MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Interlinking Domestication History, Behavioral Ecology, and Emerging Market Dynamics of Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Shahzana Zerishk — 2026-03-31

Within the urban setting of South Asia, especially in Pakistan, guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are becoming a new household pet, but very little is known about their ecology and the new market. Objectives: To synthesize existing literature on guinea pig domestication and behavior and explore its convergence with emerging market dynamics in Karachi, Pakistan, using a socio-zoological review framework. Methods: A narrative analysis of historical and contemporary literature was integrated with preliminary, non-invasive behavioral observations of a small multi-generational captive cohort (n=30) and qualitative insights from local breeders and vendors. Observational data were used solely to generate descriptive behavioral patterns within a controlled setting. Results: The findings demonstrate how the developed domestication pathways and adaptations of behavior occur in an unfamiliar urban South Asian setting. The captive cohort exhibited stable social hierarchies, reproductive behaviors, and patterns of habituation. The market intelligence indicates that there will be an increasing demand based on the ownership of companions, which are based on initial thematic trends and not the market findings of the city. Conclusions: This combined evaluation explains the socio-economic and ethological background of guinea pigs in Pakistan and gives a basis for future specific behavioral and market studies. Noted intergenerational behavioral differences are explained as an acquired or familiar pattern among a closed group, and no assertions of genetic inheritance or generalization to a larger market.

Prevalence and Taxonomic Identification of Tick Species Infesting Goats and the Influence of Abiotic Factors on Host Parasite Interactions in District Sanghar, Pakistan

Rafique Ahmed Khan — 2026-03-31

Goats are an important livestock component of the agricultural sector globally. Ticks are the most significant ectoparasites of domesticated animals in tropical and subtropical regions that affect public health, animal health, decrease weight gain, milk production, and livestock economy. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tick infestation, taxonomic identification, and to observe the impact of abiotic factors on the host-parasite relationship. Results: The highest prevalence was recorded in the Bar Khan Jatoi (66.67%), and the lowest was in Jhool (33.33%). The infestation rate was higher in females as compared to males, with 50.98% and 32.11%, respectively. The prevalence percentage in < 6 Months, 6 to 24 Months, and C >24 Months was 42.22, 46.57, and 43.13%, respectively. Goats reared in cottage-type housing showed higher infestation (55.71%) than those in open housing (30.00%). The lowest prevalence was in December with 29.33%, and the highest was in March, 60.67%. The humidity in January was 50%, and 52% tick infestation and in the month of March, by 20%, and the tick infestation by 32%. The prevalence percentage of Hyalomma tick infestation was higher, while Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma were recorded as 43.00%, 29.50%, and 27.50%, respectively. Conclusion: The highest prevalence was recorded in the Bag Khan Jatoi, while Hyalomma, Amblyomma, and Rhipicephalus were prevalent. Young animals reared in cottage-type housing in March, as compared to December, were most susceptible to the burden of tick infestation.

Expression of Cytochrome P450 Pathway Genes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 in the Liver and Pancreas of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Neelam Iqbal — 2026-03-31

Diabetes mellitus disrupts metabolism and can alter hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, including CYP450 isoforms. Medicinal plants like Eucalyptus globulus and Psidium guajava exhibit antihyperglycemic effects, but their impact on CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 expression in diabetes is not well understood. Objectives: To evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of Eucalyptus globulus and Psidium guajava extracts and to investigate the expression of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 genes in the liver and pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: This controlled experimental laboratory animal study was conducted on 36 male albino rats divided into six groups (n=6). Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ)–nicotinamide. Diabetic groups were treated with stem and leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus and Psidium guajava for 15 days. Blood glucose levels were monitored using a glucometer. Expression of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 in liver and pancreatic tissues was analyzed by RT-PCR, and histopathological examination was performed. Results: STZ administration significantly elevated blood glucose levels compared to controls, confirming successful induction of diabetes. Treatment with plant extracts, particularly Eucalyptus globulus stem extract, significantly reduced hyperglycemia. In liver tissue, CYP3A4 expression was downregulated in diabetic rats, while CYP2D6 expression was upregulated. Plant treatment tended to restore expression levels toward normal. In pancreatic tissue, *Cyp3a1/2* and Cyp2d expression were not detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR under the present experimental conditions. Conclusions: STZ-induced diabetes alters hepatic CYP450 gene expression, potentially affecting drug metabolism. Eucalyptus globulus, particularly the stem extract, demonstrated notable antihyperglycemic activity and partially normalized hepatic CYP expression.

