Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 6

Observations on Fecundity of Adult Spirometra tapeworm in Relation to Time of Highest Production of Eggs in Experimentally Infected Cats

Nicholas J. Kavana — 2025-07-19

In the life cycle of Spirometra species, the cat is a definitive host. The adult worm develops in the small intestine and starts to discharge eggs in the faeces of the cat. The faeces can be used as a diagnostic material for the infection of a cat with Spirometra. In this study, five cats were used. Each cat was orally fed with the scolex of Spagana obtained from experimentally infected hamsters. Eggs were observed microscopically in the stool of cats. Egg count using the McMaster slide was initiated from day one of egg production of eggs. Cats started discharging eggs on days 14, 12, 60, 13 and 10 post-infection. The highest number of eggs produced was on days 40, 65, 89, 33 and 25. The number of eggs per gram of faeces for each cat was 1,550, 1,350, 1,565, 1,300 and 1,050. Eggs per day for each cat were 50,220, 41,840, 41,040, 39,650 and 32,445 for Cats A, B, C, D and E, respectively. This study determined the first day the adult worm started discharging eggs, eggs per gram of faeces, the highest number of eggs produced and eggs produced per day.

Effects of COVID-19 Outbreaks on Livestock Sector: An Indian Perspective

Singh NK — 2025-07-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has become the greatest public health crisis of the 21^st century and creates serious health and socioeconomic challenges. The COVID-19 disease outbreak originated from Wuhan city of Hubei province of China during the month of December 2019. Like others, livestock industries were badly affected during the lockdown periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to review the effects of COVID-19 outbreaks on livestock, Poultry and Fisheries sectors in India. Livestock products account for an estimated 30 per cent of the total global value of food and agriculture, and approximately 19 per cent of the value of global food production. India is one of the fastest-growing global leaders of livestock product producers over the last decade and is currently the fourth largest in volume terms. According to the IMPACT food model predictions of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the demand for meat was expected to increase by 58 per cent between 1995 and 2020. Poultry meat demand might increase by 85 per cent, beef by 50 per cent and pig meat by 45 per cent over this time period. However, livestock production, mainly the piggery sector, horses, ponies, camels, goat, sheep and the meat export sector were seriously affected by the lockdown. During the lockdown period due to COVID-19, the economics of all sectors collapsed owing to disruption in production and the supply chain. It also affected national and global food security, changed consumers’ demand and behaviour. The disruption of the logistical channel and drop in demand have reduced sales and lowered prices. Thus, there was an urgent need for an effective action plan to support both producers and consumers in the agricultural livestock and poultry sectors by the governments.

Effect of Environmental Stress on Animal Reproduction and Adaptation Strategies

Alejandro Córdova Izquierdo — 2025-07-19

The process of reproduction is an important physiological system for the development of species, linked to stress, that has classified into two groups such as environmental stress and handling. Environmental stress includes room temperature, cold and/or hot and cold, wind and moisture. The aim of this review is to present some aspects of the environmental stress effect on the reproduction of farm animals. It specifically explores the neuroendocrinology of stress, categorises the different types of stress, highlights how stress affects reproductive processes, and provides recommendations for mitigating environmental stress in animal production systems. Stress is the result of confinement and an ambitious vision, and uncaring by human, who are in the interest of improving production, have participated unconsciously, by manipulating animal production in its way, even trying to tame new species, impossible to adapt to our environment healthy. Environmental stress negatively affects reproduction in both sexes: it reduces fertility, impairs oocyte and embryo quality in females, and diminishes sperm quantity and quality in males. At present, it has been concluded that stress is one of the environmental factors that affect handling and decrease the production of livestock, it is considered that the main factor which should be controlled in units animal production, since it is closely related to pathogens and infectious agents that may try to the health of animals. Finally, some recommendations are outlined to lessen stress for heat, by handling and by feeding.

