Animal Physiology
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Abattoir Based Study of Epidemiology of Caprice Tuberculosis Using Conventional and Molecular Tools(Addis Ababa University, 2012-12) Benti Deressa; Gobena Ameni; Franz J ConrathsTuberculosis is an infectious disease occurring in several animal species including domestic and wild animals, as well as hennas. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2011 on 1990 randomly selected male goats slaughtered at Luna Export Abattoir to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), evaluate associated risk factors, and molecularly characterize the causative agents. Postmortem examination, mycobacterial culturing, Genus typing, region of difference (RD) based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and spoilage typing were the techniques used in the study. The overall prevalence of caprice tuberculosis was 3.5 % (6911990).There was marked variation in TB prevalence between the age categories and it was significantly higher in older goats (> 1.5 year) (X2 =6.436; P=O.O II ).Variation of the disease between the different goat types and origins were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Mediastina lymph node was the most severely (0.52±0.084) and frequently (42%) affected tissue of goats. Culture and acid fast bacillus positivity was confirmed in 12 % (8/69) of the goats with grossly visible tuberculosis lesion. Up on further molecular characterization using multiplex PCR, five of the culture positive isolates showed signal for the Genus Mycobacterium, of which four were identified to be members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Deletion typing targeting RD4 performed on the four isolates showed the evidence of the presence of RD4 in three isolates which appeared on the gel. Further characterization of the three isolates using RD9 deletion typing has showed that all of them were M tuberculosis. Spoleto typing of the isolates confirmed that one of the isolate is SIT53where as the other two were new strains. The isolation of M tuberculosis from goats in this study suggests evidence of transmission from humans. This also raises the concern of the risk of transmission from goat-to-human and the need to raise awareness among pastoralists consuming raw milk and meat derived from goats. Keywords: Caprice tuberculosis, Epidemiology, Molecular typing, Abattoir, EthiopiaItem Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacteria from Cattle Slaughtered at Adama Abattoir(Addis Ababa University, 2010-06-01) Fetlework Kebede; Tesfaye SisayBovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopia. and the epidemiological picture of the disease has not yet been established. Skin testing and abattoir-based detection of lesions are the main tools for studying the epidemiology of BTB. A cros sectional study was conducted on 960 cattle slaughtered at Adama abattoir in east Shoa zone of Oromia region to estimate its prevalence and characterize its causative agents. Detail postmortem examination and patholog:- . coring. bacteriological culturing. and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were applied in this study. On the basis of gross lesions. the prevalence of BTB was 12.7% (122 /960) in cattle slaughtered at Adama abattoir. The caudal mediastinal lymph nodes constituted the most severely affected tissue (mean± SEM; 0.55 ± 0.81) followed by cranial mediastinal (0. 308 ± 0.060). and left bronchial (0.\33 ± 0.042) lymph nodes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis sho\wed that cattle between 9-12 years of age were at a higher risk of infection (OR = 6.43: Cl = 2.43. 17.04) with TB. The result of genus typing of the eleven isolates using multiplex PCR indicated seven non- mycobaclerium tuberculosis complex members and only one Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex member while the remaining three isolates did not show signal neither for thc Genus :mycobacterium nor for it species. In conclusion. the results of the present stud) have indicated that TB lesions wcre prevalent in tissues of cattle slaughtered at Adama aballoir while the predominant mycobacteria causing such lesions were mycobacteria which were not members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. And hence. further identification and characterization of these mycobacteria is required.Item Study on Prevalence of Ginematodes In Indigenous Bonga Sheep Breed at Three Selected Agro Ecologies of Kafa and Bench Maji Zones(Addis Ababa University, 2011-06-01) Hailemariam Gizaw; Yacob HailuThe current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastro-intestinal nematodes of indigenous Bonga sheep breed in three sellected districts of Kafa and Bench