Seroprevalence and pathological studies of Salmonella infection in commercial white layer birds.

The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and pathology of Salmonella infection in white commercial layer birds of District Faisalabad during June 2018 and June 2020. The current study aimed to determine the isolation, identification of Salmonella gallinarum (S. gallinarum), its cultural prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, molecular characterization, and pathological lesions produced in different organs of commercial layer birds. Initial screening of poultry flocks was done through serum plate agglutination test followed by culturing in different media, motility test, molecular confirmation, and histopathology. Based on the serum plate agglutination test, seroprevalence in the commercial white layer in dead and live flocks was 40.09%. The cultural prevalence of Salmonella in the seropositive group was 75.36% and in the seronegative was 31.84%. Cultural prevalence in the liver of dead birds was 62.06%, in spleen 58.62%, and in cloacal swabs was 67.24%. A total of 178 isolates were characterized through cultural characteristic and motility tests, among them 63.48% isolates were S. gallinarum, and 36.51% isolates were S. pullorum. The antibiogram study revealed that all the tested isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, gentamycin, kanamycin, doxycyclin, and tetracyclin. While tested isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin against S. gallinarum. Pathologically liver was friable, showing bonze discoloration with focal necrosis, enteritis of various grades, mottled white spleen, and enlarged kidneys were found. Microscopically, leukocytic infiltration with focal necrosis and degeneration, in mucosa and submucosa of intestinal inflammatory cells were observed. In conclusion, the seroprevalence, antibiogram, and molecular characterization of Salmonella help to control the disease in a better way through bacterin production of local isolates.

Long-term exposure to the fluoride blocks the development of chondrocytes in the ducks: The molecular mechanism of fluoride regulating autophagy and apoptosis.

Long-term exposure to excessive fluoride causes chronic damage in the body tissues and could lead to skeletal and dental fluorosis. Cartilage damage caused by excessive fluoride intake has gained wide attention, but how fluoride accumulation blocks the development of chondrocytes is still unclear. Here, we report a negative correlation between the length and growth plate width after NaF treatments via apoptosis and autophagy, with shrinkage of cells, nuclear retraction, dissolution of chondrocytes. Whereas, fluoride exposure had no significant effect on the number and distribution of the osteoclasts which were well aligned. More importantly, fluoride exposure induced apoptosis of tibial bone through CytC/Bcl-2/P53 pathways via targeting Caspase3, Caspase9, Bak1, and Bax expressions. Meanwhile, the Beclin1, mTOR, Pakin, Pink, and p62 were elevated in NaF treatment group, which indicated that long-term excessive fluoride triggered the autophagy in the tibial bone and produced the chondrocyte injury. Altogether, fluoride exposure induced the chondrocyte injury by regulating the autophagy and apoptosis in the tibial bone of ducks, which demonstrates that fluoride exposure is a risk factor for cartilage development. These findings revealed the essential role of CytC/Bcl-2/P53 pathways in long-term exposure to fluoride pollution and block the development of chondrocytes in ducks, and CytC/Bcl-2/P53 can be targeted to prevent fluoride induced chondrocyte injury.

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) induced a better antiviral effect by immune enhancement in SPF chickens.

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is an antiviral agent against Avian Influenza virus (AIV) and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) virus, but its antiviral mechanism is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the humoral and cellular responses to PCA in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. One hundred forty 35-day-old SPF chickens were randomly divided into 7 groups. The birds were inoculated with the commercial, attenuated Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine and then received orally with 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight of PCA for 30 days. Immune organ indexes, anti-Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) antibodies and lymphocyte proliferation, but not body weight, were significantly increased in chicken treated with 40 mg/kg PCA, compared to the control birds treated with Astragalus polysaccharide (ASP). Survival rate was 70% and 60%, respectively, in the chickens with 40 mg/kg PCA, 20 mg/kg PCA while 50% survival was found in the birds treated with 125 mg/kg ASP. PCA treatment resulted in significantly lower viral load and reduced shedding. These results indicate that PCA may improve poultry health by enhancing both the humoral and cellular immune response.

