Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UDEANI, IKECHUKWU JOHN PG/M
Transcription
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UDEANI, IKECHUKWU JOHN PG/M
UDEANI, IKECHUKWU JOHN PG/M.Sc/10/57665 HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL FINDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH SOME PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN SLAUGHTER CATTLE AT NSUKKA ABATTOIR, NIGERIA. Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Fred Attah Digitally Signed by: Content manager’s Name DN : CN = Weabmaster’s name O= University of Nigeria, Nsukka OU = Innovation Centre 1 HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL FINDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH SOME PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN SLAUGHTER CATTLE AT NSUKKA ABATTOIR, NIGERIA. BY UDEANI, IKECHUKWU JOHN PG/M.Sc/10/57665 DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY, FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA SUPERVISOR PROF. J. I. IHEDIOHA 2 HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL FINDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH SOME PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN SLAUGHTER CATTLE AT NSUKKA ABATTOIR, NIGERIA. BY UDEANI, IKECHUKWU JOHN PG/M.Sc/10/57665 A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN VETERINARY PATHOLOGY. MARCH, 2014 SUPERVISOR PROF. J. I. IHEDIOHA DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY, FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA 3 DECLARATION I hereby declare that the work described herein is my original work and has not been previously submitted for any degree to any University or similar Institution. Name: UDEANI, IKECHUKWU JOHN Registration number: PG/M. Sc./10/57665 Sign________________________________ Date___________________________________ 4 CERTIFICATION This is to certify that UDEANI, IKECHUKWU J (PG/M. Sc./10/57665), a postgraduate student in the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka has satisfactorily completed the requirements for research work for the Degree of Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology. The work embodied in this dissertation is original and has not been submitted in part or in full for any other degree of this or any other University. The dissertation has therefore been approved for the award of Master of Science Degree in the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. BY _____________ _____________ Sign Date Prof. J. I. Ihedioha (Supervisor) _____________ _____________ Sign Date (External Examiner) 5 ____________ ___________ Sign Date Prof. K. F. Chah (Head of Department) ____________ ___________ Sign Date Prof. S. V. O Shoyinka (Dean of Faculty) ABSTRACT This study evaluated the haematological and serum biochemical changes associated with diseases and disorders of cattle billed for slaughter at Nsukka abattoir. It also compared the haematological and serum biochemical findings in cattle with specific diseases and conditions to that of cattle with no obvious abnormalities or lesions (apparently healthy cattle) and evaluated the influence of age and sex on the haematology and serum biochemistry profile of the apparently healthy cattle at the Nsukka abattoir, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was a disease surveillance survey. The study population was 8,100 trade cattle billed for slaughter at the Nsukka abattoir, Enugu State, Nigeria during the ten-month period of study. The research (disease surveillance) visits were made once every two weeks during the study period. All cattle billed for slaughter on the days of research visit (a total of 567 cattle) were studied and constituted the sample population. They were subjected to comprehensive physical examination. Cattle with grossly observable signs or lesions of disease or disorder were followed up and blood samples were collected from them. Blood samples were also collected from cattle with no obvious abnormalities or lesions (apparently healthy cattle) to serve as control. Blood sample collection was by jugular venipuncture. The haematology and serum biochemical tests on the blood samples and confirmatory tests for specific diseases observed were done following standard procedures. Cattle with specific diseases, disorders and conditions were grouped accordingly. The apparently healthy cattle were segregated according to their age and sex. Results showed that out of the 567 cattle investigated, 91 (16.05%) had specific diseases, disorders and conditions while 476 (83.95%) had no obvious abnormalities or lesions. The diseases, disorders and conditions and their percentage occurrence were fasciolosis (8.47%), tuberculosis (1.76%), trypanosomosis (1.41%), 6 cachexia unassociated with any disease (1.06%), skin disorders (0.88%), rumen flukeinfestation (0.71%), benign neoplasm (0.18%) and pregnancy (1.59%). Cattle with fasciolosis, tuberculosis, trypanosomosis and rumen fluke-infestation had significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration and significantly (p < 0.05) higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) when compared with the apparently healthy cattle. Fasciola and abomasal worm infested cattle also had significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum total protein. The means for the total leukocyte, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts of cattle with fasciolosis, tuberculosis and trypanosomosis were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the apparently healthy cattle. In addition, cattle with fasciolosis had significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and significantly (p < 0.05) higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, while those with tuberculosis had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum globulin. Cachectic cattle had significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum ALT, creatinine, urea, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts. Pregnant females had significantly (p < 0.05) higher ESR, serum ALP, globulin, total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, and significantly (p < 0.05) lower aspartate amino transferase (AST), ALT, creatinine and urea than non-pregnant apparently healthy females. The mean RBC count, ESR, eosinophil counts, serum ALP and creatinine levels of the apparently healthy male cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the females, while serum globulin levels of the apparently healthy adult cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the young. Based on the results, it was concluded that among all diseases, disorders and conditions recorded for cattle in this study, fasciolosis ranked topmost as the commonest, followed by tuberculosis and then pregnancy. It was also noted that the disease, disorders and conditions were associated with specific haematological and serum biochemical 7 findings that were considered to be of clinical diagnostic importance. The haematology and serum biochemistry of the apparently healthy cattle in this study were in most instances comparable to those reported for cattle in available literature, but some of the minimum and maximum values recorded in this present study were different from the upper and lower reference limits reported in available literature. 8 DEDICATION In loving memory of my dearly departed father (Rt. Hon. H. C. Udeani) and brother (Mr. J. J. Udeani). May your souls and those of all faithful departed through God’s mercy rest in peace, Amen! 9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I thank the Almighty God for his gift of mental and physical health throughout the duration of this programme. I am grateful for and appreciative of the inestimable support of my project supervisor (Prof. J. I. Ihedioha), my family, friends and colleagues in their varied contributions towards the success of this study. I also thank the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria Nsukka for giving me an opportunity for an M. Sc programme in the department. Udeani, Ikechukwu John (2014). 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title page-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------i Declaration--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii Certification-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iv Abstract------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi Dedication --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vii Acknowledgement-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------viii Table of content---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ix CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------ 1 1.1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 1.2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 CHAPTER TWO - REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ------------------------------ 8 2.1. CATTLE - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE-----------------------------------------------------8 11 2.2. CATTLE BREEDS AND THEIR USES--------------------------------------------------------9 2.3. DISEASE BURDEN IN ANIMALS AND ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 2.4. CHANGES IN PATHOGENICITY OF DISEASE CAUSING AGENTS----------------12 2.5. VALUE OF HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY IN CLINICAL VETERINARY PRACTICE--------------------------------------------------------------------------14 2.5.1. Erythrocytic parameters------------------------------------------------------------------------15 2.5.2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate--------------------------------------------------------------- 16 2.5.3. Leukocytic parameters------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 2.5.4. Serum biochemistry parameters-------------------------------------------------------------- 20 2.6. HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY FINDINGS ASSOCCIATED WITH SOME DISEASES OF CATTLE------------------------------------------------------------25 2.6.1. BACTERIA DISEASES----------------------------------------------------------------------25 2.6.2. VIRAL DISEASES---------------------------------------------------------------------------34 12 2.6.3. PROTOZOAN DISEASES ------------------------------------------------------------------37 2.6.4. RICKETTSIAL DISEASES------------------------------------------------------------------ 39 2.6.5. FUNGAL DISEASES-------------------------------------------------------------------------41 2.6.6. DISEASES CAUSED BY HELMINTH PARASITES------------------------------------41 2.6.6a. Nematodiasis ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------41 2.6.6b. Trematodiasis and Cestodiasis-------------------------------------------------------------- 43 2.6.7. METABOLIC DISEASES-------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 2.6.8. NUTRITIONAL DISEASES----------------------------------------------------------------- 47 CHAPTER THREE - MATERIALS AND METHODS ------------------------------------50 3.1. Study location------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 3.2. Animals for study---------------------------------------------------------------------------------50 3.3. Blood sample collection-------------------------------------------------------------------------50 13 3.4. Haematology methods---------------------------------------------------------------------------51 3.4.1 Packed cell volume (PCV)--------------------------------------------------------------------- 51 3.4.2 Haemoglobin concentration (Hb)------------------------------------------------------------- 51 3.4.3 Erythrocyte (Red blood cell (RBC )) count-------------------------------------------------- 51 3.4.4 Total Leukocyte (White blood cell (WBC))count-------------------------------------------52 3.4.5 Differential leukocyte count------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 3.4.6 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)-------------------------------------------------------- 53 3.5. Serum biochemistry methods-------------------------------------------------------------------53 3.5.1 Total protein-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------53 3.5.2 Albumin-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------54 3.5.3 Calculation of Globulin-----------------------------------------------------------------------54 3.5.4 Total cholesterol-------------------------------------------------------------------------------55 14 3.5.5 Urea-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------55 3.5.6 Creatinine---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------56 3.5.7 Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-----------------------------------------------------------------56 3.5.8 Total bilirubin-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------57 3.5.9 Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT)-----------57 3.6. Data Analysis--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------58 CHAPTER FOUR - RESULTS -----------------------------------------------------------------59 4.1. Distribution of diseases, disorders and conditions in the cattle studied--------------------59 4.2. Cattle with fasciolosis----------------------------------------------------------------------------59 4.3. Cattle with tuberculosis--------------------------------------------------------------------------60 4.4. Trypanosome-infected cattle-------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 4.5. Cattle with cachexia of unknown aetiology---------------------------------------------------62 4.6. Cattle with skin disorders-----------------------------------------------------------------------63 15 4.7. Cattle with rumen fluke infestation (Paramphistomosis)------------------------------------63 4.8. Cattle with benign tumor------------------------------------------------------------------------64 4.9. Pregnant cows------------------------------------------------------------------------------------65 4. 10. Apparently healthy cattle----------------------------------------------------------------------65 4. 11. Comparison of the haematology and serum biochemistry profile of cattle of different sexes-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------66 4. 12. Comparison of the haematology and serum biochemistry profile of cattle of different age groups-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------66 CHAPTER 5 - DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ---------------------------------------112 5.0. DISCUSSION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------112 5.1. CONCLUSIONS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------122 REFERENCES 123 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Distribution of diseases and disorders and conditions in the trade cattle slaughtered at the Nsukka abattoir, Enugu State, Nigeria.------------------------------------ ---------- 68 Table 2. Comparison of the haematological profile of cattle with fasciolosis to apparently healthy cattle----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69 Table 3. Comparison of the clinical biochemistry profile of fasciola-infected cattle with those of cattle with apparently healthy cattle.---------------------------------------------------- 70 Table 4. The haematological profile of cattle with tuberculosis, compared to apparently healthy cattle----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 17 Table 5. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with tuberculosis, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle--------------------------------------------------------------------- 72 Table 6. Comparison of the haematological profile of cattle infected with trypanosomes with those with those of apparently healthy cattle.--------------------------------------------- - 73 Table 7. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle infected with trypanosomes, compared to those of apparently healthy cattle.---------------------------------------------------------- 74 Table 8. Comparison of the haematological profile of cachectic cattle of unknown aetiology with those of apparently healthy cattle-------------------------------------------- --------- 75 Table 9. The clinical biochemistry profile of cachectic cattle of unknown aetiology compared to that of apparently healthy cattle.------------------------------------------------ ---------- 76 Table 10. Comparison of the haematological profile of cattle with skin disorders and those of apparently healthy cattle.------------------------------------------------------------ --------- 77 Table 11. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with skin disorders, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle.--------------------------------------------------------------------- 78 Table 12. The haematological profile of cattle with rumen fluke infestation, compared with that of apparently healthy cattle.------------------------------------------------------ 79 18 Table 13. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with rumen fluke infestation, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle.------------------------------------------------ ---------- 80 Table 14. The haematological profile of cattle with benign neoplasm, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle.--------------------------------------------------------------------81 Table 15. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with benign neoplasm, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle.----------------------------------------------------------------- - 82 Table 16. The haematological profile of pregnant cattle, compared to that of non pregnant apparently healthy female cattle.------------------------------------------------------------ 83 Table 17. The clinical biochemistry profile of pregnant cattle, compared to non pregnant apparently healthy female cattle.------------------------------------------------------------ 84 Table 18. The haematological profile of apparently healthy cattle compared with reference vales in available literature.--------------------------------------------------------- ---------- 85 Table 19. The clinical biochemistry of apparently healthy cattle compared with reference vales in available literature.------------------------------------------------------------------ 86 Table 20. Comparison of the haematological profile of male and female apparently healthy --------- 87 19 cattle.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 21. Comparison of the clinical biochemistry profile of male and female apparently healthy cattle.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 88 Table 22. Comparison of the haematological profile of young and adult apparently healthy cattle.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- 89 Table 23. Comparison of the clinical biochemistry profile of young and adult apparently healthy cattle.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 90 20 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Large number of Fasciola in bile ducts and liver of cattle infected with Fasciola gigantic----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 91 Figure 2. A single Fasciola gigantica.---------------------------------------------------------------92 Figure 3a. Tuberculous lungs obtained from cattle with tuberculosis.--------------------------93 Figure 3b. An incised Tuberculous lung showing tubercles in lung parenchyma------------ 94 Figure 3c. Tuberculous lungs obtained from cattle with tuberculosis.--------------------------95 Figure 4a. Tuberculous liver obtained from cattle with tuberculosis.--------------------------96 Figure 4b. Tuberculous liver (incised) obtained from cattle with tuberculosis.--------------- 97 Figure 4c. Tuberculous gall bladder (incised) obtained from cattle with tuberculosis.------98 21 Figure 5. Spleen with tubercles, obtained from cattle with tuberculosis.----------------------99 Figure 6. Tuberculous mediastinal lymph node (incised)---------------------------------------100 Figure 7a. Thin blood smear obtained from cattle with trypanosomosis showing a trypanosome.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------101 Figure 7b. Another thin blood smear obtained from cattle with trypanosomosis showing a trypanosome.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------102 Figure 8a. Cattle with cachexia of unknown aetiology.----------------------------------------103 Figure 8b. Another cattle with cachexia of unknown aetiology.------------------------------104 Figure 9. Skin of cattle with skin disorder.------------------------------------------------------105 Figure 10a. Paramphistomum spp on rumen mucosa of rumen-fluke infested cattle.------106 Figure 10b. Paramphistomum spp on rumen mucosa of rumen-fluke infested cattle-------107 Figure 11. Tissue mass (benign tumour) beside the right forelimb of a cow.---------------108 Figure 12a. Pregnant uterus collected from a pregnant cow.-----------------------------------109 Figure 12b. Pregnant uterus obtained from another pregnant cow.----------------------------110 22 Figure 13. Apparently healthy bull in the lariage------------------------------------------------111 23 CHAPTER ONE 1.0. INTRODUCTION Cattle (Bos primigenus) are large grass-eating herd animals with cloven hooves (twotoed). There are two sub species, Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Cattle have a four chambered stomach, an adaptation which helps them digest grass. Depending on breed, they may be horned or polled (hornless). The females usually give birth to one calf a year, though twins are also known to be born (Grubb, 2005; Wikipedia, 2012). Cattle is a major source of meat (beef and veal). Beef is rich in both macronutrients and micronutrients, and therefore an essential part of a healthy diet (Neumann et al., 2002). Beef is a good food source of protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorous, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, and riboflavin (USDA, 2002; Ndlov, 2010). Cattle is also a major source of dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, ice cream etc). The health benefits of cow milk include bone and teeth health (Flynn, 2003), reduction of blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease (Elwood, 2005), prevention of obesity (Zemel, 2005), type 2 diabetes (Choi, 2005), and cancer (Larson et al., 2005). Cattle are also used as draft animals (oxen/bullocks) for pulling carts and plows, and also for transportation. They are also used in different recreational activities like bull fighting, bull riding, and agricultural competitions (Wikipedia, 2012). Cattle dung is used as manure and substitute for 24 synthetic fertilizers in crop production (Shapouri, 2002). The skin and hide of cattle is used in the production of shoes, belts, couches, and clothing (Clay, 2004). In medicine, cattle nasal septum is processed into chondrotin sulphate, an alternative medical treatment for arthritis. Tissues from the small intestine of cattle are used for making catgut for surgical sutures. Heparin, an anticoagulant used to prevent the clotting of blood is made from cow lungs and intestines. Epinephrine from the adrenal gland is used in the treatment of hay fever, asthma or other allergies, or stimulate the heart in the event of cardiac arrest. Cholesterol used in making male sex hormone, comes from cattle spinal cord (Woodward, 2012). In countries like India, a distillate of cow urine (gomutra) is consumed by patients seeking treatment for a wide range of ailments (Dinkan, 2012). Fractions of cattle urine obtained by solvent extraction has been shown to possess antimicrobial activities (Dinkan, 2012). A distillate of cow urine was also shown to have a bioenhancer activity and availability facilitator for bioactive molecules (Dinkan, 2012). Cow urine was also shown to increase the phagocytic activity of macrophages and thus helpful in the prevention and control of bacterial infections (Dinkan, 2012). Cattle products also have industrial applications. They include: soap bars are made from cow tallow which is a solid fat; car tyres are made from cow oils; asphalt roads contain bovine fatty acids; explosive nitroglycerine is manufactured from glycerine which is an extract from cow fat (this is used in warfare in bomb making); glue made from cow blood is widely used in making plywood. Extracted protein from cattle horns and hooves is used in making foam for fire extinguishers (Palmer, 2012). Cattle rearing has been given the greatest prominence in discussions of Nigeria’s livestock industry. The country’s cattle territory is essentially in the sudan savannah where the limiting factors are the amount of water supply available as one moves from 25 the middle belt of guinea savannah towards the sahara and the existence of tse-tse fly infested forests to the south. The main cattle territory accounts for about 90% of the country’s cattle population. The two other cattle-producing areas are the southern forest zone where the trypano-tolerant Muturu cattle is found, and the guinea savannah where the Ndama cattle and crosses of Muturu and northern Zebu cattle are found. The two lesser areas contain the remaining 10% of the country’s cattle population (Omofema, 2007). Disease is an alteration in an organism or some of its organs or parts, which interrupts or disturbs the performance of its vital function and constitutes a departure from its normal health state (Cheville, 1988). Diseases may be caused by environmental factors, specific infectious agents, nutritional deficiencies, inherent genetic defects of the organism, or a combination of these factors (Gibbons, 1963; Ihedioha, 2003; Berry, 2012). Economic losses due to disease occur in many ways. Some are obvious such as mortalities, medication costs, and condemnations at the processing plants and abattoirs during meat inspection. Others are sometimes less obvious such as poor growth, poor productivity, reduced feed conversion, and down grading (Berry, 2012). For instance, in a study in Ireland carried out by Richardson and More (2009) on dairy cattle with Johne’s disease, there was significant decrease in milk yield and a decrease in cull price. These direct effect of Johne’s disease, in combination with increased culling for infertility and increased replacement rates, had a negative impact on farm output. Also, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia has been associated with heavy financial losses to cattle owners in Africa. These losses were attributed to high morbidity and mortality due to the disease to cattle (Tambi, 2006). In an abattoir study conducted in Zaria Nigeria by Raji et al., 26 (2010) where he sampled 7,812 cattle within a period of 8 to 9 months (January to September), 5,758 organs had lesions, 598 organs were totally condemned and 5,160 carcasses partially condemned. This led to a financial loss of N 915,500 within the study period (liver- 269,500; lungs- N527,500; heart- N 118,500, Total- N 915,500). The relationship between a host and a pathogen is dynamic since each modifies the activities and functions of the other. The outcome of such a relationship is dependent on the virulence of the pathogen and the relative degree of resistance or susceptibility of the host (Todar, 2009; Green, 1984a). Hosts have developed elaborate defense mechanisms, both externally and internally to repel invading foreign microbes. External and internal mechanisms consists of both non-specific, and specific protective mechanisms (Green, 1984a). Host-microbe interactions can be parasitic or commensal (Green, 1984a). The interaction between host and pathogenic microbes have undergone and is still undergoing a complex evolutionary process. More recent or less well-adapted host-microbe interactions are characterized by the production of pathologic disturbances in the host during infection. Microbes evolve at a relatively rapid rate, and new pathogenic strains constantly appear (Green, 1984b). Pathogenicity is the ability of a microorganism to produce disease in a host organism. Microbes express their pathogenicity by means of their virulence. Virulence is the degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism (Todar, 2009). Considered broadly, two factors determine the pathogenic activity of a microbe: invasiveness and toxigenesis (Wadsworth & Kirkbride, 1918; Todar, 2009). Changes in the virulence or pathogenicity of microbes and parasites had been severally reported. Parasites decreasing their virulence to intermediate levels was seen in the “myxoma-rabbit’’ system where the myxoma virus 27 isolated from a South American rabbit was introduced to rabbits in Australia and Europe to control their increasing densities. Within a few years, the virus decreased its virulence to intermediate level (Toft & Karter, 1990). Also, syphilis which was an acute and extremely unpleasant disease when it first appeared in Europe changed from high virulence to low virulence in a space of 5 – 7 years (Knell, 2003). Parasites increasing their virulence had been reported in some zoonotic infections (disease introduced to humans from wild and domestic animals). The disease produced by these zoonotic parasites are often severe or lethal in humans and milder in the reservoir host (animals) (Toft & Karter, 1990). Parasites may decrease virulence to zero (commensalism) as shown by Tashiro et al., (1987) when he and others infected quails with influenza virus A/turkey/Ontario/7732/66 (H5N9) which is highly pathogenic to chicken but was non pathogenic to quails. Parasites may become positive (mutualism) as stated by Porco et al., (2005) when he explained the development of resistance by host organisms to invading pathogen, thereby reducing the pathogens pathogenicity and virulence. Other causes of change to high virulence include: chemotherapy (Krynski et al., 1964), host nutritional status (Beck et al., 2001), and transmission from one host to another (Tashiro et al., 1987; Knell, 2003). The clinical assessment of the haematological and serum biochemistry profile of animals and humans is of immense diagnostic value. Since blood is the major transport system of the body, both input and output substances of almost all the body’s metabolic processes and deviations from normal caused by invasion of the body by pathogens, other forms of injury, deprivation and stress are commonly reflected by changes in the blood picture (Schalm et al.,1975; Ihedioha et al., 2004). The haematological parameters of utmost importance include the erythrocyte count, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin 28 concentration (Hbc), mean corpuscular values, total leukocyte count, differential leucocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (Schalm et al., 1975; Coles, 1986). The erythrocyte parameters (erythrocyte count, PCV, Hbc, MCV, and ESR) are a set of haematological indices used to evaluate the state of the erythron and thus determine whether an animal is anaemic, normal, or polycythemic (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha & Chineme, 2004). The leukocytes constitute an important part of the defence and immune system of the body and as such act mainly outside the blood vessels (in tissues). Also, some leukocytes function mainly in detoxification, initiation and maintainance of inflammation. The assessment of leukocytic profile enables the clinician evaluate the animals response to challenge by infectious agents, toxins and toxic chemicals, physical injury and neoplastic proliferation (Schalm et al., 1975; Coles, 1986; Dein, 1986; Ihedioha & Chineme, 2004). Serum biochemistry is important because of its predictive value of pathologic changes in vital internal organs such as kidney, liver, heart, muscles, and pancreas (Tyson & Sawney, 1985; Coles, 1986; Harr, 2002). It is also useful in the evaluation of the nature and extent of a disease process, response to therapeutic interventions and prognosis (Coles, 1986; Stockham & Scott, 2008). These evaluations are thus important in arriving at a diagnosis, assessment of the efficacy of therapy, toxicity of drugs and chemical substances, and making a prognosis. Some of the serum biochemistry parameters of importance in the clinical assessment of animals include: serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol and bilirubin, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (Coles, 1986; Stockham & Scott, 2008). 