Browsing by Author "Kurukulasuriya, M.S."

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    Antimicrobial Effect of Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) Extracted from Village Chicken Eggs and Farm Chicken Eggs Against Salmonella
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madushika, D.K.L.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.; Silva, G.L.L.P.
    Chicken Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) found in egg yolk acts as the main innate immune response against the systemic infections in early stages of chick life. Colibacillosis and salmonellosis are important bacterial diseases which can lead to early chick death. However, the survival rate of indigenous day-old chicks against such diseases is believed to be higher compared to the farm day-old chicks which may have contributed from the IgY activity present in egg yolk. The current study was focused to compare the IgY content in village and farm chicken eggs and to compare the antimicrobial effects of IgY found in both egg types against Salmonella. Six village and six farm laying hens were identified for the egg collection. Gallus Immunotech Chicken IgY Egg Press Purification Kit was used to extract the IgY. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 10% SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions were used to confirm the extracted IgY. Extracted protein concentration (mg mL¯1) of samples was measured using nanodrop spectroscopy. The Mann-Whitey test was used to compare the yield analysis (mg). Antimicrobial susceptibility of extracted IgY was determined against Salmonella sp. isolated from dead day-old chicks. Inhibition reactions of IgY was measured using agar well diffusion assay by turbidity of broth adjusted to the 0.5 McFarland standard. Extracted protein concentration was (7.35±0.92) and (7.12±0.93) in village and farm samples, respectively. Although there was no significant difference, village chicken eggs showed higher IgY yield (132.47±22.31) compared to farm chicken eggs (115.01±17.40). There was no significant different in inhibition zones (mm) of IgY extracted from village (12.1±2.3) and farm (11.3±1.9) chicken eggs. In conclusion, IgY extracted from both village and farm chicken eggs had a similar antimicrobial effect against Salmonella. However, increasing the sample size can improve the accuracy of this preliminary study.
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    Association between Body Weight and Gait Score of Broiler Meat Chicken
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Sonali Marasinghe, M.A.; De Silva, P.G.J.C.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
    The global demand for chicken meat is increasing and new poultry strains have been developed by genetic improvement targeting production traits to fulfill the higher demand. Since, genetic improvements have not focused on improving skeletal confirmation in parallel to production traits; birds can get leg deformities disturbing their walking pattern which can manifest as higher gait score (GS). Study focused to identify the association between body weight (BW) and GS in broiler chicken. A total of 100, day-old Cobb chicks (76-female; 24-male) were randomly selected and managed conditions. GS with 0(zero) to 5(severe) levels and BW of the birds were recorded separately at the age day-14, day-21, day-28 and day-35. Spearman correlation was calculated between BW and GS at each sampling day using MINITAB-17 and mean BWs difference of birds in each GS category was obtained by repeated measures of ANOVA (RMANOVA) using SAS-9.2. Frequency of birds in each GS category was obtained. Significant weak positive correlation between BW and GS is reported only at day-35 (Spearman-Rho=0.289; P<0.05). When consider the sex, similar significant weak positive correlation is observed in females (Spearman-Rho=0.364; P<0.05) at day-35 reflecting correlations observed in whole flock at day-35, may have mainly contributed from females. RMANOVA revealed a significant effect of time and GS×time interaction on BW (P<0.05). Significantly higher BW (P<0.05) has observed in birds belonging to the higher GS categories at day-35 (GS0=1660.83±59.13; GS2=1796.49±38.65; GS3=1913.39±30.16; GS4=1803.00±111.18) indicating BW of birds has directly affected on their walking pattern. Frequency of birds belonging to GS-0 is continuously declining from 99% at day-14 to 15.2% at day- 35. Further, more than 50% of birds showed GS-3 (48.5%) and GS-4 (3%) at day-35 reflecting without external visible changes in the skeletal confirmation; birds are suffering from pain in walking which is an important animal welfare issue. None of the birds reported GS-5 throughout the experiment. It can be concluded that increase BW leads to chronic pain which reflects as higher GS. At slaughtering age, birds are suffering from pain in walking without changes in external skeletal confirmation. Future research can be focus on genetic improvement of skeletal confirmation of birds to tolerate increased BW. Keywords: Body weight; Broilers; Chicken; Gait score
