Abstract
Of great interest to calves are probiotics, which prevent gastrointestinal tract diseases, increase the activity of digestive enzymes, are able to produce a variety of antibiotic compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogens. Studies in the conditions of LLC “Agrofirm Bayramgul” of Uchalinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan found that the use of the probiotic “Stimix Zoostim” based on the microorganisms Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, Azotobaktervinelandii, Azotobakterchroococcum, positively influences the formation microbiocenosis of faeces, hematological blood indicators and growth rate of calves of the dairy period of the black-and-white Holstein breed of German breeding. The introduction of the probiotic “StimixZoostim” into the diets of the diary period in the amount of 10 ml per head at the age of 10-20 days, 15 ml – at the age of 21-90 days, contributes to the increase in the number of lactobacilli by 27.0%, bifidobacterium by 37.6%, with a decrease in the number of echerichia by 31.3%, compared with the first control group. The use of the probiotic “StimixZoostim” in rations of calves of the milk period, within the physiological norm, contributes to the increase in the number of red blood cells by 9.3%, hemoglobin – by 11.3%, ? – globulins – by 32.6%. These changes in the blood indicate a higher level of natural resistance and are characteristic of intensively growing calves. With 100% preservation of calves in the milk period in all groups, in the third and fourth experimental groups, the average daily growth in calves was higher by 8.9-10.2% with a decrease in feed costs per 1 kg of growth in live weight by 8.1-9.4% compared with the control group. However, in the fourth test group, the increase in the dose of the probiotic, equivalent to an increase in the growth rate of calves, did not occur. Thus, an effective dose of a probiotic is a dose of 10 ml per head per day at the age of 10-20 days, 15 ml at the age of 21-90 days. The results of the manufacturing inspection of the effective dose showed that the economic effect per head was 149.23 rubles.
Keywords: Calves of diary period, Probiotic “StimixZoostim”, Microflora of faeces, Hematological indicators, Average daily growth, Feed costs

Abstract
A study was conducted to study the respiratory function of blood and the morphology of erythrocytes in the organism of black-mottled cows in the conditions of the t echnogenic province formed in the zone of distribution of emissions of JSC “Uchalinsky GOK” (“Uchalinsk ore mining and processing enterprise”). In blood samples of 3 (group I), 4-5 (group II) and 5-6 year old (group III), the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin, morphology of erythrocytes were determined. The results of the research show that in the blood of cows in conditions of the natural and territorial complex subjected to technogenic pressure of JSC “Uchalinsky GOK”, the number of red blood cells in the blood stream increases with age by 40.65% as the hemoglobin decreases by 1.41 -11,06% due to the change in the size of red blood cells and the average content of hemoglobin in a separate red blood cell. The state of the respiratory function of the blood is associated with the tendency of the erythrocytes to transform their form. In 3-year-old cows, the modified cellular forms are contained in 72.73% of blood smears, 4-5-year-olds at 90.91% and in 5-6-year-olds – 100%. In blood smears, in which erythrocytes have abnormalities in morphology, the number of normal discocyte cells, respectively, is 27.61±1.74; 12.94±0.65 and 2.50±0.32%. The age of animals influences the morphological changes in red blood cells. In the blood smears of 3-year-old cows, they were mainly represented by megalocytes (6.31±0.68%), macrocytes (26.88±1.09%) and anulocytes (4.13±0.78), most of which were connected to strand coins. Microcytes (35.14±1.48%), anulocytes (19.17±3.59%) and acanthocytes (16.53±0.61%) prevailed in 4-5-year-old animals. Similar picture was observed in the smears of 5-6 year old cows: microcytes (12.30±1.21%), anulocytes (13.87±0.75%), and acanthocytes (62.68±0.86%).
Keywords: Blood, Respiratory function, Transformation of erythrocyte form, Cows, Technogenic province

Abstract
One of major stressors affecting the animal is lactation phase, ewes and does are no exception. This study aimed to investigate alterations in serum biochemical, mineral status and hematologic value in lactating ewes and does compared with non-lactating animals under same condition (climate, feeding and rearing system). Significant reduction in RBCs, HB, and PCV% along with significant increase in MCV were the most consistent hematologic alterations. Significant reduction in protein and lipid profile along with increase in BUN was the most consistent biochemical alteration. The minerals profile showed decrease in Zinc, Copper and Calcium, though PH showed no change. In Conclusion, this study showed that the lactation has significant effect on body metabolites, hematologic and mineral storage in small ruminant, for future production scheme, failure to substitute those deficit, will have a bad impact on health and metabolism of animal production lifespan.
Keywords: Lactation, Ewe, Doe, Hemato-biochemical, Mineral

