A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and economic significance of bovine fasciolosis at Gondar Elfora abattoir, Gondar Ethiopia from November 2018 to April 2019. A total of 384 cattle were selected by systematic random sampling techniques for postmortem examination at Gondar Elfora abattoir. Out of these 90 (23.4%) cattle were found positive for fasciolosis. The prevalence of fasciolosis in poor body conditioned cattle were known to be 30.8% followed by medium body conditioned (22.7%) and good conditioned animal (15.2%) . Statistical analysis of the data showed the presence of significant difference (P=0.028) on the prevalence of fasciolosis on the basis of body condition score. Higher prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in the study area was observed in older than adult animals 28.7% and 19.5% respectively. There was statistically significant association among age of the animal and prevalence of bovine fasciolosis (P=0.037). The predominant Fasciola species identified was Fasciola hepatica 57 (14.8%) followed by Fasciola gigantica 21 (5.5%) and mixed species (Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica) 12 (3.1%). The total annual economic loss due to bovine fasciolosis in Gondar Elfora abattoir was calculated as 1,919,640 ETB (65,922 USD). The economic loss due to bovine fasciolosis at the study area showed that fasciolosis is an economically important disease in the Gondar Elfora abattoir. Hence, a combination of anthelminthic and vector control measures have to be used to ensure a satisfactory degree of control in the long run.

The present investigation was carried out on 459 Murrah buffaloes affected with some reproductive problem with 618 calving records (out of total 1336 Murrah buffaloes) over a period of 12 years from 2007 to 2018 at GADVASU, Ludhiana. The overall incidence of dystocia, retention of placenta (ROP), anestrus, repeat breeding (RB),postpartum abnormal discharge (PPAD) and abortion w.r.t. total number of animals were 0.9, 0.3, 3.3, 9.3, 12.3, 13.3 and 6.2%, respectively and w.r.t. affected animals were 2.8, 9.8, 27, 35.7, 38.8 and 18.1%, respectively. Parity of calving had significant effect (P<0.05) on ROP and anestrus. Season had significant (P<0.05) effect on dystocia and ROP. Period had highly significant effect (P<0.01) on dystocia, anestrus, RB and abortion while significant effect on PPAD. Results indicated that incidence of RB, PPAD and ROP increases as the animal become older. Further incidence of dystocia are higher during first and last parities whereas incidence of anestrus are more during earlier parities (in heifers). Incidence of ROP and PPAD are more during rainy season. Incidence of dystocia and anestrus are more during winter season whereas incidence of abortion are more during summer season. Overall incidence revealed a reduction in reproductive disorders in latter periods showing progressive improvement in management of reproduction problems over period.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSCs) to enhance the rate of healing of full-thickness excisional skin wounds in rabbits. Six healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits and five healthy Swiss Albino mice were used for the study. Two, 2 × 2 cm full-thickness skin (thoracolumabar region) excisional wounds were created; one on each side of the dorsal midline in each animal. Adipose tissue was collected from the abdomen of the mice and processed for isolation of AD-MSCs. The wounds were randomly assigned to either injection of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell into the wound margins (AD-MSCs), or topical application of Povidone iodine (5%) solution (PI) as positive control. The wound healing was assessed by evaluation of granulation tissue formation, epithelisation and histomorphological study on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th postoperative days. Better epithelisation was seen histologically in AD-MSCs treated wounds than in PI-treated wounds. Histomorphological examination of the healing tissue showed early disappearance of inflammatory reaction, significantly more neovascularisation, and more fibroplasias and early lay down and histological maturation of collagen in AD-MSCs treated wounds than in PI treated wounds. Hence the application of xenogenic stem cells can be used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in animals.