maji zones of Southern Region from September 20 I 0 to April 2011. Cross sectional study fo prevalence r detenrunation using post mortem and fecal examination and longitudinal prospective study for characterization of the partial seasonal dynamics of nematodes was carried out in this study. A total of 60 animals were subjected to post mortem examinations and 2304 fecal samples were analyzed using standard coprological techniques (flotation and modified McMaster fecal worm egg counts). Questionnaire survey was conducted in randomly selected 6 PA's and 60 households from three districts. Results from coprological examination revealed the overall prevalence of nematodes in Bonga sheep were 96.7%. During post mortem examination, four nematode species (Haemonchus contortus, 76.8%), (Oesophagostomum colombianum, 43.3%), (Bunostomum trigonocephalul1l, 30%) and (Trichostrongylus axei 25%), were identified. Fecal examination results in all study sites from population of Bonga sheep during the two sampling periods (early rainy and late dry seasones) indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in mean egg count per gram of feaces. About 90 % of Bonga sheep had EPG value 50-800 the remaining had 801-1200. Polyparasitism predominated in all study areas varying from 100% in Adiokaka, and 95% in North bench and 95% in Gimbo districts. Absence of veterinary services and lack of helminthes control strategies were believed to be responsible for such higher worm prevalence in the areas. These findings indicate that nematode parasites are a serious treat to the existing small ruminant population and livestock productivity at large in these study districts and require an immediate professional interventionItem Study on Major Ectoparasjtes of. Small Riminants in Two Districts of Dire DAwa Aominlstrative Counci. Eastern Ethiopa(Addis Ababa University, 2010-06-01) Abeba Demisse; Yacob HailuA cross-sectional study was carried to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in .small ruminants and identify the potential risk factors associated with the problem in Dire Daw3 administrative council. Eastern Ethiopia. from October 2009 to April 2010. A total of 1152 animals were examined during this study. Out of 325 sheep and 827 goats examined. 93.8% of sheep and 92.3% of goats were found to be infested with one or more species of ectoparasites.. ectoparasitesThe major ectoparasites identi fied were ticks (81 %). sarcoptic mange (7.7 %). Linognatus species(3.4%) and fleas (0.6%) in sheep, and (78.4%) ticks. (6.8%) sarcoptic mange. (3.7%) Linognathus pecies. (3%) demodectic mange and (I %) Ctenocephalides species in goats. Risk factors such as agroecology of study site, body condition. age and sex of animals were considered for analysis. In both sheep and goats the prevalence of tick and mange mite infestation was significantly higher (PItem Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in Small Ruminants and its Public Health Implications in Selected Districts of Central Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2011-06-01) Abebe Agonafir; Tesfaye SisayA cross-sectional study on toxoplasmosis in small ruminants and humans was conducted In Ambo, fentale and Adaa districts of Central Ethiopia between October 2010 and May 2011 to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in small ruminants and to assess its public health implications. A total of 2057 small ruminants were sampled, on which 1131 were sheep and 962 were goats. Serological surveys of antibodies to T. gondii were carried out using ELISA for sheep and goats sera and LAT for human sera. The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in small ruminants was 26.3% (95% CI= 24.3% - 28.2%). Higher prevalence was recorded in Adaa district (43.6 %) followed by Ambo (35.95 %) and Fentale (14.4 %). It was significantly different (P=O.OOO) between the study districts. The risk factors for infection 0f small ruminants with T. gondii were : agro-ecology (altitude), species, sex, age, presence of cat in the household and numbers of cats. Small ruminants in highland (OR=4.88 P<0.05) and midland (OR=3.29, P<0.05) areas were at a greater risk of T. gondii infection than in the lowland area. Prevalence was significantly higher in sheep (31.6%) than in goats (19.8%), (OR= 1.873, P<0.05) and the risk of infection in females (29.2%) was 2.3 times greater than in males (15.1 %). Statistically significant difference of prevalence was also observed between adult animals (> 1 year age) (28.6%) and young animals (14.3%), (OR=2.546, P=O.OOO). Animals were more prone to T. gondii infection when cats are present in the same household (OR= 1.357, 95% CI : 1.142- 1.653). History of abortion was significantly associated