Temporal and spatial distribution of lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2013.

The objective of this study was to determine significant factors affecting spacio-temporal distribution of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. A retrospective study of LSD from year 2000 to 2013 was undertaken using records from the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe. Descriptive statistics was computed on LSD cases, treatments, vaccinations, and deaths. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine significant factors affecting LSD distribution across diverse farming sectors (localities), districts, months, and years as from 2000 to 2013 in Mashonaland West Province. Districts bordering frequently vaccinated (foot and mouth) and game areas had significantly higher LSD outbreaks (p < 0.05) than those further away. LSD cases were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in resettlement (7.79 ± 1.42) and communal (7.59 ± 1.67) areas where there is sufficient veterinary institutional support than in commercial (6.79 ± 620) and A2 (6.85 ± 1.66) areas, whereas LSD cases were significantly lower (p < 0.05) probably due to under reporting in A1 (3.34 ± 0.46) and small scale (3.60 ± 0.46). Hot wet season had higher (p < 0.05) LSD cases than dry months as highest LSD cases were recorded in March (13.11 ± 5.89). Above normal annual rainfall had significantly higher (p < 0.05) LSD cases than normal and below normal rainfall. The study recommends strengthening of existing veterinary service structures for livestock movement and disease surveillance and vaccination to reduce further spread of the disease.

Conservation of indigenous cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa's smallholder areas: turning threats into opportunities - A review.

The current review focuses on characterization and conservation efforts vital for the development of breeding programmes for indigenous beef cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa. Indigenous African cattle breeds were identified and characterized using information from refereed journals, conference papers and research reports. Results of this current review reviewed that smallholder beef cattle production in Southern Africa is extensive and dominated by indigenous beef cattle strains adaptable to the local environment. The breeds include Nguni, Mashona, Tuli, Malawi Zebu, Bovino de Tete, Angoni, Landim, Barotse, Twsana and Ankole. These breeds have important functions ranging from provision of food and income to socio-economic, cultural and ecological roles. They also have adaptive traits ranging from drought tolerant, resistance to ticks and tick borne diseases, heat tolerance and resistance to trypanosomosis. Stakeholders in the conservation of beef cattle were also identified and they included farmers, national government, research institutes and universities as well as breeding companies and societies in Southern Africa. Research efforts made to evaluate threats and opportunities of indigenous beef cattle production systems, assess the contribution of indigenous cattle to household food security and income, genetically and phenotypically characterize and conserve indigenous breeds, and develop breeding programs for smallholder beef production are highlighted. Although smallholder beef cattle production in the smallholder farming systems contributes substantially to household food security and income, their productivity is hindered by several constraints that include high prevalence of diseases and parasites, limited feed availability and poor marketing. The majority of the African cattle populations remain largely uncharacterized although most of the indigenous cattle breeds have been identified.

Effects of corticosterone on connectin content and protein breakdown in rat skeletal muscle.

We examined the effects of a glucocorticoid, corticosterone, on calpain activity, connectin content and protein breakdown in rat muscle. The results indicated that calpain activity was increased by corticosterone and thus breakdown of connectin was stimulated followed by increased breakdown of skeletal muscle protein.