Strategic administration of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins to transitional buffaloes augments antioxidant and udder defense mechanisms in early lactation.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of repeated administrations of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins in transition buffaloes on udder defense mechanism, antioxidant activity and occurrence of intramammary infection (IMI) in early lactation period. Forty clinically healthy pregnant buffaloes were enrolled 45 days before expected date of calving and randomly allocated into five different supplementation groups (n = 8): only basal ration (control), vitamin E and selenium (VES), multiminerals (MM), ascorbic acid (AA) and chromium (Cr) picolinate in basal diet. The udder defense mechanism was monitored by measuring phagocytic activity (PA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) productions in milk leukocytes, antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and occurrence of IMI was assessed by milk cytology, bacterial count in milk and visible clinical signs of udder until day 28 post-calving. The results showed that the VES and MM supplementations exhibited significantly higher PA, MPO and NO productions of milk leukocytes till first week of lactation whereas, elevated mean TAC in plasma was maintained from day -7 to 1 of calving in MM supplementation group as compared to control group. Statistically, no significant difference in occurrences of subclinical or clinical IMI was noted across the groups until four weeks of lactation. Taken together, it is concluded that repeated administrations of VES and MM to transition buffaloes could be an effective strategy to maintain good udder health by augmenting milk leukocyte functions and antioxidant status and preventing incidence of IMI in early lactation.

Impact of body condition on sow and litter performance, postpartum physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters in Landlly crossbred pigs.

A total of 32 Landlly crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on their body condition score (BCS) on the 90th day of gestation viz. low, moderate, and high body condition groups. BCS assessments were subsequently conducted on the 102nd day, at farrowing, and on the 7th, 17th, 27th, and 42nd day postpartum, along with measurements of ultrasonic backfat thickness and body weight. Key reproductive performance traits, including total number born (TNB) and alive (TLA), stillbirths, mummification, and litter weight at birth and weaning, were recorded. Several physiological, health, biochemical, and hematological parameters were also estimated at different lactation stages. Analysis of the data revealed that TNB, TLA (P<0.04), and weaned piglets (P<0.01), as well as litter weight at birth (P<0.08) and weaning (P<0.08), were significantly higher in the low BCS group. Meanwhile, the weaning to estrous interval (P<0.04) was optimized in the high and moderate BCS groups. However, sows with high body condition exhibited higher stillbirths and pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, the order of increasing body condition correlated with superior colostrum quality, characterized by higher IgG levels (P<0.02), and increased average milk yield during early and mid-lactation (P<0.03). A high occurrence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) was evident in obese sows (P<0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the body condition of sows at late gestation and cortisol concentration throughout lactation across the three BCS groups (P<0.0001). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between the postpartum serum concentration of T3 (thyroid hormone) (P<0.002) and the prepartum body condition of sows. Based on these findings, maintaining sows with a moderate body condition (BCS of 3) and a backfat thickness of 21 mm in the breeding herd is recommended for enhancing profitability and productivity at the farm level.

Effects of oral probiotic and lactoferrin interventions on iron-zinc homeostasis, oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and diarrhoea incidence of neonatal piglets.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of early-life host specific probiotic and lactoferrin (LF) supplementations on diarrhoea incidence, iron (Fe)-zinc (Zn) balance and antioxidant capabilities in serum of neonatal piglets. A total of eight sow litters obtained from parity matched sows were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of the four interventions: control (2.0 ml normal saline), bovine lactoferrin (bLF) (100 mg bLF in normal saline), probiotic (Pb) (1×109 cfu of swine origin Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 strain) and bLF+Pb (both 100 mg bLF and 1×109 cfu of P. acidilactici FT28). All the piglets received supplementations once daily orally for first 7 days of life. The incidence of diarrhoea markedly decreased in bLF group compared to control group. Notably, no incidences of diarrhoea were recorded in Pb and bLF+Pb groups. The Zn and Fe concentrations were significantly increased from day 7 to 21 in bLF and on day 21 in bLF+Pb group. No such changes were noted in Pb group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum was significantly increased on days 7 and 15 in bLF group and on days 7 and 21 in bLF+Pb group. Malonaldehyde concentration was markedly reduced from day 7 to 21 in bLF and bLF+Pb groups. The concentrations of nitrate on days 15 and 21 and malonaldehyde on day 7 were significantly higher in Pb group, but mean TAC was unaltered from day 0 to 21. Although no correlation between the incidence of diarrhoea and Zn/Fe and oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis was noted in the Pb group, the supplementation of P. acidilactici FT28 alone was sufficient to prevent the incidence of diarrhoea in neonatal piglets. Taken together, it is concluded that strategic supplementation of P. acidilactici FT28 in early life could help in preventing diarrhoea until weaning of piglets.

