Studies on serum macro and micro minerals status in repeat breeder and normal cyclic Nili-Ravi buffaloes and their treatment strategies

The present study was carried out with the objective to know the calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in serum of repeat breeder and normal cyclic buffaloes during oestrus. On the day of estrus, blood samples were collected from 35 buffaloes with a history of repeat breeding (RB) and 35 normal cycling (NC) buffaloes for mineral estimation. In the second part of the study, 35 repeat breeder (RBS) buffaloes were treated with a mineral mixture given orally for 10 days at the dosage rate of 150 g per day whereas other 35 repeat breeder buffaloes were given no mineral mixture (RBC). The overall pregnancy rate as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd service pregnancy rate was calculated. The serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in RB buffaloes as compared to NC buffaloes. Sodium concentrations differed non-significantly between repeat breeder and normal cyclic buffaloes. Repeat breeder buffaloes (RBS) when fed orally 150 g per day of the mineral mixture for 10 days, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd service pregnancy rates were 42, 25 and 20%, while, overall pregnancy rate in these animals was 87%; whereas in repeat breeder control buffaloes, the overall pregnancy rate was 21%. In conclusion, the concentrations of macro and micro minerals were significantly lower in repeat breeder buffaloes and mineral mixtures should be added in the food stuff to improve reproductive efficiency of repeat breeder buffaloes. Keywords: Buffalo, repeat breeder, minerals, pregnancy rateAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 13(10), pp. 1143-1146, 5 March, 201

First Report on Clinical Feasibility of Dried Blood Spot Technique for Hemoglobin Estimation in Cholistani Cattle

Background: The dried blood spot (DBS) technique using filter papers has revolutionized the conventional blood sampling techniques through ease of blood collection, storage and transport. Various analytes (such as hormones, antigens, antibodies and hematochemical attributes) are being estimated through DBS globally. However, this technique has not yet been implied in Pakistan. This research work is the first of its kind regarding hemoglobin (Hb) estimation in Cholistani cattle (n=63) blood through DBS technique using filter paper.Methods: Three methods of Hb estimation were implied in the present study viz. through veterinary hematology analyzer (HbA), and two indirect cyanmethemoglobin methods (HbIC and HbICX) using measured (20µL) and unmeasured blood drops on the filter paper, respectively.Results: Results revealed that HbA and HbIC were non-significantly (P≥0.05) different from each other, being different from HbICX (P≤0.05). The HbICX gave overestimated values of Hb as compared to HbA and HbIC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for HbIC were higher being 86.1%, 88.3%, 88.0%, and 86.0%, respectively as compared to the lower values of 45.0%, 12.0%, 12.0% and 45.0%, for HbICX. Bland and Altman test revealed a better level of agreement between HbA and HbIC. Around the mean difference line, there was no proportional bias in data distribution (Mean= -0.16, 95% CI= 0.34 to -0.67). Similarly, measures attained through Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient between HbA and HbIC were higher being 0.703 and 0.825 values for single and average, respectively, as compared to the values of 0.200 and 0.333 between HbA and HbICX.Conclusion: It is concluded that the indirect cyanmethemoglobin method for Hb estimation is reliable and accurate for cattle blood, if a measured quantity of blood drop is taken on a filter paper. We recommend this DBS technique for Hb estimation in cattle blood for resource-poor settings and for livestock herds being reared distantly from the laboratories. For future, it is recommended that DBS technique with various other modifications and for other hematochemical biomarkers may be validated for livestock blood.Keywords: Dried blood spot; Hemoglobin; Cholistani cattle  

Life cycle, survivorship and life expectancy of foliage spider (Marpissa bengalensis) in citrus orchard

ABSTRACT: The post embryonic developmental stages of Marpissa bengalensis (Araneae; Salticidac), the 2nd most abundant predatory species in citrus orchard were collected from the experimental fruit garden, department of Horticulture, located at the campus of University of Agriculture Faisalabad andstudied. Life cycle was observed in the laboratory, which started from egg sac collected from the field along with gravid female and released into the spider cages. The incubation period ranged from 5-15 days. The average eggs hatched were 23.8 eggs/cocoon and hatching % under laboratory conditions was recorded as 73.18%. The average duration of spiderlings span on their mothers back was 7 days. An overall, mean duration of 3rd spiderling stage was of 7.46 days. All spiderlings hatched from 8 cocoons. At the 4th spiderling stage, the average duration was of 10.23 days. In the 5th spiderling stage, the spiderling spent an average of 19.82 days. The 6th and 7th spiderlings stages lasted a total of 23.14 days and 25.86 days respectively. During 8th spiderling stage, the duration was maximum and it was recorded in 28.08 days. On average, from hatching to adult stage, the spiderlings lasted 137 days to attained maturity. Greater mortality was observed in the 3rd and 4th spiderling stages, decreasing thereafter and reaching zero in the 8th spiderling stage

Diagnostic efficacy of hand-held digital refractometer for determining total serum protein in indigenous sheep of Pakistan.

