Abstract
In vitro embryo production (IVEP) has been used to improve of cattle genotypes in many parts of the world. However IVEP is not without some challenges. Oocyte developmental competence is a key area affecting IVEP and it is associated with the glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity and follicle size. Ovarian follicular dynamics differ between B. indicus and B. taurus, which may influence oocyte competence. This study sought to evaluate the effect of follicle size on G6PDH activity and oocyte developmental competence in the Boran (African Zebu breed) cattle using brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining. Oocytes were collected from Boran cows at slaughter, their follicles were measured and classified into 3 groups; 1-3mm, >3-6mm and >6mm in diameter. Cumulus oocytes complexes (COC) were exposed to BCB stain for 1 hour and observed for cytoplasmic coloration. Those that retained the blue coloration (BCB positive) were deemed competent (low activity of G6PDH) while those that did not have any cytoplasmic coloration (BCB negative) were deemed incompetent (high activity of G6PDH). Higher proportion (P<0.01) of BCB positive oocytes was found in >6mm follicles (81.1%) than in 1-3mm (73.1%) and >3-6 mm (76.5%) follicles. BCB positive oocytes from 1-3 mm follicles had higher (P<0.05) blastocyst rate (18.94%) than BCB negative oocytes (9.7%), however no significant difference was found in their cleavage rates (P > 0.05). No difference in cleavage and blastocyst rates was found between BCB positive and negative oocytes from follicles with >3-6 mm in diameter. The cleavage and blastocysts rates with BCB positive oocytes increased as follicle diameter increased. In conclusion, in Boran cows as follicle size increases the activity of G6PDH decreases in the whereas COC developmental competence increases and follicles as small as 1-3 mm in diameter are able of producing developmentaly competent oocytes.
Keywords: In vitro embryo production, Boran cow, Brilliant Cresyl Blue, Follicle size

Abstract
Although laminitis is seen in bovine species, due to its numerous etiological factors it is generally undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed to be some other condition. At the same time, no confirmation could be given by laboratory method other than histamine analysis. Histamine is the confirmatory blood cytokine for laminitis, as the disease is due to production of higher level of blood histamine. But histamine analysis is expensive and not easily available; therefore, the study was conducted to find out a diagnostic index for confirmatory and low cost diagnosis of bovine laminitis. Private dairy farms in and around Khanapara, Guwahati of Assam was considered for the study. Blood samples for haematological and biochemical studies were collected from 12 clinically healthy and 12 acute laminitis animals; animals were selected after preliminary survey. Parameters studied were Haemoglobin (Hb), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC), serum glucose, serum glucose, Calcium and Phosphorus (Ca and P). Serum Calcium & ESR values were found to increase significantly along with Eosinophilia and Neutrophilia in animals suffering from laminitis. On the other hand there was significant decrease in serum glucose in the diseased animals compared to control group. The results were statistically analyzed using Discriminant Analysis method. It provides a model base decision support in identifying an animal as normal or laminitis on the basis of blood parameters through the Discriminant function. Presence or absence of laminitis can be ascertained by putting values of different blood parameters in the Discriminant function as aid to posterior classification of normal or laminitis animal on the basis of blood sample in future. It could be concluded that the findings of the present investigation provides a diagnostic index or an easier way for ascertaining presence or absence of Laminitis by using average value of blood parameters.
Keywords: Bovine laminitis, Haematological and biochemical parameter, Discriminent analysis, Diagnostic index

Abstract
Electron microscopic studies on thymus of layer chicken were done in various age groups ranging from day-old to forty weeks. The thymic gland in chicken showed a thin connective tissue capsule. In thymic parenchyma, lymphocytes or thymocytes, retiucloepithelial cells, myoid cells and macrophages were the predominant component and the other cell types occasionally observed were erythrocytes, granulocytes, mast cells and plasma cells. Three types of reticuloepithelial cells were observed. The Hassall’s corpuscles were composed of concentrically arranged reticuloepithelial cells. The centre of the corpuscles appeared either solid or cystic. The myoid cells were found mainly in the medulla. Intracellular and intercellular cysts were observed in association with the Hassall’s corpuscles in all the age groups. The onset of involution was observed in twenty week-old birds and marked involutary changes were noticed in forty weeks.
Keywords: Electronmicroscpic study, Thymus, Chicken