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    Characterization of Goat Production Systems in Badulla District of Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Nandasena, H.M.N.P.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
    Goat farming in Sri Lanka has a great potential for improvements, especially in rural economies, since it can be operated with low input levels. Badulla district is considered as a rural area where agricultural activities are predominant. However, the available information on goat farming in Badulla is minimal, limiting the opportunities for further development. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the goat production systems in Badulla district. A survey was conducted using 320 goat famers in 15 divisional secretariats of Badulla district using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on farmers’ general information, herd characteristics, management practices and constraints of farmers. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17 statistical software. The results indicated that goat farming is more popular among Tamil and Muslim communities. Out of total study sample, 76.9% were Tamil and 19.7% were Muslim. Majority of goat farmers (80.6%) had only the primary education. Almost all farmers (99.7%) in the area considered goat farming as a secondary income source. In 91.9% goat farms, herd owner is a male although housewives and children helped in farming activities. Most of goat herds were indigenous (75.6 %) while 24.4% were Jamnapari crosses. The average herd size was 6.65 ±4.70. All farmers rear goats under semi-intensive management system. Although, cut and feed, tethering and free grazing were found as major roughages feeding systems, these can vary in different areas of Badulla according to the resource availability. Around 50.0% farmers used raised slatted floor houses. According to the farmers’ perception, lack of goat breeds, less government support and less land availability were identified as main problems in goat farming in Badulla. Therefore, based on proper data, short-term and long-term development plans should be implemented for development of goat farming in Badulla.
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    Identification of Common Pathogenic Bacteria and Suitable Antibiotics for Treatment of Bovine Mastitis in Badulla District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Thelisinghe, T.H.M.S.N.; Kumaravithana, K.V.I.N.; Gamage, M.G.S.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
    Mastitis is a common problem in dairy farms which is caused by multiple pathogens. Ad hoc use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance in common mastitis-causing bacteria. Identification of common pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics is important for future mastitis treatment plans. The present study was conducted to identify the prevalence of different mastitis-causing bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from milk samples of dairy cows with mastitis in the Badulla district. The study considered milk samples received by Veterinary Investigation Centre, Badulla. A total of 55 milk samples from lactating cows were collected and California Mastitis Test (CMT) was used to detect the severity of mastitis. Milk samples were collected from all four quarters of affected cows. Bacteria in CMT positive milk were cultured and identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests including catalase, urease, citrate, Triple Sugar Iron Agar, Sulfide Indole Motility test, etc. Sensitivities of the isolates were tested against five antibiotics; Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Enrofloxacin, Gentamycin, and Neomycin using Kirby-Bauer method. Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA. The pure and mixed bacterial infection in total mastitis cases were 90% and 10%, respectively. Hindquarters (55%) were mainly affected than the forequarters (45%). There is no significant difference between the association of mastitis severity and the affected quarter (p>0.05). The prevalence of mastitis is more common in 5 to 7 years of age. The prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was high (72%) followed by Escherichia coli (6%), Klebsiella spp.(6%), Streptococcus spp.(4%), Pasteurella spp.(4%)and Bacillu s spp. (4%). Bacterial isolates were most sensitive to Enrofloxacin and Gentamycin. Around 75% of the isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics. In conclusion, Staphylococcus is the most predominant pathogenic bacteria present in mastitis milk and, Enrofloxacin and Gentamycin are the most suitable antibiotics for treatment of bovine mastitis in Badulla district. Keywords: Bacteria, Mastitis, Antibiotic Sensitivity
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    Investigation of Antibiotic Usage for Dairy Cattle and Antibiotic Residues in Milk in Coconut Triangle
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Perera, W.S.J.; Samaraweera, A.M.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Kanugala, K.A.N.P.
