Congenital digital flexural deformity (knuckling): Epidemiology, the association of trace elements and surgical treatment in neonatal bovine calves.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of congenital flexural deformity (knuckling), to identify the association between trace elements and vitamins with the deformity, and to apply different surgical techniques for correcting this congenital malformation in newborn bovine calves. Materials and Methods: The study was implemented on 17 newborn calves with carpal (knee) and fetlock (foot) knuckling presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from January to December 2020. The serum biochemical alterations and clinical outcomes were assessed on days 0 and 21 following surgery. Two surgical methods: tendon transection and tendon elongation by Z-tenotomy, were performed for surgical restoration. Results: We found that knuckling comprised 12% of the total congenitally malformed calves. The male calves had a higher prevalence (52%, n = 9) and the same in the winter season (65%, n = 11). The majority of the knuckling was bilateral types (88%, n = 15), involving the carpal joint (82%, n = 14) and moderately angulated (59%, n = 10). The serum level of magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and zinc were significantly (p < 0.05) changed from the pre-surgical stage to the stage of non-lameness after surgery. The disorder was surgically treated by tendon transection or tendon elongation procedure and had a good prognosis. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the development of knuckling in calves might be related to a deficiency/excess of specific minerals and vitamins and that it can be effectively corrected by surgical intervention; however, early diagnosis and the use of proper surgical techniques are crucial for improving the prognosis.

Effect of Cissus quadrangularis on Fracture Healing in Laboratory Animal / Efeito do Cissus quadrangularis na cicatrização de fraturas em animais de laboratório

Objectives: The present study was designed to examine the efficacy of Cissus quadrangularis paste on fracture healing in artificially induced fractured rabbits. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were separated into three groups namely A, B, and C. Veldt grape paste was applied in groups B and C (Treatment Group) by close reduction and open reduction methods of fracture management; respectively, while group A was kept as control. The blood parameter and fracture healing properties in all animals have been monitored and examined routinely during the study period. Results: Both treated groups revealed lower serum calcium levels (SCL) than the control group after 24 hours of fracture that became within the normal range on the 14th day. Fracture healing in the treated groups has been commenced more rapidly than the control group with complete bridging of discontinuity by a distinct osseous callus in the fracture line on day 7 and complete effacing of fracture line on day 14. Conclusion: We did not find any type of anomalousness, clinical deviations, and alteration of serum calcium level on the 14th day of the fracture in treated animals hence Veldt Grape paste could be readily applicable to the management of the fracture in animals.

Objetivos: avaliar a eficácia da pasta de Cissus quadrangularis na consolidação de fraturas em coelhos fraturados artificialmente. Metodos: quinze coelhos foram separados em três grupos (A, B e C). A pasta foi aplicada nos grupos B e C (Grupo de Tratamento) pelos métodos de redução fechada e redução aberta de gerenciamento de fraturas; respectivamente. O grupo A foi mantido como controle. O parâmetro sanguíneo e as propriedades de cicatrização de fraturas em todos os animais foram monitorados e examinados, rotineiramente, durante o período do estudo. Resultados: ambos os grupos tratados revelaram níveis séricos de cálcio (SCL) mais baixos do que o grupo controle, após 24 horas de fratura que se tornou normal no 14º dia. A cicatrização da fratura nos grupos tratados foi iniciada mais rapidamente do que o grupo controle, com ponte completa de descontinuidade por um calo ósseo distinto na linha de fratura no dia 7 e apagamento completo da linha de fratura no dia 14. Conclusao: não encontramos nenhum tipo de anomalia, desvios clínicos e alteração do nível sérico de cálcio no 14º dia da fratura nos animais tratados, portanto, a pasta Veldt Grape pode ser aplicável ao manejo da fratura em animais.

Health management during COVID-19 pandemic-contribution of women health informaticians, medical physicists and veterinarians from Bangladesh and Malaysia during the world crisis.

This article aims to highlight some of the contributions from Bangladeshi and Malaysian women scientists in the fields of health informatics, medical physics and biomedical engineering, and veterinary science in combating the COVID-19 world crisis. The status of COVID-19 situations in Bangladesh and Malaysia in respect to global scenario, some relevant government policies, lessons learnt from previous pandemics, socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, the impact on healthcare system and health management approaches taken by individual/institutional research group led by women scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic have been discussed and demonstrated in this article. These promising activities and initiatives will eventually motivate other women in science and extend their roles from laboratory to society in more aspects.

