Author Archives: aajbb

Newcastle disease (ND) now seems endemic in commercial poultry industry of Bangladesh with continuous significant high prevalence and regular outbreaks. High morbidity, up to 100% mortality rate and high economic loss of ND makes it major constraints of poultry industries. We find out the prevalence of ND in dead, sick and apparently healthy poultry at Bogura district of Bangladesh. From July 2020 to June 2021, we observed a total of 500 birds including 31 sick and dead birds randomly from 10 commercial poultry farms of Bogura district. The prevalence was assessed through clinical observations and the documented history of individual birds. For pathological analysis, 31 samples from sick and deceased birds were collected, and detailed examinations of gross lesions and histopathological changes in the cecal tonsils and proventriculus were conducted. Wide ranges of clinical signs are observed in affected birds and it can be diagnosed based on clinical signs and pathological studies. The prevalence of Newcastle disease was 14.20% in apparently healthy birds and 26.6% in sick and dead birds. ND prevalence increased in summer (56%) and decreased in rainy season (11.5%) and highest at the age group of (5-36) weeks of age. Grossly, numerous infected birds had lesions such as pin-point hemorrhage on proventriculur gland, hemorrhage in the trachea, congested and consolidated lungs, button-like ulcers in the caeca, and hemorrhagic caecal tonsils. Microscopically, there was hemorrhage in the lamina propria associated with lymphatic nodules of the caecal tonsil, sloughing of glandular epithelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lumen of the proventriculur gland, congestion around the lobule of the proventriculus, and hyperemia on glandular epithelial cells of the proventriculur gland. This research revealed Newcastle disease remains endemic in Bangladesh's poultry industry, causing high prevalence, seasonal outbreaks, and severe economic losses.

Escherichia coli is a significant foodborne pathogen, frequently linked to hemorrhagic diarrhea, especially in developing nations, where it presents considerable public health concerns. This study was conducted to examine the virulence gene profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli strains isolated from piper betel leaves. A total of 100 betel leaf samples, including fresh (n = 60) and ready-to-eat (n = 40) specimens, were collected and tested for the presence of E. coli using standard diagnostic techniques, such as selective culture methods, staining, latex agglutination, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Further, the identified E. coli isolates underwent PCR-based testing for virulence genes and disk diffusion assays to assess antibiotic susceptibility. Among the 100 samples screened, 4% (n = 4/100; 95% CI: 1.57–9.84; P = 0.1126) were identified as E. coli O157, and 33% (n = 33/100; 95% CI: 24.56–42.69; P = 0.4011) were classified as non-O157 isolates. The virulence gene stx₁ was found in 10.81% of isolates, while stx₂, eaeA, and hlyA genes were not detected in any samples. Antibiotic resistance analysis showed that all isolates (100%, 37/37) were resistant to amoxicillin and erythromycin, with 75.68% (28/37) demonstrating resistance to tetracycline. Notably, all isolates were fully susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. A majority (72.97%, 27/37) of isolates were sensitive to streptomycin, and 67.57% (25/37) were sensitive to gentamicin. Additionally, 86.48% of the E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), showing 10 resistance patterns, including 8 MDR patterns. The most common MDR pattern was AMX-TE-E, observed in 56.76% (21/37) of isolates. One isolate demonstrated resistance to six of the eight tested antibiotics across four distinct classes, with the resistance pattern AMX-TE-GEN-S-E-AZM. The MAR indices for E. coli isolates ranged between 0.25 and 0.75. These findings highlight the significant threat posed to global public health by multidrug-resistant shiga toxin-producing E. coli found on piper betel leaves in urban environments.

In Bangladesh, feed costs account for 70% of dairy farming expenses. High-yielding fodder (HYF) varieties, such as the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) developed Napier variety 3 (BN-3), offer significant potential for reducing these costs. This study conducted two agronomical trials, one on-station at the Experimental Plot of BLRI, Regional Station, Baghabari, Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, and one on-farm at the Experimental Plot in the village of Tiar Bondor shahjadpur, Sirajganj during the economic year of 2018-2019. The objectives of this study were to assess the production performance and proximate composition of BN-3 at both the on-station and farmer community levels. Each trial plot measured (20×10) square feet and was prepared according to BLRI's fodder cultivation guidelines. Data from five consecutive harvests over approximately one year were collected and analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. Results indicated a higher fresh biomass yield was (57.66±4.68 tons/ha/harvest) at on-station compared to the farmer community level (54.89±1.20 tons/ha/harvest), though the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). On-station trial also showed superior tiller numbers (30.72±4.27 per hill) and stem perimeter (6.68±0.06 cm). Leaf length and plant height were significantly better (P<0.05) at on station trial. The nutrient composition of BN-3 exhibited non-significant variations between on-station and on-farm conditions. These findings suggest that, while on-station cultivation of BN-3 may provide slight advantages in specific growth parameters, its nutrient composition remains consistent across different farming conditions, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective feed option for Bangladeshi dairy farmers.

