Category Archives: Animal production

Isolation and Determination the Causes of Ringworm Infection in Camels, Syria

Abd Alnasser Al-Omar*(1)

(1). Hama Agricultural Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abd Alnnaser Al-Omar. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 11/02/2018                                Accepted: 13/03/2018

Abstract

This study was carried out on 200 Ringworm infected camels’ samples under release breeding system in two governorates; Homs and Deir- eizour (Syria) during the period of March, 2010 till February, 2011 aiming for isolating and determining the dermatophytes that cause ringworm in camels. Samples were collected from clinically infected animals untreated by medicine, of which 100 samples from old camels aged (3-10 years), and 100 samples from small camels aged to 3 years. Laboratory tests were carried out by dividing each sample into two parts, the first part for direct microscopic test using Potassium Hydroxide solution 20% (KOH), and the second part for fungal planting on alimentary matrix Sabouraud,s Dextrose Agar (SDA). The morphological and colonial characteristic of outgrowth fungal colonies by microscopic and ocular exams were used to determine the gender and sort of fungous pathogenic. Results showed for the first time in Syria isolation and determining two sorts of fungous pathogenic which cause Ringworm in camels; the first was Trichophyton verracusum and the second was Trichophyton  mentagrophytes where the rates of isolation in the two governorates in old camels as an average of 77.5% and 13.75%  of isolations respectively, and it was appeared mixed isolation rate for two fungus which amounted 8.75%, whereas in small camels the rates of isolations amounted in averages of 94.5% and 5.49% respectively, but there was no significant difference between gender and sort of fungous pathogenic in the two governorates .The rate of samples that gave a positive result for ringworm infection by direct macroscopic test method with an existence of 20% KOH in old and small camels as an average of 92% and 95% of infected cases respectively. The rate of samples that gave growth of fugal colonies were 80% and 91% of positive cases of microscopic test respectively.

Keyword: Ringworm, Camels, Syria.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Anatomical Changes Associated with Severe Toxicity of Levamisole in Broiler

Mai Al Maghout*(1) Wade Shadid(1) and Samer Hamud(1)

(1). Department of Pathology. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hama University, Hama, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Vet. Mai Al Maghout. E-Mail: aya.kanawaty87@gmail.com).

Received: 10/12/2017                                Accepted: 21/02/2018

Abstract

The research was carried out on 70 birds of two-week-old broiler, using a well-known strain (Habre flex), which is disease-free strain, at a poultry farm near Salamieh province in 2105.  The research was divided into two main stages: the first stage was divided into five groups, using 50 birds, which were treated with five doses of levamisole (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2) g/kg respectively, to determine (LD50). The second stage used 20 birds, which were divided to tow groups (10 birds for each). The first group was considered as control (water only), while the second group was given the LD50 of levamisole that was calculated in the first stage. Different tissues samples of the birds were taken and preserved in neutral formalin, and then a tissue slices were prepared and dyed with hematoxylin and Eosin. The LD50 levamisole value was determined according to local conditions of breeding in Salamieh by (LD50=1g/kg) of the bird’s weight. Before the death of the birds because of LD50 of levamisole, it was noticed some symptoms such as convulsions and dyspnea which they were not seen in the control. These symptoms were as a result of levamisole effect on cholinergic recipients. The histological study also showed that during severe toxicity of levamisole, it was noticed a microscopic changes in liver and kidney. The changes were in the form of necrosis foci and infiltration of inflammatory cells in cellular destruction sites. But the other examined tissues showed no changes. Because of that, it is necessary to use levamisole with extreme care, whether in the treatment of parasites or for immunity motivation, taking into consideration the toxic dose as showed by the study.

Keyword: Anatomical Changes, Levamisole, Broiler.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Effect of Adding Peppermint Oil to Layer Hens Diet on Some Hematological and Physiological Parameters

Nashwan Majeed Ali*(1) and Walla Hussein Ali(2)

(1).  DNA Research Center, University of Babylon, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Iraq.

(2). Directorate of Agriculture of Babylon, Ministry of Agriculture. Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Nashwan Majeed Ali. E-Mail: aalnidawi@yahoo.com).