Standard feeding strategies with natural insemination improved fertility in repeat breeding dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: The experiment was designed to establish suitable management strategies through the different feeding and breeding approaches on fertility improvement in the experimental repeat breeding (RB) cows. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 RB cows were selected for this experiment. Before grouping, all cows were deworming and then divided into four equal groups, namely Group-TF1 [traditional feeding practice and natural insemination (NI)], Group-TF2 [traditional feeding practice and Artificial insemination (AI)], Group-SF1 [standard (STD) feeding practice and NI], and Group-SF2 (STD feeding practice and AI). These allocated RB cows were fed by traditional and STD feeding methods for 90 days and then inseminated by AI and NI breeding systems. The dominant follicle (DF) diameter, hemato-biochemical elements, and estrogen (E2) hormone were estimated during the insemination of cows. Estimation of the pregnancy rate was carried out at days 45-90 post-insemination in the cows. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in STD feeding practice with NI when compared to traditional feeding practice irrespective of breeding systems, and it was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in NI than in AI breeding system, irrespective of feeding strategies. The results also showed that the diameter of DF, serum E2, total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total cholesterol, total protein, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, ferric iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium at the time of insemination were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated in the experimental RB cows with STD feeding practice. The diameter of DF and serum E2 were significant (p < 0.01) and positively correlated with all hemato-biochemical elements in the cows at the time of insemination. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that NI with STD feeding practice may increase fertility in RB cows by improving general health status. Finally, it could support the veterinarians and researchers to define the management strategies using feeding and breeding strategies to prevent repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows.

Management of cardiorespiratory function of rabbits by a customized chest drain: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to salvage the study population from the fatality that occurs due to iatrogenic injury to the thoracic cavity's pleural membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study of temporomandibular joint arthroplasty with costochondral graft was carried out on 72 healthy 'Oryctolagus cuniculus' species of male rabbits. The rabbits were distributed into two age groups: growing (3-4 months) and adult (12-18 months). All the procedures were carried out under general anesthesia with xylazine hydrochloride and ketamine hydrochloride after calculating the doses, maintained by halothane and O2 inhalations. Out of 72 rabbits, 33 rabbits had accidental perforation of the pleural membrane observed that required a chest drain. RESULTS: In this study, 21 (63.64%) rabbits received chest drain and salvaged. The rest of the rabbits (n = 12; 36.36%) that did not receive any chest drain and died. Most of the rabbits (n = 17; 81%) were under the growing group, weighing less than 2 kg and four (19%) were adult rabbits. CONCLUSION: This manual chest drain is life-saving for rabbits. It is a new addition to the advancement of thoracic surgery on animals. It is cost-effective and safe. The developed customized drainage system may make it easier to harvest the costochondral graft-related experiments.

Prediction of Epidemics Trend of COVID-19 in Bangladesh.

Background: Amid a critical and emergent situation like the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic related to extreme health and economic repercussions, we used and presented the mathematical modeling like susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) to have a numerical demonstration that can shed light to decide the fate of the scourge in Bangladesh. To describe the idea about the factors influencing the outbreak data, we presented the current situation of the COVID-19 outbreak with graphical trends. Methods: Primary data were collected and analyzed by using a pre-created Google Survey form having a pre-set questionnaire on the social distancing status of different districts. Secondary data on the total and the daily number of laboratory tests, confirmed positive cases, and death cases were extracted from the publicly available sources to make predictions. We estimated the basic reproduction number (R◦) based on the SIR mathematical model and predicted the probable fate of this pandemic in Bangladesh. Results: Quarantine situations in different regions of Bangladesh were evaluated and presented. We also provided tentative forecasts until 31 May 2020 and found that the predicted curve followed the actual curve approximately. Estimated R◦-values (6.924) indicated that infection rate would be greater than the recovery rate. Furthermore, by calibrating the parameters of the SIR model to fit the reported data, we assume the ultimate ending of the pandemic in Bangladesh by December 2022. Conclusion: We hope that the results of our analysis could contribute to the elucidation of critical aspects of this outbreak and help the concerned authority toward decision making.