with T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep and goats. Of the 47 human sera analysed, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 31.9 %. The risk factors associated with seropositivity were raw/under cooked mutton consumption (OR= 6.782, P=0.04) and drinking unboiled water from river sources (OR= 6.538, P=0.04). More than 60% of the respondents had a habit of consumption of raw meat and milk and 53 .2% had close contact with cats. The public had very low awareness about the disease in animals and humans. The high seroprevalence in small ruminants reported in the current study is a good marker of high risk for human infections as they are important sources of meat in the area. Economic impact of toxoplasmosis in small ruminants should be investigated. Early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant and immune-suppressed individuals is helpful. In general, increasing the public awareness is imperative to prevent and control the diseases both in humans and animals.Item Effect of Haemoparasites on Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Western Highland Goats in Gerura, South Western Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2012-06-01) Abdeta Dame; Eyob IbrahimThis study was conducted in Gerura. which is found in South Western part of Oromia region. to investigate the effect of haemoparasites on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of goats ,as weII as to ohserve the influence of age on the parameters. Blood samples were analyzed using standard methods to count RBC. WBC and differential leukocyte and to determine the: concentration of hemoglobin and MCH . Further analysis was carried out to identify the level of total protein. Creatinine. AST. A LT and ALP. The finding revealed that haemoparasites had significant effects on hematological and serum biochemical parameters of goats, Thus. RBC. Hb. MCH. WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil , eosinophil , monocyte for Western highland goats of Ethiopia infected with trypanosomes were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) smaller than the values obtained after they became treated against Trypanosomes Similarly. RBC. Hb. MCH. WBC. lymphocyte. neutrophil for Western highland goats of Ethiopia infected With Babesia were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) smaller than the values obtained' after they became treated against Babesia. However. AST. A. I.T. AI.P and total protein Were observed to havea significant increase for goats infected With Trypanosomes and Babesia compared to those values obtained after treatment : Lymphocyte before treatment.and RBC.Hb concentration and monocyte after treatment from ' Trypanosomes showed significant differences (p<0.05) with age. Similarly. a significant age difference was also evident on RBC in goats treated from Babesia. Age has significant effect only on total protein for those goats treated against trypanosomes, Therefore. it can be concluded from the study that trypanosomosis and babesiosis have a prominent effect on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of goats in Gerura and attention should ,he given in utilizing the avlues of these pararneters for assessing the physiological status of animals for diagnostic Purpose ,Item Epidemiology and Drug Resistance of Ovine Pasteurellosis in Selected Districts of Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2012-06-01) Behailu Assefa; Reta DugumaThis study was conducted from September 2011 to May 2012 in selected districts of Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State with the objectives of determining the epidemiology of M.haemolyfica, P.mullocida and B.trehalosi through studying their isolation rates among different contributing host and environmental risk factors. Moreover, the efficacy of Tetracycline, Penicillin, Amoxicillin and Gentamicin against representative isolates was determined. A total of 384 local sheep were examined and 109 isolates were identified. 65 isolates (59.6%) of the total isolates were M.haemolytica, 33 isolates (30.3%) P.multocida and 11 isolates (10.1 %) were B.trella/osi. The distribution of general positives among different age groups of sheep were found varying significantly (P<0.05) while their distribution across study districts, agroecological zones of study area, sex, health status, treatment condition and stock rates of sheep varies but insignificantly. Antibiotic efficacy results showed that M. haemolytica isolates were resistant to Penicillin (33% of the tested isolates) while susceptible to Amoxicillin (all tested isolates) and Gentamicin and Tetracycline (67% of isolates). P. multocida isolates were also resistant to Penicillin (33% of the