29 Most diseases and disorders are usually associated with changes in haematology and serum biochemistry profile of affected animals (Coles, 1986; Stockham & Scott, 2008). With the reported changes in pathogenicity and virulence of several infectious agents (Tashiro et al., 1987; Toft & Karter, 1990; Knell, 2003), it is believed that the haematological and serum biochemical changes associated with the diseases they cause may also be affected. Thus, there is a need to continually re-evaluate the haematology and serum biochemistry findings associated with diseases in every specific environment. 1.1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM There is little or no information on haematology and serum biochemical changes associated with diseases and disorders of cattle in Nigeria. Where basic information is present, there have not been reasonable update to accommodate or take care of possible changes in pathogenicity and virulence of infectious organisms across time as animals are being treated or as the organisms are transmitted/passaged from one animal to another. 1.2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 1. To investigate/evaluate the haematological changes associated with diseases and disorders of cattle billed for slaughter at Nsukka abattoir. 2. Evaluate the effect of age, sex, and season on the haematological and serum biochemical profile of apparently healthy cattle slaughtered at Nsukka abattoir. 3. To compare the haematological and serum biochemical changes recorded in this study with those earlier reported in literature. 30 CHAPTER TWO 2.0. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1. CATTLE - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Cattle was originally identified as three separate species, the humpless Bos taurus (European or taurine cattle), the humped Bos indicus (zebu), and the extinct Bos primigenus (aurochs). Aurochs is ancestral to both zebu and taurine cattle. Of recent, these three have been grouped as one species, with Bos primigenus taurus, Bos primigenus indicus and Bos primigenus primigenus as the sub species (Garfield, 1995; Hirst, 2012). Evidence indicates that cattle domestication occurred approximately 10,000 years ago in many parts of the world as a result of wild cattle being attracted to grain fields being cultivated by early farmers (Ajmone-Marson et al., 2010). In Africa however, evidence shows that the herding of cattle occurred regardless of agricultural activities. Bos remains dating back 9,000 years have been found at sites such as Nabta playa and Bir Kisieba (now Egypt) with evidence showing that they may have been domesticated. If so, they may represent the first event of cattle domestication (Ajmone-Marson et al., 2010). People kept cattle for easy access to food (milk, blood and meat) and for use as beasts of burden (Adekunle et al., 2002). The usefulness of these animals encouraged humans to capture and keep as many of them as possible. The long process of domestication and keeping of different types of wild cattle in pens resulted in reduction in size of the 31 animals as they were cross bred. Not only did they become smaller, their temperaments became more docile and naturally variations in markings and genetic characteristics also evolved (Ajmone-Marson et al., 2010). 2.2. CATTLE BREEDS AND THEIR USES In Nigeria, some of the indigenous cattle breeds are Red Bororo, White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, Muturu, Keteku, Ndama, Bunaji and Adamawa Gudali (Adekunle et al., 2002). These are kept by traditional owners as a source of food and as draught animals (Payne, 1990; Tawa and Rege, 1996; Hanotte et al., 2002). The Ndama and Muturu breeds have a low productive capacity in terms of milk and meat production; they are however trypano tolerant and of reasonable beef conformation and are therefore mainly used as beef animals (Payne, 1990; Nweze et al., 2012). In the South-East part of Nigeria, the Muturu breed is prided among other cattle as they are used for cultural activities. Due to their limited stamina, they are seldom used as draft animals (Nweze et al., 2012). The White Fulani cattle are used as a source of meat, milk and as draft animals. The traditional owners keep the White Fulani mainly for milk since their dairy potential is better than most Zebu and is comparable to Kenana breed of Sudan which is a good milker (Tawa and Rege, 1996; Hanotte et al., 2000). Some of the exotic breeds of cattle include the Chianiana breed of Italy used for beef and as draft animal; the Irish Dexter breed used for beef and milk; the French Limousine breed used for cross breeding and lean tender beef production; the South Devon breed of Britain (gentle giants or orange elephants) used for beef, milk and as draft animals; Indian Braham breed named as sacred cow of Hindu is a good milker and also a source of beef; South African Afrikaner breed used for milk, meat and as draft animal; Jersey breed of 32 Channel Island of Jersey used as dairy cow. It has a high butter fat milk content and is therefore also used in cheese production. Switzerland’s Brown swiss breed is an excellent milker and is used for milk and cheese production. The Texan Longhorn breed of Texas U. S. A is used for bull riding and is a good beef source (McDonald, 2011). 2.3. DISEASE BURDEN IN ANIMALS AND ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS More than a billion people around the world living in poverty, depend on livestock for their livelihoods. In Africa, this number is estimated at about 300 million people. Animals provide these people with food protein, traction power and manure for crop production (AU-IBAR, 2013). In arid and semi-arid areas of Africa, livestock play a crucial role in food production. Here, they serve as banks for cash provision derived from sales of their products or the animals themselves in times of demand, to raise funds needed to purchase food and meet other family needs (AU-IBAR, 2013). In Nigeria, the agricultural sector generates one-third of its gross domestic product (GDP) and employs two-thirds of the workforce. Livestock is the second largest sector in the country (Fadiga et al., 2011). Poor animal productivity is widely attributed to the occurrence and endemicity of certain animal diseases. Economic analysis estimates that the current annual financial burden of pestes des petits ruminants (PPR), contagious bovine pleuropneumonea (CBPP), trypanosomosis, New castle disease (ND) and African swine fever (ASF) amounts to 29.2 billion Nigerian Naira (Fadiga et al., 2011). As at 2001, agricultural produce worth USD 4.75 billion is estimated to be lost each year as a result of trypanosomosis and the annual value of lost milk due to trypanosomosis in Africa is estimated at USD 2.7 billion (Fadiga et al., 2011). At a global level, average economic loss due to animal disease is more than 33 20%. In sub-saharan Africa, it is estimated that this percentage could be higher with overall economic losses being estimated at USD 2 billion per annum. Losses due to morbidity as reflected by reduction in growth, lactation, work output and reproduction are probably of same magnitude. The poor run more risk of animal diseases since they lack the capacity to tackle disease risks and outbreaks thus reducing their chances of escaping poverty (AU-IBAR, 2013). Contagious bovine pleuropneumonea (CBPP) is regarded as one of the most serious transboundry diseases affecting cattle production in Africa, and outbreaks result in an estimated economic loss of up to USD 2 billion per annum. An outbreak of PPR in Nigeria in 1979 killed 10 - 20% of the nation’s small ruminant flock that was estimated at USD 75 million (Otte et al., 2004). Bovine respiratory diseases caused by bovine herpes virus type 1 is a source of economic loss in both dairy and beef industries in Canada due to a decrease in production, higher susceptibility to secondary infections, and occurrence of abortions (Bowland and Stephen, 2000). The particularly great cost associated with bovine herpes virus type 1 involves its contribution to causing shipping fever, which is estimated to cost USD 500 million to U. S feedlots annually (Bowland and Stephen, 2000). Measurable effects of diseases on livestock productivity include premature deaths which decreases potential market value of carcass. Diseased animals have lower market values due to visible lesions or due to changes in appearance or body conformation which makes them less attractive to buyers (Sykes et al., 1977). Values of offals may reduce due to pathologic changes caused by agents such as Faciola hepatica or Echinococcus granulosus. Presence of lesions of a zoonotic disease may render the animal totally unfit 34 for consumption (Sykes et al., 1980). Diseases which affect the skin may reduce market value of hide or their value to the user (Britt et al., 1986). Yield and quantity of products such as milk, wool and eggs may be reduced by disease. These decreases market value of their products (Moris and Marsh, 2013). Parasitic infestations have been shown to affect the taste of meat (Garriz et al., 1987). In Africa, cattle dung is a vital source of manure; disease and death of animals influence human nutrition by reducing dung supply needed for manure production (Moris and Marsh, 2013). The direct effect of animal diseases on human well-being is through reducing the supply of milk and notable minerals and vitamins needed for good growth. Animal diseases can reduce both the total supply of animal products and modify the composition of animal products in ways which reduce their nutritional value (Huss-Ashmore and Curry, 1992). 2.4. CHANGES IN PATHOGENICITY OF DISEASE CAUSING AGENTS The relationship between a parasite and host is a story of benefit and harms. The parasite benefits from host by living in and on it and by using host resources to reproduce. The parasite benefit, gives rise to the hosts harm (Regoes et al., 2000). Defence mechanisms of host evolve in order to reduce parasite accessibility to host resources, while mechanisms increasing parasite accessibility to host resources also evolve in parasites (host-parasite co-evolution) (Soler et al., 1998). In an infection, the life span of the host is usually shortened and important fitness traits of the host such as fecundity are often negatively affected by the parasite (Edward, 1994). A parasite by reducing the life span or fitness of its host may inflict harm upon itself. A parasite that doesn’t kill host has more time to exploit its host’s resources and be transmitted, thus increasing its own fitness. Under such a circumstance, the parasite on 35 the long run should evolve (Regoes et al., 2000). Infectious agents therefore trade-off the benefits and costs associated with virulence, and selection will favor those that achieve balance between the cost and benefits associated with virulence. The optimal virulence is expected to be at an intermediate level. Infectious agents that cause intermediate degrees of damage to their hosts, rather than minimal or maximum damage, will often evolve (Knell, 2003). In a host-parasite interaction, virulence of parasite may increase as seen in serial passage experiments (SPEs) where a parasite used to infect a host is extracted from the host and used to infect the next host of same specie etc. Serial passage in a new host strain often increases virulence there, but decreases virulence in former host (virulence is increased in new host but attenuated in previous host). This principle is used in vaccine development (Ebert, 1998). Previously non virulent organisms can become virulent and cause disease by inter specific transfer of toxin gene that will change the previously benign micro organism into an important pathogen (Knell, 2006). Bacteria are well known for their genetic promiscuity, and the horizontal transfer of virulent gene is now recognized as being a significant phenomenon in many important diseases (Ochman et al., 2000). For example, the causative organism of cholera, the bacterium Vibrio cholera only became virulent when a lysogenic bacteriophage virus carrying the cholera toxin gene inserts itself into the V. cholera genome. Also, the ancestor of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis in humans and animals only became able to cause significant pathology once it had acquired a gene that enhanced its ability to bind to host cells early on in infection (Knell, 2006). Host-parasite interaction may lead to a change in pathogenicity to intermediate levels (Knell, 2003); avirulent levels (Ebert, 1998); or highly virulent levels (Ebert, 1998). 36 Avirulent parasites can become pathogenic by genetic mutation (Ochman et al., 2000; Knell, 2006). 2.5. VALUE OF HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY IN CLINICAL VETERINARY PRACTICE Blood is a tissue which functions principally as a vehicle for the transport of gases, nutrients, metabolic waste products, cells, and hormones throughout the body (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). Circulating blood is made up of three types of mature cells suspended in the plasma medium, they include: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes) (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Mohan, 2010). Red blood cells are primarily involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide and function exclusively in the vascular system. The white blood cells constitute an important part of the defense and immune systems of the body and act mainly outside blood vessels (in the tissues). White blood cells found in circulation are merely in transit between their various sites of activity. There are five classes of white blood cells present in circulation, they include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. Platelets play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of blood vessels and prevent blood loss (haemostasis). The plasma medium is an aqueous solution of inorganic salts and proteins, which are constantly exchanged with the extracellular fluid in the body tissues (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Sink and Feldman, 2004; Mohan, 2010). The routine examination of blood is performed as a screening procedure to assess general health and the body’s ability to fight infection (Gutierrez et al., 1971; Jain, 1993; Peinado et al., 1999). The complete blood count is an important and powerful diagnostic tool; it can be used to monitor the body’s response to therapy, guage severity of an illness, 37 or form a list of differential diagnosis (Roubies et al., 2006; Aengwanich et al., 2009; Piccione et al., 2010; Ihedioha et al., 2012). In veterinary practice, the parameters of utmost importance include the erythrocytic parameter (erythrocyte count, packed cell volume (pcv), hemoglobin concentration (Hbc), mean corpuscular values), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count (Schalm et al., 1975; Coles, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 2004). 2.5.1. Erythrocytic parameters Total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration are used to determine the functional state of the erythron. They are also used to calculate the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (Coles, 1986; Aengwanich et al., 2009; Mohan, 2010). Mean corpuscular values are used in the morphological classification of anemias. The mean corpuscular values present alterations in size and hemoglobin concentration of individual red blood cells. Red cells may be normocytic (normal sized cells), macrocytic (larger than normal) or microcytic (smaller than normal). Hemoglobin concentration may be normochromic (normal concentration) or hypochromic (less than normal concentration) (Sink and Feldman, 2004; Mohan, 2010). In anaemic conditions, alterations in the average size of red cells (MCV) may be in line with changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (Coles, 1986). Microcytic cells may have a decreased hemoglobin concentration and this is refared to as microcytic hypochromic anemia. This is usually seen in iron deficiency or failure to properly utilize iron in the synthesis of hemoglobin, chronic blood 38 loss, copper deficiency and pyridoxine deficiency (Coles, 1986; Barger, 2003;). Normocytic anemias have normal MCV, MCH and MCHC and are seen only when there is a decrease in the number of erythrocytes, decreased packed cell volume (PCV) and decreased hemoglobin concentrations (Hbc). Such anemia occur in the event of depressed erythrogenesis (Coles, 1986; Jain, 2002; Barger, 2003; Sink and Feldman, 2004). This is the most common form of anemia in domestic animals and is an indication of the presence of certain disease conditions (Coles, 1986). Macrocytic anemia may be hypochromic or normochromic and is usually seen when an animal have had an acute haemorrhagic blood loss or an acute hemolytic crisis (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha, 2003; Stockham and Scott, 2008). An increased number of reticulocytes in peripheral circulation results in macrocytosis. This is indicative of good bone marrow response to anemia. Persistent macrocytosis seldom occur, when it does, it is associated with an arrest of the maturation cycle with a resultant increased size of the macrocytic cells (reticulocytes) released into the peripheral circulation (Coles, 1986; Jain, 2002; Stockham and Scott, 2008). 2.5.2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate The speed or erythrocyte fall is relatively slow in normal cattle, but fast in conditions of anemia and inflammatory diseases in which there is tissue necrosis and degeneration. This alteration in suspension stability probably results from changes that occur in the physiochemical properties of the erythrocyte surface and the plasma (Coles, 1986; Roper, 1999; Mohan, 2010). Alterations in these properties of the erythrocyte surface cause red blood cells to aggregate and form roleaux. The larger the aggregations that occur, the more rapid is the fall of erythrocytes (Coles, 1986). The presence of reticulocytes and 39 other immature erythrocyte form brings about a diphasic sedimentation. This type of sedimentation occur because these erythrocyte forms are larger and do not actively participate in roleaux formation (Coles, 1986). 2.5.3. Leukocytic parameters The blood stream is a channel for transport of leukocytes from the bone marrow to the tissues (Mohan, 2010). Leukocytosis is an increase in total leukocyte count above normal upper limit for an animal specie (Coles, 1986; Mohan, 2010). An increase in leukocyte count is commonly due to an increase in number of circulating neutrophils although in some cases other cells may be increased (Coles, 1986; Mohan, 2010). Normally, only mature leukocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils) are found in peripheral circulation (Mohan, 2010). Leukocytosis may be physiologic as seen in fear and excitement due to an increase in epinephrine production, exercise, estrus in cow, digestion in pigs and dogs, pregnancy in humans and cow, and age in the young of most animal species and humans (Reece, 1997; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Mohan, 2010). Pathologic leukocytosis is seen in generalized infections, localized infections, intoxications with drugs, chemicals, venoms and metabolic disturbances, rapid growing neoplasms, acute hemorrhage (internal or external), acute hemolysis, myeloproliferative disorders (myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera), and following corticosteroid therapy (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Mohan, 2010). Leucopenia is the reduction in leukocyte count below normal value for a given specie. It may be balanced or may be due to a single cell type (neutropenia, eosinopenia, or lymphopenia) (Coles, 1986; Mohan, 2010). The general cause of leucopenia are related to alterations in the bone marrow; they include degeneration or depletion of the bone marrow (Coles, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 40 2004; Mohan, 2010). Leucopenia is seen in viral infections, overwhelming bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies, wide spread radiation, corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy (Coles, 1986; Mohan, 2010). Monocytosis is seen in chronic infections, acute stress and neutrophilic defects where they perform primary phagocytic functions (Coles, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 2004). Monocytopenia is not clinically significant in all animals (Latimer, 2012). Neutrophilia (increased number of circulating neutrophils beyond what is considered normal for a species) is usually associated with acute infections, acute inflammations, neoplasia, traumatic states, chemical and metabolic intoxications, and haemolytic anaemia (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). Neutropenia (decreased number of circulating neutrophils below what is considered normal for a species) is associated with systemic viral infections (in which case the neutropenia is usually replaced by a neutrophilia attributable to secondary bacterial infection), overwhelming septicaemic bacterial infection, prolonged inanition and cachexia, and certain chemical poisoning and exposure to x-rays and radioactive substances (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). Basophil granules are rich in heparin, hyaluronic acid and histamine, and are believed to function principally in inhibiting the clotting mechanism and in initiating and modifying the inflammatory response (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). They also promote fat clearance from plasma. Significant changes in basophil numbers are rare. Basophilia is usually associated with eosinophilia and is seen in chronic antigenic stimulations of the skin or mucosal surfaces. Basopenia (decrease below normal in the number of circulating basophils in the peripheral blood) is seen following adrenocorticotrophic hormone or glucocorticoid administration and urticaria. Basopenia 41 is rare and therefore is of no diagnostic importance. Basopenia is in most cases associated with stress (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). Eosinophilia is associated with chronic infections or inflammatory processes that affect the skin or mucosal surfaces and following hypersensitivity associated with parasitic infestations. Eosinophilia is seen in acute stress of an infectious process (Coles, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 2004). Eosinopenia, which is a decrease below the normal in the number of circulating eosinophils, occurs in any stress condition, in which case, the eosinophils may completely disappear after the stress is withdrawn. Other conditions that lead to eosinopenia include acute infections, long term administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone or corticosteroids (Latimer, 2012) and hyperactivity of the adrenal gland due to hyperplasia or neoplasia (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). Epinephrine release also promotes eosinopenia (Latimer, 2012). Lymphocytosis is seen in chronic infectious diseases and occurs with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Lymphopenia is seen in acute infections and stress (Coles, 1986). Thrombocytosis (an increase in the number of thrombocytes in the peripheral blood beyond normal in given species), is usually a response to any form of bone marrow stimulation and usually accompanies anaemia and neutrophilia. Thrombocytopenia is associated with leucopenia and is common in acute systemic infections as well as in endotoxemia and septicemia (Neame et al., 1980; Schalm et al., 1975; Stockham & Scott, 2008). The leukocytic parameters (total and differential cell count) if properly interpreted will aid, confirm or eliminate a differential diagnosis, enable the making of an accurate prognosis, aid selection of appropriate therapy, assess host susceptibility to a pathogen, virulence of invading pathogen, nature and severity of a disease process, systemic 42 response of the host organism, and the duration of the disease process (Coles, 1986; Padilla, 2000; Aengwanich et al., 2009; Piccione, 2010). 