<div><strong>Background:</strong> Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) remains a serious threat to the Indian livestock sector due to significant economic loss associated with it. Systematic vaccination of large ruminants over the years has lead to a gradual reduction in the number of disease outbreaks in India. However exposure to FMDV infection in small ruminants has been recorded during the past few years (Rout <em>et al</em>., 2013). Sheep and goat population have not been vaccinated so far against FMD under the FMD-Control program (FMD-CP). The present study highlighted the outbreak of FMD in small ruminants in Karnataka, India.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> During the period 2018-19, seven suspected FMD outbreaks &nbsp;among sheep population in Bellary and Tumakuru districts of Karnataka state were investigated. Tongue epithelium (oral swabs) and foot lesions (n=23) from clinically affected sheep and tissues such as heart, lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and kidneys from lambs during post mortem (n=67) were collected. All the samples were processed in the laboratory for the detection of FMD virus antigen by employing Serotype differentiating antigen detection ELISA and by multiplex PCR. Heart tissue samples were also collected in buffered formalin for histopathology study and processed by routine paraffin embedding technique and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E). Serum samples from the recovered animals were collected and screened by NSP-ELISA and LPB-ELISA to check the antibody status in the affected herd.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>A total of seven suspected outbreaks of FMD involving 688 small ruminants was investigated. The outbreak of FMD due to FMDV serotype O was confirmed by ELISA and multiplex PCR assays. Clinically, the affected adult sheep showed typical signs of FMD, while mortality in young lambs was observed without apparent signs of disease. Histologically, heart tissues from FMD affected lambs showed myocardial necrosis with marked aggregations of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the myocardium and perivascular spaces. History of FMD outbreaks in cattle and common grazing land for the livestock, as well as sheep within the reach of these villages, may be the major contributing factors for the outbreaks in sheep populations.</div>


<div>Investigations into Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak among Small Ruminants in Karnataka State of India</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> This study examines small ruminant production systems in Northern Jordan, where they play a crucial role in agriculture and support local livelihoods.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> A survey of 290 small ruminant holders was conducted from April 2022 to August 2023, employing descriptive and multivariate analyses using XLSTAT and TANAGRA software to explore socioeconomic traits, management practices and feeding strategies related to the production period of 2021.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The results showed that there was variability in small ruminant production systems. More than half of small ruminant holders utilized semi-extensive methods and focused on cash sales. Factors such as labor distribution, animal replacement strategies and housing practices differed among climate regions and governorates. The typological analysis revealed clusters of small ruminant holders based on criteria such as labor management (4% of small ruminant holders), animal replacement strategies (42%), market-oriented production systems (6%), extensive commercial sheep farming (30%) and experienced farmers with medium flock sizes (17%). This study provides valuable insights into the small ruminant production systems in Northern Jordan, informing future strategies for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the region.</div>


<p>Patterns and Relations in Small Ruminant Systems in Northern Jordan</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> <em>Toxoplasma gondii&nbsp;</em>is an obligatory apicomplexan, intracellular, ubiquitous, eurykaryotic zoonotic pathogen that infects all warm blooded animals and recognized worldwide as one of major causes of infectious abortions and reproductive failure in small ruminants&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> In the present study, 823 small ruminants (245 sheep, 578 goats) evaluated for&nbsp;<em>T. gondii&nbsp;</em>infection by ELISA to explore seroprevalence and spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> A high seroprevalence (40.58%) of&nbsp;<em>T. gondii&nbsp;</em>recorded in small ruminants being higher in sheep (42.85%) than goat (39.60%). Seropositivity of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goat with history of abortion was found to be 63.80 and 50.00%, respectively. Goats with the history of abortion were 1.72 times more at risk (Cl =1.15-2.56) to<em> T. gondii </em>infection as compared to animals without the history of abortion (Cl =0.39-0.86). Similarly, sheep with the history of abortion were 2.74 times more at risk (Cl =1.31-5.71) to toxoplasmosis as compared to sheep without abortion history (Cl= 0.17-0.76). Goat and sheep farms with frequent access to cats were 2.03 times (CI =1.05-3.90) and 4.04 times (Cl =1.78-9.14) more at risk, as compared to farms with limited cats access. Spatial distribution and predictive seroprevalence analysis indicate possible risk of toxoplasmosis in whole of the state with higher possibility of disease in agroclimatic zones III, IV and V.&nbsp;</div>


