Impact of grazing around industrial areas on milk heavy metals contamination and reproductive ovarian hormones of she-camel with assessment of some technological processes on reduction of toxic residue concentrations.

Heavy metals are one of the most toxic chemical pollutants of the environment. Their hazards not restricted to human but extend to animal productivity and reproductively. The present study aimed to assess the impact of grazing around industrial areas on the levels of copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) residues in milk samples collected from dromedary she-camels and studying their effects on some ovarian hormones. In addition, the study aimed to investigate methods of removal of the toxic concentrations of these heavy metals in milk by applying different technological processes. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 dromedary she-camels, 15 grazing in non-industrial areas (group A) and 15 grazing in industrial areas (group B). Detection of the levels of these heavy metals in milk was done. Ovarian hormones investigation on the blood was performed. Different technological processes such as boiling, skimming and fermentation were applied to all contaminated samples to reduce the toxic concentrations of these heavy metals. Results revealed that all examined milk samples in both groups contained Cu, while 40% of group A and 100 % of group B contained Al residues with different concentrations. The levels of Cu and Al residues in samples of group A not exceeded the maximum residual limit (MRL) set by World Health Organization (WHO) while 60% and 100% of milk samples in group B contained Cu and Al residues exceeded MRL, respectively. Technological processes induce variant changes in the levels of these metals in milk. Heat treatment of milk in Al vats leads to leaching of Al from containers to the milk causing significant increase in Al load, while Cu level was not significantly affected. Boiling in stainless-steel containers decreased the levels of Al and Cu but in non-significant levels. Regarding skimming process, small amount of Cu and Al escaped into the skimmed milk while greater amount were recovered in the cream. Fermentation by probiotic bacteria showed that milk fermentation has non-significant effect on Cu and Al levels. Investigation of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) revealed presence of a signification reduction in the levels of these hormones in group B compared to group A. In addition, a negative correlation was found between these heavy metals and ovarian hormones concentrations in the blood. It is concluded that grazing of dromedary camels around industrial areas induce heavy metals toxicity represented by excretion of these metals in milk and significant reduction on ovarian function showed by reduction of estrogen and progesterone levels. Technological processes such as skimming decreased the levels of Al and Cu residues in milk.

Comparative study between efficacy of dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination and mechanical correction in uterine torsion cases in Egyptian buffalo-cows (Bubalus bubalis).

BACKGROUND: According to reports, the majority of domesticated species exhibited uterine torsion. It was occasionally noted as a cause of dystocia in buffaloes. The uterus might twist more frequently late in pregnancy because of certain animal traits. The current research monitored the clinical findings and laboratory assays associated with uterine torsion cases in pregnant buffalo-cows through comparing between normal labored buffalo-cows (Norm-Labgr; n = 20), mechanically corrected uterine torsed animals without medicament interference (UtrTorsgr; n = 160), and mechanically corrected uterine torsed animals with medicament interference (UtrTors-Medgr; n = 40) through focusing on placental characterization, calves body weight, milk constituents and milk somatic cell count (SCC) in normal labored buffaloes and uterine torsed ones. Through clinical and laboratory investigations of these buffaloes (N = 220) had been conducted 3 times; 7 h pre-calving and post calving (Post uterine correction) i.e. 48 and 96 h. Uterine torsion prevalence parameters, placental characterization, calves body weight, milk constituents and milk somatic cell counts were evaluated in normal labored buffaloes and uterine torsed ones. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded pre-calving remarkable variations in clinical findings, leukogram picture, calf birth weight and some placental characterization parameters between Norm-Labgr and each of UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr whereas these variations disappeared post-partum as a result to either only mechanical correction or mechanical correction plus medicaments interference. No pre-or post-calving significant changes between UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr except for the abnormal clinical findings were more representative in UtrTors-Medgr than those in UtrTorsgr particularly pre-calving. The applied pre-calving therapeutic regimen including dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination had a powerful potential efficacy that induced vaginal delivery of calves in UtrTors-Medgr as well as prepartum mechanical correction of torsed uterus approved higher efficacy in UtrTorsgr. The applied prepartum mechanical correction of torsed uterus and/or pre-calving therapeutic regimen as well as subsequent post-calving, post uterine correction applied medicament treatment accelerated rapid recovery of affected buffalo-cows through achieving rapid restoring of their physiological parameters. Buffalo-cow's milk composition, milk pH and milk SCC were not affected whereas no significant variations were reported between Norm-Labgr, UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr.

Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus in raw milk in Menofia Governorate and its effect on reproductive hormones and physiochemical properties of milk.

