scholarly journals Foraging efficiency, social status and body condition in group-living horses and ponies

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10305
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Giles ◽  
Pat Harris ◽  
Sean A. Rands ◽  
Christine J. Nicol
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Social Dominance ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Group Living ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Foraging Efficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Winter Foraging ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Domestic Horses

Individual animals experience different costs and benefits associated with group living, which may impact on their foraging efficiency in ways not yet well specified. This study investigated associations between social dominance, body condition and interruptions to foraging behaviour in a cross-sectional study of 116 domestic horses and ponies, kept in 20 discrete herds. Social dominance was measured for each individual alongside observations of winter foraging behaviour. During bouts of foraging, the duration, frequency and category (vigilance, movement, social displacements given and received, scratching and startle responses) of interruptions were recorded, with total interruption time taken as a proxy measure of foraging efficiency. Total foraging time was not influenced by body condition or social dominance. Body condition was associated with social dominance, but more strongly associated with foraging efficiency. Specifically, lower body condition was associated with greater vigilance. This demonstrates that factors other than social dominance can result in stable differences in winter body condition.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Ovine Haemonchosis in Wukro, Ethiopia

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidya Gebresilassie ◽  
Berihun Afera Tadele
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Significant Variation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Highly Pathogenic ◽  
Good Body Condition ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Female Sheep ◽  
Important Disease

Background.Haemonchosiscaused byHaemonchus contortusis a predominant, highly pathogenic, and economically important disease of sheep and goats.Objective. Assessing the prevalence ofHaemonchusparasite and its associated risk factors in sheep slaughtered at different restaurants of Wukro.Methods. Cross-sectional study using random sampling from November 2013 to April 2014 in a total of 384 sheep was conducted and SPSS version 20 software using descriptive statistics was used for data analysis andP<0.05was considered significant.Result. The overall prevalence ofHaemonchus contortuswas 40.9% (n=157). The prevalence in medium body condition 27.3% (n=105) varies significantly from that of good body condition 13.5% (n=52) (P<0.05). Moreover, there was significant variation (P<0.05) in the prevalence in young and adult sheep with rates of 21.9% (n=84) and 19% (n=73), respectively. At the same time, there is significant variation (P<0.05) in male and female sheep with prevalence of 29.7% (n=114) and 11.2% (n=43), respectively. The prevalence of 25.3% (n=97) in sheep that originated from Negash compared to Wukro and Agulae showed no significant variation (P>0.05).Conclusion. The current finding revealed that significant numbers of sheep were affected by the parasites. Hence strategic deworming with good husbandry practice should be implemented.

scholarly journals PREVALENCE OF BOVINE FACIOLOSIS IN HALABA MUNICIPAL ABATTOR SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 82-91
Author(s):  
Muna Abdella ◽  
WubitTafese Mhatebu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2015 to march 2016 on bovine fasciolosis, to assess the abattoir based prevalence, predominant species of bovine fasciolosis and associated risk factors of the disease in cattle slaughtered in Halaba municipal abattoir. A total of 384 cattle were examined using post mortem examination. Infection rates were (3.64%), 2.34%, 2.08%, and 1.82 % F. gigantic, F. hepatica, mixed and immature respectively with the overall prevalence of 9.88 % (38). F. gigantic was found to be the most prevalent species in cattle of the study area. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of fasciola infection was significantly higher in poor body condition animals than in medium and good body condition animals (p < 0.05). However, in terms of age, sex and breed, no statistically significant difference was found between infected animals (p > 0.05).The present study showed that bovine fasciolosis is one of the important pathogens in cattle in the study area and warrants appropriate disease prevention and control measures and further epidemiological investigations to determine the different agro ecological risk factors on the occurrence of the disease.

scholarly journals Lameness in Sheltered Cows and Its Association with Cow and Shelter Attributes

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arvind Sharma ◽  
Clive J. C. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Joint Injuries ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Carpal Joint ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

The sheltering of old, unproductive and abandoned cows in traditional cow shelters, known as gaushalas, has been practiced in India since ancient times. Cows are kept in these shelters until they die of natural causes. The welfare of the cows in these shelters was assessed through a cross-sectional study of 54 cow shelters in six states of India. A total of 1620 cows were examined to assess the prevalence of lameness in these cows, and the associated risk factors for lameness were identified through the measurement of animal-based and resource-based welfare indicators. The overall lameness prevalence was 4.2%. The majority (86%) had mild to moderate hock joint swellings but no or only mild carpal joint injuries. Approximately one-half had mild to moderate hock joint hair loss and most were free of hock joint ulcerations. Claw overgrowth was present in almost one half of the cows. Lameness prevalence was positively correlated with coat dirtiness, hock and carpal joint lesions, diarrhea and claw overgrowth scores. In a multivariate analysis, lameness prevalence increased as the Body Condition Score (BCS) decreased and was associated with increased udder dirtiness, the ulceration of the hock joint, carpal joint injuries and claw overgrowth. Resource-based indicators measured at the shelter level suggested that an absence of bedding in the sheds and an increase in the gradient of the shed flooring increased lameness. Addressing the principle risk factors identified for lameness in the sheltered cows (low body condition, dirty udders, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, overgrown claws, and a steep floor gradient) may help to reduce this serious animal welfare problem.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia spp. from free living and owned dogs in Tunja-Boyacá, Colombia