The present study was conducted to detect the status of anthelmintic resistance of commonly used anthelmintic drugs viz. fenbendazole and morantel against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep of village Badhra, district Charkhi dadri, Haryana. Forty five sheep with egg per gram of more than or equal to 150 were divided into three groups i.e. S1, S2 and S3 of 15 animals each. Group S1 and S2 were treated with fenbendazole @ 5 mg/kg b.wt. orally and morantel @ 10 mg/ kg b.wt. orally, respectively. Group S3 served as untreated control. Faecal samples were collected on the day of treatment (zero day) and 12th day post treatment (PT), from sheep of all groups and individual FEC were determined by the modified McMaster technique. Pooled faecal cultures were made to recover infective larvae on day 0 and 12 PT. Results revealed that fenbendazole (S1) reduced the FEC by 74.77% on 12th day PT with upper and lower confidence levels as 86.41% and 53.15%, respectively indicating moderate anthelmintic resistance. Morantel (S2) caused 49.84% reduction in FEC with upper and lower confidence levels as 65.04% and 28.04%, respectively indicating severe anthelmintic resistance. Thus, the present study revealed presence of cross anthelmintic resistance against fenbendazole and morantel in Haemonchus population in sheep of unorganized sector in Haryana as the post-treatment coproculture showed only Haemonchus contortus larvae.

The study was conducted to elucidate the genotoxic effect of deltamethrin in Swiss Albino male mice following oral exposure, by comet assay and micronuclei induction test. Deltamethrin was administered at the dose rate of 1.5 mg/kg bwt, 1.0 mg/kg bwt and 0.5 mg/kg body weight. Mean head DNA percentage, mean tail DNA percentage, mean tail length and mean olive moment were the endpoints for the comet assay. Deltamethrin resulted in a significant comet formation at 15, 30 and 60 days of oral exposure in a dose and time dependent manner. Mean tail DNA% at 15, 30 and 60 days of exposure to deltamethrin was 59.28, 57.74 and 63.14, respectively. The results were found to be significantly different in treatment groups as compared to the control groups. Micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes, micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes percentage were the endpoints for the micronuclei induction test. Deltamethrin induced significantly higher number of micronuclei in treatment group than the negative control. In conclusion, present study indicates that pesticides are slow poison and even a low dose of pesticide can cause genotoxicity and other biological effects when exposed to for longer duration.

A retrospective study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 at Modjo veterinary clinic in East Shoa zone, Oromia region, central Ethiopia with the aim of evaluating the current rational use of veterinary drugs on live stock. In this study, a total of 1660 drug products were prescribed for a total of 1500 randomly selected animal patients. The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 1.11 with maximum of three. The percentage of antimicrobials and anthelmintic encountered were 60.41% (1003/1660) and 35.24% (585/1660), respectively. The most commonly prescribed antimicrobials were oxytetracycline 864 (52.04%), penicillin and streptomycin combination 136 (8.19%) and anthelmintics were ivermectine 560(33.7%) and albendazole 17(1.02%). Among all patients admitted to Modjo veterinary clinic 98.2% were treated empirically, without getting correct definitive (laboratory supported) diagnosis. Antimicrobials were prescribed irrationally for cases which were tentatively diagnosed as parasitic 8.6%. Besides, anthelmintics were prescribed irrationally for cases which were tentatively diagnosed as bacteria 28.7% and viral 3.8%. The finding has shown problems in generic prescribing,incorrect diagnosis, over use of drug and misuse of drugs. Therefore improve availability of key essential drugs on stock through good drug supply management to reduce misuse of drugs and therapeutic failure is recommended.