Received: 31/01/2019                                Accepted: 12/04/2019

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Research Farm of Shatrah Technical Institute, University of Southern Technical during the period 1/2/2018 until 10/6/2018, to investigate to the effect of adding different levels of peppermint oil to the hen’s diet on some hematological and physiological characteristics. A total of 180 layer hens aged 22 weeks old were used in this experiment. The birds were randomly and equally distributed on 5 treatments, with three replicates per each. The treatment included the addition of different levels of peppermint oil (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ml/kg) to the diet, as treatment (T1- Control, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively). The studied parameters involved were: count of red blood cell (RBC), count of white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), Hetrophil/Lymphocytes ratio (H/L%), some liver enzyme (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), cholesterol, protein, glucose, calcium and phosphorus. The results showed that the addition of peppermint oil at levels of 25, 50 75 and 100 ml/kg diet of the layer hens at the beginning of egg production period significantly improved (p<0.05) the cellular indicators of the blood (PCV, RBC, HB, and H/L ratio). The peppermint oil had no effected on the total count of WBC. peppermint oil improved some of the biochemical parameters except for the activity of AST and MDA. It could be concluded that adding peppermint oil to the layer hens diet will improve some hematological and physiological parameters in their blood.

Key word: Layer hens, Hematological and physiological parameters, peppermint oil.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Prevalence of Ringworm Infection in Camels under Release Breeding System in Syria

Abdul Naser Al-Omar*(1)

(1). Agricultural Research Center in Hama, General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abdul Naser Al-omar. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 20/08/2017                                Accepted: 01/11/2017

Abstract

This research was carried out on 1639 heads of camels in two Syrian governorates, Homs and Deir- Ezzour during the period of March 2010 till February 2011 to recognize prevalence of Ringworm infection under the conditions of breeding release. Clinical symptoms of infection were recorded i.e. age of infected animals, sex, and general condition. The infections were listed according to the seasons of the year. The clinical symptoms appeared in the form of lesions and distinctive circular spots covered with dry dense white scurf, localized mainly in the head, neck, chest, front standings and sometimes in all over the body. Results showed sufficient difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of infections among the ages of infected animals, where the infections were greater in small aged camels till three years old where the ratio was (31.87%), while it was (9.58%) in camels their ages within the range (3-10) years. Infection prevailed in both sexes, male and female, where the ratio of infection was greater in old female camels (10.05%) comparing to old males (6.01%), also it was greater in small females (35.4%) comparing to male animals (27.63%), but there is no significant difference between the two sexes. The ratio of prevalence infections varied according to the seasons of the year with significant difference (p<0.001). It was for old camels in winter, autumn, summer and spring (14.63%،, 10.95%،, 7.69%, 4.98%) respectively. While the ratio in small camels with significant difference (p<0.05) (40.94%, 33.60%, 29.26%, 23.84%) respectively. These results is considered important for charged people in the veterinary and health sectors, because it helps them in setting protective schedules programs that can reduce the ratio of prevalence the infection in animal.

Keys words: Ringworm, Breeding release, Camels, Syria.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Effect of Different Levels of Dry Onion Powder in the Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio (L.1758) Fish Diets on Growth Rate and Food Conversion

Qusay Hamid Al-Hamadany*(1)

(1). Marine Science Center/Dept. Marine Vertebrate

(*Corresponding author: Qusay Hamid Al-Hamadany. E-mail: qusayhamid@yahoo.com

Received: 02/10/2018                                Accepted: 06/11/2018

Abstract

The current study aimed to study the effects of different levels of dry onions as additives to the diet of common carp fingerlings Cyprinus carpio L. on growth performance and food conversion rates. The initial average weight rate was 9.02±0.39 g. The results showed significant differences (p <0.05) in the final weight, daily weight gain, gain weight, relative growth rate, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio within fish groups. Treatment C, which fed on dry onion powder of 7% gave the best rate of final body weight, daily weight gain, gain weight, relative growth rate, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio. There were no differences (p >0.05) in the survival rate within fish groups. The results of the current study indicated that dry onion powder can be used in common carp fish at 7% to increase growth rates.

Key words: Cyprinus carpio, Dry onion powder, Growth rate, Food conversion.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

The Chemical, Microbial and Sensory Characteristics of Refrigerated Chicken Breast Meat Treated with Sodium Lactate and Tri Sodium Citrate

Chaea Othman(1) and Zaid Khidhir*(2)

(1). General Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Wealth, Sulaimani, Ministry of Agriculture. Krg. Iraq.