Cadmium spiked soil modulates root organic acids exudation and ionic contents of two differentially Cd tolerant maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars.

Our earlier work described that the roots of two maize cultivars, grown hydroponically, differentially responded to cadmium (Cd) stress by initiating changes in medium pH depending on their Cd tolerance. The current study investigated the root exudation, elemental contents and antioxidant behavior of the same maize cultivars [cv. 3062 (Cd-tolerant) and cv. 31P41 (Cd-sensitive)] under Cd stress. Plants were maintained in a rhizobox-like system carrying soil spiked with Cd concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 µmol/kg soil. The root and shoot Cd contents increased, while Mg, Ca and Fe contents mainly decreased at higher Cd levels, and preferentially in the sensitive cultivar. Interestingly, the K contents increased in roots of cv. 3062 at low Cd treatments. The Cd stress caused acidosis of the maize root exudates predominantly in cv. 3062. The concentration of various organic acids was significantly increased in the root exudates of cv. 3062 with applied Cd levels. This effect was diminished in cv. 31P41 at higher Cd levels. Cd exposure increased the relative membrane permeability, anthocyanin (only in cv. 3062), proline contents and the activities of peroxidases (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The only exception was the catalase activity, which was diminished in both cultivars. Root Cd contents were positively correlated with the secretion of acetic acid, oxalic acid, glutamic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid. The antioxidants like POD and SOD exhibited a positive correlation with the organic acids under Cd stress. It is likly that a high exudation of dicarboxylic organic acids improves nutrient uptake and activities of antioxidants, which enables the tolerant cultivar to acclimatize in Cd polluted environment.

Impact of chlorpyrifos on health biomarkers of broiler chicks.

The present study aimed to investigate the deleterious effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in experimentally exposed broiler birds. The experiment was carried out on one day old (n = 120) broiler chicks. The CPF was reconstituted in corn oil as vehicle (1 ml/kg) to obtain a final concentration of a single dose to the birds 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) for fourteen days of the experiment through the stomach tube. The control group was given corn oil 1 ml/kg only. Birds exposed to high dose (20 mg/kg BW) showed signs of toxicity (salivation, lacrimation, gasping, convulsions, frequent defecation and tremors). The birds exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased body weight. Significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased hematological parameters i.e. total erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and total leukocyte were observed in the high dosed group as compared to control and other low dosed fed birds. Serum protein and albumin showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in high dosed CPF fed birds. Non significant results were observed in the case of globulin. The acetylcholinestrease (AChE) activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in blood, serum and plasma in CPF fed birds compared to control birds. In CPF fed birds as compared to control birds we found significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Necrotic and degenerative changes were observed on histopathological investigations of spleen, kidneys, bursa of Fabricius, thymus and brain tissues in CPF exposed birds. In conclusion the chlorpyrifos induced toxicopathological effects on health biomarkers of broiler chicks.

Isolation, identification, and pathogenicity analysis of newly emerging gosling astrovirus in South China.

Goose astroviruses (GoAstV) cause fatal gout and decrease product performance in the waterfowl industry across the world. Since no effective vaccines are available, studies on the epidemiology of the virus are necessary for vaccine development. In this study, we collected 94 gout samples from goose farms in the Guangdong Province of South China. Among them, 87 samples (92.6%) tested positive for GoAstV, out of which five GoAstV strains were isolated after four generations of blind transmission through healthy 13-day-old goose embryos. The whole genome of the isolates was sequenced and further analyzed by comparing the sequences with published sequences from China and other parts of the world. The results of the alignment analysis showed that nucleotide sequence similarities among the five GoAstV isolates were around 97.4-98.8%, 98.6-100%, 98.1-99.8%, and 96.7-100% for the whole genome, ORF1a, ORF1b, and ORF2, respectively. These results showed that the GoAstV isolates were highly similar to each other, although they were prevalent in five different regions of the Guangdong Province. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that the whole genome, along with the ORF1a, ORF1b, and ORF2 genes of the isolates, were clustered on a single branch, along with the recently published GoAstV-2, and were very distinct from the DNA sequences of the GoAstV-1 virus. In this study, we also reproduced the clinical symptoms of natural infection using the GoAstV-GD2101 isolates, confirming that the gout-causing pathogen in goslings was the goose astrovirus. These findings provided new insights into the pathogenicity and genetic evolution of GoAstV and laid the foundation for effectively controlling the disease.