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-343
Author(s):  
M. O. Pulido-Medellín ◽  
J. C. Giraldo-Forero ◽  
G. I. Chavarro-Tulcán
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Stool Consistency ◽  
P Value ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stray Dogs ◽  
Concentration Method

Giardia spp. is a zoonotic protozoan that causes acute gastroenteritis in humans and other animal species across the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia spp. in free living and owned dogs from Tunja - Colombia by Ritchie concentration method and to identify the risk factors (living condition, age, sex, stool consistency, body condition and hair condition) associated with infection. To address the objective a cross-sectional study was carried out. The study population consisted of 200 dogs. Faecal samples were collected from 100 stray dogs and 100 owned dogs using a convenient sampling method. Risk factors were analysed by logistic regression analysis. Risk was expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Descriptive epidemiology and risk factors were performed using EpiInfo software. A P value of <0.05 was statistically significant. The overall prevalence of Giardia spp. was 39%; cysts were detected by microscopy in 38 of 100 stray dogs and 40 of 100 owned dogs. It was concluded that the prevalence of Giardia spp. in Tunja city was high, with no distinction between stray and owned dogs. We also found that the analysed variables (sex, age, hair condition, body condition and stool consistency) did not constitute risk factors for infection with Giardia spp.

scholarly journals Determinants of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Use Among the Women of Urban Areas of Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Joshi ◽  
S Bhattarai ◽  
K Simkhada ◽  
S Thapa
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Group Living ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Intrauterine Contraceptive Device ◽  
Contraceptive Device ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intrauterine Contraceptive

Aims: This study aimed to identify the determinants of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) use among the married women of reproductive age group living in urban areas of Nepal. Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study which aimed to compare different factors between 110 IUCD users and 110 non-users. Both groups were selected randomlyand interviewed by using semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to detect the difference between two groups and corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were also computed. Results: When the IUCD users were compared to non-users, religion, occupational status of women, occupational status of the husbands, total number of children, sources of information about IUCD, having wrong beliefs about IUCD, availability of IUCD services, reproductive intention and spousal communication were significantly associated with the use of IUCD.The main reason for using IUCD was due to the effectiveness for longer duration and for not using IUCD was due to the feeling of no need. Conclusions: Wrong beliefs about the device discouraged women from using IUCD, hence, awareness programs are strongly recommended.Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 2 / Issue 16 / July-Dec, 2013 / 16-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9760

scholarly journals Smoking behaviours and indoor air quality: a comparative analysis of smoking-permitted versus smoke-free homes in Dhaka, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-055969
Author(s):  
Tarana Ferdous ◽  
Kamran Siddiqi ◽  
Sean Semple ◽  
Caroline Fairhurst ◽  
Ruaraidh Dobson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
A Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Shs Exposure ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Indoor Particulate Matter

IntroductionExposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a health risk to non-smokers. Indoor particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with SHS exposure and is used as a proxy measure. However, PM2.5 is non-specific and influenced by a number of environmental factors, which are subject to geographical variation. The nature of association between SHS exposure and indoor PM2.5—studied primarily in high-income countries (HICs) context—may not be globally applicable. We set out to explore this association in a low/middle-income country setting, Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among households with at least one resident smoker. We inquired whether smoking was permitted inside the home (smoking-permitted homes, SPH) or not (smoke-free homes, SFH), and measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations using a low-cost instrument (Dylos DC1700) for at least 22 hours. We describe and compare SPH and SFH and use multiple linear regression to evaluate which variables are associated with PM2.5 level among all households.ResultsWe surveyed 1746 households between April and August 2018; 967 (55%) were SPH and 779 (45%) were SFH. The difference between PM2.5 values for SFH (median 27 µg/m3, IQR 25) and SPH (median 32 µg/m3, IQR 31) was 5 µg/m3 (p<0.001). Lead participant’s education level, being a non-smoker, having outdoor space and smoke-free rule at home and not using kerosene oil for cooking were significantly associated with lower PM2.5.ConclusionsWe found a small but significant difference between PM2.5 concentrations in SPH compared with SFH in Dhaka, Bangladesh—a value much lower than observed in HICs.

scholarly journals A postmortem study on indigestible foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of ruminants, eastern Ethiopia