tested isolates) and Tetracycline (67% of the isolates) but susceptible to Amoxicillin (all tested isolates) and Gentamicin (67% of tested isolates). The results of this study indicate that Gentamicin and Amoxicillin are drugs of choice relative to Penicillin and Tetracycline.Item Seroprevalence and Outbreak Investigation of Foot and Mouth Disease in Selected Sites of Tigray Region(Addis Ababa University, 2010-06-01) Berihun Afera; Yilkal AsfawThe present study was conducted in selected sites of Tigray Regional State from September 2009 to May 2010 with the objectives of determining the seroprevalence of foot and mouth disease, its associated risk factors and identification of serotypes existing in the Region. For seroprevalence and serotyping a total of 1138 cattle sera and 5 tissue samples were collected respectively and investigated using ELISA and PCR . Out of the total sera 446 (39.2%) were seropositives and SAT2 was detected from outbreak investigated from Maykadra using PCR. Seroprevalence in different age groups showed 40.4% (212/525), 38.7% (147/380) and 37.3% (87/373) in age groups 1-3, 3-6 and> 6 years with no statistical significance difference (P>0.05) among the groups. The seroprevalence in the different breeds was 40.6% (3231795) 32.2% (S71177), and 39.2% (661166) in local, cross and exotic breeds respectively with slightly higher prevalence in local breeds even though there is no statistical difference (P>0.05) among the breeds. The serosurveillance result between male and female were also recorded with values of 39.8% (2791701) and 38.2% (167/437), respectively, with no statistical difference between sexes (P>O.OS). Highest prevalence was recorded in Hintalowejerat peasant association 70.8% (85/120), the prevalence in the different peasant associations were 6S.8% (98/149), 4S.9% (68/148) and 38.2% (63/16S) in Gijet, Wukro and Shinkemajo, respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of the disease in Maymesanu, Agazi, Mekhoni and Dibla were 37.7% (29177), 21.9% (33/ISI), 21.6% (54 /250) and 21.5% (16/78), respectively. The variation was significant in the peasant associations (p<0.05). The occurrence of the disease was due to unregulated movement of animals from one region to another region and across boundaries and contact among different animals in different watering and grazing points. In addition, absence of vaccination program against the disease was reported by respondents. Vaccination, movement control and separation of different animals for reduction of the prevalence of the disease as a whole are suggested as actions recommended to mitigate FMD in Tigray Region.Item Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Fish, and Knowledge, Attitude and Hygienic Practices of Fish Handlers in Bishoftu, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024) Kebadu Endeg; Takele Beyene; Liyuwork TesfawFish, a protein-rich food, can sometimes be contaminated with bacterial pathogens like S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, known for their resistance to antimicrobials. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, from November 2023 to May 2024. The purpose of the study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern of these pathogens, as well as assess the knowledge, attitude towards antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR, and hygienic practices of fish handlers. The study used a purposive sampling strategy. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction and their susceptibility to antibiotics was tested using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. The data was analyzed using STATA version 14, using descriptive statistics, Chi-squared, likelihood ratio, and binary logistic regression. The results of the study found that 8.6% (9) of 105 samples tested positive for S. aureus and 7.6% (8) for P. aeruginosa. S. aureus isolates were 100% resistant to cefuroxime, 44.4% (4/9) to cloxacillin and penicillin G, and 33.3% (3/9) to tetracycline. P. aeruginosa isolates were 100% resistant to cefuroxime, doxycycline, erythromycin, florfenicol, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance was observed in 33.3% (3/9) of S. aureus isolates and 100% of P. aeruginosa isolates. None of the S. aureus isolates were positive for mecA gene. The survey revealed that 79% (42/53) and 60% (32/53) of respondents had insufficient knowledge and desirable attitudes about AMU and AMR, respectively and 41% (22/53) had poor hygienic practices. A significant positive correlation was found between respondent’s educational level and knowledge and attitude scores. Gender also played a role in attitude and hygienic practices. The study provides insights into S. aureus and P. aeruginosa