Fine needle aspiration cytology was used to confirm the presence of Brugia spp. infection in dogs causing limb oedema and dermatopathies. Clinicians must carefully consider this diagnostic possibility when dealing with similar cases.

Lysosomes play a pivotal role in cellular processes through an active interplay of enzymes, lysosomal membrane proteins, and cytosolic proteins. Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of inherited and acquired disorders. Clinically affected animals are presented with developmental and neurological symptoms. This review aims to discuss the function of lysosomes, the pathogenesis of lysosomal storage disease, and its diagnosis.

Several newer feed resources have been evaluated and found useful for livestock feeding. There is a need to upscale these technologies for wider application. Of late certain local feed resources like azolla, areca sheath, maize kadbi, fruit residues, ayurvedic residues, brewery and residues have been found useful and farmers have started using some of them in the livestock ration. Use of these alternative feed resources replacing part of conventional feed ingredients is wise way for sustainable livestock production. Some of such potential feed stuffs are discussed in this article.

The extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) at genome wide level is crucial in determining the effectiveness of genomics tools in livestock breeding. The present population genomic study was conducted in native goat breeds of Kerala namely; Attapady Black goats (n=24) and Malabari goats (n=24) to characterise extent of LD within 40kbp marker interval using genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker data obtained by SNP50 BeadChip genotyping. Extent of LD between bi allelic markers was measured using correlation coefficient (r2). Mean r2 between adjacent SNP pairs across all autosomes within 40Kbp marker interval was low (Attapady Black: 0.1336; Malabari: 0.1284). The LD varied across autosomes in native goats. It was the highest for SNP pairs on Capra hircus autosome 6 (CHI 6) and the lowest for SNP pairs harboured in CHI 28 in Attapady Black goats and for SNP pairs in CHI 29 in Malabari goats. The low LD estimates indicate the genetically diverse nature of native goats. Current results also imply that denser SNP beadchip array with inter marker interval of below 40kbp would be desirable for effective genome wide association study (GWAS) and genomic selection in native goats.

The study evaluated deltamethrin resistance in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick populations of Kerala in India, using larval packet test (LPT). Dose response data were analysed by the probit method, the LC50 and LC95 of deltamethrin against ticks were determined by applying regression equation analysis to the probit-transformed data of mortality. In R. sanguineus, 50 per cent of isolates were found resistant at discriminating dose (600 ppm) by larval packet test. The p value obtained upon regression analysis was < 0.05 and was considered as significant. A majority of R. (B.) microplus were found to be susceptible to deltamethrin. However, these susceptible isolates survived doses which were twice the recommended doses (1.25 ppm – 100 ppm). The p value of isolates except isolate 1 and 5 were < 0.05 and statistically significant. The results highlight acaricide resistance to be one of the reasons for the alarming prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in Kerala and demand urgent interventions to ameliorate the resistance by alternate control strategies.

Climate change is one of the most serious issues faced by the global community of the present era. Hence, maximum, minimum and average temperatures for the period 1986 to 2016 collected from the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara were analysed to study the change in climate over years of Thrissur district. The present study showed no significant trend with respect to the annual mean maximum temperature from 1986 to 2016 as the temperature was not continuously progressive. But during 2011- 2016, for the annual mean maximum temperature, increasing trend was found and it was significantly increasing by 0.1495°C per year. The annual mean minimum and average temperatures also showed no significant trend from 1986-2016.

A feeding trial was done in 18 Malabari kids of 3 months of age (average body weight of 8.29 ± 0.81kg) for a period of 90 days to assess the effect of dietary incorporation of Ksheerabala residue on growth performance and economics of production. Kids were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments (T1, T2 and T3) and were fed with kid starter containing Ksheearabala residue at 0, 10 and 20 per cent, respectively. Kid starters were made isonitrogenous and isocaloric (24 % CP and 70% TDN) and were fed as per ICAR standards (ICAR, 2013). Green grass (Hydrid Napier) was fed as source of roughage. Data on body weight gain, daily dry matter consumption, feed conversion efficiency and economics of production of the experimental kids were recorded. Average daily gain (82 and 73 g) and feed conversion efficiency (4.49 and 4.80) were found to be similar in up T1 and T3 groups , however in T2 group the gain (54 g) and FCR (6.19) was significantly lower than T1 and T3. Feed cost per kg gain was found to be lowest (Rs. 80.85) for group T3. It could be concluded that Ksheerabala residue can be incorporated in kid starter at 20 per cent level without affecting the growth performance of kids and it is more profitable.

