Search

The study was conducted to purify and quantify Fn2 type (Fibronectin type II) proteins of Malabari buck seminal plasma. Quantification of whole seminal plasma protein did not reveal any significant difference between bucks with good and poor semen freezability, while significant difference was observed in the quantity of Fn2 proteins in the two groups of bucks. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed four gelatin binding proteins with apparent molecular weight 14kDa, 15kDa, 20kDa and 22kDa.

Reports on the prevalence of abortion due to Chlamydia psittaci (Chlamydophila abortus) in Kerala have indicated a need for the in depth study of fhe organism. To unearth differences among fhe isolates of Chlamydia psittaci, at molecular level, restriction enzyme analysis of genomic DNA and plasmid profiling were carried out. Four isolates from four different sources were used in this study. DNA extracted from these isolates were digested by Eco Rl, Hae 11! and Bam Hl. Hind 111 digested Lambda DNA was used as molecular weight marker. The isolates were screened for the presence of plasmids also. Characterisation of chromosomal DNA of Chlamydophila abortus by restriction enzyme analysis revealed a near homogeneity among the isolates. The lack of plasmids in al! isolates also indicates the homogeneity of their origin and probably the genetic relationship. Thus, the restriction enzyme digestion analysis with other genetic tools can better resolve the similarity or dissimilarity among the isolates

A total of forty-nine blood samples and twenty-eight blood smears received for diagnosis of haemorrhagic septicaemia (I-IS) were processed for detection of Pasteurella multocida DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PGR), using species specific {PM-PCR} and type-B specific (HS-B PCR) primers. Culturing of the forty-nine blood samples yielded only five isolates of P. multocida. Thirteen samples (eight blood samples and five blood smears) found to be positive by PMPCR, generated an amplified product of 460 bp. The entire samples tested positive by PMPCR were confirmed as type•B Y multocida by HS-B specific PCR, which generated an isolates-DP1 & DP2j of p. multocida, which were used for comparison in multiplex PCR gave only single band corresponding to 460 by (Figs. 5, 6). Only serotype B P. multocida generated two bands in multiplex PCR. These results are in accordance with those of Townsend et al. (2000) and Dutta et al. {2004).

Comparative efficacy of three tests viz., Zieh!-Neelsen acid fast staining of faecal smear, single intradermal Johnin test and IS900 faecal polymerase chain reaction were evaluated for diagnosis of paratuberculosis in goats. One hundred and fifty goats from the University Sheep and Goat farm, Mannuthy were subjected to single intradermal Johnin test. Faecal smears from all these goats were stained by Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staining method. Faecal PCR specific for IS900 was also done on all samples. Among the three tests, 1S900 PCR showed highest sensitivity in diagnosing paratuberculosis in goats and detected maximum number of infected animals. Single intradermal Johnin test and acid fast staining did not show any significant difference while acid fast staining of faecal smears detected least number of positive animals.

A better understanding of chlamydia psiftaci is required to appreciate and highlight fhe epidemiology of chlamydiosis. Chlamydial organisms are obligate intracellularpathogens that do not grow on artificial media. Different cell lines have been found to be efficient for fhe isolation of C. psiftaci. This study was conducfed fo identify the growfh characteristics of C. psiftaci in McCoy cell lines. Marked CPE was exhibited by the isolates in McCoy cell lines. In stained preparations rounding and clumping of cells, syncytia formafion and intracyfoplasmic inclusion bodies were noticed. To confirm the idenfity of the isolates, fluorescent antibody staining technique was used. Specific apple green fluorescing inclusions were observed which were very prominent by 96 h Pl.

Of the 412 serum samples collected from goats from different districts of Kerala, 64 samples were positive giving a seroprevalence of 15. 5 percent. Seroprevalence of PPR was more in animals reared under organized farming system than in rural farming system. Animals with a history of disease showed more sero-prevalence to PPR. Seropositivity of PPR was more in Malabari breed of goats. Seroprevalence of PPR was more in animals of the age group of 6 months-one year. Female animals showed a higher seropositivity than male animals. High percentage of seroprevalence of PPR was detected in animals with a history of abortion.

One hundred and fifty goats were screened for paratuberculosis by single intradermal Johnin test and eight were found positive. Three SID positive goats were slaughtered and post mortem examination confirmed that two of the three slaughtered had gross lesions characteristic of Johne's disease and from the third goat acid fast bacteria could be detected from lymph node impression smear

Comparative efficacy of acid fast staining of faecal smear, single intradermal Johnin test and IS900 faecal PCR was investigated in fifty goats for detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Out of the fifty goats screened for paratuberculosis from field, one goat (2 per cent), three goats (6 per cent) and twelve goats (24 per cent) were found positive for the organism by Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staining of faecal smear, single intradermal Johnin test and by IS900 PCR respectively. Results of present study indicate that amplification of the lS900 insertion element was the most suitable diagnostic detection method analysed in this study. The strategic use of PCR can provide a means for early identification of MAP infected goat and thus

The serological interference following Brucella aborfus SR851 and S99 vaccination, in routine diagnostic tests was evaluafed in catf/e of four months and above. Sero negative animals were grouped into three. All the six animals of group 1 and /1 were subcutaneously vaccinated with 1.8x 1010 CFU and 1 x 1010 CFU of Brucella abortus SR851 respectively, whereas aU the.. group ll! animals (6 numbers) were vaccinated with 4 x1010 CFU of Brucella abortus S19 subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected from all animals on days D, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90, 120, 950 and 180 following vaccination. Antibodies to S-LPS were measured in all three groups of animals by RBPT and STAT. None of the Brucella abortus SRB51 vaccinated animals, both with higher or lower dose, produced detectable antibody response in the conventional serological tests viz., RBPT and STAT fhroughout the study period, whereas animals vaccinated with Brucella abortus S19 produced detectable antibody responses in RBPT and STAT.

A treatment trial of agricultural Bordeaux mixture (1 %) was carried out against mycotic dermatitis in cattle. This therapeutic agent was found to be very effective against mycotic dermatitis in cattle. Agricultural Bordeaux mixture {one per cent) is very cheap, and easily available with most of the farmers. It is easy to apply. Hence it is recommended as an ideal treatment for fungal dermatitis in cattle.

The aetiology of neonatal calf diarrhoea is multifactorial with a varied number of enteropathogens including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths (Singh and Chauhan, 2000). Prolonged use of oral antibacterial agents is said to alter the intestinal microflora, ultimately resulting in a superinfection by the opportunistic organisms (Radostits et al., 1994).