Prevalence and economic implications of calf foetal wastage in an abattoir in Northcentral Nigeria

The study was conducted to evaluate the volume of pregnant cows slaughtered at Minna abattoir, Niger State, Nigeria between 2001 and 2009 based on abattoir meat inspection records. Of the 98,407 cows slaughtered, 4,368 were pregnant, translating to a ratio of one calf foetal wastage in every 23 cows slaughtered. The wastage was significantly (P < 0.05) high during the early rainy season (April to June). There was no significant difference observed across the years. The economic impact of the wastage is estimated at N8, 353,800.00 ($56,828.57) which is a great loss to the livestock industry. With these findings, there is the need to advocate for adequate enforcement of legislations on routine veterinary examinations at the slaughter houses in Nigeria. Also, livestock owners should be educated on the seasonal breeding patterns of cattle in order to avoid selling cows during the calving season to salvage high level of calf foetal wastage.     

Evaluation of early embrionic development after natural mating using ultrasonography in bos indicus cows in the humid tropics of Costa Rica

Fifty-eight nursing Zebu cows averaging 5922 days postpartum were used to evaluate the early embryonic development by ultrasound under a natural mating system (bulls A to F). Three consecutive mating periods of 21 days were established. Sixty two percent of the animals were diagnosed as pregnant (36/58). During the first period (AB) 76% (27/36) of the animals become pregnant, 17% (6/36) during the second (CD) and 9% (3/36) in the last mating period (EF). Sixty two percent of the animals were true positives (animals found pregnant diagnosed by ultrasound (US), and conforming with the embryonic scale proposed by Rosiles et al. (2006); 12% (n = 7) of false negatives (pregnant cows by US but not conforming with the scale); 2% (n = 1) of false positives (pregnant cows, evaluated with US and conforming with the embryonic scale but not pregnant at the end of the study); and a 26% (n = 15) of true negatives (not pregnancy evaluated with US). The sensitivity of the test was 97%, with a specificity of 68% with a positive predictive value of 83% and a negative predictive value of 6%. Relation between the measuring scale of embryo development and the results obtained by ultrasonography was k = 0.69. No significant correlation were observed between body condition score (BCS) evaluation and body fat (BF) measurement at any of the three evaluations performed after mating, however, measurements of BCS and BF among time showed a positive correlation (0.48 P < 0.05, 0.29, P < 0.07, respectively) from the beginning of the evaluation period to the end of the trial. Ultrasonography to monitor embryonic development to determine the early establishment of pregnancy in natural mating reproductive programs can be a valuable technique to monitor reproductive efficiency.     

Prevalence of ovine and caprine oestrosis in Ambo,Ethiopia

A study was carried out to estimate the prevalence, larval burden and risk factors of ovine and caprine oestrosis from December 2007 to May 2008 on 554 heads of randomly selected sheep and goat slaughtered at Ambo town, Western Shoa, Ethiopia. The results show an overall prevalence of 59.9% with infection rate of 69.8% and 47.3% in sheep and goats respectively. No statistically significant difference in the prevalence was noted with regard to the assumed risk factors like sex, nose color, face color, horned versus polled, origin, and months (p > 0.05). Sheep were nearly twice more likely to be infected as compared to goats (p = 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) = 1.975). Age of the animals was found to be protective (OR = 0.579; 95% confidence interval = 0.393, 0.853; p = 0.006). As compared to very fat animals, poor (p = 0.040, OR = 4.834), medium (p = 0.049, OR = 4.198), and fat (p = 0.022, OR = 5.795) body condition animals are more likely to be infected by Oestrus ovis larvae. Nasal and sinus cavity pathology is positively correlated with the total larval count (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001). Out of a total of 3,770 larvae collected, 57.5% were L1, 30.8% L2, and 11.7% L3 larvae. All the three larval instars were seen throughout the study months. It is concluded that oestrosis is a common problem in the study area and more prevalent in sheep than goats, in adult than young, and in animals with poor body condition.     

