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Open Access
Induction of parturition and evaluation of postpartum fertility in crossbred cows
(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sheeja, S; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K N
A preliminary study was conducted by collecting data regarding gestation length and details of calving among crossbred cattle of the University Livestock Farm and local breeds belonging to “ICAR Scheme on Conservation of Germplasm of Vechur Cattle”. The mean gestation length of crossbred cattle of ULF was 274 ± 0.48 days and that of Vechur scheme was 282 ± 0.98 days. The average birth weight of new born calf at ULF was 26.52 ± 0.39 kg and that of Vechur was 10.43 ± 0.12 kg. The sex ratio of male and female was 1: 0.9 and 1: 1.2 for ULF and Vechur scheme respectively The main experiment was undertaken to develop a suitable protocol for induction of parturition in crossbred cattle with prolonged gestation and to assess the postpartum fertility of these animals. The study was performed in 24 pregnant animals of the University Livestock Farm and private farms near by Mannuthy during the period from December 2008 to February 2010. In all animals in group I, II and III, the drug was administered for inducing parturition on 286th day of gestation. In group 1, 24 mg of dexamethsone, in group II 500µg of prostaglandin analogue (cloprostenol) and in group III, a combination of 12 mg of dexamehasone and 250 µg cloprostenol was administered intramuscularly and group IV acted as control. The mean time taken in hours for induction of parturition in group I to III was 39.50 ± 1.26, 30.50 ± 2.17 and 26.90 ± 1.80 respectively and the least time was recorded in combination group. The duration for first stage of labour in groups I to IV was 4.00 ± 0.16, 3.12 ± 0.15, 3.24 ± 0.02, 4.49 ± 0.12 hours respectively and for second stage was 1.27 ± 0.02, 1.12 ± 0.14, 1.21 ± 0.12, 1.53 ± 0.10 hours respectively. The mean time for the expulsion of placenta was 6.67 ± 0.33, 6.35 ± 1.87, 3.02 ± 0.13 2.74 ± 0.14 hours respectively. The mean weight of the placenta for the groups was 2.87 ± 0.43, 3.50 ± 0.54, 3.00 ± 0.28, 3.60 ± 0.25 kg and the mean number of cotyledons were 89.50 ± 0.76, 91.20 ± 0.60, 90.5 ± 0.84, and 91.50 ± 0.76 respectively. The incidence of dystocia in groups I to IV was 50, 0, 33.33 and 50 per cent respectively. The incidence of retention of foetal membranes in groups I to IV was 50, 33.33, 16.66 and 16.66 per cent respectively. In group I, the incidence of postpartum prolapse of genital organs, downer cow and mastitis were recorded as 16.66 per cent each. The sex ratio for the groups I to IV was 1:1, 0.57: 1, 1:1 and 1:1. The mean birth weight in kg for the male calves was 29.33 ± 1.2, 26.65 ±6.5, 31.5 ± 3.40, 34.66 ± 2.03 respectively. Similarly the birth weight of female calves were 30.00 ± 1.15, 27.25 ± 1.97, 23.33 ± 2.40, 32.33 ± 1.20 kg respectively. There was steady increase in body weight of calves as age advanced in experimental and control groups, however there was no significant difference between groups in mean body weight gain. The mean peak yield in the present lactation for the experimental and control animals was 9.57 ± 0.58, 11.33 ±1.17, 11.67 ±1.54 and 13.17± 0.75 liters respectively. The corresponding values in the previous lactation for the experimental and control groups were 11.48 ± 0.48, 11.60 ± 0.75, 12.70 ± 0.47 and 13.50 ± 0.65 liters respectively. The day of peak yield in the present lactation was 25.00 ± 0.63, 21.66 ± 0.61, 22.33 ± 1.05 and 19.16 ± 0.79 days and the corresponding values in previous lactation were 19.80 ± 0.95, 18.70 ± 0.67, 20.30 ± 1.28 and 19.30 ± 0.63 days respectively. The disappearance of lochial discharge for the experimental and control groups was 20.16 ± 1.04, 17.31 ± 1.13, 17.17 ± 0.87, 21.00 ± 1.26 days respectively. The first postpartum oestrus was observed at 33.20 ± 1.25, 30.70 ± 0.88, 29.50 ± 0.76 days for experimental animals and for control animals it was 31.60 ± 0.76 days. Similarly, the second postpartum oestrus was on 59.00 ± 1.22, 51.83 ± 0.83, 48.33 ± 1.99, 53.83 ± 0.94 days respectively. Conception rate for the first AI in group