Farmer's behavior in pesticide use: Insights study from smallholder and intensive agricultural farms in Bangladesh.

Since independence and over the years, pesticides have become a dominant feature of Bangladesh agriculture. To protect farmers' health, environment and to improve sustainability of chemical pest control quantitative understanding of farmers' behavior in pesticide use is critical. However, study on the levels of knowledge and awareness of farmers and the practices of pesticide use are often limited. We conducted a broad analysis on the effects of knowledge and awareness of farmers as well as the influence of the different associated stakeholders such as pesticide retailers and the government, on farmers' behavior in pesticide use from a detailed survey of 917 agricultural households in different regions of Bangladesh. Within eight protective behaviors (PBs) or PPEs were largely influenced by the crops growers and regions. Never discarding empty pesticide containers in the field, never applying pesticides more than prescribed by DAE or the instruction manual, selecting new types of pesticides recommended by DAE and purchasing low toxicity pesticides were the most adopted practices. Most farmers from the South-East region were adopting the PB of wearing mask, gloves and long sleeved clothes when spraying and farmers from South trusted the recommendations of pesticides by village leaders and neighbors. Majority of vegetables growers were well informed that pesticides were very harmful to the quality of agricultural products, the environment, and human health but not rice or mixed crops growers. Generally, PBs were positively affected by the perception of the consequences of farmers' behavior and knowledge of pesticide use but negatively influenced by action of governments and trust of retailers. It is important to recognize the differences that exist among different crops growers and locations. Attempt needs to bridge the gap among crop growers, locations and different stakeholder such as government agencies and retailers to develop policy.

Differential efficacies of marigold leaves and turmeric paste on the healing of the incised wound in sheep.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the curative efficacy of marigold leaf paste and turmeric paste on healing the incised wound in sheep. The study also determined the antimicrobial effects and histopathological changes in a wound's healing process treated with these medicinal herbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical wounds (n = 18) were created aseptically in the skin of the flank region of six healthy sheep dividing them into three experimental groups. Follow-up data were taken up to day 21. Different morphological characteristics of the wound and wound contraction (length and width) were recorded weekly. Samples were collected on days 1, 2, and 3 to test the antimicrobial effects and on days 1, 3, and 7 for histopathological studies. RESULTS: Treatment with marigold leaf paste and turmeric paste resulted in a swelled wound area of 11.78 ± 0.38 mm and 11.52 ± 0.27 mm, respectively. The wound areas were comparatively lower than that of the control group (11.44 ± 0.20 mm). Moreover, the least elevation (2.44 ± 0.12 mm) of the sutured line from the skin surface was noted and compared between the marigold leaf paste and normal saline (2.74 ± 0.13 mm). Bacterial colonies in the nutrient agar medium cultured with swabs from the normal saline-treated group's wound area were found on day 1. On the contrary, bacterial colonies were absent on days 2 and 3 of treatment in the groups treated with both the paste of marigold leaves and turmeric. Less intense tissue reactions and higher keratinization of epithelium were shown in the group treated with marigold leaf paste than turmeric paste and saline-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Marigold leaf paste showed less tissue reaction and healed the wounds effectively. Thus, this paste could be used for the treatment of superficial wounds in sheep.

Consideration of breed specific fetal trunk diameter for the estimation of gestation age using trans-abdominal ultrasonography in sheep.

The study aim was to estimate gestational age (GA), expected parturition date (EPD) and growth rate by determining fetal trunk diameter (TD). Effects of fetal-dam pelvis alignment and in utero fetal position at time of ultrasonography (UG) on fetal numbers and sex determination were also studied. Trans-abdominal UG (3-6.5 MHz) was conducted on 37 ewes with known breeding dates from Days 25-120 of pregnancy. Errors in GA and EPD were studied using an equation in the same ewes at their successive breeding when date of breeding was unknown. There were four equations, Y = 1.28861X+32.656 (R2 = 0.92), for Indigenous; Y = 1.2603X+38.075 (R2 = 0.85), for Indigenous × Garole; and Y = 0.8932X+45.916 (R²â€¯= 0.99), for Garole fetuses; and the equation, Y = 1.3565X + 32.604 (R2 = 0.94), independent of breed were computed to estimate GA and the relationship between GA and TD of different breeds. The error in estimated GA and EPD using these four equations was determined and there was comparison with the data collected using US and the previously described equations. Results indicate there was the greatest (P <  0.01) error for GA and EPD values using the US TD equation for all breeds. There was the least error in estimated EPD using the breed specific equations. Error in the sex determination was 4.8 % and fetal number determination was 16.7 % with singleton and 7.7 % twin fetuses. The results indicate there is a breed specific fetal TD that is useful for predicting GA in sheep.