Mycobacterium caprae infection in livestock and wildlife, Spain.

Mycobacterium caprae is a pathogen that can infect animals and humans. To better understand the epidemiology of M. caprae, we spoligotyped 791 animal isolates. Results suggest infection is widespread in Spain, affecting 6 domestic and wild animal species. The epidemiology is driven by infections in caprids, although the organism has emerged in cattle.

Pathological and clinical investigations of an outbreak of Blackleg disease due to C. chauvoei in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium chauvoei (C. chauvoei) is an anaerobic, histotoxic Gram-positive, bacterium causing fatal myonecrosis in livestock with high mortalities. The disease is common in dairy animals, but little is known about the pathophysiology of the disease in exotic (non-native) animals kept under local conditions in Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: Diagnosis of blackleg was made based on hematological and serum biochemical analysis, PCR, necropsy and histopathology. RESULTS: Clinically sick animals exhibited fever, lameness, subcutaneous gaseous swelling and edema particularly in hindquarter and front legs. Hematological analysis showed increases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and reduces in number of red blood cells, packed cell volume, leukocytes and differential leukocyte count. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphates, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, and creatinine phosphokinase were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the infected animals. At necropsy, swelling areas contained straw-colored fluid with gas bubbles. The muscles were swollen, dark to black and exhibited crepitation sounds at the time of incisions with a rancid odor. Severe pulmonary edema, myocarditis along with petechial hemorrhages, as well as enlargement and congestion of liver and spleen have been observed. Microscopic examination revealed severe inflammatory reaction, edema, and disruption of the myofibrils. Examination of heart, spleen, liver, kidneys, intestine, and lungs showed congestion, severe inflammatory changes with neutrophilic infiltration and necrosis accompanied by dissociation of the normal tissue structure. PCR confirmed C. chauvoei in exudates and different samples of muscles. CONCLUSION: The pathophysiology should be considered in diagnosis of blackleg. The disease is exist in the non-native cattle farms and biosecurity measures have to be elevated.

Deciphering physio-biochemical, yield, and nutritional quality attributes of water-stressed radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plants grown from Zn-Lys primed seeds.

Water shortage appears to be expedited under the current climate change scenario worldwide. The present work was aimed to investigate the effects of zinc-chelated lysine (Zn-Lys) on germination and yield of water stressed radish plants. The research was comprised of two studies where the effect of Zn-Lys seed priming on germination attributes under PEG-induced water stress was investigated in the first experiment. In the second experiment, growth, physio-biochemical, and yield responses of water-stressed radish plants raised from Zn-Lys primed seeds were recorded. The seeds pre-conditioned with 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, or 6 mg kg-1 of Zn-Lys was grown in petri-dishes and pots. Priming treatments significantly improved the germination attributes under water stress. Plants raised from primed seeds exhibited significant improvements in plant biomass production, leaf photosynthetic pigments, final root yield, and nutritional quality. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were increased, while the melondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased. Root flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, protein, carbohydrates, fiber and lysine content were significantly improved due to Zn-Lys seed priming, both under water-stressed and non-stressed conditions. Moreover, plant's mineral nutrients such as K and Ca as well as Mg, Fe, P, and Zn of final harvested roots were also improved due to Zn-Lys seed priming. Overall, for the induction of drought tolerance and nutritional quality, Zn-Lys regimes of 3 and 4.5 mg kg-1 were most effective. It can be inferred that the Zn-Lys priming maintained a potential balance of nutrient uptake and translocation by preventing drought-induced lipid peroxidation of membranes.