I to IV was 0, 50, 50, and 33.33 respectively where as the overall conception rate for these animals was 16.66, 66.66, 83.33, 66.66 per cent respectively. The highest conception rate was obtained in group III. The mean calving to conception interval for the experimental and control animals was 91.50 ± 15, 77.66 ± 9.38, 74.00 ± 7.00 and 82.00 ± 13.97 days respectively Premature induction of parturition was carried out in four downer cows presented at Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy which failed with routine medical treatment and having the gestation length of 253, 285, 270 and 275 days. In the first two animals parturition was induced with prostaglandin and the time taken for induction was 48.30 and 31.20 hours respectively. In dexamethasone treated animal calving occurred at 51 hours after administration of drug. Similarly the time taken for induction in animal which treated with combination of dexamethasone and prostaglandin was 29.45 hours. All the three animals in which prostaglandin and its combination with dexamethasone, recovered from recumbent stage after delivery and had regained normal feeding habits. The animal treated with dexamethasone had not regained the normal condition and was advised disposal. But all the four calves survived in this experiment. The present study revealed that induction of parturition with prostaglandin alone in normal dose and its combination with dexamethasone at a lower dose were equally useful for successful induction of parturition in animals with prolonged gestation with least reproductive complications. When parturition was induced with dexamethasone milk yield was found to be reduced during early stages of lactation while when prostaglandin and its combination with dexamethasone were used reduction in milk yield was negligible. In animals in which parturition was induced with prostaglandin and its combination had normal disappearance of lochial discharge, early involution of uterus and had early normal postpartum oestrus and had fairly good overall conception rate. Further it is recommended that premature induction of parturition in downer cows when all other medical treatments have failed, prostaglandin or its combination with dexamethasone could ideally be used to induce premature induction of parturition to save the life of mother and new born.
Open Access
Immunopathologic and toxic effects of endosulfan in chick embryo
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Kalai Selvan, P; KAU; Divakaran Nair, N
The present study was undertaken to investigate the immunopathologic and toxic effects of endosulfan in chick embryo. The embryos were exposed to endosulfan at various dose levels through different routes. The weight of the embryo, bursa, thymus and spleen, histopathology of the lymphoid organs, liver, kidney and brain and quantification of the preformed maternal IgY level in the egg yolk were the parameters analysed to study the effects. Endosulfan was found to be teratogenic at the grven dose levels. The abnormalities observed were agenesis of beak, crossed beak, short lower beak, eventration of viscera and curled toe. Endosulfan did not cause any significant gross changes in the developing embryos except mild haemorrhages. Endosulfan treatment did not produce any significant reduction in the weight of the embryos as well as the weight of the lymphoid organs. On histopathological examinations endosulfan was found to be nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic to the embryos. Varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis was evident in kidney and liver. Effect on the bursa, thymus and spleen were mild to moderate where in the degenerative changes predominated. Dose dependent increase in the involution process of the thymus as evidenced by increase in the Hassal's zone was observed. The lesions in the developing lymphoid organs reflected that endosulfan is toxic to the system and going to affect the immunocompetency by way of immunosuppression and thereby rendering the chicks susceptible to various diseases. The study indicated that the endosulfan treatment did not have any effect on the preformed maternal immunoglobulin level in the egg yolk.
