Research Opinions in Animal & Veterinary Sciences 

About: Research Opinions in Animal & Veterinary Sciences is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Feed conversion ratio & Dairy cattle. Over the lifetime, 333 publications have been published receiving 1076 citations.

Modification of productive performance and physiological aspects of broilers on the addition of a mixture of cumin and turmeric to the diet

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the performance of broilers fed diets supplemented with a mixture of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa). A total of 300 (Arbor-Acres) day old chicks were used in this study. Five levels of a mixture cumin and turmeric at the rate of 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1% were incorporated into the basal diet for six weeks. Feeding period for all groups was lasted for 42 days. Results revealed that the inclusion of cumin and turmeric mixture at levels of 0.75% and 1% in the diets improved body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. At the same time the cumin and turmeric mixture of 0.75% and 1% depressed the cholesterol, Hb, RBC, WBC, and H/L ratio concentration. It was concluded that the use of mixture containing cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) as feed additive at levels 0.75% and 1% enhanced the overall performance of broiler chicks.

A concept paper on novel technologies boosting production and safeguarding health of humans and animals.

Abstract: In this review, perspective roles and applications of molecular tools and techniques boosting production potentials and protection from economically important diseases are discussed. Importance of advent in genetic engineering, designer products, disease resistant plants and animals, advanced diagnostics, networking programmes, effective and safer vaccines as well as novel and emerging therapies are highlights of the review. The production of designer foods along with progress in ‘Omics’ as well as analytical fields contributed immensely for safeguarding health of livestock. For plunging losses caused to plant and animal population from pathogens, numerous methods are being adopted by biologists for engineering resistant breeds of animals and plants during last two decades. Advancements have been made in development of innovative detection methods (including modification of polymerase chain reaction) which have contributed in clinical decision making procedures and to determine the molecular epidemiology. Several new generation vaccines viz. DNA vaccines, reverse genetics vaccines, vector based vaccines, protein or peptide-based vaccines, gene-deleted vaccines and chimeric vaccines etc. have been developed or are under developmental phase for combating a wide array of diseases. Mapping for location of herds and flocks, enrichment of knowledge of epidemiologists and diagnosticians, clinicians along with researchers has become possible with the advancement of geographical information system (GIS). In addition bacteriophage, virophage, cytokine, probiotics as well as herbal, nutritional, immunomodulation therapy and cow (panchgavya) therapy have proved to be beneficial. Among them many are cost-effective and cause only minimal adverse reactions. This review gives a brief presentation of all the important innovative technologies boosting production and safeguarding health of humans and animals.

Retrospective study on sero-epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants before its official confirmation in northern Tanzania in 2008

Abstract: A retrospective sero-epidemiological investigation of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was carried out in Ngorongoro district, situated in northern part of Tanzania and bordering Kenya. The study involved collection of field information from 101 respondents who own goats and sheep in four villages which had experienced a ‘rinderpest-like’ syndrome in domestic small ruminants between first suspected cases of PPR in 1995 and official confirmation of the disease in Tanzania in 2008. A total number of 198 serum samples from goats and sheep collected in 1998 and 2004 for different research projects or suspected disease investigation were retrieved from the Veterinary Investigation centre (VIC) Arusha and subjected to competitive ELISA test for detecting antibodies to PPR virus. Findings of this study suggest that PPR was in northern Tanzania at least four years before official confirmation and reporting based on clinico-pathological grounds, local field-based reports from livestock field officers and District Veterinary Officer. The seroprevalence of PPR from 198 serum samples analysed was 12.6% with the serum samples collected from suspected PPR cases showing significantly (p=0.000) higher seroprevalence (71.4%) than that in samples collected for investigation of other diseases (5.7%). Interviewed farmers were aware of PPR including clear description of clinical signs of the disease. Although farmers were aware of efforts made to control the disease, only 32% of them had their animals vaccinated against PPR. The low vaccination coverage suggests continued prevalence of PPR in the study area. It is concluded that there is limited capacity with respect to veterinary disease surveillance, reporting and control of transboundary and emerging diseases which need to be addressed in the country.

The effect of in ovo injection of grape seed extract and vitamin C on hatchability, antioxidant activity, yolk sac weight, performance and ileal micro flora of broiler chickens.

Abstract: The influence of in ovo administration of grape seed extract (GSE) and vitamin C on hatchability, glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), yolk sac weight, performance and ileal microflora of broiler chickens were investigated in broiler. A total of 490 fertile eggs were divided into seven groups: control group (not punctured nor treated with additive), control group (penetrated with no additive), sham group (normal saline, 0.5 ml/egg), GSE (3 mg/egg), GSE (4.5 mg/egg), GSE (6 mg/egg) and vitamin C (3 mg/egg). Experimental preparations were injected into eggs at day 18 of incubation period. Hatched chicks were raised till 10 days of age. In ovo injection of 4.5 mg GSE/egg significantly increased hatchability and GPx activity. However, there were no significant differences among day-old weight, yolk sac weight and mortality of chicks. In ovo administration of 4.5 mg GSE or vitamin C increased average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of chickens compared to control groups. Further, In ovo injection of 4.5, 6 mg GSE or 3 mg vitamin C decreased ileal population of Coliforms and E. Coli. In conclusion, in ovo injection of 4.5 mg GSE/egg injected on 18 d of incubation has positive effect on broiler chickens and has no adverse effect on the performance of birds during starter period.

Panchgavya therapy (Cowpathy) in safeguarding health of animals and humans - A review

Abstract: All the living creatures on the earth are made up of the five elements of nature, i.e. the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space which are all together called as Panchabhootas and their health is affected by Tridoshas, viz., Vadha (air), Pitha (fire) and Kapha (Phlegm). The use of cow derived products has been mentioned in the Vedas and various researchers and scientists have found them to be rich source of essential elements as well as minerals and hormones. For this reason the use of Panchgavya (term used to describe five major substances obtained from cow that include: cow's urine, milk, ghee, curd and dung) and its products is gaining popularity. Panchgavya Therapy/Chikitsa (Cowpathy) has been proposed as an alternate prophylactic and therapeutic approach for sound livestock and poultry health along with safeguarding human health. Its antimicrobial properties have gained the attention of the medical and veterinary professionals. Copper is capable of destroying diseases and comprehensively act as an antidote; plays role in immune enhancement; capable of removing all the ill effects and imbalances in the body and requires special mention in the treatment of diabetes and cancer; in case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and as an antifungal agent. Cow urine concoction (CUC) is having anticonvulsant and hypoglycemic effects; and useful against liver disorders and fever; inflammations and anemia. Cow milk is considered as a healthy food and is found to be effective in curing fever and pain; tumors; diabetes; kidney disorders and weaknesses and importantly act as a medium to administer medicine. Milk has also got fungicidal properties; when used with leaves of medicinal herbs possess aphrodisiac property and milk fat has anticancer activities. Milk products viz. toned and skimmed milk; lassi, yoghurt, cottage cheese and khoa possess essential medicinal properties. Curd (dahi) is a blood purifier, and found useful in blood related problems; piles and gastro-intestinal disorders. Cow ghee has immunostimulatory properties. The application of cow dung to kill the germs of malaria and tuberculosis along with its antifungal properties require special mention. This review deals with all these versatile qualities of the components of panchgavya for safeguarding health of animals and humans.