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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SHEANUT CAKE (Vitellaria paradoxa) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF CROSSBRED (LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE X DESI) PIGS(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2012-11) SUDEESH, D; SURESH, J (Major); SREEDHAR, S; RAMANA, J.VABSTRACT : In a completely randomized design, the effect of replacing DORB with sheanut cake at 0 (T-1), 50 (T-2), 75 (T-3) and 100% (T-4) in growers (15-35 kg body weight) and finishers (35-70 kg body weight) on the growth performance , nutrient utilization, serum metabolite profile and carcass characteristics were studied using 24 crossbred (LWY x Desi) pigs. During grower phase the number of days taken (56, 71.6, 91.8 and 92), average daily gain (362, 282, 224 and 219) and feed/kg gain (3.31, 4.11, 4.85 and 5.04) decreased significantly (P<0.01) as the level of inclusion of SNC increased in T-1 to T-4 fed rations, respectively. The digestibility of DM and nitrogen retention expressed as g/d, as % of intake or as % of absorbed decreased (P<0.01) as the level of inclusion of SNC in the rations increased. The cost of the ration/kg weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) lower in T-1 (Rs. 55.22) than in T-2 (65.75), T-3 (76.28) or T-4 (76.82) fed pigs. During the finisher phase also increase in number of days taken to reach target weight, decrease in ADG (g), and increased in feed/kg gain was observed and the values were 93, 95, 105 and 156 (number of days), 395, 384, 334 and 223 (ADG) and 3.60, 4.99, 6.15 and 7.25 (feed/kg gain) in pigs fed T-1 to T-4, respectively and the differences among the treatments were significant. The digestibility of DM, OM and CP decreased while the N retention expressed as g/d, % of intake or % of absorbed was also decreased (P<0.01) in pigs fed diets containing sheanut cake (T-2 to T-4) than those fed T-1. The cost of feed/kg gain (Rs.) was 60.07, 77.41, 92.35 and 103.94 in pigs fed T-1 to T-4, respectively. For the overall growth study, a similar trend of increase in number of days taken to target weight (149,167, 197 and 248), decrease in ADG (379.6, 331.1, 282.5 and 220.4) and increase in feed/kg gain (3.50,4.67,5.67 and 6.45) was observed in pigs fed T-1 to T-4, respectively. The cost of feed/kg gain (Rs.) was significantly (P<0.01) increased from 57.81 (T-1) to 73.15 (T-2), 86.47 (T-3) and 94.11 (T-4).ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2011) SARITHA, G; SHOBHAMANI, B (Major); SREEDEVI, B; SREENIVASULU, DAbstract: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute highly contagious and rapidly spreading transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats. The disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality in susceptible animals. It causes severe losses to small ruminant production. Hence a modest attempt has been made to study PPR in Andhra Pradesh with respect to epidemiological status, sero-prevalence, antigen detection and evaluation of efficacy of PPR live attenuated vaccine. The sero-prevalence of PPR was studied by screening 803 sera samples from sheep (398) and goats (405) belonging to 5 different districts of Andhra Pradesh during the period from December 2010 to April 2011. The overall sero-prevalence of PPR in sheep and goat of the present study was 67.87 per cent. Among the districts sero-prevalence ranged from 49.25 to 89.07 per cent. Species wise sero-prevalence of PPR in sheep and goats was 65.32 and 70.37 per cent, respectively. The sero-prevalence was higher (80.65%) in 13-45 months old followed by 4-12 months (67.83%) old sheep and goat. Out of 195 clinical samples (nasal swabs and tissues) tested, the PPR antigen was detected in 66 samples with an overall prevalence of 33.84 per cent. The antigen prevalence (tissues and swabs) was relatively higher (34.52%) in goats than in sheep (33.33%). In the present study 47 flocks (94%) were found positive for PPR antibodies out of 50 flocks (sheep and goats) screened, whereas both the antigen and antibody were detected in 29 flocks (69.04%) out of 42 flocks tested. However in 3 flocks neither antigen nor antibody was detected. Reference vaccine virus as well as clinical samples, including nasal swab and liver tissue showed amplification of approximately 351 bp which is specific to PPRV. However no amplification was observed in the nasal swab collected from apparently healthy sheep. Antibody response to PPR live-attenuated vaccine was studied at Livestock Research station, Palamaner. Results showed that mean PI values in all age groups (G-I, G-II and G-III) gradually increased until 90 days (maximum period of observation) of post immunization, indicating initiation of antibody response to vaccine in field condition. Further studies are required to determine the duration of immunity of PPR live attenuated vaccine.