<div>Seroprevalence and Spatial Distribution of Toxoplasmosis in Relation to Various Risk Factors in Small Ruminants of Punjab, India</div>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Current study was carried in order to understand the significance of feeding practices for small ruminants. In this regards a detailed review of already conducted researches was performance, whereby obtained facts were found to be much interesting and valuable. It was indicated that the profitable small ruminants farming depends upon feeding practices because the feed cost about 70% in farming. Small ruminants are often offered grazing on summer and winter fodders for maintenance and production requirements. However, commercial production demands a change in feeding practice with a trend for more efficient utilization of scarce feed resources. It was further stated that goats spent more time on eating than sheep, while ruminating time remain higher in sheep than goats. Drinking time appears different among these species. Goats spent more time on playing and resting than sheep. Moreover, in extensive, semi-intensive and intensive feeding systems, dry matter intake was noticed higher in sheep than goats. Crude protein intake was reported significantly higher in sheep than goats fed intensively. NDF and ADF intake was higher in goats than sheep. Average daily weight gain was higher in sheep than goats on the extensive system followed by the semi-intensive system. Feed efficiency was similar in both species, while the cost of gain per kg was more economical in goats compared sheep. In conclusion both species performed better on extensive feeding system than the other systems. It might be because of natural grazing behavior.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Significance of Feeding Practices for Small Ruminants: A Reveiw</div>

<div>Infection with parasitic nematodes is a serious threat to health and production of small ruminant worldwide. It causes reduction in feed intake, weight gain and eventually death of the host. The primary control method of the nematode infection relied on frequent use of anthelmintic drugs. Unfortunately, this control strategy is no longer effective due to widespread anthelmintic resistance, which necessitates search for novel approaches to control nematodes. Condensed tannin (CT) containing forages have been used as anthelmintic to control parasitic nematodes for years. This paper reviews available information about effects of CT on productivity and health of small ruminants infected with parasitic nematodes. Many of temperate and tropical forages are nutraceutical plants (possess both nutritional and health benefits). Consumption of CT containing forages reduced negative impacts of gastrointestinal parasitism in sheep and goat by regulating establishment of worm as shown in reduced worm burdens, fecal egg count (FEC) and worm fecundity. Parasitized sheep and goats fed forages containing CT had high feed intake and body weight gain, probably due to increase in protein and amino acids supply. Condensed tannins containing feeds result in lighter meat color and tend to improve antioxidant activity. Therefore, the use of CT containing forages to control parasitic nematodes and improve production of small ruminants is one the alternatives to anthelmintic drugs. &nbsp;</div>


<div>Implications of Tannin Containing Plants for Productivity and Health in Small Ruminant Animals: A Review</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> India has large rainfed area in her possession, rather, India is holding first position in the possession of rainfed area. At the same time, India has large share of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in her stockpile of livestock. This paper is an effort towards finding out the mutual compatibility between the two.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted during 2020-21 in the rainfed areas of Jammu region, in three main districts i.e., Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri, respectively. The technique of production function was applied to ascertain the resource use efficiency so as to find out the inputs that yielded maximum returns to the farmers. In addition, linear programming was applied so as to find out the optimisation of returns, respectively.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Profitability was found to be higher for Rajouri district (Rs. 12.79 per ruminant per day). &lsquo;Selling of mutton&rsquo; formed the major component of gross returns in Kathua and Udhampur district, respectively. Production function analysis revealed &lsquo;concentrates&rsquo; (0.219) in Kathua district and &lsquo;labour&rsquo; (3.559) in Udhampur district as the important inputs in the small ruminant&rsquo;s enterprise. The labour was found in large numbers there, but there is paucity of training of labour. In this regard, the paper recommends the proper training measures for the labour engaged in this enterprise. Moreover, there is large variations (as depicted by linear programming) in the optimisation of the inputs (cash outlay and labour requirements) within the districts and this needs to be adjusted appropriately. These adjustments need to be made so that small ruminant&rsquo;s enterprise can act as the bulwark against the looming threat of climate variations.</div>


