MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Fungal Pathogens Prevalence in Avian Species: Regional and Species-specific Variations

Abrar Mohi Ud Din — 2024-12-31

Fungal pathogens are opportunistic, causing infections in caged and free-living birds with hypo-immunity. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of fungal infections in avian species living in free and caged environments. Methods: The samples (n=600) were obtained using the simple random sampling technique (to ensure unbiased selection) from free-living and cage birds of Sindh Province and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, Czapek dox agar and Potato dextrose agar and biochemical profiles. The cultures were subjected to biochemical profiles including cyclo-hexamine resistance, casein hydrolysis, fatty acid esterase activity and cellulose hydrolase activity. Results: Results showed that 4.16% of the samples were positive for the fungal species. Four fungal species including Aspergillus fumigatus (40.00%), Candida albicans (28.00%) Cryptococcus neoformans (24.00%) and Macrorhabdus ornithogaster (8.00%) were detected in the avian species. Significant (p<0.05) difference in fungal infection observed in free-living and cage birds. Conclusions: It was concluded that the fungal pathogens were detected in free-living and caged bird samples obtained from Sindh and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The variation in infection rates among bird types and locations impacts living and environmental conditions on fungal susceptibility. It offers significant insights into fungal infections in birds and contributes to developing infection management and environmental well-being strategies.

Comparative Study of Herbal Feed Additives on Growth Performance and Haematology in Female Dairy Calves

Fatima Jabeen — 2024-12-31

Herbal feed additives, including turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic (Allium sativum), and ginger (Zingiber officinale), are increasingly explored for their potential to enhance livestock performance. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Allium sativum (Garlic) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) powder on the growth performance and hematological values of cross-bred female cow calves. Methods: Fifty calves were divided into ten groups: one control and nine experimental groups. The experimental groups were fed with standard rations and different concentrations of feed additives, i.e. 0.5 %, 1% and 1.5% of calf starter for sixteen weeks. An automated haematology analyzer was used to carry out haematological studies. Results: This study revealed a significant increase in weight gain along with PLT counts by the calves fed with Allium sativum (Garlic) powder at varying concentrations of 1.5 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 % calf starter, respectively. Haematological analysis showed substantial improvement in RBCs/WBCs/PLT counts and Hb/HCT levels in calves receiving 1.5% Curcuma longa (Turmeric) powder. No significant increase in growth rate was observed in any group fed with Zingiber officinale (Ginger) as a feed additive. Conclusions: On the basis of findings of this study, the use of 1.5 % Allium sativum (Garlic) as feed additive along with standard diet for increased weight gain in dairy calves is recommended. The addition of 1.5 % Curcuma longa (Turmeric) as feed additive in the diets of dairy calves also leads to increased count of RBCs, Hb, HCT, PLT and WBC’s values resulting into better immunity and resistance.

Investigation of Zoonotic Cestode (Hymenolepididae: Cyclophyllidea) from Rodents in Suburban Hyderabad: Prevalence and Public Health Risk

Maree Rajper — 2024-12-31

The Rats and mice are well-known vectors of ecto and endo parasites and have zoonotic and veterinary importance. Objectives: To study two Hymenolepididae species in sub-urban rodents: Rattus rattus and Mus musculus and to analyse the elements contributing to their occurrence in the environment and causing sanitary risks and to evaluate the prevalence, mean, and abundance. Methods: 40 samples were collected including 21 rats and 19 mice captured from sub-urban areas of Hyderabad. Prevalence means and abundance was recorded with the help of Quantitative Parasitology-version 3.0. Morphological characters were studied using line diagrams and photographs of this cestode. Identification of cestode was done with key books and recent research papers. Results: Morphological analysis of hosts i-e Rattus rattus and Mus. musculus revealed that two cestode species (Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana) were found in the sub-urban localities of the Hyderabad district. These localities are mostly under development, lack freshwater facilities, and have sanitary risks. This cestode is found in the small intestine. Morphometric studies were conducted on both species: H. nana and H. diminuta. Statistical value: Prevalence, mean, abundance, and mean intensity were calculated, also observed host species correlation with sex, localities, and season. Conclusions: It was concluded that cestode parasites have public health importance. Studies provide valuable data to local and provincial organizations and also help in the diagnosis of zoonotic diseases. This study also provides references to minimize the rodent population, especially in suburban areas where the sewage system is poor and zoonotic diseases are common.