Differential expression of inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin synthases and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in the endometrium and circulation in different graded CEH-pyometra in bitch.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra (CEH-P) is one of the most common reproductive disorders in bitches, posing a risk to both future fertility and life. The aims of the current study were to elucidate the differential expression patterns of inflammatory mediators at transcript and protein levels in the endometrium and to assess the concentrations of key inflammatory mediators in the peripheral circulation of bitches with different graded CEH-P. A total of 25 client-owned intact mixed breed bitches of 3-10 years presented to the outpatient department of RVP-TVCC of the institute were considered for the study. Of which, 22 cases suggestive of pyometra and 3 cases of CEH obtained during routine elective ovariohysterectomy were subjected to histopathological examination. Uteri were categorized into CEH (n = 3), moderate CEH-P (mCEH-P, n = 9), severe CEH-P (sCEH-P, n = 6) and atrophic pyometra (AT-P, n = 7). A group of age matched (n = 12) bitches without pyometra served as control. Endometrial transcripts such as IL6, IL8, PTGS2, PGFS, and SLPI were expressed differentially in the CEH and CEH-P bitch. In addition, a strong immunoreactivity (IR) of IL6, IL8, PTGS2, and mPGES1 was recorded in the sCEH-P uterus, while expression of IL10 was noticed in AT-P. In circulation, serum IL6 was the most relevant marker with high sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 84.6% at a cut off concentration 8.5 pg/mL followed by SLPI with 95.2% sensitivity, and 84.6% specificity at cut off concentration of 1.3 ng/mL. Serum IL10, PGFM and SLPI concentration in the peripheral circulation were 1.5-2.23 fold higher in mCEH-P, 0.87-2.5 fold higher in sCEH-P and 2.9-3.5 fold higher in AT-P than that of control. It is concluded that monitoring the serum concentration of IL6, IL10 and SLPI would be useful adjunct to the established hematobiochemical parameters in the management of pyometra in the bitch with critical illness.

Influence of seasonal variation on post-farrowing dysgalactia syndrome (PFDS) and serum biochemistry profiles in the periparturient sow.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal variation on the frequency of post-farrowing dysgalactia syndrome (PFDS), sow body condition score (BCS), piglet survival, and weaning to estrus interval under intensive management systems. In addition, the effects of PFDS on litter characteristics and serum biochemistry, oxidative stress indices, thyroid, and cortisol profile were examined in order to identify potential biomarkers in the pre-farrowing stage. The study was conducted in summer and winter seasons in Nagaland, India, on 50 sows from 30 days before farrowing until weaning at 45 days. Sows were classified retrospectively into PFDS and non-PFDS. Although statistically, no significant difference was noted in the occurrence of PFDS between the seasons, the proportion of PFDS development was substantially higher in winter than summer (37.5 vs. 26.9%). In winter, the incidence of piglet stillbirth and sow weaning to estrus period was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the mean litter size at weaning was significantly lower (p < 0.01). At weaning, the mean litter weight and average daily weight gain were decreased (p < 0.05) in both summer and winter, and the total number of piglets died in each litter was increased in sows afflicted with PFDS compared with healthy sows. A significant interaction effect of peripartum days and PFDS was observed in the changes of blood glucose, albumin (p < 0.05), and HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.07) concentration. Mean T3 and T4 concentration was influenced by peripartum days in both the season and a consistently lower T3 concentration was detected in PFDS sows before farrowing. It is concluded that PFDS sows exhibited an increased incidence of stillbirth and scouring of neonatal piglets during the winter. A pronounced drop in mean circulating T3 concentration in sows from 30 days before farrowing to 3 days after farrowing reflects endocrine-mediated metabolic dysfunction. Further research is warranted with more number of sows to identify the critical values of serum T3 concentration in the immediate pre-farrowing period for prediction of sows developing PFDS after farrowing.