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT STUDIES ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BULK MILK COOLING UNITS IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2010-12) POORNACHANDRA RAO, K.N; SURESH, J (Major); SARJAN RAO, K; VEERABRAHMAIAH, KABSTRACT : The study had a focus on the impacts of establishment of bulk milk cooling units both on quality of milk as well as socio-economic impact on the milk producer community in Chittoor and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh. The research was conducted by adopting ex-post-facto design. Of the 56 units functioning in the Chittoor district, 9 units were randomly selected while only BMC functioning in Prakasam district was selected purposively. The list of milk producers supplying milk to the BMC unions was prepared and a uniform sample of 15 farmers comprising 10 female respondents and 5 male respondents were randomly selected. The ultimate sample for the study stood at 10 BMC’s and 150 respondents. The required information was collected by personal interview by the researcher with the respondents through a structured schedule. The data were subjected to statistical analysis employing means, standard deviation, percentages, Chi-2 test of significance, multiple regression analysis and correlation coefficients. To study the effectiveness of bulk milk coolers quantitative methods were employed to measure the standard plate count (SPC) and coliform count (CC) before and after cooling the milk in bulk milk coolers along with fat and SNF percentages. The study regarding the effectiveness of bulk milk coolers on the quality of milk revealed that there was substantial reduction in SPC and coliform count after cooling. The percentage reduction of SPC and CC was approximately 36% and 43%, respectively. However the quality of milk by grade remained fair as per BIS even after cooling with BMC units. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) with regard to SPC and CC before and after subjecting the milk through BMC’s both in terms of maximum and minimum counts. The annual milk collection through BMC units ranged from a minimum of 5,21,000 litres to a maximum of 16,91,000 litres. The mean quantity of milk collected through all BMC units was 10,35,000 litres. The BMC’s have approximately took away 17% of share of milk procurement from different channels like head loads, private dairies etc. This indirectly will strengthen the fact that quality milk of low bacterial load to the extent of 17% is now being supplied to the consumers compared to the earlier situation. X2 analysis indicated that the relation between milk yield with some of the socio-economic parameters like education, size of the farm, total household income and quality of concentrate feed offered to the animal were found to be significant (P<0.05). The multiple regression analysis carried out to study the influence of selected independent variables and dairy income due to establishment of BMC units revealed that in respect of pooled sample, the most powerful factors to influence the dairy income were caste, hand holdings, size of the farm, education level, household income and dairy farming experience. The coefficient of multiple determination was 0.67 duly indicating that 67% of the variation in dairy income was explained by the independent variables included in the function. The correlation coefficients between dairy income due to establishment of BMC units and selected socio-economic parameters pertaining to pooled sample revealed that size of the dairy herd had highest association with dairy income, very closely followed by farming experience and land holding. Household income and level of education also exhibited positive correlations with dairy income. The impact of BMC units as perceived by the respondents revealed that tie-up for bank loans has been an easy affair and this item obtained first rank. There has been a substantial increase in dairy income brought in due to BMC’s and it was offered second rank. Another important impact was fairer payment for the milk supplied which was ranked three. Spoilage of milk was averted to a great extent (rank IV). BMC’s enabled the farmers to demand for higher milk price which was ranked fifth. Increase in milk quality was yet another benefit of BMC. Other interesting impacts include society development, increased milk production improvement in health of the animals, increase in milk production, increase in herd size and improved extension contacts. Some important constraints faced by the beneficiaries were brought to the lime light and few of them required to be addressed immediately by the authorities. Irregular power supply which may pose a threat of spoilage of milk was the prime concern. Setting up of a generator as a back-up facility was the suggestion. Under-utilization of coolers to the fullest capacity of either 3,000 or 5,000 litres especially during lean months resulted in increased overhead charges. It was suggested that more number of milk producers be inducted into the BMC union and others are encouraged to divert their milk supply from head loads and private dairies to BMC’s. Further, the farmers are expecting more training programmes on production technologies, better extension services, organization of animal health camps and loan melas etc. to help them to produce more milk per unit animal.ThesisItem Open Access HISTOPATHOLOGICAL, IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSIES IN INFERTILE BUFFALOES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2010-01) SAMATHA, V; SRILATHA, Ch (Major); ANJANEYULU, Y; SURESH KUMAR, R.VABSTRACT : Buffaloes play an important role in dairy developmental programmes of our country. In spite of tremendous advances in veterinary medicine, during the past 50 years, the infertility in bovines remained as almost important economic factor. Poor reproductive efficiency is one of the major problems faced by buffalo breeders. Among various pathological conditions of female reproductive tract, inflammation and unfavourable uterine environment is the most important etiological factor for infertility in bovines. Endometrial biopsy examination is the most reliable diagnostic tool for veterinarians to identify the nature of infertility and so aid in reproductive herd health programme. It can be used to identify histopathological changes of endometrium and thus serve as a basis for prognostic evaluation of infertile animals. Diagnosis of sub clinical cases is possible only by histopathological examination of uterine biopsy samples. The isolation of microorganisms along with histopathological studies of endometrial biopsy permits more accurate assessment of reproductive prognosis and rational treatment of reproductive breeding of animals. For the present study, one hundred and ten endometrial biopsies samples were collected from infertile buffaloes after thorough rectal examination and in absence of palpable uterine abnormalities. Biopsies were collected aseptically by Albuchins uterine biopsy catheter after induction of epidural anaesthesia under sterile conditions. Uterine aspirate was collected aseptically and carefully by sterile uterine catheter for cytological examination. Histopathological, cytological, bacteriological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies were carried out on uterine biopsies. Histopathologically, the lesions observed were acute, subacute, chronic, chronic suppurative and chronic catarrhal changes in 14.54%, 34.54%, 46.37%, 1.82% and 2.73% biopsies respectively. Acute endometritis cases revealed severe congestion of endometrial blood vessels, stromal edema, degenerative changes in luminal epithelium, focal areas of denudation of epithelial lining and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells and few lymphocytes. Endometrial cytological smears in acute endometritis cases revealed more number of neutrophils. Moderate infiltration in sub epithelial zone of stratum compactum, moderate periglandular fibrosis, hypertrophy of blood vessels, cystic dilation of endometrial glands in addition to stromal edema and glandular edema were noticed in sub acute endometritis. Lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells were observed in addition to epithelial cells in endometrial cytology of sub acute endometritis cases. Diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages in stratum compactum and stratum spongiosum, thick fibro cellular endometrial stroma and gland site masses with severe periglandular fibrosis were observed in chronic endometritis cases. Severe proliferation of fibroblasts, glandular sclerosis and hyalinization of blood vessels were also noticed in chronic endometritis. Few chronic endometritis cases revealed cystic dilatation of endometrial glands and glandular hyperplasia in other non affected glands. Endometrial cytology of chronic endometritis cases revealed lymphocytes, few plasma cells in addition to epithelial cells and mucin strands. Chronic suppurative endometritis cases revealed periglandular fibrosis and infiltration of more polymorphonuclear cells in stratum compactum and stratum spongiosum. More number of degenerating polymorphonuclear cells in addition to colonies of cocco-bacilli bacteria were observed in endometrial cytological smears of chronic suppurative endometritis. Chronic catarrhal endometritis cases revealed catarrhal changes in luminal epithelium and thick connective tissue stroma in endometrium. Bacteriological examination of endometrial biopsy samples yielded majorily Salmonella (32.5%) followed by E.coli (23.75%), Staphylococcus (28.75%), Pseudomonas (8.75%), Klebsiella (2.5%), Pasteurella (2.5%) and Streptococci (1.25%). Immunohistochemical studies of chronic endometritis biopsies revealed more number of CD3 positive cells (pan T lymphocytes) in stratum compactum. Six chronic endometritis biopsies revealed CD138 positive cells (plasma cells) in endometrial stroma. Scanning electron microscopic examination of uterine biopsies collected from normal endometrium revealed surface epithelial cells with few ciliated and non ciliated cells. Loss of cilia and microvilli of surface epithelium was observed in acute endometritis cases .Sub acute endometritis cases revealed rod shaped bacteria adhering to surface epithelial cells and damaged epithelial cells with loss of microvilli. Destruction of surface epithelium and glandular structure leaving hole like spaces and fibrosis with thin long reticulin fibers were noticed in chronic endometritis cases.ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN VILLAGE CHICKEN IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THERMOSTABLE VACCINE STRAINS(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2009-12) VIJAYA SAILAJA, A; SREEDEVI, B (Major); SHOBHAMANI, B; SREELATHA, ChABSTRACT : Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the devastating poultry diseases which cause great economic loss to the rural poultry production. In the present study, the prevalence of the Newcastle disease antibodies in the rural poultry flocks was estimated by employing a single serum dilution Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. A total of 383 serum samples were collected from village chicken from different districts of Andhra Pradesh from both vaccinated and unvaccinated birds. The overall prevalence of ND in village flocks was found to be 77.81%. Out of 169 serum samples collected from vaccinated birds 91.72% were found to have antibody titres above protective levels. In the unvaccinated flocks, out of 214 samples 66.82% were found to have protective titres. Age wise analysis of the data showed maximum prevalence of the ND antibody levels in the 12-18 months age group. Sex wise analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in the prevalence of ND in males and females. The present study indicated a higher prevalence of ND in the rural poultry flocks of Andhra Pradesh. The circulating strains of ND in the village chicken act as source of infection to the commercial poultry flocks. Vaccination is the only strategy for the control of the Newcastle disease in the poultry flocks. However, the presently available ND vaccines though they are effective in eliciting good immune response, they require maintenance of a cold chain from the point of production until they are delivered in the field which is very difficult under the village conditions. Hence, in the present study an attempt was made to develop thermostable mutants from the lentogenic ND vaccine strains. Lasota and F strains were cultured in the embryonated eggs and they were subjected to different heat treatments for thermostabilisation. Two different procedures were adopted for thermostabilisation, one is stepwise exposure to different temperatures for defined periods of time and the other is direct exposure to 56°C for different time intervals. In the stepwise procedure the Lasota and F strains were kept at 25°C, 37°C and finally at 56°C. Lasota strain could survive for 120 min after 11 successive cycles of heating whereas F strain could survive for 105 min after 11 successive cycles of heating at 56°C. Direct exposure of the strains to 56°C also yielded better results. The Lasota strain could withstand for 135 min after 19 successive heat treatments and F strain could withstand for 90 min after 16 successive thermal cycles. The mutants were found to have better thermostability than the parent viruses and they did not revert back to original even after back passages in the embryonated eggs. The stability of these mutant strains was checked by incubating the infectious allantoic fluids at 37°C for 35 days with and without addition of the stabilizers. The thermoresistant mutants were found to be more stable and addition of stabilizers improved the keeping quality of the strains. Further, these thermoresistant mutant strains were administered to experimental chicken to evaluate their immunogenicity. A control group of birds vaccinated with the parent strains were also maintained. The results of the experiment revealed that the heat treated mutants were also equally immunogenic as they produced similar Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) titres as that of the parent vaccine strains. The infected allantoic fluids were titrated and checked for sterility. In the present study an attempt was made to develop thermostable mutants from the conventional lentogenic ND vaccine strains. These mutants were found to be highly stable and equally immunogenic in eliciting immune response to ND. As these vaccines can withstand high environmental temperatures, they can be used successfully under village conditions without 63 any need for cold chain facilities. However, a thermostable food pellet vaccine prepared from locally isolated strains of ND would be a better alternative for the control of the disease in village flocks.ThesisItem Open Access SERO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON BOVINE AND OVINE BRUCELLOSIS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2009-10) KANAKA SWARNA LATHA, K; SHOBHAMANI, B (Major); SREEDEVI, B; SREENIVASULU, DABSTRACT : The present investigation was taken up to ascertain the prevalence of brucellosis in bovines and ovines in various districts of Andhra Pradesh. Of the 1856 bovine and 700 ovine sera samples tested 13.36 percent and 11.00 percent respectively were positive to brucella antibodies. The influence of epidemiological factors like species, breed, sex, age, management and breeding systems were studied on the prevalence of brucellosis. Results of the study showed that cattle (14.69%) were more prone to the disease than buffaloes (11.29%). The indigenous breeds (11.91%) of cattle were more resistant compared to the crossbred cattle (16.79%). In sheep, the prevalence of brucellosis did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among Nellore (11.59%), Deccani (10.92%) and non-descript breeds (9.4%). The female animals (13.92%, 13.04%) in both bovines and ovines were comparatively more susceptible than the male animals (7.14%, 7.08%) respectively. Bovines between 3-6 years (15.53%) and ovines between 2-4 53 years (13.93%) of age