Shrimp digestive tract microflora has been considered important, as it provides several protective and metabolic functions. Misuse of antibiotics could lead to AMR in the gut microbial community, which could be transferred to humans. The present study aimed in determining the prevalence of the digestive tract microbial community and AMR associated with them. A total of 173 isolates were collected and characterised from the digestive tract of 120 shrimps, collected from six different regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat. A total of 144 gram negative isolates comprised predominantly of Vibrio spp were isolated and characterised. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates against 12 different antibiotics was carried out using disk diffusion method. Most of the isolates showed resistant against beta-lactam class of antibiotics and macrolide antibiotics. Among the 144 G negative isolates, 61 (39.5%) isolates were presumptively identified as Vibrio spp, based on their growth on the specific agar plates. Biochemical characterisation of the 61 Vibrio isolates revealed the presence of 31.14% of Vibrio cholerae, 31.14% of V. parahaemolyticus, 19.67% of V. vulnificus, 9.8% of V. harveyi and 8.2% of V. alginolyticus. The antibiogram profile showed that the 40 (74.07%) isolates were resistant to ampicillin, 24 (44.4%) were resistant to cephalothin, 21 (38.8%) were to aztreonam and 17 (31.5%) were resistant against erythromycin. Prevalence of multi-drug resistance was also observed among the bacterial isolates.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of ginger root powder and black cumin seed powder alone or in combination on performance and egg production in laying hens. A total of 270 Leghorn laying hens of 28 weeks old were randomly distributed among nine groups with 30 layers in each treatment with three replications following the factorial design (32). Experimental diets consisted of 0.00%, 0.50% and 1.00% levels of ginger root powder and black cumin seed powder alone or in combination. The experimental period lasted for a total of 84 days and laying hens’ performance was measured. Non-significant effect was observed on feed intake due to supplementation of black cumin seed powder whereas, significant (P<0.05) effect was observed due to ginger root powder supplementation. T5 treatment group which was supplemented with 0.00% ginger root powder and 1.00% black cumin seed powder had significantly (P<0.01) highest egg weight, egg production and egg mass along with best feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that supplementation of 1.00% level of black cumin seed powder was recommended for best layer performance.

This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant activity of A1 and A2 β-casein variant with time by applying different enzyme. Pepsin, Trypsin, Alcalase and combination of Pepsin-Trypsin were used for hydrolysis of A1 and A2 β-casein for the duration of 1, 2, 3 and 24 h. All antioxidant parameter including DPPH, ABTS radical-scavenging activity and reducing power assay increasing gradually with time. Enzyme Pepsin-Trypsin combination followed by Alcalsae display comparatively higher antioxidant activity. Among β-casein variant A2 showed relatively higher antioxidant potential over all the entire duration of time but the difference among the A1 and A2 variants was not significant to arrive at a substantial scientific conclusion. It can be concluded from the study that antioxidant potential of the milk depends upon factors such as duration of hydrolysis and enzyme used, during hydrolysis and not alone on the fact that whether the milk is A1 or A2 in nature.

Thirty-six blood samples were collected randomly from puppies [18 puppies each from vaccinated (Group I) and unvaccinated (Group II) dam] brought to Immunization Unit, Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, Chennai. The samples were subjected to functional antibody assay (RFFIT) to know the kinetics of maternal derived antibody (MDA) against rabies. The mean MDA titre in group I and II puppies were found as 1.07 ± 0.18 IU/mL and 0.30 ± 0.037 IU/mL respectively. The statistical analysis (Student “t” test) revealed a highly significant difference (P<0.01) between MDA of two groups. Thus, this study strongly suggests that the dogs less than three months of age in endemic regions needs to be immunized against rabies in view of maintaining the population immunity and to reduce the bioburden of rabies risk.

Boswellia serrata is an Indian herb known for its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties in ancient folk medicine. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of Boswellia serrata on radiographic joint damage and histopathology of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with six rats each. While group 1 served as normal control, arthritis was induced in animals belonging to groups 2 (arthritic control); 3, 4 and 5 (treatment groups) by injecting 0.1 ml of Freund’s complete adjuvant, intradermally into the hind foot pad. Treatment protocol was followed from 3rd to 21st day, with Boswellia serrata given orally as methanolic extract @ 500 mg/kg b.wt. to group 3, meloxicam given subcutaneously @1 mg/kg b.wt. to group 4 and both the drugs given concurrently to group 5. The onset and progression of arthritis were assessed weekly by radiographic interpretation. The drug effects were evaluated on the histopathology after completion of the experiment. The extent of paw inflammation before treatment and its subsequent amelioration after treatment were noticed in groups 3, 4 and 5 Boswellia serrata showed better amelioration compared to meloxicam with a superior curative effect witnessed when both the drugs were administered together. The significant alleviation of joint damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis may be attributed to the pharmacologically active principles present in the extracts of Boswellia serrata.

