Effect of ruminal plastic bags on haematological and biochemical parameters of sheep and goats

A study was carried out with the objective of determining the haematological and blood biochemical parameters in sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen for a period of 42 days. This was to indicate the possible influence of plastic bags in the rumen on blood parameters. 16, one-year old castrate Dorper sheep with a mean body weight of 26.8 kg (± 0.3 kg) and 16 one-year old castrate small East African goats with a mean weight of 24.5 kg (± 0.3 kg) were used for the study. The 16 sheep and 16 goats were divided into 4 groups of 4 animals each (n = 4). Three groups of each species were implanted with 129 g, 258 g and 387 g of plastic bags, respectively, in the rumen through rumenotomy and the fourth group of each species was control on which rumenotomy was done but with no implanting of plastic bags. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture from all sheep and goats every 2 weeks for analysis. The only haematological parameter that had significant change was platelets, which significantly (p < 0.05) increased in both sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen. However, mean values of erythrocytes, packed cell volume, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume decreased but not significantly in the sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen. The sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen had hyponatraemmia, hypochloridaemia and decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activity. The changes observed in haematological and biochemical parameters could be an indication of adverse effects on the production and well-being of sheep and goats that ingest these plastic bags. These finding may be of diagnostic importance in cases of rumen impaction with indigestible foreign bodies, particularly, plastic bags

Clinical manifestations in sheep with plastic bags in the rumen

Sixteen 1-year-old castrate Dorper sheep were used for the study. The animals were divided into four groups of four animals (n = 4). Three groups were implanted with 129 g, 258 g and 387 g of thin plastic bags into the rumen through rumenotomy, while the fourth group was subjected to rumenotomy without implanting plastic bags, and served as control. All the animals were monitored daily for 6 weeks following implantation. Presence of plastic bags in the rumen was characterized by anorexia, severe depression, discomfort, dehydration, firmness and asymmetrical distension of the abdomen, ruminal hypomotility and diarrhoea with intermittent constipation, weight loss, terminal recumbency and death. The severity of these clinical manifestations increased with increased quantities of plastic bags and their duration in the rumen. Sheep implanted with 258 g and 387 g lost 7.8 percent and 14.2 percent of their initial mean body weight, respectively, by the end of 6 weeks. Presence of plastic bags in the rumen could interfere with digestion, with a gradual loss in body weight, productivity and occasional mortality. Plastic bags in the rumen should be considered as a differential diagnosis in sheep presenting the observed clinical signs, especially in urban and periurban areas

Ethnopharmacological survey of Samburu district, Kenya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ethnobotanical pharmacopoeia is confidently used in disease intervention and there is need for documentation and preservation of traditional medical knowledge to bolster the discovery of novel drugs. The objective of the present study was to document the indigenous medicinal plant utilization, management and their extinction threats in Samburu District, Kenya.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Field research was conducted in six divisions of Samburu District in Kenya. We randomly sampled 100 consented interviewees stratified by age, gender, occupation and level of education. We collected plant use data through semi-structured questionnaires; transect walks, oral interviews and focus groups discussions. Voucher specimens of all cited botanic species were collected and deposited at University of Nairobi's botany herbarium.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Data on plant use from the informants yielded 990 citations on 56 medicinal plant species, which are used to treat 54 different animal and human diseases including; malaria, digestive disorders, respiratory syndromes and ectoparasites.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The ethnomedicinal use of plant species was documented in the study area for treatment of both human and veterinary diseases. The local population has high ethnobotanical knowledge and has adopted sound management conservation practices. The major threatening factors reported were anthropogenic and natural. Ethnomedical documentation and sustainable plant utilization can support drug discovery efforts in developing countries.</p

E2F1-Mediated Upregulation of p19INK4d Determines Its Periodic Expression during Cell Cycle and Regulates Cellular Proliferation

BACKGROUND: A central aspect of development and disease is the control of cell proliferation through regulation of the mitotic cycle. Cell cycle progression and directionality requires an appropriate balance of positive and negative regulators whose expression must fluctuate in a coordinated manner. p19INK4d, a member of the INK4 family of CDK inhibitors, has a unique feature that distinguishes it from the remaining INK4 and makes it a likely candidate for contributing to the directionality of the cell cycle. p19INK4d mRNA and protein levels accumulate periodically during the cell cycle under normal conditions, a feature reminiscent of cyclins. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this paper, we demonstrate that p19INK4d is transcriptionally regulated by E2F1 through two response elements present in the p19INK4d promoter. Ablation of this regulation reduced p19 levels and restricted its expression during the cell cycle, reflecting the contribution of a transcriptional effect of E2F1 on p19 periodicity. The induction of p19INK4d is delayed during the cell cycle compared to that of cyclin E, temporally separating the induction of these proliferative and antiproliferative target genes. Specific inhibition of the E2F1-p19INK4d pathway using triplex-forming oligonucleotides that block E2F1 binding on p19 promoter, stimulated cell proliferation and increased the fraction of cells in S phase. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The results described here support a model of normal cell cycle progression in which, following phosphorylation of pRb, free E2F induces cyclin E, among other target genes. Once cyclinE/CDK2 takes over as the cell cycle driving kinase activity, the induction of p19 mediated by E2F1 leads to inhibition of the CDK4,6-containing complexes, bringing the G1 phase to an end. This regulatory mechanism constitutes a new negative feedback loop that terminates the G1 phase proliferative signal, contributing to the proper coordination of the cell cycle and provides an additional mechanism to limit E2F activity

