Gastrointestinal helminths and lungworms of French dairy goats: Prevalence and geographical distribution in Poitou-Charentes

A study was conducted on 81 dairy-goat farms in western France. Faecal samples were collected once and 31 culled goats were necropsied in order to assess their gastrointestinal and respiratory helminth species, their prevalences and the intensities of infection as well as their geographical distribution in six subregions of the surveyed area. Fifteen species of helminth were recovered. The most frequent wereMuellerius capillaris, Trichostrongylus colubriformis andTeladorsagia circumcincta with a prevalence more than 90%. The two latter species represented respectively 50.9% and 30.2% of the total worm burden of the digestive tract. Other prevalent species wereHaemonchus contortus, Strongyloides papillosus, Trichuris spp.,Moniezia spp. andDicrocoelium lanceolatum. The occurrence ofDicrocoelium lanceolatum was related to the presence of calcareous or alkaline soils and restricted to the south of the surveyed area. No area at particular risk was defined for the other helminth infections, probably because of the relative homogeneity in climatic and topographic conditions of the six agricultural regions.     

Urban Prevalence of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in Public Lavatories and on Shoe Soles of Facility Patrons in the European Capital City Vienna

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in urban public lavatories and on shoe soles of facility patrons in a European capital city. More than 91% of all municipal public lavatories in Vienna close to public hubs were included in this study. Overall, 373 swab samples of public lavatories and shoes of facility patrons were enriched, according to ISO 11290‐1. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were subtyped using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. A total of 24 samples were positive for Listeria spp., yielding an overall prevalence of 6.4% (24/373). Listeria monocytogenes was found in 2.1% (8/373) of all samples. Swabs from lavatories in parks, container lavatories and lavatories at markets had the highest prevalences of 20.7% (6/29), 20% (2/10) and 12.5% (1/8) Listeria spp., respectively. These detection rates were statistically significantly higher than those associated with lavatories in shopping centres (P = 0.003, P = 0.002, P = 0.02) and at public transport locations (P = 0.0004, P = 0.005, P = 0.02). Shoes sampled at Christmas markets showed the highest Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes prevalences of 80% (4/5) and 40% (2/5), respectively. With regard to shoe type, Listeria spp. detection rates were 14.3% (3/21; winter boots), 13.3% (2/15; hiking boots), sport shoes (5.9%; 2/34) and brogues (5.1%; 4/79). No Listeria spp. were found on shoe soles that had smooth treads (0/76), while Listeria spp. were detected on 19.5% (8/41) of medium depth tread shoe types and on 9.4% (3/32) of deep tread shoes. These data suggest that soil environment is still one of the most important reservoirs for the foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes.     

Coccidia (protozoa : sporozoasida) of cats and dogs IV. Identity and prevalence in dogs

Examination of 481 faecal samples from North Island dogs revealed that 307 (63.8%) contained coccidia. The majority of infected samples contained a single coccidian but in total 4 valid coccidian parasites of dogs were identified. Two further coccidians, accidentally “parasitic” in dogs, were tentatively identified. The identities and prevalences of the valid coccidian parasites were — Isospora canis (4.0%), Isospora ohioensis (9.2%), Hammondia heydorni (2.7%), Sarcocystis spp. (58.8%); and of the accidental coccidian “parasites” — Isospora lacazei (2.1%), Eimeria spp. (9.8%).     

Internal parasites of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from Kawau Island,Chatham Island and Stewart Island

As part of a search for pathogens that might be useful agents for biological control of possums, the three largest offshore islands of New Zealand that still have possums were surveyed to determine the pathogens present in these isolated populations. Brushtail possums from Kawau Island (n = 158), Chatham Island (n = 214) and Stewart Island (n = 194) were examined for internal parasites.

Possums from Kawau Island were infected with Eimeria spp. (16.7%), Bertiella trichosuri (5.2%) and Parastrongyloides trichosuri (15.5%). No Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri or Trichostrongylus spp. were found. Possums from Chatham Island were infected with Eimeria spp. (10.9%). Bertiella trichosuri (3.6%), T. colubriformis (6.6%), T. retortaeformis (1%) and T. vitrinus (0.5%). No Parastrongyloides or Paraustrostrongylus spp. were found. Possums from Stewart Island were infected only with Eimeria spp. (4.6%).