Identification and Estimation of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk Powder, Pasteurized Milk, and Raw Milk from the Local Market Lahore by ELISA

Muhammad Khalid Saeed — 2026-03-31

Because milk has a great nutritional content and can be utilized to make functional dairy products, it is regarded as the ideal natural food for consumers of all ages. It does, however, carry the greatest danger of contaminating human diets with aflatoxin M1. The primary oxidized metabolite of the carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 is aflatoxin M1. It may be caused by feed carry-over contamination and is present in milk and other dairy products. Objectives: To measure the amount of aflatoxin M1 in samples of raw and branded milk that were obtained from the Lahore local market. Methods: Due to its excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and user-friendliness, the ELISA approach was used to measure aflatoxin M1 in milk for regulatory compliance. Results: The results of the investigation showed that AFM1 was found in seven out of ten samples of raw milk, two out of five samples of pasteurized liquid milk, and three out of five samples of brands of milk powder. Aflatoxin levels in positive samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.35 parts per billion. Additionally, validated, the ELISA kits demonstrated high recovery rates and comparable performance. Additionally, it was discovered that the Limit of Detection (LOD=0.01 ppb) levels were substantially lower than the Maximum Residue Limit (0.5ppb). Conclusion: From these results, it was concluded that the majority of milk samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin M1.

Survival and Behavioral Outcomes of African Lion (Panthera leo) Cubs Raised Under Three Management Conditions

Aneeb Ullah — 2026-03-31

Understanding the effects of early-life rearing environments on survival and behavior is important for improving the welfare and management of captive and wild carnivores. Objectives: To compare the survival and behavioural development of African lion (Panthera leo) cubs raised under three rearing conditions to test how early-life management influences neonatal survival and welfare. Methods: This was a descriptive cohort study that monitored the litters of free-ranging area (Group A, n=7), maternal rearing under controlled zoo management (Group B, n= 5), and hand-reared (Group C, n=7) in Safari Zoo, Lahore, during 2022-2024. The measured outcomes were the survival rate of cubs up to 90 days of age, reasons for death (if any), the observation of aggression, play, and allogrooming, and health-related interventions, including illnesses and veterinary treatments. Veterinary examinations recorded health, and targeted animal sampling was used to gather behavioural data. There was no formal hypothesis testing, and the analysis was descriptive (counts, percentages, and rates). Results: Group A had a 3/7 (42.9%) survival rate to 90 days, whereas Groups B (5/5) and C (7/7) had a 100% survival rate. Different groups of Cubs raised in the wild showed differing degrees of aggressiveness, but behavioural results were not statistically analyzed. Early respiratory and gastrointestinal problems in hand-reared cubs were addressed by veterinary treatment, ensuring their complete survival. Conclusions: Several co-occurring factors, including veterinary care, diet, cleanliness, and environmental management, may contribute to the improved survival seen in managed groups, making it challenging to determine the impact of any one aspect.

CRISPR and Functional Genomics in Transforming the Future of Zoology

Naz Fatima — 2026-01-31

Genome editing has offered a precise approach by using CRISPR methodology in animal models such as zebra fish, fruit flies, mice, rats, and non-human primate models used in research. CRISPR has revolutionized the future of zoology by manipulating genes to improve animal models used in laboratory experiments, safeguarding fauna, and unraveling the mysteries of animal life. This method utilizes Cas-9 enzyme to cleave DNA, guided by single guide RNA to target specific DNA sequence, and plasmid, using techniques of electroporation and lentiviral delivery to edit genome of animal models by knocking out or knocking in genes of interest, base editing for precise engineering, protein tagging, and genome wide screens to create mutation libraries for phenotypic studies. Cas-9 enzyme can also be modified as dCas-9 where catalytic activity of Cas-9 enzyme is dead, and it binds to specific DNA sequence without cleaving DNA for gene activation (CRISPRa), interference (CRISPRi), and epigenetic studies.

The CRISPR Cas-9 system has improved the ability of researchers to edit multiple genes and gene elements of animal models including Drosophila. This system has offered new ways to study genetics of wing patterns in butterflies, social behavior of insects, and migration [1,2]. It has allowed researchers to understand gene function for limb regeneration studies, and sensory networks of camouflage in corals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish [3,4]. CRISPR screens have helped researchers in developing venom antidotes to reduce the burden of snake bites. CRISPR also provides an efficient way to protect biodiversity by improving genes for animal thermal tolerance, gene editing of critically endangered species by correcting harmful mutations, using knock in and knock out studies to improve genome of animals hard to breed, targeting specific genes for pest control, and creating disease resistant livestock to improve animal health and welfare [5].

Using CRISPR can help combat global warming, ocean warming, and manipulate specific genes/alleles in aquatic animals to tolerate heavy metal pollution. Zoologists can use CRISPR system to study behavioral genetics to improve courtship behavior and parental care of animals. This technology might help wildlife zoologists and paleontologists understand habitat and de-extinction by precise gene and base editing. Similarly, evolutionary studies of animals can be improved using CRISPR dcas-9 system, as it does not alter DNA sequence and can be used to understand ancestral dating, circadian rhythm, oxygen and temperature regulation.

Now the tools like CRISPR are spilling over; zoologists can shift the research by balancing scientific curiosity and transparency within ethical concerns and policies. Genome editing used responsibly can shape the future of animal models used in research, animal diversity, evolution, conservation, wildlife, and give a new direction to zoological research.