Incidence of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Livestock of Pothohar Plateau Punjab, Pakistan

Authors : Wasim Abbas ; Misbah Khan ; Javeria ; Rabia Khalil ; Adeela Sharif ; Munir Hussain ; Amanullah Kakar

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjav.44.103.107

Abstract:
Mycoplasma mycoides variant mycoides causes contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), an important infectious disease of cattle’s respiratory system. To determine the prevalence of CBPP, a cross-sectional study was done in the Pothohar plateau (districts Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum) Punjab. Using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 850 serum samples were tested for specific antibodies against M. mycoides subspecies mycoides. Age, gender, and breed were all examined as potential risk factors. The overall prevalence in this study was 17.65%. CBPP prevalence was 14.62%, 17.50%, and 20.32% in districts Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum, respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05). Gender and breed were not substantially connected with the animal’s serological status (P<0.05) among the investigated putative predisposing factors, however age was strongly associated with CBPP positivity (P<0.05). Positivity was highest in animals over 7 years of age (27.78%), followed by 4-6 years of age (15.65%), and lowest in animals under 4 years of age (13.33%). This study establishes the prevalence of CBPP in the state, which could pose a threat to the state’s cattle export market and necessitates the development of control measures to reduce the disease’s economic losses.

Temperature – Humidity Index (THI) of Rabbits in a Tropical Environment as Influenced by Dietary Cocoa Pod Husk Meal

Authors : Ozung P. O.

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjav.44.97.102

Abstract:
The temperature – humidity index (THI) of cross bred rabbits fed differently processed forms of cocoa pod husk meal based – diets was evaluated using sixty animals (24 bucks and 36 does with mean body weight of 606.42±1.30g). Twelve experimental diets were formulated containing raw, fermented and hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 percent levels each. The rabbits were subjected to nine weeks feeding trial in a completely randomized design during which records of daily ambient temperature and relative humidity were taken using digital thermometer (LCD Digital Thermo - Hygrometer, model MT - 3 with sensor for indoor/outdoor temperatures and relative humidity display at the same time) throughout the study period.  The rectal temperature of each rabbit was taken twice at 3 – 4 days interval on a weekly basis with the aid of a clinical thermometer (Ocean med+ England model). The thermometer was inserted into the rectum of the rabbits to a certain depth and reading was taken after 50 – 55 seconds when the mercury level stopped rising. The THI was calculated using appropriate formula. Results showed that the average rectal temperature was between 38.30° and 38.63 ℃ while the mean indoor and outdoor temperatures were 29.27 ± 0.04° and  28.72±0.18℃ respectively and relative humidity of the rabbitry was 39.30±0.51% with the THI at 26.44; which was less than the critical value of 27.80, implying absence of heat stress. The study concluded that feeding raw, fermented and hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal based-diets up 37.5 % to rabbits will not imposed additional heat load (heat stress) on the animals in the tropics and therefore establishes the THI of rabbits in a typical tropical environment as 26.44. Farmers are strongly advised to adopt this agro – industrial by –product in diets meant for rabbits in the tropics.