2015 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seifu Negash ◽  
Berhanu Sibhat ◽  
Desie Sheferaw
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Foreign Bodies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Collaborative Intervention ◽  
Good Body Condition ◽  
Major Factors

A cross-sectional study was conducted on ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) slaughtered at Haramaya University and Haramaya municipal abattoirs from November 2013 to April 2014 in Haramaya, eastern Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to identify types and estimate the prevalence of foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of domestic ruminants in the area. From 810 randomly selected study animals, 422 (52.1%) were found to have foreign bodies. Of the 332 cattle, 193 sheep and 285 goats examined, 144 (43.4%), 109 (56.5%) and 169 (59.3%) respectively were found with various types of foreign bodies. The prevalence of foreign bodies was significantly (χ2 = 17.53, p < 0.05) higher in sheep (59.3%) and goats (56.7%) than in cattle (43.4%). Overall the prevalence of foreign bodies in study animals with poor body condition was significantly higher (χ2 = 38.57, p < 0.05) than in those with medium and good body condition. A higher percentage of foreign bodies occurred in the rumen alone (87.9%) than in the reticulum alone (5.0%), with the rest present in both. Significantly higher proportions of foreign bodies were observed in the rumen of cattle (χ2 = 332, p < 0.05), sheep (χ2 = 193, p < 0.05) and goats (χ2 = 285.0, p = 0.000) than in the reticulum. Plastic was the most commonly encountered (79.2%) foreign body, followed by cloth (15.3%) and rope (12.3%). In addition, metal (0.9%) and calcified material and/or stone (1.0%) were found in the reticulum of cattle. Lack of a plastic waste disposal system in the area as well as communal/free grazing of livestock in highly waste-polluted areas seemed to be major factors in the high occurrence of foreign bodies in ruminants. To change this, collaborative intervention schemes involving professionals, policy makers, livestock keepers and environmental activists are needed.

scholarly journals Identification and Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks of Cattle in case of Haramaya Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Anteneh Wondimu ◽  
Yehualashet Bayu
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Site Preference ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Veterinary Importance

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018 to determine the prevalence and identify major species of ixodid ticks of cattle and tick burden of different sex, age, breed, and body condition of cattle. Standard physical and direct stereomicroscopy techniques were employed for identification of tick species. During the study period, a total of 353 cattle were examined for presence of ticks and around 447 ticks were collected. The study showed that 34.3% cattle were infested with one or more tick species. The study reported different species of ticks in the order of their prevalence: A. variegatum (46.3%), Rh. decoloratus (20.1%), A. cohaerens (15.7%), A. gemma (11.9%), and Rh. pulchellus (6.04%), respectively. The prevalence of tick infestation between different risk factors such as sex, age, and body condition of cattle was statistically significant ( p < 0.05 ). The overall male-to-female ratio of ticks was 2.29 : 1. Also, it was reported that, in A. variegatum, A. cohaerens, and A. gemma, the number of male exceeded that of female, but female number exceeded male number in case of Rh. decoloratus. The result also reported difference in attachment site preference, for example, Amblyomma genus was attached mostly to the scrotum/udder and axial and Rh. pulchellus was specified on the ear and perianal area, while Rh. decoloratus was non site selective. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most important problems of cattle of the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks warrants urgent strategic control including application of acaricides and creation of awareness among livestock owners about the veterinary importance of ticks for the integrated tick control.

scholarly journals Study on the Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Wadla Woreda, North Wollo, Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Yeshibely Girma
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sedimentation Technique ◽  
The Difference ◽  
North Wollo ◽  
Body Condition Scores

A cross - sectional study on the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was conducted in Wadla district from October 2016 to June 2017. A total of 384 fecal samples were randomly collected directly from the rectum of individual animals. Parasitological investigation was performed using sedimentation technique. From a total of 384 copro - logical ly examined samples 130 sheep were found positive for fasciolosis with an overall prevalence of 33.85%. From the study peasant association Kone, Dorera, Betehar, Beteyohannis and Gashena were accounted for 34.61%, 32.47%, 32.89%, 35.06% and 34.21 % respect ively. The difference in the prevalence in the five peasant associations was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was computed for the different age, sex and body condition categories. The prevalence rate of fasciolo sis in young sheep 32.43% was less than 34.75% and the difference were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The prevalence of fasciolosis in sex groups in the present study was 34.69%, 32.98% in female and male respectively. On the other hand in the pre sent study area the prevalence of fasciolosis was found to be higher in sheep with poor body condition than those with medium and good body conditions with prevalence of 36.5%, 33.88% and 27.03% respectively. There is no statistically difference (p>0.05) b etween three types of body condition scores. It was concluded that ovine fasciolosis was prevalent, thus causing major economic lass in the study area. Hence, control strategies targeted on the parasite and the intermediate hosts as well as implementation of appropriate grazing management in the study area are warranted.

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