Ethiopian Veterinary Journal

Dairy village: the role of veterinary services in unlocking dairy industry potential through assisted reproductive technologies

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The “Dairy Village” concept was designed to overcome the constraints of estrus synchronization and AI particularly associated with eletion of the breeding animals and subsequent management of estrous cows in Ethiopia. All necessary inputs, including sexed semen, were acquired before the fieldwork. The knowledge and skill gaps were identified and addressed with the active involvement of veterinarians and AI technicians who underwent specialized training to ensure proper physical and gynecological examinations during the selection of cows and heifers. Accordingly, a refresher training was delivered on topics of reproductive anatomy and physiology, assessment of ovarian status, semen handling, and insemination at the optimal time to establish pregnancy. Besides, awareness creation seminars were held every year on topics of benefits of reproductive technologies and management of breeding cows to 99 smallholder dairy farmers. Only 578 cows/heifers were found fit for breeding out of the 1262 cows/heifers that were brought for evaluation; including 81 animals that spontaneously showed estrus. A total of 497 cows/heifers were synchronized using a single IM injection of Lutalyse. Animals responding to the treatment (404 cow/heifers) and those spontaneously in estrus (81cows/ heifers) were inseminated using sex- sorted HF semen 18-24hrs into the standing estrus. Pregnancy rate was 80% (388/485) and 287 calves were born (96% female). Results of this project indicate that rigorous gynecological examination during the selection of cows prior to estrus synchronization and judicious application of hormonal treatments can yield improve the success of ES/AI projects under field conditions. Furthermore, the dairy village approach to enhanced milk production through efficient use of sex-sorted semen has generated replacement heifers from superior breed that will substantially improve the livelihoods of village farmers.

Assessment of community knowledge, attitude, and practice towards rabies and its determinants in Kersa District, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Fami Adem, Abebe Belete Bitew, Takele Adugna, Solomon Lulie Abey — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the prevention and control efforts against rabies, it remains a health problem for humans and animals in Ethiopia. A cross- sectional study design was employed from February to July 2022 to assess community knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards rabies and associated factors in the Keresa district of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from 384 households, and logistic regression was employed in the data analysis. Fifty-three percent (95% CI= 47.9-58.1%), 62% (95% CI= 57.3- 66.9%), and 50% (95% CI= 45.1-54.9%) had adequate knowledge, a desirable attitude and good preventative practices towards rabies, respectively. 92.7% (95% CI= 90.1-95.3%) of participants had heard of rabies before, and 52.9% (95% CI= 47.9-58.1) of their primary source of information was the community. Nearly all respondents, 95% (95%CI= 93.8-97.7%), admitted to eating rabid animal flesh, and 56.3% (95%CI= 51-61.5%) believed that eating rabid animal meat may transmit the disease. One-fourth, 25.5% (95%CI=21.1-29.9%) of study participants believed that rabies is related to spirits, and 27.9% (95%CI= 23.4-32.6) claimed that holy water might treat rabies. Sex, level of education, occupation, and training status affect the knowledge of study participants. Age, family size, occupation type, and source of information were all linked to preventive practice, but sex and age were the only variables associated with attitude. Respondents having good knowledge and desirable attitudes had better preventive practices against rabies. Therefore, further awareness and disease-related training are needed for the district population and beyond to improve their knowledge of rabies prevention and control.