Because of their paucity of some parasites, the opportunity exists to use these offshore islands to study the introduction and spread of a parasite into a possum population, and what technology would be required to bring it to hyperendemicity.     

Prevalence and Characteristics of Salmonella in the Beef Chain in the Republic of Ireland

The study investigated the prevalence, concentration and characteristics of Salmonella spp. in the Irish beef chain. A total of 900 samples including bovine hides, carcasses and ground beef were examined for the pathogen over a 2‐year study (July 2007–June 2009). Salmonella prevalence was low in all sample types; bovine hide (0.75%, 3 of 400); carcasses (0.25%, 1 of 400); and ground beef (3%, 3 of 100). All positive samples contained the pathogen in low concentrations (<10 CFU per cm² or per g). Serovars recovered were S. Dublin from hide and carcasses and S. Braenderup in ground beef. All isolates were susceptible to 13 anti‐microbials. The study highlights that Salmonella can be found at low levels at all stages of beef chain production, processing and retail and that there is a need for multiple hurdle interventions and practices along the beef chain, which will reduce consumer exposure to this pathogen.     

The prevalence and intensity of infection withEimeria species in sheep in Nyandarua district of Kenya

The prevalence and numbers of coccidian oocysts in faecal samples from young (less than 6 months old), immature (6–12 months old) and adult (over 12 months old) sheep on 15 farms in Nyandarua district were studied during the dry and wet seasons. The species ofEimeria occuring in these sheep were also identified. The proportion of animals shedding coccidian oocysts did not vary significantly with season. The prevalence of the oocysts was significantly higher (p<0.05) in young sheep (mean 85.3%) compared to immature (mean 40.2%) and adult sheep (mean 32.15%). OPG counts (oocysts per gram of faeces) were significantly higher (p<0.01) in the young sheep compared to immature and adult sheep during both seasons. Prevalence and OPG did not differ between immature and adult sheep. There was no significant difference in OPG during the wet season (mean 328±997) compared to the dry season (mean 219±773). The sex of the sheep had no significant effect on prevalence or OPG. Eight species ofEimeria were recognized. They (and their prevalence) wereE. bakuensis (ovina) (43.6%),E. ovinoidalis (23.6%),E. ahsata (15.2%),E. intricata (8.27%),E. granulosa (4.8%),E. faurei (2.8%),E. parva (1.06%) andE. pallida (0.67%).Abbreviations OPG oocysts per gram of faeces     

Biodiversity and prevalence of parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in a selected semiarid zone of South Khorasan, Iran

Five species of nematodes and cestodes were collected from alimentary canals of pigeons: the nematodes were two species: Ascaridia colombae (16.66%) and Hadjelia truncata (1.96%), while the cestodes were Cotugnia digonopora (13.79%), Raillietina magninumida (18.62%) and Raillietina achinobothridia (32.35%); fecal examination revealed: Eimeria spp. (40.19%) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (2.94%); and blood smears showed: Haemoproteus cloumbae (47/05%); in mouth, throat and larynx: Trichomonans gallinae (57.84%); four species of ectoparasites were collected from feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: feathers: Pseudolynchia canariensis (63.72%), Columbicola columbae (79.41%), Menopen gallinea (44.11%); subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola (1.96%). From the parasitic fauna identified in this study, it is imperative to institute an integrated parasitic control through constant changing of litter, regular use of antihelminthics, anticoccidials and dusting of birds with pesticides.     

Effect of anthelmintic treatment on the performance of awassi sheep in Iraq

Summary Studies are reported on the effect of anthelmintic treatment on the body weight gain and wool growth of ewes with subclinical helminth infections. The parasites involved wereFasciola gigantica andOstertagia spp., together with someHaemonchus contortus,Trichostrongylus spp., andDictyocaulus filaria.In 1 group, 5 sheep, which were treated twice with tetramisole at an interval of 4 weeks to remove gastro-intestinal nematodes and lungworms, showed an increase of 41% in weight gain and 3·2% in wool growth compared with an untreated group.Another group, which was treated with both tetramisole and rafoxanide to remove nematode and fluke infections, had a 143% increase in weight gain and 81% in wool growth compared with the control.

