International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Nov 1, 2018
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of foetal losses at the Bamenda city slaughter ho... more The aim of this study was to determine the rate of foetal losses at the Bamenda city slaughter house, Cameroon. Data was collected for a period of 3 months (July to September 2017) for cattle slaughtered at slaughter house. The results showed that more males (1340) were slaughtered than (460) female cattle representing 73.3% and 26.4% for males and females respectively. A total of 157 cows were pregnant giving a foetal incidence rate of 34.3%. The percentages of foetuses wasted for the three trimesters (3 months or 3 trimester) were 24.83%, 50.83% and 24.37% for first, second and third trimester respectively. The mean age of the pregnant females slaughtered was 7 years and the percentages of slaughtered pregnant cows were 30.8%, 45.5% and 23.7% for cows aged 3-5 years, 6-8 years and ≥9 years respectively. Results also showed that, more male foetuses were wasted compared to the female foetuses representing 51.6% and 48.4% for males and females respectively accounting for economic losses of $86,600 (43 300 000 francs CFA) for the period of the study. The high incidence of calf wastage and slaughter of under aged animals at Bamenda city Abattoir within the study period inflicted high economic losses. This is due to the fact that, laws prohibiting the slaughter of pregnant and under age cows are not existing. Livestock farmers, traders and butchers should be enlightened on the consequences of slaughtering pregnant and under age animals.
Reproductive complications such as embryonic death, abortion and infertility are some of the prob... more Reproductive complications such as embryonic death, abortion and infertility are some of the problems which cattle breeders face in the North West Region of Cameroon although most of them may not realize the extent of economic loss that can occur through these reproductive failures in their herds. This study was aimed at assessing farmers' perception of reproductive failures and their effects on cattle production in the North West Region of Cameroon. Primary data were collected using 216 structured questionnaires administered to household heads of cattle grazers, herdsmen and crop farmers in five Divisions (Boyo, Bui, Donga Mantung, Mezam and Momo) of the North West Region. Chi-square statistics were used to determine the differences in farmers' perceptions. There were three categories of respondents; crop farmers 30(14.0%), cattle grazers 150(70.1%) which constituted the majority of respondents and herdsmen 34(15.9%). Embryonic death was the commonest reproductive failure observed (25%) followed by abortion (22.1%) and infertility (7.4%). However, there was a significant difference in the level of perception of reproductive failures in cows by farmers in the five Divisions (χ χ χ χ 2 =81.5, df = 4 p ≤ 0.001). It was also observed that among the three categories of respondents [crop farmers (29), cattle grazers (145) and herdsmen (33)], the herdsmen (90.9%) n=30) were more aware of zoonotic transmission than the cattle grazers (30.3%, n=44) and crop farmers (72.4%, n=21), χ χ χ χ 2 = 49.3, df = 2, p ≤ 0.001. The level of perception of reproductive failures among cattle farmers was seen to be very low and certainly has a great impact on cattle production in the Region. More awareness campaigns on the risk of zoonotic disease transmission is needed to discourage the consumption of raw milk and the sale of dead animals in the communities.
