Some Production Characteristics of Sudan Desert Sheep under Range Conditions in North Kordofan,Sudan

The records on the flocks of sheep at El-Obeid Research Station during 1988–1990 were analysed using least-squares mixed-model procedures. The objective was to study some production characteristics of Sudan Desert sheep in North Kordofan, Sudan, in relation to the seasonal variation and husbandry systems. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found between sedentary and nomadic flocks in the number of ewes serviced and the conception, lambing or abortion rates. Mortality rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the nomadic flock. The breeding season had a significant effect on all the parameters measured. Higher conception (p<0.05) and lambing (p<0.01) rates were recorded for the rainy and late dry seasons. However, the highest ewe mortality (p<0.01) was in the rainy season. The highest (p<0.01) lamb weights at birth and at 30 days of age were recorded under the nomadic system. None the less, lambs kept under the sedentary system had somewhat higher weight gains from 60 to 150 days of age. Lambs born during the rainy season had the highest birth weights (p<0.05) and the highest weight at 30 days of age. However, the live weights from 60 to 150 days of age were significantly higher in lambs born in the late dry season. The highest lamb mortality was recorded in the lambs born in the rainy season. Lambs born under the nomadic system and during the rainy season had the highest (p<0.05) weights at 30 and 60 days of age, and also higher (p<0.01) mortality rates compared to the other flock×season combinations. It was concluded that the production characteristics of Sudan Desert sheep reflect the seasonal nutritional status and husbandry system. The effects of supplementary feeding on breeding and pregnant ewes, and on the performance of weaned lambs in the area should be studied. Moreover, the socioeconomic factors governing mobility in nomadic flocks should be thoroughly investigated.     

Reliminary survey of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle in Central Equatoria State, Southern Sudan

In a preliminary survey conducted in 2005, the species composition and seasonality of ticks infesting cattle in Central Equatoria State, Southern Sudan was determined. Three locations were selected (Gumbo, Khor Rumla and Nyaing) and surveyed every 3 months. Two cattle herds in each of the three locations were visited four times during the study period. Total body collections of ticks were made from each of five cattle (Nilotic Zebu breed) kept in six different herds. Four tick genera and ten species were identified. The tick species identified were Amblyomma lepidum, Amblyomma variegatum, Boophilus annulatus, Boophilus decoloratus, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus group. The highest number of ticks was collected in October during the rainy season. A finding of great significance was that R. appendiculatus, vector of East Coast fever, has now firmly established itself throughout the year with possible implications for cattle production in Central Equatoria State.     

Clinical and subclinical colloid goitre in adult camels (Camelus dromedarius) at Kordofan region of Sudan

Colloid goitre was diagnosed in adult camels in the Kordofan region of the Sudan. The disease is characterized by gross enlargement of the thyroid, histopathological follicular changes, reproductive disorders, low concentrations of circulating thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and normocytic normochromic anaemia. The possible cause of the condition is discussed and iodine supplementation is recommended.     

Preliminary survey of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle in northern Sudan

In a cross sectional survey conducted during the period June 2001 to July 2002, the geographical distribution of ticks on cattle in the Sudan was determined. Seventeen locations were surveyed from Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, Blue Nile and White Nile Provinces. Total body collections of ticks were made from 20 cattle at each location. Four tick genera and 11 species were identified. The tick species collected included Amblyomma lepidum, Amblyomma variegatum, Boophilus decoloratus, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma impeltatum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus sanguineus group and Rhipicephalus simus simus. Major ecological changes have occurred due to extensive animal movement, deforestation, desertification and establishment of large mechanized agricultural schemes. These factors have certainly affected the distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Sudan. The absence of A. variegatum and A. lepidum in northern Sudan was not surprising, since these tick species are known to survive in humid areas and not in the desert and semi-desert areas of northern Sudan. The absence of B. annulatus in northern and central Sudan is in accordance with the finding that this tick species is restricted to the southern parts of the central Sudan. The presence of H. anatolicum anatolicum in Um Benin in relatively high abundance is an interesting finding. The present finding may indicate that the southern limit of this species has changed and moved southwards to latitude 13 degrees N. It is concluded that major changes in tick distribution have taken place in the Sudan.     