Periparturition alterations to liver ultrasonographic echo-texture and fat mobilization parameters in clinically healthy Holstein cows

The objective of present study was to record the sequential alterations in liver echo-texture through digital analyzing of the B-mode ultrasonography in three groups of under-conditioned (UC), moderate-conditioned (MC), and over-conditioned (OC) clinically healthy Holstein cows from 30 days to calving until 30 days in milk. Furthermore, to compare their changes in association with the changes of fat mobilization parameters of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), betahydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and body condition score (BCS). Although the cows lost significant (P < 0.05) BCS from calving and the NEFA values showed an increasing trend near calving and the BHBA values significantly inclined postparturition, the mean grey scale histogram (MGSH) of liver images did not reveal significant fluctuations unless a significant decrease on calving day (P < 0.05). The MGSH drop was predicted to be the result of anatomical changes in abdominal cavity, related to delivery and liver’s blood flow. OC cows had higher NEFA on day +20 than UC and MC cows (P < 0.05). UC cows showed higher MGSH values on day −30 than MC cows and again on day −10 comparing to MC and OC cows (P < 0.05). MGSH values correlated with BCS values (r _UC = −0.186; r _MC = −0.283; r _OC = −0.158). It was concluded that the studied cows did not show significant alterations in textural changes in their liver ultrasound whilst going through fat mobilization. As quantitative ultrasonography has shown the potential to detect cases of fatty liver, it could gain the attention to become a feasible device for liver health monitoring on a herd basis.     

Effects of first postpartum progesterone rise,metabolites, milk yield,and body condition score on the subsequent ovarian activity and fertility in lactating Holstein dairy cows

Seventy multiparous healthy lactating Holstein cows (fat-corrected milk yield = 7,561.8 kg) were monitored from 14 days before to 70 days after calving. Transrectal ultrasound scanning was performed twice weekly from 7 to 65 days postpartum. Blood samples were also collected twice weekly to measure serum P₄ and biweekly to detect serum β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Body condition score (BCS) was taken biweekly after calving. Based on the serum P₄ profile of 59 cows (11 cows were excluded due to the occurrence of postpartum diseases) studied, 27 (45.8%) had normal ovarian activity, while 21 (35.6%), six (10.1%), three (5.1%), and two (3.4%) had delayed ovulation (DOV), prolonged luteal phase (PLP), short luteal phase (SLP), and cessation of ovarian activity, respectively. Cows with PLP had an earlier ovulation compared to that of cows with normal ovarian activity (23.16 ± 4.02 vs 31.9 ± 8.35 days; P < 0.05). PLP cows also had a greater mean ± standard deviation peak milk yield (44.2 ± 5.8 vs 37.2 ± 5.7 kg/day, 75 days postpartum; P < 0.05) than cows with normal postpartum ovarian activity. The PLP group also had greater milk production in the previous lactation period. Logistic regression analysis indicated that cows with P₄ concentration ≥1 ng/ml on day 24 after calving were more at risk for PLP by 1.1 for each 1 kg increase in mean peak milk yield during 75 days after calving. BCS was lower in cows with DOV compared to that of cows with normal ovarian activity at any time after calving (P < 0.05). Serum βHB concentrations in DOV cows were significantly higher than that of normal cows on day 42 after calving (0.69 ± 0.29 vs 0.54 ± 0.12 mmol/L, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the mean concentrations of NEFA between cows in different groups at any time after calving (P > 0.05). The concentrations of P₄ on days 28 and 31 were negatively correlated with βHB concentration on day 42 after calving in cows with normal ovarian activity (R = −0.44, P = 0.02). In conclusion, these findings suggest that early ovulation and hence early postpartum P₄ rise in addition to the high milk production could partly be responsible for the occurrence of PLP in dairy cows.     