Brucellosis is one of the most notorious and widespread zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus. It i... more Brucellosis is one of the most notorious and widespread zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus. It is of serious economic implications to the cattle industry and thus enormous financial losses to most countries. This study focused on it serological prevalence at the Nkwen main abattoir of Bamenda (Northwest region, Cameroon) from June to September 2013. Blood samples were collected from 198 cattle and the sera were screened using the competitive enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (C-ELISA). Results showed a seroprevalence of 4.04% in the cattle population screened. A percentage of 4.40% of the 111 bulls and 3.45% of the 87 cows were recorded as infected. There was no evidence (P>0.05) of differences in sex on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle. There was no association between brucella infection and age (P>0.05). About three percent of cattle were positive for those within (<5) age group with 5(4.67%) for those above 5 years of age. The two breeds commonly consumed in the area the Red and White Fulanie with the Red Fulani having a higher infection than the White Fulani (P<0.05). The study also showed that Brucella infection was dependent on location as 5 out of the 15 villages accounting for 100% infection namely: Fundong (37.5%), Wum (25%), Nso (Jakiri) (12.5%), Metah (12.5%) and Fonta (12.5%). From these results it was concluded that brucellosis is present in the population of cattle screened. There is therefore the need for good control measures and sanitary conditions to limit the spread of the disease.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two synchronization methods with prostag... more The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two synchronization methods with prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) on heifers and multiparous cows. Fourty-three Bos indicus cows (white and Red Fulani) were divided into four groups in a two-by-two factorial structure, parity x method of synchronization. The synchronization methods consisted of a two-dose regime which involved injection of animals on day 0 with PGF2α (Lutalyse) at 5 ml per cow intramuscularly. On day 11, the injection was repeated at the same dosage. On day 14 (72 h after the second injection), a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) was done. On day 15 (96 h after the second injection), a second insemination was done. The one-and-a-half-dose regime consisted of an injection similar to the first treatment mentioned above on day 0. Thereafter, cows were observed for heat, and anyone showing heat was inseminated. A second dose was given on day 11 to all animals not having shown any heat. A fixed-time AI was done on days 14 and 15. Blood samples were collected on the day 0 of insemination for each cow while day 11 and day 21 after insemination. Progesterone was analysed by means of standard ELISA progesterone kits to determine its profiles after insemination. Results show no evidence of the effect of treatments on conception rates (P>0.05). Similarly, heifers and multiparous cows had similar conception rates (P>0.05). Between 3 weeks and 3 months of pregnancy, there was a loss of embryos of 28 % in heifers and 20 % in multiparous cows, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). It recommended that farmers do not synchronize animals with poor body condition score (BCS). They should also monitor weight gains of heifers, remove them from the herd when they have been mixed with young growing bulls and put them in a breeding herd. The two-dose regime is better to be used in areas where the inseminator cannot easily be available.
Seventy-two cows were selected for an on-farm study on the effect of feed supplementation before ... more Seventy-two cows were selected for an on-farm study on the effect of feed supplementation before calving on milk production, ovarian activity and calf growth of Holstein, indigenous Red Fulani cows and their crosses. Pre-partum feed supplementation was done using cotton seed cake (80%), maize (18%), bone meal (1%) and kitchen salt (1% NaCl). Supplementation levels consisted of a low supplementation fed at 1 kg per animal per day and high supplementation fed at 2 kg per animal per day. In addition, Red Fulani cows received the supplements in two different ways namely a pre-partum supplementation consisting of 1 kg per cow per day and pre- and post-partum supplementation consisting of 1 kg per cow per day before calving and 1 kg per cow per day post-partum up to 30 days after calving. Blood samples were analysed using ELISA Progesterone kits to determine the length of post-partum anoestrus. Results show that pre-partum levels of feeding did not have any effect (P > 0.05) on body co...
A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle... more A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum. Blood samples were analysed and progesterone levels were deduced from a curve obtained from standard absorbance values (A450). Results show that 95.5% of postpartum cows had progesterone levels below 1 ng/ ml, with the highest level being 0.75 ng/ml. The mean level was 0.5 +/- 0.26 ng/ml. The cows in the &#39;pregnant group&#39; had progesterone levels ranging from 3.5 to 17.5 ng/ml. This kit can be used for measuring progesterone levels in cattle. Levels of 1 ng/ml for two consecutive samples or one sample at or above 3 ng/ml are an indication of the presence of corpus luteum, while cows below 1 ng/ml will be in anoestrus.
A study was carried out to investigate the effect of substituting egg yolk in egg-yolk-citrate (E... more A study was carried out to investigate the effect of substituting egg yolk in egg-yolk-citrate (EYC) extenders with extracts from Tomato and Pawpaw fruits as well as Coconut milk and Raffia palm sap on the motility of bull spermatozoa. Semen collected from Holstein Friesian bulls by the artificial vagina was extended with the proportions of egg yolk in egg-yolk-citrate extenders substituted at 25% (75% egg yolk: 25% Substituent), 50% (50% egg yolk:50% Substituent), 75% (25% egg yolk:75% Substituent) and 100% (no egg yolk in extender) and stored under refrigeration conditions (4-8C). Results show that coconut milk (43.4%) and pawpaw juice (41.25%) led to the highest number of progressively motile sperms (P< 0.05) without evidence of difference between them (P > 0.05). They were followed by tomato Juice (40.35%), fresh raffia palm sap (40.40) and Trehalose (34.68%). Substitution of egg yolk at 75% had highest individual motility while total substitution (100%) had the lowest (P&...
