铁和维生素A及其互作效应对肉仔鸡组织铁含量和营养物质表观存留率的影响

选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡504只 ,随机分为9组 ,每组4个重复 ,每重复14只鸡 ,公母各半 ,采用3×3(Fe×VA)完全随机试验设计 ,研究了日粮添加不同水平Fe(0、30、60mg/kg)和VA(750、1500、2700IU/kg)对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段 (0～4周龄和5～7周龄 )肝脏、心脏、脾脏、胰脏、肾脏、肌肉、胫骨、羽毛等组织铁含量影响。结果表明 :在日粮铁的影响下 ,肉仔鸡体内各组织铁含量顺序依次为 :(前期 :肝脏>肾脏>脾>心脏>胫骨>毛>胰脏>肌肉 ;后期 :肝脏>脾>肾脏>心脏>胫骨>羽毛>胰脏>肌肉 ) ;日粮铁添加水平对前期肝脏、心脏、肾脏、胰脏、羽毛等组织铁含量影响显著 (P<0.01) ,60mgFe/kg 组这些组织铁含量最高 ;对后期肝脏、心脏、脾脏、胰脏、肌肉、胫骨、羽毛等组织的铁含量影响显著 (P<0.01) ,60mgFe/kg组肝脏与心脏组织铁含量最高 ,30mgFe/kg 组脾脏、肌肉、胫骨等组织铁含量最高 ,0mgFe/kg 组胰脏、羽毛等组织铁含量最高 ;肾脏、胰脏、羽毛、肌肉、胫骨在不同生长阶段沉积铁能力不同。日粮铁对不同生长阶段各组织铁含量的影响存在差异。VA影响机体内铁的分布 ,日粮VA添加水平对前期肾脏、肌肉、羽毛等组织铁含量影响显著 (P<0.01) ,对后期肝脏、肾脏、胰脏、肌肉、胫骨、羽毛等组织铁含量影响显著 (P<0.01)。VA对前后     

日粮中不同锌及维生素A水平对肉仔鸡生产性能、免疫性能和有关酶及激素的影响

以AA肉仔鸡为试验动物 ,采用6×2(Zn×VA)重复实验设计 ,研究了日粮添加不同水平的锌(Zn)(40 ,80 ,120 ,160 ,200和320mg/kg)和维生素A(VA)(2700和8800IU/kg)对生产性能、免疫性能、7周龄血清和肝脏CuZn -SOD活性、血清碱性磷酸酶活性及血清胰岛素浓度的影响。结果表明 ,肉仔鸡对Zn的需要量有阶段性区别 ,前期添加320mg/kg,后期添加80～120mg/kg能获得较好的生产性能和免疫性能。VA的添加量为2700IU/kg 时前后期的生产性能均较佳。日粮Zn水平对血清CuZn -SOD的影响极显著(P<0.01) ,Zn水平为80～160mg/kg 时活性最大 ;日粮Zn水平对肝脏CuZn -SOD的影响接近显著水平 ,Zn水平为160～200mg/kg 时活性最大 ;日粮Zn水平、VA水平及二者的交互作用对血清碱性磷酸酶活性的影响均极显著(P<0.01) ,Zn的添加水平为80mg/kg时 ,酶活性最大 ,日粮高水平VA(8800IU/kg)使酶活性显著增加(P<0.01)。日粮Zn及VA水平对血清胰岛素浓度均有极显著影响(P<0.01)。高Zn(320mg/kg)使胰岛素浓度明显升高 ,高VA明显抑制了胰岛素浓度     

铁和维生素A及互作效应对肉仔鸡胃肠道铁含量的影响

选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡504只,随机分为9组,每组4个重复,每重复14只鸡,公鸡比为1∶1,采用3×3(Fe×VA)完全随机试验设计,研究了日粮添加不同水平的Fe(0mg/kg、30mg/kg、60mg/kg)和VA(750IU/kg、1500IU/kg、2700IU/kg)对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段(0周龄～4周龄和5周龄～7周龄)腺胃、十二指肠、空肠、回肠的铁含量影响。结果表明:铁添加水平对4周龄肉仔鸡腺胃铁含量影响显著(P<0.05),随着铁添加水平的增加,腺胃铁含量也增加。对后期腺胃铁含量影响显著(P<0.01),且随着铁添加水平的增加,腺胃铁含量降低。铁对前后期十二指肠、空肠铁含量影响均显著(P<0.01),对前后期回肠铁含量影响不显著(P>0.05)。前期铁(0mg/kg)组十二指肠、空肠、回肠各段中铁含量最高,而后期铁(0mg/kg)组十二指肠、空肠、回肠各段中铁含量最低;②VA对后期腺胃铁含量影响显著(P<0.01),VA对前期十二指肠铁含量影响显著(P<0.05),随着VA添加水平的增加,十二指肠中铁含量也增加,说明VA可促进十二指肠对铁的吸收;③交互作用对后期腺胃、十二指肠铁含量影响显著(P<0.01)。     