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals. In Egypt, FMD has been enzootic since the 1950s and caused great economic losses in cattle and buffalos over the past few years. This study aimed to detect FMD virus (FMDV) in serum and raw milk samples collected from infected and adjacent cattle and buffalos from different localities in El Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Materials and Methods: Blood and milk samples were collected from apparently diseased and adjacent 100 cows and 100 buffalos. Serum samples were prepared and used for the detection of FMDV using a non-structural protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was used for the detection of FMDV in milk samples. Reproductive hormones were estimated using radioimmunoassay kits. Milk constituents were determined by Lactoscan. Results: Of the 200 examined serum samples (100 cows and 100 buffalos), 56% and 44% were seropositive for FMDV non-structural protein antibodies in cattle and buffalo, respectively. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results confirmed that all examined milk samples collected from seropositive animals were positive for FMDV. Estrogen and progesterone levels in the serum of seropositive and seronegative animals were measured, and FMDV was proven to significantly elevate estrogen and reduce progesterone levels in both non-pregnant and pregnant animals during different stages of pregnancy. The effect of the virus on milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC) was also studied, revealing that FMDV infection significantly decreased the level of milk fat, protein, and lactose but did not significantly affected minerals, pH, and conductivity. Moreover, it significantly increased the SCC. Conclusion: Data recorded in this study indicates a widespread occurrence of FMDV in cattle and buffalo all over Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Infected raw milk is of poor quality and, if put for commercial sale, may have health risks for consumers and play a significant role in spreading the virus. Moreover, FMDV may disturb some reproductive hormones, which could adversely affect cattle and buffalo productivity. Therefore, preventive programs and accurate diagnosis are essential for successful disease control.

Comparative study of efficacy of prepartum injection of multivitamins and selenium- vitamin E (ά-tocopherol)-combination on post-partum clinical findings, serum steroids, calf and placental weights, and milk antioxidant biomarkers changes in female dromedary camel.

Background: All concentrates given to camels were enriched in selenium (Se) in selenite form. The impacts of Se supplementation on lactating female health, milk, and Se/antioxidant statuses received no research interest. Aim: The current study aimed to compare the efficacy of long-term prepartum injection of Se-vitamin E combination and multivitamins on maternal post-calving clinical findings, serum steroid hormones, milk antioxidants, milk somatic cell count (SCC) status, calf body weight, placental weight (PW), and vaginal wash isolates. Methods: From three equal groups of postpartum she-camels (n = 45), one group received no treatment and served as control group (Cont.; n = 15). For 3 months prepartum, one group had received a combination of vitamin E (ά-tocopherol) and Se (VitE-Se-; n = 15), and the third one received multivitamins (Multi-; n = 15). All dams were subjected to clinical and laboratory assays including milk total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Se, vitamin E, and milk SCC on Days 14, 21, and 28 post-calving. Steroid hormones and calf and PW were estimated at birth (Day 0). Results: The study reported higher efficacy of Se-vitamin E combination comparing with that of multivitamins as a long-term prepartum injection in recently calved she-camels that was reflected through significant changes in steroids hormones (Drop), i.e., progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2), the milk antioxidant biomarkers (Elevation), i.e., TAC, Se, vitamin E, and milk SCCs (Reduction). Both two therapeutic regimens had a more powerful effect that the control one. Conclusion: The applied therapeutic supplements had no significant effect on clinical and hematological changes as well as calves' body weights and PWs. Body weights were significantly higher in male camel calves than those of female calves either in Cont., VitE-Se-, or Multi-.

Rapid detection of aflatoxin M1 residues in market milk in Aswan Province, Egypt and effect of probiotics on its residues concentration.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our study were to determine the presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt and studying the effect of addition of some strains of probiotics microorganisms on AFM1 level in milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July and October 2018, 90 market milk samples (15 Ultra Heat Treated (UHT), 75 raw) were collected from different dairy shops in Aswan City, Egypt to be examined for AFM1 presence by rapid strip test and the results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The results revealed that all UHT milk samples were negative, while 37 (49%) raw milk samples were positive for AFM1 residues. All 37 positive milk samples were examined by HPLC to determine the level of AFM1. The results showed that the level of AFM1 ranged between 0.053 and 0.207 with mean ± SE of 0.1003 ± 0.008 ppb. Some probiotics strains were used to determine their effect on AFM1 by milk fermentation; the result showed that the probiotics have significant effect on the reduction of AFM1 level in milk (p < 0.05). Also, Public health importance of AFM1 was discussed. CONCLUSION: Presence of AFM1 in 49% of examined raw milk samples indicate widespread occurrence of AFM1 in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt which considered possible hazards for consumers, while the absence of AFM1 from UHT milk indicates that type of milk is safer. So, regular monitoring of AFM1 in market milk is necessary for evaluating their contamination status. Mixed starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus could be used as a biological agent for the reduction of AFM1 in milk.