Prevalence of paratuberculosis in water buffaloes on public livestock farms of Punjab, Pakistan.

The present study had the goal to assess the prevalence of paratuberculosis in 4 public livestock farms of the Punjab (Pakistan). It included 627 total animals of more than 2-year-old tested by Avian Tuberculin, i.e., Purified Protein Derivative. The results of the PPD test were confirmed by indirect ELISA and by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) test. An overall prevalence of 1.3% was recorded. The values were between 0.0% and 3.03%. The results of odds ratio suggested that there are 2.18 time's higher chances of disease when body weight of buffaloes is less than 500 kg; 1.65 times in  dry  than  lactating  animals;  2.58  times  when  small  ruminants  are  present;  and  1.19  times when cattle are absent. The total positive buffaloes observed by Avian PPD were 12, although only 10 were then confirmed by ELISA, and 8 by ZN faecal microscopy. The relative sensitivity and  specificity  of  Avian  PPD  by  considering  ELISA  as  standard  test  were  80.0%  and  89.47%, respectively.  Similarly,  the  relative  sensitivity  and  specificity  of  the  ZN  faecal  test  were  70.0% and 97.37%, respectively. The relative sensitivity and specificity of Avian PPD by considering ZN faecal test as standard were 100% and 90%, respectively. Among haematological parameters, platelets significantly decreased and MCH increased in paratuberculosis positive animals. It can be concluded that ELISA may be used as a screening test in future studies for paratuberculosis, tuberculin testing can be used when the ELISA is not affordable to assess the disease situation at the farm; while ZN microscopy, being it a non-invasive test, is a better option than skin testing.

Improvement of spoligotyping with additional spacer sequences for characterization of Mycobacterium bovis and M. caprae isolates from Spain.

Spoligotyping is a typing tool used worldwide for epidemiological studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms; however it has received little attention regarding improvement of its discriminatory power (DP). In this study, we have evaluated a spoligotyping membrane prepared with 25 novel spacer sequences selected from a previous study [van der Zanden AG, Kremer K, Schouls LM. Improvement of differentiation and interpretability of spoligotyping for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates by introduction of new spacer oligonucleotides. J Clin Microbiol 2002;40:4628-39] on 308 M. bovis and 88 M. caprae Spanish isolates in comparison with the traditional spoligotyping membrane. The results obtained by combining the two membranes together revealed an improvement of 45 patterns instead of 31. The spacers used in the second membrane were able to distinguish 8 out of the 16 M. bovis types that had more than one isolate. Seven of these types were differentiated into two subtypes with the second-generation membrane, while spb-7, the most prevalent in Spain, was further differentiated into eight subtypes. This second-generation membrane also differentiates M. bovis from M. caprae. A set of 39 spacers (1, 2, 4-8, 10-15, 17-21, 23, 26-32, 37, 44-49, 51-54, 56 and 57) contain all the DP for both M. bovis and M. caprae isolates; and a set of 35 spacers (1, 2, 4-8, 10-15, 17-21, 26-32, 37, 44-48, 52-54 and 57) had all the DP for the M. bovis isolates. Our results show that the research on new spacers and the design of a new membrane may be useful for epidemiological studies of M. bovis and M. caprae isolates.

Cadmium-induced rhizospheric pH dynamics modulated nutrient acquisition and physiological attributes of maize (Zea mays L.).