The present study was conducted to record the incidence, clinical presentation, electrocardiographic, radiographic, laboratory, two dimensional echocardiography, M-mode echocardiography, pulsed wave Doppler and color flow Doppler findings in Labrador Retrievers with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) for a period of five years from 2013 to 2018. It included 210 healthy dogs and 327 confirmed cases of DCM. The incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy in Labrador Retrievers was found to be 7.49 per cent in the present study. On radiography, cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema were the major findings observed. In echocardiography, increased left ventricular end diastolic dimension and systolic dimension, reduced fraction shortening, increased E-point sepal separation, increased Left atrium (LA) / Aorta (AO) ratio, decreased ejection fraction, increased end diastolic volume and end systolic volume were noticed. On pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography reduced pulmonary artery (PA), Aorta (AO), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) velocities were recorded. Mild to moderate regurgitation was observed in Mitral and Tricuspid valve by color flow Doppler echocardiography. M-mode derived chamber dimensions, E-point septal separation, ejection fraction, fractional shortening were reliable parameters in diagnosing Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Labrador Retrievers. Pulsed wave Doppler and color flow Doppler were useful in assessing velocity and flow pattern across valves.

The present study was conducted to detect the status of anthelmintic resistance of fenbendazole and morantel against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats of village Badhra, district Charkhi dadri, Haryana. Forty five goats with eggs per gram of more than or equal to 150 were divided into three groups i.e. G1, G2 and G3 of 15 animals each. Group G1 and G2 were treated with fenbendazole @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. orally and morantel @ 20 mg/ kg b.wt. orally, respectively. Group G3 served as untreated control. Faecal egg count of goats was ascertained on day of treatment (0 day) and 12th day post treatment (PT) of all groups by the modified McMaster technique. Pooled faecal cultures were made to recover infective larvae on day 0 and 12 PT. Results revealed that fenbendazole (G1) and morantel (G2) reduced the faecal egg counts by 76.47% and 70.80% on 12th day PT with upper and lower confidence levels as 89.30% and 48.23% and 82.43% and 51.48%, respectively indicating moderate anthelmintic resistance against both drugs. The post-treatment coproculture showed larvae of Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides sp. Thus, the present study revealed presence of cross anthelmintic resistance against fenbendazole and morantel in goats of unorganized sector in Charkhi Dadri district of Haryana.

A study was conducted to assess oxidative stress in bovine tissues specifically liver, kidney and lungs by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and their correlation to cadmium (Cd) toxicity in bovine. Metallothionein and malondialdehyde are oxidative stress markers and their expression increases as cadmium concentration increases in tissues. In present study, a total of 62 bovine tissue samples were randomly collected from the animals found dead near industrial or expected polluted areas of Jabalpur city after detailed postmortem examination. These samples were processed for cadmium estimation and IHC staining in tissues. 200 mg of tissue samples were acid digested and cadmium concentration were estimated by using ICP-OES. In our study, cadmium concentration in tissues was ranged from 0.040 to 3.952 ppm in liver, 0.050 to 3.949 ppm in kidney and 0.020 to 3.134 ppm in lungs of bovine. These samples further grouped under three groups with cadmium level 0-1, 1-2 and > 2 ppm, according to Puls criteria. Majority of samples had cadmium level in the range of 0-1 ppm. Approximately 8, 13, 5% liver, kidney and lung tissues respectively had cadmium concentration > 2 ppm are considered under high risk. Formalin fixed and paraffin processed representative samples of liver, kidney and lungs were stained immunohistochemically by using commercially available antibodies for metallothionein and malondialdehyde protein. Tissues with high cadmium level showed increase in expression of metallothionein in nucleus and cytoplasm of the tissues along with increased cytoplasmic expression of malondialdehyde in liver, kidney and lung tissues as compared to low cadmium level.