resistance in fish production and establishes a baseline understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices among fish handlers. Further research should focus on detecting AMR genes in aquaculture. Additionally, enhancing knowledge about AMU and AMR in aquaculture for fish handlers is of utmost importance.Item Evaluation of Short- and Long-Term Antibiotic Treatment Regimens on Emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Mice Infected with E. Coli(Addis Ababa University, 2024) Timotiwos Wogaso; Takele BeyeneAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue impacting human and animal health. E. coli commonly found in gut serve as an indicator organism to monitor AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) in commensal bacteria. This research investigates the impact of oxytetracycline and penstrep (a fixed combination of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin) misuse on AMR emergence in mice infected with drug-susceptible E. coli, analyzing the effects of short-term and long-term ( low, optimum and high) antibiotic dosing on the AMR profiles of susceptible E. coli strains. The research was carried out on 40 two-month-old female mice at the AAU-CVMA mice rearing facility and microbiology laboratory from November 2023 to April 2024. The study involved infecting the mice with E.coli, treating them with one of those two antibiotics, sampling every seven days start from day zero, isolating E. coli from the samples, testing for phenotypic resistance to seven antibiotics using agar dilution test, and identifying resistance genes through PCR and lateral flow assays with anti-CTX-M and CARBA 5 monoclonal antibodies. The study revealed higher AMR in penstrep and oxytetracycline groups, with 31.4% and 24.7% resistance, respectively. Infected and naïve control groups had 1.9% and 0.5% resistance, indicating selection pressure effects. Low-dose long-term treatments showed more antibiotic resistance than optimum and higher doses for both oxytetracycline and penstrep. The low-dose penstrep group had the highest MDR at 100% on day 28, followed by the low-dose oxytetracycline group with 86%. Significant variation in AMR emergence was observed at different time points post-treatment, peak on day 28. PCR results showed blaTEM gene growth and detection of the E. coli gene, while the lateral flow assay indicated negative results for CARB-5 and CTX-M genes. The study suggests long-term low-dose antibiotic use increases AMR risk, especially fixed combination therapy (penstrep). It is recommended to use antibiotic alternatives in food animals to reduce AMR impact. If antibiotics are necessary, use an optimum dose within the nontoxic range for the shortest recommended duration.Item Effects of Lactation and Pregnancy on Hematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles of Cross Breed Holstein Friesian Cows in Bishoftu, Ethiopia(2018-06) Temesgen Kifle; Fikru Regassa Kibeb LegesseThe study showed that all hematological indices associated with RBC differed significantly (p<0.05) at different physiological status. In line with this, mean RBC values during different physiological stages differs significantly. The value recorded during early and late stage of lactation differed significantly (p<0.05) from mid stage of lactation. The mean value of PCV of non-pregnant dry cows (27.11±6.07) was significantly lower than the mean value of PCV of the early lactating group (33.18±4.81) and the mean value of the PCV of the late lactating group (32.44± 3.4) respectively. The mean value of the WBC decreases when pregnancy advanced and the mean value of WBC increases when the lactation approach to dry period (from early lactation to late lactation). The mean value of AST in early and late pregnancy were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of mid pregnancy(20.5±11.7)The mean values of AST in lactation stages that are early, mid and late were 78.3±22.7, 63.12± 19.87 and 62.2±14.4 respectively. The mean values of glucose in pregnant groups increase as the pregnancy advanced and the mean value of glucose in late pregnant group 38.13±5.31 was significantly differs from the mean values of both mid and early pregnancy 24.92±4.12 and 32.36± 4.87 respectively. The mean value of urea in early lactation 32.05±5.73 was significantly higher than both in mid lactation 23.65±7.89 and late lactation 15.8±6.58. The mean value of creatinine in late lactation 1.34±0.44 was significantly higher than the mean value of early lactating groups 0.87±0.16 and the mean value of mid lactating group 1.21±0.42. The mean value of total billrubin mid pregnancy groups 0.24±0.098 was significantly differs from the mean values of both early pregnant group 0.072± 