A study was carried out to compare the prevalence of Brucella abortus between semi-intensive and ... more A study was carried out to compare the prevalence of Brucella abortus between semi-intensive and extensive managed cattle in the North West Region of Cameroon. A total of 689 cattle were tested for Brucella antibodies using the competitive EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay. Overall prevalence of brucellosis was found to be 5.2% (n = 36). There was strong evidence that cows in the extensive system (6.5%; n=32) had a higher infection rate than those in the semi intensive system (2%; n=4; P<0.0001). Bovine overall brucellosis infection rates were higher in the dry season (67%) than the rainy season (33%), (P<0.05). Healthier cattle (78%; P=0.0009), older cattle (64%; P=0.0003) and cows (75%; P=0.0027) were more infected. The prevalence of Brucella in the White Fulani breed was less severe than in other breeds (P=0.0003). Acha had more infected animals than the rest of the region (P<0.0001). The results of this study confirm the endemicity of bovine brucellosis in the North West...
Holstein cattle of a small scale dairy production systems were screened for Brucella abortus anti... more Holstein cattle of a small scale dairy production systems were screened for Brucella abortus antibodies in 21 villages in Cameroon by ELISA. Results show a general seroprevalence of 8.4% in Holstein cattle. Of the 192 cows tested, 14 were infected giving a within-sex seroprevalence of 7.3% while 6/74 bulls were infected with a seroprevalence of 8%. There was no evidence (P=0.11) of differences in seroprevalence between age groups although animals above one year and below three years accounted for nearly half of the infected animals. 64% of infected animals were found in three locations (P=0.015): Kutaba (32%), Bamendankwe (16%) and Finge (16%). A specific control programme should be organized at these locations. Measures should be taken to ensure the eradication of the disease within the population and sound control measures adopted to avoid a further spread of the disease to larger cattle populations. Infected animals should be slaughtered systematically. All farmers should be advised to boil milk before consumption. Vaccination against Brucella abortus should be instituted and use of artificial insemination propagated. In order to ensure a productive and healthy population of Holstein cows within the dairy production scheme, regular Brucella testing should be instituted. Abbreviations OIE World organization for animal health-ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, und... more A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, under different storage conditions. The semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls using artificial vaginas. The semen was extended and stored in a 3-by-4 factorial design (storage system × ice change). The storage media were ice boxes, buckets, and refrigerator. The ice in these media was either replaced daily, on the first and third day, first day only, or no ice at all after the semen collection. Results showed an overwhelming evidence of the effect of storage medium and ice change on sperm viability (P&lt;0.0001). Individual motility before processing was highest in the refrigerator with averages of 44.5%, 39.5% in ice boxes, and 10% in buckets during the 8-day experiment. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in progressive motility after processing in the refrigerator (34%) and in ice boxes (33%) but significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) to the 10% obtained in buckets. It was shown that spermatozoa in the ice box retained 45% individual motility up to the sixth day after semen was collected on the condition that the ice was changed on the third day. Progressive motility after processing in the ice box was 40% up to the sixth day with the ice changed on the third day while the spermatozoa were well preserved up to the fourth day in the same medium if the ice put on the first day was not changed. This study shows that, if farmers plan to inseminate cows within the first day after semen collection, they can use buckets with ice for the transportation of the extended semen ampoules from the artificial insemination center. Otherwise, the semen needs to be kept in ice boxes and the ice changed on the third day after collection and this semen could be used within a week.