The present study was taken up to assess the chemical composition and in vitro nutritional worth of corn germ meal (CGM) in comparison to conventional oilseed cakes used in livestock feeding. The CP content of protein sources varied from 18.59% in CGM to 49.41% in soybean meal (SBM). CGM had the highest ether extract (EE) content, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and total carbohydrates. However, total ash, acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP) and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) was lowest in CGM. In vitro net gas production in CGM (267.91 ml/g DM/24 h) was higher (P<0.05) than other conventional oil cakes. The digestibility of organic matter varied from 85.12% in DMC (deoiled mustard cake) to 96.19% in SBM. The ME availability was highest (P<0.05) in CGM (9.63 MJ/kg DM). Ammonical nitrogen in CGM was lower (P<0.05) than SBM and GNC (groundnut cake).The total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) production (mM/dl) was highest (P<0.05) in GNC (12.56) and lowest (P<0.05) in CGM (9.31). Methane production was lowest (P<0.05) in CGM than other conventional oil cakes. Hydrogen recovery (%) was higher (P<0.05) in CGM (65.76) and SBM (65.78) than other protein sources tested. Fermentation efficiency (%) was higher (P<0.05) in SBM (77.02) and GNC (76.75) while volatile fatty acids utilization index (VFA UI) was higher (P<0.05) in CGM (2.92) and DMC (2.84) than other protein sources tested. The results revealed that CGM can be used as a potential protein source for ruminants.

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in canine is caused by different etiological agents like canine parvovirus, E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Coccidia and Giardia, among these agents canine parvovirus is the most important. Canine parvovirus binds to the sialic acid receptors which are present on the RBC’s, so haemagglutination test is used to detect canine parvovirus. In this study a total (n=102) of faecal samples from canines having haemorrhagic gastroenteritis were taken. All the 102 samples were subjected to haemagglutination assay and the prevalence of CPV was studied. Host associated risk factors like age, sex, breed, vaccination and seasons responsible for occurrence of canine parvovirus infection are recorded. Out of the 102 samples haemagglutination assay detected 41 samples as positive and a percent positivity of (40.19%) was recorded by this diagnostic test. Age wise prevalence was (69.23%) in (0-6 month) age group which is more than (7-12 month) (13.33%) and more than a year group (5%). Sex wise prevalence was more in males (47.94%) than in females (20.78%). Breed wise prevalence was more in Labrador (78.57%) followed by Doberman Pinscher (62.50%) lower prevalence was reported in Pomerarian and German shephered breeds. Non vaccinated canines showed a high prevalence of (42.70%) and in vaccinated canines no disease prevalence was detected. In the season wise prevalence, spring season showed more prevalence (54.76%) followed by summer season which showed (37.5%) prevalence and the least prevalence of (11.11%) was recorded in the winter season. Study showed that Haemagglutination assay is a good diagnostic test for the study of canine parvovirus where modern facilities of molecular diagnosis and the costly faecal ELISA test kits are not available.

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space due to disruption of the hydrostatic and starling forces which maintain the pressure of pleural cavity. A total of 42 dogs presented to Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital Small Animal Medicine Outpatient Unit with a history of cough and dyspnea were selected. Pleural effusion was diagnosed and classified into cardiac, hepatic and tumour and others group based on physical examination, radiography, electrocardiography, ultrasonography, echocardiography, cytological and biochemical evaluation of pleural fluid. The incidence of pleural effusion was 13.5% of the respiratory cases. Cytology of pleural fluid revealed the presence of lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, RBCs, fibrin and mesothelial cells. Cytology of tumour group revealed mesothelioma (3), adenocarcinoma (1) and lymphoma (1). Cytology of other group revealed the presence of numerous RBCs and a few mesothelial cells in hemothorax and mature and degenerated neutrophils along with the presence of numerous clumps of bacteria and macrophages in pyothorax. Estimation of LDH of pleural effusion and ratio of pleural fluid to serum LDH was effective to classify pleural fluid into transudate, exudate and modified transudate.

