NO对大鼠中脑腹侧被盖区DA神经元的调节

实验观察了微量注射 NOS抑制剂 L -NAME及微量联合注射 NO的前体 L-精氨酸( L-Arg) L-NAME于大鼠中脑腹侧被盖区( VTA)对该部位多巴胺神经元的调节。发现VTA注射 L -NAME( 1 mg/ 5μL )后 ,伏隔核( Acb)多巴胺 ( DA )代谢产物—双羟苯乙酸( DOPAC)水平升高到注射前的 1 2 2 .5% ( P <0 .0 0 1 ) ,小剂量注射 L-NAME( 0 .2 mg/ 5μL)对伏隔核 DOPAC水平无明显影响 ;同样方法联合注射 L-Arg( 3 0 0 μg/ 5μL) L-NAME( 1 mg/5μL)后 ,伏隔核 DOPAC水平无明显变化。结论 :VTA微量注射 L-NAME兴奋了该部位的DA神经元 ,而 L -Arg L -NAME联合注射 ,却不能影响 DA神经元的活动 ,说明 NO可以通过L-Arg-NOS-NO途径参与 VTA多巴胺神经元的调节     

L-Arg和NaHCO3降低肉鸡腹水综合症病死率的田间试验

18 0 0只 3周龄肉仔鸡随机分成 3组 ,每组 6 0 0只。第Ⅰ组为正常对照组 ,饲喂基础日粮 ;第Ⅱ组为NaHCO3 试验组 ,饲喂基础日粮加 0 .3%NaHCO3 ;第Ⅲ组为L -Arg试验组 ,饲喂基础日粮加 1%L -Arg。在常规条件下饲养 8周 ,对自然死亡的肉仔鸡进行病理剖检 ,凡腹腔有大量腹水 ,PCV和AHI显著升高的 ,判定为死于肉鸡腹水综合症。结果对照组腹水综合症病死率为 3.17% ,显著地高于NaHCO3 组的 1.33%和L -Arg组的 1.17% (P <0 .0 5 ) ;NaHCO2 组病死率略高于L -Arg组 ,但差异不显著 (P >0 .0 5 )。试验表明 ,在生产实际中 ,日粮添加 1%的L -Arg或 0 .3%的NaHCO3均可以很好地预防因腹水综合症引起的死亡 ;在日粮精氨酸含量为 1.35 %和 1.18%的基础上额外添加 1%的L -Arg是有益的     

围产期补喂L-精氨酸对伊犁马母马血液参数、妊娠率、返情率及新生马驹生长的影响

本试验旨在探讨在妊娠期最后21 d和分娩后25 d期间补喂L-精氨酸对伊犁马母马血液参数、新生马驹生长以及母马分娩后配种妊娠率与返情率的影响。试验选择30匹年龄、体重、体高、预产期相近的伊犁马母马,分为2组,分别为对照组(n=15)和L-精氨酸组(n=15)。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,L-精氨酸组在基础饲粮配方的基础上添加0.5%L-精氨酸,使每匹马每天L-精氨酸的补喂量达到60 g。母马分娩后12 h内测定马驹体重、体尺参数并统计分娩后配种妊娠率、返情率,同时于试验第0(补喂试验开始前)、21、45天采集母马静脉血样。结果显示:与对照组相比,L-精氨酸组新生马驹体重、体尺参数、母马分娩后配种妊娠率无显著差异(P0.05),母马分娩后配种返情率显著降低(P0.05)。与对照组相比,L-精氨酸组母马试验第21天血浆总一氧化氮合成酶(TNOS)、内皮型一氧化氮合成酶(eNOS)活性与一氧化氮(NO)含量无显著差异(P0.05);试验第45天血浆TNOS活性显著降低(P0.05),NO含量极显著降低(P0.01),eNOS含量无显著差异(P0.05)。与对照组相比,L-精氨酸组母马试验第21天血浆氨(NH_3)、尿素氮(UN)含量无显著差异(P0.05);试验第45天血浆NH_3含量极显著降低(P0.01),UN含量无显著差异(P0.05)。与对照组相比,L-精氨酸组母马试验第21、45天血浆生长激素(GH)、胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)、胰岛素(INS)含量均无显著差异(P0.05)。结果提示,伊犁马母马围产期补喂L-精氨酸可改变母马体循环血浆TNOS活性与NO、NH_3含量,同时降低母马分娩后配种返情率,但对新生马驹体重、体尺参数、分娩后配种妊娠率无显著影响。L-精氨酸可作为营养调控剂,用于母马的妊娠最后期营养补充或分娩后护理以改善母马的繁殖力。     