A study was undertaken to access the nutritive value of fruits and flowers of cannon ball tree (Couroupita guianensis Aubl.) harvested from different trees at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur. The samples were oven dried at 100ºC until constant weight was obtained for dry matter determination. The dried samples were ground and subjected to proximate analysis. Results showed that Couroupita guianensis fruit and flowers contain moderate crude protein, nitrogen free extract and total ash. For animal experimentation fifteen healthy Wistar rats of three weeks of age were selected and divided into three groups of five each and allotted randomly to three experimental treatments T1 (control), T2 (T1 + 1% Couroupita guianensis flower (CGF) on dry matter basis), T3 (T1 + 2% CGF on dry matter basis). All the experimental animals were fed with feed containing 24% CP and 3000 kcal/kg energy and were fed as per NRC standard. Feeding trial was conducted for a period of 30 days. The results showed that dry matter intake and body weight of animals were similar among the groups. Haemato-biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, total protein and plasma glucose were similar among the groups whereas the triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower in CGF supplemented group.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (EGME) on fertility and early embryonic development to implantation, following oral gavage to Wistar rats. EGME, which is a known testicular toxicant, was administered to male rats for four weeks and to female rats for two weeks prior to mating at dose levels of 20, 40 and 80mg/kg orally, once daily. Dosing was continued in males until sacrifice (Day 43) and in females until day six of gestation. Females were sacrificed on Day 15 of gestation and examined for implantation sites, viable fetuses and ovarian corpora lutea. Males were evaluated for sperm parameters as well as organ weight and histopathology of the reproductive tissues. At the end of dosing, the 80 mg/kg/day males had decreased weight and size of testes and epididymides which correlated with tubular atrophy of the testes and ductal atrophy plus reduced sperm in the epididymides. Testicular changes were less severe in the 40 mg/kg/day group, comprising Sertoli cell vacuolation, with degeneration and depletion of elongating spermatids and spermatid retention in the testes and lumenal cell debris in the epididymides. No testicular abnormalities were observed in the 20 mg/kg/day males but cell debris was present in the epididymal lumen. There was a dose related decrease in total sperm count and sperm viability (=20 mg/kg/day) and sperm motility (=40 mg/kg/day). The fertility index in the EGME dosed groups showed a dose-related decline and the time taken for females to conceive was increased.

The study was undertaken with the objective of characterization of the single exon region of potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene in Labrador retriever breeds of dogs. The gene encodes the islet ATP-sensitive potassium channel Kir6.2 which plays a major role in insulin secretion and is of substantial interest as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes. The genomic DNA was isolated from six pedigreed Labrador retriever breeds of dogs and a 1173 bp fragment of the coding region of KCNJ11 gene was amplified by PCR technique using synthetic oligonucleotide primer pairs and the confirmation of PCR product was done by agarose gel electrophoresis. The PCR amplified products were purified and sequenced commercially. The sequenced data was compared with nucleotide sequences available in the data bank using suitable software. The nucleotide sequence showed 99 per cent homology between Labrador and Boxer breeds of dogs with two bases found to be replaced among the two sequences whereas, 100 per cent homology was observed between sequences of Labrador, Basenji and Great Dane dogs. Predicted amino acid sequence and the secondary protein structure revealed no characteristic change between the dog breeds suggestive of the highly conserved nature of the gene studied. The study can be extended in larger dog population to find out any polymorphism in the respective gene studied which might serve as a breed specific marker for screening diabetic dog population in future.