The present study was conducted in an organized farm of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir state having history of late-term abortions in cattle and buffaloes to elucidate the role of brucellosis in causing abortions on the farm. The farm had 46 animals (23 adults, 15 heifers and 9 calves). The farm was positive in herd test (milk ring test). Serological tests viz., Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) were conducted on 30 serum samples and 11 samples were found positive in both tests. Five vaginal swabs from abortion cases were processed for isolation and 3 isolates of Brucella were obtained which on further characterization by biochemical tests, genus-specific PCR and species-specific PCR were identified as B. abortus biovar 1. As brucellosis is an anthropozoonoses, the high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock of farm demands the surveillance of disease in humans working on the farm and necessitates the control of disease on the farm.

The Malayan sun bear is the smallest of the eight bear species. The aim of the research was to investigate the morphological and applied anatomical characteristics of the head region of the Malayan sun bear. The size of the head is large, broad and heavy in proportion to the body. The skull of the Malayan sun bear was mesocephalic according to the cephalic index (80.48). The skull length, skull width, cranial length and maximum skull height was 21.47 cm, 17.28 cm, 17.81 cm and 9.40 cm, respectively. The nasal length, nasal perpendicular height, nasal horizontal-transverse width and nasal circumference were 3.59 cm, 3.50 cm, 3.20 cm and 10.52 cm, respectively. The length and height of the mandible were 14.65 cm and 7.09 cm, respectively. There is no literature available on the regional applied anatomy of maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the Malayan sun bear. Therefore, this study was designed to provide information on morphological and applied anatomical studies on the head region of the Malayan sun bear. This is the first detailed study to provide morphological characteristics of the head region of Malayan sun bear and this information will aid the clinicians in the application of regional anaesthesia in Malayan sun bear.

Immunotoxicity is defined as adverse effects on the functioning of the immune system that results from exposure to chemical substances. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate immunomodulating effect of Morus alba (500mg/kg B.w.) against immunotoxicity induced by sub-acute exposure of Fipronil (10mg/kg B.w.) in rats. Sub-acute immunotoxicity was conducted in adult male wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (6 rats/group). Group I served as control in which corn oil (acting as a vehicle of Fipronil) was administered @10 ml/kg B.w. Group II served as Fipronil treated group @10 mg/kg B.w. In Group III Fipronil along with Morus alba fruits extract @ 300 mg/kg B.w. was administered and in Group IV Morus alba fruits extract @ 300 mg/kg B.w. was administered. Vehicle, Fipronil and Morus alba were administered daily to the rats by oral gavage for 28 days. The dose of fipronil was selected on the basis of LD50 in rats. TLC, DLC, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, serum antibody titer/haemagglutination (HA) titer and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response were estimated. Fipronil produced immunotoxicity in the form of alteration from normal values in these parameters. Morus alba was significantly effective in restoration of these parameters towards normal. The study suggested that Morus alba has immunomodulating potential against toxicity induced by fipronil in rats.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of melatonin against L-arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (150–240 g) were divided into 3 groups, viz. group I (control group), group II (acute pancreatitis control group) and group III (treatment control) which were further subdivided into 3 subgroups according to time points of 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days. Rats from groups II and III received two injections of L-arginine (2 g/kg i.p.) at 1 h intervals for induction of acute pancreatitis. Melatonin was administered to group III daily at a single dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. On 6 hours, 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days, blood samples were obtained from each group and subjected for the assays of oxidative stress and serum biochemical parameters. Erythrocytic lipid peroxides contents in acute pancreatitis group were significantly higher, while reduced glutathione contents were significantly lower in comparison with the normal controls. The activities of other antioxidant enzymes were also significantly low in these rats. Moreover, significantly increased activities of serum amylase and serum lipase were found in these rats. Administration of melatonin significantly reduced the over production of malonaldialdehyde levels. Other antioxidant enzymes viz. reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were improved significantly in melatonin treated rats. Melatonin had also considerably ameliorated the altered serum amylase and serum lipase levels towards normalcy. Thus, it can be concluded that melatonin may possess therapeutic efficacy against L-arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