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly mobile toxic element in soil-plant systems that interferes with plant growth and nutrient acquisition by modulations in the rhizospheric environment. The current study investigated the influence of maize roots on the medium pH, alterations in nutrient uptake, and impact on the plant's physiological attributes under Cd stress. Among the nine maize cultivars, subjected to Cd stress (9.15 mg/kg of sand), one was identified as Cd tolerant (3062-Pioneer) and the second as Cd sensitive (31P41-Pioneer). The selected maize cultivars were grown in nutrient solutions supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 µM CdCl2 under controlled conditions and a starting pH of 6.0. The rhizospheric pH dynamics were monitored each day up to 3 days. Both cultivars caused medium basification; however, the response was different at low (10 and 20 µM) Cd treatments (sensitive cultivar caused medium basification) and at higher (50 µM) Cd treatment (tolerant cultivar caused medium basification). Furthermore, higher Cd was accumulated by the sensitive cultivar which was predominantly found in the roots. Higher Cd levels in the medium resulted in increased uptake and translocation of both Cd and K (in the tolerant cultivar) or only Cd (in the sensitive cultivar). Uptake of other nutrients (Ca, Zn, and Fe) was antagonistically affected by Cd stress in both cultivars. Moreover, Cd stress significantly impaired chlorophyll content, catalase activity, and total protein content; irrespective of the genotype. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was found to increase, in both cultivars, together with Cd level. However, the extent to which Cd interfered with the studied attributes was more pronounced in the sensitive cultivar as compared to the tolerant one. It is concluded that the maize roots responded to Cd stress by initiating modulations of medium pH which might be dependent on Cd tolerance levels. The study results may help to develop strategies to reduce Cd accumulation in maize and decontamination of metal-polluted soil sediments.

Efficacy of silicon priming and fertigation to modulate seedling's vigor and ion homeostasis of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under saline environment.

Seed preconditioning, a short gun approach to modulate the effects of abiotic stresses on crop plants, has recently gained considerable attention of the researchers to induce salinity tolerance in agronomically important crops. The present study was conducted to explore the comparative efficacy of presowing seed priming with silicon (Si) and Si fertigation to modulate the wheat growth and ion dynamics. Seeds of wheat variety, PUNJAB-11, were sown in Petri plates having nutrient solutions with (120 mM) and without NaCl. Six levels of Si (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mM), applied as sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), were tested either as a seed priming agent or as a supplement in the nutrient solution. Priming of seeds with Si mitigated the adverse effects of salinity stress on germination percentage, root as well as shoot length, dry and fresh weight. Application of Si either as preconditioning of seeds or addition in the growth medium resulted in reduced accumulation of sodium (Na(+)) in wheat seedlings under saline environment. Seedling's potassium (K(+)) contents either remained unaffected or decreased whereas calcium (Ca(2+)) contents decreased at all Si concentrations except at 30 mM when Si primed seeds were grown under salt stress. Addition of Si, under salt stress, in cultivation medium exerted a positive effect on seedling's K(+) and Ca(2+) contents. Silicon contribution to decontamination strategies was evaluated.

Effects of diet on body weight, haemoglobin, serum proteins and trace elements in burned children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two diets on serum proteins, trace elements, haemoglobin and body weight in burned children. DESIGN: Comparative analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted on burned children admitted in Nishtar Ward, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad for seven months, from February to August 2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 61 children of 3-14 years of age. Of these, 27 children were randomly selected and advised diet 1 (vegetables and milk-rich diet), while 34 children were randomly selected and advised diet 2 (pulses and egg-rich diet). Serum proteins and haemoglobin were determined spectrophotometrically, trace elements by atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods and body weight by weighing machine. The data obtained was analyzed statistically on SAS 6.12. RESULTS: During the study, 30 percent children died. Relatively higher deaths occurred in children advised vegetables + milk-rich diet. The increase in body weight was noted in 25 % children. Of these, significant number was in those advised pulses + eggs rich diet (p<0.01). The haemoglobin, total proteins, albumin, globulins, copper and zinc showed no change. Haemoglobin (p<0.01) and serum total proteins (p<0.05) increased in significantly higher percentage of children advised diet 2. Decrease in serum globulins and no change from initial values were comparable in two diets, while the increase was in relatively higher percentage of children advised diet 2. The decrease in serum copper was almost in same percentage of children advised two diets. It was maintained in relatively higher percentage of children advised diet 1. However, the increase in serum copper was in significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of children advised diet 2. Serum zinc maintenance was in significantly (p<0.001) higher percentage of children advised rich diet 2. CONCLUSION: Better effect of pulses and eggs rich diet in burned children was seen on the basis of parameters studied. However, the role of vegetables and milk in burned children has not been ruled out altogether.