Biosecurity level assessment in commercial poultry farms of central Ethiopia

Dejene Tadesse, Zerihun Aseffa, Abebe Wirtu, Teshale Sori — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Proper biosecurity practice is crucial in poultry farming to reduce the risk of diseases. A study was conducted in Adama, Ada’a, and Lume districts, central Ethiopia, to assess the biosecurity measures of commercial poultry farms. A total of 51 farms were randomly selected, and their geographical locations were recorded using GPS devices. The biosecurity level of each farm was assessed using an observation checklist and a biosecurity score. The collected data were analyzed using Stata version 16 for binary data, and QGIS version 3.24.1 was used to map the farms. The results of the study showed that the farms were located close together within 5 km square, 3 km square, and 6 km square areas in Ada’a, Lume, and Adama, respectively. The average distance among the farms was 933.8 meters. The majority of the farms were located within 100 meters of residential areas. Only 58.8% of the farms had adequate space between sheds; 60.8% did not have an adequate drainage system. Ninety-eight percent of the farms obtain chicken from certified breeding enterprises; 92.2% provide underground water for their chickens; 80.4% report frequent cleaning and disinfection of farms; and 82.4% disclose vehicle movement control. Nearly one-third (31.4%) of the farms practice isolation of sick birds but keep them within the same shed where healthy birds are kept. The assessment of biosecurity levels of the study farms revealed that 23.5% (n=12) of the farms had a good biosecurity score, while 76.5% (n=39) had a poor score. The biosecurity scores of the farms showed a statistically significant difference among the study districts (p=0.040), with the Lume district having higher biosecurity scores than Adama and Ada’a districts. The age of the farm owners was significantly associated with the biosecurity score (p=0.003); all farms (100%) owned by individuals aged 20 - 39 had good biosecurity scores, and 80% of those farms owned by individuals aged 40 - 59 had good biosecurity. Farms owned by individuals who have previous chicken-rearing experience had better biosecurity scores than those farms owned by non-experienced owners (p<0.001). Among the farms having professional consultants, 57.7% of them had good biosecurity scores, whereas only 12.0% of farms lacking professional consultants had good biosecurity scores (p=0.015). In conclusion, the study revealed that biosecurity measures were not adequately implemented in poultry farms in central Ethiopia. Farm owners, veterinarians, and livestock authorities must collaborate to implement biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of losses and public health.

Detection of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in central Ethiopia

Sitena Kebede, Belachew Bacha, Belachew Tefera, Gezahegne Mamo — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aflatoxins are a group of structurally related mycotoxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius species as secondary metabolites. Well-known forms of Aflatoxin are AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1, and AFM2. aflatoxin B1 is the most prevalent one. It can be metabolized in the liver and excreted as aflatoxin M1 in milk. Both forms have mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. In Ethiopia, there is limited information on the occurrence and contamination level of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk. The present study was conducted in the Addis Ababa milk shed area to detect and quantify the level of Aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021 on a total of 114 cow milk samples consisting of 60 raw milk and 54 pasteurized milk samples with the aim of detecting and quantifying the amount of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk in central Ethiopia by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using C18 column with fluorescence detector. AFM1 was detected in 79 (69.3%) of the 114 tested milk samples. The maximum and mean concentrations were 0.893 µg/L and 0.0465 µg/L, respectively. 25.4% of them contain AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 µg/L), and 1.8% contained above the maximum limit of CES278 and FDA (0.5 µg/L). 26.7% of the samples from Sebata and 6.7% from Sululta contain above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 µg/L). Higher contamination of AFM1 was detected in pasteurized milk (96.3%) than in raw milk (16.7%). 35.2% of pasteurized and 16% of raw milk contained AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU0.05 µg /L. The study results showed a significant difference in AFM1 occurrence with feed type, storage time, and milk type. The current AFM1 concentration level in raw and pasteurized milk was not safe for human consumption in the study areas. Due to its heat resistance, AFM1 is found in pasteurized milk and has great health effects. Creating awareness of feed management for feed producers and farmers and developing risk mitigation methods are crucial in order to reduce public health threats.

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus and detection of persistently infected (PI) animals in dairy farms of Holeta, central Ethiopia

