The indiscriminate usage and overuse of antimicrobials in pets or companion animals are underlying causes of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite the multi-faceted global challenge presented by antimicrobial resistance, very few studies have appraised pet practitioners’ factors, such as written policy on antimicrobials, dose rate prescribed, use of critically important antimicrobials, and antimicrobial prescription in clean surgical procedures, which can contribute to AMR. In the present study, an online cross-sectional survey among randomly selected pet practitioners (n = 104) of various Indian provinces and union territories was conducted using a questionnaire comprising 33 closed-ended questions on different parameters, viz., the dosage regimen and level of compliance towards guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), other relevant veterinary associations, and their opinion while prescribing antimicrobials. Almost every practitioner of the 104 respondents had revealed the difficulties with owner compliance; i.e., incomplete course of the antibiotics, inappropriate follow-ups, and improper care of the sick animals. The majority of practitioners (95%) reported self-prescription of antimicrobials by the owner before presenting the pet(s) to the veterinary clinic, whereas more than half of the respondents (64%) revealed unavailability of antibiogram facilities. Furthermore, a large number (76%) of practitioners stated empirical treatment based on their experience as the main criteria for antimicrobial choice in the absence of timely results from the laboratory. Although non-necessitated use of antimicrobials in clean surgical procedures has been claimed, surprisingly, the majority of pet practitioners (97%) reported their use to reduce the post-operative complications. The use of the highest priority, critically important antimicrobials (HPCIA) listed by the WHO for humans, particularly quinolones and third-generation cephalosporin, also has been reported for different infections. The treatment durations were nearly as per the recommended guidelines issued by the Danish Small Animal Veterinary Association (DSAVA) for different ailments. Analysis using chi-square tests exhibited a significant correlation between less experienced veterinarians (less than 5 years) and prescription of antimicrobials restricted for critically important infections in human medicine. However, there seems to be no association between the experience of the practitioner and the further studied parameters, namely, antimicrobial regimen prescription, weighing the animals before prescription, dose rate calculation, and antimicrobial selection and use after clean surgical operations. The findings suggest periodic awareness campaigns among practitioners regarding the implementation of the official guidelines, the need for systematic surveillance of AMR, awareness among pet owners about antimicrobial resistance, and the importance of rational use of antimicrobials on their pets.
The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different stages of lactation on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, blood leucocyte indices and milk somatic cell count in indigenous Badri cattle. Badri is first registered indigenous, dual purpose cattle breed of the state Uttarakhand (India) mainly reared in hilly areas of the state. Osmotic fragility evaluates the stability of erythrocyte membrane to osmotic stress. Leucocytes form defence mechanism against invading micro-organisms. Somatic cell count is an indicator of udder health. The study was carried out in forty healthy Badri cows divided into five groups according to their lactation stages viz. group 1 (0–60 days), group 2 (61–120 days), group 3 (121–180 days), group 4 (181–240 days) and group 5 (to be dried off). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, blood total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC) and milk somatic cell count (SCC) were estimated. The percent hemolysis of erythrocytes among different groups was significant (p < 0.05) at 0.9% and 0.5% saline concentrations. A significant effect (p < 0.05) of lactation stages on blood lymphocytes, neutrophils and milk somatic cell count was observed.
Production of higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than normal level causes oxidative stress to the cells, leading to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and ultimate tissue damage. The endogenous antioxidant system present in the body neutralizes ROS produced in the cells. Selenium (Se) and vitamin E play an antioxidant role and help to scavenge the ROS in the body system. The normal dietary recommendation of Se is approximately 0.1-0.3 ppm of DM intake in dairy cattle. The recommended requirement of vitamin E is about 80 IU/kg DMI in the dry and post-partum period; and about 20 IU/kg during lactation in case of dairy cattle. Both the selenium and vitamin E separately and in combination have potential effects on reproductive health in dairy cattle, especially during the transition period. Deficiency of these may cause free radical accumulation and damage to cell membranes which further disrupt several processes including steroid hormone and prostaglandin synthesis, impaired immune system, lower reproductive performance and reproductive disorders. Normally animals get these two important antioxidants from their natural diet. But if the diet is deficient, then, supplementation is recommended. Supplementation of Se and vitamin E during pre partum period decreases the occurrence of post partum complications in dairy cattle.
Background: The indigenous cattle of Uttarakhand, Badri is the first registered cattle breed of the state, mainly reared in Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The present study was carried out in forty healthy cows to evaluate the effect of lactation stages on biochemical entities. Methods: Forty healthy animals were selected and divided into five groups with eight animals in each group during different stages of lactation viz. 0 to 60 days, 61 to 120 days, 121 to 180 days, 181 to 240 days and non-lactating animals. Blood samples were collected during different lactation stages and non-lactation period and serum was harvested. On each serum sample total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, calcium, phosphorus, Ca:P, total bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and CK were determined spectrophotometrically. Result: A significant effect of stages of lactation on serum total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, phosphorus, Ca: P, ALT, ALP and CK was observed (p less than 0.05).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.