Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute

Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf contains higher level of crude protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve animal health, productivity and growth. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) silage on milk yield, milk quality and serum metabolites of lactating Pabna cattle. A total twelve (n = 12) lactating cow were selected for two dietary groups, where one was farm practice: 60% German + 40% concentrate and another one was MO silage: 60% MO silage + 40% concentrate, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replication for 60 days. The statistical analysis was done using R studio (4.2.2) software. The results revealed non-significant differences for dry matter intake between two dietary groups, whereas significantly (p < 0.05) higher digestibility of DM, CP, ADF and NDF were observed in MO silage group. Moreover, MO silage had significant (p < 0.05) effects on milk yield, milk protein and lactose content. In serum metabolites, MO silage significantly (p < 0.05) decreased glucose and creatinine, whereas calcium also increased (p < 0.05) compared to farm practice group. Furthermore, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in MO silage than farm practice. A correlation was found among blood metabolites, milk parameter and their interaction. Considering the results, it could be concluded that, MO silage can be a valuable alternative feed resources for increasing milk production of dairy cattle.

We characterized 15 H5N1 HPAI viruses from different small- and medium-scale poultry flocks across Bangladesh during 2018-2021 based on their complete genome sequences. The antigenic relatedness of H5N1 HPAI viruses from different timepoints was analysed. During 2020-2021, 42.11% of the flocks tested positive for at least one of the respiratory infections, with 15.79% showing influenza A virus, of which 8.77% tested positive for HPAIV H5N1. Co-infections with two to four pathogens were detected in 15.8% of flocks. Phylogeny and gene constellation analyses based on complete genome sequences of 15 HPAI viruses revealed the continuing circulation of H5 clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 viruses. In the HA protein of the study isolates, functionally meaningful mutations caused the loss of an N-linked glycosylation site (T156A), a modified antigenic site A (S141P), and a mutation in the receptor binding pocket (E193R/K). Consequently, antigenic analysis revealed a significant loss of cross-reactivity between viruses from different host species and periods. Most viruses displayed oseltamivir resistance markers at positions V96, I97, S227, and N275 (N1 numbering) of the NA protein. In addition, for the PB2, M1, and NS1 proteins, significant mutations were noticed that have been associated with polymerase activity and increased virulence for mammals in all study isolates. These results highlight the need for intensified genomic surveillance of HPAI circulating in poultry in Bangladesh and for establishing appropriate control measures to decrease the circulation of these viruses in poultry in the country.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle is managed through live-attenuated vaccines. Bangladesh LSD vaccine was developed from LSD virus isolate Bangladesh LSD-29 by passaging 60 times in cell culture. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Bangladesh LSD vaccine strain.