Abstract not available

In Bangladesh, a comprehensive study was conducted over one year to compare the reproductive and productive performance of Black Bengal, Jamunapari, and crossbred goats. The study involved a sample size of 226 goats and provided insightful information on the distinctive capabilities of each type of goat breeds. Most of the doe were 21–30 months of age, and their weight was 21–30 kg. The feed supply for the doe was concentrated green grass, whereas the kids got supplementary feed like rice bran. Among the reproductive traits, age at puberty, age of first kidding, and age of the first conception were significantly (P<0.001) higher in Jamunapari goats, whereas aerial kidding intervals were found in 263.77 ± 54.26 days in crossbreeds. Postpartum heat periods were highest at 68.50 ± 5.53 days in Jamunapari goats at 1st and 2nd parity, though at 3rd parity, 22.96 ± 26.66 days were uppermost in Black Bengal. There was no significant effect of parity on lactation length or milk production. Though Jamunapari goats show the highest lactation length at 1st and 2nd parity, at 3rd parity, 2.56 ± 2.89 kg was the largest in Black Bengals. The mortality of kids was high in the second parity in Black Bengal and crossbreeds, whereas in Jamunapari, it was higher in the first and second parities. The mortality rate of kids under 20 days was high, which gradually decreased with the advancement of age. Different periparturient and postpartum diseases, like abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, etc., decreased the reproductive performance of goats. The Black Bengal goat exhibited superior productive and reproductive performance to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. The study's findings suggest that, in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, prioritizing Black Bengal goats for breeding programs could potentially enhance both productive and reproductive traits compared to Jamunapari and crossbred goats.

Recording systems are important to maintain data properly with a view to justifying the merits of productive and reproductive parameter as well as pedigree evaluation, towards any decision making pathway. Considering this, the current research was conducted to assess the computer and mobile software based animal recording system, which have important effect on production and reproduction on Red Chittagong cattle and their graded cattle. For this reason, this survey was conducted at well-developed pre-tested questionnaire through mobile application software under thirteen study areas. The study areas were selected based on the density of Red Chittagong Cattle population in those areas. After data collectionollected data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software and mean comparisons were estimated by LSD and Duncan method. Numbering (highest-11.32% at Godagari, lowest at Naikhongchari-4.25%), Artificial Insemination (highest 20% at Godagari and lowest at Naikhongchari-1%), service per conception rate (highest at Sylhet-1.37 and lowest at Swandip-1.14), calving rate (highest 12.34% at Anowara and lowest 4.20% at Keshobpur) and birth weight (highest 16.50±0.57 kg at Hathazari and lowest 12.79±0.49 kg at Godagari) were different in each regions. Lactation length, milk yield, and growth rate of two category cattle were found statistically significant (P<0.05) between two groups of cattle. These three productive parameters were higher for Red Chittagong Cattle (230±5.16 days, 3.10±0.13 L/day, 0.197 kg/day) respectively. The software based recording system helps to get proper data which will help for selection of superior sires and dams with high genetic merit as well as data can be restored anytime from this software based recording system.

Bacterial wilt of tobacco caused by Ralstonia solanacearum poses a significant threat to tobacco cultivation in Bangladesh. In this study, fourteen tobacco growing areas of Bangladesh were surveyed to assess the status of bacterial wilt disease in tobacco. The result revealed that the higher level of bacterial wilt incidence and severity was recorded in Bandarban followed by Naikhonchari, Lama, Rangpur, and Lalmonirhat and the lower level was in Chakaria, Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, and Jhenaidah. However, a moderate level of incidence and severity was recorded in Manikgonj, Khagrachori, and Tangail. After estimating the bacterial population in the soil of respective regions it was observed that the highest bacterial population was counted at 22.4 x 10⁷ CFU/g soil in Chakaria and the lowest was counted at 4.3 x 10⁷ CFU/g soil in Tangail. Among the seed samples, sample no BWT Seed 21 had the highest level of infection (93%), sample no BWT Seed 37 had a medium level (39.46%), and sample no BWT Seed 57 had the lowest level of infection (5.14%) with R. solanacearum as detected by plating tobacco seed samples by TTC agar medium. Biovar and races of R. solanacearum were identified through the sugar oxidation test and pathogenicity test and it was found that R. solanacearum isolates from all the fourteen growing areas were grouped into race 1 and biovar 1, biovar 2, biovar 3. Genetic diversity of R. solanacearum analysis was done by using REP and ERIC primers where both primers showed three clusters (I, II, and III) at 60% similarity.  The results are very crucial for the development of sustainable management of bacterial wilt of tobacco and for future population analyses of R. solanacearum.

Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI), known as DNA barcodes, can be employed for the identification of an unknown specimen at the species level. The present study was aimed at performing COI gene-based identification of butterflies using butterfly caterpillars. Consecutively, ten caterpillars of ten different butterfly species from the families Papilionidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae were taken from respective host plants and used to generate COI gene sequences that were about 650 bp long. After BLAST analysis, the sequenced gene revealed 96–100% similarity to the same species from different regions. Then, sequences were submitted to NCBI's GenBank and obtained ten accession numbers. In order to elucidate genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among ten species of butterfly caterpillars, pairwise distance analysis and the construction of a phylogenetic tree were performed using MEGA10 and BioEdit software. In the analysis, the interspecific genetic divergence among the caterpillars of butterflies was between 0.101-0.164%. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the assistance of the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) algorithm, which identified two major clades, A and B, as well as indicated that butterflies caterpillars shared a common ancestor. All the species are included in these two clades, except Catopsilia pomona. This species is under the family Pieridae, and the phylogenetic position of Pieridae compared to other butterfly families is ambiguous, necessitating additional research to resolve this issue. The study demonstrated the general applicability of DNA barcoding for rapidly and accurately distinguishing butterfly species, even when using larval stages, as in the present study. Furthermore, it may disclose a higher taxonomic hierarchy of butterfly families.

The objectives of this study were to determine the farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, livestock population dynamics, and breeding practices followed by the farmers. Out of 1487 farmers, a major proportion (53.12%) of farmers was middle-aged. Most of the farmers (71.22%) were associated with agricultural activities and had low income per month (52.32%). Livestock keeping patterns of farmers were cattle, goats, buffalo, and combinations of these animals. Female animals were inferred to be more prevalent in different districts (cow 85.08%, doe 81.29%) than males (bull 14.92%, buck 18.71%). In case of cattle and goats, the highest number of farmers maintained a medium size herd, whereas buffalo farmers had a large herd size. In terms of breeding practices, the majority of the farmers (75.55%) performed artificial insemination (AI) in cattle and found it convenient to service their cows. When considering buffalo, and goat, the majority of the farmers (94.12% and 98.50%, respectively) practiced natural services. The findings also demonstrated that the majority of the farmers (73.8% and 82%, respectively) raised crossbreed cattle and buffalo, while just a tiny portion (26.18% and 18%, respectively) raised indigenous breeds. However, this situation was vice versa in case of goat. For choice of the breed according to the farmers, 39.17% of farmers preferred Black Bengal goat, 60.83% preferred cross breed.  This study represents a comprehensive overview of livestock status and existing breeding practices employed by the farmers in different districts of Bangladesh, which may be utilized to implement relevant livestock improvement programs in Bangladesh.

Pesticide residues in different crops, including food grains and vegetables are burning issues in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze organophosphorus pesticide residues in three popular vegetables (cauliflower, hyacinth bean and yard long bean) collected from five local markets of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh. The collected vegetable samples were extracted and cleaned up using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) equipped with Flame Thermionic Detector (FTD). A total of 45 vegetable samples were analyzed. Among the 15 analyzed samples of hyacinth bean, three samples (20 % of the total samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRL and the remaining samples did not contain any detectable residues of the selected organophosphorus pesticides. In case of cauliflower, out of 15 analyzed samples, two samples (13% of the total number of samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRL. In case of yard long bean, of the 15 analyzed samples, four samples (27% of the total number of samples) contained pesticide residues above the EU-MRLs. This study reveals the present status of pesticide residue contamination in the selected vegetables.

The present study was aimed to optimize an analytical method for the quantification of carbamate and organophosphorus insecticide residues using Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A series of experiments were conducted to select the parent ion and precursor ion and based on these findings, the analytical method for the determination of carbamate and organophosphorus insecticide residues using LC-MS/MS was developed. The electrospray ionization (ESI) mode was used to develop the method.  The linearity of the developed analytical method was very good and it was 0.999 for carbaryl, while it was 0.998 for chlorpyrifos. The optimization of MS/MS parameters has been done properly for both of the selected pesticides through direct infusion of 100 ug/L pure analytical standard solutions.

Antibiotics are used for the treatment and control of diseases as well as a growth promoter in livestock production in Bangladesh. The frequent use of these antibiotics in veterinary practices may lead to residue and creates some potential problems not only in livestock but also in public health issues. The presence of residues of antibiotics in animal-derived foodstuffs may induce carcinogenic and mutagenic effects and leads to the condition of an allergic reaction, and the development of antibiotic resistance in human gut bacteria. Although misuse of antibiotics in human medicine is the principal cause of the problems, some antibiotic-resistant bacteria originating in animals may also be the contributory factors to the resistance. However, some of the antibiotic resistance problems can be attributed to the transfer of resistant bacteria from animals to humans and resistance genes from animal pathogens and commensal bacteria to human pathogens. Even though the antibiotics and their residues in feed and food products of animal origin cause serious public health problems but little is known by society due to the lack of proper information. So, this is important to review the uses of antibiotics in food animals and insight their public health significance in Bangladesh. However, the safety levels of animal feeds and food of animal origin must be strictly observed and the antibiotics should be used in accordance with the labeled directions public awareness should be developed about the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals and their hazardous residual impacts on the human body. Therefore, the present review focuses on the aspects of antibiotic use in the livestock production of Bangladesh.

