The research was conducted to study the effect of heat stress on blood parameters in indigenous sheep. Nine sheep were divided into three groups which were almost similar in age, sex and weight. Three groups were divided as zero hour (T0), four hours (T4) and eight hours (T8) heat exposure to direct sunlight. During experimental period temperature–humidity index (THI) value was calculated as 27.09 which indicate T4 and T8 groups were subjected to heat stress condition for at least four hours and eight hours respectively every day. The amount of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb%) and packed cell volume (PCV%) were increased significantly (p<0.05) with the increase of heat stress but the amount of white blood cell (WBC) had no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. It can be concluded that heat stress had significant changes on some blood parameters in indigenous sheep. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v12i1.21253 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(1): 91-94, June 2014

Background and Aim: Global trend to remove the antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) from animals contributes to the exploration of successful measures to sustain production and reduces the intestinal diseases in the post-AGP era. Plant extracts, therefore, have been used to improve performance and intestinal health. Here, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts (NLE) as alternatives to AGPs in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: Sixty day-old broiler chicks were assigned to 12-floor pens, each stocked with five birds and divided into three treatment groups of four pens per treatment. The groups were: Negative control, basal diet without additives; positive control, basal diet with antibiotics and vitamins; and NLE treated group, basal diet supplemented with 0.1% aqua extract of neem leaves. Results: Overall feed intake was significantly (p≤0.05) highest in the positive control. Higher body weight, higher dressing percentage, and lower feed conversion ratio were observed in birds treated with NLE compared to the negative control group (p≤0.05) but not the positive control group (p>0.05). There was no significant variation in hematology between different groups. Furthermore, the economic evaluation indicated that the NLE treatment was found cheaper than control and antibiotic treatment in cost-benefit analysis. Conclusion: We suggest NLE might be a cheaper alternative to antibiotics in broiler production as indicated by improved body weight and feed efficiency.

Livestock keeping at urbanized areas is increasing folds in rate now-a-days in Bangladesh. To characterize the urban livestock keeping practices and its implications on public health and environmental issues in Mymensingh, Gazipur and Shariatpur municipality, Bangladesh, a questionnaire survey was carried out. Ninety livestock keepers were freely characterized and data were obtained Disease outbreaks are 21%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 13%, and 10% of ecto-parasite, mastitis, helminthosis, lumpy skin disease, wounds, and diarrhoea. 14% livestock owner follow vaccination program to keep better their animals from viral or bacterial infections. All the respondents (100%) are aware that livestock keeping could have a negative effect on urban health and environment. More than 50% of the respondents choose dung and urine disposal, malodor and blocked roads are the major damages caused by livestock. Strategies for controlling the damages were as follows: awareness through broadcasting documentary via mass media (4.33), regular health check via veterinary services (3.96), keeping database and regular updated of livestock keepers (3.82), proper disposal of waste (3.69), strengthening rules and policy development for local authority (3.61), reducing numbers of animal (3.48), provision of extension services (3.47), cleaning vicinity daily (3.32). There were some measures taken from public interviewing which need to amend for keeping health and environment free from diseases and pollution.

Objectives: This study was designed to reveal out the present transportation scenario of Black Bengal goats to and from some selected markets in Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey to know the behavioral parameters and management provisions provided by the farmers was designed to collect necessary information from Sirajganj and Gabtoli markets. The survey was conducted by direct interview with the stakeholders who were directly involved with the transportation of Black Bengal goats from Sirajganj to Dhaka city. Results: The present study showed that 58% adult respondents were involved in goat transportation program, among them 95% were male. Most of the farmers in the markets lacked institutional education (24%) or just completed primary education (41%). Only 27% of the respondents had earlier experience in transporting animals. Transport durations were <6 h (51%), 6 h (39%), and >6 h (10%). The goats were usually transported on foot or by using vehicles. All the respondents were known about planning of animal transportation. About 2, 5, 7 and 5% of animals were suffering from head swinging, stretching, stamping of feet and paralyzed condition during transportation, respectively. During transportation, the animals exhibited idleness (25%), panting (17%), foaming (14%), vocalization (13%) and moving forward (12%). Most of the farmers provided feed (41%), rest (33%) and shelter (24%) during the transportation of the goats. Only 5% farmers hired trained drivers for transportation purpose. About 27% animals were untied and 7% animals ramped during transportation. Besides, there were high percentage of pressure to animals (23%), hitting or kicking animals (19%) and abuse to animals (15%) during transportation. Conclusion:From this study it is concluded that Black Bengal goats became physically unfit during long time transportation although majority of the farmers took proper management practices. Therefore, changes in behavioral responses might be alleviated through creating awareness to animal raiser as well transporter.