Abstract
Promoting food safety is key to preventing foodborne diseases which are contracted through consumption of contaminated foods. The study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices of meat safety by meat sellers in the Accra metropolis. A descriptive survey design involving the use of semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from 150 meat sellers on their knowledge and practice of food safety. The results revealed that all the respondents were males and majority aged between 18-50 years 149 (99.3%). Age had influence on knowing that eating/drinking increases risk of meat contamination (X=11.659, df=2, P=0.003) and contaminated meat causes illness (X=15.026, df=2, P=0.001). Age also had influence on the practice of sterilizing knives and equipment (X=50.680, df=2, P<0.001). Most of the respondents completed elementary education 85 (56.7%) and had more than 3 years’ experience in selling meat 146 (97.3%). The level of education had no influence on meat seller’s knowledge and practice in meat safety except the use of gloves (X=12.271, df=3, P=0.007). Work experience had influence on most of the meat safety practices examined. Majority 108 (72%) of the respondents were aware of meat safety from various stakeholders such as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Food and Drugs Authority and the media. The respondents 140 (93.3%) were aware eating contaminated meat can cause foodborne illness, however; there was a knowledge gap in the type of illnesses caused by contaminated meat. Majority of the meat sellers 103 (68.7%) were unaware of the importance of wearing gloves, although majority 136 (90.7%) wash their hands always before touching raw meat and cleaning equipment prior to and after work. Also, most 147 (98%) of the meat sellers do not sterilize their equipment which may harbour foodborne pathogens. Although the results obtained showed appreciable knowledge and practice of meat safety, more improvements need to be made. The meat sellers had minimal training in meat handling and its associated effects which should be a concern to stakeholders. Education of meat sellers through training programmes will help improve their knowledge, attitude and practices towards meat safety.
Keywords: Meat safety, Meat sellers, Practices, Accra Metropolis

Abstract
Isolation and identification of Candida spp. and determination of their antifungal susceptibilities that cause mycotic mastitis in cattle in Tekirdag province and its counties in Marmara Region were aimed in this research. 100 mastitis milk samples were used in the study. Microorganisms isolated as Candida spp. were identified by API® 20C AUX rapid identification kit. Antifungal susceptibility rates of identified Candida spp. were determined by using disc diffusion technique. Candida spp. was detected in the 25 of the 100 mastitis milk samples. According to results of API® 20C AUX rapid identification kit, 8 C. krusei (32%), 5 C. albicans (20%), 3 of each C. boidinii, C. famata and C. kefyr (12%), 2 C. spherica (8%) and 1 C. thermophilia (4%) were identified from the 25 isolated strains. In the evaluation of test results of isolated strains that performed in respect to M-44 directive of CLSI (Method for Antifungal Disc Diffusion Susceptibility Testing of Yeasts; Approved Guideline); all strains were found 100% susceptible to Ketoconazole and 100% resistant to Fluconazole, Miconazole, Amphoteracine B and Flucytosine. Two of the C. albicans (40%) and 1 of the C. krusei (12.5%) isolates were susceptible Nystatin while all the other isolates were moderately resistant to that. This study contributes significantly to the literature as one of the rare studies addressing the development of antifungal resistance.
Keywords:Mastitis, Candida spp., Identification, Antifungal susceptibility

