production efficiency and guarantee the sustainability of the small ruminant sector in this area.Sheep breeding is the source of livelihood for most of the people in Al-Ruwaished District,which is characterized by the large number of sheep and goats.We surveyed 5.0% of the small ruminant holders in the study area and conducted individual interviews and surveys with the potential actors in the value chain to undertake a small ruminant value chain analysis.From the survey,we found that the small ruminant value chain consists of five core functions,namely,input supply,production management,marketing,processing,and consumption.Despite the stable impression given by the large number of holdings in the small ruminant sector,the surveyed results show a clear fragility in the value chain of small ruminants in this area.The small ruminant production system is negatively impacted by climate change,especially continuous drought.In addition,the high prices of feed that the farmer cannot afford with clear and real absence of the governmental and non-governmental support activities also impact the development of the value chain.The results of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)analysis reveal that the major constraints faced by this value chain could be divided into external and internal threats.Specifically,the most prominent external threats are the nature of the desert land and continuous drought,while the major internal threats are the absence of appropriate infrastructure,shortage of inputs,and weakness in the production management and marketing.We proposed solutions to these challenges to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the sector,such as the formulation of emergency response plans to severe weather,qualifying farmers’skills,and establishment of agricultural cooperative societies.

Nutrient Evaluation of Dining Center Food Waste and Comparison to Monogastric and Ruminant Feedstuffs

The objective of this study was to analyze the nutrient composition and variability of university dining hall food waste and compare it with common feedstuffs used in ruminant and monogastric diets. Food waste was categorized into two initial streams: mainstream (MS) from the serving line and vegetable preparation (VP) from the kitchen. Waste was collected from the Kramer Dining Center, Kansas State University, resulting in 30 daily samples. Waste was weighed and ground to homogenous particle size. Daily samples of MS and VP were analyzed for nutrient composition, where results were combined to calculate the nutrient profile of a hypothetical mixed food waste stream (MX) composited by total weight. Data were analyzed using R statistical software (v 4.2.2). Moisture and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were greater in VP (P , while ether extract (EE) was less compared to MS and MX. Crude protein (CP) was greater (P < 0.05) in MS and MX streams compared to VP. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) and energy were greater in MS food waste than in MX, which was also greater than VP (P content, measured by standard deviation, was similar (P > 0.05) among streams for NDF, nitrogen-corrected neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent insoluble crude protein, CP, ash, lignin, and digestible and metabolizable energy. Dry matter and EE variation were greater (P < 0.05) in MS, whereas VP was less (P < 0.05) compared to MX. Standard deviation increased (P < 0.05) in MS and MX for neutral detergent insoluble crude protein, TDN, and gross energy when compared to VP. Despite having 70% - 80% moisture, dining hall food waste does have nutritive value and the potential to be included in ruminant and monogastric diets. Further research needs to be done to understand the value of including it in animal diets.

Sero-Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diffusion of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Cameroon

The present study was carried out between April 2015 and January 2016 to estimate the sero-prevalence and identify the risk factors of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Cameroon. A total of 269 herds randomly sampled across the country have been studied and 1622 samples of serum have been levied on the sheep and goat. The c-ELISA has been studied in order to detect the presence of antibodies in small ruminants like an indicator of exposition to PPRV. The results revealed the circulation of PPRV in the country with a total sero-prevalence of 39% [95%CI;37 - 41] and a sero-prevalence of 63.2% [95%CI;57.2 - 69.2] at the herd level. Sero-prevalence was variable in the ten regions ranging from 7% [95% CI;6.2 - 8.4] to 73% [95% CI;62 - 84] with the northern zone (Adamawa, North and Far-North) having 52.3% [95% CI;37 - 60] and southern zone (including the remaining seven regions) recording 29% [95% CI;11 - 57]. Similarly, it was higher in animals found in urban/peri-urban areas than in rural areas with prevalence ratio of 2.9 [95% CI 2.54 - 3.4;p < 0.001] i.e. 3 times more, 1.6 [95% CI 1.36 - 1.90;p < 0.001] i.e. 1.6 times more, and 5.02 [95% CI 3.91 - 6.85;p < 0.001] i.e. 5 times more at national level, in the northern zone and in the southern area, respectively. Five risk factors have been identified: the breeding environment, introduction of new animals into the herds, gathering of animals for pasture and watering, wandering and transhumance. The breeding area appeared to be the most important risk factor associated with disease exposure. The control measures for the eradication of this disease must take into account the epidemiological situation, the breeding environment, animal transhumance and breeding system.