Incidence of Tetanus in a Relatively Resistant Cat and its Therapeutic Management by Traditional Medicines

S. Saravanan — 2025-07-19

Tetanus is a bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which can affect both domestic animals and humans. Tetanus in cats was very rarely recorded due to innate resistance, and localised tetanus was recorded with recovery within a few weeks up to 5 months. This study describes an unusually chronic form of generalised tetanus in a cat, its diagnosis, haemato-biochemical alterations, and ethno-veterinary management. A 15-month-old domestic short-haired cat (Felis catus) was presented with signs of stiffness of the muscles and lateral recumbency. Microscopic examination of wound smear from oral mucosa revealed Clostridium tetani bacilli with spores. Haemato-biochemical analysis revealed alterations in the parameters. The cat was parenterally treated with tetanus antitoxins, antibiotics, muscle relaxants and oral ethno-veterinary preparations for follow-up. Partial improvement was observed after five months after the onset of tetanus, and the case succumbed to the disease. Most cases of generalised tetanus have a guarded prognosis due to factors such as prolonged hospitalization, the owner's reluctance to proceed with hospitalisation, treatment costs, complications, and the lack of continuous care. Early identification of wounds and treatment are very important to prevent the onset of tetanus.

Variations in Milk's Nutritionally Important Organic Components Based on Simmental Cows' Energy Status

Goran Stojanović — 2025-07-19

The quality of milk intended for human consumption directly depends on maintaining the metabolic balance of cows. In high-yielding cows, the physiological and metabolic demands of pregnancy and lactation necessitate a specialised approach to nutrition and health management to maintain equilibrium between the animal’s nutritional needs and production capacity. This chapter presents an expanded analysis of the quality of milk from Simmental cows during the peripartal period, focusing on key biochemical parameters (proteins, fats, lactose, and urea) and their relationship with the cows' energy status.

Special emphasis was placed on evaluating interactions among these components to identify potential dietary imbalances, ensuring high nutritional quality of milk for human consumption while preventing metabolic disorders and reproductive issues in dairy cows.

In the production-reproduction cycle of dairy cows, the peripartal period and early lactation are the most critical phases for maintaining optimal health and physiological balance. During this transition, cows undergo significant metabolic adaptations and endocrine adjustments to shift from late gestation to peak lactation. This period is marked by a negative energy balance (NEB) and increased risk of metabolic disorders such as ketosis, hypocalcemia, and fatty liver syndrome, requiring careful management to ensure a successful transition and sustained productivity.

The study, conducted on 46 Simmental cows in early lactation, involved a detailed analysis of fat, protein, and urea concentrations using enzymatic and spectrometric methods. The fat, protein, lactose, and dry matter content were analysed using the Milkoscan device (series 130, type 10900, A/S, N.FOSS ELECTRIC) in the Eko-Lab D.O.O. laboratory in Belgrade. The concentration of urea in milk was determined using an enzymatic kinetic method with the VETSCREEN analyser at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgrade. The findings confirm that the energy status of high-yielding dairy cows significantly influences production performance, reproductive efficiency, and overall health.

The study was conducted during July and August 2023 on ten farms in the municipality of Blace, involving a total of 46 Simmental cows in the early lactation phase (first 60 days). The cows were at various lactation stages, ranging from the first to the sixth, with an average daily milk yield of 22.5 litres.

This extended discussion highlights the practical value of monitoring biochemical milk parameters such as urea, total proteins, and fats as an effective diagnostic tool for assessing nutritional and metabolic status. Positive correlations between these components underscore the importance of balanced feeding strategies in optimizing milk quality and animal welfare.

Additionally, this chapter integrates recent perspectives on metabolic health management in dairy farming, offering an economical and scalable diagnostic approach suitable for farms of all sizes.

Zoonotic Schistosomiasis in Naujan Lake, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines: The Role of Environment, Animals and Community Practices

Dave Christopher G. Viňas — 2025-07-19

Aims: To identify endemic zones, locate intermediate host sites, and validate predictive screening parameters to support early detection and integrated disease control strategies. Likewise, to correlate and formulate models using environmental and epidemiological factors, ruminant faecal contamination, and presence of Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi snails to predict Schistosomiasis prevalence around Naujan Lake, Oriental Mindoro.

Study Design: Cross-sectional observation combining parasitological, malacological, and ecological assessments with statistical modelling for disease prevalence prediction.

Place and Duration of Study: Barangay in municipalities of Socorro, Pola, Victoria, and Naujan surrounding Naujan Lake, Oriental Mindoro, between October 2022 and May 2023.

Methodology: Formalin Ethylene Acetate Sedimentation Digestion (FEA-SD) technique and direct microscopy were conducted on ruminant faeces and Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi (Katsurada 1904) snails. Environmental factors (i.e., water pH, temperature, humidity, and air temperature) were recorded at each site. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between Schistosomiasis prevalence and environmental variables. A predictive model was developed based on significant parameters.