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Efectos Del Tratamiento Con Antihelminticos En La Productividad De Ovejas Awassi En Irak

Resumen Se describen los resultados de estudios sobre los efectos del tratamiento con antihelmínticos de infecciones subclínicas en ovejas Awassi, en relación con el aumento de peso y crecimiento de lana. Los parásitos involucrados fueronFasciola gigantica yOstertagia spp., junto conTrichostrongylus spp. yDictyocaulus filaria.En 1 grupo, 5 ovejas que recibieron doble tratamiento con tetramisole a intervalos de 4 semanas contra nemátodos gastro-intestinales y parásitos pulmonares, tuvieron un incremento del 41% en peso y 3·2% en crecimiento de lana, sobre el grupo control sin tratamiento.Otro grupo en el cual los animales se trataron con tetramisole y rafoxanide contra nemátodos y fasciola, tuvieron un incremeto del 143% en peso y 81% en crecimiento de lana, sobre el grupo control.

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Effets De Traitements Anthelminthiques Sur Les Performances Du Mouton Awassi En Irak

Résumé Les études ont porté sur les effets de divers traitements anthelminthiques au plan du gain de poids et de la production de larves chez des brebis atteintes d'infections subcliniques.Les parasites concernés étaientFasciola gigantica etOstertagia spp. associés avec quelquesHaemonchus contortus,Trichostronglyus spp., etDictyocaulus filaria.Dans un premier groupe, 5 brebis qui ont été traitées à deux reprises avec du tétramisole, à un intervalle de quatre semaines, contre des nématodes gastro-intestinaux et des helminthes pulmonaires ont accusé un gain de poids de 41 p. 100 et de 3,2 p. 100 pour la laine par rapport à ceux du groupe non traité.Un autre groupe qui a été traité à la fois avec du tétramisole et du rafoxanide contre les nématodes et les douves a accusé une augmentation de poids de l'ordre de 143 p. 100 et de 81 p. 100 en ce qui concerne la laine en comparaison avec des animaux témoins.

     

A one-year descriptive epidemiology of zoonotic abortifacient pathogen bacteria in farm animals in Turkey

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of 10 suspicious pathogenic bacteria in 250 stomach contents of aborted calf, lamb, and goat foetuses in 2019. The 155 positive samples obtained from PCR consisted of 53 (58.88 %) bacteria from 90 lamb samples, 10 (43.47 %) bacteria from 23 goat samples, and 92 (67.15 %) bacteria from 137 calf samples. The five most common bacteria associated with abortions were Brucella melitensis, 52 (20.9 %); B. abortus, 13 (5.2 %); Leptospira spp., 34 (13.6 %); Campylobacter fetus, 52 (20.9 %); and Coxiella burnetii, 4 (1.6 %). The highest rate of B. melitensis (65.4 %), B. abortus (69.2 %), Leptospira spp. (67.6 %), and C. fetus (50 %) was detected in the aborted calf samples. The highest individual rate was that of C. fetus (5.2 %). The flock-herd rates of B. melitensis, B. abortus, Leptospira spp., C. fetus, and C. burnetii infections in the 29 farms studied were 34.48 %, 20.69 %, 62.06 %, 82.75 %, and 3.44 %, respectively, with a confidence level and interval of 95 %. The frequency of abortions caused by Leptospira spp. and Campylobacter fetus may be related to increasing in B. melitensis. The rates of aborted calf, lamb, and goat foetuses among the various sampling periods and regions were significantly (P < 0.01) different. In conclusion, precautions should be applied to reduce the spread of these bacterial agents in high-risk areas and to eliminate the risk of harbouring these zoonotic infections in humans. Therefore, these results must be taken into account in the development of control and protection strategies against abortions in animals.     

Prevalence of Bartonella species,Rickettsia felis,haemoplasmas and the Ehrlichia group in the blood of cats and fleas in eastern Australia