Alterations of hemogram, serum biochemistry, oxidative/nitrosative balance, and copper/zinc homeostasis in dromedary camels naturally infected with poxvirus.

Camel pox (CMLP), a contagious viral disease of camels, causes considerable economic loss in terms of milk, meat, wool, and leather production besides reduction of draught power. The effect of spontaneous CMLP infection on hemogram, oxidative/nitrosative imbalance, and trace mineral homeostasis has not been studied earlier in dromedary camels. In the current study, hemogram, serum biochemistry, oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, and zinc (Zn)-copper (Cu) homeostasis were evaluated in healthy and pox-infected camels. The CMLP was confirmed from pooled samples of vesicular fluid, oral mucosa, and skin samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the C18L gene of CMLP virus. Hemogram was performed manually in whole blood. The serum was analyzed for biochemistry. The oxidative/nitrosative imbalance was measured by determining the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and nitrate (NOx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in serum. Simultaneously, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations were measured in serum. A pronounced leucopenia (p = 0.019), lymphopenia (p = 0.005), and hypoproteinemia (p = 0.014) were noted in CMLP-infected camels compared to healthy animals. The significant elevation of the MDA (p = 0.005) and NOx (p = 0.044) concentrations in serum of CMLP-infected indicated marked oxidative stress during the disease. The zinc concentration (p = 0.014) in CMLP-infected camels was significantly lower than healthy camels. The study supports that oxidative/nitrosative imbalance and Cu-Zn homeostasis are compromised and related to the pathophysiology of CMLP infection. The finding will be helpful to veterinary clinicians to adopt effective therapeutic strategies using antioxidants and trace minerals during CMLP outbreak. The timely vaccination and bio-security will be the mainstay for prevention of the diseases.

Amelioration of oxidative stress using N-acetylcysteine in canine parvoviral enteritis.

Previously, antioxidants have not been evaluated for treatment of parvoviral diarrhea in dogs. In this study, antioxidant potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in dogs infected with canine parvovirus with a nonblinded randomized clinical trial has been carried out. A total 18 parvo-infected dogs were randomly divided into two groups: nine parvo-infected dogs were treated with supportive treatment and nine parvo-infected dogs were treated with NAC along with supportive treatment. Simultaneously, nine healthy dogs were kept as healthy control. In parvo-infected dogs, marked hemoconcentration, leucopenia, neutropenia and oxidative stress were noticed compared to healthy dogs. The NAC treatment progressively improved the leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts over the time in parvovirus-infected dogs compared to dogs that received only supportive treatment. In addition, NAC treatment significantly improved glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and decreased nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations on day 3 and 5 compared to supportive treatment in parvo-infected dogs. However, supportive treatment alone failed to ameliorate oxidative stress in the infected dogs till day 5. The results of this study suggest that NAC represents a potential additional treatment option that could be considered to improve the health condition and minimize the duration of hospitalization in case of canine parvoviral diarrhea.

The economic impact of peste des petits ruminants in India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important livestock disease which affects a vast section of the small ruminant population in India. However, data on the incidence of PPR are limited and scant literature is available on the economic losses caused by the disease. In the present study, a structured sampling design was adopted, which covered the major agro-climatic regions of the country, to ascertain the morbidity and mortality rates of PPR. Available estimates of the economic losses in India due to various livestock diseases are based on single values of various epidemiological and economic parameters. Stochastic modelling was used to estimate the economic impact of PPR. Overall annual morbidity and mortality rates of PPR for small ruminants in India have been estimated from the sample as being 8%and 3.45%, respectively. The authors have analysed variations in these rates across species, age group, sex, season and region. The expected annual economic loss due to PPR in India ranges from as little as US $2 million to $18 million and may go up to US $1.5 billion; the most likely range of expected economic losses is between US $653 million and $669 million. This study thus reveals significant losses due to the incidence of PPR in small ruminants in India.