The study was designed to ascertain the diagnostic efficacy of hand-held digital refractometer in determining total protein (TP). The Sipli sheep (n = 128) were grouped as per gender (females = 99, males = 29) and age (G1 = up till 1 year, n = 35; G2 = from 1 to 2 years, n = 63; G3 = above 2 years, n = 30). The results regarding the overall mean (±SE) values for the TPs attained through serum chemistry analyzer (TP1) and hand-held digital refractometer (TP2) were non-significantly (P≥0.05) different (59.2±1.6g/L and 59.8±0.5g/L, respectively). However, the reference intervals (RIs) were quite different for the two TPs being 45.1-95.7g/L and 57.0-67.0g/L for TP1 and TP2, respectively. Similar results were seen for gender-wise and group-wise results. On the contrary, the results regarding correlation coefficient and logilinear regression showed a negative correlation between the two TPs (r = -0.0244) with an adjusted r-square of 0.059 (5.9% probability). Furthermore, the three tests implied to assess the level of agreement between the two methods (Cronbach alpha, Intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland & Altman test) revealed least agreement between the two methods. In a nutshell, the results of TP through digital refractometer were not in concordance with those attained through serum chemistry analyzer. However, it can cautiously be used if these results are compared with relevant corrected RIs

An approach towards measurement of sexual behavior in Cholistani service bulls and its association with serum testosterone levels

The present work was conducted with an aim to analyze various sexual behavior attributes for Cholistani service bulls (n = 10) being reared for AI at Semen Production Unit, Karaniwala, Bahawalpur, Pakistan and their relationship with serum testosterone levels.Bulls were divided into two equal groups (n=5 per group) viz. young(2-3 years of age) and adult (4-8 years of age).The exposure tests for assessment of sexual behavior and scoring were performed during semen collection. A total of 40 blood samples, (04 samples per animal;were 20 samples per group)were aseptically collected and used for assessment of serum testosterone concentration through automated immunoanalyser.Amongst the studied behavioral attributes,‘reaction during approach’, ‘sexual interest’ and ‘ejaculate response’ were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in adults as compared to their young counterparts.Adults had a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher testosterone concentration (6.59 ± 0.3ng/mL) as compared to their youngcounterparts (5.34 ± 0.3ng/mL).A positive correlation between serum testosterone concentration and sexual behavior score was noticed both for young and adult bulls, though statistically non-significant (P ≥ 0.05). It is concluded thatthere is a significant difference in sexual behavior attributes and serum testosterone levels of young and adult Cholistani service bulls. This is a first attempt to analyze sexual behavioral attributes of young and adult Cholistani breeding bulls. A time-lined study need to be devised for this breed in future in order to ascertain age of puberty and allied endocrine patterns

Effect of Oxytocin Administration before Milking on Milk Production, Somatic Cells Count and fat Contents in Milk of Nili-Ravi Buffaloes

This study was escorted to know the effect of oxytocin administration before milking on milk production, somatic cells count and fat contents in milk of buffaloes. Twenty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 10) buffaloes were treated intramuscularly with 30 IU of oxytocin daily before the start of milking for the period of 7 days, whereas group B (n = 10) buffaloes were given no treatment and served as control. Milk samples were collected from all buffaloes 7 days before (Phase I), during (Phase II) and after (Phase III) the treatment. There were significantly higher (P<0.05) milk production (liters) during phase-II in group A (8.57±0.07 liters) buffaloes as compare to group B (8.40±0.04 liters) whereas non-significant differences were recorded in the mean milk production between group A and B during phase-I (8.46 vs 8.43 liters) and III (8.54 liters). Somatic cells count varied from 72.96 to 97.01 × 103 and 71.86 to 77.14 × 103 cells per ml in group A and B, respectively. Mean somatic cells count were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group A as compared to group B during phases II of study. During phase I, II and III, there were non-significant differences in fat percentage between two groups of buffaloes. It was concluded that milk production and somatic cells count in milk of Nili-Ravi buffalo were affected by oxytocin injection before milking whereas there was no effect of oxytocin on milk fat percentage

Synthesis of DMEA-Grafted Anion Exchange Membrane for Adsorptive Discharge of Methyl Orange from Wastewaters