The study was undertaken with the objective of characterization of the single exon region of potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene in Labrador retriever breeds of dogs. The gene encodes the islet ATP-sensitive potassium channel Kir6.2 which plays a major role in insulin secretion and is of substantial interest as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes. The genomic DNA was isolated from six pedigreed Labrador retriever breeds of dogs and a 1173 bp fragment of the coding region of KCNJ11 gene was amplified by PCR technique using synthetic oligonucleotide primer pairs and the confirmation of PCR product was done by agarose gel electrophoresis. The PCR amplified products were purified and sequenced commercially. The sequenced data was compared with nucleotide sequences available in the data bank using suitable software. The nucleotide sequence showed 99 per cent homology between Labrador and Boxer breeds of dogs with two bases found to be replaced among the two sequences whereas, 100 per cent homology was observed between sequences of Labrador, Basenji and Great Dane dogs. Predicted amino acid sequence and the secondary protein structure revealed no characteristic change between the dog breeds suggestive of the highly conserved nature of the gene studied. The study can be extended in larger dog population to find out any polymorphism in the respective gene studied which might serve as a breed specific marker for screening diabetic dog population in future.

The present work has been carried out to study the haemato-biochemical profiles of cattle infected with oriental theileriosis. Theileriosis was diagnosed in 30 cross bred cattle by blood smear examination and confirmed by PCR. Whole blood samples were collected from positive animals and were subjected to estimation of haemato-biochemical parameters. Haematological analysis revealed significant decrease in total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin, volume of packed red cells (VPRC) and granulocyte count, significant increase in total leucocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte count, monocyte count and granulocyte count in T. orientalis infected animals. Non-significant changes were noticed in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in albumin concentration and significant increase in blood urea nitrogen level in T. orientalis infected animals. The knowledge on alterations in haemato-biochemical profiles of affected animals will help to assess the severity of infection and to make a tentative diagnosis of the condition.

Pattern of seasons in Kerala, with predominantly hot humid climate, has been found to be hostile for the enhancement of animal productivity. In the context of climate change, alterations and inconsistencies of the seasons has been reported worldwide. Hence, weather parameters of Kerala were studied over a period of six years with emphasis on the seasonality and causation of thermal stress in animals. The study was carried out at Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu. Ambient temperature (AbT) and humidity of six years were collected from Automatic weather stations (AWS) and Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was calculated using formula. The weather parameters were analysed for monthly, seasonal and yearly pattern and the findings are discussed. It is evident that summer season in Kerala (March to May) does not correspond to the entire long day period. Even though AbT and THI were increasing from January onwards with increasing day length, onset of raining in June causes sudden drop in AbT responsible for the peculiar Kerala climate. Climatic parameters in September were more similar to October-November (North-east monsoon) than June to August (South-west monsoon). Even though December to February (post monsoon) forms winter season in rest of the country, the lowest temperature recorded in the study was 18.3 ºC, making the term “winter” a misfit except for high ranges. Thus it appears that four quarters of three months each, designated as South-west monsoon, North-east monsoon, Post monsoon and Summer forms better classification of seasons in Kerala and THI was high enough to cause thermal stress throughout the year.

Bovine mastitis is an endemic disease among dairy cattle all over the world and antimicrobial therapy is one of the prime therapeutic and prophylactic tool against mastitis. In the present scenario, the efficacy of antimicrobial chemotherapy is being threatened by the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance. A study was conducted to evaluate the comparative clinico-therapeutic efficacy of three selected antimicrobial protocols among 21 animals with clinical mastitis, from which S. aureus could be isolated. Therapeutic trials were conducted with Inj. Ceftriaxone (10 mg/kg body weight BID) for five days in group I, Inj. Ceftriaxone-sulbactam (6 mg/kg IV BID for five days) in group II and Inj. Sulphadiazine-trimethoprim (15 mg/kg IV BID for five days) in group III. The bacteriological cure was assessed by streaking the milk samples collected 24 h after termination of the treatment on to a bacteriological medium and the clinical cure was assessed by the return to normal colour and consistency of milk and remission of the pathological manifestations in udder. All the treatment groups had exhibited an excellent bacteriological cure rate as evident from the 100 per cent post treatment culture negative samples. The group I exhibited 100 per cent clinical cure whereas, in group II and group II, the clinical cure was 87.5 per cent and 75 per cent respectively. Statistical analysis using Fisher’s exact test revealed that there is no significant difference among the three treatment groups and all the treatment regimens are equally effective.