were more susceptible compared to other age groups. The animals maintained under organized farming conditions showed lesser prevalence than rural areas. A higher prevalence was noticed in the artificially inseminated animals (14.11%) compared to naturally served ones (9.82%). Among the 1856 sera tested, Avidin-Biotin Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (A-B ELISA) detected higher (248) number of positives followed by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) (92) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (SAT) (68) in bovines. However in ovines, RBPT could detect 11.00 percent and SAT 8.86 percent positivity. When the Milk Ring Test (MRT) and RBPT were compared, MRT showed a sensitivity of 52.77 percent compared to RBPT. Of the 1806 pooled milk samples collected from milk co-operative societies, 30 samples from 6 villages were found to be positive by MRT. Thus the present study revealed that brucellosis is widespread in bovine and ovine population in different districts of Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, suitable remedial measures have been suggested for the control of this disease.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN BUFFALOES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2003-11) ANJAIAH, KATTA; NALINI KUMARI, K (Major); ALAHA SINGARI, N; VENKATA REDDY, TABSTRACT : In the present study, an investigation was carried out to know the incidence of subclinical ketosis in buffaloes for which from two organised dairy farms and unorganized local herds in and around Tirupati, a total of 304 urine samples were subjected to Ross test besides obtaining a detailed anamnesis. The study revealed an overall incidence of subclinical ketosis to be 10.85%. However the incidence in organised herds and unorganized local herds was found to be 5.30 per cent and 15.12 percent respectively showing only an insignificant difference (P > 0.05). The highest incidence of subclinical ketosis was recorded in the age group of 6-9 years (19.10%) followed by 3-6 (10.78 percent), 9 and above (5.26%) and 0-3 (2.7per cent) years but not differing statistically (P<0.05) significantly. Variation in the incidence of subclinical ketosis in relation to breed of the animal was found to be insignificant (P>0.05), although Murrah breed showed higher incidence (12.03%) compared to non-descriptive breed (7.95%). Subclinical ketosis was highest in animals yielding 10kgs and above (12.5%) followed by 5-10 (10.76%) and 0-5 kg (7.5%) but only with an insignificant difference. Maximum number of subclinical ketotic buffaloes were recorded in first month of lactation (16.67%) followed by 2nd (12.79%), 4th and above 4 months (9.16%) and third month (7.84%) without exhibiting any statistically significant (P< 0.05) difference. The highest incidence of subclinical ketosis in respect to lactation number was recorded in 4th lactation (16.21 per cent) followed by third (13.33 per cent), sixth lactation and above (12.5 per cent), fifth (9.75 per cent), 2nd (6.7 per cent) and first lactation (6.1 per cent), but differing only insignificantly. All the urine samples subjected to the test using keto-diastix strips and all the milk samples subjected to Ross test gave negative reaction. Three groups, each consisting of eight animals were subjected to clinico-biochemical and therapeutic studies. Clinical examination of these animals did not reveal any abnormality except for a slight decrease (ranging from 0.5 to 1.5kg) in the milk yield. Therapy was carried out with a combination of glucose (20% 500ml ; i/v, 2 days) and 10 mg of intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide (group II) and fructose (group III) while eight animals served as untreated control (group I). Following therapy, complete restoration of milk yield was attained in both the groups by day 6, but the increase in milk yield was insignificant by day 2 in group II while it was significant (P <0.05) in group III. The urinary ketone bodies in animals of group I continued to persist during the study period while they were cleared in the animals of group II within 3 (3 animals) to 4 (5 animals) days and in group III within 2 (7 animals) to 3 (1 animal) days of therapy. The blood ketones were significantly (P < 0.05) higher (ranging from 6.83 mg/dl to 9.93mg/dl) on D0 of study period in 3 groups, and these continued to increase further significantly (P < 0.05) by day 6 (15.32 ± 0.43 mg/dl) in group I. In both the treated groups the blood ketones decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by day 1. The mean blood ketone body level was nearer to the level of healthy control in group II (2.80 ± 0.16) and was even at a lesser level in group III (1.64 ± 0.1 mg/dl) by day 6. The blood ketones in group III were at a significantly (P < 0.05) lower level than in group II during study period. Hypoglycemia (ranging from 44.10 ± 1.77 to 46.90 ± 0.71 mg/dl) observed in all the 3 groups on Day 0 increased significantly (P < 0.05) in group I (35.57 ± 1.12mg/dl by day 6). In both the treated groups the serum glucose level continued to increase significantly (P < 0.05) during the study period and was at significantly higher level in group II on day 2 and 6. All the groups revealed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum cholesterol levels of 125.94±1.99,127.18±1.78and126.97 ±1.55mg/dl on day 0. In group I animals the mean serum cholesterol level significantly (P < 0.05) increased by day 2 (133.13 ± 1.97) and 6 (138.29 ± 2.52mg/dl) of study period. But in the animals of group II and III the serum cholesterol levels decreased steadily during the study period and reached a level of 10.68 ± 2.06mg/dl and 107.75 ± 1.20mg/dl respectively by day 6. The serum AST levels which were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all the lactating buffaloes of three groups on day 0 increased further significantly (P < 0.05) by day 6 in group I (52.03 ± 1.36 RFU/ml) and decreased in group II (38.63 ± 1.53 RFU/ml) and III (36.81 ±1.60 RFU/ml) by day 6. The mean serum cholesterol (days 1, 2 and 6) and AST (days 2 and 6) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group III. The cost benefit analysis of treating subclinical ketosis in different groups revealed a benefit of Rs. 305.00/- and Rs. 376.25/- in groups II and III respectively for each buffaloe in the short term of one month by treating subclinical ketosis by taking into account the benefit of increased milk yield and cost of diagnostic tests, diagnostic strips, doctor's visiting fee and the treatment cost. It was concluded that the incidence of subclinical ketosis in buffaloes was insignificantly higher in unorganised local herds and a combination therapy of Glucose + Triamcinolone and fructose, both are highly effective in subclinical ketotic buffaloes, as all the animals recovered in both the groups. However, comparative therapeutic efficacy revealed that fructose was more efficacious based on early significant increase of milk yield, early disappearance of ketone bodies from urine deep decline in the blood ketones and higher net benefit value (cost benefit analysis).ThesisItem Open Access THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON ANEMIA IN CALVES(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI – 517 502,A.P, 2003-10) KANTHI KIRAN, GIRADA; NALINI KUMARI, K; ALAHA SINGARI, N; VENUGOPAL NAIDU, KABSTRACT : In the present study, an investigation was carried out on the incidence of anemia in the calves of white cattle for which blood samples collected from 105 calves (from those presented at different veterinary hospitals and of the calves from organized dairy farms) were processed for haemoglobin and packed cell volume after carrying out thorough clinical examination of the calves. All those animals showing haemoglobin of less than 8 g/dl and PCV of less than 25 per cent were considered as frankly anemic. Out of the 105 calves, 26 were found to be anemic with an incidence of 24.67%. The incidence of anemia was found to be highest in 0-4 months calves (30%) followed by 4-8 (27.91%) and 8-12 months (15.63%), while the incidence was 22.73, 25 and 25.64 per cent in HF cross, Jersey cross and non-descriptive breeds of calves respectively. Coccidiosis, tick infestation, a diet of milk and certain obscure factors were found to be the causes of anemia in 53.85%, 30.77%, 7% and 7% of cases respectively. Anemic calves after being treated for the primary etiology of anemia were divided into three groups, each consisting of 6 animals for studying therapeutic aspects of anemia. Calves of group I served as untreated control while that of group II and III were treated for anemia with blood transfusion and haematinics respectively. In these animals clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters were assessed before and at regular intervals up to 20 days after initiation of therapy. Another 6 apparently healthy calves free of any detectable ailment served as healthy control. The calves of healthy control group were subjected to clinical and haematobiochemical tests once. The clinical symptoms observed in anemic calves were dullness, depression, moderate anorexia and slightly pale conjunctival mucous membranes. In calves of group I there was only slight improvement in the appetite and general activity, while considerable improvement was observed by day one in blood transfusion group and by day one of completion of hematinic therapy in group III. The conjunctival mucous membrane turned pink by day ten, one and five in the groups I, II and III respectively. There was no significant change in body temperature of group I calves while a significant decrease was observed in groups II and III. The mean pulse and respiratory rates which were found to be high in all three groups during anemia significantly decreased during the period of study. The decrease in these rates in the hemainic group was more. The mean haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, MCV and MCH were found to be significantly (P < 0.01) low during anemia. In calves of group I though all these parameters were found to have increased significantly (P < 0.01), the per cent increase was considerably low when compared with treated groups. All these hematological parameters showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase by day I in both the treated groups of II and III. However, in group II calves, the values started declining after day 3 to day 20, where as in group III calves there was a gradual and sustained increase till the end of the study