饲粮中添加不同水平L-精氨酸对妊娠母猪繁殖性能及血液生化指标的影响

本研究探讨饲粮中添加不同水平L-精氨酸(L-Arg)对母猪繁殖性能及血浆一氧化氮相关指标的影响。试验选择36头2胎次母猪(长白×大约克),随机分为4组,每组9头母猪。各组饲粮分别在基础饲粮中添加0 L-Arg+1.70%L-丙氨酸(L-Ala)(0 L-Arg组)、0.4%L-Arg+1.02%L-Ala(0.4%L-Arg组)、0.7%L-Arg+0.51%L-Ala(0.7%L-Arg组)和1.0%L-Arg+0 L-Ala(1.0%L-Arg组),各组添加L-Ala以满足等氮平衡需要。试验期从母猪配种当天到分娩。结果表明:1.0%L-Arg组比0 L-Arg组显著提高了窝产活仔数和初生窝重(P<0.05),随着饲粮中L-Arg水平的提高,窝产仔总数和初生个体重有上升趋势(P>0.05);母猪妊娠第30、60和90天,1.0%L-Arg组血浆中Arg、鸟氨酸含量均显著或极显著高于0.7%、0.4%、0 L-Arg组(P<0.05或P<0.01);母猪妊娠第90天,各组间的血浆脯氨酸含量均有极显著差异(P<0.01),但第30、60天差异均不显著(P>0.05);母猪妊娠第30、60、90天,1.0%L-Arg组血浆一氧化氮含量和第90天血浆总一氧化氮合酶(TNOS)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)活性均显著或极显著高于0.7%、0.4%、0 L-Arg组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。经回归分析,母猪的窝产仔总数、窝产活仔数、初生窝重、血浆中各氨基酸、一氧化氮含量及TNOS和iNOS的活性与饲粮L-Arg水平均有显著或极显著的线性关系(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结果提示,饲粮中L-Arg水平变化对母猪妊娠后期血液生化指标影响明显,饲粮中添加1.0%L-Arg对提高母猪繁殖性能效果最佳。     

内毒素及NO抑制剂对体外培养山羊肝细胞增殖的影响

为了研究内毒素(LPS)和NO酶抑制剂(NOSI)[氨基胍(AG)、左旋硝基精氨酸(L-NNA)、NG-硝基-L-精氨酸甲酯(L-NAME)]对肝细胞增殖的影响,试验通过体外培养山羊肝细胞,应用LPS结合NO酶抑制剂对细胞进行处理观察细胞增殖的变化。结果表明:当LPS1μg/m L时抑制体外肝细胞的增殖,且随着剂量的增加差异显著(P0.05),说明大剂量的LPS能抑制肝细胞的增殖。应用NOSI(AG,L-NNA,L-NAME)结合1μg/m L LPS处理肝细胞,则发现AG(1 mmol/L)+LPS试验组与LPS对照组肝细胞的增殖差异显著(P0.05);LPS+L-NAME(1 mmol/L)处理的d组显著高于LPS对照组,差异显著(P0.05),使吸光度达到最高水平;LPS+L-NNA(1 mmol/L)处理的γ组、δ组与LPS对照组相比差异显著(P0.05)。说明随着NOSI(AG,L-NNA,L-NAME)浓度的增加,NOSI可以颉颃LPS对肝细胞增殖的抑制,使肝细胞的增殖水平在一定程度上恢复到正常。     

精氨酸在养猪生产中的应用

<正>精氨酸(arginine,Arg)最初是由Schlus于1886年从植物羽扇豆苗中分离提取的,1895年Hedin发现精氨酸存在于哺乳动物的蛋白质中,其分子式为C6H14N4O2,分子量174.20,为一种碱性氨基酸。精氨酸有D-精氨酸和L-精氨酸两种异构体,在生物体内有生理作用是L-精氨酸(L-Arg)。在应激状态和特殊生长阶段,精氨酸(L-Arg)为必需氨基酸,但是体内合成     

精氨酸对左旋硝基精氨酸甲酯诱导猪宫内生长受限的缓解作用

本研究旨在探讨L-精氨酸(L-Arg)对左旋硝基精氨酸甲酯(L-NAME)诱导的猪宫内生长受限的缓解作用.试验选取40头预产期相近、2～4胎次的长白×大约克夏妊娠母猪,随机分为4个处理:处理Ⅰ(正对照)、处理Ⅱ(负对照,注射L-NAME)、处理Ⅲ(L-NAME+1.0%L-Arg)和处理Ⅳ(1.0%L-Arg),每个处理10个重复,每个重复1头母猪.孕85～105 d,处理Ⅱ、Ⅲ世猪连续21 d于颈背部皮下多点注射2.5 mL的L-NAME溶液以诱导宫内生长受限(IUGR),剂量为15.0 mg/kg BW.处理Ⅰ和Ⅳ母猪则以相同方式注射等体积的生理盐水.于妊娠第85天、第105天耳静脉采血,分娩时取胎盘血液以测定一氧化氮(NO)、总一氧化氮合酶(TNOS)含量.记录窝产仔数、窝活仔数、窝仔重、窝活仔重、仔猪初生重及活仔初生重,计算IUGR发生率.结果表明:1)在妊娠后期母猪饲粮中添加1.0%精氨酸,窝产活仔数由11.20头显著提高到12.60头(P<0.05),窝活仔重由16.21 kg提高至18.26 kg(P<0.05),仔猪IUGR发生率由17.49%降低至6.35%(P<0.05);2)注射L-NAME的母猪窝产活仔数降低了19.64%(P<0.05),窝活仔重降低了27.14%(P<0.01),而仔猪IUGR发生率则显著提高至34.49%(P<0.01).但在注射L-NAME的同时给母猪补充1.0%精氨酸后,窝产活仔数、窝活仔重达正常水平,仔猪IU-GR发生率与正对照组差异不显著(P>0.05);3)给妊娠母猪注射L-NAME,胎盘血清NO、TNOS合成量显著降低(P<0.01),但饲粮中补充1.0%精氨酸后,胎盘血清NO、TNOS合成量恢复至正常水平.由此可知,给妊娠期母猪饲粮中添加1.0%精氨酸后抵消或逆转了由L-NAME诱导的胎盘血清TNOS、NO合成最降低及胎猪生长受限作用,促进了胎猪在宫内的生长发育,并有效地预防了IUGR的发生.     