A feeding trial was done in 18 Malabari kids of 3 months of age (average body weight of 8.29 ± 0.81kg) for a period of 90 days to assess the effect of dietary incorporation of Ksheerabala residue on growth performance and economics of production. Kids were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments (T1, T2 and T3) and were fed with kid starter containing Ksheearabala residue at 0, 10 and 20 per cent, respectively. Kid starters were made isonitrogenous and isocaloric (24 % CP and 70% TDN) and were fed as per ICAR standards (ICAR, 2013). Green grass (Hydrid Napier) was fed as source of roughage. Data on body weight gain, daily dry matter consumption, feed conversion efficiency and economics of production of the experimental kids were recorded. Average daily gain (82 and 73 g) and feed conversion efficiency (4.49 and 4.80) were found to be similar in up T1 and T3 groups , however in T2 group the gain (54 g) and FCR (6.19) was significantly lower than T1 and T3. Feed cost per kg gain was found to be lowest (Rs. 80.85) for group T3. It could be concluded that Ksheerabala residue can be incorporated in kid starter at 20 per cent level without affecting the growth performance of kids and it is more profitable.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (EGME) on fertility and early embryonic development to implantation, following oral gavage to Wistar rats. EGME, which is a known testicular toxicant, was administered to male rats for four weeks and to female rats for two weeks prior to mating at dose levels of 20, 40 and 80mg/kg orally, once daily. Dosing was continued in males until sacrifice (Day 43) and in females until day six of gestation. Females were sacrificed on Day 15 of gestation and examined for implantation sites, viable fetuses and ovarian corpora lutea. Males were evaluated for sperm parameters as well as organ weight and histopathology of the reproductive tissues. At the end of dosing, the 80 mg/kg/day males had decreased weight and size of testes and epididymides which correlated with tubular atrophy of the testes and ductal atrophy plus reduced sperm in the epididymides. Testicular changes were less severe in the 40 mg/kg/day group, comprising Sertoli cell vacuolation, with degeneration and depletion of elongating spermatids and spermatid retention in the testes and lumenal cell debris in the epididymides. No testicular abnormalities were observed in the 20 mg/kg/day males but cell debris was present in the epididymal lumen. There was a dose related decrease in total sperm count and sperm viability (=20 mg/kg/day) and sperm motility (=40 mg/kg/day). The fertility index in the EGME dosed groups showed a dose-related decline and the time taken for females to conceive was increased.

The present study was envisaged for the detection of subclinical mastitis in 108 apparently healthy dairy cows of University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy and Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu. The quarter milk samples collected under sterile conditions were screened using California mastitis test, somatic cell counting and electrical conductivity. A high prevalence of 54 per cent was recorded in the present study. The results indicated the importance of maintaining proper hygienic practices inside farm and good udder health management to enhance quality milk production.

Designer eggs have high market demand because of the consumers’ willingness to purchase them owing to its’ nutritional qualities additional to regular eggs. The current study was conducted to produce zinc enriched eggs by supplementing laying hens’ diet with required levels of zinc as inorganic zinc sulphate (75mg/kg). Thirty-two number of crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) layer birds were given zinc enriched diet from 29 weeks of age for 12 weeks. The concentration of zinc in egg of birds supplemented with zinc diet was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of unsupplemented group. The egg zinc concentration of supplemented birds was elevated from 33.36±0.89 ppm (control group) to 40.85±0.47 ppm (supplemented group)

Six geriatric dogs of various breeds belonging to either sex presented for various surgical procedures to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, were selected for the study. On the day of surgery, preanaesthesia was performed with diazepam and butorphanol. After ten minutes of premedication, preoxygenation was carried out for three minutes. Propofol (1 per cent w/v) was administered as a slow bolus, intravenous injection for induction of anaesthesia. Maintenance of surgical plane of anaesthesia was carried out with isoflurane in oxygen using Bain’s circuit system incorporated with isoflurane vapourizer. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters, which were recorded before premedication, ten minutes after commencement of isoflurane and after recovery from general anaesthesia are described here. The present study concluded that the anaesthetic protocol is safe in geriatric animals with regard to haematological and serum biochemical parameters.

DNA barcoding is a technique for characterizing species of organisms using a short DNA sequence from a standard and agreed-upon position in the genome. In the present study, DNA barcoding was used as a technology to differentiate deer and goat species from the skin samples. The samples were collected from different regions of the skin, viz. ear pinna, dorsal abdomen, muzzle and interdigital space of foerelimb of deer brought for post mortem at College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, from Thrissur zoo and forest department and of goat freshly slaughtered in Meat Technology Unit, Mannuthy. Samples were chopped and preserved in ethanol and processed. The mitochondrial sequence of Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit (COI) was deliberated as a barcode marker suited best for species identification of the animals and based on this the samples were identified as Cervus unicolor, Rusa timorensis and Capra hircus. The results recommended that unidentified specimens from wild animals can be recognized competently using DNA sequencebased analysis.

