Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology

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Comparison of xylazine and lidocaine effects for analgesia and cardiopulmonary functions following lumbosacral epidural injection in goats
(Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 1999) Mpanduji, D. G.; Mgasa, M. N.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Batamuzi, E. K.
The present study was carried out in order to compare the effects of xylazine and lidocaine on analgesia and cardiopulmonary parameters following epidural injection in goats. Twelve healthy Small East African goats of both sexes (mean 2 SD; 15.6 2 1.9 kg body weight) were used. The goats were randomly assigned to two groups of five and seven animals. The first group (n = 5) was given 2 % lidocaine-HCl at 4400 mg/kg body weight. The second group (n = 7) was administered 2 % xylazine-HCl at 150 mg/kg body weight. All drugs were diluted in 5 ml of sterile water and were injected epidurally through the lumbosacral interspace with the injection taking over 20 s. Both drugs induced analgesia within 5 min. Signs of sedation, cardiopulmonary changes and lateral recumbency developed within 5–7 min after administration of epidural xylazine. Tail flaccidity and hind limb paralysis developed 3 min after epidural administration of lidocaine. The time from recumbency to regaining normal stance was 60 and 158 min for xylazine- and lidocaine-treated animals respectively. Xylazine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum, which extended to the head and forelimbs. In contrast, lidocaine induced adequate bilateral flank and perineal analgesia extending up to the third thoracic vertebra. For both drugs, analgesia of the flank and perineum persisted for the entire 180-min observational period. Epidural injection of xylazine and lidocaine caused variable depression effects on the cardiopulmonary values but was not so low as to cause concern. It is concluded that lumbosacral epidural injection of xylazine at 150 mg/kg body weight in 5 ml of water for injection offers the most desirable sedation and analgesia of the flank and perineum. The longer duration of analgesia may be useful for postoperative analgesia and relief of continuous straining in goats.
Analgesic, behavioural and cardiopulmonary effects of epidurally injected medetomidine (Domitor ® ) in goats
(Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2000) Mpanduji, D. G.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Mgasa, M. N.; Batamuzi, E. K.
This study was carried out in order to evaluate the analgesic, sedative, immobilizing and cardio- pulmonary effects of medetomidine in goats after lumbosacral epidural injection of three (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight) doses. The volume of the injection for all three medetomidine doses was 5 ml in sterile water. Seventeen clinically healthy, Small East African goats of either sex and weighing between 12 and 22 kg (mean 2 SD; 14.8 2 2.5 kg body weight) were used. The animals were randomly assigned to two groups. Seven goats were used for evaluating analgesic, behavioural and cardiopulmonary effects while 10 were used for experimental surgery. The cardiopulmonary values and rectal temperature were determined and recorded at time 0 (preinjection) and at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min, and thereafter at 15-min intervals up to 180 min after injection. Analgesia of the flank and perineum was determined at time 0 (preinjection) and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min using a scoring system. The spread of analgesia to the thorax, neck, forelimbs and head was also determined and recorded. The onset and duration of lateral recumbency was noted and recorded. Medetomidine at the given doses induced variable cardiopulmonary depression, which was not detrimental to the animals. All three doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) of medetomidine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum. Analgesia extended to the thorax, forelimbs, neck and head. The duration of lateral recumbency was 136 and 166 min for the 20 and 30 mg/kg medetomidine doses, respectively. The duration of lateral recumbency was not determined for the animal given 10 mg/kg medetomidine. Signs of sedation (lowering of the head, drooping of the lower lip, partial to complete closure of the eyes and salivation) were noted after administration of all three doses. It can be concluded from this study that all three doses induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum. Surgical analgesia of the flank of goats was achieved after lumbosacral epidural administration of 20 mg medetomidine/kg, diluted in 5 ml of sterile water. Surgery was not performed with the other doses (10 and 30 mg/kg) of medetomidine.