Open Access
Evaluation of boer halfbreds for development of meat goat strains suited for Kerala
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Jeeva, L; KAU; Nandakumar, P
The tremendous potential of goat production in Kerala State is constrained due to the non-availability of meat type of goats suited to our climatic conditions. Malabari goats native to Kerala and improved Alpine Malabari (AM) grows to around only 8.5 and 11 kg respectively, imposing severe restrictions on commercial exploitation of these breeds. Introgression of Boer inheritance into Australian feral goats has led to the development of Australian goat meat industry and utilization of Boer goats to improve local goats in Maharashtra has paid rich dividend. With this background, the present investigation undertaken in Alpine Malabari crosses (AM) by infusing Boer inheritance was undertaken at University Goat and Sheep Farm was to evaluate the suitability of Alpine Malabari x Boer (AMB) crosses as a meat strain suited to Kerala State. Data on one hundred goat kids, 50 each belonging to 2 genetic groups, AM and AMB were subjected to least squares analysis to resolve the effect of genetic group, sire, month of birth and sex on type of birth, litter weight at birth, birth weight, body weight at first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth month, pre- weaning mortality, incidence of neonatal diseases, litter size at weaning, average daily gain in body weight, phenotypic correlation, viability and adaptability. Average litter size at birth (LSB) among Alpine Malabari (AM) and , Alpine Malabari x Boer (AMB) kids was 1.79±0.48. Alpine Malabari kid had a significantly (P:S0.05) higher litter size ~t birth of 2. I 2±0. I 6. Month of birth had a highly significant (P~O.OI) effect on litter size at birth with highest litter in July (2.2±0.17). Sire influences were highly significant on litter size at birth while sex had no significant influence on litter size at birth. Mean litter weight at birth was 3.77 kg and it was not found to be significantly affected by genetic group and sex. Month of birth and sire had highly significant associations with litter weight at birth. Alpine Malabari x Boer kids had a highly significant (P::::O.Ol) and higher body weight from birth to sixth month of age. Body weight in AMB kids was 2.38,6.01, 8.92 and 11.65 kg while AM kids had only 1.8,2.87,3.05 and 4.30 kg respectively at birth, one, two and three months respectively. Buck had a highly significant influence on birth weight of kid and body weight at first, second and third month. Month of birth had a significant influence on birth weight and body weights at first, second and third month. Incidence of enteritis was 0.31, respiratory infection 0.08 and pre- weaning mortality was 0.07. Effects of genetic group and sire were significant on respiratory infections and not on incidence of enteritis and pre-weaning mortality. Month of birth did not exert significant influence on respiratory infections, enteritis or pre-weaning mortality. The mean body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month in AM and AMB crosses were 10.34 kg, 11.96 kg and 13.68 kg respectively. The effect of genetic group on body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month was highly significant and superior in AMB crosses with 13.62 kg, 15.73 kg and 17.79 kg respectively while it was only 5.76 kg, 5.84 kg and 6.81 kg respectively in AM crosses. Sire effects were highly significant on the body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month. Month of birth contribute to the body weights to a highly significant level and kids born in April and December were found to have higher body weights from fourth to fifth month. Sex of the kids was not found to influence the body weights from fourth to sixth month. The mean average daily gain in body weight (ADG) from birth to third month was 7r.36 g, from third to sixth month was 65.7 g and birth to sixth month was 66.7 g. AMB crosses had a highly significant ADG of 104.89 and 86.58 compared to 35.19 and 39.1 g during 0-3 and 0-6 month respectively. Sire influences were highly significant on ADG from 0-3 and 0-6 month. Month of birth had a highly significant effect on ADG and highest ADG was for kids born during April. Birth weight had a highly significant positive correlation with average daily gain in body weight from birth to third month and average daily gain in body weight from birth to sixth month and body weights from first to sixth month. Correlation between respiratory infections and pre-weaning mortality were highly significant. Average daily gain in body weight from birth to third month had a highly significant negative correlation with respiratory infection and pre-weaning mortality. Significantly higher litter size at birth in AM crosses over AMB crosses direct to the feasibility of AM genotype of enhancing litter size at birth which might partially be also contributed by use of oestrus synchronization on frozen semen technology in production of AMB crosses. Modulation of litter size at birth by month of birth reflect on the environmental factors influencing the ovulation rate, conception rate and embryonic survival. Monthly body weights from birth to six months was found to be highly superior in AMB crosses indicating the Boer superiority in enhancing body weights of AMB crosses. Significant effect of sire on these trait suggest of the additive genetic effect which might improve body weight in Boer crossbred goats. Contribution of month of birth on bodyweight probably influenced by ambient temperature, availability of biomass, offers potential for improvement of these traits by appropriate managemental strategies. Increased incidence of diseases in AM genetic group with higher pre-weaning mortality is worth for further investigation. ADG 0-3, ADG 0-6 were significantly higher in AMB crosses highlighting the importance of Boer development in improvement of growth rate of goats. The role of month of birth in variations in ADG partially reflect on the environmental conditions can adversely affect the growth rate. Phenotypic correlations, which were positive and highly significant between birth weight, ADG and body weight are suggestive benefits of early selection on birth weights for enhanced, slaughter weights. The negative correlation of ADG and incidence of pneumonia, pre- weaning mortality and enteritis could be used for the development of goats adapted to local climatic conditions.