Worku Birhanu, Asamenew Tesfaye, Yitbarek Getachew, Haileleul Negussie — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important pathogens of the reproductive systems that have a significant socio economic impact on the dairy industry. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 17 randomly selected farms out of 133 registered dairy farms in Holeta, a town in the Walmera district of Ethiopia. The study aimed to detect BVDV antigen-positive animals and investigate the seroprevalence of BVDV infection. A total of 337 serum samples were collected from selected farms with no history of BVDV vaccination. The indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) test was the screening test used to detect antibodies against BVDV. In contrast, antigencapture ELISA was used for the detection of BVDV antigens in seronegative animals. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between potential predictors and BVDV exposure. The overall animal level seroprevalence was 15.4%, and 64.7% of the herds had at least one seropositive animal. From 285 seronegative animals, one animal (0.4%) was found positive for BVDV antigen. The same animal was found positive in a double check 21 days later. In this study, cows with a history of abortion (OR = 6.3; 95% CI: 1.61 -13.1), history of repeated breeding (OR = 7; 95% CI: 2.5 - 14.3), animals managed intensively (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.6 - 13.0) and multiparous cows (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.5 - 8.9) had higher proportion of seroreactors in their respective comparison category (p<0.05). Besides, cows with a history of congenital defective calve birth (OR = 15.2; 95% CI: 3.2 - 73.6), adult age groups (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.0-7.9), and cows bred both artificially and natural mating (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.7 - 12.6) were statistically associated with BVDV seropositivity (p<0.05). In conclusion, this report demonstrated the presence of persistently infected (PI) dairy cattle in Ethiopia. Thus, the findings warrant the need for immediate control intervention that involves both screening and culling of PI animals and vaccination.

Effect of supplementing concentrate mixture with field pea hull on yearling ram lambs of local sheep: Nutrient intake, linear body measurements, and changes in body weight

Getachew Adugna, Berhane Mekete Bogale, Helen Nigussie — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The fattening of sheep has been recognized as a potentially profitable activity in the highlands of Ethiopia. However, feed shortage and increasing prices for conventional feed ingredients and commercially formulated concentrate mixtures critically affect the fattening practice of sheep in the country. So, this feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding field pea hull at different inclusion levels with a concentrate mixture on feed intakes, nutrient utilization, linear body measurements, and body weight gain. Eighteen yearling ram lambs were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were T1 (control), fed native hay adlibitum + concentrate mixture formulated using only conventional feed ingredients (0% field pea hull); T2 and T3 were fed native hay adlibitum + concentrate mixture formulated with inclusion of 35% field pea hull and 50% field pea hull, respectively along with other feed ingredients. The feeding trial was conducted for 90 days. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS, and Turkey’s HSD multiple-comparison was used for means separation. The result showed a significant (p<0.001) variation in dry matter and nutrient intake among treatments. The DMI was the highest in T3, followed by T2, while it was the lowest in T1. The average total neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber intakes and metabolizable energy intake were highest in T3 and followed by T2, while they were the lowest in T1. The average total body weight gain (kg) was higher in T3 (9.0kg) and T2 (8.67kg) than in T1 (6.58kg). Similarly, higher average daily body weight gains were recorded in T3 (100g) and T2 (96.3g) than in T1 (73.2g). Sheep that were fed field pea hull by the inclusion of 50 % in concentrate mixtures (T3) were more efficient in feed utilization (p<0.05) than T1 as they consumed significantly less amount of feed per 1 g of body weight gain. Hence, it is concluded that feeding of 50% field pea hull along with concentrate mixture could be used for better fattening performance of sheep.

Gut microbiota and relevant abundances of Prevotella copri, Lachnospiraceae, Collinsella, Helicobacter cinaedi, Desulfovibrio, and Escherichia coli among cats with Pemphigus foliaceus

Kerem Ural, Hasan Erdogan, Songul Erdogan, Cansu Balikci — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The cat gut-inhabitant conjoint microbiota is a peculiar ecosystem in relationship with several bodily functions and immunity. Gut microbiota dysbiosis could participate within autoimmune disease pathogenesis, whereas its niche, whether causative or influencing role regarding systemic immunity in autoimmune diseases, remains fugitive. The purpose of the present study was to identify gut microbiota alterations and probable mechanisms that participated in the development of Pemphigus foliaceus for a better understanding of future effective therapeutical armamentarium based on gut microbiota. In the present article, the authors investigated gut microbiota alterations to those of eight cats diagnosed with Pemphigus foliaceus. Furthermore, the study thoroughly analyzed pathogenic bacteria species as triggers of autoimmunity. The diagnostic algorithm involved two distinct sides: i) on referral with the first criteria was proof of evidence for possible autoimmunity, and ii) Pemphigus foliaceus diagnosis with relevant analytes. A total of eight cats were enrolled, and gut microbiomes were detected by the use of the MIDOG All-in-One Microbial Test targeting Next-Generation DNA Sequencing. By this methodology, we analyzed the dysbiosis network for bacterial kingdoms and determined the relationship between disease activity related to Pemphigus foliaceus and gut microbiota. The data showed increasing abundances of Collinsella, Lachnospiroceae, and Escherichia coli and decreasing Desulfovibrio piger, Prevotella copri, and Helicobacter cianedi among cats with pemphigus foliaceus. For the first time in Turkey, the gut microbiota of cats with pemphigus foliaceus were detected, the results of which could be cautiously taken into consideration for novel and effective therapeutical approaches.