Prediction of intake of tropical forages in dairy cattle based on studies from fibre digestion kinetics
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Mgheni, Dyness Muze
Two experiments were conducted simultaneously to estimate the physical fill of tropical forages and the maximum intake capacity of mature non-pregnant crossbred heifers kept under zero grazing system. The experiments were carried out at Magadu Dairy Research Farm, Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture. The objectives were to describe the tropical forages in terms of their rumen degradability characteristics, digestion and passage rates of fibre and their resultant rumen pool sizes in order to estimate the physical fill and potential intake of tropical forages. The study was planned to test the hypothesis that in the tropics where ruminants are fed forages of high fibre content and low digestibility, the physical fill is the major factor in regulation of feed intake. Five forages [Signal grass (Brachiaria brizantha) hay (BH), Maize (Zea mays) silage (MS), Lucerne (Medicago saliva) hay (LH), Lucerne grass hay (LGH) and urea-treated rice (Oiyza saliva) straw (UTRS)] were fed to 10 mature non-pregnant rumen fistulated dairy heifers in two 5x5 Latin square designs. In experiment 1 (Expt.l) the forages were fed as a sole diet with only minerals and vitamins supplementation to form five diets. Diet 1 = BH + minerals and vitamins (BH), Diet 2 = MS + minerals and vitamins (MS), Diet 3 = LH + minerals and vitamins (LH), Diet 4 = LGH + minerals and vitamins (LGH), Diet 5 = UTRS + minerals and vitamins (UTRS). In experiment 2 (Expt.2) the forages were supplemented with urea (20 g d'*/100 kg body weight) and 200 g d’1 fishmeal (FM). Diet 1 = BH + minerals and vitamins (UNBH), Diet 2 = BH + minerals and vitamins + urea + FM (SBH), Diet 3 = MS + minerals and vitamins + urea + FM (SMS), Diet 4 = LH + minerals and vitamins + urea + FM (SLH) and Diet 5 = UTRS + minerals and vitamins + urea + FM (SUTRS). Parameters measured were similar in both experiments. These were voluntary feed intake (VFI) and faecal output by total collection method for seven days, whereas rumen pH and NH3 were measured at an interval of 2 h for 24 h. In situ degradability was carried out in a standardprocedure and in both experiments. Rumen pool sizes were measured by rumen evacuation technique (RET) during the last seven days of the experiments. Fractionation of the NDF into digestible (DNDF) and indigestible (INDF) was done using the in situ long time (30 days) incubation of feeds, rumen content and faeces. The parameters were used together with rumen pool sizes to derive rate of digestion and passage of NDF, DNDF and INDF. Passage rate of NDF was also estimated using chromium mordanted fibre (CR-MF). The chemical composition, the degradability characteristics, digestion and passage rates and the obtained rumen pool sizes varied substantially between the tropical forages studied. The crude protein (CP) ranged from 64-151 g kg’1 DM, NDF ranged from 615 - 770 g kg’1 DM and ash content ranged from 93 - 180 g kg’1 DM. There was a marked difference (P<0.0001) between forages in the rate and extent at which these forages were degraded in the standard procedure and in experiments 1 and 2 for DM, N and NDF. The lag times were short (0 - 9 h) and not different (P>0.05). In the standard procedure the NDF had b value of 47, 58, 70, 72 and 76 % DM for LH, LGH, BH, UTRS and MS respectively. The rate constant c for NDF when forages were incubated in the standard diet was 2.9, 2.9, 3.6, 3.7 and 8.8 % h’1 for BH, UTRS, LGH, MS and LH respectively. The rate constant c for NDF when forage were incubated in diets for expt.l was 2.0, 3.2, 3.8, 5.0 and 6.9 % h'1 for MS, UTRS, BH, LGH and LH respectively, whereas that of expt.2 was 2.6, 2.9, 3.0, 3.6, and 9.1 % h’1 SMS, SBH, UNBH, SUTRS and SLH respectively.iv The forage dry matter intake (DMI) were different (P<0.01) and the animals consumed 4.2, 5.1, 6.3. 6.5 and 6.7 kg d'1 of MS, BH, UTRS. LH and LGH respectively in expt.l. Supplemented forage diets in expt.2 were not different (P>0.05) for all other nutrients intake except N and water. Forage DMI in expt.2 was 4.4, 4.8, 4.8, 5.9 and 6.4 kg d'1 for SMS, UNBH, SBH, SLH and SUTRS respectively. Water intake was 10, 22, 23. 30 and 31 / d’1 for MS, BH. UTRS, LH and LGH respectively in expt.l and 14. 