Open Access
Effect of dietary supplementation of Baker`s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the performance of broilers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2004) Renjith, P M; KAU; Amritha Viswanath
An experiment was designed and conducted at the Department of Poultry Science to investigate the effect of feeding baker's yeast on growth, feed consumption and nutrient utilization of broilers. One hundred and forty four day old commercial broiler chicks were reared under three different treatments with four replicates per treatment. The treatment consisted of control diet with standard broiler ration (Tl ) and 1'2 and T3 with 0.3 and 0.6 per cent baker's yeast supplemented respectively with control diet. Chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions up to 8 weeks of age. Broiler starter ration was fed up to 6 weeks of age and finisher ration up to 8 weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that cumulative body weight and body weight gain up to six weeks and eight weeks of age were not affected by the inclusion of yeast. Mean weekly feed consumption recorded significant (P<0.05) difference between treatment during fifth, seventh and eighth weeks of age. Cumulative feed intake up to six weeks and eight weeks of age did not dfffer significantly. But yeast supplemented groups recorded numerically lower feed consumption compared to control group. Feed conversion ratio revealed significant difference (P< 0.05) at sixth week of age recording lower feed efficiency, in 1'2 and T3 compared to control (TJ). But cumulative feed conversion ratio from zero to six weeks and zero to eight weeks of age did not differ significantly. Supplementation of baker's yeast had no effect on processing yields and losses. Numerically lower fat deposition was recorded in yeast supplemented groups than in control group, eventhough there was no significant difference. The addition of yeast at 0.3 per cent and 0.6 per cent levels significantly increased (P<0.05) crude fiber digestibility. Other parameters like retention of dry matter, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were not affected by yeast supplementation. Serum protein, serum cholesterol and livability were not affected by yeast supplementation. The net profit per bird was less in yeast supplemented group compared to control group. The higher cost of feed resulted in lower economical return from the treatment groups. The result suggests that inclusion of yeast is not beneficial on economical point of view. However the lower fat deposition consequent to yeast supplementation seems to be advantageous.