(2). Animal Sciences Department, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sulaimani. Krg.Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Zaid Khidhir. E-Mail: zaid.khzir@univsul.edu.iq).

Received: 27/05/2017                                 Accepted: 19/09/2017

Abstract

The current study aimed to use two types of organic acids, sodium lactate and tri sodium citrate, for the purpose of prolonging the storage life of the fresh chicken breast meat. Chicken samples were treated with different concentrations of these acids by spraying and immersing. The samples T1 and T3 were treated using sodium lactate 2% (dipping and spraying) respectively, while T4 and T5 treatments using sodium lactate 4% (immersing and spraying) respectively, T6 and T7 treatments using tri sodium citrate 1% (dipping and spraying) respectively, and T8 and T9 treatments using tri sodium citrate 2.5% (dipping and spraying) respectively. Each meat sample was treated with those organic acids for 10 minutes, then the samples were kept refrigerated at 4 ° C for different storage periods (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7) days. During storage time, chemical, microbial and sensory tests were conducted. On the seventh day of storage, treatment T1 recorded the highest PH value, while T6 and T9 gave the lowest PH values. During the same period, T9 and T7 recorded the lowest count of total bacteria, while T1 achieved the highest number of total bacteria. For psychrotroPHic, T4 performed less well than T1, T6, T8 and T9, which recorded the highest count of bacteria. In terms of sensory evaluation, there were non-significant differences between the studied traits except in color. The study concluded that sodium lactate and tri sodium citrate can be used to treat chicken breast meat to prolong its storage time in the fridge.

Key words: Sodium lactate, Tri sodium citrate, Chicken breast meat, Storage period.

Full paper in English: PDF

Determination the Microbial Content of Shami Camel’s Milk

Abd Al-Naser Al-Omar*(1) Fatten Hammed(2) and Mohamed Zuheir Salam(3)

(1). Hama Agricultural Research Center, General Commission For Scientific Agricultural Research (GSCAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Food Technology Department, GSCAR, Damascus, Syria.

(3). Animal wealth Administration, GSCAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Omar. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 23/08/2016                                 Accepted: 20/12/2016

Abstract

This study was carried out at Deir- El Hager Research Station, Damascus countryside, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria, during 2012 to estimate the microbial content in the milk of Shami Camels, and determine its quality and possible risks resulting from drinking milk as it is. Twenty-eight milk samples were collected from seven camels that seem to be apparently healthy. Laboratories tests were conducted in order to determine the PH of milk at fridge temperature (5 ± 2 °C), and room temperature (20 ±2 °C) for consecutive four days. The average of body cells number by microscopic method were estimated. It was found that there are limited changes in PH degree during storage period whether it is in fridge or in a room conditions. The minimum value of PH in fridge was 5.2 and the maximum value was 6.4. While minimum value of PH was 5.2 in room condition, and the maximum value was 6.2. T-test for double samples, showed that T value was 1.337, which means that there were no significant differences. The average of body cells in the samples that gave negative results using California Test accounted (2.2× 104 – 2.2× 105) cells/ml milk, and (8.6× 104 – 2.4× 105) cells/ml for positive samples. Besides all samples on Mac Conkey media gave a negative result, and no growth plantation of any bacteria was appeared. Whereas the relation between Staphylococcus growth phenomenon blood agar media plantation and the method of conservation at different temperature degrees found that the numerous number of infection with Staphylococcus was in the samples conserved in room temperature, where Square Chi value accounted 42.357 at less than 0.01 level of probability. The results assured not to drink camel milk without pasteurization, because of Staphylococcus germs that existent in the milk cause different human diseases.

Key words: Microbial content, Shami camel milk, Quality traits.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Effect of Soya Bean Meal Substitution with Animal Protein Sources on The Production Performance of Laying Hens

Saifaddin A. Zangana(1) and Shekhmous H. Hussen*(1)

(1). Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Duhok University, Iraq.

(*Correspondence author: Dr. Shekhmous Hussen. E-Mail: sheikhmous68@gmail.com).

