University of Sindh Journal of Animal Sciences (USJAS)

Diversity of Ants in Grassland and Urban Forest at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam

AMINA JUMANI, IMRAN KHATRI, ASLAM BUKERO, ABDUL NAVEED, REHMAT ALI BALOCh — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ants are ecologically significant as members of the ecosystem, being involved in biodiversity, soil aeration and species association. The objective of the present study was to determine ant species in grassland and urban forest adjacent to Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. Ants were vacuum sampled and identified to taxon. We measured ant species richness and evenness with the Shannon–Wiener (H?) and Simpson’s (D) indices for diversity indices and by three additional measures of species richness and evenness. Results showed that, grassland habitats have the highest richness and evenness of Camponotus compressus and Pheidole indica followed by urban forest habitats where introduced species like Monomorium pharaonis were dominant. Of all the environmental conditions considered, temperature and humidity were the best predictors of species composition, as higher humidity was positively associated with the presence of invasive species. In conclusion, grasslands were able to sustain more stable native species, while urban forest sites were less diverse and saw more invasive species. These results serve as a foundation for the remaining biodiversity and the management of invasive species in semi-urban areas.

Development of Predictive Models for Egg Weight in Shika Brown Chickens Using Stepwise Regression

EMMANUEL ABAYOMI ROTIMI — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Egg quality traits are essential indicators of productivity and commercial value in poultry breeding. This study evaluated egg quality characteristics of Shika Brown laying chickens and developed predictive models for egg weight (EWT) using stepwise regression. A total of 240 eggs, obtained from Shika Brown laying chickens, were analyzed for parameters including egg length (ELT), egg width (EWD), shell thickness (STK), shell weight (SWT), egg shape index (ESI), albumen weight (AWT), and yolk weight (YWT). Data were analyzed using statistical analysis procedures of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.0 (IBM SPSS, 2020). Descriptive statistics and phenotypic correlations were computed to assess trait relationships. Stepwise regression analysis was employed to develop predictive models for EWT. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships (p < 0.01) between EWT and external traits such as EWD (r = 0.256) and egg volume (EGV; r = 0.188), with a strong negative correlation between EWT and shell thickness index (STI; r = -0.763). Internal traits (albumen and yolk) showed weaker associations. The optimal predictive model was EWT = 57.271 - 19.030(STI) + 2.392(STK) + 4.080(EWD) - 0.125(ESI) - 0.155(ELT) with adjusted R² = 0.888 and RMSE = 1.813. External egg quality traits enable accurate EWT estimation, reducing reliance on direct measurement. These findings support optimized selection strategies in Shika Brown breeding programs, enhancing productivity and market value.

Seroprevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Its Effect on Reproduction in District Dadu, Pakistan

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, affecting domestic animals and humans. In small ruminants, mainly caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis, the disease leads to abortions, infertility, reduced milk yield, and significant economic losses. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in sheep and goats in District Dadu, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples (200 goats and 200 sheep) were randomly collected from animals with a history of abortion across four tehsils (Dadu, Johi, Khairpur Nathan Shah, and Mehar). Samples were screened using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed by ELISA. A structured questionnaire was used to assess potential risk factors. Overall seroprevalence was 6.5% (26/400), with slightly higher prevalence in goats (7.0%) than sheep (6.0%). Johi and Mehar tehsils showed the highest prevalence. Significant risk factors included poor biosecurity practices (p<0.0207), repeated abortions (p<0.0254), and introduction of new animals without quarantine (p<0.0213). Animals with reproductive disorders showed higher seropositivity, while no significant breed-wise differences were observed. The findings indicate a moderate prevalence of brucellosis in the study area, highlighting the need for improved biosecurity, awareness, and routine screening to reduce economic losses and zoonotic risk.

Role of the Gut Microbiome in Nutrient Absorption, Immune Defense and Animal Health

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The gut microbiome, a complex network of microorganisms that flourish in the gastrointestinal tract, is crucial for immune defense, nutrient absorption, and preservation of physiological balance in animals. This influences the development and function of the immune system, which aids in the synthesis of essential vitamins and complex carbohydrates conversion with a focus on how microbial ecosystems aid in the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients. This study highlights the complex interactions among gut microbiomes, their metabolic products (metabolomics), and the animals. More information was given about how this microbiome affects immune responses, particularly inflammation regulation and pathogenic resistance. A balanced gut microbiome is necessary because any disruption to this ecosystem can result in a number of health problems. New evidence suggests that the gut microbiome must be balanced to maintain homeostasis and prevent various diseases. Understanding of intricate microorganism colonies can be utilized to improve animal well-being and productivity using microbiome-based techniques.

