MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Abortifacient Diseases in Bovine: A Comprehensive Review

2025-03-01T05:11:30+00:00

Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihoods of rural communities in developing countries including Pakistan, serving as a major source of income, nutrition, and social capital. The dependency on livestock has multifaceted implications for rural livelihoods and development. On one hand, it provides a source of income stability, particularly for smallholder farmers, landless laborers, and marginalized communities. Livestock also contributes to food security through the provision of milk, meat, and other animal products. There are several problems in the livestock industry one of them is abortifacient diseases that are responsible for pregnancy loss in bovine. Abortifacient diseases pose significant challenges to livestock production worldwide, resulting in substantial economic losses, decreased productivity, and threats to food security. This review provides an overview of the role of infectious diseases responsible for pregnancy loss in livestock specifically bovines, highlighting key pathogens, and modes of transmission. The impact of abortifacient diseases on cattle production extends beyond direct morbidity and mortality. These diseases disrupt reproductive performance, reduce fertility rates, decrease growth rates and impair feed conversion efficiency. In this review, common infectious diseases are described which are responsible for abortion in bovine, and their possible transmission, diagnosis and treatment are described.

Global Antimicrobial Resistance: Strategies and Challenges

2025-03-10T05:57:52+00:00

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical health challenge worldwide, that arises when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial medications, making diseases more challenging to treat. The enzymatic breakdown of antibiotics, modifications to target locations, elevated efflux pumps, and changes in cell membrane permeability are some of the processes behind AMR. A key factor behind the development and transmission of AMR has been the unregulated use of livestock feed for preventive purposes. Rapid global expansion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is posing a hidden pandemic risk to public health and demanding immediate action. The misuse and unnecessary overreliance on antibiotics in human medicine is one of the many contributing factors of AMR, veterinary practices, and agriculture, as well as inadequate infection prevention strategies, lack of diagnostic tools, and inadequate sanitation. Preventive measures against AMR involve promoting the rational use of antibiotics through antimicrobial stewardship, improving infection control practices, advancing rapid diagnostic technologies, reducing antibiotic use in food production, and increasing public awareness. Efforts must also focus on global collaboration to monitor resistance trends, enhance regulatory frameworks, and invest in research to develop novel antimicrobial agents and alternative therapies. Addressing AMR requires an interdisciplinary and coordinated approach to safeguard the efficacy of current antimicrobial treatments and reduce the occurrence of resistance.

Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.) as a Substituent of Protein Source for Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Mini Review

2025-01-03T06:48:34+00:00

Development of aquaculture and fisheries depend on the availability of sustainable feed sources. Using insects is one new option that is gaining popularity. The high protein content, rapid growth and little environmental impact of yellow mealworms have made them an appealing solution. Mealworms contain a substantial protein content (47-64%), essential amino acids, energy-dense lipids, and vital micronutrients, making them a viable substitute for traditional protein sources in fisheries and aquaculture. Historically consumed in various cultures, Mealworms have gained attention for their economic and nutritional value. In aquaculture, they enhance fish growth, feed efficiency, and overall health. Studies have shown that incorporating mealworm meal into fish diets improves immune functions, growth performance, and liver health, although excessive inclusion may have adverse effects. The nutritional content of mealworms can be optimized by adjusting rearing conditions, diet, and developmental stage. The European Union's approval of mealworms for human consumption further validates their safety and potential as a sustainable protein source. This review emphasizes the nutritional benefits of mealworms as a substitute for fishmeal, addressing protein shortages and environmental concerns associated with traditional feed production. By integrating mealworms into aquaculture, we can significantly improve sustainability, economic efficiency, and global food security.

Prevalence and Diversity of Ovine Gastrointestinal Parasites in the District Lower Dir

2025-04-04T11:30:59+00:00

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a key challenge to sheep production globally, These parasites result in weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, and higher production costs. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in ovine of district lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methods: A fecal sample was taken at random from the rectum of sheep (Ovis aries) using gloved fingers. The faecal components were then placed in sterile plastic bottles containing 10% formalin. A total number of 584 faecal samples of sheep were collected and then analyzed for the presence of parasites. Among them, 219 sheep were male, and 365 were female. Results: The Overall prevalence rate was 89.04%. Most commonly, parasites were Haemonchus spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Fasciola hepaticas spp., and Moniezia spp., which were 43.27, 28.57, 15.59, 3.6, and 1.7% prevalences, respectively. Based on sex, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the overall incidence of gastrointestinal parasites between male (33.39%) and female (55.65%) sheep. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in adult sheep was higher (69.18%) than in young sheep (19.86%). The highest infection was observed in the Balkhi breed (38.7%) and the Damani breed (32.53%) in comparison to the Lokhi breed (18.32%) (p<0.05). In contrast, in the tehsil-wise comparison, the maximum number of gastrointestinal parasites prevalence (17.46%) was recorded in tehsil Samar Bagh, followed by tehsil Munda 15.23%, Lal Qila 13.01%, Balambat 9.1%, and tehsil Khall 8.4%. Conclusions: It was concluded that parasitic spp, sex, age, breed, and different tehsils are vital factors that affect the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites.