Objectives To define the prevalence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (Mhm) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (Mtc) in cats and their fleas in eastern Australia. Design and procedure Conventional PCR assays that detect Bartonella spp., M. haemofelis, Mhm, Mtc, Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Neorickettsia spp. were performed on DNA extracted from blood and fleas collected from 111 cats. Cat sera were assayed by ELISA for IgG of Bartonella spp. Results DNA of M. haemofelis, Mtc and Mhm was amplified from 1 (0.9%), 1 (0.9%) and 17 cats (15.3%), respectively. Only DNA of Mhm was amplified from the 62 of 111 pooled flea samples (flea sets; 55.9%). Overall, the prevalence rates for Bartonella spp. DNA in the cats and the flea sets was 16.2% (18 cats) and 28.8% (32 flea sets), respectively. Bartonella spp. IgG was detected in 42 cats (37.8%), of which 11 (26.2%) were positive for Bartonella spp. DNA in their blood. R. felis DNA was amplified from 22 flea sets (19.8%), but not from cats. Overall, DNA of one or more of the organisms was amplified from 27% (30) of cats and 67.6% (75) of the flea sets. Conclusions This is the first Australian study to determine the prevalence of R. felis and B. clarridgeiae in both fleas and the cats from which they were collected. Flea-associated infectious agents are common in cats and fleas in eastern Australia and support the recommendation that stringent flea control be maintained on cats.     

Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes on 13 south-west Victorian properties

Objective To report the level of anthelmintic resistance on 13 commercial cattle properties in south-west Victoria, Australia. Procedure Between 2006 and 2009 worm egg count reduction tests were conducted on calves on the 13 properties. Samples were collected 10–14 days post anthelmintic treatment and worm egg counts and larval differentiation tests were conducted. Resistance was defined if there was less than 95% reduction (lower confidence limit <90%) in the faecal worm egg count for the particular genus. Results The percentage of properties with anthelmintic resistance in at least one species was 54% for benzimidazole (BZ), 100% for levamisole (LEV) and for ivermectin (IVM) it was 100% for the half-dose (0.1 mg/kg) and 62% for the full dose (0.2 mg/kg). A substantial frequency of resistance was detected in Ostertagia ostertagi to BZ (5/11), LEV (3/3) and IVM (5/11), in Trichostrongylus spp. to BZ (4/7) and in Cooperia spp. to IVM (6/11). No resistance to LEV was detected in Trichostrongylus or Cooperia spp. Suspected IVM-resistant Trichostrongylus spp. and BZ-resistant Cooperia spp. were only detected on one property each. Conclusion This is the first Australian report of macrocyclic lactone-resistant O. ostertagi in the refereed literature. The frequency of resistance in O. ostertagi to BZ, LEV and IVM and in Trichostrongylus spp. to BZ in the present study appears higher than levels detected in the 2004–05 New Zealand survey, whereas the resistance frequency in Cooperia spp. to IVM and BZ was less.     

Effect of increasing taurine and methionine supplementation on urinary taurine excretion in a model insectivore,the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

The giant anteater (Mymercophaga tridactyla) is a highly specialized insectivore for which nutrient requirements are not clearly established, making diet formulation challenging for this species. Multiple clinical reports suggest anteaters have an obligate dietary taurine (TAU) requirement. Sulphur amino acid (SAA) metabolism in adult anteaters was evaluated using noninvasive methods to measure TAU synthesis potential from dietary methionine (MET) and a basal diet containing on a dry matter (DM) basis 1.7 mg TAU/kg DM and 6.9 g MET/kg DM. Urinary equilibrium times for TAU excretion were determined by feeding the basal diet with or without 1.5 g/kg DM supplemental TAU (crossover design; n = 4). Effects of supplemental dietary TAU (1.7, 2.0, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3 g/kg DM) or MET (6.9, 9.0, 11.2 g/kg DM) on urinary TAU were evaluated (randomized block trials; n = 5 or 4 respectively). All urinary values (TAU, MET, unbound inorganic sulphate) were normalized to creatinine (CRT). Results indicate urinary TAU equilibrium in anteaters requires at least 2 weeks of feeding. Urinary ratio of TAU to CRT (TAU:CRT) increased as dietary TAU content increased from 1.7 to 3.0 g/kg DM, consistent with renal homoeostatic modulation of TAU excretion. Our data indicate that TAU needs were met by TAU in the basal diet or by de novo synthesis. Supplemental MET resulted in ~five‐ to eightfold increases in urinary TAU:CRT excretion, further supporting existence of mechanisms for TAU synthesis from dietary SAA in anteaters. Adult anteaters appear able to synthesize TAU when diets contain adequate SAA, but dietary TAU may be critical if protein intakes are low or of poor quality. This study may provide guidance on choice of domestic canids vs. felids as suitable physiologic models for improved nutrition in giant anteaters, and also outlines a noninvasive method for assessing TAU status/metabolism that may be useful across species.     