An experiment was carried out on Large White Yorkshire sows for a duration of 63 days at the Centre of Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy to elucidate the impact of higher feed energy levels through corn oil supplementation. Eighteen Large White Yorkshire pregnant sows were selected three weeks before the anticipated date of parturition and were divided into three uniform groups of six each and were allocated the treatments, T1{(Control ration (18% CP and 3280 kcal/kg ME as per ICAR, 2013)},T2{(Control ration +1 % Corn oil (w/w) (18 % CP and 3365 kcal ME/ kg feed)} and T3 {(Control ration + 2 % Corn oil (w/w) (18% CP and 3450 kcal ME/kgfeed)}. The dry matter intake of the sows of the three groups was similar (p>0.05). At 42 days of lactation, the lactational loss in body weight of sows was statistically similar (p>0.05).

Oncogenesis is an area which continuously elicits research interest. There are innumerable factors which contribute to oncogenesis of which mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations play a major role. Though extensive studies have been conducted relating mtDNA mutations to human cancers, there is sparse information available on canine neoplasia. Cytochrome oxidase1 (COX1) is an important component of electron transport chain of mitochondria and any alteration in it would result in altered energy production which is very essential for proliferating neoplastic cells. Two samples of canine mammary carcinomas (CMT) were subjected to partial genome sequencing of COX1 subunit -I. There was no change in the gene sequence of COX1. Further studies in this aspect would pave the way for investigations on the role of mtDNA mutation in oncogenesis and could provide insights into how canines can serve as models for human cancers.

There are about 356 species of psittacines in the world and number of people keeping parrots as pets is innumerable. In spite of the rapid growth of Indian aviculture industry, lack of proper field diagnosis of diseases in these birds is a burning issue faced by both veterinarians and owners. Paramyxoviral infection is a threat to the aviculture industry since it spreads quickly and results in high mortality. Differential diagnosis in parrots showing neurological and respiratory signs is of paramount importance. In the present study 11 parrots namely cockatiels and alexandrine parakeets showing neurological and respiratory signs were screened for the presence of paramyxoviral infection using NDV antigen lateral flow kits. All the birds tested were positive for paramyxoviral infection. These lateral flow kits can act as a good field diagnosis for paramyxoviral infection in psittacines. The present study was the first to use lateral flow kits to identify infectious causes of neurological signs in birds of Kerala.

Presence of minor salivary glands in the oral mucosa and its potential use as an autograft for treating dry eye disease has been widely reported in humans. But there is a paucity of literature regarding the histological evidence for the presence of minor salivary glands in the oral mucosa of dogs. The present pilot study histologically identified and topographically described the minor salivary glands in the oral mucosa of two dogs, as a potential autograft for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The samples were collected from different sites of the upper and lower lips and the commissures. Samples were processed for routine paraffin embedding; 5 µm sections were taken and were stained using Hematoxyline and Eosin staining. Histological examination revealed exocrine, compound, tubulo-acinar glands and the secretion was mixed type.

Oestrosis, caused by the larvae of Oestrus ovis, is an obligatory myiasis of sheep and goats. It is commonly known as sheep nasal bot. The present study reports the infestation of the nasal cavity of sheep by Oestrus ovis larvae in Nagpur. Sheep showing symptoms ranging from dyspnea, mild nasal discharge, and torticollis was brought to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Nagpur Veterinary College, for postmortem examination. Grossly sinusitis, catarrhal discharge, purulent exudate, and congestion was observed. Microscopically, the cerebral cortex of infected animals revealed degeneration of neuron and softening of brain substance. Characteristic lesions included engorgement of blood vessels and vacuolation of brain substance with mild perivascular cuffing by mononuclear cells was seen. Nasal mucosa showed discontinuation of epithelial cells with mononuclear cell infiltration and edema and fibrosis. Based on parasitological and histopathological analysis, the case was confirmed to be of nasal myiasis.