<p>Remunerative Potential of Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goat) under Rainfed Conditions in the Jammu Region of South Asia</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> Gastrointestinal infection of small ruminants is becoming a real problem due to the resistance against anthelmintic treatment. These parasitic infections are prevalent among grazing ruminants and result in significant economic losses by reduced production. The aim of the study was to evaluate and estimate the total loud of parasitic infection is small ruminants, sheep&rsquo;s and goats from different farms located in Kor&ccedil;a district.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>This study investigates parasitic infections in sheep and goats across 40 farms situated in Kor&ccedil;a district in southeastern Albania. The primary objective is to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites within feces samples from mature sheep and goats. In total, 121 feces samples were meticulously collected. Samples were analysed and processed using the Mini-FLOTAC technique in order to identify eggs and oocysts in each herd.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>The results of the investigation revealed the presence of <em>Strongyloides papillosus</em> in 45.45% of samples, <em>Ostertagia spp. </em>eggs in 40.9% of samples, <em>Monezia expansa</em> eggs in 27.2% of samples, <em>Dictiocaulus filaria</em> in 22.3% of samples, <em>Nematodirus spathiger </em>eggs in 13.2% of samples,<em> Haemonchus contortus</em> eggs in 13.3%, <em>Cooperia spp.</em> eggs in 9% of samples, <em>Trichostrongylus axei </em>in 9% of samples, <em>Coccidian oocysts</em> in 4.1% of samples and <em>Trichuris ovis</em> in 1.6% of samples.</p>


<p>Epidemiological Data Regarding the Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Albanian Small Ruminants</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Among life-threatening infections of small ruminants (sheep/goat), enterotoxaemia has vital importance. This disease is caused by certain serotype of <em>Clostridium perfringens</em> and commonly known as pulpy kidney or overeating infection. The current study was carried out to determine the prevalence of <em>C. perfringens</em> in small ruminants in different zones (Kalat, Mangochar, Johan, and Gazg) of district Kalat, Balochistan.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Fecal samples (n=100) were collected aseptically, from rectum of enterotoxaemia suspected animals. The samples were cultured in Reinforced Clostridial Media (RCM). Biochemically identified isolates were further confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR).&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Overall prevalence of <em>C. perfringens</em> was noticed 48%, with higher occurrence rate (p &lt; 0.01) in sheep (60%) than goat (36%). Among fifty samples of each specie, 30 and 18 isolates recovered from sheep and goat respectively. The area wise analysis showed that, in goats, the highest prevalence was found in Kalat (50%) followed by the Mangochar (38.46%), Johan (30.77%) and Gazg (25%). The statistical analysis revealed the significant differences (p &lt; 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 18.80-68.91) in C. perfringens prevalence in various areas of Kalat district. The results of the gender-wise prevalence of C. perfringens exhibited a numerically higher (p&gt;0.05; 95% CI 9.23-49.02) prevalence in female goats (40%) than male goats (32%). Whereas, the age-wise analysis indicated that, in &lt; 1 year age group (44.44%), the prevalence of C. perfringens was higher (p&lt;0.05; 95% CI 8.00-57.89) than &gt;1 but &lt;2 years&nbsp; (29.41%) and &sup3; 2-year (33.33%) age groups. Similarly, in sheep, the highest prevalence (p&lt;0.05) was found in Kalat (76.92%) followed by Mangochar (66.67%), Johan (58.33%) and Gazg (38.46%). The age wise and gender-wise differences (p&lt;0.05) were also observed in various age and gender groups of sheep similar to goat. Among 30 sheep isolates of <em>C. perfringens</em>, a highest number (28 isolates) showed resistance against amikacin, followed by amoxicillin/penicillin (25 isolates) and colistin sulphate (22 isolates); while among 18 isolates of goat 17 were found resistant against colistin sulphate and 16 were resistant against amoxicillin and amikacin. In conclusion enterotoxaemia is prevailing in small ruminants of district Kalat, Balochistan thus mass scale vaccination campaign should be carried out to prevent losses.</div>


