MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Abortifacient Diseases in Bovine: A Comprehensive Review

Sajad Ali Laghari — 2025-03-31

Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihoods of rural communities in developing countries including Pakistan, serving as a major source of income, nutrition, and social capital. The dependency on livestock has multifaceted implications for rural livelihoods and development. On one hand, it provides a source of income stability, particularly for smallholder farmers, landless laborers, and marginalized communities. Livestock also contributes to food security through the provision of milk, meat, and other animal products. There are several problems in the livestock industry one of them is abortifacient diseases that are responsible for pregnancy loss in bovine. Abortifacient diseases pose significant challenges to livestock production worldwide, resulting in substantial economic losses, decreased productivity, and threats to food security. This review provides an overview of the role of infectious diseases responsible for pregnancy loss in livestock specifically bovines, highlighting key pathogens, and modes of transmission. The impact of abortifacient diseases on cattle production extends beyond direct morbidity and mortality. These diseases disrupt reproductive performance, reduce fertility rates, decrease growth rates and impair feed conversion efficiency. In this review, common infectious diseases are described which are responsible for abortion in bovine, and their possible transmission, diagnosis and treatment are described.

Global Antimicrobial Resistance: Strategies and Challenges

Sajad Ali Laghari — 2025-03-31

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical health challenge worldwide, that arises when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial medications, making diseases more challenging to treat. The enzymatic breakdown of antibiotics, modifications to target locations, elevated efflux pumps, and changes in cell membrane permeability are some of the processes behind AMR. A key factor behind the development and transmission of AMR has been the unregulated use of livestock feed for preventive purposes. Rapid global expansion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is posing a hidden pandemic risk to public health and demanding immediate action. The misuse and unnecessary overreliance on antibiotics in human medicine is one of the many contributing factors of AMR, veterinary practices, and agriculture, as well as inadequate infection prevention strategies, lack of diagnostic tools, and inadequate sanitation. Preventive measures against AMR involve promoting the rational use of antibiotics through antimicrobial stewardship, improving infection control practices, advancing rapid diagnostic technologies, reducing antibiotic use in food production, and increasing public awareness. Efforts must also focus on global collaboration to monitor resistance trends, enhance regulatory frameworks, and invest in research to develop novel antimicrobial agents and alternative therapies. Addressing AMR requires an interdisciplinary and coordinated approach to safeguard the efficacy of current antimicrobial treatments and reduce the occurrence of resistance.

Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.) as a Substituent of Protein Source for Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Mini Review

Marij Sajjad Khan — 2025-03-31

Development of aquaculture and fisheries depend on the availability of sustainable feed sources. Using insects is one new option that is gaining popularity. The high protein content, rapid growth and little environmental impact of yellow mealworms have made them an appealing solution. Mealworms contain a substantial protein content (47-64%), essential amino acids, energy-dense lipids, and vital micronutrients, making them a viable substitute for traditional protein sources in fisheries and aquaculture. Historically consumed in various cultures, Mealworms have gained attention for their economic and nutritional value. In aquaculture, they enhance fish growth, feed efficiency, and overall health. Studies have shown that incorporating mealworm meal into fish diets improves immune functions, growth performance, and liver health, although excessive inclusion may have adverse effects. The nutritional content of mealworms can be optimized by adjusting rearing conditions, diet, and developmental stage. The European Union's approval of mealworms for human consumption further validates their safety and potential as a sustainable protein source. This review emphasizes the nutritional benefits of mealworms as a substitute for fishmeal, addressing protein shortages and environmental concerns associated with traditional feed production. By integrating mealworms into aquaculture, we can significantly improve sustainability, economic efficiency, and global food security.

Prevalence and Diversity of Ovine Gastrointestinal Parasites in the District Lower Dir

Razimand Khan — 2025-03-31

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a key challenge to sheep production globally, These parasites result in weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, and higher production costs. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in ovine of district lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methods: A fecal sample was taken at random from the rectum of sheep (Ovis aries) using gloved fingers. The faecal components were then placed in sterile plastic bottles containing 10% formalin. A total number of 584 faecal samples of sheep were collected and then analyzed for the presence of parasites. Among them, 219 sheep were male, and 365 were female. Results: The Overall prevalence rate was 89.04%. Most commonly, parasites were Haemonchus spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Fasciola hepaticas spp., and Moniezia spp., which were 43.27, 28.57, 15.59, 3.6, and 1.7% prevalences, respectively. Based on sex, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the overall incidence of gastrointestinal parasites between male (33.39%) and female (55.65%) sheep. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in adult sheep was higher (69.18%) than in young sheep (19.86%). The highest infection was observed in the Balkhi breed (38.7%) and the Damani breed (32.53%) in comparison to the Lokhi breed (18.32%) (p<0.05). In contrast, in the tehsil-wise comparison, the maximum number of gastrointestinal parasites prevalence (17.46%) was recorded in tehsil Samar Bagh, followed by tehsil Munda 15.23%, Lal Qila 13.01%, Balambat 9.1%, and tehsil Khall 8.4%. Conclusions: It was concluded that parasitic spp, sex, age, breed, and different tehsils are vital factors that affect the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites.

Zoological Research and its Role in Shaping Business Innovation

Khurram Mehboob — 2025-03-31

Zoological research drives progress in developing new business ideas. Business managers and zoological researchers lead to new biological discoveries that benefit different industries because they develop new medical technology, such as agriculture practices, robotic systems, and energy technologies. Combining animal studies with business operations leads to different types of positive outcomes. Businesses gain better knowledge of complex biological systems to make decisions that improve resource use and product development and promote sustainable business operations.

Modern business leaders recognize the scientific breakthrough from zoological study as it produces robotic machines that help farming and produces energy breakthroughs. It has grown into a real business movement that leads companies in sustainability and innovation to make lasting strategic changes. Our society studies how nature handles problems when trying to solve human issues.

Biomimicry is the practice of learning nature's strategies to solve human challenges. Moreover, zoological research can play a critical role in driving sustainable innovation. As companies seek to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their social responsibility, nature provides a wealth of inspiration. Biomimicry can help develop more efficient resource use, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain

Our approach to human problem-solving focuses on studying how nature performs these tasks. Biomimicry can help develop more efficient resource use, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain.

Humans took inspiration for Velcro by observing how burrs cling to animal fur and used robotic factories that act based on animal locomotion patterns. All companies follow normal business procedures that include applying zoological sciences.

The technology that promotes vaccine creation is drawn from research on animal defense systems. The behavior of animals helps robotic engineers design drones and autonomous vehicle systems that assist with monitoring and cargo transport activities. Modern power technologies take flight inspiration from birds, and scientists use animal migration behavior to create their essential climate model for sustainability.

As we look to the future, Zoology remains fundamental to creating new business ideas that enhance commercial success. Through natural intelligence, companies can discover better ways to grow, protect our environment, and successfully reach their business targets.

In conclusion, the connection between zoological science and business development will help industries grow and create a sustainable future for every person. Our success depends on using nature's limitless power to reach breakthroughs in industry development.