A survey of animal bites on humans in Bursa,Turkey

Animal bites are a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of animal bites in Bursa, Turkey. Patients who sought medical care for animal bites over an 18-month period were included in our study (n = 1,715). Data were obtained from the registry of the Bursa State Hospital; 71.84% of the patients were men and 28.16% were women. Bites were most frequent among patients who were >18 years of age (comprising 60.83% of all bites). The anatomical site of the bite was recorded in all 1,715 cases, and 1,778 bite locations on the body were reported. The upper extremities were the most frequent sites of animal bites (53.83%), followed by the lower extremities (38.03%). Bites were most frequently inflicted by dogs (68.04%), followed by cats (28.45%), mice (2.56%), and other animals (hamsters, donkeys, horses, foxes, and rabbits together comprised 0.95% of the bites). As a result, bite incidents were mostly associated with males aged >18 years and occurred in the upper extremities. This study showed that dog bites constitute a major animal bite problem in Bursa, Turkey.     

The Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (CTVM) pulling its weight in the field of draught animal research

Summary Draught animal research carried out by scientists at the Centre for Topical Veterinary Medicine (CTVM) in Edinburgh and overseas is reviewed and the major findings are reported. The remit for the work has been to provide basic information on draught animals which can be applied by researchers and extension workers to their own geographic situations. Instrumentation is described which has been designed and manufactured to assist in the measurement of draught animal performance, particularly work output and energy consumption. Energy requirements of cattle, buffaloes and equids for work and ways in which these can be met from feed intake and body reserves reported. Studies on heat stress and diseases, 2 of the constraints to work performance, are also described.

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CTVM: Trabajando Duro En El Campo De La Investigación Sobre Animales De Tiro

Resumen El artículo ofrece una revisión de los principales resultados obtenidos en la investigación sobre el uso de animales de tiro, tanto en el CTVM como en otros centros. El objectivo del trabajo ha sido obtener información sobre el uso de animales de tiro que pueda ser aplicada por otros investigadores y extensionistas en sa proplo ambito gengrafico. Se describe el material que ha sido diseñado y construído para facilitar los estudios sobre el uso de animales de tiro, particularmente sobre su consumo de energía y su rendimiento en el trabajo. Se discuten las necesidades energéticas del ganado vacuno, équidos y búfalos utilizados como animales de tiro, así como la forma en que dichas necesidades pueden ser satisfechas a partir de las reservas corporales y del consumo de alimento. Finalmente, se describen los trabajos realizados sobre la capacidad de trabajo del ganado vacuno, búfalos y bueyes procedentes de cruces, asi como sobre sus principales enfermedades y sobre el efecto del estrés por calor.

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CTVM Participe A La Recherche Sur Les Animaux De Trait

Résumé La recherche sur les animaux de trait, menée par les scientifiques de CTVM à Edimbourg ou à l'étranger est passée en revue et les principales conclusions sont données. L'objectif du travail a été de donner des informations de base sur les animaux de trait, qui puissent être utilisées par les chercheurs et autres professionnels selon leur situation géographique. Le materiel, qui a été conçut et fabriqué pour mesurer les performances des animaux de trait, est décrit ici, principalement en matière de rendement et de consommation d'énergie. Les besoins énergétiques du bétail, des buffles et des équidés pour le travail et les moyens utilisés à partir de la nourriture et des réserves du corps, sont ici présentés, de même que le recherche sur les vaches, les buffles et les croisements de boeufs qui conviennent le mieux pour le travail. Des études sur le stress thermique et les maladies, deux des facteurs limitant la performance du travail, sont aussi décrites.

     

Distribution and population dynamics of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting sheep in Sennar State, Sudan

A cross-sectional survey of ticks infesting sheep was conducted in Sennar State, Sudan. A total body collection of ticks was carried out at five localities Sennar town, Singa, Dinder, Abu Naama and Um Banein on two types of Desert sheep (Watish and Ashgar) on two farms at each locality at two monthly intervals for one year starting July 2002 to May 2003. Four tick genera and eight species were identified. They were Amblyomma lepidum, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Rhipicephalus camicasi, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, Rhipicephalus guilhoni and Rhipicephalus muhsamae. A significant (P < or = 0.05) seasonal pattern of activity was observed for A. lepidum and R. guilhoni with peak activity occurring during rainy seasons. The highest mean number of ticks (7.26 +/- 0.58) was recorded at Abu Naama, while the lowest mean (3.61 +/- 0.31) was recorded in Sennar. Watish type sheep carried significantly (P < or = 0.05) more ticks than Ashgar type.     