21, 23, 26 and 30 / d'1 for SMS. UNBH, SBH, SLH and SUTRS respectively in expt.2. The rumen pool sizes of NDF (kg) in expt.l were different (P<0.01) and were higher in animals fed LGH (5.2) and lowest in MS (3.8) compared to those fed BH (4.8) and UTRS (4.5). In expt.2 the NDF pool sizes (kg) were also different (P<0.002) highest in animals fed SBH (4.9) and lowest in animals fed SMS (3.3) compared to those fed UNBH (4.0) with similar values in SLH and SUTRS (4.3). The passage rates (A>) measured using CR-MF and RET showed high variability between forages and between the two methods in both experiments. The passage rates estimated by RET for NDF differed (P<0.03) between the forage diets and were 1.78, 1.63, 1.54, 1.53 and 1.36 % h’1 for UTRS. LGH, BH, LH and MS respectively in expt.l and 2.02, 1.50, 1.41, 1.38 and 1.32 % h" for SUTRS, UNBH, SBH, SMS and SBH respectively in expt.2 (P < 0.05). The kp measured using CR-MF was higher than kp derived from RET and varied from 2.26 - 3.24 % h’1 in expt.l (P>0.42) and 2.22 - 3.86 % h'1 in expt.2 (P<0.003). There were differences in Fill (day) when calculated using kp obtained from RET - total NDF in expt.l (P<0.045) and expt.2 (P<0.046). In expt.l the Fill (day) values were 1.84, 1.77, 1.55,V 1.41 and 1.35 for MS, LH, BH, LGH and UTRS respectively. Fill (day) values were 1.91, 1.65, 1.64. 1.55 and 1.09 for SBH. UNBH, SLH, SMS and SUTRS respectively in expt.2. Fill values were not different when calculated using kp from CR-MF in both experiments. Fill values calculated using an assumed passage rate of 2 % h’1 as a constant value were also not different in expt.l (P>0.35) and expt.2 (P>0.09). The predicted NDF intake (PNDFI) across forages were over-estimated when fill calculated from passage rate estimated from CR-MF was used and under-estimated when passage rate obtained from RET was used. A similar trend to that obtained in PNDFI was observed for predicted DM intake (PDMI) for forages in expt.l and 2. The accuracy of PDMI from PNDFI from passage rates obtained from other NDF fractions-RET was generally poor for both experiments, except for RET-total NDF. The best prediction was obtained from RET-total NDF (P<0.0001) with /?’= 0.70 (RMSE = 0.83) in expt.l and /?’ = 0.75 (RMSE = 0.71) in expt.2. It was concluded that the most important limitation to tropical forage intake is the physical fill of NDF in the rumen. 'ITie results have demonstrated that intake of tropical forages can adequately be described from physical fill based on degradability characteristics, rumen pool size and passage rate of NDF measured by RET. The use of NDF parameters as predictors of VFI is recommended as a realistic estimate of forage DMI because NDF was found to be distinct from microbial and endogenous materials. It can further be concluded that PDMI of tropical forages fed to cross-bred dairy heifers can be calibrated in the equation DMI (kg d’1) = 1.19 + 1.10 PDMI (RMSE = 0.83) in expt.l and DMI (kg d1) = 0.98 +1.16 PDMI (RMSE = 0.71) in expt.2.
Blood metabolites and their relatioriship to dairy cattle productive and reproductive performance in Smallholder farms in Morogoro, Tanzania
(2002) Nkya, R .; Kessy, B. M.; Aboud, A.A.
Sixty-four dairy cows (B taums x B indicus crosses) belonging to 40 peri-urban smallholder farms were investigated for relationship of their blood metabolites, body condition score (BCS) and body weight to milk yield and reproductive performance. Feed availability and quality were monitored monthly. Plasma concentrations of selected metabolites [albumin globulin beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) inorganic phosphorus urea] and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured at one month before calving at 30 days and 60-90 days postpartum (DPP). Milk yield BCS and body weight were taken once a month. The reproductive status was monitored by measuring milk progesterone (P4) concentrations and rectal palpation. Average daily food intake was 98=0.3 kg DM/day. Cows calved in good BCS (4-6) had mean milk yield between 6. 4±0. 44 and 7.3±0.66 L day in the first 90 days of lactation and delayed calving to conception interval (126.1 ± 6. 3 days) There was no relationship between apparent feeding level and therefore change in body weight and BCS with milk yield and reproductive performance (P>0.0.5). The mean body weight and BCS dropped within one month after calving which gradually recovered within the second month postpartum. A large proportion of cows (22-38%) had low PCV values (<27%) before calving to 60-90. DPP an indication of anaemia possibly due to low feed intake and probably diseases. Blood metabolite values remained more or less constant before calving and during the first 60-90. DPP 24% of cows had high BHB values (1 nmol L) before calving indicating a negative energy balance in late gestation. Globulin levels were high (50. g L) in 20% of the cows during the 60-90 DPP period suggesting probably an inflammatory reaction within the body. The differences between metabolite concentration among animals were small and they were not significantly related to productive and reproductive performance (P<.0.5). The use or metabolic profile testing identified under-nutrition as the potential constraint to productivity in dairy cows in smallholder farms in Morogoro.
Effects of urea-molasses-multinutrient block supplementation on reproductive and productive performance of-dairy cattle under, smallholder farm
(2002) Nkya, R.; Mwanga, L. E.; Kessy, B.M.; Shem, M.N.
