Intake and digestibility in sheep and chemical composition during different seasons of some West African browse species

Foliage of Afzelia africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Khaya senegalensis, from 10 trees per species, was collected every two weeks during the late dry, rainy and cool season to determine the seasonal effects on chemical composition. Fifteen rams of the Djallonké breed, weighing on average 20.0 kg, were used to evaluate the voluntary intake and digestibility of hay of A. gayanus, foliage of A. africana (as a sole feed), and A. africana, P. erinaceus and K. senegalensis offered with 30% of the diet as A. gayanus hay. The crude protein (CP) content of A. africana, and P. erinaceus decreased significantly from the late dry season to the cool season when that of K. senegalensis tended to increase. The mean CP of A. africana, P. erinaceus and K. senegalensis differed significantly (173 g, 139 g and 114 g/kg DM, respectively). The DM intake of A. africana offered with hay (571 g/d) or as a sole feed (598 g/d) were not significantly different, but was higher than that of P. erinaceus (428 g/d) and K. senegalensis (298 g/d). The digestibility calculated by difference of DM and CP of A. africana (582 g/kg DM and 795 g/kg CP, respectively) did not differ significantly from A. africana as a sole feed, but were higher than for the other species. The nutritive value of A. africana seems to justify the high preference of herders for this species.     

First report of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neospora caninum</Emphasis> infection in cattle in Sudan

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Sudan to determine sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with Neospora caninum infection in non-vaccinated dairy herds and to assess importance of the disease. Blood samples were collected from a total of 262 animals from 25 herds. Sera were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using ELISA test. The prevalence rates of N. caninum antibodies in cattle were high both at herd level (44%) and at individual animal level (10.7%). Herd level infection rates were similar in Khartoum State (43.7%) and at Gazira States (44.4%). The overall prevalence rates were higher (16.1%) in Gazira State than in Khartoum State (9%) but with no significant variation. The sero-prevalence at individual animal level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in animals with history of abortion (12.8%) than in apparently healthy animal (11.3%), animal with history of infertility (8.1%), or neonatal death of calves (4.3%). In addition, significantly higher (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence was observed in samples collected during the rainy season (6.87%) than winter (3.05%) or summer (0.76%). However, no significant differences in sero-prevalence due to locality, animal breed, sex, and age were observed (p > 0.05). This preliminary study reveals for the first time the existence of natural N. caninum infection in Sudan. Also, the findings of the present study indicated that this disease is highly prevalent in two major areas of dairy production in the country, and this calls for control strategy to be implemented.     

Comparing Genotypes of Different Body Sizes for Growth-related Traits in Chickens. II. Feed Consumption Performance under Choice Feeding Using Commercial Starter Ration and Whole-grain Wheat

Three genotypes of chickens including one commercial broiler (CB) and two others from the Norwegian gene bank [Barred Plymouth Rock (BPR) and Jærhøn (JH)] were raised from 1 day to 20 weeks of age with a free choice of a commercial starter ration and whole-grain wheat. Body weights and pen-feed intakes were recorded every 2 weeks. The weight–age data were fitted to a Gompertz growth equation where, among other parameters, adult body weights were estimated and used for size scaling. The heavier CB chickens consumed more food (starter and wheat) than the other two genotypes. The maximum proportions of whole-grain wheat in the diet were 0.56, 0.68 and 0.75 for BPR, CB and JH birds, respectively. Although the proportions of whole-grain wheat were similar between the genotypes as age progressed, their maintenance requirement and feed intakes relative to body weight suggested a major genetic role and a possible interplay of both genetic potential and body size.     