Results: Schistosome-positive faecal samples significantly overlapped with snail sites. High-risk transmission areas were confirmed in Socorro and Pola, with carabaos identified as major contributors to parasite proliferation by defecating, particularly in 34 snail-positive sites. Environmental conditions associated with high disease prevalence included water pH 7.51–7.61, humidity 75.33–76.29%, water temperature 23.55–26.19°C, and air temperature 31.47–32.80°C. Formulated model for Schistosomiasis prevalence (Pₛₕᵢₛₜₒₘᵢₐₛᵢₛ) was predicted with 93% accuracy through the equation: Pₛₕᵢₛₜₒₘᵢₐₛᵢₛ = 5.85013(SF - presence of Schistosomes in faeces) – 0.08091(WTEMP - water temperature) – 0.09910 (ATEMP - air temperature).

Conclusion: Findings emphasise the strong influence of environmental conditions on disease proliferation. Thus, systematic monitoring of snail sites and environmental parameters to support control programs is recommended. To further mitigate disease transmission, collaborative efforts with local administrative and health agencies are crucial. Results will be translated into community-based awareness campaigns and used to inform local policy development for continuous surveillance and early detection in the four municipalities. Moreover, policy frameworks at both the local and provincial levels should be formulated and implemented to support the integrated control and eventual eradication of Schistosomiasis.

Insights into Exploitation of Jute (Corchorus sp.) as Leafy Vegetables

Debjani Mondal — 2025-07-19

Jute is one of the most important cash crops for India, widely known for its natural plant-based fibre. Among its various parts, jute leaves are rich in valuable chemical compounds and play a significant role in both national and international markets. Demand for unconventional potherbs is increasing, and known medicinal values or high content of vitamin A or protein or vitamin C has increased the popularity of jute as an affordable nutritional source. Traditional use of jute leaves as “pat shak” or potherbs (edible plant parts such as leaves, flowers, and stems used for cooking or seasoning) is still practised in select regions of India.

The present study was undertaken with five varieties each of Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) and Corchorus capsularis (C. capsularis) grown in the teaching Farm Mondouri, BCKV, in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with four replications during 2018- 2019 (4 rows of 4 m each) following recommended agronomic practices.

The experiment was conducted in the Teaching Farm located at Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavdyalay, West Bengal, India. Planting was done in the first week of April and was harvested after one month. Biomass traits like leaf length (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf width (cm), petiole length (cm), plant height(cm), weight per plant (gm) were recorded along with an estimation of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and protein content in the leaves.

In C. olitorius, heritability was moderately high in all the traits except for the number of leaves, along with moderate Genetic Advance as per cent of Mean (GAM) for Leaf length, fresh weight, indicating that these may be due to additive gene effects and selection for these types of traits may always be rewarding. In C. capsularis, heritability was moderately high for all traits except for the leaf length and leaf width. Moderate GAM for other traits like petiole length, plant height, leaf numbers, and fresh weight indicates that this may be due to additive gene effects and selection for these types of traits may be rewarding. C. olitorius recorded high biomass yield along with high content of vitamin A (5780 IU, approximately 30 % that found in carrot), which can serve as a cheap source of vitamin A in the eastern and northeast provinces where it can be successfully taken as a vegetable as it happens to be one among the twenty-five popularly cultivated leafy vegetables (shaks) in West Bengal. Young jute leaves, being flavourful, tender and rich in beta-carotene, iron, calcium, and vitamin C, can be a lucrative alternative. The criteria of selection for improvement of yield can be taken in terms of wt (g) per 10 plants, as suggested particularly for both the species, along with the width of leaves, or leaf length in case of C. olitorius. It can be stated that the traits, like the number of leaves in the case of C. olitorius and the traits like plant height or leaf length, in the case of C. capsularis, are more affected by environmental variations.

Floral Resource Availability of Key Afromontane Trees as Predictors of Sunbird Distribution and Abundance in Ngel Nyaki Forest, Nigeria

Charles Ayuk Nsor — 2025-08-25

Background: Species diversity is an important indicator of ecosystem productivity and trophic structure. The distribution of birds in different habitats depends largely on the availability of critical resources. Birds contribute substantially to the overall species richness of West African forests, currently recognised as biodiversity hotspots of global importance. Birds mirror changes in other biodiversity (for example, other animals and plants) and are highly responsive and sensitive to environmental change, making them very useful in studies designed to address the effects of human and other environmental disturbances on community stability and productivity.