The effect of urea-molasses-multinutrient blocks (UMMB) as an energy and protein supplement on reproductive performance and milk yield of dairy cows was investigated in 18 crossbred cows from eight smallholder farms. In treatment 1 nine, cows were fed a maximum of 1 kg (UMMB per cow per day in addition to the routine feeds forage and maize bran) and in treatment 2 (control) nine cows were fed routine feeds only. The experiment started 4 weeks pre-partum and lasted for 120 days postpartum. Onset of ovarian activity was monitored through progesterone in 612 sequentially collected milk samples and rectal palpation. In treatment 1. the intervals between calving to completion of uterine involution, first rise of milk progesterone, occurrence of first oestrus and conception were (mean ±se) 24±7. 65.3±8. 99.7±12.8 and 120.2±10 days. respectively. In treatment 2. the intervals were 29.6±5. 77. 6±9. 115,9±l5 and 133. 7±14 days. respectively. The treatment differences were not significant (P> 0. 05). Milk production in treatment 1 increased significantly by 1.21 (P<0.001) while in treatment 2 it decreased by 0. 21. Body condition score (BCS) improved significantly by 0.15 (P<0.05) in treatment 1 compared to treatment 2 cows. Use of UMMB gave an overall profit of US$ 0. 34 per day of lactation from sale of milk that resulted from increased yield and milk due to shortened days open. It was concluded that dry season improvement of reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows under smallholder farms could be cost effectively achieved through supplementation with urea-molasses-multinutrient blocks.
Calcium and phosphorus supplementation in grazing lactating Zebu cows, in Iringa District, Tanzania
(2002) Phiri, E.C.J.H.; Pereka, A.E.; Balthazary, S.T.; Mgasa, M.N.; Larsen, T.
The effects of dietary supplementation with dicalcium phosphate containing 10 g calcium and 8 g phosphorus on plasma total calcium inorganic phosphate, body condition score and milk yield were studied for 42 days, during the dry season of 1997 in forty grazing, lactating Zebu cows, in lringa region, Tanzania. The animals were allocated to two groups: one control group (T1) comprising off fifteen cows and a supplementation groUp (T2) comprising of twenty five cows. Dicalcium phosphate supplementation was done twice per week. Blood samples were collected before supplementation and at the engd of experimental period. Total milk yield and body condition of the animals were also recorded. Supplemented cows had higher (P< 0.001) mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate (1.30 mmol/Ca and 2. 08 mmol P/l) than the control cows (1.08 mmol/Ca and 1.58 mmol P/l). Supplemented cows, had a better (P<0. 0001) body condition score and produced more milk (3. 10 BCS and 181 kg) than control cows (2.63 BCS and 149 kg) and total 42 days milk yield (149 vs 181 kg). It is concluded that low plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate may be a problem to Zebu cows and that decalcium phosphate can provide a boost to plasma Ca and Pi ,during the dry season
Efficacy of CIDR treatment against ovarian follicular cysts in cows
(Kagoshima University, 2004) Ndossi, D.; Kamimura, S.; Ando, T.; Iwakuma, A.; Hamana, K.; Matsuzaki, K.; Nojiri, Y.; Matsushita, T.; Kaizo, S.
The objectives of this study were to identify cows with follicular cysts and study the efficacy of CIDR (Progesterone=1.9g) treatment against ovarian follicular cysts in Japanese Black and Hoistein cows. Forty-one cows from Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture were initially identified by rectal palpation to have follicular cysts. These were randomly allocated into three groups where group 1 (n=29) were treated with CIDR for 7 days, group 2 (n=11) treated with CIDR for 14 days, and group 3 (n=1) as the control group where no CIDR was inserted. After removal of CIDR, all animals received an intramuscular injection of 25 mg PGF_<2α>. Fifteen out of 41 cows were confirmed to have follicular cysts after plasma progesterone determination by radioimmunoassay, as they had a pre-treatment progesterone concentration of<1ng/ml. Four Holstein cows were treated with 7 days of insertion. The plasma progesterone concentration increased significantly (P<0.01) after CIDR treatment i. e. day 0 (0.32±0.22ng/ml) to day 21 (3.96±1.99ng/ml). Eight Japanese Black cows with a pre-treatment mean plasma progesterone concentration of 0.32±0.26ng/ml were treated with CIDR for 7 days where 7 of them (87.5%) had an increased post-treatment progesterone concentration of 3.66±1.54ng/ml (P<0.01). Three Japanese Black cows treated with 14 days of CIDR insertion had pre-treatment and post-treatment progesterone concentrations of 0.35±0.14ng/ml and 2.40±1.86ng/ml, respectively (P=0.09). Fourteen out of fifteen ovarian follicular cyst cases had increased progesterone levels 14 days after CIDR removal (post-treatment period), 11 cows (73.3%) came to estrus 2-6 days after removal of the CIDR device and ovulation of a dominant follicle occurred with following formation of the corpus luteum. The overall success rate of CIDR treatment against ovarian follicular cysts (increase in plasma progesterone concentration>1ng/ml) was 93.3% in both treated groups.
Farmer forums for improved food security: Experiences from TARP II SUA Project
(Institute of Continuing Education, 2005-01) Lyimo-Macha, J. G.; Batamuzi, E. K.; Tarimo, A. J. P.; Malimbwi, R. E.