Changes in pH and organic acids in mucilage of Eriophorum angustifolium roots after exposure to elevated concentrations of toxic elements.

The presence of Eriophorum angustifolium in mine tailings of pyrite maintains a neutral pH, despite weathering, thus lowering the release of toxic elements into acid mine drainage water. We investigated if the presence of slightly elevated levels of free toxic elements triggers the plant rhizosphere to change the pH towards neutral by increasing organic acid contents. Plants were treated with a combination of As, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn at different concentrations in nutrient medium and in soil in a rhizobox-like system for 48-120 h. The pH and organic acids were detected in the mucilage dissolved from root surface, reflecting the rhizospheric solution. Also the pH of root-cell apoplasm was investigated. Both apoplasmic and mucilage pH increased and the concentrations of organic acids enhanced in the mucilage with slightly elevated levels of toxic elements. When organic acids concentration was high, also the pH was high. Thus, efflux of organic acids from the roots of E. angustifolium may induce rhizosphere basification.

Harnessing Natural Colorants for Sustainable Textile Dyeing an Eco-Friendly Approach Using Sweet Cane (Saccharum Bengalense Retz.) Inflorescence

ABSTRACT The excessive industrial use of dye producing plants has threatened the existence of these species and biodiversity. Exploration of abundantly available natural dye sources not only provide industrial benefits but also share the load of dye yielding plants. In the present study we used the inflorescence of munj sweet cane (Saccharum bengalense Retz.) to extract natural colorant for textile industry. This easily available plant is cheap source of natural colorants and good alternative of synthetic dyes. The munj sweet cane inflorescence extract and fabric was treated with microwave radiations. The dyeing aspects like temperature, time, fabrics to extract ratio, salt type and salt concentrations were optimized. Pre-and post mordanting was carried out and optimized using copper, iron, moringa and turmeric. All the samples were analyzed by spectra flash D65 10 Deg to determine the color strength (%) value. Results proved inflorescence extract of munj sweet cane (RS, two minutes) using aqueous media as a good source of natural dye. Three grams of sodium chloride as exhaustion agent was observed to be the best while 70 0C temperatures gave best colour strength. Among chemical mordants, iron proved to be good one for producing varying shades and better colour strength. Bio mordanting with turmeric was proved to be more beneficial for getting best color strength and new shades.

Effects of feeding urea and copper sulphate in different combinations on live body weight, carcass weight, percent weight to body weight of different organs and histopathological tissue changes in broilers.

The study was carried out on a total of 100 broiler chicks divided into six equal groups at day 7 of age. Birds were fed copper sulphate and urea in different combinations for up to 37 days and then the birds of all the groups were fed plan feed for one week. The general signs were an increased water intake, ruffled feathering, watery droppings along with salivation in treatment groups. These signs were mild in groups fed low level of urea, while were severe in fed higher levels of these compounds together. Mild to moderate gross changes were observed in the birds of group B, C and D, while more pronounced changes were seen in birds of group E and F. In the latter groups, the liver was pale to yellowish and fragile. Kidneys were enlarged, swollen, congested and sometimes hemorrhagic. Histologically, mild cytoplasmic vacuolation and condensation/pyknosis or disappearance of the nucleus in the cells of the liver and kidney were the salient changes observed in the treatment groups, those were severe in birds fed higher levels of the two compounds. Changes in lungs were congestion and edema. Changes in the bursa of Fabricius were mild cytoplasmic vacuolation, cell depletion and chromatolysis. The live and carcass weights were lower in broilers fed higher levels of both copper and urea than the control group. The weights of kidney and heart were higher in birds fed higher levels of both of the compounds than the control group. It can be concluded from the present study that urea above 2% and copper sulphate above 1 gm in combination cause tissue damage, especially the liver and kidneys.

Cadmium triggers Elodea canadensis to change the surrounding water pH and thereby Cd uptake.