2.5.4. Serum biochemistry parameters Since the clinical manifestation of diseases of organs like the kidneys, liver and pancreas are not often grossly characteristic, the functional state of these organs can only be evaluated by laboratory tests (Coles, 1986; Stockham & Scott, 2008). In combination with haematology and urinalysis, the serum biochemistry profile provides a useful data base for most diagnostic investigations. Many serum biochemical parameters tend to have a specificity for an organ and or a limited range of pathologic processes (Kaneko et al., 1997; Sink and Feldman, 2004). Certain cytochemical alterations accompany necrosis, such as leaking out from damaged cells of substances such as intracellular ions, proteins and soluble enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, creatinine phosphokinase e. t. c) (Ihedioha, 2003). Assay of these in blood enables the recognition of dead or dying tissues in a living animal and this is of diagnostic importance (Ihedioha, 2003). Serum biochemistry analysis includes many different tests, each of which provides information about one or more organs in the body. If a test result is abnormal, it may indicate the presence of disease. The result may also provide information about the nature and severity of the problem (Kaneko et al., 1997; Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). Tests carried out in a typical serum biochemistry panel include: tests for proteins, liver enzymes and bilirubin, kidney function tests, tests for pancreatic enzymes, glucose, calcium, phosphorous, muscle enzymes, cholesterol, and electrolytes. 2.5.4a. Test for proteins 43 The main types of proteins found in blood are albumin and globulin. These can be measured individually or combined in a single test for serum total protein (Kaneko et al., 2008). Almost all proteins are produced in the liver with the exception of immunoglobulins which are produced by the lymphoid tissues (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). Hypoalbuminemia is often accompanied by a relative hyperglobulinemia. However, such hyperglobulinemia is not enough to maintain the plasma protein level hence, hypoproteinemia (Coles, 1986). Hypoproteinaemia is seen in chronic liver disease which results in atrophy or fibrosis, and in protein loosing enteropathies (Stockham & Scott, 2008). Increased albumin levels (hyperalbuminaemia) can indicate that a patient is dehydrated and can provide information about the liver, kidneys and digestive system. Hyperalbuminemia is also seen in lactating animals and is a common occurrence in dairy cattle. Hypoalbuminaemia is seen in primary or secondary intestinal malabsorptions, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, malnutrition (dietary or parasitic), chronic liver disease (atrophy or fibrosis), glomerulonephritis resulting in proteinuria, acute inflammation and severe exudative skin diseases or burns (Stockham and Scott, 2008; Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). The globulin component of serum proteins is divided into alpha, beta and gamma fractions. Alpha and beta fractions are important carriers of lipids, lipid soluble hormones and vitamins. Gamma globulins are primarily associated with antibodies. Conditions of infections, inflammations, immune mediated diseases and some neoplastic conditions lead to hyperglobulinemia (Boyd, 1984). 2.5.4b. Tests for liver enzymes These include tests for alanine aminotransferse (ALT), aspartate aminotranferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). Alanine 44 aminotransferse (ALT) and aspartate aminotranferase (AST) are often increased when there is liver cell inflammation, injury or destruction while ALP and GGT tend to increase with decreased bile flow as a result of cholestasis (Boyd, 1984). Skeletal muscle is the second largest source of AST in animals and therefore is a prerequisite to eliminate extrahepatic tissue damage as a possible source of serum AST when evaluating enzymes in relation to the liver. There is little hepatic ALT activity in large domestic animals. Elevated serum AST and ALT activities may be indicative of muscular damage or degeneration. Creatinin kinase levels should be checked in serum to eliminate or include muscle damage as a source of increased serum AST and ALT (in muscle damage, creatinine kinase activity is increased) (Boyd, 1984; Latimer, 2012). Alkaline phosphatase concentrations are also increased in immature animals and is likely as a result of bone growth. It is also increased in bone tumors. Gamma glutamyltransferase has been suggested as a test of choice for the diagnosis of cholestasis in cattle and sheep (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012; Latimer, 2012). 2.5.4c. Test for bilirubin Bilirubin is the pigment primarily produced in the liver and is associated with the breakdown of hemoglobin derived from red blood cells. Bilirubin is stored in the gall bladder as a component of bile. Increases in bilirubin levels is indicative of either an increase in red blood cell destruction or decreased bile flow (cholestasis) (Sink and Feldman, 2004; Latimer, 2012). 2.5.4.d. Kidney tests The two substances most commonly measured to assess kidney function are urea [blood urea nitrogen (BUN)] and creatinine. Urea is formed by the liver while creatinine 45 originates from the muscles. Both are filtered and excreted from the body by the kidneys. Decreased glomerular filtration rate increases serum levels of both (Sink and Feldman, 2004). Increased urea concentration is considered under three categories: pre-renal, renal and post-renal causes. Pre-renal causes include fever, infection, tissue necrosis, corticosteroid administration, increased digestion of protein following gastrointestinal bleeding, and high protein diet. Renal causes are seen in kidney disorders due to nonfunctional nephrons. Post-renal causes include urinary tract obstruction (Sink and Feldman, 2004; Latimer, 2012). Urinalysis should be carried out to differentiate the cause of increased BUN. Urine specific gravity is usually increased in pre-renal causes than renal causes (Sink and Feldman, 2004). An increased serum creatinine level is seen in muscle damage and renal malfunctions (Abenga & Anosa, 2005). 2.5.4e. Test for pancreatic enzymes The commonly measured pancreatic enzymes are amylase and lipase. Increases in these enzymes may occur when the pancrease is inflamed and therefore, their assay is useful in the diagnosis of pancreatitis (Latimer, 2012). 2.5.4f. Glucose test Glucose is the sugar found in blood. Persistently elevated fasting glucose level is typically associated with diabetes mellitus. Stress can cause a temporary rise in blood glucose level (Boyd, 1984; Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). Low blood sugar is associated with some types of tumors and bacterial infections, or with insulin overdose in diabetic patients (Boyd, 1984). 2.5.4g. Test for calcium and phosphorous 46 These minerals are present in small amounts in blood and changes in their serum levels may be associated with a variety of diseases or conditions. High blood levels of calcium is seen in young and growing animals, hypervitaminosis D, hyperalbuminemia, primary renal failure, hypercalcemia of malignancy, osteomyelitis, and hypoadrenocorticism (Boyd, 1984; Latimer, 2012). Hypocalcemia is seen in hypoparathyroidism, parathyroidectomy, increased phosphate intake, hypervitaminosis D, and hypoalbuminemia (Latimer, 2012). Some conditions associated with low blood levels of phosphorous include increased intestinal absorption, decreased phosphate excretion, vitamin D toxicity, secondary renal hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, phosphate enemas, and rhabdomyolysis (Latimer 2012). Hyperphosphatemia is seen in decreased phosphorous intake, diabetes mellitus, hypervitaminosis D, renal tubular defects, primary hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and enclampsia (Boyd, 1984). In mammals, calcium concentrations in serum are primarily regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Alterations in the serum concentrations of vitamin D3 and / or parathyroid hormone can result in hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia (Radostits et al., 2002). 2.5.4h. Test for muscle enzymes The enzyme most frequently measured to assess muscle health is creatinine kinase. This enzyme has a short half-life and its elevation is indicative of an active muscle damage. If it remains elevated, it means muscle damage is still ongoing (Radostits et al., 2002). Creatinine kinase levels are elevated in conditions of increased muscular activity (exercise, convulsions e.t.c), trauma and muscular inflammation. Assay of serum 47 creatinine kinase levels is useful in the diagnosis of skeletal or cardiac muscle degeneration (Kaneko et al., 2008). 2.5.4i. Test for cholesterol Cholesterol is produced in the liver. Increases in serum cholesterol are associated with hormonal and metabolic diseases, and serious liver disease (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). Hypocholesterolemia is seen in inherited lipoprotein deficiencies, intestinal malabsorption or maldigestion, and advanced liver disease. Hypercholesterolemia is seen in hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, extra-hepatic billiary obstruction, liver disease, protein-loosing enteropathy, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and postprandial sampling or starvation (Kaneko et al., 1997). 2.5.4j. Test for electrolytes The most important serum electrolytes of diagnostic importance are potassium, chloride, sodium and bicarbonate. They are present in blood in small quantities where they collectively help maintain blood and tissue fluids in a stable and balanced electrolyte state. Disturbances in electrolyte balance are often caused by vomiting or diarrhea, and are encountered with many metabolic diseases (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). 2.6. HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY ASSOCCIATED WITH SOME DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.1. BACTERIA DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.1a. Anthrax 48 FINDINGS Anthrax is a disease caused by bacteria Bacillus anthracis in cattle, which is characterized by fever, scepticemia and sudden death. It is a reportable disease and is of zoonotic importance (Lucey, 2007). Gross post-moterm findings associated with the disease include a striking absence of rigour mortis with carcass undergoing gaseous decomposition and natural orifices exuding dark, tarry blood which does not clot. Necropsy is not usually carried out if anthrax is suspected since the causative organism is an aerobic spore former. If carried out, there is lack of blood clot, widespread eccymoses, blood stained serous fluids in body cavities, severe enteritis, and splenomegaly (Radostits et al., 2002; Beyer and Turnbull, 2009). Haematology and serum biochemistry findings associated with anthrax are non specific. A decreased platelet count may be seen (Booth et al., 2010). Leukocytosis with a shift to the left which is not marked because of the short course of the disease may be seen (Andrews et al., 2008). 2.6.1b. Tuberculosis Bovine tuberculosis is caused by the organism Mycobacterium bovis (Vallero et al., 2008). The disease in cattle is characterized by progressive emaciation, inappetence, chronic cough, dyspnoea and noisy breathing, mastitis and reproductive disorders. It is also characterized by the formation of granulomas in tissues and organs, especially in the lungs, lymph nodes, intestines, liver and kidneys (Shitaye et al., 2007; Abubakar et al., 2011). The disease is zoonotic and therefore of public health importance (O‘Reilly and Darbon, 1995; Ayele et al., 2004). Post motern findings associated with tuberculosis include; presence of granulomatous lesions in the lungs, spleen, liver, retropharyngeal, mediastinal and bronchial lymph nodes. Tubercules on incision contain a thick, yellow, 49 caseous material which is often calcified and surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule (Ayele et al., 2004; Michel, 2011). Haematology findings associated with bovine tuberculosis include decreased red blood cell counts, decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, increased lymphocyte counts, increased monocyte and eosinophil counts (Javed et al., 2006). Shetter et al., 2011 recorded an increased ESR, MCV, MCH, WBC, eosinophilia and monocytosis. Serum biochemistry findings include increased total protein and globulin concentrations, , (Javed et al., 2006; Shetter et al., 2011). Shetter et al., 2011 also recorded increases in levels of serum cholesterol AST, ALT, ALP, globulin, calcium and phosphorous levels, and decreased serum albumin levels. 2.6.1c. Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) Johne’s disease, also called paratuberculosis, is caused by the organism Mycobacterium avium sub specie paratuberculosis (MAP) (Richardson and More, 2009). The disease is characterized by chronic diarrhea (water hose/ pipe stream diarrhea) and unthriftiness in adult cattle. Animals are infected as calves but present clinical signs much later in life (Collins, 2003). The disease may be zoonotic since concerns have been raised over the link between Johne’s disease and Crohn’s disease in humans (O’Reilly et al., 2004; Naser et al., 2004). At necropsy, the intestinal wall is thickened with corrugations in the mucosa. There is also a thickening of the serosal lymphatics. Mesenteric and illiocecal lymph nodes are enlarged and edematous lesions are confined to the posterior part of the alimentary canal and its lymph nodes (Radostits et al., 2002). 50 Haematology findings seen in Johne’s disease include low packed cell volume, low hemoglobin concentrations and low red blood cell counts. Serum biochemistry findings include decreased serum iron and iron binding capacity (Senturk et al., 2009). 2.6.1d. Actinomycosis (Lumpy jaw) Actinomycosis is caused by the organism Actinomyces bovis. The organism is a common inhabitat of the bovine mouth which become pathogenic when they invade wounds on the buccal mucosa or through dental alveoli (Nashiruddullah et al., 2004). Visceral actinomycosis occurs when there is an invasion of lacerations caused by sharp foreign bodies on the alimentary mucosa. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a painless bony swelling on the mandible or maxilla usually at the level of the central molar teeth. These swellings later become hard and immovable, painful to the touch and usually break through the skin and discharge through one or more openings. With visceral involvement, there may be impaired digestion and diarrhea with passage of undigested food materials (Radostits et al., 2002). At necropsy, rarefraction of the affected area reveals presence of thin whey-like pus with small gritty granules (Nashiruddullah et al., 2004). Haematology and serum biochemistry of affected animals are generally normal, but an increase in eosinophils numbers may be recorded (Nashiruddullah et al., 2004). 2.6.1e. Actinobacillosis (wooden tongue) Actinobacillosis is caused by the organism Actinobacillus lignieresii, a normal inhabitat of the oral cavity and rumen (Borsberry, 2002). Infection occurs through ulcerating and penetrating lesions of the tongue. The disease is characterized by excessive salivation and 51 gentle chewing of the tongue, lymphadenitis with enlargement of the retropharyngeal lymph node, and may interfere with swallowing and may cause a loud snoring respiration. On examination, the tongue is hard and swollen (Dhand et al., 2003). Haematology and serum biochemistry of cattle affected by actinobacillosis are generally normal (Smith, 2011). 2.6.1f. Dermatophilosis (Krichi, Cutaneous streptotrichosis) Dermatophilosis is caused by the organism Dermatophilus congolensis (Babara et al., 2010). The disease is characterized with the formation of pustles with the hair over infected site being erect and matted with tufts (paint-brush lesions); with greasy exudates forming crusts which are hard to remove. These crusts form scabs which are greesy and fissure at flexion points (Babara et al., 2010). Gross examination reveals presence of exudative dermatitis (Radostits et al., 2002; Babara et al., 2010). Haematology and serum biochemistry findings in dermatophilosis include decreased RBC counts, decreased MCV, HB and MCHC concentrations, decreased PCV, and increased WBC count. There is also a decreased serum cholesterol, total protein, calcium and globulin levels with an increased serum phosphorous level (Hamid and Musa, 2009). 2.6.1g. Contagious bovine pleuropneumonea (CBPP) Contagious bovine pleuropneumonea is caused by the organism Mycoplasma mycoides sub specie mycoides small colony (sc). This disease is characterized by high fever, drop in milk yield, anorexia, depression, coughing and thoracic pain. Affected animal usually stands with elbows out and is disinclined to move, with arched back and extended head, exhibiting shallow respiration accompanied by respiratory grunts (Tambi et al., 2006). 52 Post motern lesions associated with CBPP are confined to the thoracic cavity and lungs and is usually unilateral. There are pleural effusions, caseous fibrinous deposits on the parietal and visceral surfaces of the lungs, marbling of the lungs and pleural adhesions (Maunsell, 2007; Swai et al., 2013). There are no information in available literature on the haematology and serum biochemistry findings associated with CBPP. 2.6.1h. Brucellosis (Bang’s disease) Brucellosis in cattle is caused by the organism Brucella abortus. The disease is characterized by abortion in first calf heifers, especially in the last three months of gestation. In bulls, there is orchitis, epididymitis, and synovitis (Radostits et al., 2002). Brucellosis is zoonotic and is a cause of undulant fever in humans (Erduran et al., 2010). Gross lesions associated with brucellosis include necrotizing placentitis, and inflammatory reactions in the aborted fetal tissues (Sharifiyazdia et al., 2012). Haematology findings in brucellosis include increased WBC count, monocytes and eosinophil counts, decreased RBC and neutrophils counts, increased MCV and MCH concentrations (Suchandan et al., 2012). Serum biochemistry findings include hypertriglyceridemia (Bouhroum et al., 2012) and increased serum amyloid A (Sharifiyazdia et al., 2012). 2.6.1i. Tetanus (Saw horse) Tetanus is caused by an endotoxin, tetanospasmin produced by the organism Clostridium tetani (Radostits et al., 2001). The disease is characterized by generalized muscular rigidity, restriction of jaw movement, prolapsed of the nictitating membrane, convulsion, 53 respiratory arrest, and death (Malone, 2004). There is no obvious post motern findings seen in tetanus (Novak and Thomas, 2012). Haematology findings in tetanus include anaemia (decreased hemoglobin concentration and decreased PCV) and leukocytosis. Serum biochemistry findings include increased alanine aminotransferase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and alkaline phosphatase activity. There is also decreased serum urea concentration and an increase in serum bilirubin concentration (Sahal et al., 2004). 2.6.1j. Botulism Botulism is caused by an endotoxin produced by organism Clostridium botulinum type C during vegetative growth (Malone, 2004). The disease is characterized by progressive, symmetrical muscular paralysis affecting muscles of the limbs, jaw, tongue, and throat. The paralysis is of an ascending type. There is weak tongue and retraction, mydriasis and ptosis (Bohnel et al., 2001). Cattle become infected by feeding on poultry litter containing poultry carcasses or following direct carrion ingestion when there is phosphorous deficiency (osteophagia) (Braun et al., 2005). At necropsy, no lesion is seen except for the presence of suspicious feed material in the forestomach (Bohnel et al., 2001). Haematology findings in botulism include leukocytosis with a left shift with neutrophilia and an increased PCV (Jean et al., 1995; Heider et al., 2001). Serum biochemistry findings include an increase in muscle enzyme activity (creatinine kinase and AST), increased serum calcium, phosphorous, urea, creatinine, and total protein, increased plasma fibrinogen, mild hypokalemia, mild hypomagnesemia and hyperglycemia (Jean et al., 1995; Heider et al., 2001; Senturk and Cihan, 2007). Senturk and Cihan (2007) also recorded leukocytosis with neutropenia. 54 2.6.1k. Black leg (Infectious myositis) Blackleg is caused by the organism Clostridium chauvoei. The disease is characterized by lameness with pronounced swelling of the upper part of affected limb. The skin is usually discolored, dry and may crack. There is myonecrosis of skeletal and cardiac muscles, and high case fatality (Radostits et al., 2002; Malone, 2004). At necropsy, affected limb sticks out stiffly, the carcass is bloated and putrifaction occurs quickly, and blood stained froth exudes from the mouth, nostrils and anus. Affected muscles on incision reveals dark-red to black swollen tissue with a rancid odour and thin, sanguinous fluid containing gas bubbles. Lungs are congested and may be atelectic (Singh et al., 1993). Haematologic findings in blackleg include increased RBC count, PCV, and hemoglobin concentrations, decreased leukocyte count, and decreased platelet count, neutrophilia and eosinophilia (Singh et al., 1993; Useh et al., 2008; 2010). Serum biochemistry findings include increased free sialic acid levels, and nuraminidase activity in plasma, decreased mean erythrocyte surface sialic acid concentration, increased creatinine phosphokinase, AST, ALT, and LDH activity in serum (Singh et al., 1993; Useh et al., 2008; 2010). 2.6.1l. Colibacillosis in calves Colibacillosis in calves is caused by the pathologic serotypes of the organism Escherichia coli (Samad et al., 2003). The disease is characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, depression and death (Samad et al., 2003). Necropsy findings in colibacillosis include flaccid-fluid filled intestines, enteritis, edema of the mesenteric lymph nodes. The carcass is usually dehydrated (Samad et al., 2003). 55 Haematology findings in colibacillosis include increased PCV and leukocytosis due to dehydration. As the disease progresses, there is low hemoglobin concentration, low PCV, RBC, and WBC counts (Radostits et al., 2002; Samad et al., 2003). Serum biochemistry findings include increased BUN, serum immunoglobulins, magnesium, iron and phosphorous levels (Radostits et al., 2002; Samad et al., 2003). 2.6.1m. Salmonellosis (Parathyphoid) Salmonellosis is caused by the organism Salmonella typhimurium. The disease is characterized by septicemia which is a common form of the disease in neonates. In affected animals, there is depression, toxemia, weakness, fever, dyspnoea, nervous signs and death. Acute enteritis occurs in older animals, and is characterized by dysentery with passage of whole blood in clots. In chronic enteritis, there is reduced weight gain and terminal dry gangrene of the extremities. In pregnant and lactating animals, there may be abortions and agalactia (Radostits et al., 2002). At necropsy, in septicemic cases, there is extensive subserosal and submucosal petechial hemorrhages, spenomegally and pin point white foci in the liver (paratyphoid nodules). In acute enteritis, there is muco-enteritis with submucosal petechiation to diffuse hemorrhagic enteritis. Intestinal contents are watery and have a putrid odour and may contain mucus or whole blood (Radostits et al., 2002). The mesenteric lymph nodes are enlarged, edematous and hemorrhagic. In chronic enteritis,. Mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen are swollen, with areas of necrosis being seen on walls of the cecum and colon. Pneumonia, polyarthritis, and osteomelitis may be seen (Radostits et al., 2002). Haematology and serum biochemistry findings in salmonellosis include an increased PCV and RBC count, increased hemoglobin concentration associated with transitory 56 leucopenia characterized by neutropenia and lymphopenia (Santos et al., 2002; Smith et al., 1979). Serum biochemistry findings include hypoglycemia, increased BUN, creatinine, and fibrinogen concentrations and total bilirubin, decreased conjugated bilirubin concentrations, increased total protein concentrations. There is also an increase in ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and acid glycoprotein (Santos et al., 2002; Silvia et al., 2011). 2.6.2. VIRAL DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.2a. Footh and mouth disease (Aphthous fever) Footh and mouth disease is a disease of cloven footed animals caused by an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae (Nahed, 2010). The disease is characterized by painful stomatitis with vesicles appearing in the mouth and feet. These may also be seen on the teat leading to mastitis. The animal drools saliva and smacks the lips (Radostits et al., 2002). These vesicles and erosions in the mouth, feet and udder may become ulcers following a secondary bacteria infection (Nahed, 2010). Haematology findings in foot and mouth disease include a decrease in RBC count, increased MCV, leukocytosis and lymphocytosis (Gokce et al., 2004; Krupakaran et al., 2009). Serum biochemistry findings include decreased glucose level, calcium, total protein, albumin, and cholesterol. Serum nitric oxide level (NO3) was also increased (Krupakaran et al., 2009). Decreased gamma globulin, decreased serum insulin, increased AST and cortisol level has also been reported (Nahed, 2010). 2.6.2b. Rinderpest (cattle plague) 57 Rinderpest in caused by a morbilivirus the rinderpest virus (Anderson et al., 1996; Radostits et al., 2002). The clinical characteristics of the disease may be peracute, acute or subacute. Peracute cases are characterized by high fever, congestion of the mucous membranes, respiratory distress and death within 1-3 days. Acute cases have two phases; Phase of prodromal fever, which is characterized by high fever, anorexia, hyperemia of the buccal, nasal and conjuctival mucosae, hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa and swelling of the vulva, profuse lacrimation which become purulent and accompanied by blepharospasm, blood stained saliva which become purulent with the presence of halitosis, serous nasal discharges which may become purulent, discrete, grayish, raised necrotic lesions in the mouth, nasal, vaginal and vulva mucosae, which may coalesce to form shallow ulcers. Diarrhea and sometimes with tenesmus may occur. Scabs on skin, respiratory difficulties and death may occur within 6-12 days (Anderson et al., 1996; Radostits et al., 2002). Subacute cases are seen in enzootic areas and is characterized by mild anorexia, mild temperature rise. Mucosal inflammation is catarrhal only and there is no dysentery. Skin lesion is mild (Maurer et al., 1956). At necropsy, carcass is dehydrated, emaciated and soiled with fetid feaces. Small discrete necrotic areas are seen on the oral, pharyngeal, upper oesophageal and abomasal mucosae particularly on the pyloric region of the abomasal mucosa. Peyer’s patches are swollen, haemorrhagic and necrotic. Nasal turbinates and septa are coated with a tenacious mucopurulent exudates overlying an ulcerated surface. There may also be congestion, swelling and erosion of the vulva and vaginal mucosa (Maurer et al., 1956; Radostits et al., 2002). Haematologic findings in rinderpest include leucopenia, lymphopenia, terminal degenerative left shift (presence of immature neutrophils), eosinophilia and increased PCV (Radostits et al., 2002). Serum biochemistry findings include decreased serum 58 chloride levels (Heuschele and Barber, 1996). Decreased serum protein levels (French, 1934), increased AST, total direct and indirect billirubin levels, hypoglycemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia, hypercalcemia has been reported (Al-Ani, 1992). 2.6.2c. Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) (Mucosal disease, Bovine pestevirus disease complex) Bovine viral diarrhea is caused by the bovine pestivirus. The disease is characterized by respiratory distress, profuse watery diarrhea, dysentery, conjunctivitis, fever, oral erosions, late gestation abortions and agalactia in lactating animals (Anderson et al., 1996). Post motern lesions seen include erosive stomatitis, gastroenteritis, and congenital defects of calves. Heamorrhagic disease is also seen in calves (Anderson et al., 1996; Radostits et al., 2002). Haematologic findings in BVD include thrombocytopenia, severe leucopenia, high PCV, and lymphopenia. Serum biochemistry findings include an increased fibrinogen and haptoglobin concentration (Alsaad et al., 2012). Clotting time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time is usually high (Alsaad et al., 2012). 2.6.2d. Rabies Rabies is caused by a Rhabdovirus, the rabies virus. The disease is characterized by excessive salivation, behavioural change, muscle tremors, vocalization, aggression, pharyngeal paralysis, knuckling of the feltlock joint, incoordinated gaits, paralysis and death (Radostits, 1964; Peters, 2009). Normal pulse rate, normal respiratory rate and normal temperature have been seen in heifers with rabies (Radostits, 1964). There is a 59 reduction in ruminal movement and tenesmus with an inability to pass feaces or urine (Radostits, 1964). Rabies is zoonotic. No haematology and serum biochemistry changes have been recorded in cattle rabies (Radostits et al., 2002; Dee Whitter, 2006). 