Accuracy of transrectal palpation for early pregnancy diagnosis in Egyptian buffaloes

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of transrectal palpation (TRP) for diagnosing early pregnancy in buffaloes and the false diagnoses of the TRP test by using the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test. Pregnancy was diagnosed in 168 buffalo–cows once by TRP and PAG-RIA test between days 31 and 55 after breeding. The sensitivity of TRP for detecting pregnant buffalo–cows was 37.5% at days 31–35, increased to 93.8% at days 46–50 and reached 100% at days 51–55 (P < 0.01). All cases of false negative diagnoses (n = 10) had PAG concentration higher than the threshold (≥1.8 ng/mL) for diagnosing pregnancy. The specificity of TRP for detecting non-pregnant buffalo cows ranged between 90.9%, and 100% between days 31 and 55. All cases of false positive diagnoses (n = 5) made by TRP had PAG concentrations lower than the threshold for diagnosing pregnancy. It could be concluded that TRP is an accurate method for diagnosing pregnant and non-pregnant buffalo cows from day 46 after breeding.     

Validation of a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit for use on serum of cattle in Cameroon

A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum. Blood samples were analysed and progesterone levels were deduced from a curve obtained from standard absorbance values (A ₄₅₀). Results show that 95.5% of postpartum cows had progesterone levels below 1 ng/ml, with the highest level being 0.75 ng/ml. The mean level was 0.5 ± 0.26 ng/ml. The cows in the ‘pregnant group’ had progesterone levels ranging from 3.5 to 17.5 ng/ml. This kit can be used for measuring progesterone levels in cattle. Levels of 1 ng/ml for two consecutive samples or one sample at or above 3 ng/ml are an indication of the presence of corpus luteum, while cows below 1 ng/ml will be in anoestrus.     

Major metacestodes in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Soddo Municipal abattoir,Southern Ethiopia: Prevalence,cyst viability,organ distribution and socioeconomic implications

A cross sectional study to determine the prevalence and socioeconomic importance of major metacestodes of cattle was conducted from November 2007 to April 2008 at Wolaita Soddo abattoir. Accordingly, of 415 randomly selected slaughtered cattle, 11.3% and 15.4% were infected with Cysticercus bovis and hydatid cysts, respectively. The anatomical distributions of these parasites include various organs. The major risk factors for cysticercosis prevalence were origin of the animals (P < 0.001, OR = 7.3) and breeds (P = 0.004, OR = 4.3), and hydatid cysts prevalence was significantly varied with different origins (P = 0.021, OR = 2.8). The viability of C. bovis was higher (28.3%) than that of hydatid cyst (1.7%). Of 79 interviewed respondents, 50.63% had acquired taeniasis and analysis of the risk factors showed association of religions (P = 0.003, OR = 24.4), occupation (P < 0.001, OR = 6.9), educational background (P = 0.035, OR = 2.7) and age (P < 0.001, OR = 3.9) of the respondents with taeniasis prevalence. Furthermore, the inventory of taeniasis drugs dose and treatment cost were estimated to be 335,772 adult doses and 93,310 USD. In conclusion, the findings of the present study imply the zoonotic and socioeconomic importance of the diseases, which need intervention.     

Efficiency of two timed artificial insemination protocols in Murrah buffaloes managed under a semi-intensive system in the tropics

The objective of the study was to determine the efficiency of ovsynch (OV) versus presynch-ovsynch (P-OV) protocol for synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination (TAI) in female buffaloes. The OV group (n = 40) received gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on day 0 (random day of the estrous cycle), prostaglandin ( PGF_2a ) \left( {{\hbox{PG}}{{\hbox{F}}_{2\alpha }}} \right) on day 7 and a second GnRH administration on day 9 followed by a single artificial insemination (AI) 16-20 h later. The P-OV group (n = 40) received two PGF_2a {\hbox{PG}}{{\hbox{F}}_{2\alpha }} injections 14 days apart, with the second injection administered 14 days before starting the OV protocol. Progesterone (P₄) was measured at the time of PGF_2a {\hbox{PG}}{{\hbox{F}}_{2\alpha }} administration (within the OV protocol) and AI. Neither ovulation rate ((24 h after TAI) OV 90%-36/40 vs. P-OV 85%-34/40) nor pregnancy rates ((day 60 after TAI) OV 35%-14/40 vs. P-OV 45%-18/40) differed between the two protocols. Pregnant buffaloes had lower concentrations of P₄ at AI compared with non-pregnant animals in the OV group (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 ng/ml); but in the P-OV group, differences did not reach statistical significance (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 ng/ml). This apparent trend reached statistical significance when the analysis was carried out in animals from both protocols (0.7 ± 0.1 (pregnant) vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 (non-pregnant) ng/ml). In conclusion, both protocols synchronize ovulation effectively with no significant differences in conception rates. High concentrations of P₄ at AI seem to be detrimental for the establishment of pregnancy in lactating buffalo cows.     