Computational Molecular Analysis of the Sequences of BMP15 Gene of Ruminants and Non-Ruminants

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) super family that is expressed by oocytes and plays key roles in granulosa cell development and fertility in animal. This study investigated the molecular genetic variation of BMP15 gene of some selected mammalian species with a view to providing relevant genetic information for breeding and selection programmes in the studied species using computational methods. A total of thirty seven (37) BMP15 nucleotide sequences comprising goats (18), sheep (6), cattle (6), swine (4) and chicken (3) were retrieved from the GenBank. Sequence alignment, translation and comparison of the BMP15 gene of the various species were done with ClustalW. High degree of polymorphism of BMP15 gene was observed among the studied species. The significant value (P bovidae family (goat, sheep and cattle). The present information could guide future efforts involving selection of markers of fecundity to improve genetically livestock species in Nigeria.

Potential role of N-carbamoyl glutamate in biosynthesis of arginine and its significance in production of ruminant animals

Arginine （ARG） exerts many beneficial effects on animal body and enhanced angiogenesis, lactogenesis, which finally leads to the improvement in nitrogen （N） metabolism, reproduction, lactation, immunity and growth. Unfortunately, unprotected ARG will be degraded in the rumen and its price is high, thus feeding rumen-protected ARG seems to be uneconomical. Alternatively, N-carbamoyl glutamate （NCG） is structural analogue of N-acetyl glutamate, cofactor of cabamoyl phosphate synthetasel, is lower in rumen degradation compared to ARG. Additionally, rumen epithelial and duodenal cells have potentially utilized the NCG for ureagenesis. Supplementation of NCG to high yielding dairy cows increased plasma concentration of ARG and nitric oxide, decreased the plasma ammonia N and improved lactation performance and N utilization. Supplementation of NCG enhanced pregnancy rates in rats, improved litter size and fetal survival rate, thereby improved the reproductive performance of sows. Oral NCG supplementation increases plasma ARG and somatotropin levels, and increased growth rate and muscle protein synthesis in nursing piglets. The NCG is potential a relatively cheaper source of feed additive to offer vital compensation over oral administration of ARG, resulting in improved ruminant animal health and production. In this article, we reviewed the mechanism of AfiG biosynthesis by NCG and their significance in growth, reproduction, milk production and N utilization in ruminant animals.

Conceptus elongation in ruminants: roles of progesterone, prostaglandin, interferon tau and cortisol

The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the first three weeks after conception, particularly during the period of conceptus elongation that occurs prior to pregnancy recognition and implantation. This review integrates established and new information on the biological role of ovarian progesterone （P4）, prostaglandins （PGs）, interferon tau （IFNT） and cortisol in endometrial function and conceptus elongation. Progesterone is secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum （CL） and is the unequivocal hormone of pregnancy. Prostaglandins （PGs） and cortisol are produced by both the epithelial cells of the endometrium and the trophectoderm of the elongating conceptus. In contrast, IFNT is produced solely by the conceptus trophectoderm and is the maternal recognition of pregnancy signa that inhibits production of luteolytic pulses of PGF2α by the endometrium to maintain the CL and thus production of P4. Available results in sheep support the idea that the individual, interactive, and coordinated actions of P4, PGs, IFNT and cortisol regulate conceptus elongation and implantation by controlling expression of genes in the endometrium and/or trophectoderm. An increased knowledge of conceptus-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy in ruminants is necessary to understand and elucidate the causes of infertility and recurrent early pregnancy loss and provide new strategies to improve fertility and thus reproductive efficiency.

Development of feeding systems and strategies of supplementation to enhance rumen fermentation and ruminant production in the tropics

The availability of local feed resources in various seasons can contribute as essential sources of carbohydrate and protein which significantly impact rumen fermentation and the subsequent productivity of the ruminant.Recent developments,based on enriching protein in cassava chips,have yielded yeast fermented cassava chip protein（YEFECAP） providing up to 47.5% crude protein（CP）,which can be used to replace soybean meal.The use of fodder trees has been developed through the process of pelleting;Leucaena leucocephala leaf pellets（LLP）,mulberry leaf pellets（MUP） and mangosteen peel and/or garlic pellets,can be used as good sources of protein to supplement ruminant feeding.Apart from producing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins,greenhouse gases such as methane are also produced in the rumen.Several methods have been used to reduce rumen methane.However,among many approaches,nutritional manipulation using feed formulation and feeding management,especially the use of plant extracts or plants containing secondary compounds（condensed tannins and saponins） and plant oils,has been reported.This approach could help todecrease rumen protozoa and methanogens and thus mitigate the production of methane.At present,more research concerning this burning issue-the role of livestock in global warming-warrants undertaking further research with regard to economic viability and practical feasibility.