    Dairy cattle farming in coconut triangle play an important role in the dairy industry of Sri Lanka. Antibiotics are widely used for the health management of these lactating cows. However, the improper usage of antibiotics leads to antibiotic residues in milk which have several adverse effects on human health. Further, antibiotic residues may interfere with bacterial starter culture used for production of value added dairy products such as yoghurt, curd and cheese. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the most commonly used antibiotics in dairy cattle, to screen milk for antibiotic residues and to study the factors affecting mastitis in dairy cattle of coconut triangle. Stratified random sample of 200 farmers, 20 veterinary offices and 20 pharmacies were selected from Kurunegala and Puttalam districts. Data on farmer information, management system, farmers’ knowledge on antibiotic usage, use of antibiotics in feed and as treatments and hygienic practices in farm were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. A total of 72 milk samples were collected from cows recently treated with antibiotics and antibiotic residues in milk samples were tested by Twinsensor® and Delvotest® commercial kits. According to the results antibiotic residues were found only in 15.9% milk samples whereas majority (84.1%) of tested milk samples were negative. Out of the reported diseases, mastitis is the predominant bacterial disease (87%) which antibiotics are mainly used. Information from farmers, Veterinary offices and pharmacies revealed tetracycline as the highest using antibiotic. Sulfa trimethoprim, cloxacillin, bacitracin and neomycin are antibiotics which are highly used for treatment in mastitis as combinations. According to binary logistic model, hygienic practices, routing testing for mastitis, average milk production, source of income, were significant factors for the occurrence of mastitis. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a risk of contamination of milk in coconut triangle with antibiotic residues and further studies are needed for the quantification of antibiotic residues. Since antibiotics are heavily used in mastitis, milk contamination with antibiotics can be prevented by reducing the antibiotic usage for prevention and control of mastitis.
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    Preliminary study of Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Viral (ISKNV) disease in Asian sea bass (Lutes calcurifer) using histopathological method in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Ekanayake, U.L.N.S.; Fouzi, M.N.M.; Wijesundera, R.R.M.K.K.; Senevirathna, J.D.M.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Jayaweera, W.R.; Wanasinghe, W.M.L.A.; Sakajamary, V.
    Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Viral (ISKNV) disease is causing mass mortality in both marine and freshwater fish. Detection of this disease is crucial due to confusing clinical manifestations with many other bacterial and viral diseases. Pathology is one of the old and promising method for confirmatory diagnosis. The present study was carried out to confirm the presence of ISKNV in the cultured marine fish: Asian sea bass by histopathological method. Twenty moribund fish samples of sea bass with the mean weight of 60±20g were collected from cultured ponds in Trincomalee and Chillaw. Fish were selected based on the clinical signs suspected for ISKNV such as dark coloured fish with apathy, abnormal swimming, loss of appetite, pale gills and petechial hemorrhages in the operculum, mandible, fin base and abdomen. Spleen, Kidney, Liver, Gill and Brain samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for histopathological analysis. The formalinfixed tissues were processed routinely, embedded in paraffin wax, cut at 4 pm, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Postmortem finding of the study documented the presence of pale liver, pale gills, splenomegaly and fin rot. Degenerative and necrotic lesions in the kidney (mainly tubular epithelia) were observed in 15 fish (75%). Inflammatory cell (granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes) aggregates were observed in 10 fish (50%), while 17 fish (85%) showed degeneration, necrosis and vacuoles in hepatocytes with basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Inflammation of the gills were also observed in 10 fish (50%). This is the first study reporting the presence of ISKNV in the cultured marine fish: Asian Sea bass in Sri Lanka. Further studies are needed to determine the pathogenesis and pathology of ISKNV in different species of fish.
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    Preliminary Study on Microbial Contamination of Bacon & Bacon by Products
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Perera, P.A.L.; Bulumulla, P.B.A.I.K.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Jatarathna, S.H.