This study was aimed to investigate the influence of Elodea canadensis shoots on surrounding water pH in the presence of cadmium and the effect of plant-induced pH on cadmium uptake. The pH change in the surrounding nutrient solution and Cd uptake by Elodea shoots were investigated after cultivation of various plant densities (1, 3, 6 plants per 500 ml) in hydroponics at a starting pH of 4.0 and in the presence of different concentrations of cadmium (0, 0.1, 0.5 microM). Cadmium uptake was also investigated at different constant pH (4.0, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5). To investigate if the pH change arose from photosynthetic activities, plants were grown under light, darkness or in the presence of a photosynthetic inhibitor, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), and 0.5 microM cadmium in the solution. Elodea had an ability to increase the surrounding water pH, when the initial pH was low, which resulted in increased accumulation of Cd. The higher the plant density, the more pronounced was the pH change. The pH increase was not due to the photosynthetic activity since the pH rise was more pronounced under darkness and in the presence of DCMU. The pH increase by Elodea was triggered by cadmium.

Risk factors identified associated with tuberculosis in cattle at 11 livestock experiment stations of Punjab Pakistan.

The study was carried out in cattle kept at 11 livestock experiment stations of Punjab by using single comparative cervical intradermal tuberculin (SCCIT) test. Sahiwal was the main breed kept at these farms. Sixty three percent of animals were between four and 10 years of age. Seventy-six percent of animals weighed between 300 and 400 kg and 66% produced 5-10l of milk/day. Animals other than cattle were present at about 64% of these farms. The positive SCCIT test was recorded in 7.6% of animals at the 11 farms. However, the prevalence of tuberculosis varied from 2.0% to 19.3% at these farms. Bivariate frequency analysis showed that the chances of a positive SCCIT test were higher in older animals, in cattle with higher number of calving and those produced up to 1800l of milk. However, the chances of positive SCCIT test decreases with further increase in milk production. Results of bivariate and/or multivariate logistic regression analysis after controlling for the farm showed a significant association of age of cattle, numbers of calving, total milk produced, per day milk, lactation length, presence of sheep at the farm and total numbers of animals at the farm with a positive SCCIT test. It can be concluded from the study that herd prevalence of tuberculosis was 100%, while animal prevalence was about 8% at these farms. The stronger risk factors identified by logistic analysis were the age of cattle, numbers of calving, total milk produced and lactation length, while the presence of sheep at the farm has protective effect.

Percentage of reactor animals to single comparative cervical intradermal tuberculin (SCCIT) in small ruminants in Punjab Pakistan.

To investigate the percentage reactor animals to SCCIT in sheep and goat the present study was carried out by using bovine and avian PPDs at 7 Livestock Experiment Stations of Punjab and villages around two cities. The overall percentage of reactor animals to SCCIT at farms in sheep and goat was 0.9% and 2.4%, while it was 0.4% and 0.0% around two cities, respectively. Hundred percent of goat and 86% of sheep farms under study had positive reactor animals. The reactor animals to SCCIT around two cities were 0% in goat and 0.4% in sheep. Goats (P<0.05) and sheep (P<0.001) kept with large ruminants at farms had higher percentage of reactor animals. Age showed significant (P<0.01) association with tuberculosis in sheep and goat. In goats of more than 6 years of age, the reactor animals to SCCIT were 5, 8 and 11 times higher than goats of 4.1-6, 3-4 and <3 years of age. The reactor animals were significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats of <30kg (3.5%) and>40kg (3.5%) body weights, while these were less in goats weighing between 30 and 40kg (1.5%). Sheep and goat breeds showed significant (P<0.001; P<0.05) difference in percentage of reactor animals to SCCIT. Beetal (3.9%) and Teddy breeds (2.9%) had 3.3 and 2.4 times higher percentages of reactor animals to SCCIT as compared to Pak-Angora (1.2%) breed. However, no animal of Nachhi and Dera Din Pinah breeds showed positive reaction to PPDs.