Morphological Characterization of Fish Fauna (Cyprinidae) from Sukkur Barrage Sindh Pakistan

SAJIDA MEMON, KHADIM HUSSAIN MEMON, WAHEED ALI PANHWAR — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cyprinidae is dominant and the largest family of fresh water fishes commonly called “carp or minnow”. It is the most diversified family among fish fauna in the world comprises 220 genera including 2420 species belonging to order cypriniformes. The 13 reported species of family Cyprinidae belonging to genus labeo, where 5 species of this genus were recorded from river Indus Sindh Pakistan. The present study was conducted from River Indus (Sukkur barrage) Sindh Pakistan to analyze the taxonomic status of family Cyprinidae from September 2023 to March 2024. Five different stations were selected to collect specimens with the help of fisherman using nets including cast net, pond net, and gills net. The examination of collected specimens was based on Morphometric measurements of different body parts. The morphometric analysis was done using measuring tap, Ruler or slide calipers was used to measure the body parts into centimeters, and weight of collected specimens were measured using Digital weight balance. The data were processed in Excel computer program. A total of 500 specimens of fish fauna were collected during study period, among them Cyprinidae was the dominant having 325 specimens belongs to Cyprinidae family viz; 3 species two genus Labeo catla (Thala), Labeo rohita (Rohu) and Cirrihinus mrigala (Morakhi) have been recorded from collected specimens. Morphometric measurements include 11 traits (Total Length, Fork Length, Standard Length, Head Length, Eye Diameter, and Fins Length (DFL, PFL, PFL, AFL, CFL) all lengths measured in (cm) and weight calculated in (g). The results of species composition with percentage of species were estimated as Labeo catla (16.62%), Labeo rohita (39.070%) and Cirrihinus mrigala (44.31%). While as per the IUCN records the all three fish species were declared as least concern. The present study provided the baseline information for the future generations.

Relational Fear and Psychological Impact: A Cross-Sectional Study of Covid-19 Stressors among Male Patients in Karachi, Pakistan

BHAGVANTI, RUBINA MUSHTAQ, SOBIA KHWAJA, AMBREEN AKRAM, ZOHAIB AZIZ — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global mental health crisis, yet the nature of pandemic-related stressors and their psychological impact varies across socio-cultural contexts. This study examined the relationship between specific COVID-19 stressors and psychological impact among patients in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021 involving 306 COVID-19 patients (88.2% male; mean age = 34.12) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing 20 COVID-19-related stressors and 9 psychological impact items (anxiety and depression). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and linear regression. High levels of stress (75%) and psychological impact (65.6%) were observed. PCA identified relational and emotional stressors—particularly fear of infecting family members, irritability, and depressed mood—as the most prominent. Fear for family health emerged as the strongest psychological outcome. Regression analysis showed a strong and significant association between COVID-19 stress and psychological impact (R = 0.855, R² = 0.731, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that adverse psychological outcomes were driven primarily by concern for family rather than personal safety, reflecting culturally rooted relational responsibilities. Targeted mental health interventions and culturally sensitive public health strategies addressing familial and relational anxieties are therefore essential.

Efficacy Trial of Locally Available Drugs (Farmec® 2% And Nidozole) on Body Condition Score (Bcs) of Parasite-Infected Buffalo Calves

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the effects of two antiparasitic drugs, Nidozole suspension (which contains oxfendazole, oxyclozanide, cobalt, and selenium) and Farmec-2 (which includes 2% ivermectin) on the body condition score (BCS) of buffalo calves aged 6 to 12 months that were naturally infected with parasites, specifically piroplasms, their vectors, and helminths. The calves were divided into three groups based on their history, clinical signs, and results from the FAMACHA anemia guide test. Each group has 10 calves provided with ad lib feed and water: Group A (Ivermectin), Group B (Nidozole), and Group C (Control). Firstly, Blood, ectoparasite, and fecal samples were collected to analyze the parasitic burden. Giemsa-stained blood smears confirmed the presence of Babesia in several calves, while fecal examinations identified eggs from various parasitic species, primarily Haemonchus spp. After thorough analysis, the antiparasitic medications were administered, and BCS, along with clinical improvements, was monitored before and after medication on day 0, day 15, and day 45. On the 30th day, only BCS was monitored without medication. The results indicated that Group A exhibited a slight improvement in BCS, while tick and lice infestations, which were prevalent before treatment, were nearly eliminated compared to Group B. Furthermore, calves in Group B showed a more significant improvement in BCS. Clinical observations revealed that prior to treatment, the calves had dull and rough hair coats, pale mucous membranes, reduced feed and water intake, and significant tick infestations. Following treatment, the calves displayed noticeably shinier and smoother hair coats, their mucous membranes regained typical coloration, and their appetite and water consumption increased compared to those in Group A. In comparison to the control group, both treatment groups showed improvements in BCS. The study concluded that Farmec-2 is highly effective against ectoparasites. At the same time, Nidozole positively influences BCS due to its combination of antiparasitic medication and micronutrients, which help eliminate parasites and enhance overall health. This study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapy in improving growth performance in parasitized calves.