    Bacon is a type of processed meat produced from the sides, belly or back of a pig. Microbial count of the final product is increased due to various kinds of contamination sources leading to rejection of the product and possible health hazards. This study was conducted to determine the microbial contamination sources under current process of bacon production and to increase the final quality of the product by minimizing the contaminations. Meat samples collected at eight different stages of the processing line (slaughtering, chilling, deboning, brine injection, smoking, freezing, bacon slicing and bacon ends slicing) were examined microbiologically. Further, swab samples were collected from deboning table, cutting board, needle of curing the microbiological examination. After identification of possible contamination sources, workers were advised on proper cleaning and sanitizing of the equipments and contact surfaces, use of freshly prepared ingredients/brine solution for curing purpose and maintenance of proper storage conditions of the raw and processed meat for the prevention of microbial contamination. Same sampling procedure was followed for microbiological evaluation after practicing the above hygienic measures in the processing line. Data were analyzed by two-sample t-test using MINITAB 14 statistical software. Microbial loads of E. coli and S. aureus at slaughtering stage, deboned meat, chilled meat and cured meat were found above standard limits. Microbial count in equipment surfaces were found below the acceptable standard values, accordance with the microbiological limits that are referred under SLS specifications. After practicing hygienic measures in the production line of bacon, microbial counts were reduced significantly compared to the previous microbial counts (P<0.05). Microbial loads of E. coli and S. aureus in all the examined processing stages were lower than the standard. It was identified that poor hygienic conditions and working practices of the handlers is one of the most possible reason for poor microbial quality. In conclusion it can be stated that adherence to proper hygienic measures can reduce the microbial count to acceptable level.
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    A preliminary study on Milk Urea Nitrogen values of the Ambewela farm
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Samaraweera, A.M.; Priyankarage, N.; Mangalika, U.P.L.
    Feeding management is a key factor in profit maximizing of a dairy farm. Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) is a tool that measures the efficiency of protein and carbohydrate feeding to milking cows (Jonker et al., 1999). Implementing routine use of MUN on dairy farms could reduce nutrient loading to natural environments and improve farm profitability (Jonker et al., 2002). According to Kohn (2007) dairy herds should have MUN concentrations between 8 to 12 mg dL . However, the MUN values could be affected by many factors such as environment Feeding management is a key factor in profit maximizing of a dairy farm. Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) is a tool that measures the efficiency of protein and carbohydrate feeding to milking cows (Jonker et al., 1999). Implementing routine use of MUN on dairy farms could reduce nutrient loading to natural environments and improve farm profitability (Jonker et al., 2002). According to Kohn (2007) dairy herds should have MUN concentrations between 8 to 12 mg dL . However, the MUN values could be affected by many factors such as environment MUN values to evaluate the dairy herds in the Sri Lanka would be inappropriate, since there were no studies carried out in to determine the baselines of MUN values in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study has been carried out as a preliminary study, to study about the prevailing MUN values of one of the commercial dairy farm in Sri Lanka. Methodology The study was conducted at Ambewela farm and Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka. Four groups of the milking herd in the Ambewela farm (treatments) which have been made based on the production levels of the cows were used to collect milk samples. Samples from each group were taken once in fortnight during three months’ experimental period. During each sample collection, 15 cows were selected randomly from each group and 50 mL of milk from each cow was obtained after complete milking. Milk from five cows belonging to each group was pooled. Hence, each treatment consisted with three replicates. Milk fat was analyzed using the Gerber method. Solids-non-fat (SNF), protein, salts and lactose contents were measured using a portable ultrasonic milk analyzer (Lactoscan MCC, Milkotronic Ltd., Bulgaria). Lacto meter was used to measure the milk specific gravity. The urea content in milk was estimated according to the method described by Malik and Sirohi (1998) and the optical density of the sample was measured at 450 nm using the spectrophotometer (Cary 50 Conc - 10069600, Agilent Technologies, Australia). In the statistical analysis, according to the normality of the sample data test by Anderson-Darling test, the relationships were evaluated using multiple regression analysis or Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient. STATA S/E 11.2 and Minitab 17 software were used in statistical analysis of the data. The MUN levels were interpreted based on the current recommended levels of Kohn (2007).