Implication and challenges of direct-fed microbial supplementation to improve ruminant production and health

Direct-fed microbials(DFMs)are feed additives containing live naturally existing microbes that can benefit animals’health and production performance.Due to the banned or strictly limited prophylactic and growth promoting usage of antibiotics,DFMs have been considered as one of antimicrobial alternatives in livestock industry.Microorganisms used as DFMs for ruminants usually consist of bacteria including lactic acid producing bacteria,lactic acid utilizing bacteria and other bacterial groups,and fungi containing Saccharomyces and Aspergillus.To date,the available DFMs for ruminants have been largely based on their effects on improving the feed efficiency and ruminant productivity through enhancing the rumen function such as stabilizing ruminal pH,promoting ruminal fermentation and feed digestion.Recent research has shown emerging evidence that the DFMs may improve performance and health in young ruminants,however,these positive outcomes were not consistent among studies and the modes of action have not been clearly defined.This review summarizes the DFM studies conducted in ruminants in the last decade,aiming to provide the new knowledge on DFM supplementation strategies for various ruminant production stages,and to identify what are the potential barriers and challenges for current ruminant industry to adopt the DFMs.Overall literature research indicates that DFMs have the potential to mitigate ruminal acidosis,improve immune response and gut health,increase productivity(growth and milk production),and reduce methane emissions or fecal shedding of pathogens.More research is needed to explore the mode of action of specific DFMs in the gut of ruminants,and the optimal supplementation strategies to promote the development and efficiency of DFM products for ruminants.

Direct-fed microbes: A tool for improving the utilization of low quality roughages in ruminants

For many years, ruminant nutritionists and microbiologists have been interested in manipulating the microbial ecosystem of the rumen to improve production efficiency of different ruminant species. Removal and restriction of antibiotics subtherapeutic uses from ruminant diets has amplified interest in improving nutrient utilization and animal performance and search for more safe alternatives. Some bacterial and fungal microorganisms as a direct-fed microbial（DFM） can be the most suitable solutions. Microorganisms that are commonly used in DFM for ruminants may be classified mainly as lactic acid producing bacteria（LAB）, lactic acid utilizing bacteria（LUB）, or other microorganism＇s species like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Propionibacterium, Megasphaera elsdenii and Prevotellabryantii, in addition to some fungal species of yeast such as Saccharomyces and Aspergillus. A definitive mode of action for bacterial or fungal DFM has not been established; although a variety of mechanisms have been suggested. Bacterial DFM potentially moderate rumen conditions, and improve weight gain and feed efficiency. Fungal DFM may reduce harmful oxygen from the rumen, prevent excess lactate production, increase feed digestibility, and alter rumen fermentation patterns. DFM may also compete with and inhibit the growth of pathogens, immune system modulation, and modulate microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract. Improved dry matter intake, milk yield, fat corrected milk yield and milk fat content were obtained with DFM administration. However, the response to DFM is not constant; depending on dosages, feeding times and frequencies, and strains of DFM. Nonetheless, recent studies have supported the positive effects of DFM on ruminant performance.

Study on Passive Immunity:time of Vaccination in Kids Born to Goats Vaccinated Against Peste des petits ruminants

In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids.Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated,unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test(SNT).Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month.The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response(percentage inhibition of 76;SN titers >1:16),when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge.Similarly,the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge.Therefore,PPR vaccination is recommended in kids,aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats.This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.

Survey of tick species parasiting domestic ruminants in Ghaemshahr county,Mazandaran province,Iran

Objective:To determine the tick species parasitizing domestic ruminants in Ghaemshahr county in Mazandaran,a Caspian province in the north of Iran.Methods:About 361 sheep, 54 goats and 10 cattle of 18 herds in several villages in Ghaemshahr were inspected for tick infestation.Separated ticks were preserved in 70% alcohol and identified.Results:About 323 ticks(207 female,116 male) were collected,the occurrence of ticks on sheep,goats and cattle were 28.3% .22.2% and 20.0% respectively.The mean number of ticks on each animal was low (3-5 ticks per animal).Rhipicephalus sanguineus,Rhipicephalus bursa.Ixodes ricinus,Boophilus annulalus,Haemaphysalis punctata and Haemaphysalis numidiana were the tick species we found.Rhipicephalus sanguineus were the most abundant species in the study area.The largest number of ticks were generally present from April to July,mostly in animal ears and tails. Ixodes,Boophilus and Haemaphysalis occurred in mountainous areas of Ghaemshahr.whereas Rhipicephalus were present in both mountains and plains of the study area.Conclusions:The result of this study is a survey of tick species from domestic animals in Iran and implication of possible prevention measures for diseases transmitted by ticks.