0.06 and late pregnant groups 0.11±0.08. The mean values of total protein in early lactation groups 8.3±1.46 was significantly (p<0.05) differs from the mean values of both mid lactation 7.0±1.9 and late lactation 5.47±1.0. This study showed a significant differences in the mean serum electrolyte values of pregnant and lactating cows in between all groups of study were due to irregular and imbalanced supplement of minerals in feed. Results revealed that most of the measured blood constituents were differed significantly during the period of lactation and pregnancy in Holistian fresain cow. In conclusion, the established reference values will be a useful guide for interpreting serum biochemical and hematologic data in pregnant and lactating cow.Item Effects of Trypanosomosis on Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Reference Parameters of Small Ruminants in South West Ethiopia(2008-06) Tesfaye Mulatu; Gezahegn Mamo Yakob HailuA study was carried out to investigate the effect of trypanosomosis on the hematological and plasma biochemical parameters of small ruminants (sheep and goat) at Gera and Seka-Chekorsa districts in the Gojeb valley of Ghibe Omo river system, Jimma Zone, Oromiya region in the southwest of Ethiopia. The mean hematological values of RBC (11.8±2.8 X106/μl), PCV (24.2±4.1%), MCV (21.3±4.7fl), neutrophil (30.6±12.8%), monocyte (3.2±2%) and basophil (0.8±0.9%) for small ruminants (sheep and goats) raised in high tsetse challenge area were found to be smaller than the values of RBC (12.7±3.6 X106/μl ), PCV (26.8±9.8%), MCV (22.3±8.4fl), neutrophil (32.7±10.5%), monocyte (4.6±3.2%) and basophil (0.6±0.8%) in low tsetse challenge area and the variation was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Smaller values of PCV and MCV in the hematological parameters of small ruminants in the high challenge area could be the cause of microcytic type of anemia. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were also observed between sheep and goat species within the high challenge area in the values of MCV (21.9±4.7fl for sheep, 20.7±4.6fl for goats), neutrophil (31.8±12.8% for sheep, 29.2±12.6% for goats) and monocyte (2.9±1.7% for sheep, 3.5±2.3 %for goats) where the values were found to be higher in sheep than goats. In the biochemical analysis values for AST (84.8±25.8IU/L), ALT (13.5±6.5IU/L), creatinine (1.1±0.2mg/dl), and total protein (4.9±1.6g/dl) were smaller in small ruminants (sheep and goats) raised in high tsetse challenge area than the values of AST (116.5±44.9IU/L), ALT (19.1±9.1IU/L), creatinine (1.2±0.3mg/dl), and total protein (7.6±2.9g/dl) in low challenge area and the difference in values between the areas were significant (P < 0.05). Within the high challenge area significant difference in some biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) were also observed between sheep and goat species whereby the values of AST (91.3±25IU/L), ALT (14.3±7.3IU/L), and creatinine (14.3±7.3mg/dl) were found to be higher in sheep than the values of AST (80.3±46IU/L), ALT (12.6±5.4IU/L), and creatinine (1.1±0.2mg/dl) in goats. The study also showed higher values of cholesterol (94.5±32.5mg/dL) in small ruminants (sheep and goats) raised in high tsetse challenge area than the values of cholesterol (61.7±42.1mg/dL) in low challenge area whereas the values for triglycerides (93.4±43.7mmol/L) were found to be smaller than the values for triglycerides (107.5±37.4mmol/L) in the low challenge area and the difference in both cases were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Thus it can be concluded from the study that trypanosomosis has a prominent effect on the hematological and plasma biochemical IX parameters of small ruminants in the high tsetse challenge areas of South Western parts of Ethiopia and attention should be given in utilizing the values of these parameters for assessing the physiological status of animals for diagnostic purpose.Item The Effect of Nutritional Status on Reproductive Performance of Urban Dairy Farm Systems in Debre Zeit(2008-06) Haileselassie Zewoldi; Alemayehu LemmaThe relationship between nutrition and reproduction is a topic of increasing importance. Many research reports have clearly demonstrated that energy, protein and minerals intake is the most important nutritional factors affecting reproduction in dairy cows. This is particularly evident in the tropics where feed is often inadequate. A study was conducted to determine the effect of nutritional status on reproductive performance in urban dairy farms around Debre Zeit from November 2007 to May 2008. A total of 212 lactating cows in 16 farms of different sizes have been monitored over the study period. The study was conducted based on