Abstract
Biting midges (Culicoides nubeculosis), is a vector of Bluetongue virus which causes Bluetongue disease in man and domesticated ruminants. World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory assays were used to evaluate effects of temperature on susceptibility of Culicoides nubeculosis to deltamethrin. In ‘treatment temperature experiment’, the effect of temperature was observed for 24 hours following an hour exposure of C. nubeculosis to varying concentrations of deltamethrin while in ‘24 hours post treatment temperature experiment’, effect of temperature was observed for 24 hours of 1 hour exposure of C. nubeculosis to test insecticide. Subsequent experiments with C. nubeculosis that survived after 24 hours post-exposure to sub-lethal doses of deltamethrin as well as control group were used to evaluate blood-feeding and egg production rates. Results indicated significant effects on mortality of biting midges in post treatment temperature experiment but insignificant in treatment temperature experiments. The difference in blood feeding rates between deltamethrin-exposed biting midges and the control group was statistically insignificant (P>.05) but eggs laid by control group were significantly more in number than those lay by exposed (P<.05). These results will be useful in vector control of bluetongue viral infections in humans and ruminants. Keywords: Dromedary, Lachrymal gland, Morphological study

Abstract
A classification of traditional slaughterhouses and butcher shops based on microbiological characteristics of beef was conducted in the northern Cameroon. All across this area, 6 traditional slaughterhouses and 18 traditional butcher shops were selected for the study. 125 samples were collected using the “wet and dry” method. Microbiological analyses showed significant contamination of carcasses in slaughterhouses, with average concentrations of 4.03±0.8 log cfu/cm2; 2.26±0.8 log cfu/cm2; 0.37±0.55 log cfu/cm2 and 2.2±1.02 log cfu/cm2 for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci, anaerobic sulphur-reducing bacteria and thermo tolerant coliforms, respectively. In the distribution process, bacterial densities were still increasing with average values of 4.84±1.06 log cfu/cm2 (mesophilic aerobic bacteria); 2.95±1.1 log cfu/cm2 (coagulase-positive staphylococci); 0.87±0.83 log cfu/cm2 (anaerobic sulphur-reducing bacteria) and 2.83±0.97 log cfu/cm2 (thermo tolerant coliforms). Multivariate analyses revealed that the traditional slaughterhouses in Guider, Garoua and K. Djolao produced the least contaminated carcasses compared to those in Pitoa (Garoua annex). The slaughterhouse in Manwi provided to butcher shops carcasses with high microbial densities. In the distribution process, meat from Ngaoundere and Garoua slaughterhouses was more contaminated than that coming from the slaughterhouses in Maroua, Guider and Pitoa (Garoua annex). This classification indicates that improving the hygienic quality of meat produced and distributed traditionally in the northern Cameroon depends on an utmost application of hygienic practices mainly linked to the process of production and distribution but also to the improvement of staff management involved in the different systems.
Keywords: Slaughterhouse, butcher shops, traditional, beef, bacterial contamination, northern Cameroon

Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals; it affects cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, goats and about 70 wildlife species, e.g. African buffaloes. The disease has been present in almost every part of the world where livestock are kept. It can cause enormous economic losses when incursions occur into countries which are normally disease free. In addition, it has long-term effects within countries where the disease is endemic due to reduced animal productivity and the restrictions on international trade in animal products. In this study twenty two tissue samples from naturally infected cattle with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type ‘O’ from different parts of Assam was examined for isolation of the virus in baby hamster kidney-21 (BHK-21) clone 13 cell line. Antigenic relationship of the isolated strains of FMDV with vaccine strain (IND R2/75) were carried out by calculation of the relative homology value (‘r’) from liquid phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) and two dimensional micro neutralization test (2D-MNT). Out of 22 samples 8 isolates of FMDV was obtained. Five isolates were closely related with the vaccine strain as determined by LPBE. The 2D-MNT reveled that all the field isolates were closely related with the vaccine strain. The results suggest that the vaccine strain might confer protection against the field strains of FMD type ‘O’ virus.
Keywords: Antigenic relationship, Assam, FMD virus type O, Vaccine strain

Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the comparative efficacy of neem oil, tobacco, and ivermectin against ectoparasites in Black Bengal goats. Twenty five goats of both genders infested with ticks were randomly divided into 5 equal groups (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4). Group T0 kept as control group and group T1 treated with 4 ml of neem oil topically applied in the affected area of the body once daily for 28 days. In group T2, goats were treated once daily for 28 days with 1% tobacco leaves. In group T3, goats were treated once daily for 28 days with neem oil and tobacco leaves (spray) combined with the dose rate at 4 ml neem oil and 1% tobacco leaves. In group T4, ivermectin was administered at a dose rate of 200 ?g/kg body weight subcutaneously on day 0 and 14. The efficacy of neem oil (56.25%), tobacco leaves (60%), neem oil and tobacco leaves combined (68.96%) and ivermectin 100% on the basis of disappearance of ticks. Percentage of total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) increased (p<0.01) at 21 and 28 days of post treatment. Our study suggests that neem, tobacco and combination of both may be used against tick infestation in goats instead of ivermectin. Keywords: Neem, Tobacco, Ivermectin, Ticks, Black Bengal goat

Abstract
The aim of the present investigation was to compare the efficacy of the steroids administered by inhalation and parenteral route in lambs with experimentally induced endotoxemia. In this study, 19 lambs were used at 2 months of age. Seven groups were designed as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (n=3), LPS+budesonide (BUD) (n=3), LPS+BUD+enrofloxacin (ENR)+trimethoprim-sulfadoxine (TM-SD) (n=3), LPS+dexamethasone (DEX) (n=2), LPS+DEX+ENR+TM-SD (n=2), LPS+flunixine meglumine (FM)+ENR+TM-SD (n=3), and control (n=3). While increase in serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in LPS group was found, significant decrease in serum TNF-? in all treatment groups was determined (P<0.05). Serum IL-6 level in LPS+BUD and LPS+BUD+ENR+TM-SD groups reached the level of control group compared to that of other groups (P<0.05). While lung tissue malondialdehyde level (MDA) in the LPS group increased, MDA level of all treatment groups reached the level of control group (P<0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and total glutathione (GSH) level in all treatment groups was significantly increased compared to those of LPS group (P<0.05). Histopathological examination showed intra-alveolar haemorrhage, congestion areas, and adhesive leukocyte density of pulmonary veins in the lung sections of LPS group. In LPS+BUD and LPS+BUD+ENR+TM-SD groups, increase in local intra-alveolar haemorrhage, dense congestion areas, and adhesive leukocytes and dilatation of pulmonary capillaries were detected. It was observed that in LPS+DEX, LPS+DEX+ENR+TM-SD and LPS+FM+ENR+TM-SD groups, congestion became dense in specific areas, and intra-alveolar haemorrhage and adhesive leukocyte density was lower. It was concluded that steroids administered by inhalation and parenteral route had similar effects on serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and tissue oxidative stress markers in lambs with experimentally induced endotoxemia and that both steroid groups can be beneficial in the treatment of endotoxemia. Keywords: Cytokine, Dexamethasone, Endotoxemia, Inhaler steroid, Lamb, Oxidative stress