Aim: The study assessed the abundance and diversity of sunbird species at Ngel Nyaki forest reserve, Taraba State, Nigeria. during and after peak periods of flowering of key bird-visited tree species.

Methods: The study was conducted at Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve. The line transect method was used to assess sunbird species abundance and distribution. A pair of Nikon binoculars (8 x 10) was used to confirm the identity of birds located by eye. Mist-nets placed strategically in places of high abundance and diversity of floral resources were used to capture and identify sunbird species that eluded observers during focal observations. Nineteen (19) transects cutting across two distinct habitat classes were used to record the abundance and diversity of sunbird species. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15.0 (2013) and Excel. Specific analyses include: An Independent sample T-test was used to compare the differences in diversity between the two habitat classes.

Results: A total of 3,035 individuals from 11 species, drawn from 8 genera in the Nectrinidae family, were sighted and recorded during 1680 minutes (28 hrs) of focal observation. Sixteen (16) Afro-tropical tree species were sampled for interactions between sunbird species and their floral resources. Ninety-nine (99) individuals of 8 sunbird species were captured after about 209 hours and 4 minutes of trapping. Bird traps revealed three species that were not seen during focal observations. Results indicated that the reserve accounts for about 46.2 % of the total species of sunbirds in Nigeria and about 36.4% in the West African sub-region. The distribution and relative abundance of C. venustrus at the edge compared to the fragment may also be an indication of its sensitivity and vulnerability to fragmented landscapes such as the riparian fragments of Ngel Nyaki.

Conclusion: Although a greater total number of individual sunbirds of various species were sighted in the Core forest than in the riparian fragments, sunbird species diversity did not differ significantly between the two habitat classes. Floral resources and flowering phenology appear to be major drivers in the distribution and abundance of sunbird species at Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve.

Effect of Nano Selenium-enriched Diet on the Growth Performance and Biochemical Parameters of Labeo rohita

M. Dayana Senthamarai — 2025-07-19

Selenium (Se) is an essential microelement utilised in aqua-feeds for aquatic animals’ normal growth, well-being and health. When selenium is present in adequate concentrations in fish diets, protecting against oxidative damage. Selenium is required for the function of several significant seleno-proteins, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx) responses of fish. This study was intended to assess the growth performance of Labeo rohita (Rohu) resulting from the nano Se-merged diet. Nano Se was synthesized and its physico-chemical characteristics were characterized using UV-VIS, SEM, EDAX, XRD and FTIR for varying quantities of nano Se; Diets - I-0, II- 0.5, III-1, IV-1.5, V-2 and VI- 2.5 mg/ kg were prepared, making use of fish meal (FM), groundnut oil cake (GNOC), wheat flour (WF) and tapioca flour (TF). Rohu fingerlings (2 ± 0.5 g) were acclimated for 2 weeks and stocked in triplicate to evaluate growth performance and biochemical parameters under experimental feeding conditions. Feed-utilising parameters and the biochemical composition of Rohu were evaluated subsequently after 28 days. Data on growth parameters were analysed using IBM SPSS software 17. The UV-Vis Spectroscopy revealed that nano Se was assessed in wavelengths of 200 to 500 nm and exhibited strong absorption at 322 nm. The SEM image showed spherical morphology with an average particle diameter of 12.22 μm. EDAX spectrum recorded two signals at 1.5 keV and 11 keV. XRD patterns showed crystalline characteristics of nano Se at 2θ correlators of 23.5o, 29.7o, 41.4o, 43.6o, 45.4o, 51.7o, 55.9o and 61.5o. FTIR spectrum was examined in the range of 4000 – 500 cm-1. Rohu's growth performance and biochemical analysis revealed that the protein, carbohydrate and lipids of gill, liver and muscle of Rohu were highly increased in the case of diet IV containing 1.5 mg/kg nano Se. The study concluded that a fish diet containing 1.5 mg/kg of nano Se is the recommended level for Rohu's effective growth and biochemical criteria.