farm sizes, body condition score, milk yield and milk urea nitrogen levels as indicators of nutritional status and calving interval, service perconception and days open as a measure of reproductive performance. The most common feed resource comprised crop-residues and agro-industrial byproducts such as wheat bran, straw, noug and linseed cake, and local brewery byproduct and rarely hay. The mean body condition score was 2.6 and out of the total sample, 49.5% had a poor body condition. Most (72.4%) of the animals with poor body condition were known to be coming from large farms. The overall mean (±SD) calving interval, days open and service perconception were in the order of 468.31±109.63 days; 162.50 ±111.06 days; and 2.33 ±1.75, respectively while the conception rate was 62.5%. Calving interval and days open were only slightly affected by body condition and milk urea nitrogen concentration while service perconception was significantly affected (P<0.05) by both body condition and milk urea nitrogen concentration. High milk producing cows were found to have a relatively longer calving interval and days open and higher number of services perconception compared to the low milk producing ones (P<0.05). High milk urea nitrogen concentration was highly correlated with low milk production and vice versa. The currently prevailing feeding system and nutritional status did affect the performance of the cows. Apart from this poor heat detection as well as poor AI service were also major contributors to poor reproductive performance of the cows. It is therefore perceived that improvement of diets, proper feeding strategy, and determination of milk urea nitrogen at herd level could help monitoring the nutritional status of the cows and will help to timely correction before it affects reproductive performance. Key words. Urban dairy cows, Reproductive performance, Body condition, MUItem Studies on Serum Biochemical Parameters of Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) in Ethiopia(2007-06) Eyob Ibrahim; Gezahegne MamoThis study was conducted in Awash Fentale district of Afar region and Metehara town of Oromia region, Ethiopia, in an attempt to determine the serum biochemical parameters of camels as well as to observe the influence of age on the parameters. The mean values of serum enzyme levels of ALP, ALT, AST and GGT for the Borana origin camels were 106.77 ± 32.06 U/L, 12.54 ± 4.65 U/L, 75.16 ± 25.48 U/L and 15.06 ± 7.85 U/L, respectively. The mean concentrations of serum electrolytes were 146.83 ± 0.28 mmol/L, 5.27 ± 0.06 mmol/L, 112.6 ± 0.21 mmol/L and 0.59 ± 0.02 mmol/L for sodium, potassium, chloride and ionized calcium, respectively in the Borana origin camels. Whereas, the mean serum concentrations of total protein, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and triglyceride were 6.67 ± 0.05 g/dl, 35.76 ± 0.74 mg/dl, 1.96 ± 0.02 mg/dl, 0.53 ± 0.01 mg/dl, 0.2 ± 0.01 mg/dl and 0.86 ± 0.02 mmol/L, respectively. In Afar camels, the mean values of serum enzyme levels of ALP, ALT, AST and GGT were 114.8 ± 6.83 U/L, 10.09 ± 0.73 U/L, 67.42 ± 3.5 U/L and 11.96 ± 0.83 U/L, respectively. The mean concentrations of serum electrolytes were 165.91 ± 1.38 mmol/L, 4.96 ± 0.09 mmol/L, 125.49 ± 0.58 mmol/L and 1.19 ± 0.04 mmol/L for sodium, potassium, chloride and ionized calcium, respectively for the Afar camels. Whereas, the mean serum concentrations of total protein, urea and creatinine were 6.39 ± 0.14 g/dl, 48.76 ± 1.25 mg/dl and 1.16 ± 0.02 mg/dl, respectively. The data analysis revealed that age had significant effect on some of the serum biochemical parameters. Afar camels up to the age of 5 years had significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of ALP, whereas those above 5 years of age had significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of urea. Borana origin camels up to the age of 5 years had significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of ALT and AST, whereas those above 5 years of age had significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of total protein. Thus, care should be taken during interpretation of serum biochemical values for disease diagnosis due to the influence of age.Item Serum Immunoglobulin G Concentration in Lamb and Goat Kid, Awash Fentale, Afar Nations Regional State, Ethiopia(2019-06) Negash Desta; Kibeb LegesseIn this study a total of 143 head (97 lamb and 46 goat kid) were randomly selected from 3 villages, Awash Fentale district, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. To determine the serum IgG concentration of lamb and goat kid in the study area and to determine effect of parity, age, birth type, sex and dam body condition in transfer of passive immunoglobulin