This study compared the predatory potential of nymphs of two dragonfly species viz. Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773) and Rhyothemis variegata (Linnaeus, 1763) using the different larval instars and pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823) as preys in normal laboratory settings. Field-collected fed and 24 h starved nymphs of C. servilia and R. variegata were offered 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th instar larvae and pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus to monitor the rate of predation. A 24 h starved nymph of C. servilia showed the highest predation on the 2^nd instar larvae (92.00±4.06%) followed by the 3^rd (83.00±5.61%), 4^th (80±6.89%) and 1^st (76.00±4.85%) instar larvae and the pupae (26.00±2.91), respectively, whereas, that of R. variegata exhibited the highest consumption of the 1^st instar larvae (90.00±3.54 %) followed by the  2^nd (88.00±5.61 %), 3^rd (82.00±3.74 %), 4^th (70.00±7.91 %)  larval instar and the pupae (23.00±4.63), respectively within 24 h exposure. In the same period, the fed nymphs of C. servilia showed maximum consumption of the 2^nd instar larvae (77.00±3.54%) followed by the 3^rd (76.00±4.58%), 4^th (64.00±4.00%) and 1^st instar (55.00±3.53%) larvae and the pupae (24.00±3.67), respectively, whereas, that of R. variegata exhibited highest consumption of the 1^st instar larvae (67.00±5.38 %) followed by the 2^nd (65.00±10.12 %), 3^rd (58.00±8.46 %) and 4^th (53.00±4.06 %) instar larvae and the pupae (21.00±2.92), respectively. The rate of predation was significant on all the larval instars and the pupae compared to their control counterparts (p<0.05) and the starved larvae and nymphs of both the dragonfly species showed higher predation compared to the fed nymphs. The aforementioned findings suggest that nymphs of both of the dragonfly species exhibited considerable predation potential against the immature stages of the Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito. The present study recommends assessing the feasibility of using these species in large-scale mosquito control programs.

Avian mycoplasmosis in commercial chicken is a serious problem around the world, and responsible for high economic losses and decreased poultry productivity. This study aimed to characterize the mycoplasma infection macroscopically and microscopically in commercially important poultry like broiler and layer in Barishal, Bangladesh. Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis was made on the basis of history, clinical signs, necropsy findings and histopathology of the suspected organs. The study was conducted on a total no. of 460 birds (broiler n=237; layer n=223) of 20 different farms of three different upazillas of Barishal district in Bangladesh. The overall prevalence of micoplasmosis was 26.52%. Layer chicken (30.04%) was more susceptible to mycoplasmosis than broiler chicken (23.20%). The highest prevalence of mycoplasmosis was observed in 3-6 weeks-aged chicken in both broiler (54.55%) and layer (35.82%) chicken. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in mycoplasmosis prevalence rate among the seasons. The highest prevalence rate of mycoplasmosis was in winter season followed by rainy and seasons. Major necropsy findings of mycoplasmosis include catarrhal hemorrhage and mucus exudation on tracheal mucosa and severe congestion, consolidation and reddish gelatinous mass over the lung surface. Mycoplasmosis caused severe tracheitis, bronchitis, air sacculitis, and pneumonia in chickens. Mycoplasma affected different organs in the chicken and hinder the production through morbidity and mortality. Present study will provide the baseline data for future in-depth research on mycoplasmosis to draw an effective policy for controlling and eradicating mycoplasmosis from commercial poultry.

Clinicopathological status of duck plague was investigated at different upazila of Dinajpur district during the period from October, 2017 to March, 2018. The clinical features emphasiging the mortality and prevalence, necropsy for gross morbid lesions, histopathological features were examined. The farm and flock history, managemental aspects, vaccination status, nutrition, etc. were recorded carefully. The data was collected and statistically analyzed. Farmer’s complaints about their affected birds were also considered and emphasized. The average mortality rate was recorded as 14.42% and prevalence was 19.81%. The sick birds clinically showed moderate to severe depression, ocular and nasal discharges, ataxia, dypsia. The affected organs were pathologically characterized as mild to moderate congestion and haemorrhages with misshapen, ruptured cystic ova and histopathologically characterized as mild to moderate architectural destruction, reactive cell infiltration.