Farmer forums under the TARP II SUA, project in Tanzania have demonstrated fruitful partnership between farmers, researchers and extension agents in communicating and disseminating innovations and technologies to a wider audience. Five forums have been held in each of the zones implementing the project. Some of the themes covered under the five forums include: identification of problems faced by smallholder farmers, marketing problems for agricultural produce, local chicken: production and demand, technology adoption from farmers ' perception and conflicts between crop producers and livestock keepers. During these forums, participating stakeholders identified and prioritized key issues and problems, proposed solutions and agreed on respective stakeholders' responsibilities. This paper provides an overview on the conduct, perceptions, outputs and the challenge ahead regarding this approach for the development offarmers.
Human Rabies incidences in selected areas of Tanzania: Implications for community awareness and training
(Institute of Continuing Education, 2005-01) Batamuzi, E. K.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Maeda-Machang'u, A. D.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Mpelumbe-Ngeleja, C. A. R.; Aris, E.
This paper discusses the status of rabies and control strategies in Morogoro and Iringa regions in Tanzania. There has been an increasing number of reported cases of rabies in both humans and animals in the country. This study utilizes old and new data from the veterinary and medical records to examine the perpetuating factors for human rabies and also assesses the impact of the present control measures. From the records, the study has shown that a total of 9,150 people have been exposed to rabies suspect animals between 1986 and 1999 in Iringa and Morogoro regions. It was further observed that the incidence of rabies was higher in males, children between one and 12 years and young people with ages ranging between 21 and 39 years old. In most human victims, dogs were responsible for causing injuries (6,834 that is 96% of the cases) but other causes of rabies were monkeys 111(1.6%), cats 74 (IN), Man 57 (IN) and hyenas 18 (0.03). There was also a strong correlation (P<0.01) between canine, wildlife and human rabies. The findings of this study indicate that the situation of rabies in the study area and possibly in Tanzania is alarming and requires serious control strategies. Participation of local communities in rabies control may be a key to success. Early reporting of cases, participation in vaccination programmes and improvement of dog management to reduce the number of strays should be emphasised. Educational programmes should also be organized to sensitize communities On the gravity of the problems and to expose them to remedial measures. On the other hand the government has an important role to play through imposing and enforcing quarantines. The government should also set aside a budget for postexposure treatment of humans exposed to rabies.. Concerted collaborative efforts between livestock, wildlife and medical authorities are required in order to appropriately be able to control rabies in Tanzania.
Hypertrophic osteopathy secondary to oesophageal foreign body in a dog - a case report
(2007) Makungu, M.; Malago, J.; Muhairwa, A. P.; Mgasa, M. N.
Hypertrophic osteopathy is a pathological disease process that occurs secondary to intra thoracic lesions that are either pulmonary or non pulmonary in origin. A 6-year-old female German shepherd cross was presented with complaints of losing body condition, anorexia, lameness, and swollen limbs. Clinical examination revealed swelling of all four limbs which were hard and painless on palpation. Radiographic examination of the limbs and the thoracic cavity revealed, irregular periosteal new bone formation along the shafts of most of the long bones and an oval-shaped 6 cm diameter radio dense caudal mediastinal mass. At post-mortem examination, an oesophageal diverticulum was found, filled with foul smelling creamy exudates and a bone foreign body firmly adherent to the wall. Hypertrophic osteopathy secondary to oesophageal foreign body was diagnosed based on history, clinical examination, radiography, post-mortem picture and histopathology.
Characterization of giraffe ear disease in Mikumi Selous Ecosystem
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Lyaruu, V. H.
A study on GED was conducted in the Mikumi - Selous ecosystem with an overall objective of finding the cause and predisposing factors. Giraffes were examined for change in conformation, discharges, and lesions on the pinna. Samples were collected from immobilized giraffes. Water and browsing materials in giraffe habitat were collected for micro-organisms isolation. Tick and oxpecker surveys were conducted. GED overall magnitude was 11.7% (dry) and 11.1% (wet) seasons (1999 to 2006).3.1% (dry) and 8.1% (wet) seasons (2007 to March 2010). Matambwe in Selous Game Reserve 1.2% (dry) 2.4% (wet), MINAPA 0.8% (dry) and 1.2% (wet) seasons (2007 to March 2010). The difference mean sick giraffe examined in each ecozone seasonally was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Immobilized giraffes revealed thickening of the ridges of antihelix, and distal part of the scapha, superficial erosion, pus, and foul smelling of the pinna concave surface. GED harboured environmental bacteria Pseudomonas auregenosa and Bacillus firmus. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Amblyoma variegutum were common ticks associated with giraffes. Ticks and oxpeckers played no role on GED occurrence. Histologically GED biopsies had epidermal nematode larvae and interepidennal necrosis. Molecular investigation concluded the nematode was a Spirurid. GED is dermatitis caused by Spirurid nematode. The DNA sequence lies between Onchocerca and Dirofilaria species which are parasitic to human and animals. It is therefore a species that is new and specific to this ecosystem. Furthermore, possibly it is a species that have evolved from older, non pathogenic and common environmental agent. It is concluded that for the first time this work has been able to demonstrate and isolate a Spirurid nematode which is the primary cause for GED with bacteria and fungi working together. The mechanism by which the nematodes and bacteria cause the damage to the pinna is of interest. Also the trend of the disease magnitude was downwards. It is recommended GED be known as Giraffe Pinna Dermatitis. Mechanisms by which the nematodes cause lesions and role of vectors need further study. Establishment of national nematode bank, reference archive with identification keys, micro weather stations, electronic geomaps, and monitoring programme.