A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, und... more A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, under different storage conditions. The semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls using artificial vaginas. The semen was extended and stored in a 3-by-4 factorial design (storage system × ice change). The storage media were ice boxes, buckets, and refrigerator. The ice in these media was either replaced daily, on the first and third day, first day only, or no ice at all after the semen collection. Results showed an overwhelming evidence of the effect of storage medium and ice change on sperm viability (P&lt;0.0001). Individual motility before processing was highest in the refrigerator with averages of 44.5%, 39.5% in ice boxes, and 10% in buckets during the 8-day experiment. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in progressive motility after processing in the refrigerator (34%) and in ice boxes (33%) but significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) to the 10% obtained in buckets. It was shown that spermatozoa in the ice box retained 45% individual motility up to the sixth day after semen was collected on the condition that the ice was changed on the third day. Progressive motility after processing in the ice box was 40% up to the sixth day with the ice changed on the third day while the spermatozoa were well preserved up to the fourth day in the same medium if the ice put on the first day was not changed. This study shows that, if farmers plan to inseminate cows within the first day after semen collection, they can use buckets with ice for the transportation of the extended semen ampoules from the artificial insemination center. Otherwise, the semen needs to be kept in ice boxes and the ice changed on the third day after collection and this semen could be used within a week.
A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle... more A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum. Blood samples were analysed and progesterone levels were deduced from a curve obtained from standard absorbance values (A450). Results show that 95.5% of postpartum cows had progesterone levels below 1 ng/ ml, with the highest level being 0.75 ng/ml. The mean level was 0.5 +/- 0.26 ng/ml. The cows in the &#39;pregnant group&#39; had progesterone levels ranging from 3.5 to 17.5 ng/ml. This kit can be used for measuring progesterone levels in cattle. Levels of 1 ng/ml for two consecutive samples or one sample at or above 3 ng/ml are an indication of the presence of corpus luteum, while cows below 1 ng/ml will be in anoestrus.
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Nov 1, 2018
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of foetal losses at the Bamenda city slaughter ho... more The aim of this study was to determine the rate of foetal losses at the Bamenda city slaughter house, Cameroon. Data was collected for a period of 3 months (July to September 2017) for cattle slaughtered at slaughter house. The results showed that more males (1340) were slaughtered than (460) female cattle representing 73.3% and 26.4% for males and females respectively. A total of 157 cows were pregnant giving a foetal incidence rate of 34.3%. The percentages of foetuses wasted for the three trimesters (3 months or 3 trimester) were 24.83%, 50.83% and 24.37% for first, second and third trimester respectively. The mean age of the pregnant females slaughtered was 7 years and the percentages of slaughtered pregnant cows were 30.8%, 45.5% and 23.7% for cows aged 3-5 years, 6-8 years and ≥9 years respectively. Results also showed that, more male foetuses were wasted compared to the female foetuses representing 51.6% and 48.4% for males and females respectively accounting for economic losses of $86,600 (43 300 000 francs CFA) for the period of the study. The high incidence of calf wastage and slaughter of under aged animals at Bamenda city Abattoir within the study period inflicted high economic losses. This is due to the fact that, laws prohibiting the slaughter of pregnant and under age cows are not existing. Livestock farmers, traders and butchers should be enlightened on the consequences of slaughtering pregnant and under age animals.