Ectoparasites are the major causes of various types of skin lesions in small ruminants in Ethiopia

Ectoparasites are the major causes of skin lesions in animals. Clinical, skin scraping examination, and histopathological studies were conducted to identify and characterize skin lesions in small ruminants caused by ectoparasites. Mange mites, lice, sheep keds, and ticks were collected from the skin of affected animals for species identification. Skin biopsies were collected from affected part of the skin and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology. Of 1,000 sheep and 600 goats examined, 815 (81.50%) sheep and 327 (54.5%) goats were infested with one or more types of ectoparasites. Sarcoptes scabiei var ovis, Demodex ovis, Psoroptes ovis, Bovicola ovis, Melophagus ovinus, and Amblyomma variegatum and other tick species were identified from sheep. S. scabiei var caprae, Demodex caprae, Linognathus stenopsis, and A. variegatum and other tick species were identified from goats. Gross skin lesions or defects observed on the skin include stained and ragged wool, loss of wool/hair, nodules, crusts, lichenification, and fissuring. Microscopic evaluation of H and E stained skin sections revealed lesions in the epidermal layer such as hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and melanin inconsistency on the basal cells of the epidermis. Follicular keratosis, perifolliculitis, frunculosis, perivasculitis, and aggregates of inflammatory cells (of acute and chronic type) with fibrosis were experiential in the dermal layer of the skin. Most of the skin lesions caused by ectoparasites are overlapping. Thus, ectoparasites control program should be executed to reduce skin lesions as skins are the major export commodity of the country.     

Milk utilisation patterns in the low-input production systems in South Africa

Understanding the utilisation patterns of milk assists in designing appropriate dairy development schemes in rural communities. The objective of the study was to determine milk utilisation patterns in different smallholder farming systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Data were collected through the administration of recording sheets to 130 randomly selected households in Alice, Fort Beaufort and Queenstown districts. Amounts of milk produced per household ranged from 9 to 21 l per household per day. Milk consumption/household/day was similar among the three districts. Milk consumption in the early lactation doubled the amount consumed in late lactation (P < 0.05). Milk in the communal areas was largely utilised as fresh or sour milk. Fresh milk was mostly used in tea/coffee or to make porridge for children. Sour milk was consumed with thick boiled maize meal. Fort Beaufort (10.2 ± 1.37 l/day) had the highest sour milk sales whilst Queenstown had the highest fresh milk sales (9.7 ± 5.57 l/day). It was concluded that quantities of milk consumed or sold as fresh or sour were generally low and varied across smallholder farming systems.     

Wild ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus australis</Emphasis>) reproduction in Orbata,a nature reserve in Tunisia

The aim of the current investigation was to determine wild ostrich reproductive behaviour in Orbata Nature Reserve by observing 16 hens and 28 cocks over a seven-year period. Intense laying commenced in January, one month after the cessation of the rainy season, and 92% of the eggs were produced during the dry season (January to May, peaking in March). Over the seven years, 1,322 eggs were laid in 69 nests, which corresponded to an annual average production of 19.2 ± 9.1 eggs/nest and 11.8 eggs/hen. 24 nests (34.78%) were non-brooded, 17 nests (24.64%) were deserted in the course of incubation, and 28 nests (40.58%) possessed hatched eggs. All the non-incubated nests had egg losses equivalent to 46.6 ± 12.6%. Hatchability success of incubated eggs was 41.9 ± 12.0%. Ostriches tended to dig their nests adjacent to the reserve enclosure which had direct access by road and track, the latter subjecting them to human disturbance and predation. The systematic obstruction of these nests stimulated ostriches to build additional nests within the reserve perimeter. The authors discussed the results recorded in an ostrich flock in relation to the environmental factors (climatic factors, food disponibility and predation) and suggested possibilities for improved wildlife management.     