Open Access
Clinico-therapeutic studies on bacterial mastitis in goats
(Department of Veterinery Epidmiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Science,Mannuthy, 2005) Sreeja, S; KAU; Vijayakumar, K
The lactating does in the University goat and sheep farm were screened for subclinical mastitis once in three months using the California mastitis test. The occurrence of subclinical mastitis was found to be 30.2 per cent. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between occurrence of subclinical mastitis and teat length whereas there was significant association between distance from teat tip to floor. Among 642 samples screened 194 samples were found to be positive by CMT. The arithmetic mean cell counts for each CMT score ranged between 0.736 ± 0.033 x106 and 20.417 ± 0.851 x106 cells/ml. Among CMT positive samples MWST and MAMP detected 62.89 per cent and 43.29 per cent as positive for subclinical mastitis. Comparison of screening tests revealed that significant positive correlation existed among the four tests namely CMT, MWST, MAMP and SCC. Comparison with culture results showed that score ‘3’ of CMT score ‘3+’ of MWST and grade 3 of MAMP reaction detected the maximum positive cases. CMT scores and SCC in bacteriologicaly positive samples showed significant association. Among the TIST positive milk samples 20 (44.44 per cent) were culture positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant isolate in both clinical and subclinical caprine mastitis. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern revealed that chloramphenicol was the most sensitive antibiotic followed by ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. The isolated pathogens showed maximum resistance to sulpha. Comparison of treatment trials in 24 clinical goat mastitis cases using ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin with 12 animals in each group revealed that clinical and bacteriological cure was better in the case of ciprofloxacin. Clinical and bacteriological cure was comparatively less in gangrenous mastitis cases. Eighteen Staphylococcus isolates from clinical mastitis cases and 23 Staphylococcus isolates from subclinical cases were typed by RAPD fingerprinting. Twelve different genotypes were obtained among which genotype c predominated in clinical mastitis whereas in subclinical cases b and i were the common Staphylococcal genotypes. Clinical and bacteriological cure rates were 100 per cent for RAPD type l in the ceftriaxone treated group and genotypes c and i in the ciprofloxacin treated group of animals. A possible relationship regarding the genetic make up of the different Staphylococcal isolates was elucidated from the phylogenetic tree generated from the RAPD fingerprints.
Open Access
Evaluation and management of urolithiasis in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Reshma, Damodaran; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
Ten clinical cases of canine urolithiasis were studied for age, breed and sex incidence, clinical signs, radiological evaluation, site of obstruction, effect of surgery and its complications, urine analysis, urolith composition and recurrence. The mean age of incidence was found to be 6.3 years. Incidence were more in German Shepherd Dog followed by Pomeranian and Labrador. There were nine males and one female in the study. Urethral obstruction was seen in all cases including one female. Out of ten animals one animal (D8) was dull and weak in appearance and all others were active. Difficulty in urination was reported in all the animals. Haematuria was present in five animals (D3, D5, D6, D7 and D10). Moderate abdominal distention was noticed in nine animals. Palpation of the abdomen revealed distended urinary bladder in all animals except in one animal (D8), where bladder could not be palpated and fluid thrill was felt on abdominal palpation indicating rupture of urinary bladder. Radiographic study revealed that the most common site of obstruction was in the groove of the os penis. The ten clinical cases of urolithiasis were subjected to fourteen operations viz., nine urethrotomy, two urethrotomy and cystotomy (four operations) and one cystotomy. The study revealed that relieving obstruction by surgical correction was effective, as it ensures immediate relief of obstruction and stress. Urethrotomy was found to be satisfactory in removing urethral calculi in males and compression and flushing of bladder enabled to remove small cystic calculi through the urethrotomy incision. Cystotomy was required to remove large cystic calculi. The surgical intervention adopted was found effective in relieving obstruction. The pH of the urine collected during surgery ranged from 6.5 to 8, colour varied from straw coloured to dark red. Consistency of the urine was turbid in all the animals. On microscopical examination of urine, sediments were present in all the animals. In one dog (D5) crystals were present and identified as triple phosphate and oxalate. In all animals urine samples showed growth of the microorganisms were more sensitive to ciprofloxacin followed by ampicillin and amoxycillin. Catheter tolerance was poor in all the animals. Catheter