2.6.2e. Bovine ephemeral fever Bovine ephemeral fever is caused by an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus of the family ephemeroviridae. The disease is acute and is characterized by fever, anorexia, sharp fall in milk yield in dairy cattle, respiratory distress, muscular shivers with stiffness. Affected animals who go down assume the posture reminiscent of parturient paresis, and is associated with hypocalcemia (hind legs stick out with head turned to the flank) (Basson et al., 1970; Boonyayatra, 2011). At necropsy, there is serofibrinous polyserositis involving synovial, pericardial,, pleural and peritoneal cavities. Lymph nodes are enlarged and edematous. There is pulmonary emphysema. Serous membranes show patchy congestion with some effusions and occasionally some petechiation. There are also degenerative changes in the spinal cord similar to those produced by physical compression (Basson et al., 1970; Boonyayatra, 2011). Haematology findings in bovine ephemeral fever include leukocytosis with marked neutrophilia. There is a left shift and lymphopenia (Boonyayatra, 2011). Serum biochemistry findings include increased fibrinogen levels, marked increase in creatinine kinase and hypocalcemia (Radostits et al., 2002; Boonyayatra, 2011). 2.6.3. PROTOZOAN DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.3a. Tryponosomosis (nagana) 60 In cattle, trypanosomosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei. The disease is characterized by depression, anorexia, ocular discharges, visibly swollen superficial lymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, and occasionally diarrhea, irregular estrus cycle, abortions, cachexia and death (Uilenberg, 1998; Radostits et al., 2002). At post moterm, the carcass of an affected cattle is anemic and emaciated. There is anasarca, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and enlargement of the lymph nodes. Other lesions commonly observed include serous atrophy of body fat stores especially the coronary heart fat and bone marrow, corneal opacity and testicular degeneration (Uilenberg, 1998; OIE, 2009a). Haematological findings in bovine trypanosomosis include anemia with a drop in packed cell volume and red cell counts (Bengaly et al., 2002), and leukopaenia (Anosa et al., 1997). Serum biochemistry findings include increased BUN (Anosa, 1988a&b), increased serum sodium ions (Abenga et al., 2002) and increased serum potassium levels (Anosa, 1988a&b; Abenga et al., 2002). Increased globulin levels, decreased albumin levels, hypoglcaemia, increases in ALP and ALT levels, increased serum creatinine and fibrinogen levels, and decreased plasma cholesterol levels has also been reported (Abenga & Anosa, 2005; Taiwo et al., 2013). 2.6.3b. Babesiosis (cattle tick fever) In cattle, babesiosis is caused by an intra-erythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia bigemina and B. bovis. The disease is characterized by high fever, anorexia, depression, weakness, cessation of rumination, increased respiratory and heart rates, anaemia, jaundice, dark-red to brown urine which produces a stable froth, and diarrhea. Incoordination is also seen in B. bigemina infection (Bock et al., 2004; Sulaiman et al., 61 2010). Necropsy findings include jaundice and anaemic carcass, splenomegaly with a soft pulpy splenic consistency and enlargement and darkening of the kidney. The bladder of the affected cattle usually contains redish-brown urine. There may be severe intravascular clotting and ecchymotic haemorrhages in the heart (Bock et al., 2004). Haematologic findings in bovine babesiosis include low RBC count, low PCV, low hemoglobin concentration and low platelet count. Serum biochemistry findings include decreased albumin and total protein concentrations, increased globulin concentrations, hypoglycemia, increased AST, ALT, GGT, iron and copper levels (Hussein et al., 2007; Zulfiqar et al., 2012). 2.6.3c. Coccidiosis Coccidiosis is caused by protozoan parasite of the Eimeria species. Calves are most succeptible to the infection. The disease is characterized by a sudden onset of diarrhea with foul smelling, fluid feaces containing mucus and blood, tenesmus and possibly rectal prolapse (Anumol et al., 2012). Necropsy findings in affected animals include generalized tissue pallour and faecal staining of the hind quarters. There is congestion, hemorrhage and thickening of the mucosa of the cecum, colon, rectum and ileum (ridged mucosa) (Dennison et al., 2002; Anumol et al., 2012). Haematology finding in bovine coccidiosis include a fall in PCV, RBC count and hemoglobin concentration. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia and eosinophilia, and lymphocytopenia has also been reported. Serum biochemistry of affected animals showed decreased serum sodium, iron, zinc, total protein, calcium, copper, and glucose levels, increased AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and total bilirubin and a slight increase in serum 62 potassium levels (Holst and Svesson, 1994; Ghanem and Abd El-Raof, 2005; Amin et al., 2011). 2.6.4. RICKETTSIAL DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.4a. Anaplasmosis Anaplasmosis is caused by organisms of the anaplasma species (Anaplasma marginale and A. centrale). The disease is characterized by death or severe debility, emaciation, anaemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria (Nazifi et al., 2008). At necropsy, the carcass is emaciated, and anaemic and there is hepatomegaly (deep-orange coloration of enlarged liver), congestion of kidneys, myocardial haemorrhages and splenomegally with soft pulp (Radostits et al., 2002). Haematology findings in anaplasmosis include low RBC counts, presence of immature red cells (nucleated red cells in differential cell counts indicating regenerative anaemia), low packed cell volume, decreased hemoglobin concentrations, presence of parasites at the periphery of red cells (Nazifi et al., 2008; Coskun et al., 2012). Serum biochemistry findings include increased serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, AST, ALP, creatinine and bilirubin levels (Hofmann-Lehmann et al., 2004; Nazifi et al., 2008; Coskun et al., 2012). 2.6.4b. Cowdriosis (Heart water) Cowdriosis is caused by the organism Cowdria ruminatum. The disease is characterized by fever, rapid breathing, nervous syndromes (ataxia, chewing movements, twitching of the eyelids, circling, aggression, apparent blindness, recumbency, convulsion and death) and profuse fetid diarrhea (Munene, 1984; Coetzer and Tustin, 2004). Necropsy findings include 63 hydrothorax, hydropericardium, pulmonary edema, frothing of the tracheobronchial airways, splenomegally and swollen lymphnodes (OIE, 2009b; Brown and Torres, 2008). Haematology findings in cowdriosis include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, eosinopenia, and lymphocytosis. There is also a decrease in MCHC. Serum biochemistry findings include an increase in AST, BUN, and total protein (Munene, 1984; Radostits et al., 2002). 2.6.5. FUNGAL DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.5a. Systemic aspergillosis Aspergillosis is caused by organisms of the Aspergillus species. The disease is characterized by pneumonia, pharyngitis, gastroenteritis resulting in diarrhea, and placentitis resulting in abortions (Dickman and Green, 1992). Necropsy findings in systemic aspergillosis include erosion of the gastro-intestinal tract, multiple discrete granulomata, lymph node granulomata (mesenteric, mediastinal and submandibular lymph nodes). These granulomata of the lymph node is important in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis. There is also placentitis and ring-worm like lesions on the foetal skin (Dickman and Green, 1992). Haematology findings in aspergillosis include leucopenia with monocytosis, lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistry findings include hyperfibrinogenemia, increased ALT, and increased lactic dehydrogenase concentration in serum (ThirianDelalande et al., 2005). 2.6.6. DISEASES CAUSED BY HELMINTH PARASITES 64 2.6.6a. NEMATODIASIS i. Haemonchosis Haemonchosis is caused by the nematode Hemonchus contortus. The disease is characterized by pale mucous membrane and conjunctivae, anarsarca especially under the lower jaw and abdomen. There may be a chronic wasting of affected animal (Qamar and Maqbool, 2012). Necropsy findings in affected animals include anaemic carcass, generalized edema, large numbers of H. contortus in abomasum, hyperemic abomasal wall with blood clots in the mucosa, brownish colour of abomasal content due to free blood (Qamar and Maqbool, 2012). Haematologic findings in haemonchosis include reduced RBC count, hemoglobin and packed cell volume (Radostits et al., 2002). There may also be reduced WBC counts with neutropenia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis and basophilia, and a decrease in serum albumin : globulin ratio (Qamar and Maqbool, 2012). ii. Ascariosis Ascariosis is a calf-hood disease caused by the nematode parasite Toxocara vitulorum. The disease is characterized by poor hair coat, diarrhea, and colic (Sarma et al., 2010). At necropsy, there is subpleural hemorrhages, oedema and congestion of the lungs, hepatomegally with hemorrhages under the capsule. There is also a lot of adult worm in the lumen of the small intestine (Radostits et al., 2002). Haematology findings in ascariosis include eosinophilia which is marked, low RBC, MCH and lymphocyte counts, low PCV, and hemoglobin concentration, basophilia, high MCV, ESR, and WBC counts. Serum biochemistry findings include low phosphorous, 65 sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, glucose, total protein, and glutathion levels. There is high serum calcium, chloride, cholesterol, ALP, AST, ALT, zinc, copper, and iron levels (Chaudhry et al., 1999; Sarma et al., 2012). iii. Bovine verminous bronchitis Bovine verminous bronchitis is caused by the nematode Dictyocaulus viviparous. The condition is characterized by frequent bronchial cough, slight nasal discharge, tachypnea, dyspnea (Ganheim, 2004). Necropsy findings include the presence of adult worms in the lumen of the trachea and bronchi, enlargement of the lungs due to oedema and emphysema, froth in the trachea and bronchi, enlargement of the regional lymph nodes, and the presence of areas of dark-pink consolidations in the diaphragmatic lobe of the lungs (Radostits et al., 2002). Haematology findings in bovine verminous bronchitis include eosinophilia. Serum biochemistry findings include increase in acute phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) and fibrinogen (Ganheim, 2004). 2.6.6b. Trematodiasis and Cestodiasis i. Bovine cyticercosis Bovine cyticercosis is an infection of cattle caused by the larva stage of Cyticercus bovis of the human intestinal cestode, Taenia saginata. The disease is characterized by myocarditis or heart failure in heavy infections if these parasitic cysts lodge in the heart muscles (Gracey and Collins, 1992; Ashwani et al., 2011). 66 Serum biochemistry findings in cysticercosis include decreased total protein, albumin and alpha 1-globulin concentrations, decreased AST, increased cholesterol and decreased urea concentrations (Omnia et al., 2011). ii. Hepatic facioliasis (Liver fluke disease) Facioliasis is caused by infection by the parasite Faciola gigantica. The disease is characterized by anaemia,weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and submandibular oedema (Radostits et al., 2002). Necropsy findings include thickening of the bile ducts, calcification of the bile duct walls, anaemic carcass and presence of bile duct walls, anaemic carcass and presence of leaf-like flukes in the lumen of the bile ducts (Radostits et al., 2002). Haematologic findings in acute facioliasis include eosinophilia and severe normochromic anemia. Serum biochemistry findings include hypoalbuminemia, increased gamma glutamyl dehydrogenase concentration when immature flukes are migrating, and AST increases which is useful in the determination of the extent of immature fluke infestation (Al-Quaraishy and Al-Moussawi, 2011). In subacute and chronic infections, haematology findings include hypochromic, macrocytic anemia. Serum biochemistry findings include hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, increased serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase concentration. There is also an increase in WBC counts, increased ALP, total bilirubin and AST levels (Al-Quaraishy and Al-Moussawi, 2011). iii. Coenurosis (gid, sturdy) Coenurosis is a disease caused by the invasion of the brain and spinal cord by the intermediate stage of Taenia multiceps called Ceonurus cerebralis. This diseae is 67 characterized by incordination, blindness, irritation phenomena, convulsions, circling, head deviation with blind side tilted downward (Ozkan et al., 2011). Necropsy findings in coenurosis include the presence of thin walled cyst on the external surface of the cerebral hemisphere and spinal cord, pressure atrophy of nervous tissue and bone softening (Ozkan et al., 2011). Haematology and serum biochemistry findings in coenurosis include monocytosis, lymphocytosis and increased serum creatinine kinase activity (Ozmen et al., 2005). 2.6.7. METABOLIC DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.6.7a. Parturient paresis (milk fever) Parturient paresis is a disease of cattle which occurs around the time of parturition (3rd trimester and 48 hours post paturm) and is caused by hypocalcemia. The disease is characterized by weakness, recumbency, shock and death (Parish, 2012). There are no obvious necropsy findings except in occasions where the animal was down for a long time, in which case, there may be ischaemic muscle necrosis (Radostits et al., 2002). Haematology findings in parturient paresis include eosinophilia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and increases PCV. Serum biochemistry findings include hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, increased AST and increased creatine phosphokinase activity (Dima et al., 1999). 2.6.7b. Downer cow syndrome Downer cow syndrome ia a complication of milk fever caused by ischemic necrosis of large muscles of pelvic limbs secondary to prolonged recumbency associated with milk fever (Cox, 1982). Other causes of prolonged recumbency can also result in downer cow 68 syndrome (Barrington, 2011). Necropsy findings in downer cow syndrome include ischemic necrosis, oedema and haemorrhage of large medial muscles of the hind limbs (Cox, 1982; Radostits et al., 2002; Barrington, 2011). Serum biochemistry findings in downer cow syndrome include increased creatine phosphokinase activity, increased AST, decreased phosphorous and potassium levels, hypomagnesemia (Cox, 1982; Dima et al., 1999; Asl et al., 2010; Barrington, 2011). 2.6.7c. Transit recumbency Transit recumbency normally happens after prolonged transport of animals. Risk factors for this condition include heavy feeding before shipment, deprivation of feed and water for more than 24 hours during transit, unrestricted access to water, and exercise immediately after unloading. Cows at late pregnancy are prone to this condition. It is characterized by recumbency, alimentary tract stasis, coma and death 3-4 days after development of the condition (Barrington, 2011). Necropsy findings include ischemic muscle necrosis and bloat (Barrington, 2011). Serum biochemistry findings in transit recumbency include mild hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia and increased serum creatine kinase activity (Dima et al., 1999; Asl et al., 2010). 2.6.7d. Hypomagnesemic tetany (grass tetany) The aetiology of hypomagnesemic tetany is related to magnesium concentrations in the diet and the presence of competing cations such as potassium and sodium that affect either herbage magnesium status or magnesium absorption. The condition is characterized by an unusuall alertness, hyperesthesia, staggering, chronic convulsions, wildness of 69 facial expressions, spasmodic urination. In chronic cases, there is a parturient paresis-like syndrome which is unresponsive to calcium treatment (Kvasnicka and Kysl, 2010). There are no reported gross post motern findings seen in this disease (Radostits et al., 2002). Clinical chemistry findings include low magnesium levels in serum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid, low levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine and urea. Serum cholesterol and blood glucose levels are increased (Adaikpoh et al., 2004; Kvasnicka and Kysl, 2010). 2.6.8. NUTRITIONAL DISEASES OF CATTLE 2.5.8a. Deficiency of energy (incomplete starvation, protein-deficiency malnutrition) Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) occurs when an insufficient quantity or quality of feed is fed livestock. In this form of deficiency, energy and protein are present in diet in suboptimal quantities (Mashishi, 2007). This condition is characterized in young animals by retarded growth and a delay in onset of puberty. In mature animals, there is a decline in productivity and milk yield, loss of body weight, birth of undersized neonates with a high mortality rate (Oetzel and Berger, 1985). Post moterm findings include oedema due to hypoproteinemia (Oetzel and Berger, 1985). Haematology and serum biochemistry findings in PEM include low hemoglobin concentration, low PCV and low RBC counts. Serum biochemistry findings include low serum total protein and low serum albumin concentrations (Oetzel and Berger, 1985). 2.6.8b. White muscle disease (Selenium-Vitamin E responsive disease) White muscle disease (WMD) is caused by a dietary deficiency of selenium and vitamin E and conditioning factors like dietary polysaturated fatty acids (Pavlata et al., 2001). The 70 disease is characterized by sternal recumbency, trembling of the hind limbs, rotation movement of the hocks if animal tries to walk, dyspnoea with labored abdominal-type respiration, flying scapular, and myoglobinuria (Suttle, 1992; Pavlata et al., 2001; Kommisurd et al., 2005). Necropsy findings include the presence of pale streaks in skeletal and myocardial muscles (Radostits et al., 2002). Serum biochemistry findings in WMD include increased creatine phosphokinase and AST activities, decreased vitamin E and selenium levels, decreased erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, increased lactate dehydrogenase activity and increased potassium levels (Kennedy et al., 1987; Pavlata et al., 2001). 2.6.8c. Deficiencies that lead to osteodystrophy (calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D deficiencies). Calcium deficiency may be primary (following an outright deficiency of calcium in diet) or secondary (following excess intake of phosphorous). This condition is characterized by poor growth, poor dentition, fracture of long bones and arthropathy (Mashishi, 2007). At necropsy, there is osteoporosis and hypertrophy of the parathyroid gland (Mashishi, 2007). There is also rickets, osteomalacia and osteodystrophia fibrosa (Radostits et al., 2002). Serum biochemistry findings in calcium deficiency include low serum calcium and high serum potassium levels (Horst et al., 1999; Khan, 2005). Phosphorous deficiency is caused by a primary deficiency of phosphorous in diet or may be caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. in young cattle. The deficiency is characterized by retarded growth and delayed sexual maturity. In adults, there is osteomalacia, low milk 71 yield and reduced fertility, there is also pica appetite (osteophagia in this case) (Iqbal and Sajid, 2005; Mashishi, 2007). Post moterm findings include rickets in young animals and osteomalacia in adult animals (Radostits et al., 2002; Mashishi, 2007). Serum biochemistry findings in phosphorous deficiency include hypophosphatemia in severe cases. Mild cases have normal phosphorous levels (Ternout, 1990; Gibson, 2013). Vitamin D deficiency occurs when there is a lack of preformed vitamin D complex in diet, coupled with a lack of ultra violet solar radiation of the skin. The deficiency is characterized by reduced productivity, reduced reproductive efficiency, stiff gait and lameness of the fore limbs which is accompanied by bending of long bones and enlargement of joints in young animals (rickets), and osteomalacia in adults (Underwood et al., 1999; Blezinger, 2001). Gross necropsy findings are those seen for rickets in young animals and osteodystrophia fibrosa (Blezinger, 2001). Serum biochemistry findings in vitamin D deficiency include hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia and increased ALT levels (Radostits et al., 2002) 72 CHAPTER THREE MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1. Study location The abbatoir at the Ikpa New Commodity Market, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State Nigeria was the location of the study. Nsukka is situated within the derived savanna belt of Eastern Nigeria between latitudes 5⁰ 50′ and 7⁰ 00′ north and longitudes 6⁰ 52′ and 7⁰ 54′ east at an average elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level (FMNAR, 2009) 3.2. Animals for study The study population was 567 cattle presented for slaughter during 27 research visits made once in two weeks to the abbatoir between March 2012 and March 2013. The cattle were physically examined for clinical signs of disease. Blood samples were collected from clinically unhealthy and apparently healthy cattle in the population. 3.3. Blood sample collection Blood for haematology was collected from the jugular vein at point of slaughter into plastic tubes containing ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA), while blood for serum biochemistry was collected into plain glass test tubes and allowed to stand for one hour to 73 clot. Clotted blood was separated from serum by centrifugation at 3000 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes. 3.4. Determination of Haematological parameters 3.4.1 Packed cell volume (PCV) The PCV was determined by the microhaematocrit method (Thrall & Weiser, 2002). Capillary tubes were almost filled with anticoagulated blood and one end was sealed with plasticine. Filled tubes were centrifuged at 10,000 revolutions per minute for 5 minutes using a microhaematocrit centrifuge (Hawksley, England). The PCV was read as percentage using a microhematocrit reader (Thrall & Weiser, 2002 ). 3.4.2 Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) The Hb concentration was determined by the cyanomethaemoglobin method (Higgins et al., 2008a). Twenty microlitres of anti-coagulated blood was added to 5 ml of Drabkin’s reagent. This was mixed well and allowed to stand for 20 minutes to react. The absorbance of both the samples and standard were read against the Drabkin’s reagent blank at a wavelength of 540 nm using a digital colorimeter (Higgins et al., 2008a). 3.4.3 Erythrocyte (Red blood cell, RBC ) count The erythrocyte counts were done with a haemocytometer using a diluting fluid (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser, 2002). Twenty microlitres of blood was added to 4 ml of diluting fluid (a combination of sodium citrate, formaline and distilled water) to make a 1: 200 dilution. This was mixed and a drop of the diluted blood was charged onto the Neubaeur chamber and allowed to settle for 2 – 3 minutes. The Neubaeur chamber was mounted on 74 a light microscope and the erythrocytes were enumerated at an X40 objective. The number of cells enumerated in the 5 central squares for each sample was multiplied by 10,000 to obtain the erythrocyte counts per microlitre of blood (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser, 2002). 3.4.4 Total Leukocyte (White blood cell, WBC)count The total leukocyte counts were also done with a haemocytometer, using a diluting fluid (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser, 2002). Twenty microlitres of the blood was added to 380 microlitre of diluting fluid (a combination of glacial acetic acid, gentian violet and distilled water) to make a 1: 20 dilution. This was mixed and a drop of the diluted blood was charged onto the Neubaeur chamber and allowed to settle for 2 – 3 minutes. The Neubaeur chamber was mounted on a light microscope and the leukocyte count enumerated at X10 objective. The number of cells enumerated in the four big side squares for each sample was multiplied by 50 to obtain the leukocyte counts per microlitre of blood (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser, 2002). 3.4.5 Differential leukocyte count The differential leukocyte counts were performed on thin smear stained with Leishman stain (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser, 2002). A drop of blood was placed on a clean grease-free slide, and then smeared on the slide using a cover slip to make a thin smear. The smear was air dried and stained by the Leishman technique. The different leukocyte types were enumerated by the battlement counting method. The X100 (oil immersion) objective of the microscope was used for the differential leukocyte count. The percentage 75 values obtained were converted to absolute counts by multiplying out with the total white blood cell counts (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser, 2002). 3.4.6 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) The ESR was determined by the wintrobe method (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser,2002). Capillary tubes were filled with anticoagulated blood and one end sealed with plasticine. Filled tubes were stood in a vertical position and left for 24 hours. The ESR was calculated by dividing the length of clear plasma space by the whole length previously occupied by unsedimented blood (i. e clear plasma space + packed cells), and the value obtained multiplied by 100. These lengths are obtained by the use of a ruler (Coles, 1986; Thrall & Weiser,2002). ESR (mm/hr) = length of clear plasma space X 100 clear plasma space + PCV 3.5. Serum biochemistry methods All serum biochemical determinations were done following standard procedures, using Quimica Clinica Aplicada reagent kits (QCA) ( Quimica Clinica Aplicada, Spain). 