La peste des petits ruminants (PPR) est une maladie du bétail à fort impact économique. En Inde, une grande partie de la population des petits ruminants est affectée. Cependant, les données disponibles sur l'incidence de la PPR sont rares et très peu d'articles ont été consacrés aux pertes économiques causées par la maladie. Les auteurs présentent une étude basée sur un échantillonnage structuré couvrant les principales régions agro-climatiques du pays, visant à déterminer avec certitude les taux de morbidité et de mortalité de la PPR. Les estimations disponibles des pertes économiques induites par diverses maladies des animaux d'élevage sont basées sur des valeurs uniques correspondant à divers paramètres épidémiologiques et économiques. Les auteurs ont évalué l'impact économique de la PPR en utilisant un modèle stochastique. En se basant sur l'échantillon, les taux annuels de morbidité et de mortalité de la PPR chez les petits ruminants en Inde ont été respectivement estimés à 8 % et à 3,45 %. Les auteurs ont également analysé les variations de ces taux en fonction de l'espèce, du groupe d'âge, du sexe, de la saison et de la région. Les pertes annuelles attendues imputables à la PPR en Inde fluctuent d'un minimum de 2 millions de dollars US (USD) à 18 millions d'USD, mais elles peuvent atteindre 1,5 milliard d'USD ; la fourchette la plus probable des pertes économiques attendues se situe entre 653 millions et 669 millions d'USD. Cette étude souligne l'importance des pertes économiques liées à la présence de la PPR en Inde.

La peste de pequeños rumiantes (PPR) es una enfermedad del ganado que reviste importancia económica y afecta a un vasto segmento de la población de pequeños rumiantes de la India. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos sobre su incidencia y muy escasas referencias bibliográficas sobre las pérdidas económicas que ocasiona. Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a determinar las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad por PPR a partir de un muestreo estructurado que abarcaba las principales regiones agroclimáticas del país. Las estimaciones existentes de las pérdidas económicas causadas en la India por diversas enfermedades del ganado están basadas en valores únicos de diversos parámetros epidemiológicos y económicos. Para estimar el impacto económico de la PPR se utilizó una modelización estocástica. A partir de la muestra se calculó que, en los pequeños rumiantes del país, los índices anuales de morbilidad y mortalidad totales por PPR se cifran en un 8% y un 3,45%, respectivamente. Los autores analizaron después las variaciones que exhiben esos índices por especie, grupo de edad, sexo, estación y región. La cuantía prevista de las pérdidas económicas anuales causadas por la PPR en el país oscila: de apenas 2 a 18 millones de dólares estadounidenses puede llegar hasta los 1 500 millones. El intervalo más probable de pérdidas económicas se sitúa entre 653 y 669 millones. El estudio demuestra pues que la incidencia de la PPR entre los pequeños rumiantes de la India provoca pérdidas de importante magnitud.

Changes of haemogram and serum biochemistry in neonatal piglet diarrhoea associated with porcine rotavirus type A.

Porcine rotavirus type A (RVA) is a major cause of neonatal piglet mortality in India. The effect of the disease on haemogram and serum biochemical profile is not well established in piglets. Accordingly, we assessed the haemogram and serum biochemical profile in the neonatal piglet diarrhoea with RVA infection (n = 17). The diagnosis of RVA was confirmed using RNA-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (RNA-PAGE), commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Non-infected healthy piglets (n = 6) served as control. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in serum were measured by spectrophotometric method. Haemogram was done in the blood using sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na2 EDTA) as anticoagulant. The mean values of total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased and concentrations of ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the RVA-infected piglets. Haemogram showed marked haemoconcentration (P < 0.001), leukopenia (P < 0.01) and neutropenia (P < 0.01) in the presence of RVA infection than healthy piglets. The results indicated a possible extra-intestinal spread of RVA in piglets during neonatal diarrhoea. The finding might be helpful to clinicians and while treating such type of clinical cases, incorporation of organ protective drugs will be helpful for better response in the treatment schedule.

Assay of alterations in oxidative stress markers in pigs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis.