The Ecology and Biology of Saiga (Saiga tatarrica linneaus) Found in the Precaspian Steppe of Kalmyiky

No Abstract.Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 15 1991: pp. 81-8

Microbiological and Physico-chemical Characteristics of Saiga (Saiga tatarrica lineaus) Meat During Storage

No Abstract.Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 15 1991: pp. 85-9

Problems of Public Health Importance Associated with Irrigation

With increase in world population and subsequent increase in demand for food, the role of irrigation as a means of meeting this demand is bound to increase. Sources of irrigation water are surface and ground water, and reused wastewater. Irrigation though important in improving world food security can also have several adverse effects on the environment and on public health. These effects arise from the source and quality of irrigation water, the irrigation method and the run-off from the irrigated land. The main effects are transmission of water-borne disease, proliferation of disease vectors with subsequent increase in water-based diseases, toxic effects from chemicals in irrigation water, and pollution of water bodies by irrigation run-off. Measures to counter these adverse effects include management practices that promote health and fight disease, public education on the risks and protection measures, lowering the risk of human exposure to pathogens in irrigation water, lowering contamination of food crops through crop restriction thus reducing risk of infection to consumers, and setting guidelines and standards for reuse of wastewater. The Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 29 2005: pp. 130-13

Technology Transfer and the Innovative Process in Biomedical Sciences in the Developing World

Technology transfer may be defined as the conveyance of either a man-made tangible or intangible know-how from those who posses it to those who do not. Although the technology transfer encompasses great a many different types of activities, the transfer process can be examined according to six major elements, namely, the transfer item, the technology donor, the technology recipient, the transfer mechanism, the rate of diffusion of technology and the absorptive capacity of the recipient. These are several ways in which technology can be transferred from donor to recipient. Some of these mechanisms include turnkey operations, the technological enclave, licensing, joint ventures, patents, in house transfers to foreign subsidiaries, simple emulation of a product or a process, direct purchase of naked technology, embodied technology/technological services, education abroad, site-visits and on training, international co-operative research efforts, meetings and seminars. Scientists from the developing world are involved at various levels in the process of technology transfer. In the process of participating in all these activities the innovative process may come into play. Medical “technology” implies understanding of the equipment and paraphernalia of medicine and the art and skill in using it. The International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD) and Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Kenya Trypanosomiasis Institute (KETRI) amongst others have notably participated in the development of Bio-Medical technology at various levels. Contributions of various African Scientists in the development of techniques and methods of treatment and control of various diseases is outstanding and has been of great assistance to drug companies for the development of products. The output of Research and Development must be considered productive and may lead to development of new technologies or improvement of existing ones. Industries are the beneficiaries here as they produce products that are sold to final users. The patenting of such products or know-how should reflect the participation of third world Scientists. High level of technological awareness must therefore be created among researchers and scientists of the third world. A system that protects intellectual property rights that works must be created. Joint cooperative research projects between the third world scientists and scientist of the developed world should lead to the beginning of a breakthrough in the technological underdevelopment of these countries towards the year 2000 and beyond. While conferences, intensive seminars and workshops are to be encouraged even more, work well done must not end up in shelves as papers presented in high scientific conferences. Key words: Technology transfer, the innovative process, transfers item, technology donor, technology recipient, and technology diffusions Résumé On peut définir le transfert de technologies comme une transmission du génie humain matériel ou immatériel des personnes érudites aux gens qui sont dépourvus de ce génie. Bien que le transfert de technologies englobe plusieurs types d'activités, le processus lui-même de transfert peut être vu sous six angles principaux. Ces activités portent sur l'élément à transférer, le taux de vulgarisation de la technologie et la capacité d'adoption par le bénéficiaire. Il existe plusieurs façons dont la technologie peut être transmise de l'innovateur au client. Certains de ces mécanismes incluent notamment les opérations essentielles, dont le caractère collectif de la technologie, la licence, le partage des risques, les brevets, le transfert des biens immobiliers aux filiales étrangères, la simple promotion du produit ou le précédé de sa fabrication, l'achat direct d'une technologie brute ou majorée des services qu'elle génère, les études à l'étranger, les visites sur terrain et la formation continue, les efforts de coopération internationale en matière de recherche, de même que les réunions et les conférences. Les scientifiques des pays en voie de développement sont, à différents niveaux, impliqués dans le processus de transfert de technologies. Au cours de l'exécution des activités dessus mentionnés, il peut y avoir l'un ou l'autre élément d'innovation qui intervient dans le jeu. La technologie biomédicale implique la maîtrise du fonctionnement de l'équipement et de tout le bataclan médical, de même que le tact dans leur utilisation. Entre autres, le laboratoire International pour la Recherche sur les Maladies des Animaux — ILRAD, l'Institut Kenyan de Recherche sur la Trypanosomiase — KETRI et l'Institut Kenyan de Recherche Médicale — KEMRI, ont notamment participé à la mise au point de la technologie biomédicale à divers niveaux. La contribution apportée par divers scientifiques africains au développement des techniques et méthodes de traitement et de lutte contre différentes maladies est notoire, et celle-ci a considérablement aidé les compagnies pharmaceutiques dans la mise au point de leurs produits. Les fruits de la recherche et développement doivent être considérés comme rentables et pouvant déboucher au développement de nouvelles technologies ou conduire à l'amélioration de celles qui existent. Les industries en sont les premiers bénéficiaires car elles fabriquent des produits qui sont directement vendus aux utilisateurs finaux. Les brevets pour de tels produits ou ceux pour leur procédé de fabrication devraient refléter la participation des scientifiques des pays en voie de développement. Le niveau élevé de conscience technologique devrait ainsi être éveillé chez les chercheurs et scientifiques du tiers monde. Un système fonctionnel protégeant les droits de propriété intellectuelle doit voir le jour. Les projets conjoints de recherche englobant des scientifiques du tiers monde et ceux des pays développés devraient faire une percée dans le sous-développement technologique de ces pays vers l'année 2000 et au-delà. Certes la tenue des conférences, des séminaires intensifs et ateliers doit être fortement encouragée, mais les travaux bien effectués par les chercheurs ne doivent pas s'évanouir dans des tiroirs et être simplement considérés comme des papiers présentés dans de grandes conférences scientifiques. Mots clés: transfert de technologies, processus innovateur, article de transfert, innovateur de la technologie, client bénéficiaire de la technologie, diffusion de technologies (Discovery and Innovation: 2002 14 (3-4): 155-160