3.5.1 Total protein Serum total protein was determined by the direct Biuret method (Johnson, 2008) using a reagent kit. Clean test tubes were labeled for samples, standards, and blank. Biuret reagent (1.2 ml) was added to the test tubes (samples, standards and blank). Twenty microlitres of serum sample was then added to test tubes labeled for samples and twenty microlitres of the standard added to those labeled for standard; nothing was added to test tube for blank. The contents of the test tubes were well mixed and allowed to stand for 10 76 minutes at room temperature. The absorbance of both the test tubes labeled for samples and standard were read against the working reagent blank at a wavelength of 540 nm using a digital colorimeter. The total protein was calculated as follows. Total protein (g/dl) = absorbance of sample X 5 absorbance of standard 3.5.2 Albumin Serum albumin was determined by the bromocresol green method (Johnson, 2008) using a reagent kit. Clean test tubes were labeled for samples, standards, and blank. To these test tubes, 2.5 ml of bromocresol green reagent was added (samples, standards and blank). Ten microlitres of serum sample was added to test tubes labeled for sample and 10 microlitres of the standard reagent was added to those labeled for standard. Nothing was added to test tube for blank. The contents of the test tubes were well mixed and allowed to stand for 5 minutes at room temperature. The absorbance of reagent mixture labeled for both samples and standard were read immediately against the blank at a wavelength of 620 nm using a digital colorimeter. The serum albumin was calculated as follows. Albumin (g/dl) = absorbance of sample X5 absorbance of standard 3.5.3 Calculation of globulin Globulin was calculated by subtracting the value of albumin obtained from the value of total protein (Johnson, 2008). Globulin (g/dl) = total protein – albumin 77 3.5.4 Total cholesterol Serum total cholesterol was determined by the enzymatic colorimetric method (Rifai et al., 2008) using reagent kit. Clean test tubes were labeled for samples, standards, and blank. To these test tubes, 1.2 ml of reagent was added (samples, standards and blank). Twelve microlitres of the serum sample was then added to test tubes labeled for sample and 12 microlitres of the standard reagent was added to those labeled for standard. Nothing was added to test tube labeled for blank. The contents of the test tubes were well mixed and allowed to stand for 10 minutes at room temperature. The absorbance of the contents of both the test tubes labeled for samples and standard was read against the working reagent blank at a wavelength of 520 nm using a digital colorimeter. The serum cholesterol was calculated as follows. Cholesterol (mg/dl) = absorbance of sample X 200 absorbance of standard 3.5.5 Urea Serum urea was determined by the modified Berthelot-Searcy method (Lamb & Price, 2008) using reagent kit. One mlilitre of reagent A was added to clean test tubes labeled for samples, standards and blank. Ten microlitres of serum samples and standard reagent were added to test tubes labeled for samples and standards respectively. Nothing was added to test tube labeled for blank. The contents of the test tubes were mixed and allowed to stand for 5 minutes at room temperature. One mlilitre of reagent B was then added to the test tubes labeled for samples, standard and blank. This was futher mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. The absorbance of both the contents of the test tubes labeled samples and standard were read against the reagent 78 blank at a wavelength of 590 nm using a digital colorimeter. The serum urea concentration was calculated as follows. Urea (mg/dl) = absorbance of sample X 40 absorbance of standard 3.5.6 Creatinine The serum creatinine was determined by the modified Jaffe method (Blass et al., 1974) using reagent kit. One hundred microlitres of serum sample and standard respectively will be reacted with 1ml of creatinine working reagent. The absorbance of these were read immediately at the 20th and 80th seconds against a reagent blank at 520 nm using a digital colorimeter. The creatinine concentration of the sample was calculated as follows. Creatinine (mg/dl) = change in absorbance of sample (80th-20th sec) X 2 change in absorbance of standard (80th-20th sec) 3.5.7 Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) The serum ALP activity was determined by the phenolphthalin monophosphate method (Colville, 2002) using reagent kit. One milliliter of deionized water was added to clean test tubes labeled for samples, standards and blank. One drop of chromogenic substrate was then added to test tubes for samples and standards (none to blank). The tubes with their contents were incubated at 37⁰C for 5 minutes. After the incubation, 100 microlitres of serum sample and standard were added to test tubes labeled for samples and standards respectively. The test tubes and their contents were further incubated at 37⁰C for 20 minutes. Five mlilitres of ALP colour developer was added to these test tubes. The absorbance of the contents of the test tubes labeled for samples and standards were read 79 against a deionized water blank at 540 nm using a digital colorimeter. The ALP concentration of the sample was calculated as follows. ALP (IU/L) = absorbance of sample X 30 absorbance of standard 3.5.8 Total bilirubin The serum total bilirubin was determined by the modified Jendrassik-Grof method (Higgins et al., 2008b) using reagent kit. Two hundred microlitres of sulfanilic acid was added to clean test tubes labeled for sample and blank. One drop of sodium nitrite was then added to test tubes labeled for sample (none to blank). One ml of caffeine was futher added to test tubes labeled for samples and blank. Two hundred microlitres of serum sample was then added to these test tubes, mixed and kept at room temperature for 10 minutes. After this, 1 ml of tartarate was added to these test tubes, futher mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. The absorbance of the contents of the test tubes labeled for samples were read against a working reagent blank at 540 nm using a digital colorimeter. The total bilirubin concentration of the sample was calculated as follows. Total bilirubin (mg/dl) = absorbance of sample X 43.2 3.5.9 Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT) The serum AST and ALT activities were determined by the Reitman-Frankel colorimetric method (Reitman & Frankel, 1957; Colville, 2002) using reagent kits. To the test tubes labeled for samples, 500 microlitres of AST and ALT substrate A were added respectively and initially activated by incubation at 37⁰C for 5 minutes. Serum samples 80 (0.1ml) were then added to the activated substrates and incubated for 1 hour for AST , and 30 minutes for ALT. Afterwards, 500 microlitres of color developer and 5ml of dilute sodium hydroxide (1 :10 dilution) were added to these test tubes. Test tubes containing varied quantities of standard (0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3ml for AST; 0, 0.5, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2ml for ALT), were subjected to the same procedure. Fifteen minutes after addition of sodium hydroxide, the transmittance of both the contents of test tubes labeled for samples and standards were read against a deionized water blank at 520 nm (AST) and 490 nm (ALT) respectively. The transmittance readings of the samples were then interpolated in a calibration curve from the standards in order to obtain the serum AST and ALT in IU/L. 3.6. Data analysis Data generated from the study were subjected to appropriate statistics using SPSS statistical package (version 16.0). The haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the animals in each specific disease condition was compared with that of the apparently healthy ones using Student’s t- test. The haematological and serum biochemistry findings in comparable disease like fasciolosis were subjected to a one way analysis of variance. Variant means were separated using the least significant difference post hoc. Sex and age related differences in the apparently healthy cattle were analysed using Student’s t- test. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05 81 CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS 4.1. Distribution of diseases, disorders and conditions in the cattle studied Out of a total number of 567 cattle studied, 91 (16.05%) had diseases, disorders, conditions and abnormalities, while 476 (83.95%) were apparently healthy (Table 1). Out of the 91 that had diseases, disorders, conditions and abnormalities, 48 (8.47%) had fasciolosis, 10 (1.76%) had tuberculosis, 8 (1.41%) had trypanosomosis, 6 (1.06%) had cachexia of unknown cause, 5 (0.88%) had skin disorders, 4 (0.71%) had rumen fluke (paramphistomosis) infestation, 1 (0.18%) had benign tumor, and 9 (1.59%) were pregnant (Table 1). 4.2. Cattle with fasciolosis Fasciola worms present in the cattle studied were mainly in the bile duct and billiary canal (Figure 1). Twenty eight cases of severe fasciolosis and twenty cases of mild fasciolosis were recorded (Table 2). Based on the morphological characteristics of the parasite, the studied cattle were found to be infected with Fasciola gigantica (Figure 1 & 2). The means of packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC count), haemoglobin concentration (Hb conc) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration 82 (MCHC) of the severely infected cattle was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 2). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of both the severely and mildly infested cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 2). Also, the total white blood cell count (WBC count), lymphocyte and eosinophil counts of the infected cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 2). There was also a significantly (p < 0. 05) higher mean basophil count in the mildly infested group when compared with the apparently healthy cattle. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and neutrophil counts in infected cattle when compared to the apparently healthy cattle (Table 2). The means of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, total bilirubiin and total protein levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cattle with severe fasciolosis when compared to the apparently healthy cattle (Table 3). Means of serum alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in both cattle with severe and those with mild fasciolosis when compared to the apparently healthy cattle (Table 3). The serum globulin level of cattle with mild fasciolosis was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of both the severely infested and apparently healthy cattle groups (Table 3). The serum albumin level was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in both cattle with severe and those with mild fasciolosis when compared to the apparently healthy cattle (Table 3). There was no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the means of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, total cholesterol, creatinine and urea levels of the fasciola-infested and apparently healthy cattle (Table 3). 83 4.3. Cattle with tuberculosis Tubercles in cattle studied were observed mainly in the lungs, liver, spleen and lymph nodes draining these areas (Figure 3a-c, 4a-c, 5 & 6). The means of PCV, RBC count and Hb concentration were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cattle with tuberculosis when compared to the apparently healthy cattle (Table 4). The means of ESR was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cattle with tuberculosis when compared to apparently healthy cattle. The means of total WBC count, lymphocyte and eosinophils counts was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cattle with tuberculosis when compared to apparently healthy cattle, but the basophil counts of cattle with tuberculosis was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 4). There was no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the means of MVC, MCH, MCHC, neutrophil count and monocyte count of cattle with tuberculosis when compared with apparently healthy cattle (Table 4). The mean of serum ALT activity, albumin and urea levels of cattle with tuberculosis was significantly lower than that of the apparently healthy cattle, but the serum globulin levels of cattle with tuberculosis was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of apparently healthy cattle (Table 5). The means of serum AST, ALP activities, total protein, total cholesterol, creatinine and total bilirubin levels showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences between cattle with tuberculosis and apparently healthy cattle (Table 5). 4.4. Trypanosome-infected cattle Eight cattle were found to have trypanosomes in blood. Based on the morphologic characteristics of the trypanosomes as observed on stained thin blood smears, the species of trypanosomes were Trypanosoma vivax (Figure 7a & b). The blood parasite 84 concentration were low. The means of PCV, RBC count, Hb concentration, MCHC, and eosinophil counts of the trypanosome-infected cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of apparently healthy cattle, while the ESR, lymphocyte and monocyte counts of the trypanosome infected cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 6). The means of serum albumin and creatinine levels of the trypanosome infected cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the apparently healthy cattle, while the means of serum urea level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in trypanosome-infected cattle when compared with apparently healthy cattle (Table 7). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the means of serum AST, ALT, ALP activities, total protein, globulin, total cholesterol and total bilirubin levels of trypanosome-infected cattle when compared with apparently healthy cattle (Table 7). 4.5. Cattle with cachexia of unknown aetiology Among the 567 cattle studied, six were emaciated and cachexic, and possible cause of their emaciation was not obvious. A wet mount, and staining of thin blood smear did not show the presence of haemoparasites. Inspection of the vicera showed no obvious gross lesions or presence of endoparasite infestation (Figure 8a & b ). The means of MCHC of cachexic cattle was significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while the means of monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 8). There were however no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the means of PCV, RBC count, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, ESR, total WBC count, neutrophil and lymphocyte count of the cachexic cattle when compared with the apparently healthy cattle group (Table 8). 85 The means of serum ALT activity, and creatinine and urea levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the cachexic cattle, while the means of serum ALP and globulin activity were significantly (p < 0.05) higher when compared to that of the apparently healthy cattle. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the means of serum AST activity, and levels of total protein, albumin, total cholesterol and total bilirubin of cachexic cattle when compared to those of apparently healthy cattle (Table 9). 4.6. Cattle with skin disorders Skin lesions in cattle studied were predominantly found on the flank and dorsum. They appeared as scabs and crusts on the affected areas (Figure 9). This was found on 5 out of the 567 cattle studied (Table 1). The means of total WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts of the cattle with skin disorders were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 10). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the means of PCV, RBC count, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, ESR, lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts of cattle with skin conditions when compared to those of apparently healthy cattle (Table 10). The means of serum ALP activity, total protein, globulin and total cholesterol levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while the means of serum AST and ALT activities, and creatinine level were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cattle with skin condition when compared with the apparently healthy cattle group (Table 11). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the means of serum albumin, total bilirubin and urea levels between cattle with skin conditions and apparently healthy cattle (Table 11). 4.7. Cattle with rumen fluke infestation (Paramphistomosis) 86 Paramphistomum in the cattle studied were predominantly found on the mucosal surface of the rumen and abomasums of affected animal (Figure 10a & b). The means of PCV, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, neutrophil, monocyte and basophil counts were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cattle with paramphistomosis when compared with apparently healthy cattle (Table 12). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the means of RBC, total WBC, lymphocyte and eosinophils counts of cattle with paramphistomosis when compared with apparently healthy cattle (Table 12). The means of serum AST activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while the means of serum total protein and total bilirubin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cattle with paramphistomosis when compared with the apparently healthy cattle (Table 13). There were no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the means of serum ALT and ALP activities, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, creatinine and urea levels of cattle with paramphistomosis when compared with apparently healthy cattle (Table 13). 4.8. Cattle with benign tumor In the study population, only one cattle out of the 567 studied was found with a hard circumscribed tissue mass on the right fore limb (Figure 11). The RBC count, Hb concentration, MCHC and neutrophil count of the cattle with benign tumor was higher than that of apparently healthy cattle (far higher than the upper limit of the reference value obtained), but the PCV, MCV, MCH, ESR, total WBC count, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophils and basophil counts were also higher in the cattle with benign tumor when compared with those of apparently healthy cattle, but were within normal reference ranges in the study population (Table 14). 87 The serum activities of AST and ALT, and the levels of protein, albumin, total cholesterol and creatinin were lower, while ALP activity, globulin, total bilirubin and urea levels were higher in the cattle with benign tumor when compared with those of the apparently healthy cattle (Table 15). The serum levels of total bilirubin in the animal with benign tumor higher than the normal reference range in the study population (Table 15). 4.9. Pregnant cows Out of twenty three (23) female cattle studied, nine (9) were found to be pregnant (Figure 12a & b). The means of RBC count of the pregnant cows were significantly (p < 0.05) lower, while their means of MCV, MCH, ESR, total WBC count, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly (p < 0.05) higher when compared with non-pregnant apparently healthy females (Table 16). There was no significant (p < 0. 05) difference between the means of the PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC, neutrophil count, eosinophils and basophil counts of the pregnant cows and that of apparently healthy non-pregnant females (Table 16). The means of serum AST and ALT activity, and creatinine and urea levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the pregnant cows, while the means of serum ALP activity, and total bilirubin level were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in pregnant cows when compared with non pregnant apparently healthy females (Table 17). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the means of serum total protein, albumin, globulin and total cholesterol levels of pregnant cows when compared with apparently healthy non-pregnant females (Table 17). 4. 10. Apparently healthy cattle 88 The values obtained for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters of the apparently healthy trade cattle (Figure 13) studied, with their minimum and maximum values are presented in Tables 18 and 19 side by side with the reference values for these parameters as reported in literature (cited). The minimum and maximum values of haematology and serum biochemistry parameters of apparently healthy cattle in this study concurred in most instances with the ranges in available literature, but there were great differences in the upper and/or lower reference limits of the means of MCV, ESR, total WBC count, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, AST and ALT activity, globulin, bilirubin and creatinine levels recorded in this study when compared to that available in literature (Table 18 & 19). 4. 11. Comparison of the haematology and serum biochemistry profile of cattle of different sexes The means of RBC count, ESR and eosinophils counts of male cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of females (Table 20). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the means of PCV, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, total WBC count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil counts of males and those of the females (Table 20). The means of the serum ALP activity and levels of creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in males than in females (Table 21). The means of serum activities of AST and ALT, serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin and urea showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences between males and females (Table 21). 89 4. 12. Comparison of the haematology and serum biochemistry profile of cattle of different age groups The means of MCHC and eosinophil counts of young cattle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the adults (Table 22). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the means of PCV, RBC count, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, ESR, total WBC count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil count of young cattle when compared with adult cattle (Table 22). The mean serum level of globulin was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in young cattle when compared with that of adult cattle. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the means of serum activities of AST, ALT and ALP and levels of total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea of young cattle when compared to those of adult cattle (Table 23). 90 Table 1. Distribution of diseases and disorders and conditions in the trade cattle slaughtered at the Nsukka abattoir, Enugu State, Nigeria. Diseases, disorders and conditions in cattle studied 91 Number affected Percentage Faciolosis 48 8.47% Tuberculosis 10 1.76% Trypanosome infection 8 1.41% Cachectic/emaciated 6 1.06% Skin disorders 5 0.88% Paramphistomosis 4 0.71% Benign tumor 1 0.18% Pregnancy 9 1.59% Apparently healthy Cattle 476 83.95% Total 567 100% Table 2. Comparison of the haematological profile of cattle with fasciolosis to apparently healthy cattle Means ± standard error Haematological parameters Packed cell volume (%) Cattle with Cattle with mild severe faciolosis faciolosis (n=28) (n =20) a 20.99 ± 1.05 26.10 ± 1.41 b Apparently healthy Cattle (n = 64) 34.75 ± 0.52 c Red blood cell count (106/µl) 4.32±0.41 a 5.58±0.33 b 7.90 ± 0.30 c Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 7.61 ± 0.42 a 10.03 ± 0.49 b 13.15 ± 0.28 c Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 48.62 ± 4.26 a 47.61 ± 2.26 b 45.19 ± 1.46 c Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 17.65 ± 1.57 18.64 ± 1.18 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 35.50 ± 0.75 a 38.93 ± 1.11 ab 37.96 ± 0.82 b Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs) 28.06 ± 4.28 a 24.71 ± 4.43 a 8.13 ± 0.78 b Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 14.68 ± 1.99 a 16.83 ± 1.68 a 8.88 ± 0.54 b Neutrophils (103/µl) 3.35 ± 0.75 3.49 ± 0.60 3.87 ± 0.35 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 9.94 ± 1.45 a 11.91 ± 1.42 a 4.42 ± 0.28 b Monocyte (103/µl) 0.52 ± 0.28 ab 0.61 ± 0.23 a 0.17 ± 0.04 b Eosinophil (103/µl) 0.86 ± 0.08 a 0.71 ± 0.06 a 0.40 ± 0.09 b Basophil (103/µl) 0.03 ± 0.02 a 0.12 ± 0.03 b 0.02 ± 0.01 a Different superscripts in a row indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 92 Table 3. Comparison of the clinical biochemistry profile of fasciola-infected cattle with those of cattle with apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Cattle with Cattle with mild severe faciolosis faciolosis (n=28) (n =20) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 92.51 ± 3.31 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 29.31 ± 2.72 a 33.21±3.14 ab 39.07 ± 2.14 b Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 48.49 ± 3.33 a 49.71±3.98 a 33.25 ± 1.99 b Total protein (g/dl) 5.53 ± 0.14 a 6.34 ± 0.17 b 6.60 ± 0.15 b Albumin (g/dl) 2.43 ± 0.11 a 2.51 ± 0.09 a 3.46 ± 0.14 b Globulin (g/dl) 3.05 ± 0.15 a 3.83 ± 0.19 b 3.15 ± 0.17 a 105.25 ± 9.54 114.11 ± 3.68 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 112.76 ± 17.43 82.54 ± 5.82 Apparently healthy Cattle (n = 64) 1.31± 0.22 ab 91.51 ± 4.62 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 0.97 ± 0.17 a 1.55 ± 0.17 b Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.58 ± 0.29 1.76 ±0.48 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl) 11.96 ± 0.81 11.16 ± 1.63 9.98 ± 0.97 Different superscripts in a row indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 93 Table 4. The haematological profile of cattle with tuberculosis, compared to apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological parameters Cattle with tuberculosis (n = 10) Apparently healthy Cattle (n = 64) Packed cell volume (%)* 24.95 ± 1.06 34.75 ± 0.52 Red blood cell count (106/µl)* 6.00 ± 0.51 7.90 ± 0.30 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl)* 9.56 ± 0.48 13.15 ± 0.28 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 44.08 ± 3.25 45.19 ± 1.46 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 17.00 ± 1.51 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 38.57 ± 2.28 37.96 ± 0.82 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs)* 29.96 ± 5.26 8.13 ± 0.78 Total leukocyte count (103/µl)* 16.75 ± 2.85 8.88 ± 0.54 Neutrophils (103/µl) 4.41 ± 0.58 3.87 ± 0.35 10.71 ± 6.08 4.42 ± 0.28 0.08 ± 0.06 0.17 ± 0.04 Eosinophil (10 /µl)* 1.42 ± 0.77 0.40 ± 0.09 Basophil (103/µl)* 0.00 ± 0.00 0.02 ± 0.01 3 Lymphocytes (10 /µl)* 3 Monocyte (10 /µl) 3 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 94 Table 5. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with tuberculosis, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Cattle with tuberculosis (n = 10) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 83.00 ± 5.67 91.51 ± 4.62 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)* 33.48 ± 2.85 39.07 ± 2.14 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 30.05 ± 1.52 33.25 ± 1.99 Total protein (g/dl) 6.61 ± 0.20 6.60 ± 0.15 Albumin (g/dl)* 3.28 ± 0.20 3.46 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl)* 3.30 ± 0.16 3.15 ± 0.17 112.25 ± 4.09 114.11 ± 3.68 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 1.11 ± 0.36 1.55 ± 0.17 Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.55 ± 0.26 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl)* 5.28 ± 0.62 9.98 ± 0.97 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 95 Table 6. Comparison of the haematological profile of cattle infected with trypanosomes with those with those of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Cattle with trypanosomosis (n = 8) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Packed cell volume (%)* 25.13 ± 0.69 34.75 ± 0.52 Red blood cell count (106/µl)* 5.76 ± 0.21 7.90 ± 0.30 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl)* 9.59 ± 0.08 13.15 ± 0.28 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 43.63 ± 0.77 45.19 ± 1.46 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 16.64 ± 0.23 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl)* 22.90 ± 0.89 37.96 ± 0.82 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs)* 16.73 ± 2.12 8.13 ± 0.78 Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 9.41 ± 1.58 8.88 ± 0.54 Neutrophils (103/µl) 2.43 ± 0.73 3.87 ± 0.35 Lymphocytes (103/µl)* 6.38 ± 1.13 4.42 ± 0.28 Monocyte (103/µl)* 0.49 ± 0.22 0.17 ± 0.04 Eosinophil (103/µl)* 0.11 ± 0.03 0.40 ± 0.09 Basophil (103/µl) 0.03 ± 0.02 0.02 ± 0.01 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 96 Table 7. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle infected with trypanosomes, compared to those of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Cattle with trypanosomosis (n = 8) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 89.32 ± 4.45 91.51 ± 4.62 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 41.15 ± 5.55 39.07 ± 2.14 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 39.65 ± 2.63 33.25 ± 1.99 Total protein (g/dl) 6.20 ± 0.29 6.60 ± 0.15 Albumin (g/dl)* 2.84 ± 0.16 3.46 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl) 3.36 ± 0.24 3.15 ± 0.17 94.73 ± 17.64 114.11 ± 3.68 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 2.16 ± 0.47 1.55 ± 0.17 Creatinine (mg/dl)* 0.69 ± 0.11 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl)* 19.21 ± 4.43 9.98 ± 0.97 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 97 Table 8. Comparison of the haematological profile of cachectic cattle of unknown aetiology with those of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Cattle with cachexia (n = 6) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Packed cell volume (%) 31.87 ± 2.38 34.75 ± 0.52 Red blood cell count (106/µl) 7.40 ± 0.77 7.90 ± 0.30 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 14.41 ± 1.11 13.15 ± 0.28 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 44.41 ± 1.56 45.19 ± 1.46 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 19.74 ± 0.67 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl)* 44.48 ± 0.63 37.96 ± 0.82 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs) 9.22 ± 1.98 8.13 ± 0.78 Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 9.06 ± 1.14 8.88 ± 0.54 Neutrophils (103/µl) 5.12 ± 0.73 3.87 ± 0.35 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 3.79 ± 0.57 4.42 ± 0.28 0.02 ± 0.02 0.17 ± 0.04 Eosinophil (10 /µl)* 0.13 ± 0.06 0.40 ± 0.09 Basophil (103/µl)* 0.00 ± 0.00 0.02 ± 0.01 3 Monocyte (10 /µl)* 3 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 98 Table 9. The clinical biochemistry profile of cachectic cattle of unknown aetiology compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Cattle with cachexia (n = 8) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 99.51 ± 5.05 91.51 ± 4.62 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)* 30.51 ± 0.96 39.07 ± 2.14 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L)* 71.57 ± 13.61 33.25 ± 1.99 Total protein (g/dl) 7.24 ± 0.29 6.60 ± 0.15 Albumin (g/dl) 3.39 ± 0.09 3.46 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl)* 4.01 ± 0.31 3.15 ± 0.17 126.69 ± 26.21 114.11 ± 3.68 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 1.02 ± 0.33 1.55 ± 0.17 Creatinine (mg/dl)* 0.84 ± 0.12 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl)* 5.76 ± 1.50 9.98 ± 0.97 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 99 Table 10. Comparison of the haematological profile of cattle with skin disorders and those of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Cattle with skin disorders (n = 5) 34.00 ± 0.46 Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Red blood cell count (106/µl) 7.75 ± 0.79 7.90 ± 0.30 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 13.42 ± 0.44 13.15 ± 0.28 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 43.57 ± 2.10 45.19 ± 1.46 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 17.69 ± 1.24 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 39.42 ± 0.81 37.96 ± 0.82 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs) 8.26 ± 3.01 8.13 ± 0.78 Total leukocyte count (103/µl)* 6.03 ± 0.84 8.88 ± 0.54 Neutrophils (103/µl)* 2.17 ± 0.14 3.87 ± 0.35 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 3.25 ± 0.61 4.42 ± 0.28 0.01 ± 0.01 0.17 ± 0.04 Eosinophil (10 /µl) 0.59 ± 0.16 0.40 ± 0.09 Basophil (103/µl) 0.01 ± 0.01 0.02 ± 0.01 Packed cell volume (%) 3 Monocyte (10 /µl)* 3 34.75 ± 0.52 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 100 Table 11. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with skin disorders, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Cattle with skin disorders (n = 5) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)* 63.01 ± 5.61 91.51 ± 4.62 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)* 20.57 ± 1.82 39.07 ± 2.14 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L)* 41.52 ± 1.19 33.25 ± 1.99 Total protein (g/dl)* 7.66 ± 0.11 6.60 ± 0.15 Albumin (g/dl) 3.29 ± 0.35 3.46 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl)* 4.37 ± 0.26 3.15 ± 0.17 124.79 ± 2.76 114.11 ± 3.68 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 1.51 ± 0.64 1.55 ± 0.17 Creatinine (mg/dl)* 0.50 ± 0.29 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl) 10.85 ± 0.31 9.98 ± 0.97 Total cholesterol (mg/dl)* Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 101 Table 12. The haematological profile of cattle with rumen fluke infestation, compared with that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Rumen fluke infestation (n = 4) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Packed cell volume (%)* 29.13 ± 2.38 34.75 ± 0.52 Red blood cell count (106/µl) 7.45 ± 0.30 7.90 ± 0.30 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl)* 9.87 ± 0.46 13.15 ± 0.28 Mean corpuscular volume (fl)* 36.98 ± 1.71 45.19 ± 1.46 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg)* 13.26 ± 0.15 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl)* 33.98 ± 1.22 37.96 ± 0.82 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs)* 31.97 ± 7.41 8.13 ± 0.78 Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 8.44 ± 3.32 8.88 ± 0.54 Neutrophils (103/µl)* 2.39 ± 0.39 3.87 ± 0.35 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 5.77 ± 2.79 4.42 ± 0.28 Monocyte (103/µl)* 0.05 ± 0.07 0.17 ± 0.04 Eosinophil (10 /µl) 0.21 ± 0.14 0.40 ± 0.09 Basophil (103/µl)* 0.00 ± 0.00 0.02 ± 0.01 3 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 102 Table 13. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with rumen fluke infestation, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Rumen fluke infestation (n = 4) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)* 123.08 ± 1.70 91.51 ± 4.62 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 41.69 ± 1.65 39.07 ± 2.14 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 33.31 ± 3.27 33.25 ± 1.99 Total protein (g/dl)* 6.08 ± 0.14 6.60 ± 0.15 Albumin (g/dl) 3.04 ± 0.16 3.46 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl) 3.04 ± 0.02 3.15 ± 0.17 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 102.08 ± 5.38 114.11 ± 3.68 Total bilirubin (mg/dl)* 0.14 ± 0.07 1.55 ± 0.17 Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.25 ± 0.11 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl) 8.89 ± 1.24 9.98 ± 0.97 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 103 Table 14. The haematological profile of cattle with benign neoplasm, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Cattle with benign neoplasm (n = 1) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Packed cell volume (%) 38.5 34.75 ± 0.52 Red blood cell count (106/µl) 11.10 7.90 ± 0.30 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 16.19 13.15 ± 0.28 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 34.23 45.19 ± 1.46 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 15.23 17.74 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 43.91 37.96 ± 0.82 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs) 10.24 8.13 ± 0.78 Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 12.00 8.88 ± 0.54 Neutrophils (103/µl) 5.03 3.87 ± 0.35 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 5.83 4.42 ± 0.28 0.19 0.17 ± 0.04 Eosinophil (10 /µl) 0.97 0.40 ± 0.09 Basophil (103/µl) 0.00 0.02 ± 0.01 3 Monocyte (10 /µl) 3 104 Table 15. The clinical biochemistry profile of cattle with benign neoplasm, compared to that of apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Cattle with benign neoplasm (n = 1) Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 64.01 91.51 ± 4.62 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 17.65 39.07 ± 2.14 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 51.43 33.25 ± 1.99 Total protein (g/dl) 6.17 6.60 ± 0.15 Albumin (g/dl) 3.00 3.46 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl) 3.23 3.15 ± 0.17 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 80.00 114.11 ± 3.68 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 2.16 1.55 ± 0.17 Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.00 1.45 ± 0.15 Urea (mg/dl) 13.55 9.98 ± 0.97 105 Table 16. The haematological profile of pregnant cattle, compared to that of non pregnant apparently healthy female cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Packed cell volume (%) 30.72 ± 1.66 Non-pregnant female cattle with no obvious lesions (n = 14) 33.71 ± 1.81 Red blood cell count (106/µl)* 5.20 ± 0.40 7.09 ± 0.45 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 12.28 ± 0.42 13.22 ± 0.51 Mean corpuscular volume (fl)* 59.06 ± 2.43 47.54 ± 2.35 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg)* 23.61 ± 0.84 18.64 ± 1.02 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 39.97 ± 1.01 39.47 ± 1.05 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs)* 30.49 ± 6.70 5.01 ± 1.41 Total leukocyte count (103/µl)* 14.73 ± 2.50 7.09 ± 1.27 Neutrophils (103/µl) 4.49 ± 0.63 3.12 ± 0.80 Lymphocytes (103/µl)* 9.68 ± 1.85 3.79 ± 0.44 0.27 ± 0.07 0.06 ± 0.06 Eosinophil (10 /µl) 0.29 ± 0.11 0.11 ± 0.04 Basophil (103/µl) 0.03 ± 0.03 0.04 ± 0.02 3 Monocyte (10 /µl)* 3 Pregnant cattle (n = 9) Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 106 Table 17. The clinical biochemistry profile of pregnant cattle, compared to non pregnant apparently healthy female cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Pregnant cattle (n = 9) Non-pregnant female cattle with no obvious lesions (n = 14) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)* 68.29 ± 7.73 99.71 ± 9.13 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)* 27.88 ± 5.86 35.89 ± 4.11 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L)* 42.23 ± 1.98 26.81 ± 1.80 Total protein (g/dl) 7.12 ± 0.49 6.83 ± 0.35 Albumin (g/dl) 3.29 ± 0.06 3.73 ± 0.31 Globulin (g/dl) 3.83 ± 0.50 3.16 ± 0.41 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 110.12 ± 8.88 102.65 ± 6.91 Total bilirubin (mg/dl)* 2.64 ± 0.45 1.22 ± 0.41 Creatinine (mg/dl)* 0.64 ± 0.24 1.14 ± 0.09 Urea (mg/dl)* 4.62 ± 1.51 11.58 ± 1.35 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 107 Table 18. The haematological profile of apparently healthy cattle compared with reference vales in available literature. Haematological Parameters Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Mean ± SE Min. & max. values Reference values in available literature Jackson & Krimer, Cockcroft, 2011 2002 24.0–46.0 24.0–46.0 Packed cell volume (%) 34.75 ± 0.52 27.50–43.00 Red blood cell count (106/µl) 7.90 ± 0.30 4.38–12.32 5.0–10.0 5.0–10.0 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 13.15 ± 0.28 10.54–16.48 8.0 – 15.0 8.0–15.0 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 45.19 ± 1.46 25.97–66.21 40.0–60.0 40.0–60.0 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 17.74 ± 0.75 9.94–28.34 11.0–17.0 11.0–17.0 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 37.96 ± 0.82 28.91–53.88 30.0–36.0 30.0–36.0 Erythrocyte sedim. rate (mm/24hrs) 8.13 ± 0.78 2.53–18.32 2.5–12.2 - Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 8.88 ± 0.54 3.55–16.90 4.0–12.0 4.0–12.0 Neutrophils (103/µl) 3.87 ± 0.35 0.58–9.37 0.60–4.00 0.60–4.00 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 4.42 ± 0.28 1.69–10.48 2.50–7.50 2.50–7.50 0.17 ± 0.04 0.00–0.99 0.03–0.80 0.00–0.90 Eosinophil (10 /µl) 0.40 ± 0.09 0.00–2.49 0.00–2.40 0.00–2.40 Basophil (103/µl) 0.02 ± 0.01 0.00–2.49 - 0.00 – 0.20 3 Monocyte (10 /µl) 3 108 Table 19. The clinical biochemistry of apparently healthy cattle compared with reference vales in available literature. Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 91.51 ± 4.82 Reference values in available literature Jackson & Krimer, Cockcroft, 2011 2002 46.28–158.50 78–132 60–125 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 39.07 ± 2.14 21.55– 66.03 11–40 – Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 33.25 ± 1.99 19.26–75.71 0–500 – Total protein (g/dl) 6.60 ± 0.15 4.84–8.40 5.7–8.1 6.7–7.5 Albumin (g/dl) 3.46 ± 0.14 2.14 – 5.24 2.1–3.6 2.5–3.8 Globulin (g/dl) 3.15 ± 0.17 2.08 - 4.99 – 3.0 – 3.5 114.11 ± 3.68 87.47-160.00 65–220 – Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 1.55 ± 0.17 0.00 - 3.09 0.01–0.50 0.00–1.60 Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.45 ± 0.15 0.00 - 4.00 1– 2 0.5–2.2 Urea (mg/dl) 9.98 ± 0.97 5.20 - 20.82 6–27 10–25 Clinical biochemistry parameters Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 109 Apparently healthy cattle (n = 64) Mean ± SE Min. & max. values Table 20. Comparison of the haematological profile of male and female apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Male cattle (n = 50) Female cattle (n = 14) Packed cell volume (%) 34.95 ± 0.53 33.71 ± 1.81 Red blood cell count (106/µl)* 8.27 ± 0.31 7.09 ± 0.45 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 13.73 ± 0.32 13.22 ± 0.51 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 43.05 ± 1.85 47.54 ± 2.35 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 16.60 ± 0.98 18.64 ± 1.02 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl) 39.28 ± 0.95 39.47 ± 1.05 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs)* 8.72 ± 0.68 5.01 ± 1.41 Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 9.21 ± 0.59 7.09 ± 1.27 Neutrophils (103/µl) 4.00 ± 0.39 3.12 ± 0.80 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 4.54 ± 0.32 3.79 ± 0.44 Monocyte (103/µl) 0.19 ± 0.04 0.06 ± 0.06 Eosinophil (10 /µl)* 0.45 ± 0.10 0.11 ± 0.04 Basophil (103/µl) 0.01 ± 0.01 0.04 ± 0.02 3 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 110 Table 21. Comparison of the clinical biochemistry profile of male and female apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Male cattle (n = 50) Female cattle (n = 14) Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) 89.53 ± 5.31 99.71 ± 9.13 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 39.84 ± 2.47 35.89 ± 4.11 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L)* 34.81 ± 2.35 26.81 ± 1.80 Total protein (g/dl) 6.55 ± 0.16 6.83 ± 0.35 Albumin (g/dl) 3.39 ± 0.16 3.73 ± 0.31 Globulin (g/dl) 3.15 ± 0.19 3.16 ± 0.41 116.87 ± 4.14 102.65 ± 6.91 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 1.62 ± 0.19 1.22 ± 0.41 Creatinine (mg/dl)* 1.94 ± 0.30 1.14 ± 0.09 Urea (mg/dl) 9.59 ± 1.15 11.58 ± 1.35 Total cholesterol (mg/dl) Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 111 Table 22. Comparison of the haematological profile of young and adult apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Haematological Parameters Young cattle (n = 12) Adult cattle (n = 52) Packed cell volume (%) 33.92 ± 1.40 34.88 ± 0.57 Red blood cell count (106/µl) 7.12 ± 0.59 8.02 ± 0.34 Haemoglobin conc. (g/dl) 14.37 ± 0.81 12.95 ± 0.29 Mean corpuscular volume (fl) 48.30 ± 4.36 44.70 ± 1.57 Mean corpuscular Hb. (pg) 21.41 ± 2.60 17.16 ± 0.75 Mean corpuscular Hb. conc. (g/dl)* 42.81 ± 3.40 37.20 ± 0.73 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/24hrs) 7.25 ± 1.71 8.27 ± 0.86 Total leukocyte count (103/µl) 8.09 ± 1.47 9.02 ± 0.61 Neutrophils (103/µl) 3.40 ± 0.70 3.95 ± 0.41 Lymphocytes (103/µl) 3.40 ± 0.51 4.61 ± 0.31 Monocyte (103/µl) 0.29 ± 0.19 0.15 ± 0.03 Eosinophil (10 /µl)* 1.01 ± 0.46 0.31 ± 0.06 Basophil (103/µl) 0.01 ± 0.01 0.02 ± 0.01 3 Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 112 Table 23. Comparison of the clinical biochemistry profile of young and adult apparently healthy cattle. Means ± standard error Clinical biochemistry parameters Young cattle (n = 12) Adult cattle (n = 52) 105.65 ± 21.88 88.68 ± 3.58 Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) 41.94 ± 5.17 38.51 ± 2.37 Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) 39.85 ± 3.87 33.93 ± 2.26 Total protein (g/dl) 6.06 ± 0.49 6.71 ± 0.14 Albumin (g/dl) 3.91 ± 0.49 3.37 ± 0.14 Globulin (g/dl)* 2.15 ± 0.03 3.35 ± 0.18 108.37 ± 7.96 115.26 ± 4.14 Total bilirubin (mg/dl) 1.24 ± 0.49 1.61 ± 0.18 Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.84 ± 0.41 1.78 ± 0.29 Urea (mg/dl) 8.34 ± 1.78 10.37 ± 1.12 Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L) Total cholesterol (mg/dl) Asterisk superscripts on a parameter indicate significant difference between the means (p < 0.05) 113 Figure 1. Large number of Fasciola in bile ducts and liver of cattle infected with Fasciola gigantica 114 Figure 2. A single Fasciola gigantica. 115 Figure 3a. Tuberculous lungs obtained from cattle with tuberculosis. 116 Figure 3b. An incised Tuberculous lung showing tubercles in lung parenchyma 117 Figure 3c. Tuberculous lungs obtained from cattle with tuberculosis. 118 Figure 4a. Tuberculous liver obtained from cattle with tuberculosis. 119 Figure 4b. Tuberculous liver (incised) obtained from cattle with tuberculosis. 120 Figure 4c. Tuberculous gall bladder (incised) obtained from cattle with tuberculosis. 121 Figure 5. Spleen with tubercles, obtained from cattle with tuberculosis. 122 Figure 6. tuberculous mediastinal lymph node (incised) 123 Figure 7a. Thin blood smear obtained from cattle with trypanosomosis showing a trypanosome. 124 Figure 7b. Another thin blood smear obtained from cattle with trypanosomosis showing a trypanosome. 125 Figure 8a. Cattle with cachexia of unknown aetiology. 126 Figure 8b. Another cattle with cachexia of unknown aetiology. 127 Figure 9. skin of cattle with disorder. 128 Figure 10a. Paramphistomum spp on rumen mucosa of rumen-fluke infested cattle. 129 Figure 10b. Paramphistomum spp on rumen mucosa of rumen-fluke infested cattle 130 Figure 11. Tissue mass (benign tumour) beside the right forelimb of a cow. 131 Figure 12a. Pregnant uterus collected from a pregnant cow. 132 Figure 12b. Pregnant uterus obtained from another pregnant cow. 133 Figure 13. Apparently healthy bull in the lariage 134 CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 5.0. DISCUSSION The findings that fasciolosis ranks topmost in the list of diseases of cattle recorded in this study is in agreement with the reports of Hammond and Sewell (1990), and that of Molina et al., (2005) which stated that infection with Fasciola gigantica is one of the most common single helminth infection of cattle and ranks topmost among diseases that lead to condemnation of livers in abattoir. The 8.47% prevalence for fasciolosis recorded in this study is relatively lower than the 47.4% reported by Adedokun et al., (2008), but is comparable to 10.34% reported by Marques and Scroferneker (2003). The 1.76% prevalence recorded for bovine tuberculosis is worthy of note because of the public health (zoonotic) significance of its occurrence and is comparable to 1.3% reported by Shirma et al., (2003), but lower than the 3.85% reported by Proano-Perez et al., (2006). The relatively low prevalence of trypanosomosis (1.47%) in the studied cattle is worthy of note, and is thought to be due to the recent very high usage of trypanocides by herdsmen and animal health workers (Holmes et al., 2004). The 1.56% occurrence of pregnancy among the studied cattle is also worthy of note as it brings to the fore the high level of foetal wastage at abattoirs. The alterations in the erythrocytic parameters recorded for cattle with fasciolosis in this study, showed anaemia of the hypochromic macrocytic type (Ihedioha, 2003; Stockham and Scott, 2008) as shown by decreases in PCV, RBC count, Hb concentration, and MCHC, with an increase in MCV. Anaemia is a hallmark finding in fasciolosis of cattle (Molina et al., 2008; Valerio et al., 2008). The cause of the anaemia in fasciolosis is blood loss caused by the haematophagic activity of the parasite (Valerio et al., 2008; 135 Lotfollalizadeh et al., 2008), leakage of blood from the bile duct to the intestines with resultant iron deficiency (Lotfollalizadeh et al., 2008), and/or release of an amino acid proline by the fluke (Robert and Hadar, 1981). Anaemia of the macrocytic hypochromic type recorded in fasciola-infected cattle in this study is in agreement with the findings of Taimur et al., (1993); Behm and Sangster (1999); Teleb et al., (2007); Molina et al., (2008); Al-Quaraishy and Al-Moussawi (2011). The increase in ESR of cattle infected with fasciola in this study may be due to the anaemia caused by the haematophagic activity of the flukes, tissue destruction and inflammatory reactions caused by the presence of the flukes in the billiary canal and bile duct (Coles, 1986; Roper, 1999; Mohan, 2010). The findings in this study of leukocytosis in cattle with fasciolosis associated with lymphocytosis and monocytosis, eosinophilia and basophilia may be attributed to the chronicity of the infection, and the antigenic stimulation caused by the flukes larval stage migration (prehepatic and hepatic) and localization in the bile duct where they initiate an inflammatory reaction (Taimur et al., 1993; Molina et al., 2008). These leukocytic alterations recorded in fasciola infected cattle in this study is in agreement with findings of Bashady et al., (1990); Molina et al., (2008); Al-Quaraishy and Al-Moussawi (2011). The increase in ALP and total bilirubin recorded for cattle with fasciolosis in this study is believed to be due to cholestasis caused by bile duct localization and blockade by the adult flukes. This finding is in agreement with the reports of Lotfollizadeh et al., (2008) and Al-Quaraishy and Al-Moussawi (2011). The hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia recorded for the fasciola infested cattle may be due to protein loss caused by the haematophagic activity of the adult fluke or the reduced hepatic synthesis 136 of albumin due to damage to hepatic tissues (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Sheikh et al., (2006); Al-Quaraishy and Al-Moussawi (2011) and Okey et al., (2013). The hyperglobulinaemia recorded in the mildly infected cattle may be due to immune response to inflammations (cholangitis) caused by migrating immature flukes and localized adult flukes in the bile duct and billiary canals (Matanovic et al., 2007; Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). This finding is in agreement with that of Bashady et al., (1990) who reported an increase in beta globulin levels in experimental fasciolosis in sheep. The erythrocytic alterations recorded in cattle with tuberculosis showed anaemia of the normocytic hypochromic type as shown by decreases in PCV, RBC count, and Hb concentration (Ihedioha, 2003; Stockham and Scott, 2008). The anaemia recorded for the tuberculosis-infected cattle may be due to the haemolytic effect of the bacterial agent, chronicity of the disease condition or bone marrow atrophy (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Shetter et al., 2011). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Rao et al., (1992) and Kumar et al., (1994), but was in contrast to the reports of Shetter et al., (2011). The increased ESR recorded in cattle with tuberculosis may be due to tissue destruction associated with the formation of granulomas in the parenchyma of the lungs, liver, spleen and lymph nodes (Mohan, 2010). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Amin et al., (1990) in a study on buffaloes, Olivia et al., (2008) in a study on humans and Shetter et al., (2011) in a study in cattle. The findings in the present study is however contrary to the reports of Javed et al (2006) in a study on buffaloes. The findings of leukocytosis associated with lymphocytosis and eosinophilia recorded in this study may be due to antigenic stimulation caused by active chronic tuberculosis 137 infection (Duncan and Prasse, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 2004). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Javed et al., (2006) and Shetter et al., (2011). The hypoalbuminaemia recorded in this study for cattle with tuberculosis may be due to inadequate liver function due to the presence of granulomas in the liver parenchyma, and reduced albumin synthesis due to damage of hepatic tissues (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). The increase in serum globulin level seen in cattle with tuberculosis may be due to high levels of immunoglobulins stimulated by chronic antigenic challenge, and the increased serum globulin levels recorded in this study is in agreement with the reports of Shetter et al., (2011). The erythrocytic alterations recorded in cattle infected with trypanosomes in this study is an anaemia of the normocytic hypochromic type (Miale, 1982; Brill and Baumgardner, 2000). This form of anaemia is at variance with the reports of Takeet and Fagbemi (2009) who reported anaemia of the macrocytic normochromic type in early infections and later normocytic normochromic type in advanced stages of infection of rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosome congolense. The cause of the anaemia recorded in cattle infected with trypanosomosis may be due to the haemolytic activity of the protozoan parasite (Anosa, 1988; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Takeet and Fagbemi, 2009). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Bengaly et al., (2002) who reported anaemia in T. vivax infected cattle, Saror (1980) on T. vivax infected goats, Bisalla et al., (2007) on T. congolense infected sheep, and Takeet and Fagbemi (2009) on T. congolense infected rabbits. The increase in ESR recorded for trypanosome infected cattle in this study may be due to anaemia (Coles, 1986; Mohan, 2010), or damage of the host tissues by the protozoan parasite (Abenga and Anosa, 2005). 138 The lymphocytosis recorded in cattle infected with trypanosomes may be due to exaggerated antigenic stimulation as a result of the antigenic variation reported to occur in trypanosomosis (Borst et al., 1996; Barry and McCulloch, 2001; Vanhamme et al., 2001). The monocytosis recorded in the present study may be due to response to the presence of protozoan parasites, where the monocytes transform to macrophages and function in phagocytosis of these parasites (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). Takeet and Fagbemi (2009) reported leucopaenia characterized by neutropaenia, eosinopaenia and lymphocytosis in an experimental infection of rabbits with T. congolense. The hypoalbuminaemia recorded in cattle infected with trypanosomes may be due to decreased protein synthesis due to hepatic dysfunction (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Abenga and Anosa (2005) in vervet monkeys experimentally infected with T. gambiensis and Taiwo et al., (2013), who reported same in sheep experimentally infected with T. congolense and T. brucei. Significant lower plasma creatinine recorded in trypanosome infected cattle may be due to emaciation, unthriftiness and cachexia that usually characterize cattle trypanosomosis. Since creatinine originates from muscles, a decrease in muscle mass may cause a decrease in creatinine concentration (Coles, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 2004;Stockham and Scott, 2008; Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). The finding in this present study of a lower serum creatinine contrasts with the reports of Abenga and Anosa (2005) who reported a high serum creatinine level in T. gambiensis infected vervet monkeys. The significantly higher serum urea levels recorded in cattle with trypanosomosis may be due to fever caused by the infection, renal dysfunction caused by the trypanosomes and/or the trypanocides administered to infected cattle (Coles, 1986; Anosa, 1988a&b; Latimer, 2003). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Takeet and Fagbemi (2009) on rabbits experimentally 139 infected with T. congolense, and findings of Anosa (1988a&b) in T. vivax infections of humans and animals. The decreases in monocyte, eosinophils and basophil counts seen in cachexic cattle may be due to the stress of an ongoing infection of unknown aetiology (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Latimar, 2012). A decrease in serum creatinine level in the cachexic cattle may be due to the generalized wasting as skeletal muscle is the major source of creatinine; a decrease in muscle mass certainly leads to a decrease in creatinine levels (Latimar et al., 2003). A decrease in urea level may be due to malnutrition as serum urea level is related to dietary protein availability (Coles, 1986; Latimar et al., 2003). The hyperglobulinaemia recorded in this study for cachexic cattle may be due to increased antibody production against the probable cause of the cachexic condition (Ruotsalo and Tant, 2012). The low leukocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts recorded in cattle with skin disorders may be due to migration of the leukocytes from the vascular compartment to affected area (scabs); leukocytic (neutrophilic) migration over an extensive surface area in skin disorders could cause depletion of circulating neutrophils with a resultant neutropaenia (Stromberg and Gulliot, 1987). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Stromberg and Gulliot (1987) on leucopaenia associated with neutropaenia in calves experimentally infested with Psoroptes ovis. The hyperproteinaemia associated with hyperglobulinaemia seen in cattle with dermatitis may be due to a response of the reticuloendothelial system to the antigenic stimulation caused by itching or secondary bacterial infection (Coles, 1986; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Stockham and Scott, 2008). This finding is in agreement with the reports of 140 Stromberg and Gulliot (1987) who also reported an increase in serum total protein due to hyperglobulinaemia in Psoroptes ovis infested calves. The significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity recorded in the cattle with skin disorders may be due to the release of the hormone corticosteroid in response to stress and irritation of the skin disorder (Ochi et al., 2013). Stress has also been associated with hypercholesterolaemia (Muldoon et al., 1992; Latimer et al., 2003; Stockham and Scott, 2008; Hodgekiss, 2013). The significantly lower levels of AST and ALT cannot be explained. The anaemia of the microcytic hypochromic type (decreased PCV, Hb concentration, MCV and MCHC) recorded in cattle with paramphistomosis may be due to malabsorption of micronutrients (iron, pyridoxine and copper) needed for synthesis of haemoglobin. Such deficiency will lead to hypo-activity of the bone marrow and depressed erythropoiesis (Miale, 1982; Coles, 1986; Brill & Baumgardner, 2000; Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Mavenyengwa et al., (2006; 2010) and Devos et al., (2013) who reported same in paramphistomosis of cattle and sheep respectively. The significantly higher ESR recorded in cattle with paramphistomosis may be due to the anaemia as well as tissue destruction and inflammation caused by the presence of the rumen flukes at their predilection sites (Mohan, 2010). The significantly lower neutrophil, monocyte and basophil counts recorded in cattle infected with paramphistomosis may be due to stress of worm burden (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004; Devos et al., 2013). The significantly lower serum protein recorded in cattle infected with paramphistomosis may be due to malabsorption of proteins from the gastro-intestinal tract (Ihedioha and 141 Chineme, 2004). This finding is in agreement with findings of Mavenyengwa et al., (2006; 2010) and Devos et al., (2013) who reported same in paramphistomosis of cattle and sheep respectively. The significantly higher serum AST and lower bilirubin recorded in paramphistomum infested cattle cannot be explained. The findings in the present study of a bull with benign tumor that showed no haematological or serum biochemical alterations in comparison to the apparently healthy cattle is believed to be due to the fact that the benign tumors do not invade or spread through tissues and therefore are not capable of initiating significant haematological and serum biochemical alterations in affected animal (Ihedioha, 2003; Mohan 2010). The significantly lower RBC count and significantly higher MCV and MCH recorded in pregnant cows in comparison to non-pregnant females is thought to be due to the foetal demands from the dam and/or due to pregnancy related haemodilution resulting from an increase in plasma volume (Lurie, 1993; Cetin et al., 2009; Ate et al., 2009). Macrocytosis seen in pregnant cows may be due to a shorter erythrocyte life span in circulation with a resultant increase in immature erythrocytes during gestation (Lurie, 1993; Cetin et al., 2009). The finding in this study of a physiologic monocytosis is in agreement with the reports of Lurie (1993) in humans, Manzoor et al., (2008) in cattle, Cetin et al., (2009) in rabbits and Ate et al., (2009) in cattle. The findings of significantly higher ESR in the pregnant cows in this study is in agreement with the reports of Aarif et al., (2013) and Manzoor et al., (2008) and Osoagbaka et al., (2000) in studies they carried out on cattle and women respectively. The leukocytosis recorded in the pregnant cows in this study may be due to the typical physiological leukocytosis that occurs in pregnant cows (Ihedioha and Chineme, 2004). 142 This finding is not in agreement with the reports of Manzoor et al., (2008), but agrees with the reports of Mirzadeh et al., (2010). The lymphocytosis recorded in pregnant cows in the present study is also considered physiological (Coles, 1986; Sink and Feldman, 2004; Stockham and Scott, 2008). This finding is in agreement with the findings of Aarif et al., (2013) who recorded same in cattle. The significantly lower serum activity of AST, ALT and creatinine is thought to be due to the relative inactivity that occurs during pregnancy (Coles, 1986). The significantly higher serum ALP in pregnant cows is believed to be due to the contribution of placenta ALP to serum ALP that typically occurs in pregnancy and increased osteogenic activity in the foetus (Stockham and Scott, 2008). The significantly higher serum bilirubin and lower serum urea cannot be explained. The differences between the minimum and maximum values obtained in this study and the reference limits reported in literature may be due to differences in geographical location and climatic conditions (Saror and Coles, 1975; Aarif et al., 2013). The significantly higher RBC count recorded in male cattle when compared to female cattle in the study may be due to androgenic hormonal influences on erythropoiesis (Friend & Chomet, 1969; Shahani et al., 2009 ). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Tambuwal et al., (2002) and Cetin et al., (2009) in their studies on effect of sex differences on haematologic parameters of Red Sokoto goats and rabbits respectively. It however contrasts with the reports of Opara et al., (2010) who reported a higher RBC count in female goats. The significantly higher ESR and eosinophils counts recorded for males in this study cannot be explained. 143 The significantly higher serum ALP levels recorded in males in comparism to females may be due to the fact that males commonly have longer and bigger bones than females and bone ALP contributes significantly to normal serum ALP (Bain, 2003; Stockham and Scott, 2008). The significantly higher serum creatinine level recorded in males when compared to females may also be attributed to the fact that males usually have more muscle mass in comparison to females; skeletal muscles are the source of creatinine (Latimer et al., 2003; Stockham and Scott, 2008). The finding in this present study that age did not significantly influence most of the haematological parameters (except MCHC and eosinophils counts) is in agreement with the reports of Opara et al., (2010) who reported same in West African dwarf goats. This finding however contrasts with the reports of Klinkan and Jezek (2012) who reported increases in RBC count, Hb concentration and WBC counts with a decrease in MCV with advancing age in a study carried out on calves, though their study did not include adults. The findings of a significantly higher serum globulin in adults when compared to the young cattle in this present study is thought to be due to the fact that with age there is greater exposure to antigens which will elicit greater antibody formation as immunoglobulins constitute a large proportion of circulating globulins (Franca et al., 2011). This finding is in agreement with the reports of Franca et al., (2011) in buffaloes but contrasts with the reports of Opara et al., (2010) in West African dwarf goats. 5.1. CONCLUSIONS Among all diseases, disorders and conditions recorded for cattle in this study, fasciolosis ranked topmost as the commonest disease (8.47%), followed by tuberculosis (1.76%), and then pregnancy (1.59%). 144 The disease, disorders and conditions recorded in this study were associated with note worthy haematological and serum biochemical findings which were considered to be of diagnostic importance. The haematology and serum biochemistry findings of the apparently healthy cattle in this study were in most instances comparable to those reported for cattle in available literature, but some of the minimum and maximum values recorded in this present study were different from the upper and lower reference limits reported in available literature. 145 REFERENCE Aarif, O., Ahmed, S., Sheikh, A.A. & Ahmed, N. (2013) Comparison of haematology in various physiological states in Sahiwal Cattle. Indian Journal of Applied Research. 3 (9): 134-135. Abeng, J. N. and Anosa V.O (2005). Serum total proteins and creatinine levels in experimental Gambian trypanosomosis of vervet monkeys. African Journal of Biotechnology. 4 (2):187-190 Abenga, J. N., Sauda, S. A., Idowu, T. B., Lawani, F. A. G. (2002). Effects of acute caprine trypanomosis on haemoglobin, urea and serum electrolytes. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology. 3(1):45-47. Abubakar, U. B., Aneh, J. I., Abdulkadir, I. A., Salisu, I., Okaiyeto, S. O., Kudi, A. C. (2011). Bovine tuberculosis in Nigeria: A review. Veterinary Research. 4(1):2427. Adaikpoh, M. A., Onyeneke, E. C., Eviyamemu, G. E., Asagba, S. O., Nwajei, G. E., Oyeaburu, S. I. (2004). Changes in some serum and haematological indices in magnesium and riboflavin deficiency in rats. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 3(6): 348-352. Adedokun, O. A, Ayinmode, A. B. and Fagbemi, B. O. (2008) A Comparative study of three methods of detecting Fasciola infections in Nigerian cattle. Veterinarski Archiv. 78: 411-416. Adekunle, O. A., Oladele, O. I., Olukaiyeja, T. D. (2002). Indigenous control methods for pests and diseases of cattle in Northen Nigeria. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 14(2) Aengwanich, W., Chantivatikul, A., Pamok, S. (2009). Effects of seasonal variations on Hematological values and health monitor of own bred Beef cattle at slaughter house in north eastern part of Thailand. American – Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci. 5(5):644–48 Ajmone–Marsan, P., Garcia, J. F., Leastra, J. A. (2010). On the Origin of cattle: How aurochs became cattle and colonized the world. Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News and Reviews. 19 (4):148-57 Ajuogu, P. K., Ehine, O. A., Ajayi, F. O. (2011). Comparative study of serum cholesterol status of dermatophilosis resistant and susceptible (healthy and infected) cattle breeds in Von Plateau State Nigeria: New Clues in Sciences .1:84-87. Al-Ani, F. K. (1992). Haematological, serum electrolytes, blood gases and acid-base values of calves with rinderpest. Iraqi. J. vet. Sci. 5:187-196. Allain C. C., Poon L. S., Richmond W and Fu P.U. (1974). Enzymatic determination of the total cholesterol. Clinical Chemistry. 20 : 470-475. 146 Al-Quaraishy, L. O. & Al-Moussawi, A. M.(2011). Effects of Faciola gigantica Infection on some blood physiological and biochemical aspects of infected cows in Babylon governorate. http://www.uobabylon.edu. Accessed 14/3/2013. Alsaad, K.A., Al-Obaidi, Q. T., Hassan, S. D. (2012). Clinical haematological and coagulative studies of bovine viral diarrhea in local Iraqi calves. Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 15(1):44-50. Amin, E. F., Eman, A. A., Nesieen, A. S. & Fagr, A. M. (2011). Field trial for treatment of coccidiosis in goat kids in Sharkia Governorate. Zag. Vet. J. 39(1): 136-143. Amin, S., Khan, M.A., Hashmi, H.A., Rashid, J. & Khan, M.S. (1990) Effects of tuberculosis on certain blood indicies in buffaloes. Pakistan Veterinary Journal. 10: 92-93. Anderson, J., Barret, T., and Scott, G. R. (1996). Manual of Diagnosis of Rinderpest. FAO Animal Health Manual- 1. 2nd ed. Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W., Boyd, H., and Eddy, R. G. (2008). Bovine Medicine : Diseases and Husbandry of Cattle. John Wiley and sons. Page 718. Anosa, V. O. (1988b). Haematological and biochemical changes in human and animal trypanosomosis. Part II. Revue Elevage et de Medicine Veterinaire des Pays Tropicaux. 4(2) : 151-164. Anosa, V. O., Logan-Heafrey, L. L. and Wells, C. W. (1997) The haematology of Trypanosona congolense infection in cattle II. Macrophage structure and function in the bone marrow of Boran cattle. Comparative Haematology. 7 (1): 23-29. Anosa, V.O. (1988a) Haematological and Biochemical changes in human and animal trypanosomosis. Part I. Revue Elevage et de Medicine Veterinaire des Pays Tropicaux. 41 (1): 67-71. Anumol, J., Tresamol, P. V., Vinodkumar, K. and Saseendranath, M. R. (2012). Haematobiochemical alterations in goats infected with coccidiosis. Tamilnadu J. Veterinary & Animal Sciences. 8(3)163-165. Ashwani, K. & Gebrehiwot, T. (2011). Bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia: A review. Ethip. Vet. J. 15(1):15-35. Asl, A. N., Ghasrodashti, A. R., Nazifi , S. (2010). Successful management of a case of downer syndrome in a cross bred cow after 45 days of recumbency. Comparative Clinical Pathology. 19 (3): 241-242. Ate, I.U., Rekwot P.I., Nok, A. J. and Tekdek, L. B. (2009) Haematological values of cows during third trimester of pregnancy and early lactation in settled cattle herds in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Biomedical Research. 12(3) 225-231. AU–IBAR (African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources) (2013). Impact of Livestock Diseases in Africa. http://www.au-ibar.org/. Accessed 3rd April 2013. 147 Ayele, W. Y., Neill, S. D., Zinsstagg, J., Weiss, M. G., Pavlik, I. (2004). Bovine tuberculosis: An old disease but a new threat to Africa. Int. J. Tuberc. Lung. Dis. 8:924-937. Babara, A. B., Courtney, L. R., Valerie, R. M., Eileen, M. S. and Stephanie, A. B. (2010). A typical Dermatophylosis congolensis infection in a three year old pony. J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 22(1):141-143. Bain, P.J. (2003) Liver. In: Latimer, K.S., Mahaffey, E.A., Prasse, K.W. : Duncan & Prasse’s Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology. 4th ed. Ames, Iowa State Press. Pp 193-214. Barger, A. M., (2003): The complete blood cell count: A powerful diagnostic tool. Veterinary Clinics of North America, Small Animal Practice. 33:1207-1222 Barrington, G. M., (ed)(2011). Overview of transport tetany in ruminants. The Merk Veterinary Manual. http// www.merckmanuals.com. Accessed 10th june 2013. Barry, J. D. and McCulloch, R. (2001) Antigenic variation in trypanosomes: enhanced phenotypic variation in a eukorytic parasite. Advances in Parasitology. 49: 1-70. Bashady, M. M., Yassein, S, Lotfy., M. M., El-Bahi, M., Mohamed, A. M. and Dessouky, M. I. (1990) Haematological and serum biochemical profiles in experimental fasciolosis in sheep. Egyptian Journal of Comparative Pathology and Clinical Pathology. 3 (2): 357- 374. Basson, P. A., Pienar, J. C. & Van Der Westhuizen, B. (1970). The pathology of ephemeral fever: A study of the experimental disease in cattle. J. S. Afr. Vet. Med. Assoc. 40: 385-397. Beck M.A. (2001). Selenium deficiency increases the pathology of an influenza virus infection . The Journal of the Federation of American society of Experimental Biology. 15, 1481-1483. Behm, G.A and Sangster, W.C. (1999) Pathology, pathophysiology and clinical aspects. In: Dalton, J.P. (Ed) Fasciolosis. CAB International publishing, wallinaford UK. pp 185-224. Bengaly, Z., Sidibe, I., Ganaba, R., Desquesues, M., Boly, H., Sawadogo, L. (2002). Comparative pathogenicity of three genetically distinct types of Trypanosoma congolense in cattle: Clinical observations and haematological changes. Vet Parasitol. 108(1):1-19. Berry J.G. (2012) . Livestock Diseases: Cause and Control. http://osufacts.okstate.edu. Accessed 17 July 2012. Beyer, W. and Turnbull, P. C. B. (2009) Anthrax in animals: A review. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 30(6): 481-489. Bisalla, M., Ibrahim, N.D.G., Lawal, I.A. & Esievo, K.A.N (2007) Serum total protein, albumin and globulin ratio in Yankassa sheep experimentally infected with 148 Trypanosome congolense and immunomodulated with levamisole. Journal of Protozoology Research.17: 39-43. Blass K.A., Thiebert R.J., and Lam L.K. (1974). A study of the mechanism of Jaffe reaction. Journal of Clinical Chemistry. 12: 336-343. Blezinger, S. L. (2001). Small vitamin imbalances http://www.cattletoday.com. Accessed 15/3/2013. can be critical. Bock, R., Jackson, L., De Vos, A., Jorgensen, W. (2004). Babesiosis of cattle. Cambridge University Press. 129:247-269. Bohnel, H., Schwagerick, B., Gessler, F. (2001). Viceral botulism – A new form of bovine clostridum botulinum toxication. Journal of Veterinary Medicine. Series A. 48:373-383. Boonyayatra, S. (2011). Viral disease in ruminants. http://www.ask.com. Accessed 12/03/2013. Booth, M. G., Hood, J., Brooks, T. J. & Hart, A. (2010) Anthrax infection in drug users. Lancet; 375 (99723):1345-1346. Borsberry, S., (2002). A typical actionbacillosis in a dairy replacement herd. Veterinary Record. 151(10:)308. Borst, P., Rudenko, G., Taylor, M. C., Blundell, P. A., VanLeeuwen, F., Bitter, W., Cross, M. and McCulloch, R. (1996) Antigenic variation intrypanosomes. Archives of Medical Research. 27 (3): 379-388. Bouhroum, N., Bensahli, B., Niar, A. (2012). Evolution of biochemical parameters in post partum cows affected with Brucella in the Wilaya of Relzane. African Journal of Biochemistry. 11(7)1818-1822. Bowland, S. L. & Stephen, P. E. (2000). Bovine respiratory disease: Commercial vaccines currently available in Canada. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 41:33-48. Boyd, J. W. (1984). The interpretation of serum biochemistry test results in domestic animals. Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 13(2):7-14. Braun, U., Feige, K., Schweizer, G., Pospischil, A. (2005). Clinical findings and treatment of 30 cattle with botulism. Veterinary Records. 156:438-441. Brill, J.R. & Baumgardner, D.J. (2000). Normocytic anaemia. Am Fam Physician. 62 (10): 2255–2264. Britt, A. G., Cotton, C. L., Pitman, I. H. & Sinclair, A. M. (1986). Effects of sheep – chewing louse (Damalinia ovis) on the epidermis of Australian Merino. Australian Journal of Biological Sciences. 37:137-143. Brown, C., & Torres, A. (2008) Eds: USAHA Foreign Animal Diseases. 7th ed. Committee of Foreign and Emerging Diseases of the U.S Animal Health Association. Boca Publications Group, Inc. 149 Çetin, N., Bekyürek, T. & Çetin, E. (2009) Effects of Sex, Pregnancy and Season on some Haematological and Biochemical Blood Values in Angora Rabbits. Scand. J. Lab. Anim. Sci. 36( 2): 155-162. Chaudhry, C. S., Muhammad, K., Zafar, Q., Masood, A. (1999). Haematological and biochemical disturbances associated with Toxocara vitulorum infection in buffalo calves. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology. 1(4): 247-249. Cheville N.F (1988) Introduction to Veterinary Pathology. Iowa State University Press, Ames. Choi H.K. (2005). Dairy consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men. Archives of Internal Medicine, 165: 997-1003. Clay J. (2004). World Agriculture and the environment. A Commodity by Commodity Guide to Impacts and Practices . Island Press, Washington D.C. U.S.A. Coetzer, J. A. W., & Tustin, R. C. (2004) Infectious Diseases of livestock. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press. Coles E.H. (1986). Veterinary clinical pathology 4th ed. W. B. Saunders. Philadelphia. Collins, M. T. (2003). Update in paratuberculosis : epidemiology of Johne’s disease and the biology of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Irish Veterinary Journal.56:565574. Colville, J. (2002) Blood chemistry. In: Hendrix, C.M. (Ed), Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. 4th ed. Mosby Inc. Missouri, USA. Pp 75-103. Coskun, A., Derinbay, E. O., Guzelbektes, H., Ayodogbu, U., Sen. I. (2012). Acute phase preoteins, clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters in dairy cattle naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale. Kafkas Univ. Vet. Fak. Derg. 18(3): 497-502. Cox, V. S., (1982). Pathogenesis of the downer cow syndrome. Vet Rec. 111 (44): 76-79. DeeWhitter, W. (2006) Rabies in cattle a continual threat in Virginia. Virginia State University. http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/. Accessed 24/6/2013. Dein F.J. (1986) Haematology. In: Harrison G.J, Harrison L.R (Eds) Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery. Saunders Philadelphia. Dennison, A. C., VanMetre, D. C., Callan, R. J., Dinsmore, P., Mason, G. L., and Ellis, R.P. (2002). Hemorrhagic bowel Syndrome in dairy cattle: 22 cases(1997-2000). JAVMA. 221(5): 686-689. Devos, J., Vassiloglou, B., Amenna-Bernard, N., Marcotty, T. (2013) Paramphistomosis in sheep; natural infection of lambs by Calicophoron daubneyi. Revue Méd. Vét. 164,(11): 528-535. 150 Dhand, N. D., Sandhu, K. S., Singh, J. & Randhawa, S. S. (2003): Outbreak of actinobacillosis in dairy cows. Veterinary Record. 15(9):280. Dickman, D.A., and M.L. Green. (1992). Mycotoxins and reproduction in domestic livestock. J. Anim. Sci. 70. 1615-1627. Dima, G., Monea, L., V.Popescu, I., Stihi, C., Badica, T., Olariu, A. (1999). Pixe analysis of calcium and phosphorous in the downer cow syndrome. International Journal of Pixe. 9(1&2):35-42. Dinkan (2012). Therapeutic uses of cow urine (gomutra). http//dinkan53.hubpages.com. Accessed 14th June 2012. Doumas B. T., Perry B. W., Sasse E. A. and Stramfjord Jr. J. R. (1973). Standardization in bilirubin assays: evaluation of selection methods and stability of bilirubin solutions. Clinical Chemistry. 19: 984-993. Doumas B. T., Watson W. A. and Biggs H.G. (1971) albumin standards in the measurement of serum albumin with bromocresol green. Clinical Chimica Acta. 31: 87-96. Duncan, J. R and Prasse, K. W. (1986) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology, 2nd ed., Iowa State Press, Ames, IA. Pp 44-57, 229-233. Ebert, D. (1998). Evolution – experimental evolution of parasites. Science. 282.14321435. Edward, P. W. (1994). The evolution of infectious disease. Oxford University Press. Oxford. Elwood P.C. (2005). Milk consumption, stroke and heart attack risk: evidence from the caerphilly cohort of older men. Journal of Epidermiology and Community Health, 59: 502-505. Erdurand, E., Makuloglu, M., Mutlu, M. (2010). A rare haematological manifestation of Brucellosis: Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. 43(2): 159-162. Fadiga, M., Jost, C., and Ihedioha, J. (2011). Financial costs of disease burden, morbidity and mortality from priority livestock diseases in Nigeria: Disease burden and cost – benefit analysis of targeted interventions. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Nairobi, Kenya. Flynn A. (2003). The role dietary calcium and health. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 62: 851-858. FMANR (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource) (2009) Geographic data. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource. Enugu. Nigeria. 151 Franca, R. T., Costa, M. M., Martins, D. B., Pagnoncelli, M., Leal, M. L., Mazzanti, C. M., Palma, H. E., Kunert, C. P., Palm, F. C. and Lopes, S. T. D. (2011) Protein profile of buffaloes of different ages. Acta Scientiae Veterinariae. 39 (4): 995. French, M. H. (1934). Variations of serum protein fractions during an attack of rinderpest. Annual Report Department Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. pp 42-48. French, M. H. (1936). Serum protein changes induced by rinderpest virus. J. comp. path. Ther. 49: 118-140. Friend, W. and Chomet, B. (1969) The effect of androgens on erythropoiesis and on the kidney. Annals of Internal Medicine. 70 (5): 1083-1088. Ganheim, C. (2004). Studies on the Acute phase reaction during respiratory infections in calves. Acta Universities Agriculturae Sueciae Veterina. 180: p 25. Garfield, R. V. (1995) Aurochs. ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature). Conserved Bull. Zool. Nomencl. 60: 81-84. Garriz, C. A., Gallinger, M. M., Touraille, C., Steffan, P. E., Fiel, C. A., Ambrustulo, R. R., Bioadani, C. A., Zamorano, M. & Bulman, G. M. (1987). Gastrointestinal parasitium: Its effects on muscle, fat and bone composition of the carcass and orgaroleptic characteristics of meat. In: Proceedings MSD Ag Vet symposium on Gastrointestinal parasitism. August 19, 1987. PP 59-68. Ghanem, M. M., & Abd El – Raof, Y. M. (2005). Clinical and haematobiochemical studies on lamb coccidiosis and changes following amprolium and sulphadimthoxine therapy. Benha Vet. Med. J. 16(2): 286-300. Gibbons J.W. (1963). Diseases of Cattle. American Veterinary Publications, Inc, 2nd ed. United States of America. Gibson, C. M. (2013). Hypophosphatemia. http//www.wikidoc.org/index.php/hypophosphatemia. Accesses 12th june 2013. Gokce, G., Gokce, H. I., Gunes, V., Erdogan, H. M., Citil, M., (2004). Alterations in some haematological and biochemical parameters in cattle suffering from footand-mouth disease. Turk. J. vet. Anim. Sci. 28:723-727. Gracey, F. J & Collins, S. D. (1992). Meat Hygiene. 5th ed. Bailliere Tindall. London. Green, C. E. (1984a). Host–microbe interactions. In: Green C.E (eds): Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of Dogs and Cats. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. Pp 67-94. Green, C. E. (1984b). Antimicrobial resistance of the host. In: Green C. E. (eds): Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of Dogs and Cats. W. B. Saunders Company. Pp 35- 66. Grubb P. (2005) Bos taurus primigenus. In: Wilson D.E and Reeder D.N (eds): Mammal Species of the World: A taxonomic and Geographic Reference, 3rd ed. John Hopkins University press Baltimore, vol. 2. Pp. 2142. 152 Gutierrez – DeLaw, J. H., Warnick, A. C., Carley, J. J. and Hentages, Jr. J. F. (1971). Environmental physiology in the sub-tropics .I. Effects of continuous environmental stress on some hematological values of beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science. 32:969-973. Hamid, M. E. and Musa, M. S. (2009). The treatment of bovine dermatophilosis and its effects on some haematological and blood biochemical parameters. Science and Technical Review of the office International des Epizooties.28(3): 1111-1118. Hammond, J. A. and Sewell, M. M. H. (1990) Diseases caused by helminthes. In: Sewell, M. M. H. and Brocklesdy, D. W. (Eds), Handbook of Animal Diseases in the Tropics. 4th ed. College of Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Edinburgh University. pp 119-123. Hanotte, O., Tawa, C. L., Bradley, D. G., Okano, M., Vergee, Y., Ochieng, J., and Rege, J. E. O. (2000). Geographic distribution and frequency of taurine Bos Taurus and an indicine Bos indicus Y specific allele amongst sub-saharan African cattle breeds. Molecular Ecology. 9(4):387-396. Harr, K.E. (2002). Clinical chemistry of companion avian species – A review. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 31:140-151. Heider, L. C., McClure, J. T., Leger, E. R. (2001). Presumptive diagnosis of Clostridium botulinum type D intoxication in a herd of feedlot cattle. Can. Vet. J. 42:210-212. Heuschele, W. P. & Barber, T. L. (1966). Changes in certain blood components of rinderpest infected cattle. Am. J. vet. Res. 27:1001-1006. Higgins, T., Beutler, E. & Doumas, B.T. (2008a) Measurement of haemoglobin in blood. In: Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. & Bruns, D.E. (Eds). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. 6th ed. Saunders Elsevier, Missouri. Pp 514-515. Higgins, T., Beutler, E. & Doumas, B.T. (2008b) Bilirubin. Analytical MethodologySerum bilirubin. In: Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. & Bruns, D.E. (Eds). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. 6th ed. Saunders Elsevier, Missouri. Pp 524525. Hirst, K. K. (2012). Cattle (Boss spp). http://archeology.about.com. Accessed 12th Feb 2013 Hodgekiss, A. (2013). A stressful job realy can kill you by raising your cholesterol level. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health. assessed 5/2/2014. Hofmann-Lehmann, R., Meli, M. L., Drehver, U. M., Gonczi, E., Deplazes, P., Braun, U., Engels, M., Schupbach, J., Jorger, K., Thoma, R., Groit, C., Stark, K. O. C., Willi, B., Schmidt, J., Kocan, K. M., and Lutz, H. (2004). Concurrent infections with Vector-borne pathogens associated with fatal hemolytic anemia Journal of in a cattle herd in Switzerland. Clinical Microbiology. 42(8):3775-3780. 153 Holmes, P. H, Eisler, M. C. and Geerts, S. (2004). Current Chemotherapy of animal trypanosomosis. In: Maudlin, I., Holmes, P. H. and Miles, M. A. (Eds). The Trpanosomiases, CAB international, Wallingford. pp 413-444 . Holst, H., and Svensson, C. (1994). Changes in blood composition of calves during experimental and natural infections with Eimeria alabamensis. Research in Veterinary Science. 7(3):377-383. Horst, R.L., Goff, J. P., Reinhardt, T. A., and Buxton, D. R. (1999). Strategies for preventing milk fever in dairy cattle. J. Dairy. Sci. 80: 139-141. Huss–Ashmore, R. & Curry, J. J. (1992). Impact of improved livestock disease control on house hold diet and welfare: A story in Uasin Gishu District, Kenya: In: International Laboratory Research for Animal Diseases (ILRAD) Technical Report. No 2: Nairobi, Kenya. Page 97. Hussein, A. H., Mohammed, N. A.– E.– S., & Mohammed, H. K. (2007). Theileriosis and Babesiosis in cattle: Haemogram and some biochemical parameters. ISAH Tartu. Estonia. 143-150. Igbal, U. M. & Sajid, M. S. (2005). Phosphorous deficiency in dairy animals. http://www.achives.dawn.com. Accessed 15/3/2013. Ihedioha, J. I. (2003). Basic Principles of Generals Pathology. Nsukka, Nigeria: AP Express Publishers Limited, Nigeria. Ihedioha, J. I., and Chineme C.N. (2004) Hematopoietic System. In: Fundamentals of Systematic Veterinary Pathology Vol. 1 Great AP Express Publishers Limited, Nigeria, pp 107-160. Ihedioha, J. I., Okafor C., and Ihedioha T.E. (2004). The hematological profile of the Sparague –Dawley outbred albino rats in Nsukka, Nigeria. Animal Research International, 1:125-132. Ihedioha, J. I., Ugwuja, J. I., Noel-Uneke, O. A., Udeani, I. J., & Daniel-Igwe, G. (2012). Reference values for the haematology profile of conventional grade outbred albino mice (Mus musculus) In Nsukka, eastern Nigeria. Animal Research International. 9(2): 1601-1612. Jackson, P.G.G & Cockcroft, P.D. (2002) Clinical examination of farm animals. Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford. Pp 302-305. Jain, N. C. (1993). Essentials of Veterinary Hematology. Lea & Febiger. Philadelphia. PP1- 18 Jain, N. C. (2002). Schlam’s Veterinary Haematology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia. Baltimore. New York, London. Buenos Aires. Hong Kong. Sydney. Tokyo. 