Effect of Azolla Meal (Azolla pinnata) and Fish Meal Supplementation on Dry Matter and Water Intake in Konkan Kanyal Goats

D.K. Kokani — 2025-07-19

Background: Azolla meal and fish meal are rich sources of protein and essential nutrients that can contribute to a well-balanced diet for male goats. Incorporating alternative protein sources like Azolla meal can contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing the reliance on conventional feed sources. Studying the optimal levels of these ingredients in the diet can help to ensure that the goats receive all the nutrients they need for growth, development and overall health with cost-effective and sustainable resources.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of Azolla meal and fish meal, not only increasing dry matter intake but also improves the water intake in Konkan Kanyal goats.

Methodology: The experimental study was conducted at the Instructional Livestock farm, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India, during 2023-24. A growth trial of 90 days was conducted on Twenty-seven Konkan Kanyal goats divided into nine treatment combination groups of three goats in each to study the effect of feeding the optimum level of Azolla meal and fish meal on growth performance and chevon quality of goats. The concentrate feed was prepared by supplementation of Azolla meal and fish meal with basal feed (Hybrid napier grass + Red gram straw + concentrate) with supplementation of 4 gm fish meal (A₀F₁), 8 gm fish meal (A₀F₂), 4 gm Azolla meal (A₁F₀), 4 gm Azolla meal and 4 gm fish meal (A₁F₁), 4 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A₁F₂), 8 gm Azolla meal (A₂F₀), 8 gm Azolla meal and 4 gm fish meal (A₂F₁) and 8 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A₂F₂) in concentrate, respectively and the dry matter intake and water intake of experimental goats were recorded. Research Conducted with three Replications.

Results: Statistically, interpretation of data indicated that results are statistically significant for both the factors under study, i.e. fish meal and Azolla meal, at (P<0.05) level of significance. Most optimum level of treatment combination of 4 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A₁F₂) supplementation through concentrate feed was found in obtaining maximum dry matter intake, while the treatment combination of 8 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A₂F₂) supplementation through concentrate feed was found in obtaining maximum water intake.

Conclusion: The study concludes that supplementing up to 4 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A₁F₂) through concentrate to experimental goats increases the dry matter intake, while supplementation up to 8 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A₂F₂) through concentrate to experimental goats increases the water intake.

Morphological and Molecular Variations in Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin Isolates Collected from Three States of Southwest Nigeria

Oluwadara, A. B. — 2025-07-19

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that grows naturally in the soil all around the world and occurs in a wide range of habitats, in forest soil and soils of urban areas. It is one of the most common entomopathogenic fungi that is parasitic to several arthropod species and can cause infection at all stages of life for the host insect. Beauveria bassiana exhibits variations in molecular composition across varying locations. This study aims to detect variations in the Beauveria species collected from some locations in Ondo, Osun and Oyo States of South West Nigeria. Ten isolates of B. bassiana isolated from soil samples collected from forest and urban sites in three States of Southwest Nigeria were characterised using morphological and molecular tools. The morphological characteristics examined included radial growth, colour of colonies, texture, shape of the spores and filaments and the relationship of the spores to the filaments. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a 0.05% level of significance. DNA was extracted from the isolates, and results from the OTU clustering were sequenced using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Results showed slight variation in colour of the colonies, varying from whitish cream to white, having smooth, powdery textures with colonies becoming more identical as plates extended, with no significant differences in texture and elevation of the colonies. The radial growth of the isolates was fast, with complete plate cover of the 9 cm Petri dish plates within 7 days for all the isolates. Microscopic observations (×10 and ×100) revealed whorled conidiophores with dense clusters of short, globose conidiogenous cells showing an apical zigzag pattern and producing one-celled spherical conidia, contributing to colony uniformity. Isolate sequences showed a 100% homology to B. bassiana having molecular character variations with isolates 6, 4, 9, 3, 2 having percentage similarity of 99.86 with B. bassiana with accession no BbN06B02, isolate 5 had a percentage similarity of 90.62 with B. bassiana with accession number MW633220.198-48 and isolates 7 and 8 had a percentage similarity of 99.18 with B. bassiana with accession number AY805547.1:180-346 as represented in the dendrogramic tree. These observed variations could be utilised in biological insect pest management. Further pathogenicity testing is recommended to determine the effect of location variation on the virulence of the B. bassiana.