Use of effective microorganisms against Deg Nala disease in buffaloes in the rice growing areas of Punjab province (Pakistan)

Deg Nala disease which causes necrosis and gangrene of the dependent part in buffaloes and cattle is known to exist in the rice grown areas of the Punjab, A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Effective Microorganisms (EM), Pentasulphate. Terramycin-LA, zinc sulphate and nitroglycerine ointment. EM gave the highest cure rate. Feeding of EM treated rice straw was an effective prevention for the control of disease than sodium hydroxide treated rice straw, In another study, field trials were carried out by using EM treated rice straw (Group A), dry (Group B) and mouldy rice straw (Group, Q to observe the fungal growth. lesion of Deg Nala disease, body weight and blood picture of the animals. No fungal growth appeared in rice straw of groups A and B and no lesions of Deg Nala disease were observed in animals of group C and lesions of Deg Nala disease were also recorded in animals of this group. Buffalo calves fed on EM treated rice straw gave a significantly higher percent in body weight as compared with the calves fed on dry and mouldy rice straw There were no significant changes in blood values but haemoglobin content, R.B.C counts were decreased and total leukocytic counts increased in animals fed on mouldy rice straw. However, values in groups A and B of animals were within the normal range.