University of Sindh Journal of Animal Sciences (USJAS)

Rapid Multiplex PCR-Based Identification of Meat Species (SUS SCROFA, EQUUS ASINUS, BOS TAURUS) in Commercial Food Samples

MUHAMMAD YOUNUS — 2026-06-24

For economic, religious, and health-related reasons, it is crucial to safeguard customers against unlawful or undesirable substitutions by evaluating the content and authenticity of food. Red meat is being replaced by the meats of cows, pigs, and donkeys. Because of their religious beliefs, Muslims and Jews abstain from eating pork and donkey meats, even in little amounts. In light of this, multiplex PCR rather than uniplex PCR is required for the quick, affordable and highly sensitive identification of the DNA origins of cow, donkey, and hog species in actual food samples. For this purpose, a total of 85 samples including blood samples, tissue samples, laboratory prepared food samples and commercial foodstuffs including mutton, beef biryani, chicken samosa, chicken pakora, haleem, nihari mutton biryani, etc. were collected from Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. DNA was extracted from all the targeted samples. In a single tube, we created the first multiplex PCR test to determine the species of cow, donkey and pork used in food items. In addition to universal 18S rRNA primers that amplify a 99 bp fragment, the assay uses specific primers [pork (Sus scrofa), donkey (Equus asinus), and cow (Bos taurus)] that amplify fragments of the mitochondrial COX1 (pork; 460 bp), 12S rRNA (donkey; 184 bp), and ATPase subunit 6 and 8 genes (cow; 271 bp), respectively. For all species, the assay's detection limit was 0.05%. In conclusion, this PCR technique offers an easy, quick, sensitive, accurate, and cost-effective way to identify cow, pork and donkey species in commercial food samples.

Synergistic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls and cadmium on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and immunity in labeo rohita

NEHA ANEES — 2026-06-24

Environmental pollutants, including cadmium (Cd) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are widely distributed in the environment. These pollutants are highly toxic to living organisms and cause serious damage to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The present study was designed to determine the effects of combined exposure to PCBs and Cd on the freshwater fish Labeo rohita. A total of 80 L. rohita were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20/group): control, PCB-treated (10 µg/L), Cd-treated (1 mg/L) and PCB + Cd co-treated (10 µg/L + 1 mg/L). The experiment was conducted for 21 days. The results revealed that exposure to PCBs and Cd alone caused significant damage in fish. However, greater damage was observed in the PCB + Cd co-treated group compared with the Cd-treated and PCB-treated groups. Co-administration of PCBs and Cd increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), while decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, Cd and PCB exposure disturbed the hematological parameters of L. rohita. Increased levels of hepatic enzymes, including AST, ALT and ALP, were also observed in the blood, indicating liver damage. In addition, Cd and PCB exposure reduced fish immunity by lowering lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, IgM and ACP levels. The findings demonstrated that combined exposure to PCBs and Cd caused severe toxic effects in L. rohita, suggesting that these pollutants become more harmful to aquatic organisms, especially freshwater fish, when present together.

Spring Spawning in Oreochromis Mossambicus: Evidence from Monthly GSI, Maturity Stages, and Fecundity from Keenjhar Lake, Sindh, Pakistan

ATIA BATOOL — 2026-06-24

Understanding the reproductive seasonality of Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia) is essential for aquaculture management and wild stock conservation. This study examined monthly variations in length?weight relationships (LWR), gonadosomatic index (GSI), maturity stages, fecundity, condition factor (K), and sex ratio of O. mossambicus collected from Keenjhar Lake, Sindh, Pakistan over 12 months (January–December 2023). A total of 244 individuals (120 females, 124 males) were analyzed. Female GSI peaked in March (4.8 ± 2.1%) and remained high through May, then declined sharply to <1% from July to October. Female condition factor (K) peaked pre-spawn in February (1.96) and reached a minimum in August (1.52), a decline associated with reproductive costs. The overall sex ratio (120 females: 124 males = 1:1.03) did not deviate from 1:1 (p=0.79). One?way ANOVA confirmed significant monthly differences in GSI for females (F (11,108) =12.34, p<0.001) but not for males (p=0.07). Fecundity ranged from 8 to 900 eggs, with a strong positive linear relationship with total length (cm): Eggs = 38.5 × Length (cm) – 565 (R²=0.68, p<0.001), valid for fish ?15 cm total length. Length?weight relationships showed negative allometric growth for females (b=2.89, ?<1) and isometric growth for males (b=2.95). Maturity stage V (ripe) dominated March–May, while stage VI (spent) prevailed July–September. A closed season during March–May is recommended to protect the spawning stock of this economically important cichlid in Keenjhar Lake.

