Issue 3

Abstract not available

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.

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.

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.