Dispersion spectroscopy with optical frequency comb-based single-shot dual-heterodyne mixing.

We present a novel approach to high-speed dispersion spectroscopy that realizes a wide dynamic range, by simultaneous and parallel phase measurement using scanless dual-heterodyne mixing of 50 and 1.4 GHz frequency intervals. This system can realize parallel measurements of the relative phases between adjacent frequencies by introducing an optical frequency comb and intensity modulator to generate adjacent frequency and arrayed waveguide grating to separate the sidebands. The experimental results using single-mode fibers, whose lengths range from 0 to 92 km, indicated a 26 nm dispersion spectrum, 1785 ps/nm measurement range, and 0.27 ps/nm measurement uncertainty in 1 ms.

Productive, reproductive, and estrus characteristics of different breeds of buffalo cows in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research work is to know the productive and reproductive performances and problems of local, crossbred, Nilli, and Murrah buffalo cows in selected study areas in Bangladesh. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1,241 local, crossbred, Nilli, and Murrah buffalo cows were surveyed in the selected areas with a pre-set questionnaire. Among 1,241 buffalo cows, 112 buffalo cows were randomly selected at day 0 of the estrus cycle for studying ovarian features. RESULTS: Results showed that the average age, body condition score, and body weight were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the studied breeds. Milk production in Murrah and lactation length in Nilli cows were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than indigenous, crossbred, Nilli, and indigenous, crossbred, Murrah buffalo cows, respectively. Results also illustrated that sexual maturity, estrus cycle length, insemination time after the onset of estrus, and gestation length insignificantly (p > 0.05) varied among the surveyed breed. But, the fallout of the study denoted that estrus duration, first calving age, parity number, number of service per conception, calving interval, and voluntary waiting period varied significantly (p < 0.05) in different breeds. Ovarian physiological characteristics such as vaginal electrical resistance, average number of follicles in two ovaries, and largest follicular diameter, estrogen, and progesterone at day 0 of the estrus cycle of local, crossbred, Nilli, and Murrah buffalo cows showed insignificantly (p > 0.05) differences. CONCLUSION: The study will help the veterinarian and researcher to identify the constraints for the reproductive efficiency of buffalo in Bangladesh.

Monitoring Vaginal Electrical Resistance, Follicular Waves, and Hormonal Profile During Oestrous Cycle in the Transition Period in Bangladeshi Sheep.

INTRODUCTION: The ovarian follicular dynamics, vaginal electrical resistance (VER), progesterone (P4) and oestrogen (E2) profiles were investigated during the oestrous cycle in four indigenous ewes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Daily VER values were recorded with a heat detector. The follicles were observed and measured by trans-rectal ultrasonography. Blood was collected daily for hormonal profiles. RESULTS: A significant variation in VER values (P < 0.05) in oestrus by ewes and position in the sequence of cycles was observed. Trans-rectal ultrasonography of ovaries revealed the presence of 2-4 waves of follicular growth. Study of hormonal profiles by ELISA revealed a positive correlation between E2 concentration and development of follicles and a negative correlation between P4 concentration and their development. The concentrations of oestradiol increased in oestrus and then decreased to a basal level. Follicular growth was accompanied by a rise in the concentration of serum oestradiol. Inversely, when follicles received the stimulation for ovulation, concentration of progesterone started to fall, but after ovulation, it climbed back to its peak and remained at this state until next ovulatory follicle reached its maximum diameter. CONCLUSION: This study could help to set up a manipulative reproductive technique for improving genetic values in indigenous sheep.