Effect of supplementation with corn oil on postpartum ovarian activity,pregnancy rate,and serum concentration of progesterone and lipid metabolites in F<Subscript>1</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos taurus</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos indicus</Emphasis>) cows

The aim was to evaluate the effect of corn oil supplementation during postpartum anoestrus on ovarian activity, pregnancy rate, progesterone (P₄), and lipid metabolites (cholesterol, CHO; low and high density lipoproteins; LDL and HDL, respectively) concentrations in blood of F₁ (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) grazing cows. Cows were randomly assigned to an experimental group, fed with a supplement containing 4% corn oil on dry matter basis (OG, n = 11), and a control group with the same supplement without corn oil (CG, n = 12). Both supplements contained equivalent amounts of crude protein and metabolizable energy and were fed for 34 days continuously. All cows were induced to estrous 12 days after beginning of supplementation by using a synthetic progestagen and artificially inseminated 56 h after retiring the implants. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal palpation 45 days after insemination, evaluating simultaneously ovarian activity. P₄ and lipid metabolites (CHO, HDL, LDL) concentrations were determined in blood samples collected at 3-day intervals, from the beginning of corn oil supplementation and up to 10 days after artificial insemination. Ovarian activity was affected by treatment (p < 0.05), finding ovarian structures in 72.7% of OG cows and in 50% of CG cows. Concentration of P₄ and CHO was higher for OG with respect to CG (2.52 ± 0.65 vs 1.88 ± 0.62 ng/ml and 117.79 ± 11.57 vs 85.71 ± 12.11 mg/dl, respectively), whereas pregnancy rate and blood concentrations of HDL and LDL were not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). Addition of corn oil to the supplement stimulated ovarian activity and increased serum concentrations of progesterone and cholesterol in grazing B. taurus × B. indicus cows with low body condition score showing postpartum anoestrus.     

A retrospective study on the epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease in Bhutan

A retrospective study on the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Bhutan, between the years 1996 and 2008, based on the data collected through passive surveillance, was undertaken. A total of 230 outbreaks of FMD at sub-district level were recorded in 299 villages located in 19 out of the 20 districts in the country. There were no significant differences between the years (P = 0.998) or months (P = 0.989) on the incidence of FMD. The sub-districts in the north (altitude >1,000 m above mean sea level) had significantly (P = 0.008) higher incidences of outbreaks in winter than in summer. The sub-districts that shared border with India had significantly more outbreaks than those that didn't (P = 0.001). Cattle were the most predominant species affected being involved in all of the outbreaks reported. Serotype O, which constituted 70.6% of the outbreaks typed was the most predominant serotype prevalent in Bhutan followed by A (16.7%), Asia 1 (8.8%), and C (3.9%). Cattle density was significantly positively correlated (P = 0.023) with the incidence of disease. Three waves of outbreaks of epidemic proportions were reported in 1997/1998, 2002/2003, and 2007/2008 due to the PanAsia strain of the O serotype. The study highlights the incursion of the PanAsia strain of the O serotype into the country, possibly, through the transboundary movement of animals and the need for active surveillance of FMD, especially at the border areas. The study also highlights the significance of the O serotype and cattle as the main indicator species in the epidemiology of FMD in Bhutan. The findings from this study can be used as baseline epidemiological data for further research to understand the epidemiology of FMD in Bhutan.     