科技动态

正精氨酸可通过一氧化氮路径影响鸭采食量为研究日粮精氨酸对北京鸭采食量调控的作用机制,研究人员开展了两组试验。试验1选取144只1日龄北京鸭公鸭,随机分为3个日粮处理组,每组6个重复,每个重复8只。各试验组分别在玉米-玉米蛋白粉日粮基础上添加0.65%、0.95%和1.45%的精氨酸。结果表明,0.65%精氨酸添加组鸭采食量及血浆一氧化氮(NO)水平均显著低于其他两组(P0.05)。试验2中,20只11日龄北京鸭随机分为2个处理组,空腹2 h后,两组鸭分别腹腔注射生理盐水和盐酸甲基酯(L-NAME),试验持续3 d。结果表明,注射后2 h,L-NAME组鸭采食量     

穴位埋线对急性高原缺氧大鼠血管应激损伤的干预机制研究

目的:初步探讨穴位埋线对急性缺氧大鼠血管应激损伤的干预机制。方法:健康成年Wistar大鼠48只随机分为正常组、模型组、药物组、穴位埋线1组、穴位埋线2组和穴位埋线3组,每组8只,其中,正常组不做任何处理,其余各组采用低压氧舱间断缺氧的方式复制急性高原缺氧大鼠模型后,模型组不予任何治疗,药物组于造模前后均给予红景天水煎剂灌胃治疗;穴位埋线1、2、3组分别于造模后、造模前及造模前后进行穴位埋线治疗,治疗结束后采集各组大鼠动脉血,检测血清一氧化氮(NO)和血浆内皮素(ET)的含量。结果:与正常组相比,模型组大鼠血清NO和血浆ET含量显著升高(P0.01);与模型组相比,药物组和穴位埋线1、2、3组大鼠血清NO和血浆ET的含量均不同程度降低(P0.01),其中穴位埋线3组降低最显著(P0.05)。结论:穴位埋线能显著降低急性高原缺氧大鼠血清NO和血浆ET含量,这可能是其干预急性高原缺氧血管应激损伤的重要机制,且治疗效果与埋线时机及频次有关。     

L-精氨酸对猪胎儿皮肤成纤维细胞免疫应激参数和β防御素基因mRNA表达的影响

本试验旨在研究L-精氨酸(L-Arg)对猪胎儿皮肤成纤维细胞(PFSF)免疫应激参数和β防御素基因mRNA表达的影响。采用培养至4～5代的PFSF,通过脂多糖诱导建立免疫应激模型,在DMEM/F12培养液中添加不同浓度(0、35、70、140、280和560μg/mL)的L-Arg,培养24 h后,检测培养液一氧化氮(NO)含量及乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、一氧化氮合酶(NOS)和溶菌酶(LSZ)活性;采用实时定量PCR法检测PFSFβ防御素1(pBD-1)、β防御素2(pBD-2)和β防御素3(pBD-3)基因mRNA表达量。结果表明:1)L-Arg能够降低培养液LDH活性,正常细胞和应激细胞分别在L-Arg浓度为70和140μg/mL时达到最低;2)L-Arg能够极显著提高培养液NO含量(P<0.01),正常细胞和应激细胞均在L-Arg浓度为140μg/mL达到最高;3)L-Arg能够显著或极显著增加正常细胞培养液NOS活性(P<0.05或P<0.01),而对应激细胞无显著影响(P>0.05),L-Arg浓度为35和70μg/mL时,应激细胞显著或极显著高于正常细胞(P<0.05或P<0.01);4)560μg/mL L-Arg可显著提高培养液LSZ活性(P<0.05);5)70μg/mLL-Arg可极显著提高正常细胞和应激细胞pBD-1和pBD-2基因mRNA表达量(P<0.01),140μg/mL L-Arg可极显著提高正常细胞和应激细胞pBD-3基因mRNA表达量(P<0.01)。结果提示,适宜浓度的L-Arg能够降低培养液LDH活性,提高NO含量以及NOS和LSZ活性,上调应激细胞和正常细胞β防御素基因mRNA表达;本试验条件下,L-Arg的适宜添加浓度为70～140μg/mL。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.