was found removed on the same day itself by all the animal. Healing of the surgical wound by granulation was good except in two animals where swelling and oedema of the scrotal sac was seen ( D1 and D8) which were subjected to post scrotal urethrotomy. In all these animals swelling subsided and healing was completed by 30th post operative day. Bleeding was noticed during and after completion of the surgery in two dogs D4 and D7. In dog D7, injury to cavernosus tissue during the removal of calculi was the cause and was controlled by suturing. In animal D4 bleeding was controlled by administering ethamsylate 1 ml intramuscular for two days. Recurrence was observed in two cases (20%). In these cases numerous cystic calculi were present when it was originally presented for treatment which might be due to migration of cystic calculi. The haematological examination showed low haemoglobin content, erythrocyte count, volume of packed red cell in all cases before surgery which increased significantly and reached towards normal by 30th post operative day. There was leucocytosis with shift to left and increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate which decreased significantly and were normal by 30th post operative day. The biochemical examination showed elevated blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, phosphorus, serum calcium and potassium levels in all the cases before surgery and lowered significantly by 30th day. The fall in serum sodium level seen before surgery showed rise by 30th day and attained near normal value. Composition of the urolith were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, calcium formed the major component of the calculi followed by phosphorus and magnesium. Histopathological study of the urinary bladder revealed inflammation and haemorrhage in the submucosa indicating chronic irritation and injury produced by the calculi to the bladder wall. Electron microscopic study of one of the calculi (D9) was conducted which revealed deposition of concretions around the nidus in concentric rings of varying density and the outer surface showed porosity of varying diameter
Open Access
Immunoprophylaxis against common dog tick using gut antigen
(Department of Veterinary Parasitology,College of Veterinary and Animal Science,Mannuthy, 2005) Ajithkumar, K G; KAU; Subramanian, H
The occurrence of tick infestation in dogs in the Corporation of Thrissur, Kerala, India, was studied in 1200 dogs during a period of one year from July 2004 to June 2005. Four hard tick species viz Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, H. bispinosa var. intermedia were identified. Significant difference in species wise prevalence was found on 124 tick positive dogs. The most prevalent species of tick infesting dogs was found to be R. sanguineus (8.58 per cent) followed by H. bispinosa (1.33 per cent), R. haemaphysaloides (0.33 per cent) and H. bispinosa var. intermedia (0.08 per cent). Three species of ticks namely R. haemaphysaloides, H. bispinosa, and H. bispinosa var. intermedia have been recorded in dogs for the first time from Kerala. The influence of month, season, age, gender and breed on the prevalence rate were observed. Prevalence rates were calculated by month, season, age, gender and breed. No significant difference (P>0.05) of tick infestation during different months was observed due to temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall. No clear pattern of seasonality was observed for R. sanguineus, which was present throughout the year. The different variables considered in the present study such as age and gender were not significantly associated with the presence of tick infestation in dogs. There was a highly significant (P<0.01) association between breed and the intensity of infestation with maximum intensity of infestation in German shepherd dogs. Sites of attachment of ticks were ear, neck, interdigital space, dorsum of the body, eyelids, perianal region, withers, thorax and hind limbs. Highly significant variation (P<0.01) was observed between attachment sites with maximum on ear (84.68 per cent) followed by neck and interdigital space. Tick-bite naive guinea pigs inoculated with gut extracts and Freund’s adjuvant revealed induced immunity against R. sanguineus expressed by altered feeding and fertility parameters consisting of the prolonged engorgement period, reduced engorged female weight and feeding efficiency index, prolonged pre oviposition period, reduced oviposition period, egg mass weight, egg rate conversion efficiency and larval mass. Except the incubation period all the reproductive and feeding parameters differed significantly compared to the control. Inradermal test done on immunised guinea pigs to assess cell mediated immunity revealed both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Humoral immune response assessed by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and passive haemagglutination (PHA) revealed that the former was less sensitive compared to the latter. Passive haemagglutination test detected anti tick antibodies as early as 14th day post immunisation. Peak titre 1:128 reached on the 35th day post immunisation.