Prevalence and risk factors for agents causing diarrhea (Coronavirus,Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., and nematodes helminthes) according to age in dairy calves from Brazil

The present study attempted to verify the prevalence of and risk factors for diarrhea-causing agents in dairy calves from Brazil. Additionally, ages with a higher risk of occurrence for each agent were verified by means of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The collections were performed on 39 farms, belonging to 29 municipalities located in eight states of Brazil. It was possible to conclude that the prevalence of Coronavirus, Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., and nematodes was 7.20% (95% CI 4.54–9.78), 6.37% (95% CI 3.85–8.89), 51.52% (95% CI 45.26–55.57), 3.46% (95% CI 2.24–4.67), and 3.46% (95% CI 2.24–4.67), respectively. Ages with higher probabilities of occurrence of these diseases in calves were <?10, >?8, >?6, >?37, and >?36 days, respectively. Diarrhea occurred more significantly (P?<?0.0001) in animals less than 21 days old and mainly on those receiving milk through automatic feeders (P?<?0.001). Cryptosporidium spp. were a risk factor for the occurrence of Rotavirus, and vice versa (P?=?0.0039) and presented a positive correlation with Coronavirus (P?=?0.0089). Calves that drink water from rivers, streams, and ponds had a higher chance of being infected by Eimeria spp. (P?<?0.0001), as well as developing infection by nematodes (P?<?0.0001). The results found in this study highlight the importance of studying the agents of diarrhea together, once they act as coinfection where the losses triggered for the owners will involve some of these agents simultaneously.

     

Investigation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in a Public Water‐Treatment System

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in a public water‐treatment system and to relate the results to physical, chemical, bacteriological and climate parameters. From March to September 2006, 30 samples, 15 of raw water and 15 of treated water, were examined by membrane filtration and direct immunofluorescence (Merifluor). For each sample, a volume of 1000 l was collected. Of the raw‐water samples, 26.6% were positive for Cryptosporidium (mean concentration of 0.15 oocysts/l), and 6.66% were positive for Giardia (concentration of 0.2 cysts/l); 13.33% of the samples were positive for both (mean concentrations of 0.06 oocysts/l and 0.026 cysts/l respectively). All the samples of treated water were negative. There was no correlation (P < 0.05) between the presence of protozoans in the raw water and the parameters measured. The finding of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in raw water indicates that the water sources are contaminated. Considering that giardiasis is prevalent in the population and that Cryptosporidium has recognized zoonotic potential, long‐term monitoring at critical points of the system is necessary to guarantee that the water will not be a vehicle for transmission of these protozoans.     

Prevalence and intensity of infection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Galicia (NW Spain)

Faecal samples were collected from 734 cattle selected at random from 60 dairy farms in Galicia (NW Spain). The animals studied were classified into 12 age groups: <1 month (53); 1-5 months (30); 6-11 months (31); 12-16 months (72); 17-20 months (64); 21-24 months (96); 3 years (94); 4 years (74); 5 years (67); 6 years (67); 7-8 years (63) and 9-13 years (23). Oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were identified in 104 animals (14.2%) distributed throughout all of the age groups and from 40 different farms (66.7%). The percentage of cattle infected ranged between 58.5% in calves <1 month and 7.9% in 7 to 8-year-old cows, i.e. the percentage of infection decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing age. The intensity of infection in animals older than 1 month ranged between 10 and 5924 oocysts/g of faeces and there were no significant differences between the different groups. Cysts of Giardia duodenalis were identified in 221 animals (30.1%) from 56 farms (93.3%). The parasite was detected in all age groups, at rates of infection ranging between 21.8% (9-13 years) and 56.7% (1-5 months), although these differences were not statistically significant. The intensity of infection ranged between 7 and 15 412 cysts/g of faeces, with the number of cysts shed being significantly higher (P < 0.05) in calves <1 month than in calves aged 1-5 months. Significant associations between parasitisation by Cryptosporidium spp. or G. duodenalis and the consistency of the faeces were only found in calves aged <1 month and 1-5 months. Concurrent infections were more prevalent in the groups of calves of 1-5 months (23.3%) and 6-11 months (25.8%).     