Relative quantification of the proteomic changes associated with the mycotoxin zearalenone in the H295R steroidogenesis model
(Elsevier Ltd, 2011) Busk, Ø. L.; Ndossi, D.; Verhaegen, S.; Connolly, L.; Eriksen, G.; Ropstad, E.; Sørlie, M.
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin with endocrine disrupting effects having vast economic implications in e.g. pig farming. Structurally, ZEN resembles 17 b -estradiol, and thus is able to bind to estrogen receptors (ER) in target cells. Because of this, it is also classified as a non-steroidal estrogen, a phytoestrogen, a mycoestrogen, and a growth promoter. Quantitative proteomic analysis was undertaken using stable-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) upon exposure of the steroidogenesis cell model H295R with ZEN to elucidate its effect on protein regulation. ZEN significantly regulated 21 proteins, including proteins with known endocrine disrupting effects and several oncogenes. In addition, network analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that ZEN affected the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and the mitochondrial dysfunction pathway, both previously reported to be involved in endocrine dysfunction.
Predicting body weight of Tanzania shorthorn zebu cattle using heart girth measurements
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2011-04-01) Kashoma, I. P. B.; Luziga, C.; Werema, C. W.; Shirima, G. A.; Ndossi, D.
Impact of research findings on Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSHZ) cattle under agro- pastoral system in Tanzania have been lessened due to difficulties in relating visual appearance of animals with their live body weights. Managerial decisions have therefore been based on rough and inaccurate estimates. A simple, workable and accurate means was therefore thought to predict live weight of zebu cattle using heart girth measurement. A total of 300 TSHZ cattle were subjected to weighbridge as well as heart girth measurements and the findings subjected to regression analysis. Their live weights ranged from 170 to 390 Kg. The study revealed that heart girth had high correlation coefficient with live weight (r = 0.94, p<0.01). Grouping of data according to sex indicated that heart girth and live weight had closest correlation coefficient in both male and female, r = 0.9385 and r = 0.9318, respectively. The regression analysis of live weight on heart girth was highly significant (R² = 0.88, P<0.01), and the regression lines indicated that a linear relationship existed. The general equation for prediction of live weight of the TSHZ cattle was as follows: Y = 4.55 X – 409 (± 17.9), Where, Y = live weight (Kg), X = heart girth (cm). This implies that the use of the heart girth measurements in prediction of live weight of TSHZ cattle is credible.
Predicting body weight of Tanzania shorthorn zebu cattle using heart girth measurements
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2011-04-01) Kashoma, I.; Luziga, C.; Werema, C.; Shirima, G.; Ndossi, D.
Impact of research findings on Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSHZ) cattle under agropastoral system in Tanzania have been lessened due to difficulties in relating visual appearance of animals with their live body weights. Managerial decisions have therefore been based on rough and inaccurate estimates. A simple, workable and accurate means was therefore thought to predict live weight of zebu cattle using heart girth measurement. A total of 300 TSHZ cattle were subjected to weighbridge as well as heart girth measurements and the findings subjected to regression analysis. Their live weights ranged from 170 to 390 Kg. The study revealed that heart girth had high correlation coefficient with live weight (r = 0.94, p<0.01). Grouping of data according to sex indicated that heart girth and live weight had closest correlation coefficient in both male and female, r = 0.9385 and r = 0.9318, respectively. The regression analysis of live weight on heart girth was highly significant (R² = 0.88, P<0.01), and the regression lines indicated that a linear relationship existed. The general equation for prediction of live weight of the TSHZ cattle was as follows: Y = 4.55 X – 409 (± 17.9), Where, Y = live weight (Kg), X = heart girth (cm). This implies that the use of the heart girth measurements in prediction of live weight of TSHZ cattle is credible.
Endocrine disrupting effects of zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol at the level of nuclear receptor binding and steroidogenesis
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd., 2011-07-23) Frizzell, C.; Ndossi, D.; Verhaegenb, S.; Dahlb, E.; Eriksend, G.; Sørlie, M.; Ropstadb, E.; Mullerf, M.; Elliott, C.; Connollya, L.
