Aim:This study was envisaged to elucidate the parasitological aspects of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders of sheep.Materials and Methods:Fecal, blood and serum samples collected from 31 sheep/lambs of Sheep Breeding Farm, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Hisar.Results:Of 25 cases, strongyle eggs (12 cases, 48%) were a major infection, followed by Strongyloides spp. (8 cases, 32%) and Moniezia spp. (5 case, 20%). In one case, massive infection of strongyle particularly Haemonchus contortus and Moniezia spp. was observed. All these animals were found negative for hemoprotozoan parasites in blood smear examination. Hematological studies revealed that significantly decreased values of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and total erythrocytic count (TEC). Absolute leukocytic count revealed significant leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis and eosinophilia. Serum biochemical profiles of diarrheic sheep/lambs in present study were significant decrease in values of total protein, serum globulin, glucose where as significant increase in the albumin: Globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALKP) and bilirubin.Conclusions:From the present study, it is reasonable to conclude that major parasitic infection of sheep/lamb observed was strongyle, followed by Strongyloides spp. and Moniezia spp. Hemato-biochemical studies revealed significant leukocytosis and increase in AST, ALT, ALKP and bilirubin.

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Aim:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate - xylazine - propofol anesthesia in buffalo calves.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on six clinically healthy male buffalo calves, 6-12 months of age, and weighing between 130 and 170 kg. In all the animals; glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg, IM), xylazine (0.1 mg/kg, IM) and 1% propofol as single bolus (1.5 mg/kg, intravenous), were administered. The parameters observed included behavioral changes, physiological; hematological and blood biochemical parameters.Results:Muzzle and nostrils became dry in all the animals after glycopyrrolate administration. A decrease in spontaneous activity and mild cutaneous analgesia was noticed after xylazine administration. After administration of propofol, loss of swallowing reflex, palpebral reflex, corneal reflexes, periosteal reflex and complete analgesia was observed. There was no significant change in rectal temperature and heart rate. However, heart rate remained elevated during anesthesia. Respiratory rate decreased significantly after propofol administration. There was a significant increase in plasma glucose after the xylazine and propofol administration which remained elevated till recovery. A significant decrease in chloride level was seen after propofol administration.Conclusions:Glycopyrrolate - xylazine - propofol anesthetic combination may safely be used for short duration anesthesia in buffalo calves.

The present study was a undertaken to diagnose Anaplasma marginale in naturally infected crossbred cows and to determine its effect on haemato-biochemical profile. Blood samples were collected from animals (200) for detection of the rickettsial organism by direct smear and direct blood PCR based techniques targeting the major surface protein 5 (MSP-5). Direct blood PCR revealed a 382-bp amplified fragment in positive control samples. When random blood samples were screened under light microscope and direct blood PCR method, 7.5% of samples were positive under microscopic examination whereas PCR analysis revealed 10.5% samples positive for A. marginale. The infected group (25) showed significantly decreased levels of TEC, Hb and PCV than healthy control animals. However, differences in the red blood cell indices were non-significant indicating normocytic normochromic anaemia in affected crossbred cattle. Serum samples (25) of infected cows showed significantly higher values of ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine and TBIL than that of healthy control. A significant decrease of TSP and albumin was also recorded in the infected cows compared to healthy control. The standardized PCR method of the present investigation may be useful for rapid and accurate diagnosis of A. marginale in subclinical/carrier animals as the whole blood could be directly used. Haemato-biochemical studies concluded that anaemia and erythrophagocytosis are considered to be the major components of this disease and adversely affect liver and soft tissue of the affected animals.

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