Analysis on the relationship between winter precipitation and the annual variation of horse stomach fly community in arid desert steppe,Northwest China (2007–2019)

Gasterophilus spp. have been found to be widespread in reintroduced Przewalski's horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (Northwest China). However, data on the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections are lacking. To analyze the epidemiological features and determine the cause of the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections, we treated 110 Przewalski's horses with ivermectin and collected Gasterophilus larvae from fecal samples each winter from 2007 to 2019. All 110 Przewalski's horses studied were found to be infected by Gasterophilus spp., and a total of 141 379 larvae were collected. Six species of Gasterophilus were identified with the following prevalence: G. pecorum (100%), G. nasalis (96.36%), G. nigricornis (94.55%), G. haemorrhoidalis (56.36%), G. intestinalis (59.09%), and G. inermis (3.64%). The mean infection intensity of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in Przewalski's horses was 1285 ± 653. G. pecorum (92.96% ± 6.71%) was the most abundant species. The intensity of Gasterophilus spp. (r = –0.561, P < 0.046) was significantly correlated with winter precipitation. Our findings confirmed that, in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, gasterophilosis is a severe parasitic disease in Przewalski's horses. Winter precipitation at the beginning of the year can indirectly affect the intensity and composition of Gasterophilus spp. in Przewalski's horses at the end of the year. Therefore, the water-related ecological regulation should be carried out to help reduce the parasite infection of Przewalski's horses.     

Epidemiological observations on stomach worms of donkeys in Morocco

Over two consecutive years, weekly examinations for the presence of nematodes were conducted on 185 stomachs from donkeys originating mainly from the Rabat, Casablanca and Settat regions of Morocco. All the animals, except one, were infected by at least one of four helminth species.Trichostrongylus axei was found in 93.5%,Habronema muscae in 89.7%,H. majus in 85.4% andDraschia megastoma in 1.1% of donkeys. Most animals were infected by two (23.8%) or three (71.9%) species. High burdens ofT. axei were observed in the winter of both years and in the mid-summer of the second year. Peak burdens ofHabronema were found at various times throughout both years. There were more adultH. majus thanH. muscae. The periods of peak levels of infection by these parasites were related to environmental conditions suitable for the development and survival of infective larvae ofT. axei and for the build-up of muscid fly vectors ofHabronema andDraschia spp.     

Digestive physiology of captive giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): determinants of faecal dry matter content

Giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are specialized insectivores and consume mainly ants and termites in the wild. In captivity, giant anteaters are either fed a complete diet, or a combination of a domestic carnivore diet with leaf eater pellets, or a traditional gruel‐type diet. Soft faeces are a frequently encountered problem with this type of feeding. In the present study, we analysed diet and faeces composition, calculated digestibility and measured mean retention time on various diets in eight giant anteaters (total of n = 64 experiments). The results suggest that the digestive physiology of giant anteaters is similar to that of domestic dogs and cats in terms of nutrient digestibility and digesta retention. When testing correlations between faecal dry matter content and other variables, no relationship with dietary crude fibre content or mean digesta retention time could be detected. However, acid insoluble ash intake was significantly and positively correlated with faecal dry matter content. The amount of acid insoluble ash excreted with the faeces was higher than that ingested with the diet offered, indicating that the giant anteaters ingested soil from their enclosure of up to 93 g per day. This finding is consistent with observation of faeces of wild giant anteaters that contain soil or sand most likely due to indiscriminate feeding. It also corresponds to reports that indigestible materials such as peat, soil, chitin or cellulose contribute to a firmer faecal consistency in various carnivore species. Therefore, offering giant anteaters the opportunity to voluntarily ingest soil from their enclosure might be beneficial.     

The Distribution of Bacteria (Other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the Hair, at the Skin Surface and Within the Hair Follicles of Dogs