Prevalence of Ascaris Spp. In Pig Farms of Numan LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infection has been a major drawback in pig production in Nigeria due to multiplicity of factors that facilitate pathogen survival and proliferation in the tropics. About 166 Faecal samples were collected based on; sex, age, breed, type of feed, and management system. The samples were subjected to fecal floatation technique, and prevalence was determine using epitools. An overall prevalence of 9 (5.4%) was recorded for Ascaris spp infestations at different farm levels. Our result shows that, for sex the female has higher prevalence of 4(6.8%) than Male 5(4.6%), For age the young have higher prevalence of 7(5.5%) than adult 2(5.0%), while for management, Free range have higher prevalence of 3(9.3%), followed by semi-intensive 4(4.5%) and least intensive 2(4.3%). The local breed 9(5.4%) and local feed 9(5.4%) could not be calculated because no data for exotic breed and commercial feed respectively. In conclusion, the result shows that, the young pigs and female pigs have higher prevalence than adult and male pigs while Free range pigs have higher prevalence, more than intensively manage pigs.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals Across Aquatic Trophic Levels in Badrai Stream, in Buner Swabi Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study investigates the bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals across different trophic levels in the Badrai Stream ecosystem in District Buner and Swabi, ranging from sediments to top-level carnivorous fish, to assess potential risks to human health. Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were detected in commonly consumed fish species including Coptodon zillii, Channa punctatus, Labeo rohita, and Cyprinus carpio, collected from various locations: Totalai, Ghurghusto, Qasim Khel, and Dandar in District Buner and Pak Kaya, Punjpir, Swabi, Islam Khan in District Swabi. The presence of these metals at concerning levels in edible fish tissues indicates a potential health hazard to local consumers. Spatial analysis of contamination levels in water and sediments followed the order: Pak Kaya > Punjpir > Swabi > Islam Khan > Totalai > Ghurghusto > Qasim Khel > Dandar. The concentrations of heavy metals in fish muscle tissues varied among species, with no consistent accumulation trend observed.

Hematological Parameters as A Tool to Study Captive House Sparrows (Passer Domesticus)

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

During the era of extinction, bringing organisms to captivity is an effective method for conservation of declining populations. Keeping house sparrow in captivity was an effort to understand whether captivity affects physiology and behaviors of this species or not. In this study we focused on hematological parameters to study the physiology of Passer domesticus. The birds were kept in captivity in summer and winter for a couple of months and tested for hematological parameters. Platelets and MCH remained lower in captive birds, while WBCs remained higher during winter. During summer, maximum parameters remained similar to wild ones. Summer captivity was more successful than winter. Stress indicated by H/L ratio was higher in both seasons. Sparrows didn’t breed in captivity. The group behavior in winter probably to keep them warm, was observed. The current is the first report for the first-time in-house sparrow.

Comparative Efficacy of Three Anthelmintic Drugs against Gastrointestinal Parasites in Lactating Cows from Lahore, Pakistan

GHAZIA TAHIR, ROHEELA YASMEEN, RIMSHA RIAZ, SHAZIA BOKHARI, HAROON AKBAR — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The control of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites remains critical for maintaining dairy herd health, productivity, and economic viability. This study evaluated the efficacy of three anthelmintic drugs Nilzan Plus, Ivermectin, and Albendazole on lactating cows. Forty cows were divided into four groups: A, B, and C (treatment groups), and D (control). Fecal samples were collected pre-treatment (day 0) and post-treatment (days 7 and 14). Fecal Egg Count (FEC) was monitored using the McMaster technique to assess treatment outcomes. Nilzan Plus showed the highest efficacy with a 70.85% reduction in FEC by day 7 and 98.57% by day 14. Ivermectin also demonstrated strong results, with a 69.45% reduction on day 7 and 94.28% on day 14. Albendazole was less effective, achieving only 43.07% FEC reduction on day 7 and 88.28% on day 14. Nilzan Plus eliminated Toxocara spp., Bovine Hookworm, and Moniezia spp., while Ivermectin effectively controlled Haemonchus spp. and Bovine Hookworm, though Cooperia spp. showed resistance. Albendazole was the least effective, failing to eliminate Rumen Fluke, Cooperia spp., or Ostertagia spp. In conclusion, all drugs reduced parasitic infections to varying degrees, with Nilzan Plus proving most effective, followed by Ivermectin. Albendazole showed limited efficacy. It is concluded Incorporating proper hygiene and pasture management, along with strategic anthelmintic use, is essential for sustainable parasite control.