This manuscript describes the synthesis of dimethylethanolamine (DMEA)-grafted anion exchange membrane (AEM) by incorporating dimethylethanolamine as ion-exchange content into the polymer matrix via the solution casting method. The synthesis of the DMEA-grafted AEM was demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The prepared DMEA-grafted AEM exhibited higher thermal stability, homogeneous morphology, water uptake (WR) of 115%, and an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.70 meq/g. It was used for the adsorptive removal of methyl orange (MO) from an aqueous solution via batch processing. The effect of several operating factors, including contact time, membrane dosage, initial concentration of aqueous dye solution, and temperature on the percentage discharge of MO and adsorption capacity, was evaluated. Experimental data for adsorption of MO onto the DMEA-grafted AEM was analyzed with two parameter and three parameter nonlinear adsorption isotherm models but fitted best using a nonlinear Freundlich isotherm. Adsorption kinetics were studied by using several models, and attained results showed that experimental data fitted well to pseudo-second-order kinetics. A thermodynamic study showed that adsorption of MO onto the prepared DMEA-grafted AEM was an endothermic process. Moreover, it was a feasible and spontaneous process

Synthesis of DMEA-Grafted Anion Exchange Membrane for Adsorptive Discharge of Methyl Orange from Wastewaters

This manuscript describes the synthesis of dimethylethanolamine (DMEA)-grafted anion exchange membrane (AEM) by incorporating dimethylethanolamine as ion-exchange content into the polymer matrix via the solution casting method. The synthesis of the DMEA-grafted AEM was demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The prepared DMEA-grafted AEM exhibited higher thermal stability, homogeneous morphology, water uptake (WR) of 115%, and an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.70 meq/g. It was used for the adsorptive removal of methyl orange (MO) from an aqueous solution via batch processing. The effect of several operating factors, including contact time, membrane dosage, initial concentration of aqueous dye solution, and temperature on the percentage discharge of MO and adsorption capacity, was evaluated. Experimental data for adsorption of MO onto the DMEA-grafted AEM was analyzed with two parameter and three parameter nonlinear adsorption isotherm models but fitted best using a nonlinear Freundlich isotherm. Adsorption kinetics were studied by using several models, and attained results showed that experimental data fitted well to pseudo-second-order kinetics. A thermodynamic study showed that adsorption of MO onto the prepared DMEA-grafted AEM was an endothermic process. Moreover, it was a feasible and spontaneous process

Adsorption kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies of eosin-B onto anion exchange membrane

In this research, batch adsorption of anionic dye Eosin-B (EB) onto anion exchange membrane (AEM) (BI) from aqueous solution has been investigated at room temperature. The effect of some operating conditions such as contact time, membrane dosage, initial dye concentration and temperature on the percentage removal of EB from aqueous solution has been investigated in detail. Moreover, adsorption kinetics has been analyzed using different models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, liquid film diffusion, modified Freundlich and Bangham models. Results show that adsorption data fits to the pseudo-second order kinetics very well. Non-linear isotherms containing two parameters and three parameters isotherms have been applied on experimental data. Different thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb’s free energy (DG°), enthalpy (DH°), and entropy (DS°) have been calculated, which shows that adsorption of EB onto anion exchange membrane (B1) is an exothermic process.The authors are highly thankful to the CAS-TWAS President's fellowship for PhD financial support.Scopu

Removal of copper ions from aqueous solution using NaOH-treated rice husk

The present study investigates the removal of copper ions (Cu (II)) from aqueous solution using chemically treated rice husk (TRH). The chemical treatment was carried out using NaOH solution and the effect of contact time (tc), adsorbent dosage (Dad), initial Cu (II) concentration ([Cu]i), and temperature (T) on the percentage removals of Cu (II) (%RCu) were investigated. Different analytical techniques (FTIR, SEM, and EDX) were used to confirm the adsorption (ads) of Cu (II) onto the TRH. The ads kinetics was tested against pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models as well as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Treating RH with NaOH altered the surface and functional groups, and on the surface of RH, the ionic ligands with high electro-attraction to Cu increased and thus improved the removal efficiency. The %RCu decreased by increasing the [Cu]i and increased by increasing the ct, Dad, and T. Up to 97% Cu removal was achieved in ct of 30 min using Dad of 0.3 g [Cu]i of 25 mg L−1 and T = 280 K. The ads of Cu on TRH is endothermic, spontaneous, follows Langmuir isotherms, and exhibited a PSO kinetics. Moreover, the TRH was successfully regenerated and used for further adsorption cycles using 1 M HNO3.Other Information Published in: Emergent Materials License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42247-020-00126-w</p