Received: 09/02/2017                       Accepted: 08/07/2017

Abstract

A total of 288 pullets, at the age of 18 weeks, were used to investigate the effect of replacement soya bean protein (SP) in ration, with animal protein (AP) on laying eggs performance of pullets up to age 34 weeks, and the economic efficiency. Pullets were distributed randomly to four diet treatments with four replicates. The treatments were, T1: Normal protein sources (AP and SP), it was considered as control; T2: 25% of normal ration replaces with SP source; T3: 50% of normal ration replaces with SP source; and T4: 100% SP (vegetable ration). The results showed that vegetable treatment (100% SP), recorded significantly the lowest values of live body weight (LBW), egg weight (EW), egg number (EN), hen day percentage (HD) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The economic analysis showed that control treatment surpassed all other treatments.

Key words: Laying hens, Egg production, Vegetable protein.

Full paper in English: PDF

Some Factors Effecting Twins Lambing in the Syrian Awassi Sheep

Abd Al-Naser AL-Omar*(1)  Mohammad Roukbi(2) Abd Al-Karem Sultan(1) and Ayman Dubaa( 3)

(1). Hama Agriculture Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GSCAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Aleppo Agriculture Research Center, (GSCAR), Damascus, Syria..

(3). Animal Wealth Research Administration, (GSCAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abdul Naser Al-Omar. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 04/07/2016                       Accepted: 21/08/2017

Abstract
This study aimed to study the effect of birth type, age and year of the ewes, and season of lambing on multiple lambing in the Syrian Awassi sheep. The research was conducted at Jidrin Research Station of Awassi Sheep, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Hama, Syria, during seven seasons (2005-2011). Data of 4437 animals was collected (1976 ewes, 68 males, 2393 lambs). Birth date and type of birth (single, multiple) were registered. Also, multiple born births, number and percentage of dead lambs were recorded. The animals were divided into four groups: (1) Twin-born ewes that mated with multiple-born rams, (2) multiple born ewes that mated with single born rams, (3) single born ewes that mated with multiple born rams, and (4) single born ewes that mated with single born rams. The percentage of multiple births in groups (1), (2), (3) and (4) were (23.9%, 30.3%, 19.2% and 19.03%, respectively). Significant difference (p≤0.05) was noticed for the group (2) (mmultiple born ewes that mated with single born rams). Multiple lambing increased from 16.2% in 2005 to 25% in 2011. Season of lambing had a significant effect (p≤0.01) on multiple lambing. High significant correlation (r=0.99) between multiple lambing and the age of the ewe was resulted. The number of multiple births increased from 11.3% at the age of 2 years to 27.1% at the age of 5 years old. The average of mortality rate of lambs between birth and weaning was (6.4%) without a significant difference between single and twin born lambs. It has been concluded that multiple born ewes should be preferred and maintained for the selection programs to rise the multiple lambing and get the economic revenue of the Awassi sheep breed.
Key words: Animal birth type; Multiple lambing; Syrian Awassi sheep.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Some Productive Traits in Black Boni Sheep

Abed M. Al-Bial*(1) Ahmed Al-Dous(1)   Sharf Al-Azazy(1 ) and Abdulah Salah(1)

(1). The Regional Research Station in the Central Highlands, Agriculture Research & Extension Authority, Yemen
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abed M. Al-Bial.  Email: aalbial@yahoo.com)

Received: 24/10/2016                                      Accepted: 09/01/2017

Abstract

In this study, the pedigree data, and production performance of 1074 records of Black Boni sheep were used. The sheep were kept at the Regional Research Station in the Central Highlands of Yemen, during the period 1992 to 2015, to estimate heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of some productive traits. The results showed that the general averages of birth weight, weaning weight, and daily gain from birth to weaning were 2.18 ± 0.011 kg, 10.64 ± 0.23 kg, and 93.71 ± 8.22 g/lamb, respectively. Estimated heritability values for birth weight, weaning weight, and daily gain were 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.30 ± 0.03 and 0.26 ± 0.1, respectively. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among studied traits were highly significant (P<0.01), and they ranged between 0.46 – 0.83 and 0.32 – 0.77, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of genetic selection to improve any of the studied traits, will lead to an improvement in the other correlated traits.

Key words: Black Boni sheep, Genetic parameters, Heritability, Phenotypic and genetic correlations.

Full paper in Arabic: Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Some Productive Traits in Black Boni Sheep