Open Access
Ultrasonographic evaluation of prostate gland in dogs
(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Divya Nair, R; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K N
Ultrasonographic evaluation of prostate gland of adult male dogs was carried out in the present study to correlate with the fertility of the animal. Initially digital examination of the prostate gland per rectum was performed in 56 male dogs of four different breeds German shepherd, Rottweiler, Dachshund and Spitz to find the location, symmetry, consistency, mobility and pain on palpation. All the dogs were subjected to transabdominal ultrasonographic evaluation of the prostate. Prostatic measurements were taken in longitudinal and transverse sections. In German shepherd dogs of mean age 4.03years and mean body weight 24.21kg, the mean prostatic volume and weight based on formula calculation were 26.62±1.58 and 24.33±1.65 respectively. In Rottweiler, of 3.35 year and 35.25kg, the calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 26.32±2.55 and 24.01±2.66 respectively. In Dachshund, the mean age was 3.94 years and the mean body weight was 8.71 kg. Calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 13.07±0.96 and 10.89±0.10 respectively. In Spitz of mean age 2.95 years and mean body weight 5.46 kg, calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 11.63±0.24 and 8.71±0.25 respectively. In diseased animals, of mean age 6.67 years and mean body weight 20.35kg, calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 42.73±8.46 and 41.12±8.82 respectively. The measurements were found greater than measurements of adult animals and that suggested prostatic diseases. Four dogs were found having benign prostatic hyperplasia and one with prostatic cyst and another with prostatic abscess. Transrectal ultrasonography was done in German shepherd and Rottweilers and for German shepherd, the mean prostatic length obtained was 2.95±0.10cm and the mean width was 2.44±0.15. For Rottweiler, the mean prostatic length obtained was 2.92±0.15cm and the mean width was 2.42±0.17. Urine and blood were collected from 10 prostatic disease suspected animals and from 10 apparently healthy animals for detailed clinical investigation. Prostatic fluid was collected from them for cytology and culture and sensitivity tests. In disease suspected and normal healthy dogs, urinalysis could not establish major findings except of the presence of few more erythrocytes and squamous epithelial cells in urine of diseased animals. Culture and sensitivity of urine and prostatic fluid were negative in all the dogs. In 40 per cent of the diseased dogs there were presence of neutrophils and in 30 per cent of them, there were few erythrocytes. The mean erythrocyte count obtained for the normal and disease suspected animals were 3.33±1.06 and 3.89±1.41 respectively. The mean leucocyte count obtained for the normal and diseased dogs were 9485.33±1825.95 and 9854± 1921.02 respectively. There was leucocytosis with left shift in one animal. The mean values for Serum alkaline phosphatase in normal and disease suspected dogs were found as 55.53±11.06 units and 62±9.6 respectively. The mean values for serum acid phosphatase in normal and disease suspected dogs were 4.85±1.96 and 4.74±2.10 respectively. From the study, it was found that prostatic disorders mostly BPH were commonly encountered in older dogs without significant change in clinical and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, real- time B- mode ultrasound transabdominal and transrectal scanning was found to be reliable, safe and accurate for the examination of prostate gland in dogs. However, in small breeds, transrectal scanning using a specialised smaller rectal probe will be useful for the evaluation of prostate gland.
Open Access
Assessment of quality of well water in Eloor, Kerala
(Department of Veterinary Public Health,College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2010) Divya Rani, Thomas; KAU; Sunil, B
A comparative assessment of physical, chemical and microbiological quality of well water from Eloor, an industrial area in Ernakulum District of Kerala, India and Ollukara, a non industrial area, in Thrissur district of Kerala, India, was carried out to correlate the impact of industrialization on quality of well water. A total of 200 well water samples consisting of 100 each from both areas were taken for the study. Of the 100 samples, 25 samples each were collected during four different seasons of the year viz., summer (February), pre-monsoon (March-May), monsoon (June-September) and post-monsoon (October-November), to assess change in the quality of well water with the seasons. Mean temperature of well water was higher in Eloor than in Ollukara. The lowest temperature was recorded during monsoon in Eloor and Ollukara, and the highest temperature was recorded during pre-monsoon in Eloor and summer in Ollukara. Acidic pH was observed in both areas, with significantly lower pH in Ollukara. Higher pH values were observed during monsoon and post monsoon and lower during summer and pre-monsoon seasons. Mean total hardness of water was higher in Eloor than in Ollukara and the difference was highly significant. Highest value of total hardness was observed during summer in Eloor and monsoon in Ollukara. Mean COD of