A Point Prevalence Study of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Burchell\'s Zebra (Equus Burchelli Antiquorum) at Lewa Downs Ranch, Isiolo District Kenya

Burchell's Zebra ( Equus Burchelli Antiquorum) were sampled for gastrointestinal parasites at the Lewa Downs Game Ranch in Isiolo District between 4/7/95 and 11/7/95. The stomach, small intestines and abdominal cavity were searched for parasites. The parasites were identified to genus level but in some cases to species level. Feacal egg counts, hematology and serum biochemistry screening were also performed. All animals were infested with at least three genera of gastrointestinal parasites including at least one nematode genus. A total of nine genera were recovered representing eight families. These included six nematode families, Strongylidae, Strongylinae, Atractidae, Oxyuridae, Spiruridae, and Setaridae one cestode family, Anoplocephalidae and one family of the larvae of Gasterophilus bot flies, Gastrophilidae. The most prevalent families were Atracidae (100%) and Strongylinae (80%). The mean total worm burden was 78,764. The average of individual genera varied from 0-77,890worms. The average worm burdens were higher in females than in males. In comparing the mean total egg counts, there were generally higher egg counts in animals with higher worm burdens. Hematology results were within baseline values for Burchell's zebra. Blood biochemistry showed high levels of Alkaline Phosphatase, Creatine Kinase, Lactase dehydrogenase and Aspartate transaminase was partly attributed to exertion before death. The Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 25 2002: pp. 44-4

Prediction of live body weight using length and girth measurements for pigs in rural Western Kenya

Objectives: To develop and validate a pig weight-estimation method using body length and girth measurements. Methods: In a random sample of 288 smallholder pig farms in Western Kenya, pigs were weighed (kg) and their lengths and girths were measured (cm). Prediction models were generated using 75% of the data and validated using the remaining 25%. Weight was regressed on length and girth using mixed model analysis after controlling for village as a random effect. Models were developed for pigs categorized as young (= 10 months). Results: Weights (mean +/- SD) of the young, market-age, and breeding-age pigs were 12 +/- 6.1 kg, 30 +/- 11.4 kg, and 42 +/- 17.0 kg, respectively. Models for the young, market-age, and breeding-age pigs were weight = 0.18 (length) + 0.36 (girth) - 16, weight = 0.39 (length) + 0.64 (girth) - 48, and weight = 0.36 (length) + 1.02 (girth) - 74, respectively. A single prediction model for weight = 0.25 (length) + 0.56 (girth) - 32 was also developed. Weight predicted by the models was a more accurate estimate than that provided by the farmers (P > .05). Length and girth explained 88% to 91% of the total variation in weight. Implications: The weight-estimation tool will empower Kenyan farmers to have better bargaining powers when they sell their pigs and will act as an incentive to better manage their pigs through improved feeding and husbandr