Abstract
Follicular dynamics is one of the most important subjects in ovarian physiology. In cows and heifers, it is characterized by waves of follicular growth and regression. This has been largely studied in European breeds while studies on Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) are limited. Differences between breeds of cattle exist and this information has been used to establish correct ovulation parameters and management procedures for these breeds. This study aimed at investigating the follicular dynamics of the Kenyan Boran cow (Bos indicus) during its estrous cycle.
Follicular developmental characteristics were evaluated using a 5.0-7.5 Megahertz (MHz) linear array portable ultrasound device. Transrectal scanning was done daily for a period of two consecutive estrous cycles in 15 Boran Cows. Predominantly, the cows exhibited three (70.59%) follicular waves per cycles while a smaller population of the cows (25.53%) exhibited two follicular waves per cycle. Of the animals used, (5.88%) had four follicular waves per cycle. The pre-ovulatory dominant follicle size for the Kenyan Boran cow was recorded as 13.56±1.73 mm and was higher than the diameter of all the other dominant follicles. The duration of dominance of wave one was approximately three days longer and the onset of atresia of the first wave occurred approximately two days later in two-wave cycle animals than in three-wave cycle animals (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in cows with different waves per cycle. This study observed that like in other Boran breeds the follicular dynamics in the Kenyan Boran cow are characterized by a higher incidence of cycles that have three follicular waves associated with a short persistence of the dominant follicle of the first wave. Keywords: Boran cow, atresia, folliculogenesis, ultrasonography

Abstract
Most Kenyan farmers are in need of services to improve their cattle breeds. The artificial insemination and bull services are the only available options to improve these breeds. A study was conducted to determine constraints associated to the use of breeding services in Kenya. The methods used to collect the data included random survey using questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informant interviews. It was noted that the artificial insemination was the most preferred mode of service when compared to bull service. However bull service was more used than artificial insemination, indicating that farmers do not always use what they preferred. Bull service was preferred mostly because it was cheap while artificial insemination was preferred for offering breed variety. There was a high proportion of cross breed cattle suggesting that Kenyan farmers are inclined towards improving their cattle breeds. Larger land sizes production systems were associated with more use of bull service. Households that had used artificial insemination had more cross breed cattle with more number of cows producing more milk. The main constraints to use of artificial insemination cited were availability of service and its associated costs. However other constraints cited included lack of breed varieties, non-conception leading to repeat services, service provider non-responsiveness, information asymmetries and farmer cash availability. Other external constraints cited were inadequate credit facilities and infrastructure. It emerged from this study that there is need to provide information to farmers to help them in making confident decisions in order to maximise the benefits of a service. In particular it was felt that it is necessary to train farmers on breeding management, especially on monitoring of heat of the cow and consequent planning for the breeding service so as to overcome cash flow constraints. A multifaceted approach to all the constraints could be used in Kenya to improve use of artificial insemination for enhanced breeding service.
Keywords: Cattle, Breeding service, Constraints, Kenya

Abstract
Twenty–four Yankasa rams aged 2 – 3 years and weighed between 30.50 and 30.60kg were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 6 animals per group which were further divided into three replicates of two rams each and used to determine the effect of Pergonal® on haematology, immune/leucocyte status and serum metabolites. These groups were assigned to 4 levels of Pergonal injection as treatments. The doses were 0.00 U/L, 57.78 U/L, 118.50 U/L and 173.34 U/L Pergonal® represented as T1 T2, T3 and T4 respectively. All the treatments were administered by intramuscular injections. The results of this study showed that apart from mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobinconcentration (MCHC), the haematological, and serum biochemical parameters, and immune status of Yankasa rams may be affected when 57.78 U/L or more of Pergonal are used for induction of spermatogenesis. These parameters should be constantly monitored during Pergonal administration in Yankasa rams.
Keywords: Pergonal, blood profile, Yankasa rams

Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is one of the emerging zoonotic foodborne pathogens with great public health importance. It can be found in the faecal flora of a wide variety of animals. The present study was under taken to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of STEC from cattle and pig faecal samples. The prevelance of STEC from cattle fecal samples was recorded as 12(16.21%) out of 74 Escherichia coli isolates and in pig it was recorded to be 6(6.74%) out of 89 Escherichia coli isolates. In- vitro susceptibility testing of STEC isolates from cattle against 15 different antimicrobial agents showed highest sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin (100%) followed by norfloxacin (91.67%), chloramphenicol (83.33%), nalidixic acid (83.33%), co- trimoxazol (75%) and cephotaxim (66.67%), gentamicin (58.33%), streptomycin (58.33%), enrofloxacin (41.67%), tetracycline (33.33%) and amoxicillin (16.67%). Resistance pattern was seen towards amikacin, ampicillin, furazolidone and cloxacillin. While STEC isolates from pigs showed highest sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (100%) followed by norfloxacin (100%), chloramphenicol (83.33%), cephotaxime (83.33%), nalidixic acid (66.67%), co-trimoxazole (66.67%), gentamicin (50%), streptomycin (33.33%), enrofloxacin (33.33%), amoxicillin (16.67%) and tetracycline (16.67%). The resistance pattern was seen towards amikacin, furazolidone, ampicillin and cloxacillin. The resistance pattern of the bacterial strain against number of antibiotics has become one of the major public health concerns.
Keywords: Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli, Sensitivity, Emergence, Susceptibility, Resistance

Abstract
Possibility of using of 83 species form 32 families in veterinary medicine have been established during and personal studies and interviews in various botanical-geographical districts of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. These are mainly have purgative effects with stringent and anti-inflammatory actions and have mucous substances in the composition, which regulating of digestion and treatment of plant diseases. More than 20 species of the Asteraceae family has first position between representatives.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, non-Traditional, gastroenterostomy, veterinary

Abstract
Dairy cows experience plentiful modifications during the transition from last stage of pregnancy to early lactation. This phase is essential in ascertaining soundness, output, and profitability of the dairy farms. The aim of this study is to describe variations of selected biochemical parameters throughout” transition” phase. A total number of 160 blood samples were collected from approximately 20 dairy cows from the 4th week prepartum until the 4th week postpartum. These samples were used for evaluation of serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, Non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), liver enzymes during this period. The findings of this research assert that transition period had major effect on different blood metabolites.
Keywords: Parturition, blood metabolites, NEFA, liver enzymes

Abstract
Lantana camara poisoning in cattle is very frequently encountered in Assam of India. This communication seems to be the first report of successful use of banana stem (Musa balbisiana) for management of clinical cases of Lantana camara poisoning in cattle. Clinical cases reported to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex of Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science were considered for the present investigation. Clinical symptoms recorded were photosensitization, sloughing of skin of different parts of body, icterus etc. Diagnosis was done on the basis of careful anamnesis, clinical investigation and blood reports. Blood analysis revealed very high level of AST (165µ/L), ALT (69µ/L), serum bilirubin (13.9mg/dl), BUN (42mg/dl) and creatinine (2.8mg/dl) at pre treatment estimation. The white banana stem, obtained after removal of few layers of base of the leaves were allowed to feed ad-libitum as curative therapy as well as sole feed along with Anistamine (Chlorpheniramine maliate at the dose rate of 100mg/day) injections, Intalyte (20% dextrose with electrolytes) at the dose rate of 20 ml/kg as supportive therapy. All cows responded well to the given treatment regimen and returned to normal or nearing normal within 10 to 15 days post treatment. Blood parameters analyzed substantially returned towards normal after treatment. Therefore, it could be concluded that in Lantana camara poisoning in cattle pseudo stem of Musa balbisiana can effectively be used as only feed as well as therapeutic due to its hepatoprotective and strong antioxidant properties.
Keywords: Lantana camara, Photosensitization, Icterus, Musa Balbisiana stem