Reproductive complications such as embryonic death, abortion and infertility are some of the prob... more Reproductive complications such as embryonic death, abortion and infertility are some of the problems which cattle breeders face in the North West Region of Cameroon although most of them may not realize the extent of economic loss that can occur through these reproductive failures in their herds. This study was aimed at assessing farmers' perception of reproductive failures and their effects on cattle production in the North West Region of Cameroon. Primary data were collected using 216 structured questionnaires administered to household heads of cattle grazers, herdsmen and crop farmers in five Divisions (Boyo, Bui, Donga Mantung, Mezam and Momo) of the North West Region. Chi-square statistics were used to determine the differences in farmers' perceptions. There were three categories of respondents; crop farmers 30(14.0%), cattle grazers 150(70.1%) which constituted the majority of respondents and herdsmen 34(15.9%). Embryonic death was the commonest reproductive failure observed (25%) followed by abortion (22.1%) and infertility (7.4%). However, there was a significant difference in the level of perception of reproductive failures in cows by farmers in the five Divisions (χ χ χ χ 2 =81.5, df = 4 p ≤ 0.001). It was also observed that among the three categories of respondents [crop farmers (29), cattle grazers (145) and herdsmen (33)], the herdsmen (90.9%) n=30) were more aware of zoonotic transmission than the cattle grazers (30.3%, n=44) and crop farmers (72.4%, n=21), χ χ χ χ 2 = 49.3, df = 2, p ≤ 0.001. The level of perception of reproductive failures among cattle farmers was seen to be very low and certainly has a great impact on cattle production in the Region. More awareness campaigns on the risk of zoonotic disease transmission is needed to discourage the consumption of raw milk and the sale of dead animals in the communities.
Brucellosis is one of the most notorious and widespread zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus. It i... more Brucellosis is one of the most notorious and widespread zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus. It is of serious economic implications to the cattle industry and thus enormous financial losses to most countries. This study focused on it serological prevalence at the Nkwen main abattoir of Bamenda (Northwest region, Cameroon) from June to September 2013. Blood samples were collected from 198 cattle and the sera were screened using the competitive enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (C-ELISA). Results showed a seroprevalence of 4.04% in the cattle population screened. A percentage of 4.40% of the 111 bulls and 3.45% of the 87 cows were recorded as infected. There was no evidence (P>0.05) of differences in sex on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle. There was no association between brucella infection and age (P>0.05). About three percent of cattle were positive for those within (<5) age group with 5(4.67%) for those above 5 years of age. The two breeds commonly consumed in the area the Red and White Fulanie with the Red Fulani having a higher infection than the White Fulani (P<0.05). The study also showed that Brucella infection was dependent on location as 5 out of the 15 villages accounting for 100% infection namely: Fundong (37.5%), Wum (25%), Nso (Jakiri) (12.5%), Metah (12.5%) and Fonta (12.5%). From these results it was concluded that brucellosis is present in the population of cattle screened. There is therefore the need for good control measures and sanitary conditions to limit the spread of the disease.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two synchronization methods with prostag... more The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two synchronization methods with prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) on heifers and multiparous cows. Fourty-three Bos indicus cows (white and Red Fulani) were divided into four groups in a two-by-two factorial structure, parity x method of synchronization. The synchronization methods consisted of a two-dose regime which involved injection of animals on day 0 with PGF2α (Lutalyse) at 5 ml per cow intramuscularly. On day 11, the injection was repeated at the same dosage. On day 14 (72 h after the second injection), a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) was done. On day 15 (96 h after the second injection), a second insemination was done. The one-and-a-half-dose regime consisted of an injection similar to the first treatment mentioned above on day 0. Thereafter, cows were observed for heat, and anyone showing heat was inseminated. A second dose was given on day 11 to all animals not having shown any heat. A fixed-time AI was done on days 14 and 15. Blood samples were collected on the day 0 of insemination for each cow while day 11 and day 21 after insemination. Progesterone was analysed by means of standard ELISA progesterone kits to determine its profiles after insemination. Results show no evidence of the effect of treatments on conception rates (P>0.05). Similarly, heifers and multiparous cows had similar conception rates (P>0.05). Between 3 weeks and 3 months of pregnancy, there was a loss of embryos of 28 % in heifers and 20 % in multiparous cows, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). It recommended that farmers do not synchronize animals with poor body condition score (BCS). They should also monitor weight gains of heifers, remove them from the herd when they have been mixed with young growing bulls and put them in a breeding herd. The two-dose regime is better to be used in areas where the inseminator cannot easily be available.