Effects of tea saponins on rumen microbiota,rumen fermentation,methane production and growth performance—a review

Reducing methane emission from ruminant animals has implications not only for global environmental protection but also for efficient animal production. Tea saponins (TS) extracted from seeds, leaves or roots of tea plant are pentacyclic triterpenes. They have a lasting antiprotozoal effect, but little effect on the methanogen population in sheep. There was no significant correlation between the protozoa counts and methanogens. The TS decreased methanogen activity. It seems that TS influenced the activity of the methanogens indirectly via the depressed ciliate protozoal population. The TS addition decreased fungal population in the medium containing rumen liquor in in vitro fermentation, but no such effect was observed in the rumen liquor of sheep fed TS. Tea saponins had a minor effect on the pattern of rumen fermentation and hence on nutrient digestion. When added at 3 g/day in diets, TS could improve daily weight gain and feed efficiency in goats. No positive associative effect existed between TS and disodium fumarate or soybean oil on methane suppression. Inclusion of TS in diets may be an effective way for improving feed efficiency in ruminants.     

Molecular detection of Treponema species organisms in foremilk and udder cleft skin of dairy cows with digital dermatitis

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Identification of reservoirs and transmission routes of digital dermatitis (DD)-associated Treponema spp. is considered an effective means for controlling DD...     

Monitoring of bovine health problems of small dairy herds in islamabad capital territory: Design,data and disease frequencies

Summary A pilot health monitoring system was started in 1990 to develop statistically valid data for use in estimating the disease frequencies in dairy cattle and buffaloes. This paper presents the design of the monitoring programme and frequencies of selected diseases. Eighty herds were selected with typical livestock management practices of the farmers in the area. Veterinary assistants visited the farms once a month for 12 months to collect livestock inventory, production, disease and preventive treatment data. The incidence density method was used as a measure of disease frequency.In adults, breeding problems, mastitis and gastro-intestinal problems were the highest reported conditions. Respiratory problems were the commonest in young stock. The calves of both species frequently had gastro-intestinal and respiratory disease conditions. Most of the calf crop of both species were lost within the first 3 months of life.

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Monitoreo De Problemas De Salud Bovina En Hatos Lecheros Pequenos En El Territorio Capital De Islamabad

Resumen Se inició un sistema de monitoreo piloto en 1990, con el propósito de desarrollar datos estadísticos válidos para estimar la frecuencia de enfermedades en ganado lechero y en búfalos. Este artículo presenta el diseño del programa de monitoreo y la frecuencia de las enfermedades seleccionadas. Se seleccionaron ochenta hatos con el manejo típico de los ganaderos del área. Los veterinarios visitaron las fincas una vez al mes durante 12 meses para colectar información. El método de densidad en la incidencia fue usado para medir la frecuencia de enfermedades.En adultos, las condiciones más frecuentemente encontradas fueron problemas de fertilidad, mastitis y problemas gastrointestinales. Las afecciones respiratorias fueron el común denominador en jóvenes. Los terneros de ambas especies se encontraron frecuentemente con problemas gastrointestinales y respiratorios, conjuntamente, siendo la mortalidad extremadamente alta en los 3 primeros meses de vida para ambas especies.

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Gestion Des Problemes De Sante Bovine De Petits Troupeaux Laitiers Sur Le Territoire De Islamabad: Schema, Donnees Et Frequences De La Maladie

Résumé Un système pilote de gestion de la santé a débuté en 1990 pour développer des données statistiquement valables pour être utilisées dans l'estimation de la fréquence des maladies de bovins laitiers et de buffles. Cet article présente le schéma du programme de gestion et les fréquences des maladies sélectionnées. Quatre vingt troupeaux ont été choisis; leur élevage était conduit selon la méthode propre aux fermiers de la région. Des assistants vétérinaires ont visité les fermes une fois par mois durant 12 mois pour relever les données sur l'inventaire du bétail, la production, les maladies et les traitements préventifs. L'importance de l'incidence a été utilisée comme méthode pour mesurer la fréquence des maladies. Chez les adultes, les problèmes prédominants dans les conditions indiquées concernaient la reproduction, les mammites et des troubles gastrointestinaux. Les problèmes respiratoires étaient les plus communs chez le jeune bétail. Les veaux des deux espèces présentaient fréquemment des troubles respiratoires et gastrointestinaux. La majorité de la production de veaux des deux espèces étaient perdue dans les trois premiers mois de vie.