Effects of Ipomoea Asarifolia-Based Diets on Carcass Traits and Relative Organ Weights in Broiler Chickens

OLUWAFEMI ABEL AGBETUYI — 2026-06-24

Phytogenic feed additives have gained increasing interest as possible substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters in the poultry industry, particularly in broiler chicken production. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Ipomoea asarifolia leaf powder as a natural growth-promoter substitute in broiler diets on carcass traits and relative organ weights, with the ultimate aim of promoting healthy food production. A total of 200 eight-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in this study under a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, with five replicates of ten birds each. The four dietary treatments were designated as D1, D2, D3 and D4, containing Ipomoea asarifolia leaf powder on a dry matter basis at inclusion levels of 0.0%, 0.8%, 1.6% and 2.4%, respectively. At the end of the 42-day feeding trial, data were collected on carcass traits and organ weights of broiler chickens. The dressing percentage in D1 (69.49%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that recorded in D3 (64.91%) but was statistically similar (p > 0.05) to those in D2 (68.22%) and D4 (68.62%). The relative weights of the lungs, liver and spleen in D1 were comparable (p > 0.05) to those recorded in D2, D3 and D4. The findings demonstrated that up to 2.4% Ipomoea asarifolia leaf powder can be safely included in broiler chicken diets without adversely affecting meat yield or the functionality of vital organs. These results support the use of non-conventional feed resources as a practical approach to improving poultry production efficiency and sustainability.

Extraction of Keratin from Chicken Feathers and its Potential Applications in Poultry Feed and Organic Fertilizer

SAMIYA HABIB — 2026-06-24

Millions of tons of chicken feathers are produced globally each year by the poultry industry. The present study was designed to isolate keratinolytic bacteria from soil and feathers of Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken). Samples were collected from a private poultry farm. Qualitative analysis of keratin-degrading bacteria was carried out using the skim milk agar assay, and twelve bacterial isolates were obtained from Gallus gallus domesticus feathers. Bacterial cell densities were highest at 37°C and 45°C and at pH values ranging from 7.0 to 9.0. All twelve Gallus gallus domesticus isolates efficiently degraded Columba livia domestica feathers. The results showed that the protein content of Columba livia domestica feathers was 7.818 mg/mL, whereas that of Gallus gallus domesticus feathers was 3.949 mg/mL. The FTIR spectra of keratin hydrolysate from Gallus gallus domesticus and Columba livia domestica ranged from 700 to 4000 cm?¹. Among the isolates, SHC4 and SHC12 showed the best growth-promoting effects on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) plants. Keratin hydrolysate used as a fertilizer significantly enhanced plant growth (p < 0.05) at 100×, 70× and 50× dilutions. Keratin used as poultry feed showed a maximum body-weight gain of 70%. Liver function tests, including ALT, AST, ALP, A/G ratio, albumin, globulin and bilirubin, were also performed in chicks. Overall, keratin-degrading microbial isolates demonstrated strong potential for applications in agriculture and poultry feed production.

Molecular Pathogenicity and Clinical Manifestations of Listeriosis in Small Ruminants: A Review

MUHAMMAD AQEEL — 2026-06-24

Listeriosis is an important infectious disease of goats, sheep, and other ruminants, caused mainly by Listeria monocytogenes and occasionally by Listeria ivanovii in small ruminants. In goats and sheep, the major clinical manifestations include rhombencephalitis or meningoencephalitis, abortion, stillbirth, neonatal septicemia, mastitis, and, rarely, ocular or gastrointestinal disease. The pathogenic potential of listeriosis-associated isolates depends on the interaction between bacterial genotype, conserved virulence genes, environmental adaptability, infectious dose, route of infection, pregnancy status, mucosal damage, and host immunity. Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular pathogen that binds to and invades host cells, escapes from the phagosome through listeriolysin O and phospholipases, replicates within the cytosol, and spreads from cell to cell through ActA-mediated actin-based motility. These mechanisms enable the bacterium to evade the host immune response, invade the placenta and fetus, cause septicemia, and reach the nervous system. Studying naturally isolated strains from the brainstem, fetal-placental tissues, milk, feces, silage, farms, and farm environments is essential for understanding the relationship between molecular virulence and the ecology of host–pathogen interactions.

Assessment of Flood Impacts on Fish Biodiversity in the Swat River, Pakistan

MUHAMMAD YOUSAF — 2026-06-24

The Swat River originates from Mahodand Lake as the Peshmal stream of Ushu before merging with the Utror stream. The river experienced severe flooding during two major periods, July 29–31, 2010, and August 26–29, 2022, which greatly disturbed its biodiversity and caused substantial damage to fish fauna. To assess the impacts of these floods, fish samples were collected from different sites and preserved in formalin for identification. Population density and species abundance were evaluated before and after the flood events. A total of 17 fish species belonging to different orders and families were recorded from various months and locations after the floods. Interestingly, four native fish species of the Swat River, namely Glyptothorax cavia, Xenentodon cancila, Channa punctatus, and Puntius sophore, were absent in the present study. Questionnaire data obtained from fishermen revealed that Schizothorax esocinus, Tor putitora, and Labeo dero are threatened and rarely encountered. The study concluded that fish populations declined by 42–51% after the severe floods of 2010 and 2022, mainly due to habitat destruction and ecological losses caused by flooding.