Seasonal influences on livestock keeping in a sedentary crop–livestock system

Although seasonality is recognised as an important part of agricultural-based livelihoods, limited literature is available on the subject area, and it is often only alluded to in discussion of other aspects of rural livelihoods. A 2-year longitudinal study to examine the influences of seasonal changes on livestock keeping in a smallholder crop–livestock production system was carried out in Busia District, western Kenya. The study aimed to obtain a picture of yearly variations in household activities and resources, as a means of understanding decisions made by households regarding animal health management, and household times of vulnerability in terms of losing animals. Data collection coincided with the three main seasons in the study area. Information on (inter alia) seasonal livelihood activities, animal health care expenses, numbers of disease episodes and livestock movements into and out of households was collected using questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal methodologies. Farmers suggested clear and consistent seasonal changes and events, but data analyses did not show the patterns expected in relation to livestock keeping. Important observations were made in relation to livestock disease episodes and the use of veterinary services; livestock disease episodes were higher during the long rains than in the dry season, but more money was spent during the dry season when numbers of disease episodes were low, and more households also used professional veterinary services during this season (χ ² = 81.47, P < 0.001). In both study years, a higher proportion of households treated animals themselves during the rainy seasons (z = −2.4, P = 0.02; z = −5.03, P < 0.001).     

Seroprevalence and potential risk of bovine brucellosis in zerograzing and pastoral dairy systems in Uganda

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Uganda between November 2006 and February 2007 to assess the seroprevalence and risk of brucellosis in zerograzing and pastoral dairy systems; two major sources of milk in Uganda, 80% of which is sold unpasteurized to consumers through informal channels. A total of 723 cattle comprised of 497 animals from the pastoral system and 226 animals from the zerograzing system were tested for antibodies against natural B. abortus infection using the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELISA). Herd-level seroprevalence was 100% in the pastoral system and 5.5% (95% CI: 1.8, 9.2) in the zerograzing system. The animal-level seroprevalence and within-herd range of brucellosis in cattle in the pastoral system were 34.0% (95% CI: 29.9, 38.1) and 8.1–75.9%, while for those in the zerograzing system were 3.3% (95% CI: 0.9, 5.7) and 0–9.0%. Abortion rates of 23% and 0% among seropositive cows vis-à-vis 5.4% and 1.9% among seronegative cows were recorded in the pastoral and zerograzing systems, respectively. The risk of natural B. abortus infection was higher among older cattle (>24 m) (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.25–2.67) and dry cows (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.23–3.31) in the pastoral system, and in calves aged 0–6 m (OR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.04–31.41) in the zerograzing system. Implementing a culling program in the zerograzing system to eliminate the existing low risk of brucellosis and targeting calves in the pastoral systems for vaccination could avert the cost-related limitation of brucellosis control in Uganda.     

First-time detection of mycobacterium species from goats in Ethiopia

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important zoonosis affecting a wide range of hosts. An abattoir study was conducted on 1,536 randomly selected male goats slaughtered at Modjo Modern Export Abattoir to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in slaughtered goats. Carcasses and organs of all the study animals were first examined by routine meat inspection followed by detailed meat inspection. Samples from tuberculous lesions were cultured for mycobacterial isolation and identification. Histopathology was done on 31 samples with tuberculous lesions. Detailed meat inspection detected 65 (4.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.3–5.4%) tuberculous lesions. From these, 20 (30.8%) samples were confirmed mycobacterium positive on culture, out of which 18 were Mycobacterium bovis and two were Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Routine meat inspection failed to detect tuberculous lesions in 23% of carcasses with TB lesions detected by detailed examination. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between both methods in detecting tuberculous lesions (Kappa = 0.87). Origin and age of the goats did not statistically affect the disease prevalence (P > 0.05). Histopathologic lesions were observed in 21 samples (68%; 95% CI = 50.1–81.4%) out of the 31 carcasses with gross tuberculous lesions examined by histopathology. Eighteen (58%) tuberculous samples positive for histopathology were also culture positive. The sensitivity and specificity of histopathology were 90% (95% CI = 76.9–100%) and 72.7% (95% CI = 46.4–99%), respectively, using culture as a reference test. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of caprine tuberculosis from Ethiopia. Further studies are required at the farm level to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in the general goat population.     