154 Javed, M. T., Usman, M., Irfan, M., Cagiola, M. (2006). A study on tuberculosis in buffaloes: Some epidemiological aspects along with haematological and serum protein changes. Veterinarski Arhiv. 76(3):193-206. Jean , D., Fecteau, G., Scott, D., Higgins, R. and Quessy, S. (1995). Clostridium botulinum type C intoxication in feedlot steers being fed ensiled poultry litter. Can. Vet . J. 36: 626-628. Johnson, A.M. (2008) Amino acids and proteins. In: Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. & Bruns, D.E. (Eds). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. 6th ed. Saunders Elsevier, Missouri. Pp 206-316. Kaneko, J. J., Harvey, J. W., Bruss, M. L. (1997). Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. Academic Press, Inc. San Diego, London, Boston, New York, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto. Kennedy, S., Rice, D. A., Davidson, W. B. (1987). Experimental myopathy in Vitamin E and Selenium depleted calves with and without added dietary polysaturated fatty acids as a model for nutritional degenerative myopathy in ruminant cattle. Res. Vet. Sci.43(3):384394. Khan, M. A. (ed) (2005). Calcium deficiency. Merck Veterinary Manual. 9th ed. Merck and Co., Inc. Whitehouse Station. Klinkan, M. and Ježek, J. (2012). Values of Blood Variables in Calves, A Bird's-Eye View of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carlos C. Perez-Marin (Ed.), ISBN: 978-95351-0031-7, InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/a-bird-seye-view-of-veterinary-medicine/values-of-blood-variables-in-calves. Knell, R. J. (2003). Syphilis in renaissance Europe: Rapid evolution of an introduced sexually transmitted disease. The Royal Society. London B (suppl). 271:174-176. Knell, R. J. (2006). Evolution of Virulence: New gene, new disease. Heredity. 97:315. Kommisurd, E., Osteras, O., Voton, T. (2005). Blood Selenium association with health and fertility in Norwegian dairy herds. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. 46(4):229-240. Krimer, P.M. (2011) Generating and interpreating test results: Test validity, quality control, reference values and basic epidermiology. In: Duncan & Prasse’s Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Clinical pathology. 5th Ed (Latimer, K.S. Ed). Wiley-Blackwell, Iowa. Pp 365- 382. Krupakaran, R. P., Porcheziyan, T. and Sivseelan, S. (2009) Biochemical and haematological profile of foot and mouth disease affected crossbred cows in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. Veterinary Practitioner. 10(1):37-38. Krynski S., Kedzia W., and Kaminska M. (1964). Some difference between staphylococci isolated from pus and from healthy carriers. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 114:193-197 155 Kumar, G.S., Lyre, P.K.R., Prassad, M.C. & Sarma, A.K. (1994) Tuberculosis in cattle. Haematological studies. Indian Journal of Veterinary pathology. 38: 20- 42. Kvasnicka, B., and Kysl, L. J. (2010). Grass tetany http//www.iowabeefcentre.org. Accessed 10th june 2013. in beef cattle. Lamb, E.J & Price, C.P. (2008) Creatinine, urea and uric acid. In: Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. & Bruns, D.E. (Eds). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. 6th ed. Saunders Elsevier, Missouri. Pp 363-372. Larson S.C., Bergkvist L., and Wolk A. (2005). High-fat dairy food and conjugated linoleic acid intakes in relations to colorectal cancer incidence in the Swedish mammography cohort. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 82; 894-900. Latimer, K. S. (2012). Duncan and Prasse’s Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology. 5th ed. John Wiley and Sons. Hoboken. Latimer, K. S., Mahaffey, E. A. and Prasse, K. W. (eds.) (2003). Duncan and Prasse’s Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology, 4th ed., Iowa State Press, Ames, IA. Lotfollalizadeh, S., Mohri, M., Ranjbar Bahadari, S.H., Mokhbar Dezfouly, M. R. & Tajik, P. (2008) The relationship between normocytic, hypochromic anaemia and iron concentration together with hepatic enzymes in cattle infected with Fasciola hepatica, Journal of Helminthology. 82 (1) 85-88. Lucey, D. R. (2007). Anthrax. In: Goldman, L., Ausiello, D. (eds). Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Saunders Elsavier. Philadelphia. Lurie, S. (1993) Changes in age distribution of erythrocytes during pregnancy: a longitudinal study. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 36. 141-144. Malone, F. (2004). Clostridial diseases of cattle and sheep. Disease Surveillance and Investigation Branch, Veterinary Science Division, department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Northern Ireland. Manzoor, R.M., Zahoor, A.P., Saleem, I., Javeed, I.A.B., Pal, M.A & Manzoor, A.K. (2008) Haemato-biochemical indicies of crossbred cows during different stages of pregnancy. Interntional Journal of Diary Science. 3(3) 154-159. Marques, S. M. T. and Scroferneker, M. L. (2003) Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle and buffaloes in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Parasitology Latinoam. 58: 167-172. Mashish, M. S. K. (2007). My cow is unable to stand up. Department of Agriculture. South Africa. PP1-6. Matanovic, K., Severin, K., Martinkovic, F., Simpraga, M., Janicki., C. &Barisic, J. (2007) Haematology and serum biochemistry changes in organicaly farmed sheep naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica. Journal of Parasitological Research. 100(6) 1463-1731. 156 Maunsell, F. P. (2007). Mycoplasma bovis infection in dairy calves. University of Florida. U.S.A. PP 40-45. Maurer, F. D., Jones, T.C., Easterday, B., Detray, D. E. (1956). The pathology of rinderpest. Proceedings of the 92nd Annual meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A., 1955.. Chicago, K, U.S.A, American Veterinary Medical association. P. 201-211. Mavenyengwa, M., Mukaratirwa, S., Monrad, J. (2010): Influence of Calicophoron microbothrium amphistomosis on the biochemical and blood cell counts of cattle. J. Helminthol. 2010, 84, 355-361. Mavenyengwa, M., Mukaratirwa, S., Obwolo M. & Monrad, J. (2006).Observations on mass production of Calicophoron microbothrium metacercariae from experimentally and naturally infested Bulinus tropicus. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 73:95–100. McDonald, K. (2011). Thirty cattle breeds described. http://www.bigpictureagriculture /06/thirty-cattle-breeds-described. Html. Accessed 1/2/2013. Miale, J.B. (1982). Laboratory Medicine: Hematology. (6th ed.) The CV Mosby Company, St. Louis. Michel, A. (2011) – Bovine tuberculosis. University of Pretoria. Mirzadeh, K.H., Tabalebaei, S., Bojarpour, M. & Mamoei, M. (2010) Comparative study of haematological parameters according to strain, age, sex, physiological status & season in Iranian cattle. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances. 9 (16) 21232127. Mohan, H. (2010). Text Book of Pathology. 6th ed. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Limited. PP 284-342. Molina, E. C., Gonzao, E. A. and Lumbao, L. A. (2005) Prevalence of infection with Fasciola gigantica and its relationship to carcasse and liver weights, and fluke and egg gounts in slaughter cattle and buffaloes in Southern Mindanao, Philipines. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 37: 215-221. Molina, E.C., Skerratt, L.F. & Campbell, R. (2008) Pathology of fasciolosis in large ruminants. In; Overcoming liver fluke as a constraint to ruminant production in South- East Asia. ACIAR monograph series, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Canaberra, ACT Australia. Pp 94-98. Morris, R. S. & Marsh, W. E. (2013). Relationship between infections, diseases and their economic effects. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). http://www.fao.org. Accessed 3rd April 2013. Muldoon, M. F. Bachen, E. A., Manuck, S. B, Waldstein, S. R., Bricker, P. L and Bennett, J. A. (1992) Acute cholesterol responses to mental stress and change in posture. Archives of Internal Medicine. 152 (4): 775-780. 157 Munene, J. N. (1984). Pathogens and pathology of heartwater (cowdriosis) in sheep and goats. A thesis submitted in part fulfillment for the degree of master of science in veterinary medicine of the university of Nairobi, Kenya. pp 1-8. Nahed, S. T. (2010) Investigation of serum insulin and cotisol concentrations in foot and mouth disease-infected cattle in relation to changes in serum biochemical variables and protein electrophoretic fractionation profile. Global Veterinaria. 4 (5): 450-455. Naser, A. S., Globrial, G., Romero, C., Valentine, J. F. (2004). Culture of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis from the blood of patients with Chron’s disease. The Lancet. 364:1039-1044. Nashiruddullah, N., Darzi, M. M., Kamil, S. A., Mir M. S. and Peer, F. (2004). Comparative efficacy of fine needle aspiration and incicional biopsies in the diagnosis of bovine actinomycosis. Vet. Archive. 74:443-452. Nazifi, S., Rezakhami, A., Kcohimoghadam, M., Ansari – Lavi, M., Esmailnezhad, Z. (2008). Evaluation of serum haptoglobin in clinically healthy cattle and cattle with inflammatory disease in Shiraz, a tropical area in Southern Iran. Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 11(2):95-101. Ndlov, L. (2010). The role of foods of animals origin in human nutrition and health. In : Swane Poel F., Stroebel A., & Mayos (eds) : The Role of Livestock in Developing Communities: Enhancing Muiltifuntionality. UFS and CTA, Bleomfontein South Africa, pp. 77-92. Neame, P. B., Kelton, J. G. and Walker, I. R. (1980) Thrombocytopaenia in septicemia: The role of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Blood. 56: 88-92. Neumann C., Harris D.M., & Rogers L.M. (2002). Contributions of animals source food in improving diet quality and functions in children in the developing world. Nutrition Research, 22:193-220. Nweze, B. O., Ekwe, O. O., Aluka, S. O. and Omeje, S. I. (2012): Productivity of two indigenous Nigerian cattle breeds and their crossbred under range grazing management. World Journal Life Science and Medical Research. 2: 1-7. O’Reilly, C. E., O’Conor, L., Anderson, W. (2004). Surveillance of bulk raw and commercially pasteurized cow milk from approved Irish liquid + milk pasteurization plants to determine the incidence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 70: 5138-5144. O’Reilly, L. M. & Daborn, C. J. (1995). Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in animals and man : A review. Tubercle Lung Dis. 76:1-46. Ochi, T., Nishiura, I., Tatsumi, M., Hirano, Y., Yahagi, K., Sakurai, Y., Sudo. Y., Koyoama, H., Hagita, Y., Fugimoto, Y., Kitamura, S., Hashimoto, M., Nishina, N. (2013) Effects of transport stress on serum alkaline phosphatase activity in beagle dogs. Experimental Animals. 6 (4): 329-332. 158 Ochman, H., Lawrence, J.G & Grolsman, E. A. (2000). Lateral gene transfer and the nature of bacterial innovation. Nature. 405: 299-304. Oetzel, G. and Berger, L. L. (1985) Protein-energy related malnutrition in domestic ruminants. Part 1. Predisposing factors and pathophysiology. Comp. Cont. Educ. Pract. Vet. 7: 672-679. OIE (2009a) Trypanosomosis (TseTse-transmitted). http://www.oieint/internationalstandard-setting/terrestrial-manual. Accessed 12/03/2013. OIE (2009b). Heartwater – cowdriosis. http://www.oie.int/international-standardsetting/terrestrial-manual. Accessed 13/3/2013. Okey, I.C., Egbu, F.M.I., Ubachukwu, P.O., Okafor, F.C. (2013) Biochemical alterations due to bovine fasciolosis. International Journal of Scientific Research. 2 (11): 2277-8179. Olivia, V.M., Cezario, G.A.G., Cocato, R.A. & Marcondes-Machado, J. (2008) Pulmonary tuberculosis: Haematology, serum biochemistry and the relation with the disease duration. J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis. 14 (1): 71-81. Omnia, M. K., Soad, M. N., Somia, A. N., El-Metanawey, T. M., Abo El-Aziz, M. H. N. & Nadia, M. T. A. (2012). Serological and biochemical studies on cattle naturally infected with Taenia Saginata cysticercosis. Global Veterinaria. 9(5):571-579. Omofema O.S. (2007). Nigeria’s Agriculture sector: Opportunities in Nigerians Agriculture sector. http://NigeriaBusinessInfo.com. Accessed July 14th 2012. Opara, M.N., Udevi, N. and Okoli, I.C. (2010) Haematological Parameters And Blood Chemistry Of Apparently Healthy West African Dwarf (Wad) Goats In Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria. New York Science Journal. 3(8) 69-72. Osoagbaka, O.U, Haruna-Rashid, H. and Anokwuru, O.C. (2000) Observation on some haematological parameters of Nigerian women during pregnancy. J. Med. Invest. Practice. 1. 45-48. Otte, M. J., Nugent, R. & McLeod, A. (2004). Transboundry animal disease: Assessment of socio-economic impacts and institutional responses. Food and Agriculture Organization – Livestock Information and Policy Branch, AGAL. Livestock policy discussion paper No 9. PP 7. Ozkan, C., Yildirim, S., Kaya, A. (2011). Clinical coenurosis (Coenurus cerebralis) and associated pathological findings in a calf. Pakistan Veterinary Journal. 31(x): xxx. Ozmen, O., Sahinduran, S., Haligur, M., Serzer, K (2005). Clinicopathologic observations on Coenurus Cerebralis in naturally infected sheep. Schweiz Arch. Tierheilkd. 147(3):129-134. 159 Padilla, S., Bouda, J., Quiroz – Rocha, G. F., Davalos, J. L., and Sanchez, A. (2000). Biochemical and haematological values in venous blood of Captive Red Deer (Cervus elephus) at high attitude. Act Vet. Brno. 69:327-331. Palmer B. (2012) Beef: its what for dinner and detergent, and explosives, and floor wax. What are cows used for besides meat and milk. http://mobile.slate.com/articles/. Accessed April 25th 2012. Parish, S. (2012). Milk fever: calcium and hypocalcemia http://www.probioticsmart.com. Accessed 15/3/2013. in dairy cows. Pavlata, L., Pechova, A., Illek, J. (2001). Muscular dystrophy in dairy cows following a change in housing technology. Acta Vet. Brno. 70: 269–275. Payne, W. J. A. (1990). Cattle husbandry. In: Introduction to Animal Husbandry in the Tropics. 4th edition. Rigman. p 42. Peinado, V. I., Celdran, J. F., Palomeque, J. (1999). Basic hematological values in some wild ruminants in captivity. Comparative Biochemical and Physiology part A. 124:199-203. Peters, D. (2009) Rabies in cattle: Symptoms http://www.helium.com/items. Accessed 27th April 2013. and prevention. Piccione, G., Casella, S., Lutri, L., Vazzana, I., Ferrantelli, V., Caola, G. (2010). Reference values for some haematological, haematochemical and electrophoretic parameters in the Givgentana goat. Turk .J. Vet. Anim. Sci. 34(2):197-204. Porco T.C., ILoyd-Smith J.O., and Galvani A.P. (2005). The effect of treatment on pathogen virulence. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 233: 91-102. Proano-Perez, F., Rigouts, L., Brondt, J., Dorny, P., Ron, J., Chavez, M., Rodriguez. R., Fissette, K., Aerde, A. V., Portaels, F. and Benitez-Ortiz, W. (2006) Preliminary observations on Mycobacterium spp in Dairy cattle in Ecuador. American Journal of Tropical Medicine. 75 (2): 318-323. Qamar, M. F. and Maqbool, A. (2012) Biochemical studies and sero-diagnosis of Haemonchosis in sheep and goats. The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences. 22 (1): 32-38. Radostits, O. M. (1964). Clinical diagnosis of rabies in cattle. Canadian University Journal. 5(4)76-83. Radostits, O. M., Gay, C. C., Blow, D. C., Hinchelifit, K. W. (2002) Veterinary Medicine: A Text Book of Diseases of Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats and Horses. 9th ed. Harcourt Publisher’s Limited. London. Raji M.A., Salami S.O., and Ameh J.A. (2010) Pathological conditions and lesions observed in slaughtered cattle in Zaria abattoir. Journal of Clinical Pathology and Forensic Medicine, 1; 9-12 160 Rao, V.N.A., Radmadas, P. and Dhinakran, M. (1992) a study on the effect of tuberculosis on body weight and haemogram values of cattle. Cheiron. 21: 19-22. Reece, W.O., (1997). Physiology of domestic animals. Williams & Wilkins. New York. Regoes, R. R., Nowak, M. A. & Bonhoeffer, S. (2000). Evolution of virulence in a heterogenous host population. Evolution. 54(1):64-71. Reitman S. and Frankel S. (1957). A colorimetric method for the determination of serum glutamic oxaloacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 28: 56-62. Richardson, E. K. B. & More, S. J. (2009). Direct and indirect effects of Johne’s disease on farm and animal productivity in an Irish dairy herd. Irish Veterinary Journal. 62:526-532. Rifai, N., Waenick, G.R. & Remaley, A.T. (2008) Lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins and other cardiovascular risk factors. In: Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. & Bruns, D.E. (Eds). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. 6th ed. Sounders Elsevier, Misseuri. Pp 402-430. Robert, N.S. & Hadar, I. (1981) Fasciolosis: is the anaemia caused by hematophagia?. The Journal of Parasitology. 67 (6) 886-892. Roper, N. (1999): Erthrocytes. In: Pocket medical dictionary. Churchill Livingstone. Edinburgh, London, Melbourne and New York. 14th ed. PP100. Roubies, N.,Panaisis, N., Fytinou, A., Katsoulos, P. D., Giadinis, N., Karatzias, H. (2006). Effects of age and reproductive stage on certain serum biochemical parameters of Chios sheep under Greek rearing conditions. Journal of Veterinary Medicine .A. Physiol. Pathol.clin.med. 53:277-281 Ruotsalo, K. and Tant, M. S. (2012). Serum biochemistry. http://www.vca hospitals.com/main/pet-health. Accessed 2/2/13. Sahal, M., Altintas, A., Arslan, H. H., Ural, K. and Aksoy, E. (2004) Serum hepatitis associated with administration of tetanus toxin in serum producing horses and therapy. Revue Med. Vet. 155(10):476-482. Samad, M. A., Islam, K. A., Hossain, M. T., Saha, S. (2003). Haemato-biochemical changes and antibiotic sensitivity to Escherichia coli associated with concurrent enteric and septicaemic infection in calves. Bangl. J. Vet. Med. 1(1):39-43. Santos, R. L., Tsolis, R. S., Baumler, A. J., Adams, L. G. (2002). Haematological and serum biochemical changes in Salmonella ser typhimurium -infected calves. Am. J. vet. Res. 63(8):1145-1150. Sarma, K., Saravanan, M., Mandal, D. B., De U. K., Kumar, M. (2012) Influence of natural infection of Toxocara Vitulorum on markers of oxidative stress in Indian buffalo calves. Indian Journal of Animal Science. 82(10). 161 Saror, D. I. and Coles, E. H. (1975). Haematological parameters of zebu cattle under native husbandry practices. J. Nig. Vet. Med. Assoc., 4 (2): 89 – 92. Saror, D.I. (1980) Observation of the course and pathology of Trypanosoma vivax in red Sokoto goats. Research in Veterinary Science. 28: 36-38. Schalm, O. W., Jain, N. C., Carroll, E. J. (1975). Veterinary Hematology. 3rd ed. Lea and Febiger. Philadelphia. Senturk, S. & Cihan, H. (2007). Outbreak of botulism in dairy herd in turkey. Irish Veterinary Journal. 60(8):481-484. Senturk, S., Metcitoglu, Z., Ulgen, M., Borum, E., Temizel, E. and Kasap, S. (2009). Evaluation of serum iron and iron binding capacity of cows with paratuberculosis. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutziere. 379(6):375-378. Shahani, S., Brago-Bosaria, M., Maggio, M. and Bosaria, S. (2009) Androgens and erythropoiesis: past and present. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. 32 (8): 704-716. Shapouri H (2002). The energy balance of corn ethanol: An update. USDFA Agricultural Economics Report 814. Sharifiyazdia, H., Nazifi, S., Nikseresht, K., Shahriari, R. (2012). Evaluation of serum amyloid A and haptoglobin in dairy cows actually infected with brucellosis. Journal of Bacteriology and Parasitology. 3:157. Sheikh, G.N., Qadir, S.G.J., Willayat, M.M. and Gunjan, D. (2006) Biochemical profile of cattle naturally infected with Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica. Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 20 (1) 41-43. Shetter, M., Nalini, T.S., Anjan Kumar, K.R., Ravikumar P., & Azeemulla., H.R. (2011) Haematological and biochemical studies in tuberculine test positive reactors. International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences. 2 (4) 16-22. Shirma, G. M., Kazwala, R. R. and Kambarage, D. M. (2003) Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in different farming systems in the eastern zone of Tanzania. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 57: 167-172. Shitaye, J. E., Tsegaye, W., Pavlik, I. (2007). Bovine tuberculosis infection in animal and human populations in Ethiopia: A review. Vet. Med. 52:317-332. Silvia, D. G., Silva, P. R. L and Fagliari, J. J. (2011) Serum protein concentrations, including acute phase proteins, in calves experimentally infected with Salmonella dublin. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira. 31 (7): 551-554. Singh, K. P., Pavihor, N. S., Charan, K. and Tripatti, B. N. (1993) Haematological and biochemical alterations in hill bulls infected with Clostridium chauvoei. Acta. Vet. Brno. 62:89-94. 162 Sink, S. A. & Feldman, B.F. (2004). Laboratory urinalysis and hematology for the small animal practitioners. Teton New Media. U.S.A Smith, B. P., Habasha, F., Reina-Guerra, M. and Hardy, A. J. (1979) Bovine salmonellosis: experimental production and characterization of the disease in calves, using oral challenge with Salmonella typhimurium. Am J Vet Res. 40(11):1510. Smith, G. W. (2011) Overview of Actinobacillosis. The Merck Veterinary Manual. http://www.merckmanuals.com. Accessed 6/4/2013. Soler, J. J., Moller, A. P. & Soler, M. (1998). Mafia behaviour and evolution of facultative virulence. Journal of Theoretical Biology. 191.267-277. Stockham S.L., and Scott M.A. (2008). Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 2nd ed. Blackwell Publishing, Iowa, U.S.A. Stromberg, P.C. & Guillot, F.S. (1987) Hematology in the Regressive Phase of Bovine Psoroptic Scabies. Vet. Pathol. 24:371-377. Suchandan, S., Rahman, S. M. M., Alim, M. A., Shubhagata, D. (2012) Haematological variations in brucella abortus antibody positive cross-bred cattle at Chittagong, Bangladesh. Yuzuncu Universities Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi. 23:125-128. Sulaiman, E. G., Arslan, S. H., Al–Obaidi, O. T., Daham, E. (2010). Clinical, haematological and biochemical studies of babesiosis in native goats in Mosul. Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 24(1):31-35. Suttle, N. F. (1992). Trace elements disorders. In: Bovine Medicine: Diseases and Husbandry. Andrews A. H, Blowey R. W, Boyd H, Eddy L. G (eds). Blackwell Scientific Publications Limited. Oxford. UK:261-276. Swai , E., Mwezimpya, I., Ulicky, E., Mbaise, A. and Moshy, W. (2013). An abbatoir survey of contagious pleuropneumonea lesions in slaughtered cattle in selected districts in northern Tanzania. African Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 3(4): 303-306. Sykes, A. R., Coop, R. L. & Angus, K. W. (1977). The influence of chronic Ostertagia circumcincta infection on the skeleton of graving sheep. Journal of Comparative Pathology. 87:521-529. Sykes, A. R., Coop, R. L. & Rushton, B. (1980). Chronic subclinical facioliasis in sheep: effects on food intake, food utilization and blood constituents. Research in Veterinary Science. 28:63-70. Taimur, M.J.F.A., Halder, A.K., Chowdhury, S.M.Z.H., Akhter, N, Islam, M.S., Komal, A.H.M. & Islam, K.S. (1993) Haematological studies on cattle exposed to Fasciola gigantica infestation. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Sciences. 6 (2) 301-303. 163 Taiwo, V.O, Olaniyi, M.O. & Ogunsanmi, A.O. (2013) Comparative plasma biochemical changes and succeptibility of erythrocytes to in vitro peroxidation during Trypanosoma congolense and T. brucei infections in sheep. Isreal Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 58(4): 112-117 Takeet, M. I. and Fagbemi, B. O. (2009) Haematological, pathological and plasma biochemical changes in rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosome congolense. Science World Journal. 4 (2): 29-36. Tambi N.E., Maina W.O., and Ndi C. (2006). An estimation of the economic impact of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in Africa. Science and Technical Review of the Office International des Epizooties, 3: 999-1012. Tambuwal, F.M., Agale, B.M. & Bangana, A. (2002) Haematological and serum biochemical values of apparently healthy red sokoto goats. Proceedings of 27th annual conference. Nigerian Society of Animal Production (NSAP). March, 1721, 2002.FUTA, Akure, Nigeria. Pp 50-52. Tashiro M., Reinacher M., and Rott R. (1987). Aggravation of pathogenicity of an avian influenza virus by adaption to quails. Archives of Virology, 93: 81-95. Tawa, C. L., Rege, J. E. O. (1996). White fulani cattle of west and central Africa. Animal Genetic Resources Information Bulletin. 17:137–158. Teleb, D.F., Soliman, E.K. & Abd El-Khalek, T.M.M. (2007) Effects of fasciolosis on haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological changes in sheep. Egyptian Journal of sheep and Goat Sciences. 2(2) 15-34. Ternout, J. H. (1990). Phosphorous and beef cattle production in northern Australia. Tropical Grasslands. 24:159-169. Thiriam-Delalande, C., Guillot, J., Jensen, H. E., Crespeau, F. L. & Bernex, F. (2005). Disseminated acute Concomitant Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis in a pony. J. vet. Med. A(52):121-24. Thrall, M.A. and Weiser, M.G. (2002) Haematology. In: Hendrix, C.M. (Ed), Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. 4th ed. Mosby Inc. Missouri, USA. Pp 2974. Todar K. (2009). The mechanism of bacterial pathogenicity. University of WinscosinMadison. Department of bacteriology. The microbial world. http//testbookofbacteriology.net/themicrobialworld/pathogensis.html. Accessed 14th June, 2012. Toft A.C. and Karter J.A. (1990). Parasite- Host Co-evolution. Free, 5, no. 10 Tyson C.A. and Sawhney D.S. (1985) Organ Function Tests in Toxicology Evaluation. Noyes Publications, New Jersey, USA. Uilenberg G. (1998). A field guide for the diagnosis treatment and prevention of African animal trypanosomosis. FAO Rome. pp158. 164 Underwood, E. J., and Shuttle, N. F. (1999). The mineral nutrition of livestock. 3rd ed. CABI, Wallingford. USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) (2002) USDA Nutrient Data base for standard reference, Release 15. Nutrient Data Laboratory Homepage http://www.nal.usda.gov/fanic /goodcomp. Retrieved 17th July 2012. Useh, N. M., Nok, A. J., Ibrahim, N. D. C., Adamu, S., Esiero, K. A. N. (2010). Leukocyte response in Zebu cattle experimentally infected with Clostridium chauvoei. Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 13(3)169-178. Useh, N. M., Nok, A. J., Ibrahim, N. D. G., Adamu, S., Esiero, K. A. N. (2008). Haematological and some novel serum biochemical findings in Zebu cattle with black leg. Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 11(3)205-211. Valerio, M.A., Girones, N., Garcia-Bodelan, M.A., Periago, M.V., Chico-calero, I., Khoubbane, M., Fresino, M. & Mas-Coma, S. (2008) Anaemia in advanced chronic fasciolosis. Acta Tropica. 108 (1) 35-43. Vanhamme, L., Pays, E., McCulloch, R. and Barry, J. D (2001) An update on antigenic variation in African trypanosomes. Trends in Parasitology. 17 (7): 338-343. Varello, K., Bezzolato, M., Mascarino, D., Ingravalle, E., Caramelli, M. and Bozzetta, E. (2008). Comparism in histologic techniques for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in the frame work of eradication programmes. J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 20:164-169. Wadsworth A.B., Kirkbride M.B. (1918) A Study of the Changes in Virulence of the Pneumococcus at Different Periods of growth and under different conditions of cultivation in media. Division of Laboratories and Research of the New York State Department of Health, Abbany. Wikipedia (2012). Cattle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cattle. Accessed on 23rd June 2012. Woodward S. (2012). One cow, hundreds, of use. http://www.oregonlive.com/nes/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/frantpage/1073135194312870.Xml. Accessed on 23rd of June 2012. Zemel M.B. (2005). Effects of calcium and dairy on body composition and weight loss in African-American adults. Obesity Research 13:1218-1225 Zulfiqar, S., Schahnawaz, S., Ali, M., Bhutta Mahmood, A., Iqbal, S., Hayats, S., Qadir, S., Latif, M., Kiran, N., Saeed, A., Ali, M., Iqbal, F. (2012). Detection of Babersia bovis in blood samples and its effects on the haematological and serum biochemical profile in large ruminants from Southern Punjab. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2(2):104-108. 165