concentration in the study area. From lamb and goat kid blood sample was taken at 2-7 days of age. 4 ml of blood was collected from jugular vein puncture in a sterile plain tube and serum collected by centrifuge. The species specific sheep and goat radial immuno diffusion kit analyzed serum result after 24 hrs showed as rang from 47.64 to 6071.632 mg/dl serum IgG concentration of lamb and goat kid ranges from 169.577 to 3559.875 mg/dl serum IgG concentration. The radial immuno diffusion result showed as 21.6 % of newborn lambs in the study area have failure of passive immunoglobulin concentration and the remaining 78.4 % had adequate passive immunity and 83.4 % of goat kids have adequate passive immunoglobulin concentration and 16.6 % kids had failure of passive immunoglobulin concentration from their dams. The result showed that failure of passive immunity important in the study area. Among the considered risk factors evaluated by simple and multiple logistic regression the age of the lamb and type of delivery was statistically significant P value (P<0.05) on lamb. Generally, passive immunity transfer increased by colostrum feeding and animal husbandry management intervention and significant for pastoralist whose livelihood is dependent on livestock.Item Characterization of Beekeeping Systems and Honey Value Chain, and Effects of Storage Containers and Durations on Physico-Chemical Properties of Honey in Kilte Awlaelo District, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia(Addis Ababauniversity, 2015-05) Yetimwork Gebremeskel; Berhan TamirThis study was conducted to evaluate the existing beekeeping system and honey production, identify major bee flora, honey storage methods, honey marketing and value chain actors, constraints of beekeeping and honey production, and honey quality as influenced by storage containers and durations in Kilte Awlaelo district of Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire interview and focus group discussion were the main tools used to gather primary data from the households and honey value chain actors. The household data were collected from 156 beekeepers in three tabias of the district. For the physico-chemical analysis, 20 kg of honey was harvested from frame beehive of a single farmer and stored in plastic pot, tin-can and glass for 0, 3 and 6 months and analyzed for moisture, ash, pH, acidity and HMF. Majority (95.5%) of the beekeepers owned frame beehives and only 4.5% of the beekeepers owned traditional beehives. The average beekeeping experience of the beekeepers was 9.48 years with the range varying from 1 to 34 years. The average honey yield per hive/harvest and per year was 7.66 and 16 kg for traditional beehive, 19.4 and 35 kg for frame beehive, respectively. Beekeepers identified Becium grandiflorum, Hypoestes forskaolii, Leucas abyssinica, Euclea schimperi, Cordia Africana, Eucalptus spp. and, Opuntia ficus-indica as the major bee forage. Honey badger, ants, wax moth, spider, birds, lizard and snake were identified as the major bee pests and predators in their order of importance. About 14.7%, 15.4% and 21.2% of the beekeepers store honey for 1-3, 4-6 and more than 6 xviii months, respectively. Plastic pots (54.5%), tin-can (30.1%), glass (9.6%) and clay pots (5.8%) were identified as containers used to store honey. The results of the physico-chemical analysis indicated that all the samples (100%) are within the acceptable range of world and Ethiopian honey quality standards with moisture (17.25%), ash (0.14%), pH (3.86), acidity (17.57 meq/kg) and HMF (1.71 mg/kg). The honey quality analysis indicated that the honey from the study district to be of high quality and safe for local consumption and for export. From the value chain analysis, the distribution of frame beehives in the study district was increasing from 43 beehives in 1998 to 490 beehives per year in 2013 due to interventions by different governmental and nongovernmental organizations. From the enabling environment, it was observed that the different developmental polices and strategies of the government to be sufficient for practicing apiculture in small and commercial scales. From this study it was revealed that the quality of honey produced was high, and the potential for honeybee and quality honey production in the district is very high, which calls for proper intervention along the value chain components and actors, and involvement of huge investment in the development of honey production, processing and export. Also, a continued support with policies, strategies and programs at all levels will play a role for the sustainability of the sector. Key words: Bee forage, honeybee, honey quality, honey storage, Kilte Awlaelo district, production system