Abstract
The current study examined the potential use of entomopathogenic fungi to control infestation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Examination of 514 dogs admitted to veterinary clinics in Egypt revealed that 67.5% were infested with R. sanguineus. Two hundred and sixty adult ticks were collected. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were then tested for their effect on these ticks. The in vitro effect of different concentrations of B. bassiana on engorged females, unfed females, fed males, eggs, larvae, and nymphs was strong for all three concentrations of B. bassiana compared with controls (P<0.05) and white fungal colonies grew on the surface of the ticks. The B1 of B. bassiana (108 conidia/ ml) was the most pathogenic on adult and developmental stages of ticks. The impact of different concentrations of M. anisopliae on adult and developmental stages in comparison with controls was similar, with the growth of green hyphae around eggs and adult ticks which prevented hatching and resulted in tick death. The M2 suspension (107 conidia/ml) had the most potent effect on adult ticks and developmental stages. The efficacy of this suspension was higher than that of the B1 concentration of B. bassiana (98 and 100% respectively). Therefore, 107conidia/ml of M. anisopliae seems to be the most effective fungus to use as bio-pesticide to control different developmental stages of R. sanguineus and may be a reasonable alternative to chemical treatment.
Keywords: Bio-pesticides, Entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) plays detrimental role in suppression of immunity giving the chance for secondary infections in chickens resulting in mortalities, the present study aimed to evaluate the immune status of chickens experimentally infected by velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) in relation to age. Seventy five broiler chickens, non-vaccinated against NDV were allocated into 3 groups (25 birds each); Group 1 served as control non infected group; groups 2 and 3 were inoculated with 106 EID50 of NDV at the 15th and 30th day of age respectively. Three chickens were sacrificed from each group for serum and tissue samples collection at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days post infection. Serum samples were used to run heamagglutition inhibition (HI) test. Tissue specimens from thymus, spleen, cecal tonsils and bursa of fabricius were collected for histopathology, lesion scoring and Immunohistochemical detection of ND viral antigen. Results revealed higher anti ND specific antibody titers in group2 (6.3±0.33) compared with group 3 (2.3±1.2).Histopathological examination revealed massive damage of lymphoid organs in both infected groups that was more severe in group3 compared with group 2 and the severity of immune damage was more severe in 5th and 7th Dpi compared with 1st and 3rd Dpi in all infected groups. The lesions score in different immune organs supported the pathological findings. Immunolabeling of the viral antigen expression among different immune organs was more severe in group 3 than group 2. We could concluded that virulent genotypes strains of NDV causes massive reduction in immune status of birds by lowering the antibody titer and inducing severe histopathological alterations in immune organs that was correlated with high viral antigen expression in immune organs ,in addition there was positive correlation between the age of chickens at time of infection and the severity of the developed lesions and subsequent the immune status of bird , thus special caution must be paid in poultry farms of older age chickens by supplying immune modulatory agent for older age.
Keywords: Velogenic NDV genotype VII, HI, Immune organs, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Broilers

Abstract
Camels are important livestock species kept mainly by pastoralists to support their livelihoods and other socio-economic needs. Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a disease of great economic impact in pastoralist herds, mainly known to affect sheep and goats. Recent serological surveys have confirmed presence of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies in camels in Sudan and Ethiopia. Owing to the limited information about PPR epidemiology in camels in Kenya, this study was conducted to determine PPRV seroprevalence using 398 serum samples in camels in the northern region of Kenya (Isiolo, Marsabit, Wajir and Mandera counties) via competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (C-ELISA) technique. To complete the study, thirty six questionnaires were administered to camel herders and owners linked to the 398 serum samples to collect information on socio-economic factors related to household characteristics, livelihood activities, livestock production and benefits, camel and camel product sales and income. An overall PPR seroprevalence in camels of 3.0% [95% CI: 1.6%, 5.2%] was estimated. Sex (P=0.013) and County (P=0.068) were significantly related to the PPR sero-prevalence. The study found that camel keeping is major source of livelihood and nutrition. Respectively, 92% and 86% of the respondents cited sale of camel milk and camels as major benefits derived from camels. Presence of PPRV antibodies in camels in Kenya suggests that camels may be involved in the circulation of PPRV and underscoring the need for more research to determine the epidemiological role of camels in a multi-host environment.
Keywords: PPR, Camel, Socio-economics, Sero-prevalence

Abstract
Infant’s feeding patterns are important for development and growth; therefore babies are very sensitive to toxic elements, mainly through their food, so in the present study, the concentrations and daily intake of some Toxic Elements (TEs); Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) and Aluminum (Al) were measured in different and random 60 dried infant foods {30 infant formula (0-6 months) and 30 milk-cereal based infant formula (6 months)} which obtained from various supermarkets and pharmacies. The analysis was done using Inductive Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). It could be determined the lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and aluminum by mean values of 0.424±0.006, 0.205±0.003, 0.014±0.0001, 0.298±0.007 and 0.464±0.029 mg/kg in the examined infant milk formula samples and a ranged minimum to maximum concentrations of 0.114-0.177, 0.155-0.293, 0.014-0.015, 0.282-0.310 and 0.287-0.437mg/kg, respectively in the examined milk-cereal based infant formula. Present study indicates that, the greater level of contamination of examined infant formula samples with toxic elements (lead and mercury) surpasses the maximum limit and Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) of these elements. Mercury is over PTDI (0.0005 mg/kg bwt/day) in all milk-cereal based infant formula samples, also arsenic in all examined samples of this type of formula was exceed the maximum limit (0.05 mg/kg) of Indian standard. This investigation shows such types of infant formula need more amendment to set limit of more toxic metals for this sensitive group of population.
Keywords: Infant formula; Toxic elements; Milk-cereal based infant formula; Spectrometer.