water samples showed no significant difference between two areas. In Eloor, the highest and lowest COD were observed during summer and monsoon, respectively. While in Ollukara, highest and lowest COD were observed during post monsoon and pre monsoon, respectively. Mean nitrate concentration was similar in water samples collected from Eloor and Ollukara with lowest concentration observed during pre - monsoon and summer in Eloor and Ollukara respectively, whereas it was highest during post monsoon in both areas. Mean fluoride concentration in well water samples from Eloor was significantly higher than that of Ollukara and no significant seasonal difference was observed in fluoride concentration in well water from Eloor. However, significant seasonal variations were observed in fluoride concentration in Ollukara viz., lower during monsoon and post monsoon, and higher during summer and pre-monsoon. Mean iron concentration was higher in Eloor and had highly significant difference with mean concentration in Ollukara. Significant difference in mean iron concentrations between four seasons could not be observed in Eloor, whereas in Ollukara, four different seasons showed significant difference. Lower concentration was observed during summer and pre-monsoon and higher during monsoon and post monsoon. A significantly higher lead concentration was recorded in well water from Eloor than that from Ollukara. In Ollukara, there was significant seasonal difference in mean lead concentration with highest during monsoon and the lowest during pre-monsoon seasons respectively. Throughout the entire period of study no mercury could be detected in well water samples from both areas. There was no significant difference in mean zinc concentration between well water samples from Eloor and Ollukara. In Eloor, the concentration in summer season was significantly higher than during other seasons. In Ollukara mean zinc concentration in post monsoon was significantly higher than during other seasons. Mean cadmium concentration was similar in both areas and was found to be significantly higher during monsoon season at both Eloor and Ollukara. It was observed that mean Aerobic Plate Count was higher in Eloor than that of Ollukara and the difference was highly significant. There was no significant difference observed between four seasons in Eloor. In Ollukara, significant difference between seasons could be observed with highest count during summer. The mean coliform count of well water from Eloor was significantly higher than that of Ollukara. There was no seasonal variation in mean coliform count in Eloor. Whereas significant variation in mean colifrom count between seasons was observed in Ollukara with highest count during monsoon and lowest during summer. The mean E. coli count in well water from Eloor and Ollukara did not differ significantly. There was no difference in mean E. coli count between four seasons in well water from Eloor and Ollukara. The mean enterococcal count of well water samples from Eloor and Ollukara did not show significant difference. The mean count was significantly higher in Eloor during summer, but there was no seasonal difference in enterococcal count in Ollukara. From the survey conducted among 25 households having wells in Eloor and Ollukara, it could be concluded that 20 and 100 per cent of households, used well as source of drinking water in Eloor and Ollukara respectively. Eighty percent wells were pucca wells in Eloor, whereas only 60 per cent of wells were pucca in Ollukara. Disinfection of wells was practiced by 48 and 52 per cent respectively in Eloor and Ollukara. Only 32 and 36 per cent wells respectively had distance more than 15 metre from nearest polluting source. Among the major human health problems in Eloor, 88, 72, 60, 40, 12, 4 and 16 per cent of household reported respiratory problems, skin diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, headache, ophthalmic problem, neoplasm and congenital anomalies and mental retardation, respectively, which were suggestive of iron, lead and cadmium toxicity and poor quality of air. Whereas in Ollukara, health problems were comparatively less and only 12 per cent house hold reported respiratory problem. Among the major animal health problems in Eloor were digestive disorders, reproductive disorders, skin diseases and lameness indicating iron, lead, cadmium and fluoride toxicity. Retrospective analysis of cases recorded in Eloor veterinary hospital, from January 2005 to December 2009, also revealed symptoms of iron, lead and cadmium toxicity in animals. It was observed that Kuzhikandam creek in Eloor was heavily polluted and acted as a potent source of groundwater pollution. From the comparative study, it was clear that the groundwater contamination in Eloor was purely chemical of industrial origin, while in Ollukara it was attributed to the soil type and household pollution. Construction of sanitary wells, keeping adequate distance from polluting sources, with adequate platform, drainage and parapet is recommended. Steining of wells and covering the wells with nets should also be adopted. Disinfection of wells with sufficient quantity of suitable disinfectant at regular interval also helps to minimize pollution mainly of microbial origin.

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