上饶市湖区家畜血吸虫病疫情调查

为了摸清上饶市湖区鄱阳、余干两县血吸虫病疫情；以乡（镇）为单元全面开展人、畜血吸虫病普查和螺情调查；结果查出病人4万余人，病牛7723头，牛血吸虫病感染率9．9％，钉螺面积27556hm^2，新发现钉螺面积7．4hm^2；调查结论认为湖区有73．6％的耕牛下湖洲有螺草洲放牧感染血吸虫病并传播病原，患血吸虫病牛是病原的主要传染源，加强对病牛的查治和管理是血防工作的重中之重。     

北美饲料厂管理年度审视--饲料原料多样更多应用科技

北美地区的饲料厂经理们正在积极努力地满足社会对饲料安全、动物产量和效益方面的要求，他们越来越把“安全饲料一安全食品”视为已任，使原料和产品可追溯。     

Serological survey of Brucella abortus antibody prevalence in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) from eastern Sudan

A five year investigation of Brucella antibody prevalence in camel sera was conducted in 1502 one-humped camels of both sexes and different ages. The average (mean +/- SD) incidence rate of positive results was 6.95 +/- 1.55%. Among adult one-humped camels, the rate was 4.94 +/- 2.51% in males and 13.76 +/- 4.41% in females. Juvenile one-humped camel calves showed a 0% incidence rate in males and a 1.82 +/- 3.64% in females. Antibodies against Brucella abortus were prevalent in one-humped camel sera throughout the five years of the survey with incidence rates of 6.54, 5.79, 9.32, 5.03 and 8.06%, respectively from 1985 to 1989.     

山丘型地区动物血吸虫病重复感染调查及防治措施

云南省永胜县是典型的山丘型血吸虫病重度流行县，在山丘型地区疫情时常反复，为摸清这些地区动物血吸虫病流行特点和规律，查找重复感染原因，我们随机抽样对大牲畜进行了重复感染调查，其结果：一年内新感染牲畜达13头（匹），重复感染率12．4％。根据重复感染原因分析，提出了以实施分类指导，综合治理，科学防治，开展“四个突破”为主体的防治措施。     

Serologic survey of woodchuck hepatitis virus in North Carolina woodchucks (Marmota monax)

The prevalence of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) in wild populations of woodchucks is understudied and therefore unclear. Although infection is common in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania and surrounding states, it is virtually absent in New York and New England. Sera were collected from wild woodchucks from Orange County, North Carolina and tested for the presence of markers of current or previous infection with WHV. Of the 24 woodchucks tested, there were three animals (12.5%) with WHV surface antigen as well as antibodies to woodchuck hepatitis core antigen in their serum, indicative of active infection. There were four (17%) animals with antibodies to WHV core antigen but no woodchuck hepatitis surface antigen, indicative of prior infections. The remaining 17 animals had no detectable markers of WHV infection. These data indicate that WHV is present in central North Carolina at rates approaching those seen in endemic areas, such as the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.     

A survey of tick control methods used by resource-poor farmers in the Qwa-Qwa area of the eastern Free State Province, South Africa

A survey conducted in five villages in a resource-poor farming community in Qwa-Qwa, using the rapid rural appraisal technique and a questionnaire survey, showed that a significant proportion of the farmers (84%) use traditional or alternative methods to control ectoparasites, while 16% use commercial acaricides (chi2 = 7.1; P < or = 0.05). Alternative control methods included the use of used engine oil, household disinfectant and paraffin. Killing of ticks was the main reason for control (40%), with disease control being second (20%). Other reasons given for controlling ticks were to prevent damage to teats, to provide animals with a clean appearance and to protect hides. Some 40% of farmers were aware of the effects of ticks on their animals. There is a need for farmer education that will provide information on integrated tick management and its advantages over absolute reliance on commercial acaricides.     

红古区畜牧业发展浅析

随着新世纪的到来,国家对西部大开发的战略正着手实施,对红古区的畜牧业来说,这是一次千载难逢的机遇和挑战。西部大开发战略首先是对西部生态的改善,国家为此提出的“退耕还林、退耕还草”的作法无疑为草地畜牧业和饲料业的发展创造了很好的条