The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is a secondary metabolite of fungi which is produced by certain species of the genus Fusarium and can occur in cereals and other plant products. Reporter gene assays incorporating natural steroid receptors and the H295R steroidogenesis assay have been implemented to assess the endocrine disrupting activity of ZEN and its metabolites -zearalenol (-ZOL) and -zearalenol ( -ZOL). -ZOL exhibited the strongest estrogenic potency (EC50 0.022 ± 0.001 nM), slightly less potent than 17- estradiol (EC50 0.015 ± 0.002 nM). ZEN was ∼70 times less potent than -ZOL and twice as potent as -ZOL. Binding of progesterone to the progestagen receptor was shown to be synergistically increased in the presence of ZEN, -ZOL or -ZOL. ZEN, -ZOL or -ZOL increased production of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and cortisol hormones in the H295R steroidogenesis assay, with peak productions at 10 M. At 100 M, cell viability decreased and levels of hormones were significantly reduced except for progesterone. ZOL increased estradiol concentrations more than -ZOL or ZEN, with a maximum effect at 10 M, with -ZOL (562 ± 59 pg/ml) > -ZOL (494 ± 60 pg/ml) > ZEN (375 ± 43 pg/ml). The results indicate that ZEN and its metabolites can act as potential endocrine disruptors at the level of nuclear receptor signalling and by altering hormone production.
An in vitro investigation of endocrine disrupting effects of trichothecenes deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 and HT-2 toxins
(Elsevier Ltd., 2012) Ndossi, D. G.; Frizzell, C.; Tremoen, N. H.; Fæste, C.K.; Verhaegen, S.; Dahl, E.; Eriksen, G. S.; Sørlie, M.; Connolly, L.; Ropstad, E.
Trichothecenes are a large family of chemically related mycotoxins. Deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 and HT-2 toxins belong to this family and are produced by various species of Fusarium. The H295R steroidogenesis assay, regulation of steroidogenic gene expression and reporter gene assays (RGAs) for the detection of androgen, estrogen, progestagen and glucocorticoid (ant)agonist responses, have been used to assess the endocrine disrupting activity of DON, T-2 and HT-2 toxins. H295R cells were used as a model for steroidogenesis and gene expression studies and exposed with either DON (0.1–1000 ng/ml), T-2 toxin (0.0005–5 ng/ml) or HT-2 toxin (0.005–50 ng/ml) for 48 h. We observed a reduction in hormone levels in media of exposed cells following radioimmunoassay. Cell via- bility was determined by four colorimetric assays and we observed reduced cell viability with increasing toxin concentrations partly explaining the significant reduction in hormone levels at the highest toxin concentration of all three trichothecenes. Thirteen of the 16 steroidogenic genes analyzed by quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR) were signifi- cantly regulated (P < 0.05) by DON (100 ng/ml), T-2 toxin (0.5 ng/ml) and HT-2 toxin (5 ng/ml) compared to the control, with reference genes (B2M, ATP5B and ACTB). Whereas HMGR and CYP19 were down- regulated, CYP1A1 and CYP21 were up-regulated by all three trichothecenes. DON further up-regulated CYP17, HSD3B2, CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 and down-regulated NR5A1. T-2 toxin caused down-regulation of NR0B1 and NR5A1 whereas HT-2 toxin induced up-regulation of EPHX and HSD17B1 and down-regulation of CYP11A and CYP17. The expressions of MC2R, StAR and HSD17B4 genes were not significantly affected by any of the trichothecenes in the present study. Although the results indicate that there is no evidence to suggest that DON, T-2 and HT-2 toxins directly interact with the steroid hormone receptors to cause endocrine disruption, the present findings indicate that exposure to DON, T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin have effects on cell viability, steroidogenesis and alteration in gene expression indicating their potential as endocrine disruptors.
Treponema infection associated with genital ulceration in wild baboons
(The American College of Veterinary Pathologists, 2012) Knauf, S; Batamuzi, E. K; Mlengeya, T; Kilewo, M; Lejora, I. A. V; Nordhoff, M; Ehlers, B; Harper, K. N; Fyumagwa, R; Hoare, R; Failing, K; Wehrend, A; Kaup, F. J; Leendertz, F. H; Mätz-Rensing, K
The authors describe genital alterations and detailed histologic findings in baboons naturally infected with Treponema pallidum. The disease causes moderate to severe genital ulcerations in a population of olive baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) at Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. In a field survey in 2007, 63 individuals of all age classes, both sexes, and different grades of infection were chemically immobilized and sampled. Histology and molecular biological tests were used to detect and identify the organism responsible: a strain similar to T pallidum ssp pertenue, the cause of yaws in humans. Although treponemal infections are not a new phenomenon in nonhuman primates, the infection described here appears to be strictly associated with the anogenital region and results in tissue alterations matching those found in human syphilis infections (caused by T pallidum ssp pallidum), despite the causative pathogen’s greater genetic similarity to human yaws-causing strains.