period. The mean plasma glucose, total protein albumin and serum iron which were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased during anemia showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase in all the groups during study period. And the per cent increase of mean serum iron by the end of the study was highest in hematinic group. Blood transfusion proved to be expensive, requiring technical expertise and in the calves treated with transfusion TEC and plasma albumin reached the healthy control values. In hematinic group hematology and plasma iron reached the levels of healthy control and this form of therapy was worked out to be cheaper without a need for technical skill. It was noticed that elimination of primary etiology of anemia alone could not bring about desirable response, in the calves thus necessitating therapy for anemia. Based on the above results it is concluded that anemia in calves was commonly associated with internal and external parasitism and hematinic therapy can be undertaken when the haemoglobin is around 7g/dl for bringing about an adequate and persistant clinical and hematobiochemical response. As blood transfusion brought about immediate clinical and hemato-biochemical improvement (though hematological improvement was transient), it may be more useful in critical anemia with a much less haemoglobin though expensive.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT VACCINATION SCHEDULES AGAINST IBD & THEIR IMPACT ON IMMUNITY TO RD(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY , TIRUPATI – 517 502 (A.P) INDIA, 2003-09) SUDHAKAR GOUD, K; SREEDEVI, B (Major)ABSTRACT The present study was taken up to evaluate the efficacy of different Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccines using different vaccination schedules employing different strains of IBD vaccines. The response to vaccination in terms of sero conversion, the extent of bursal damage and immunosuppression caused by these vaccines were studied. A total of 280 layer chicks were randomly divided into seven groups each consisting of 40 chicks. Six different IBD vaccination schedules were tested using different combinations of IBD vaccines. Group I was maintained as a control without giving any IBD vaccination. All the birds including control received Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccination as per the standard schedule. The serum samples were collected from all the groups at weekly intervals for 20 weeks (maximum period tested). The IBD antibodies were estimated using IDEXX - ELISA (Flockcheck) kit. A gradual decline of IBD maternal antibodies was noticed in the control group and the samples were found to be negative by sixth week of age. Vaccination of birds with IBD vaccines did not interfere with the decay of maternal immunity. In group II which received IBD vaccines at day old age, the immediate sero conversion was absent and the antibody titres raised only after subsequent vaccinations. The results of ELISA in other groups showed that, lowest titres were recorded during the third week after which the titres increased gradually reaching peak between eight to twelve weeks of age and a slight decline was observed by the end of 20th week. But they were all found to be above protective levels till 20 weeks of age. No significant difference was noticed between the titres of different treatment groups. The titres in group III which received an oil emulsion IBD vacccine after initial live virus priming also showed similar response in comparison to other groups. Significant difference was noticed in the bursa body weight (B-BW) ratios of IBD vaccinated groups in comparison with the control group. During third week of age, the B-BW ratios recorded were more in vaccinated birds while reduced B-BW ratios were recorded during fourth and fifth weeks in comparison with the control. Histopathology of the bursal sections revealed varying degrees of bursal damage in the vaccinated groups while the bursae collected from the control group were normal. Bursal lesion scores were calculated in terms of the lymphoid depletion in the follicles and were graded between 0 to 4. Highest bursal lesion scores were noticed in groups vaccinated with intermediate plus strain of IBD vaccines. The immunosuppressive effect of different IBD vaccines was evaluated in terms of response to ND vaccination. The results revealed that there was a gradual increase in the NDV-HI titres from third week onwards in all the groups including the control. But a moderate suppression of vaccine response was noticed in groups V, VI and VII which received either one or few doses of intermediate plus vaccines. But all the HI titres were found to be well above the protective level. Based on the results obtained in the present study it is concluded that even though live IBD vaccines caused significant bursal damage, the immunosuppression caused by these vaccines was only moderate. Hence, they can be used at the field level by selecting a least immunosuppressive strain. Vaccination of day old birds with IBD vaccines and usage of an oil emulsion vaccine in the early days of life did not confer any special advantage. Also no additional advantage was observed by giving a third dose of IBD vaccine after fourth week of age.