Proximate Composition of Rita rita from Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Saif ur Rehman — 2024-12-31

Fish and fish products are considered essential in the human diet due to their high nutritional content, particularly protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to help maintain good health and prevent cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurological conditions. Objective: To evaluate the proximate Rita rita body composition of the freshwater catfish Rita rita from Pakistan. Methods: Fifty samples of were collected from River Chenab Head Muhammad wala, Multan, Punjab and their proximate body composition was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while independent t-tests and correlation analyses were performed to evaluate relationships among morphometric parameters and body constituents. Results: Results showed that the fish contained 77.62 ± 3.47% water, 0.73 ± 0.19% ash (wet weight), 0.87 ± 0.19% fat (wet weight), and 20.78 ± 3.32% protein (wet weight). Correlation analysis revealed that water content was highly significantly correlated with protein (r=0.996), organic content (r=0.999), and ash (r=0.339), while body weight showed significant correlations with most body constituents, including fat (r=0.808) and protein (r=0.628). Conclusions: It is concluded that fish collected from the studied sampling site comprises good nutritional quality, especially in respect to fats and protein content, and hence highly recommended for consumption. Findings of the research work will be important for consumers to select proteinaceous fish and useful for nutritionists and ichthyologists working on the fish quality meat.

The Role of Zoos in Biodiversity Conservation

Naz Fatima — 2024-12-31

The term zoo refers to a variety of institutions that house wild or exotic animals. Zoos can develop effective conservation strategies for endangered species, conduct scientific study to improve animal husbandry, impacts of the living collection, and employ educational initiatives to promote human interaction, development, and behavioral change due to their wide global reach. The commitment to biodiversity conservation guides day-to-day operations at zoos globally

Zoos, as organizations mostly deal with different aspects of conservation like practice, research and advocacy. Conservation practices include species reintroduction initiatives, captive breeding, species survival strategies, and the utilization of zoo revenue for conservation programs in the wild. Zoos offer captive breeding programs for endangered species to regulate genetic diversity and maintain their population. The key aspect in conservation is advocacy which contributes to public engagement, supports stewardship, raises awareness and initiates fundraising programs, ultimately leading to protective environment for all kinds of species.

Zoos provide knowledge on animal conservation, care, and confinement by conducting research and developing methodologies in wildlife biology, animal behavior, health, and welfare.They also promote educational and research initiatives in collaboration with scientists interested in animal conservation and preservation and ecological diversity. They inspire visitors to develop a relationship with wildlife by allowing them to observe live animals. Public engagement can ensure public awareness by communicating importance of biodiversity and advocates wildlife conservation

Zoos serve an important role in restoring population of threatened and endangered species, protecting their habitats, maintaining genetic diversity, and developing new strategies for species conservation. Animal breeding programs and reintroduction to the wild or natural habitat help preserving rare and endangered species. Every zoo accredited by AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), partners with conservation organizations for collaborative research efforts towards species extinction.

Biodiversity conservation is a complex target that involves the participation of various stakeholders. Herein, zoos collaborate with government and non- government institutes and other researchers in various projects. The future of modern zoos will be determined by their ability to meet sustainable societal and environmental standards. Their goals should emphasize conservation by focusing on scientific research. However, some zoos have been criticized for prioritizing entertainment over animal welfare, while others argue that keeping animals captive is unethical. Despite these challenges, zoos continue to play an important role in the management, health, welfare and conservation of biodiversity.