Seventy-two cows were selected for an on-farm study on the effect of feed supplementation before ... more Seventy-two cows were selected for an on-farm study on the effect of feed supplementation before calving on milk production, ovarian activity and calf growth of Holstein, indigenous Red Fulani cows and their crosses. Pre-partum feed supplementation was done using cotton seed cake (80%), maize (18%), bone meal (1%) and kitchen salt (1% NaCl). Supplementation levels consisted of a low supplementation fed at 1 kg per animal per day and high supplementation fed at 2 kg per animal per day. In addition, Red Fulani cows received the supplements in two different ways namely a pre-partum supplementation consisting of 1 kg per cow per day and pre- and post-partum supplementation consisting of 1 kg per cow per day before calving and 1 kg per cow per day post-partum up to 30 days after calving. Blood samples were analysed using ELISA Progesterone kits to determine the length of post-partum anoestrus. Results show that pre-partum levels of feeding did not have any effect (P > 0.05) on body co...
A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle... more A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum. Blood samples were analysed and progesterone levels were deduced from a curve obtained from standard absorbance values (A450). Results show that 95.5% of postpartum cows had progesterone levels below 1 ng/ ml, with the highest level being 0.75 ng/ml. The mean level was 0.5 +/- 0.26 ng/ml. The cows in the &#39;pregnant group&#39; had progesterone levels ranging from 3.5 to 17.5 ng/ml. This kit can be used for measuring progesterone levels in cattle. Levels of 1 ng/ml for two consecutive samples or one sample at or above 3 ng/ml are an indication of the presence of corpus luteum, while cows below 1 ng/ml will be in anoestrus.
A study was carried out to investigate the effect of substituting egg yolk in egg-yolk-citrate (E... more A study was carried out to investigate the effect of substituting egg yolk in egg-yolk-citrate (EYC) extenders with extracts from Tomato and Pawpaw fruits as well as Coconut milk and Raffia palm sap on the motility of bull spermatozoa. Semen collected from Holstein Friesian bulls by the artificial vagina was extended with the proportions of egg yolk in egg-yolk-citrate extenders substituted at 25% (75% egg yolk: 25% Substituent), 50% (50% egg yolk:50% Substituent), 75% (25% egg yolk:75% Substituent) and 100% (no egg yolk in extender) and stored under refrigeration conditions (4-8C). Results show that coconut milk (43.4%) and pawpaw juice (41.25%) led to the highest number of progressively motile sperms (P< 0.05) without evidence of difference between them (P > 0.05). They were followed by tomato Juice (40.35%), fresh raffia palm sap (40.40) and Trehalose (34.68%). Substitution of egg yolk at 75% had highest individual motility while total substitution (100%) had the lowest (P&...
A study was carried out to compare the prevalence of Brucella abortus between semi-intensive and ... more A study was carried out to compare the prevalence of Brucella abortus between semi-intensive and extensive managed cattle in the North West Region of Cameroon. A total of 689 cattle were tested for Brucella antibodies using the competitive EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay. Overall prevalence of brucellosis was found to be 5.2% (n = 36). There was strong evidence that cows in the extensive system (6.5%; n=32) had a higher infection rate than those in the semi intensive system (2%; n=4; P<0.0001). Bovine overall brucellosis infection rates were higher in the dry season (67%) than the rainy season (33%), (P<0.05). Healthier cattle (78%; P=0.0009), older cattle (64%; P=0.0003) and cows (75%; P=0.0027) were more infected. The prevalence of Brucella in the White Fulani breed was less severe than in other breeds (P=0.0003). Acha had more infected animals than the rest of the region (P<0.0001). The results of this study confirm the endemicity of bovine brucellosis in the North West...