<p>Prevalence and Antibiogram of <em>Clostridium perfringens</em> in Small Ruminants of District Kalat, Balochistan</p>


<p style="text-align: justify;">The objective of this study was to characterize Haemonchus contortus antigens, and to standardize and evaluate indirect plate and dot-ELISA using homologous antigens in the small ruminants. Electrophoretic separation of somatic antigen in reducing condition on 15% polyacrylamide gel resolved into 16 proteins of molecular weight ranging from 14-100 kDa. Two step ethanolic extraction of the supernatant of in-vitro culture of H. contortus yielded excretory-secretory (E-S) antigen/ cathepsin L cysteine proteinase of molecular weight 28 kDa. The animals (Goats=103; Sheep=91) were broadly kept into post-mortem (PM) and faecal examined groups and further sub-grouped based on mono or multiply helminths infection. At many occasion, the somatic antigen found to cross reacts with other helminths parasites thus minimizing the specificity of the selected tests and antigens. There was no any direct correlation between the parasites load and ELISA reactivity pattern. The prevalence rate of haemonchosis was 55.7 (34/61) in goats/ 47.6 (40/84) % in sheep as per PM examination while it was 45.63 (47/103) in goats/ 41.76% (38/91) in sheep and 36.89 (38/103) in goats/ 35.16% (32/91) in sheep using E-S antigen based plate and dot-ELISA, respectively. With E-S antigen, the overall % sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of plate-ELISA was 89.74 (goats)/ 80.95 (sheep), 81.25 (goats)/ 91.84 (sheep), 74.47 (goats)/ 89.47 (sheep), 92.86 (goats)/ 84.91 (sheep), respectively while for dot-ELISA it was 66.67 (goats)/ 61.9 (sheep), 81.25 (goats)/ 87.76 (sheep), 68.42 (goats)/ 81.25 (sheep), 80 (goats)/ 72.88 (sheep), respectively, so the tests and E-S antigen can be recommended for the detection haemonchosis in the small ruminants. &nbsp;</p>


<p>Immunodiagnostic potency of homologous antigens for natural <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> infection in small ruminants in plate and paper&nbsp;enzyme linked immunosorbent assay<br />
&nbsp;</p>


<div>The main purpose of this review was to demonstrate the current state of the investigations on the responses of body weight, physiological and blood biochemical variables in the small ruminants (sheep and goats) reared in hot arid and semi-arid regions of western India. In recent years, scientific research has made it possible to measure how different breeds of sheep and goat respond to climatic influences and manage to be homoeothermic and adapt to various environmental conditions. The exposure of sheep and goats to heat stress leads to alterations in the physiological and biochemical profiles of blood and also affect the body weight, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood plasma properties, production, reproduction, milk quantity and its quality. There are some studies which prove that the central nervous system is susceptible to the deviations in body temperature and also that some cells are more agile in the cold than in heat. In summary, we mention that in different breeds, the rearing environment and its environmental variability can trigger the feed intake efficiency and utilization, body growth, physiological changes and biochemical changes in the blood which lead to heat increment in the body&rsquo;s thermal balance.</div>


Investigations into Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak among Small Ruminants in Karnataka State of India

Patterns and Relations in Small Ruminant Systems in Northern Jordan

Seroprevalence and Spatial Distribution of Toxoplasmosis in Relation to Various Risk Factors in Small Ruminants of Punjab, India

Significance of Feeding Practices for Small Ruminants: A Reveiw

Implications of Tannin Containing Plants for Productivity and Health in Small Ruminant Animals: A Review

Remunerative Potential of Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goat) under Rainfed Conditions in the Jammu Region of South Asia

Epidemiological Data Regarding the Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Albanian Small Ruminants

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Clostridium perfringens in Small Ruminants of District Kalat, Balochistan

Immunodiagnostic potency of homologous antigens for natural Haemonchus contortus infection in small ruminants in plate and paper enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Heat Stress Responses in Small Ruminants under Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Western India: A Review