MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Comparative Study on the Production, Performance and Various Eggs Characteristic of Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock Poultry Breeds

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A comparative study was conducted at Arain Farm in Nasarpur, Sindh during to January 2024 to March 2024. Objective: To assess the production performance and egg quality of Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red chickens. Methods: A total of 105 birds (50 females and 5 males per breed) were selected for the study. The birds were divided into 10 groups, with 5 groups per breed. The chickens were fed layer feed L5, and various parameters including feed conversion ratio, egg weight, egg production, and egg quality characteristics were measured. Results: The results revealed that Rhode Island Red chickens showed higher egg weight and production, as well as more efficient feed utilization per kilogram of egg weight and per dozen eggs compared to Plymouth Rock chickens. Rhode Island Red chickens also exhibited higher values for yolk weight, shell weight, albumin weight, breaking strength, yolk index, and shell thickness. Haugh unit values did not differ significantly between the two breeds. Conclusions: Rhode Island Red chickens demonstrated superior production performance and egg quality characteristics in the Nasarpur region of Sindh.

Effects of Inbreeding on Survival of Captive Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Lahore Zoo

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The risk of inbreeding within captive tiger populations is a fundamental problem in conservation of wildlife. Objective: To determined high levels of inbreeding can result in reduced genetic variation, low reproductive performance, increased cub mortality and reduced immune competence. Lahore Zoological Gardens famous for its tiger exhibits. The current study has been palnned to understand the inbreeding in Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) at Lahore due to the production of offspring among similar individuals of the same families without change in blood line. Stillbirths and rickets are an inbreeding issue for tigers at Lahore Zoo. Methods: The issue of inbreeding was highlighted in 2008. From 2008 to 2020, repeated cases of inbreeding have occurred. Results: Among the 19 new-born cubs, 9 were male and 10 were female. The normal birth rate for cubs was 63% and stillbirth was 37%. The percentage of white-colored cubs was 72%. The newborn tigers suffered from various conditions such as autolysis, squint eyes, blue eyes, white color, malformation, and infection. Because of this, tiger breeding was banned in 2010. In 2018 and 2022 new tigers was imported to replace the blood line. A pair of them produced four cubs, all of which died at the age of 11 weeks. Conclusions: Based on this, it was recommended that the genetic analysis of the existing tigers at Lahore Zoo and at different captive sites in the province be performed. Apart from that, revision of the collection plan, blood line change and artificial insemination are also recommended

Avian Flu: A Looming Threat to Global Health Security

Muhammad Farhan Qadir — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Avian influenza A (H5N1), a highly pathogenic virus, known as bird flu is emerging as a serious global health security risk. Avian flu subtypes H5N1 and H7N9 circulate in bird populations worldwide with high genomic diversity and the ability to reconstruct with the human influenza virus to introduce new strains capable of zoonotic (human-to-human) transmission. Influenza virus evolves and develops new pathogenic strains very rapidly. Around 50 million people died due to the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic caused by an H1N1 influenza virus [1]. In addition to the H1N1 pandemic (Swine flu) in 2009, there have been a few other human AIV pandemics in the past decades: the H2N2 pandemic (Asian flu) in 1957 and the H3N2 pandemic (Hong Kong flu) in 1968 [2].

The H5N1 outbreak not only infects birds but also breaks and crosses the interspecies barrier and affects mammals including animals and humans. H5N1 virus has limited human transmission because it binds to alpha-2, 3-linked sialic acid receptors (during its replication cycle) which are less abundant in the human respiratory system as compared to birds but its genetic reassortment ability makes it highly pathogenic and a health hazard for humans. The outbreak of the H5N1 virus has been reported currently in US dairy cows and workers. In humans, it can cause severe respiratory problems, multi-organ failure, and high mortality rates. Four humans have been affected since 2020 in the US [3]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is thoroughly monitoring the people with animal exposure, carefully inspecting the situation, and currently reporting a low public health risk. Experts are raising alarm about the transfer of viruses from birds to humans and are urging the implementation of new protocols for handling airborne infectious diseases. However, the worldwide spread of H5N1 and its ability to infect mammals causes major threats regarding the potential for human-to-human transmission, which may result in a pandemic. In addition to its potential impact on human health, bird flu poses an immense threat to agriculture and food security because of its economic implications.

As the avian flu continues to pose a persistent and evolving threat to global health security, national, regional, and global vigilance, preparedness, and collaborative actions are needed. It is important to maintain robust surveillance, respond rapidly, and innovative prevention and control strategies due to sporadic outbreaks of avian flu. Management of avian flu demands a coordinated effort to protect human and animal health, mitigate economic impacts, and improve the global health security