Ultrasonographic abdominal anatomy of healty captive caracals (Caracal caracal)
(Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2012-09) Makungu, M.; du Plessis, W. M.; Barrows, M.; Koeppel, K. N.; Groenewald, H. B.
Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in six adult captive caracals (Caracal caracal) to describe the normal abdominal ultrasonographic anatomy. Consistently, the splenic parenchyma was hyperechoic to the liver and kidneys. The relative echogenicity of the right kidney’s cortex was inconsistent to the liver. The gall bladder was prominent in five animals and surrounded by a clearly visualized thin, smooth, regular echogenic wall. The wall thickness of the duodenum measured significantly greater compared with that of the jejunum and colon. The duodenum had a significantly thicker mucosal layer compared with that of the stomach. Such knowledge of the normal abdominal ultrasonographic anatomy of individual species is important for accurate diagnosis and interpretation of routine health examinations.
Effects of mycotoxins on hormone production in primary Leydig cells isolated from pigs
(Lysbilde, 2013) Ndossi, D.; Kalayou, S.; Groseth, P. K.; Ropstad, E.; Verhaegen, S.
Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi in many agricultural products worldwide either pre- or post-harvesting. Fusarium species are among the most researched plant pathogenic fungi (1) that produce a number of mycotoxins including DON, NIV, T-2, HT-2, fumonisins, ZEN and its metabolites α- and β-zearalenol (2). Some fungi are able to produce more than one mycotoxin, but also multiple fungi can contaminate the same crop (3). Natural co-occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins increases the concern on the exposure to mixtures of mycotoxins e.g. co-occurrence of DON/ ZEN/ T-2/ HT-2 (4,5). Exposure to mycotoxins can result in a variety of health effects, ranging from acute toxic response to potential long-term carcinogenic and teratogenic effects (6). Effects of mycotoxins on reproduction in livestock have been reviewed extensively (7). ZEN ingestion in animals is associated with anestrus, abortion, increased embryonic and fetal death, increased stillbirths, reduced milk production, hyperestrogenism and poor quality semen (7,8) In vitro, ZEN increased the progesterone production in porcine granulosa cells (9). ZEN and α-ZOL have potent estrogenic effects and promote hormone production in H295R cells (10). DON, T-2 and HT-2 reduced cell viability, inhibit steroidogenesis and alter expression of steroidogenic genes in human adrenocarcinoma (H295R) cells (11) Leydig cells are the testicular endocrine cells capable of producing steroid hormones. Pig Leydig cell culture is a good in vitro model to study steroidogenesis and screen effects of some chemicals (12,13). We hypothesize that F. graminearum culture extracts contain a mixture of naturally co-occurring mycotoxins that are able to cause deleterious effects in vitro in Leydig cells.
An in vitro investigation of endocrine disrupting effects of the mycotoxin alternariol
(Elsevier Ltd., 2013) Frizzell, C.; Ndossi, D.; Kalayou, S.; Eriksen, G. S.; Verhaegen, S.; Sørlie, M.; Elliott, C. T.; Ropstad, E.; Connolly, L.
Alternariol (AOH) is a mycotoxin commonly produced by Alternaria alternata on a wide range of foods. Few studies to date have been performed to evaluate the effects of AOH on endocrine activity. The present study makes use of in vitro mammalian cellular based assays and gene expression to investigate the ability of AOH to act as an endocrine disruptor by various modes of action. Reporter gene assays (RGAs), incorporating nat- ural steroid hormone receptors for oestrogens, androgens, progestagens and glucocorticoids were used to identify endocrine disruption at the level of nuclear receptor transcriptional activity, and the H295R steroido- genesis assay was used to assess endocrine disruption at the level of gene expression and steroid hormone production. AOH exhibited a weak oestrogenic response when tested in the oestrogen responsive RGA and binding of progesterone to the progestagen receptor was shown to be synergistically increased in the presence of AOH. H295R cells when exposed to 0.1–1000 ng/ml AOH, did not cause a significant change in testosterone and cortisol hormones but exposure to 1000 ng/ml (3.87 μM) AOH resulted in a significant in- crease in estradiol and progesterone production. In the gene expression study following exposure to 1000 ng/ml (3.87 μM) AOH, only one gene NR0B1 was down-regulated, whereas expression of mRNA for CYP1A1, MC2R, HSD3B2, CYP17, CYP21, CYP11B2 and CYP19 was up-regulated. Expression of the other genes investigated did not change significantly. In conclusion AOH is a weak oestrogenic mycotoxin that also has the ability to interfere with the steroidogenesis pathway.

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