The objectives of the study were to isolate and identify livestock associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) and methicillin sensitive S. aureus (LA-MSSA) from clinical mastitis cases and to compare their antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation and in vivo pathogenicity in Galleria mellonella larva model. A total of 60 milk samples were collected from cows suffering from mastitis and processed for isolation and identification of S. aureus using standard conventional methods. All the recovered S. aureas isolates were subjected for detection of MRSA and/or MSSA employing phenotypic (Cefoxitin disc assay) and genotypic (the mecA gene PCR) assays. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of LA-MRSA and LA-MSSA test isolates was determined using disc diffusion method, biofilm formation by 96 well microtiter plate assay and pathogenicity testing in G. mellonella larvae. On microbiological, biochemical and PCR analyses, 14 S. aureus isolates were confirmed. Of these, 4 were tested as LA-MRSA and the remaining 10 isolates were LA-MSSA. Comparative evaluation suggested that MRSA isolates were resistant to different classes of antibiotics and were equally lethal to G. mellonella larvae. However, bioflim forming ability was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the MSSA test isolates. An association of biofilm formation and pahogenicity testing was not observed between LA-MRSA and LA-MSSA test isolates. Further, LA-MRSA were resistant to different classes of antibiotic and were more lethal to G. mellonella larvae. These preliminary observations are of great concern as the LA-MRSA infections in the community have been documented and warrant in depth research for such pathogens.

A study evaluating water quality and nutrient dynamics in inland saline water was carried out using biofloc technology with different C/N ratios employed to raise Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles. The study was carried out for 60 days in FRP with no water exchange. Salinity, temperature, Dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, Biofloc Volume and Total Suspended Solids were monitored. All biofloc units indicated reduction in alkalinity at 40th day except the treatment with highest (25:1) C/N ratio, pH and alkalinity was not significant different among various treatments. Dissolved Oxygen was found to be significantly decreasing with increasing C/N ratios. The least Dissolved Oxygen was recorded at higher C/N ratios of 20:1 and 25:1 at the end of experiment. The Total Ammonical Nitrogen (TAN) and NO2–Nin C/N ratios 15:1 and 20:1 were found to have a significantly decreasing in trend after 20th and 18th day respectively. The NO3–N, PO43-–P, BVF and TSS in biofloc were shown an increasing trend in all the experiments. The present study elucidates the suitability of optimum C/N ratios in biofloc for maintaining the water quality to raise L. vannamei in inland ground saline water. The finding could help in reducing the environmental concern saline waste water discharge from the shrimp pond to the land.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito borne viral zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) of Flaviviridae family and it is one of the leading causes of acute encephalitis syndrome in Asian countries. This study was conducted between November 2018 and February 2019 to understand the dynamic status of sero-prevalence of Japanese encephalitis in pigs in peri-urban areas of Chennai using indirect ELISA. A total of 241 sera samples of pigs was collected from peri-urban areas of Chennai and subjected to indirect IgG capture commercial ELISA kit for screening for JEV antibodies. The overall prevalence of JEV antibodies was found as 35.48% which showed the circulation of JEV antibodies in swine population in peri-urban areas of Chennai indicating that pigs still act as amplifier hosts for vectors for the transmission of the disease in Peri-urban areas of Chennai.