Prediction of Morphometric Characteristics of Pomadasys Maculatus from the Karachi Coast, Pakistan, Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

SHAHLA SIDDIQUI — 2026-06-24

Among the fisheries resources of Pakistan, Pomadasys maculatus is an important species due to its economic potential and export value. This study aimed to identify a new set of variables for P. maculatus using multivariate statistical methods. Morphometric data of male and female fish were collected from the Korangi Creek area, located at 24°47?N latitude and 67°05?E longitude along the Karachi coast, from January 2013 to December 2014. During the study period, a total of 1,056 specimens, including 503 males and 553 females, were investigated. The dataset included important morphometric variables such as total length (TL, mm), standard length (SL, mm), body weight (Bwt, g), fork length (FL, mm), and other related measurements. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied as a statistical tool to reduce the dimensionality of the data. The first three components, PC1, PC2, and PC3, accounted for 90% of the total variation. PC1 explained 83.96% of the variance and was mainly influenced by TL, Bwt, and SL, representing the overall size of the fish. PC2 explained 3.58% of the variance and was associated with strong swimming muscles, particularly caudal peduncle length (CPL). PC3 contributed 2.5% of the variance and was linked to eye diameter (ED). By applying PCA, 90% of the data variance was preserved while reducing dimensionality. Regression models using factor scores as independent variables were developed to predict future fish characteristics. These models were validated using root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), which showed minimum error values. This study highlights the effectiveness of PCA, and factor score projections in predicting the morphometric characteristics of P. maculatus along the Karachi coast.

A Review on Penicillin: History, Mechanisms of Action, Bacterial Resistant and Penicillin Allergy

Rasool Bux — 2026-06-24

Penicillin is the first antibiotic drug that was discovered and introduced by Fleming to treat various kinds of diseases. Fleming followed by many scientists carried out experiment to extract material that may have antibiotic properties in order to discover other antibiotics and some scientists also did extensive research on penicillin. Since its discovery, it is the choice of the drug for various infectious diseases and widely used due to its efficacy and stability, however, extensive use also caused bacterial resistance as many microorganisms become resistant to penicillin. To overcome the resistance and enhance the bacterial spectrum, various kinds of semisynthetic penicillin were discovered and introduced to treat those infections caused by resistant microbes and the least effective microbes by penicillin. Penicillin group is well known for its mechanisms of action as it interferes with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall of growing microbes ultimately killing them so for called bactericidal. Even today, penicillin is being considered as a highly effective and most prescribed drug throughout the world but penicillin allergy is one of the major issues when using penicillin. The aim of the present paper is to review the history, mechanisms of action, bacterial resistance and penicillin allergy.

Effect of Different Regimes on the Growth and Survial of Nile Tilapia (OREOCHOMIS NILOTICUS) in Glass Aguarium

Dilawar ali — 2026-06-24

The present study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under different dietary treatments and their corresponding effects on water quality parameters. Three types of feed were formulated and tested: T1 (control diet), T2 (high-protein feed with 38% crude protein), and T3 (locally sourced feed with 30% crude protein). Results revealed significant differences in growth performance among treatments. The highest weight gain (19.2 g), specific growth rate (0.58%), and daily weight gain (0.2 g/day) were observed in fish fed with T2, followed by T3 (12.42 g WG and 0.53% SGR), while the lowest growth was recorded in T1 (3.0 g WG and 0.25% SGR). Survival rate was highest in T3 (100%), indicating better adaptability to local feed, whereas T1 recorded the lowest survival (50%). Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, and salinity were monitored and found to be within acceptable limits for tilapia culture. However, T2 and T3 treatments exhibited comparatively better water quality, likely due to efficient feed utilization and reduced organic waste accumulation. The study concludes that the high-protein feed (T2) enhances growth performance significantly, while locally formulated feed (T3) offers a cost-effective alternative with satisfactory growth and optimal survival, making it suitable for sustainable tilapia aquaculture.

Brucellosis: A Major Zoonotic Disease of Public Health and Veterinary Importance

HAREEM KHAN KHANZADA — 2026-06-24

Brucellosis is a global zoonotic illness that affects both animal and human populations. This disease, which affects numerous animal species, can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with or consumption of contaminated food sources. Despite the significant health risks posed by brucellosis, its public health implications have often been overlooked in several nations. In humans, it manifests as an acute febrile illness and can lead to a chronic, debilitating infection, while its presence in livestock carries substantial socioeconomic consequences. Over the last two decades, considerable progress has been made in comprehending various facets of brucellosis in both animals and humans. Nevertheless, particularly in developing regions, significant obstacles persist in the control and eradication of brucellosis, including the need for innovative diagnostic tools and effective vaccines. This discussion will focus on critical aspects of epidemiological surveillance, as well as the priorities and challenges associated with brucellosis.