Isolation and identification of Brucella abortus and B. melitensis in ruminants with a history of abortion: the first report from Eritrea

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Brucella species have never been isolated or documented in Eritrea. The present study was initiated to isolate and identify Brucella species that infect livestock in Eritrea. A total of 316 blood sera, 137 milk, 71 vaginal swabs, a placental cotyledon, and a fetal stomach content were sampled from 208 goat, 102 sheep, and 6 cattle. Series testing protocol starting with Rose Bengal plate test, followed by c-ELISA, culturing, and then multiplex AMOS-PCR was followed. The purpose-sampling strategy was applied, and animals with a history of abortion in the last three weeks were sampled to increase the probability of capturing Brucella species. Isolation was conducted on Burcella media agar, and Brucella broth was added with Brucella selective supplement containing 2,500IU polymyxin B, 12,500IU bacitracin, 50.0 mg cycloheximide, 2.5mg nalidixic acid, 50,000 IU nystatin, and 10.0 mg vancomycin. Accordingly, 41 animals were positive for a series of serological tests. The overall Brucella seropositive detection proportion was 13.0%, and goats constituted the majority 78% (n=32). The highest number of positive samples were from the Maekel region. Six Brucella organisms were successfully isolated from two milk samples, two vaginal swabs, one placental cotyledon, and one fetal stomach content obtained from seropositive animals. Among the Brucella isolates, five were B. melitensis, while the remaining one was B. abortus as per the multiplex AMOS- PCR assay. The present study documented the first B. abortus and B. melitensis isolates in Eritrea. Milk, vaginal discharges, placental cotyledon, and aborted fetus were identified as sources of Brucella for livestock and livestock keepers. Besides, the findings highlight a reasonable proportion of the reproductive disorders in cattle and small ruminants could be due to brucellosis. This calls for public sector intervention to control the diseases in animals and to enhance community awareness of good practices such as drinking boiled milk and avoiding contact with infected tissues and body discharges to prevent potential public health risks from zoonosis.

Identification of major protozoal enteropathogens causing calf diarrhea in dairy farms in and around Holeta Town, Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia

Diriba Girmaye, Akinaw Wagari, Teshita Edaso Beriso — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Calf diarrhea can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and intestinal parasites. Giardia, Eimeria, and Cryptosporidium are the most significant protozoan parasites and are all individually and ollectively infectious. A case-series study was carried out in and around Holeta dairy farms, Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia, from November 2017 to April 2018 to identify the main protozoan enteropathogens from diarrheic calves. Samples were purposely collected from three dairy farms: Serkalem Dairy Farm (SDF), Holeta Agricultural Research Centre (HARC), and Ada Berga Agricultural Research Centre (ABARC). A total of 93 fecal samples were taken from diarrheic calves of up to 4 months of age. Protozoan enteropathogens were identified using flotation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining methods. Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia were detected in 44 (47.3%), 50 (53.8%), and 34 (36.6%) of the diarrheic fecal samples examined, respectively. The findings indicated that there were 17 (18.27%) cases of Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia as mixed infections, 16 (17.2%) cases of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria, 5 (5.4%) cases of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and 4 (4.3%) cases of Eimeria and Giardia, compared to 13 (13.97%), 6 (6.45%), and 5 (5.4%) cases of Cryptosporidium, Eimeria and Giardia as single infections, respectively. The selected farms had significant prevalence levels of three common protozoa: Eimeria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. Further molecular research is required to identify the species and genotype levels of protozoal enteropathogens and related risk factors.