Confirmed Diagnosis by RT-PCR and Phylogenetic Analysis of Peste des Petits Ruminants Viruses in Tibet, China

This paper reports the confirmed diagnosis by nested RT-PCR of PPR cases in Tibet, China in 2007, and results of phylogenetic analysis. Results showed that the 11 tested samples were PPRV positive by nested RT-PCR, of which 2 samples were genetically close to the X7443 strain (Nigeria 75/1) of lineage I, and 3 samples close to the strain AY560591 (Sungri96) of linage IV with 96.6%、97.3%、97.6% and 98% nucleotide sequence homogeneity respectively, based on partial sequencing of the F gene from 5 samples and complete sequencing of the N/M/F/H genes from one sample. This study suggested that there are at least 2 origins of PPRV in China.

Detection of Babesia bovis in blood samples and its effect on the hematological and serum biochemical profile in large ruminants from Southern Punjab

Objective:To determine the presence of Babesia bovis(B.bovis) in large ruminants in southern Punjab and its effect on hematological and serum biochemical profile of host animals.Methods:Blood samples were collected from 144 large ruminants,including 105 cattle and 39 buffaloes,from six districts in southern Punjab including Multan,Layyah,Muzaffar Garh,Bhakar,Bahawalnagar and Vehari.Data on the characteristics of animals and herds were collected through questionnaires.Different blood(hemoglobin,glucose) and serum(ALT,AST,LDH,cholesterol)parameters of calves and cattle were measured and compared between parasite positive and negative samples to demonstrate the effect of B.bovis on the blood and serological profile of infected animals.Results:27 out of 144 animals.from 5 out of 6 sampling districts,produced the541-bp fragment specific for B.bovis.Age of animals(P=0.02).presence of ticks on animals(P=0.04)and presence of ticks on dogs associated with herds(P=0.5) were among the major risk factors involved in the spread of bovine babesiosis in the study area.ALT concentrations were the only serum biochemical values that significantly varied between parasite positive and negative cattle.Conclusions:This study has reported for the first time the presence of B.bovis in large ruminant and the results can lead to the prevention of babesiosis in the region to increase the livestock output.

Production of Methane Emissions from Ruminant Husbandry: A Review

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of methane (CH4) production from ruminants. The objectives are to identify the factors affecting CH4 production. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Ruminant livestock constitute worldwide the most important source of anthropogenic emissions of methane. There are two main factors influencing global warming change, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of the ozone layer. Methane is associated with both factors. Ruminants (dairy, beef, goats, and sheep) are the main contributors to CH4 production. Their CH4 production is a natural and inevitable outcome of rumen fermentation. Feed is converted into products such as milk and meat. Many factors influence ruminant CH4 production, including level of intake, type and quality of feeds, energy consumption, animal size, growth rate, level of production, and environmental temperature. The methane emissions in dairy cows represent values from 151 to 497 g·day-1. Lactating cows produced more CH4 (354 g·day-1) than dry cows (269 g·day-1) and heifers (223 g·day-1). Dairy ewe generates 8.4 kg·head-1 annually. Holstein produced more CH4 (299 g·day-1) than the Crossbred (264 g·day-1). Methane emission by heifers grazing on fertilized pasture was higher (223 g·day-1) than that of heifers on unfertilized pasture (179 g·day-1). The average CH4 emissions are from 161 g·day-1 to 323 g·day-1 in beef cattle. Mature beef cows emit CH4 approximately from 240 g·day-1 to 396 g·day-1. Suffolk sheep emit 22 - 25 g·day-1. The bison’s annual CH4 emissions per year were 72 kg·head-1. The CH4 emission from manure depends on the physical form of the feces, the amount of digestible material, the climate, and the time they remained intact. The annual emissions from the pens and storage pond at dairy farm were 120 kg·cow-1.