Holstein cattle of a small scale dairy production systems were screened for Brucella abortus anti... more Holstein cattle of a small scale dairy production systems were screened for Brucella abortus antibodies in 21 villages in Cameroon by ELISA. Results show a general seroprevalence of 8.4% in Holstein cattle. Of the 192 cows tested, 14 were infected giving a within-sex seroprevalence of 7.3% while 6/74 bulls were infected with a seroprevalence of 8%. There was no evidence (P=0.11) of differences in seroprevalence between age groups although animals above one year and below three years accounted for nearly half of the infected animals. 64% of infected animals were found in three locations (P=0.015): Kutaba (32%), Bamendankwe (16%) and Finge (16%). A specific control programme should be organized at these locations. Measures should be taken to ensure the eradication of the disease within the population and sound control measures adopted to avoid a further spread of the disease to larger cattle populations. Infected animals should be slaughtered systematically. All farmers should be advised to boil milk before consumption. Vaccination against Brucella abortus should be instituted and use of artificial insemination propagated. In order to ensure a productive and healthy population of Holstein cows within the dairy production scheme, regular Brucella testing should be instituted. Abbreviations OIE World organization for animal health-ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, und... more A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, under different storage conditions. The semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls using artificial vaginas. The semen was extended and stored in a 3-by-4 factorial design (storage system × ice change). The storage media were ice boxes, buckets, and refrigerator. The ice in these media was either replaced daily, on the first and third day, first day only, or no ice at all after the semen collection. Results showed an overwhelming evidence of the effect of storage medium and ice change on sperm viability (P&lt;0.0001). Individual motility before processing was highest in the refrigerator with averages of 44.5%, 39.5% in ice boxes, and 10% in buckets during the 8-day experiment. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in progressive motility after processing in the refrigerator (34%) and in ice boxes (33%) but significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) to the 10% obtained in buckets. It was shown that spermatozoa in the ice box retained 45% individual motility up to the sixth day after semen was collected on the condition that the ice was changed on the third day. Progressive motility after processing in the ice box was 40% up to the sixth day with the ice changed on the third day while the spermatozoa were well preserved up to the fourth day in the same medium if the ice put on the first day was not changed. This study shows that, if farmers plan to inseminate cows within the first day after semen collection, they can use buckets with ice for the transportation of the extended semen ampoules from the artificial insemination center. Otherwise, the semen needs to be kept in ice boxes and the ice changed on the third day after collection and this semen could be used within a week.
A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, und... more A study was carried out to evaluate the viability of extended cattle semen, without freezing, under different storage conditions. The semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls using artificial vaginas. The semen was extended and stored in a 3-by-4 factorial design (storage system × ice change). The storage media were ice boxes, buckets, and refrigerator. The ice in these media was either replaced daily, on the first and third day, first day only, or no ice at all after the semen collection. Results showed an overwhelming evidence of the effect of storage medium and ice change on sperm viability (P&lt;0.0001). Individual motility before processing was highest in the refrigerator with averages of 44.5%, 39.5% in ice boxes, and 10% in buckets during the 8-day experiment. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in progressive motility after processing in the refrigerator (34%) and in ice boxes (33%) but significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) to the 10% obtained in buckets. It was shown that spermatozoa in the ice box retained 45% individual motility up to the sixth day after semen was collected on the condition that the ice was changed on the third day. Progressive motility after processing in the ice box was 40% up to the sixth day with the ice changed on the third day while the spermatozoa were well preserved up to the fourth day in the same medium if the ice put on the first day was not changed. This study shows that, if farmers plan to inseminate cows within the first day after semen collection, they can use buckets with ice for the transportation of the extended semen ampoules from the artificial insemination center. Otherwise, the semen needs to be kept in ice boxes and the ice changed on the third day after collection and this semen could be used within a week.
A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle... more A study aimed at validating a human progesterone enzyme immunoassay kit was carried out on cattle at Bambui, Cameroon. Progesterone ELISA Kits (EH-511) were obtained from Clinpro International. Forty-one cows were selected, of which 19 were pregnant and 22 within 14 days post partum. Blood samples were analysed and progesterone levels were deduced from a curve obtained from standard absorbance values (A450). Results show that 95.5% of postpartum cows had progesterone levels below 1 ng/ ml, with the highest level being 0.75 ng/ml. The mean level was 0.5 +/- 0.26 ng/ml. The cows in the &#39;pregnant group&#39; had progesterone levels ranging from 3.5 to 17.5 ng/ml. This kit can be used for measuring progesterone levels in cattle. Levels of 1 ng/ml for two consecutive samples or one sample at or above 3 ng/ml are an indication of the presence of corpus luteum, while cows below 1 ng/ml will be in anoestrus.
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