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    A Study on Gastrointestinal Strongyle Parasitism of Free Grazing Jaffna Local Sheep
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Tharanja, S.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
    Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a major health problem that limits the maximum production of sheep. Ad hoc use of anthelmintics has been led to anthelmintic resistance in parasites. Hence, strategic deworming of parasite susceptible risk groups will be a suitable option to reduce the anthelmintic usage and further development of anthelmintic resistance in parasites. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the differences of parasite susceptibility for GI strongyle parasitism between males & females and adults & kids of Jaffna Local Sheep (JLS). Five large-scale farms in the Jaffna Peninsula, which are managed similarly were selected for the study. Direct rectal, faecal samples were collected from a total of 214 {Male-Adult (MA)-50; Male-Kid (MK)-49; Female-Adult (FA)-62; Female-Kid (FK)-53} JLS who have not dewormed. Faecal Egg Count (FEC) of each sample was determined by the modified McMaster counting technique and logtransformed FEC {LnFEC=Ln (FEC+100)} were analysed by PROC-MIXED procedure of SAS 9.2 software. The FEC in females (705.21±70.74) were significantly higher than males (623.93±62.70), (p<0.05). The age effect on FEC was not significant (p>0.05) reflecting the presence of similar infections in adults (649.42±65.14) and kids (677.75±68.11). The interaction effect of sex×age on FEC was significant. Further, female kids (749.29±78.30) have significantly higher FEC compared to MK, FA, and MA (p<0.05). The fact that high parasitic susceptibility in female kids may be due to high stress in females may have contributed to the high reproductive events and insufficient or unbalanced diets against their high needs. In conclusion, sheep female kids are the highrisk group for GI strongyle parasitism. Strategic deworming of female sheep, especially kids will be useful in the prevention of GI strongyle parasitism in sheep. Keywords: Gastrointestinal parasitism, Jaffna Local Sheep, Faecal egg count
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    A Study on Health Management Practices in Free Range Chicken Farming in Batticaloa District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Imras, A.S.M.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
    Free Range Chicken (FRC) farming plays an important role in rural economy. Information on health management in FRC in Sri Lanka is minimum. The study objective was to identify health management practices in FRC farming in Batticaloa district. Data on FRC farming, especially focusing on health management were gathered from randomly selected 120 FRC farmers in 6 veterinary ranges in Batticaloa district using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted by obtaining frequencies of respondents belonging to each category using Minitab 16 software. Majority of farmers were females (53.3%). Most of farmers (74%) reared common village chicken and main rearing purpose was to sell eggs (46.67%). 22.5% of egg production was used for family consumption reflecting the importance of FRC farming in rural farm family nourishment. According to farmers' perception, infectious diseases (70.6%), parasitism (70.8%) and predation (40.8%) were the major constraint in FRC production. Coccidiosis (27%) and fowl pox (26%) were the main diseases reported. Only 31.7% of farmers treat the sick birds either by western (54.55%) or indigenous (45.45%) medicine. Vaccination was not practiced by majority (81.7%) of farmers since they are not aware on vaccination (68.04%). Parasitism was common during April-June (35%) or October-December (35.8%). Ectoparasitism was a common problem and carbaryl, engine or cooking oil and liquid paraffin were externally used to control and plastering the wall of chicken houses was practiced as hygienic practice. Endoparasitism was identified by 38% of farmers. Piperazine citrate was used by farmers without having veterinary advises. Apart from the western medicine, indigenous medicine such as; Aloe sp. (26%), pepper (9%), papaya leaves (4%) and milk (9%) were used to control endoparasites by 48% of farmers. In conclusion; according to farmers' perception, although infectious diseases and parasitism are the main constraints in FRC system, farmers' attention on health management is minimum. Hence, FRC system has potential to expand by improving health management.