Serological and molecular detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium avium</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">paratuberculosis</Emphasis> in cattle of dairy herds in Colombia

The objective of this study is the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) by serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and fecal culture in Colombian dairy herds. Serum and fecal samples from asymptomatic cows (n = 307) of 14 dairy herds were tested for MAP by an unabsorbed ELISA test (ELISA-A). Serum and fecal samples from positive ELISA-A animals (n = 31) were further tested by an absorbed ELISA test (ELISA-B) and PCR. Fecal samples from animals of herds positive by ELISA-A and PCR (n = 105) were inoculated onto three different culture media. ELISA-A produced positive results in 10% of the serum samples and 71% of the herds. ELISA-B and PCR results were positive in two and six serum and fecal samples from positive ELISA-A animals, respectively. Fecal samples were negative for MAP on all culture media. The results of this study confirmed the presence of MAP in local dairy herds and the difficulties of MAP detection in asymptomatic animals by ELISA, PCR, and fecal culture.     

Performance and meat quality traits of beef heifers fed with two levels of concentrate and ruminally undegradable protein

The effects of two levels of concentrate and ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) on performance, intake, digestibility, carcass characteristics, meat quality traits, and commercial cuts yield were assessed. Twenty crossbred heifers (240 kg average body weight) were used. At the beginning of the trial, four animals were slaughtered as reference group and the 16 remaining animals were randomly assigned to four treatments, in a 2 × 2 factorial design: two levels of concentrate (40% and 80%, dry matter (DM) basis) and two levels of RUP (48.79% and 27.19% of CP). At the end of the trial, all the animals were slaughtered. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between concentrate and RUP levels. Dry matter intake and nutrients digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by RUP level. Heifers fed the highest RUP level had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG). Concentrate level did not affect (P > 0.05) DMI and ADG. Heifers fed diets with 80% concentrate had greater intake of TDN and EE, and lower intake of NDF (P < 0.05). The digestibilities of all nutrients, except the NDF, were greater (P < 0.05) for the 80% concentrate diets. The RUP levels did not affect (P > 0.05) the carcass characteristics and carcass gain composition. Heifers fed 80% concentrate diets had larger (P < 0.05) longissimus muscle area and lower gain of bones (P < 0.05). Concentrate level did not affect (P > 0.05) the composition of carcass gain. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of RUP and concentrate levels on meat quality traits and commercial cut yields.     

A 6-year survey of pathological conditions of slaughtered animals at Zango abattoir in Zaria,Kaduna State,Nigeria

A 6-year retrospective study (2000–2005) of animals slaughtered at the Zango abattoir in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria was carried out to determine disease conditions encountered in slaughtered animals. Records kept at the abattoir were analysed. A total of 69,307 cattle, 3,820 goats and 1,763 sheep were slaughtered for the period under study. Of the 69,307 cattle slaughtered for the period, 22,459 (32.41%) were males and 46,848 (67.59%) were females, while 1,763 sheep were slaughtered comprising of 506 (28.70%) males and 1,257 (71.30%) females, and 3,820 goats made up of 1,212 (31.73%) males and 2,608 (68.27%) were females. The major disease and/or pathological conditions were helminthosis (fascioliasis, haemonchosis and paramphistomosis) 16.20%, Streptothricosis 4.15%, Pericarditis 2.20%, liver cirrhosis 2.08%, abscesses 1.04%, pneumonia 0.14%, nephritis 0.05% and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Tuberculosis and Nocardiosis 0.01% each. Out of the 15,075 infected organs, 13,314 (88.38%) were partially salvaged while 1,751 (11.6%) whole organs were condemned. A total of 1,239 pregnant cows, 221 pregnant ewes and 637 pregnant does were slaughtered, representing a foetal wastage of 2.65% for cattle, 17.58% for sheep and 24.43% for goats. The result of this study apart from serving as an indicator of field disease condition also demonstrates cases of serious losses in production due to slaughter of pregnant animals especially for sheep and goats.     