The present study aimed to examine the status of antioxidant systems of the pigs naturally suffering from sarcoptic mange. Fifty nine pigs were divided into three groups, healthy control (group I, n=15), subclinical sarcoptic mange (group II, n=22) and clinical sarcoptic mange (group III, n=22). To assess the status of antioxidant systems; lipid peroxides (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ascorbic acid, zinc and copper concentrations in the blood samples as well as LPO, SOD, CAT and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities in the skin were measured. The GSH, SOD, GPx, ascorbic acid, zinc, copper concentrations in blood were significantly lower in the pigs suffering from clinical and subclinical sarcoptic mange, when compared with the healthy control. However, LPO content of these infested pigs was significantly higher. The CAT, SOD and GST activities in the skin of the diseased pigs were significantly lower, whereas LPO was significantly higher as compared to the healthy control. From the present study, it may be concluded that sarcoptic mange bestows remarkable alterations in the oxidative stress markers and imposes compromisation of the antioxidant status of the infested pigs.

Activity of cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide in milk leucocytes following intramammary inoculation of a bio-response modifier during bovine Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of intramammary infusion of a bio-response modifier (BRM) prepared from Nocardia globerula on certain inflammatory markers and percentage of neutrophil/lymphocyte in mammary secretions during bovine Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis (SCM). The somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC) in milk, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, production of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) in milk leukocytes and neutrophil % and lymphocyte % in milk were evaluated before and after intramammary infusion of BRM in healthy and quarters inflicted with S. aureus SCM. Intramammary infusion of BRM significantly enhanced the SCC in earlier phase with subsequent reduction on day 7 after initiation of treatment. Whereas, the reduction of TBC was observed from day 3 onwards. The COX-2 activity and NOx production in milk cell increased initially on day 3 of post treatment but reduced on day 5 in SCM infected quarters following BRM infusion. The neutrophil % and lymphocyte % in milk also enhanced significantly on day 3 but reduced on day 5 in SCM infected quarters in response to BRM infusion. Initial influx of SCC, increased neutrophil%, lymphocyte % and enhanced COX-2 and NOx activity indicate the immunomodulatory potential of BRM in S. aureus SCM. Reduction of TBC could be due to increased leukocytosis or direct microbicidal activity of the activated milk cells. The beneficial effect of the BRM could be used as alternative therapy in the control of S. aureus SCM in cows, either alone or in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

Acute Phase Response and Neutrophils : Lymphocyte Ratio in Response to Astaxanthin in Staphylococcal Mice Mastitis Model.

The purpose of the study was to determine the immunotherapeutic effect of astaxanthin (AX) on total clinical score (TCS), C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio in mice mastitis model challenged with pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus. Twenty-four lactating mice were divided in 4 equal groups: group I mice served as normal healthy control, group II, positive control, were challenged with pathogenic S. aureus, group III mice were challenged and treated with AX, and group IV were treated with amoxicillin plus sulbactum. The TCS was higher in postchallenged mice; however it was significantly higher in group II untreated mice as compared to group III and group IV mice. The neutrophil was higher and lymphocyte count was lower in group II mice at 120 hrs post challenge (PC). The CRP was positive in all the challenged group at 24 hrs PC, but it remained positive till 120 hrs PC in group II. The parameters are related to enhancement of the mammary defense and reduction of inflammation. Hence AX may be used alone or as an adjunct therapy with antibiotic for amelioration of mastitis. Development of such therapy may be useful to reduce the antibiotic burden in management of intramammary infection.

Evaluation of mammary gland immunity and therapeutic potential of Tinospora cordifolia against bovine subclinical mastitis.

Enhancement of the diseased mammary gland immunity and therapeutic potential of hydro-methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia; stem) in bovine subclinical mastitis was investigated. Somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), phagocytic activity, and leukocyte lysosomal enzymes like myeloperoxidase and acid phosphatase activity and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) level were evaluated after intramammary infusion of hydro-methanolic extract (stem) of T.cordifolia in diseased cows. The qualitative analysis of the extract revealed the presence of polysaccharide, phenol, alkaloid, and protein. Intramammary infusion of hydro-methanolic extract of T. cordifolia treatment initially enhanced the SCC; thereafter, significant reduction in cell count (P < 0.05) was observed on day 15 of the treatment period, however, reduction in TBC was observed from day 3 onwards. The phagocytic activity of milk polymorphonuclear cells enhanced in the diseased cows treated with the T. cordifolia extract. Similarly, the lysosomal enzyme content of the milk polymorphonuclear cells enhanced significantly (P < 0.05) in diseased cows treated with T. cordifolia. The IL-8 level in milk serum also increased significantly (P < 0.05) in diseased cows treated with the herb extract. The results suggest that the hydro-methanolic extract of T.cordifolia (stem) possesses antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. In the present study, the biological activity of the Tinospora cordifolia extract at standardized dose against bovine subclinical mastitis is reported for the first time. Development of alternative therapy with medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use the conventional allopathic drugs under certain farming system or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs.