Assessment of Egg Quality and Biochemical Parameters of Desi and Fayoumi Chicken Breeds of Kashmore Under Backyard Farming Conditions

2025-03-11T03:41:05+00:00

The egg quality factors and configuration are significant influences on grading and price. Hatching ability, weight, and consumer preference. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the egg quality criteria of two economically significant breeds of backyard-raised chickens such as Desi and Fayoumi. Methods: A variety of interior and exterior egg quality metrics were measured such as triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and cholesterol, which were the estimated biochemical characteristics of egg yolk. Results: Means for Desi egg’s external characteristics, such as weight, length, width and thickness were 52.43 g, 5.16 cm, 3.85 cm, and 0.39 mm respectively. Fayoumi egg’s equivalent values were 50.55g, 5.13 cm, 3.79 cm, 74.02%, 6.55 g and 0.34 mm. For Desi eggs, the yolk was 16.87 g, the albumin weight was 26.45 g, the breaking strength was 2.90, and the Haugh unit was 76.5. The Fayoumi chicken breed’s egg had the following characteristics albumin weight of 26.27 g, breaking strength of 1.95, Haugh unit of 74.3, and yolk weight of 16.25 g. The calculated mean values for HDL, LDL, triacylglycerol, and egg yolk cholesterol were 9.38, 1.74, 0.17, and 1.94 mg/g for Desi eggs and 8.38, 1.84, 0.11, and 1.76 mg/g for Fayoumi eggs. Conclusions: It was concluded that Fayoumi eggs are heavier and better FCR than desi eggs due to breed, management conditions, nutrition, or environmental factors.

Epidemiological Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Various Breeds of Cattle in the Northern Region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

2025-06-04T05:21:01+00:00

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major problem in cattle production worldwide. Objectives: To determine the common gastrointestinal parasites of cattle in district Lower Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The cow fecal samples were taken and were examined under microscope by using the sedimentation and flotation techniques. To determine the impacts of breed, age, parity, eating habits, deworming status, and herd size. The data were subjected for statistical analysis via Chi-square test by using SPSS. Results: A total of (202/300), 67.3% of fecal samples were found positive for GI parasites. The parasites were more prevalent (41.6%, each) in the Friesian and Jersey breeds. Endo-parasitic infection was higher (92.6%; p=0.04) in female cattle than in male. Less than 2 years' cattle had a higher (75.2%; p=0.101) incidence of GI parasite. Cattle reared in a mixed feeding system had a higher (91.1%; p=0.245) incidence rate of parasitic infection. Herd of ≤5 animals had 72.3% infestation rate, and 6-8 animals per herd had 27.7% infestation. Cattle which are not treated with anthelmintic drugs had a higher (53%; p=0.988) incidence rate of GI parasites than those that are treated with anthelmintic drugs (47%). Taxocara vitulorum prevalence was high (46%) in single parasitic infestation, while Taxocara vitulorum + Haemonchus contortus were higher (34.6%) in double parasitic infection. Haemonchus + Taxocara + Fasciola spp were detected more (33.3%) in triple parasitic infection. Conclusions: It was concluded that the cattle population in district lower Dir had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and need effective control measures to enhance productivity.

Early Passage Characterization of Canine Synovial Fluid-Derived Stem Cells Isolated from Stifle Joint

2025-06-04T05:02:56+00:00

Synovial Fluid-Derived Stem Cells (SFSCs) have emerged as a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells, offering a minimally invasive way of obtaining cells with high proliferative capacity and robust multilineage differentiation potential. Originating from the synovial membrane, SFSCs are believed to retain a cellular bias towards musculoskeletal tissue repair, positioning them as a valuable tool in treating musculoskeletal injuries and morbidities. Objective: To portray SFSCs differentiation behavior at early passage (P2) by evaluating their growth dynamics, immunophenotypic profile, and ability to differentiate into multilineages. Methods: In this experimental study, a typical MSC-like proliferation pattern was seen with distinct phases of lag, exponential and plateau growth curve. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CD73+, CD90+, and CD105+ lacking hematopoietic markers, further validated their MSC like nature. Results: SFSC showed bi-lineage differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes validated by Oil O Red and Alizarin Red S staining respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion SFSC’s possesses regenerative potential, which could be a future of regenerative medicine to repair bones and soft tissues. These findings contribute to MSC biology and its implementation as therapeutic role via SFSCs in musculoskeletal disorders.

Zoological Research and its Role in Shaping Business Innovation

2025-03-24T07:39:58+00:00

Zoological research drives progress in developing new business ideas. Business managers and zoological researchers lead to new biological discoveries that benefit different industries because they develop new medical technology, such as agriculture practices, robotic systems, and energy technologies. Combining animal studies with business operations leads to different types of positive outcomes. Businesses gain better knowledge of complex biological systems to make decisions that improve resource use and product development and promote sustainable business operations.

Modern business leaders recognize the scientific breakthrough from zoological study as it produces robotic machines that help farming and produces energy breakthroughs. It has grown into a real business movement that leads companies in sustainability and innovation to make lasting strategic changes. Our society studies how nature handles problems when trying to solve human issues.

Biomimicry is the practice of learning nature's strategies to solve human challenges. Moreover, zoological research can play a critical role in driving sustainable innovation. As companies seek to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their social responsibility, nature provides a wealth of inspiration. Biomimicry can help develop more efficient resource use, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain

Our approach to human problem-solving focuses on studying how nature performs these tasks. Biomimicry can help develop more efficient resource use, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain.

Humans took inspiration for Velcro by observing how burrs cling to animal fur and used robotic factories that act based on animal locomotion patterns. All companies follow normal business procedures that include applying zoological sciences.

The technology that promotes vaccine creation is drawn from research on animal defense systems. The behavior of animals helps robotic engineers design drones and autonomous vehicle systems that assist with monitoring and cargo transport activities. Modern power technologies take flight inspiration from birds, and scientists use animal migration behavior to create their essential climate model for sustainability.

As we look to the future, Zoology remains fundamental to creating new business ideas that enhance commercial success. Through natural intelligence, companies can discover better ways to grow, protect our environment, and successfully reach their business targets.

In conclusion, the connection between zoological science and business development will help industries grow and create a sustainable future for every person. Our success depends on using nature's limitless power to reach breakthroughs in industry development.