Résumé— La distribution des bactéries, autres que les staphlocoques sur la tige des poils, à la surface cutanée et dans les follicules pileux de 8 chiens est analysée. Sur la tige des poils Micrococcus spp. et les bactéries aérobies gram mégatifs sont plus nombreuses avec des numérations variant de 1,12 à 0,84 log₁₀ (colonies formant unites par cm²). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) sont également trouvés. A la surface cutanée Micrococcus spp. des bactéries aérobies gram négatifs et Clostridium sp. sont les plus nombreuses avec des numérations respectives variant de 0,62, 1,12 et 0,84 log₁₀ (colonies formant unités par cm²). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) de Micrococcus spp. sont trouvés de façon plus importante à l'intérieur des follicules pileux qu' à la surface cutanée, les Streptocoques et Bacillus sp. ont été trouvés respectivement sur cinq et quatre chiens. Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp. Nocardia sp. sont occasion-nellement trouvés. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Distribution des bactéries autres que Staphylococci et Propionibacterium acnes) sur le poil, à la surface de al peau et dans les follicules pileux). Resumen— Presentamos la localizatión de bacterias noestafilocócicas en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro del foliculo piloso de ocho perros. En los pelos, Micrococcus spp. abundantes, con contajes medios entre 1.12 a 0.84 Log₁₀ (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm^-1, respectivamente. Se encontró a nivel proximal un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de bacterias aeróbicas gram-negativas y Bacillus spp. En la superficie cutánea, Micrococcus spp., las bacterias aeróbicas contajes medios de 0.62, 1.12 y 0.84 Log₁₀ (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm“², respectivamente. Se aisló un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de Micrococcus spp. dentro de los foliculos pilosos que en la superficie cutánea (p < 0.05). Se aisló Streptococi y Bacillus spp. en cinco y cuatro perros, respectivamente. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Nocardia spp. fueron hallados ocasionalmente. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Localizatión de bacterias (exceptuando Staphilococci y Propionibacterium acnes) en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro de los foliculos pilosos). Abstract— The distribution of bacteria, other than staphylococci, on the hair shaft, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of eight dogs is reported. On the hair shafts Micrococcus spp. and aerobic Gram-negative bacteria were most numerous, with mean counts ranging from 1.12 to 0.84 Log₁₀(colony forming units + 1) cm“¹ respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Gram-negative bacteria and Bacillus sp. were found proximally. At the skin surface Micrococcus spp., aerobic Gram-negative bacteria and Clostridium spp. were the most numerous with mean counts of 0.62, 1.12 and 0.84 Log₁₀(colony forming units + 1) cm”², respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Micrococcus spp. were found within the hair follicles than on the skin surface (p < 0.05). Streptococci and Bacillus spp. were found on five and four dogs, respectively. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Nocardia spp. were occasionally found.     

Effects of plant extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (mart.) coville,Lafoensia pacari a. st.-hil,copaifera spp., and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel on in vitro rumen fermentation

The effects of doses CTL (0 mg), 30, 300 and 3000 mg/L of extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (SA), Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil (LP), Copaifera spp. (CO) and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (PE) on ruminal fermentation were investigated in eight experiments conducted in randomized complete block designs. The in vitro system contained four fermentation vessels. Each treatment was allocated in one vessel in each run. Incubation was run four and five times with diets 50:50 and 10:90 (roughage to concentrate ratio) respectively. Incubation vessel was the experimental unit, and each incubation run was a block. All plant extracts negatively affected DM degradation at 3000 mg/L. In diet 50:50, SA-3000 increased the molar proportion of propionate (p < 0.05), yet it decreased the concentration of fermentation products (p < 0.05); LP-300 reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N; 98 vs. 120 mg/dl for LP-300 and average of CTL and LP-30, respectively) and isobutyrate (p < 0.05); CO-300 reduced (p < 0.05) NH₃-N (98 vs. 123 mg/dl for CO-300 and average of CTL and CO-30, respectively); and P. emarginatus had no positive effects on rumen fermentation (p > 0.05). In diet 10:90, SA-300 reduced (p < 0.001) NH₃-N and total volatile fatty acids (VFA); LP-30 increased (p < 0.05) total VFA (85 vs. 63 mM for LP-30 and CTL, respectively), molar proportions of acetate and propionate, and had lower C₂:C₃ than CTL (3.6 vs. 4.3, respectively); CO-300 decreased acetate and increased propionate, reducing C₂:C₃ (p < 0.001; 2.8 vs. 3.6 for CO-300 and average of other doses, respectively); PE-30 and PE-300 reduced NH₃-N by 14% and increased total VFA by 29% compared with CTL (p < 0.05). Further in vivo investigations may consider L. pacari (LP-30), Copaifera spp. (CO-300) oleoresin and P. emarginatus oleoresin (PE-30 and PE-300) in diets with high inclusion of concentrate.