Virological and antigenic characterization of two Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine viruses of Indian origin.

Virological and antigenic characteristics of two Indian Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine viruses namely "PPRV-Sungri/96" and "PPRV-AR/87" were investigated. This investigation included, type of cytopathic effect (CPE) produced, one-step growth curve, antigenic reactivity of viral antigens using a panel of 18 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and ability of viruses for neutralization using a monoclonal antibody directed to haemagglutinin (H) protein. Findings surprisingly indicated that the PPRV-AR/87 is a fast growing virus with an entirely different pattern of cytopathic effect in Vero cell system. This virus has a relatively short replication cycle of 21h with no clearly defined eclipse phase. Whereas, PPRV-Sungri/96 has a replication cycle of 72h with distinct eclipse phase. Both viruses showed very good antigenic correlation (r=0.823) based on reactivity with 18 MAbs in an indirect ELISA, indicating that they are closely antigenically related. PPRV-AR/87 showed a poor neutralization index with antihaemaglutinin MAb 4B11 and poor reactivity in sandwich ELISA using an anti-nucleocapsid (N) MAb as compared to PPRV-Sungri/96. The findings suggest that both these vaccine viruses can easily be differentiated based on the pattern of cytopathic effect and degree of neutralization using MAb 4B11.

Expression of cytokines and respiratory burst activity of milk cells in response to Azadirachta indica during bovine mastitis.

The immuno therapeutic potential of hydro-methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) was studied during bovine clinical mastitis (CM). The somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), milk differential leukocyte count (DLC), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), superoxide anion (O(2) (-)) production and interleukin- 2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) cytokines expression were studied before and after intramammary infusion of A. indica extract in diseased cows. The results revealed that A. indica treatment significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the SCC, TBC, milk neutrophil percent and significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced milk lymphocyte percent, H(2)O(2) and O(2) (-) production by milk cells. The IL-2 and IFN-gamma were expressed in normal healthy cows and diseased cows after A. indica treatment, whereas both the cytokines could not be expressed in cows treated with antibiotic and in untreated diseased cows. The results of the present study indicated anti inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory potential of the herb, these activities could be due to the presence of bioactive principle in the extract. This is a preliminary trial indicated beneficial effect of the herb against bovine mastitis it can be developed as an alternative therapy where the use of antibiotics is normally restricted.

B5r gene based sequence analysis of Indian buffalopox virus isolates in relation to other orthopoxviruses.

We determined complete nucleotide sequence of B5R gene homologue of Vaccinia virus (VACV) in five Buffalopox virus (BPXV) isolates of Indian origin. The obtained sequences were compared with themselves and with corresponding sequences of the other orthopoxviruses. Sequence analysis revealed 99.799.8% and 99.499.7% identities among the BPXV isolates for B5R gene at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Sequence identities of B5R gene between BPXV and VACV isolates (98.199.7%) or other orthopoxviruses (95.699.2%) showed highly conserved nature of this protein and a closer relationship of BPXV isolates to VACV than to other orthopoxviruses.

Stimulatory effect of herbicide 2,4-D on the heterotrophic microbial community in the water of three fish ponds.

Herbicide 2,4-D at a dosage of 500 mg l-1 stimulated the proliferation of the heterotrophic bacterial community present in the water of three fish ponds over a period of one year. 2,4-D due to its toxic action might kill the planktonic algal population occurring in the pond water, which on degradation generated more nutrients conductive to bacterial proliferation. The microbial density in different hours were closely correlated (p less than 0.01 less than 0.05) with the variations of each of NH4-N, NO2-N and specific conductivity of water, while the relationship between the former and PO4-P was reciprocal (P less than 0.001).