Association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection with milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins

There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection with production and reproduction in dairy cows. Determination of these associations in each region is essential to encourage participation of dairy cattle producers in disease control programs. This study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, to quantify the association of subclinical MAP infection with 305-day milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins. A total of 21 dairy herds were selected for the study and in each herd, quarter milk samples were collected from ten to 12 dairy cows for PCR analysis. Data about parity, calving interval, length of lactation period, total milk production and 305-day milk production were also provided for each animal. Overall, 252 individual milk samples were collected. Herd- and individual-level prevalence of MAP infection were 23.8% (95% CI, 6.2–41.4%) and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.3–5.1%), respectively based on IS900 nested PCR. The results for 305-day milk production revealed a 248 kg reduction in positive cows compared with negative ones (P = 0.009). When cows from positive herds were compared with cows from negative herds, a 335-kg reduction in 305-day milk production (P = 0.005) and a 30-day increase in calving interval (P = 0.057) were observed in the former group. These findings support the previous results that paratuberculosis infection is negatively associated with the performance of the animals.     

Postpartum follicular development in Brahman cows under two stocking rates

The aim was to study postpartum follicular population dynamics in Brahman cows in the Mexican humid tropics and under different stocking rates. Lactating adult cows (n = 104) grazed native grammas (Paspalum spp., Axonopus spp.) under two stocking rates: 2.8 (high) or 1.7 (low) cows/ha. Follicle numbers and their size (millimetres) were measured by ovarian ultrasound scanning. Animals detected in oestrus and inseminated were taken out of the study. Both stocking rates produced similar (P < 0.05) body condition scores (BCS) and follicular dynamics. The percent of follicles, averaged over stocking rates, of <4 mm diminished and those of 5–8 mm increased with time, whilst those of >9 mm remained constant; respective values for the previously mentioned sizes were 60 days postpartum (n = 101), 49%, 56% and 5%; 120 days (n = 70), 28%, 66% and 6%; and 180 days (n = 15), 9%, 79% and 12%. There was a positive correlation between BCS and follicle number for size <4 mm (r = 0.73, P < 0.01), whilst for size 5–8 mm, this was negative (r = −0.51, P < 0.05), for follicles >9 mm, no difference was found (r = −0.08, P > 0.05). It was concluded that stocking rate did not affect follicular population dynamics of Brahman cows, but BCS dictated the number and categories of follicles present regardless of the stocking rate utilised.     

A comparative study of the seroprevalence of brucellosis in commercial and small-scale mixed dairy–beef cattle enterprises of Lusaka province and Chibombo district,Zambia

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2007 and February 2008 to estimate seroprevalence of brucellosis and identify risk factors associated with Brucella infections in commercial cattle in three districts of Lusaka province (Chongwe, Luangwa, and Kafue; n = 849) and in one rural district from the Central province (n = 48). A total of 897 serum samples were randomly collected from 55 farms along with animal-level data such as sex, age, and parity. Sera were screened for presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test, and positive samples were confirmed using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At the animal level, seroprevalence was estimated at 7.9% (95% CI = 4.4–11.4%) in the Lusaka province and 18.7% (95% CI = 7.5–29.9%) for Chibombo district. Brucellosis seroprevalence varied according to district, with Chongwe district recording the highest compared to other districts. Seroprevalence also varied according to sex with bulls (n = 96) having higher seroprevalence (12.5%; 95% CI = 3.8–21.1%) compared to females (8.1%; 95% CI = 4.6–11.6). Similarly, seroprevalence varied according to age groups, with the age category 1–4 years recording the highest (10.7%). The study recorded relatively low Brucella seroprevalence in commercial farms in Lusaka, compared to the traditional small-scale farms. We suggest that testing and stamping out of infected animals is likely to improve the situation and significantly reduce the public health risk associated with Brucella infections in animals.