铁和维生素A互作效应对肉仔鸡体内相关血液理化指标的影响

选用 1日龄艾维因肉仔鸡 5 0 4只 ,随机分为 9组 ,每组 4个重复 ,每个重复 14只鸡 (公母比为 1∶ 1) ,采用 3× 3(Fe× VA)完全随机试验设计 ,研究了日粮中不同添加水平的 Fe(0、30、6 0 mg/ kg)和 VA(75 0、15 0 0、2 70 0 IU/ kg)对不同生长阶段 (0～ 4周和 5～ 7周 )肉仔鸡体内相关血液理化指标 :血红蛋白 (Hb)含量、红细胞计数 (RCC)、红细胞压积 (PCV)、血沉 (ESR)的影响。结果表明 :1日粮铁添加水平对 0～ 4周肉仔鸡血液的 Hb含量 ,RCC,PCV和 ESR值影响均显著 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,5～ 7周时仅对 RCC值影响显著 (P<0 .0 5 )。 2日粮 VA添加水平对前后期 Hb含量影响均不显著 (P>0 .0 5 ) ,对前后期 RCC值影响均显著 (P<0 .0 1) ,对后期 PCV值影响显著 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,对前期 ESR值影响显著(P<0 .0 5 ) ,VA显著影响肉仔鸡体内铁状况血液指标。3交互作用对前后期 Hb含量、前期 RCC、后期 PCV、前期 ESR值影响均显著 (P<0 .0 5 )。 Fe(0 m g/ kg)× VA(70 5 IU/ kg)组前后期产生的 Hb含量和前期 RCC均低于正常范围 ,机体处于贫血状态。 4 Fe和 VA互作有助于改善血液 Hb含量和 RCC值     

铁与维生素A及其互作效应对肉仔鸡的生产性能、铁、铜、锰、锌表观存留率的影响

选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡504只 ,随机分为9组 ,每组4个重复 ,每重复14只鸡 ,公母比为1 :1 ,采用3×3(Fe×VA)完全随机试验设计 ,研究了日粮中不同水平的Fe和VA对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段 (0～4周龄和5～7周龄 )的生产性能与铁、铜、锰、锌表观存留率的影响。日粮铁的添加量分别为0 ,30 ,60mg/kg ,VA的添加量分别为750,1500,2700IU/kg。结果表明 :①常规日粮中添加铁对肉仔鸡的生产性能影响不显著 (P>0.05) ,添加VA对前后期体增重及日采食量影响均不显著 (P>0.05) ,但对料重比影响接近显著 (P≈0.05) ,Fe和VA交互作用对体增重影响显著 (P<0.05)。②日粮不同铁水平对前后期铁表观存留率的影响显著 (P<0.01) ,随着日粮铁水平的增加 ,铁的表观存留率下降 ;对前后期铜表观存留率的影响均不显著(P>0.05) ;对前后期锰表观存留率的影响显著 (P<0.01) ,随着日粮铁水平的增加 ,锰的表观存留率下降 ;对前期锌表观存留率的影响均不显著(P<0.05) ;对后期锌表观存留率的影响均显著 (P<0.01)。③日粮不同VA水平对前后期铁表观存留率的影响显著 ,随着日粮VA水平的增加 ,铁的表观存留率上升 (P<0.05) ;对前后期铜表观存留率的影响均不显著(P>0.05) ;日粮VA水平对前后期锰表观存留率的影响均显著(P<0.01) ,前期VA(1500IU/kg)组锰     

铁和维生素A对肉仔鸡肝脏、血清中A、E浓度的影响

研究日粮Fe(0 .30 ,6 0mg kg)和VA(75 0 ,15 0 0 ,2 70 0IU kg)水平对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段 (0～ 4周龄和 5～ 7周龄 )肝脏、血清中VA、VE浓度的影响。结果表明 :铁对前后期肝脏及血清的VA浓度影响均显著 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,随着铁添加水平的增加 ,肝VA浓度下降 ,血清VA浓度上升。铁对前后期肝脏及血清的VE浓度影响均极显著 (P <0 .0 1) ,随着铁添加水平的增加 ,肝VE浓度下降 ,血清VE浓度上升。VA对前后期肝脏及血清的VA浓度影响均显著 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,随着VA添加水平的增加 ,肝脏及血清的VA浓度上升。VA对前后期肝脏及血清的VE浓度影响均显著 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,随着VA添加水平的增加 ,肝VE浓度下降 ,血清VE浓度上升。     

铜和维生素A及其交互作用对饲料中粗蛋白和铜、铁、锌、锰表观存留率的影响

选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡448只,随机分为8组,每组4个重复,采用4×2(Cu×VA)完全随机设计,日粮铜的添加量为0、8、150、225mg/kg,VA添加量为1500、5000IU/kg,研究日粮中添加不同铜水平和VA水平对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段(0～4周龄和5～7周龄)粗蛋白表观存留率和铜、铁、锌、锰表观存留率的影响,结果表明:①日粮不同铜水平对前期粗蛋白表观存留率影响显著(P<0.01);对前后期铜、铁、锌表观存留率影响均显著(P<0.01);对前后期锰表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05)。②日粮不同VA水平对前后期粗蛋白表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05);对前期铁表观存留率影响显著(P<0.01),对前后期锌的表观存留率均不显著(P>0.05),但P值都小于0.09;对后期锰表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05)。③交互作用对前期粗蛋白表观存留率影响显著(P<0.01);对后期铜、前期锌、后期锰表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05);对前后期铁的表观存留率影响均显著(P<0.01)。     

日粮铜和维生素A及其互作效应对肉仔鸡生长性能和血液生理指标的影响

本试验选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡448只,随机分为8组,每组4个重复,每个重复14只鸡,采用4×2(Cu×VA)完全随机设计,研究了日粮添加不同水平的铜(0、8、150、225 mg/kg)和维生素A(1 500、5 000 IU/kg)对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段(前期0～4周龄和后期5～7周龄)的生长性能及血液生理指标的影响.结果表明:高铜(150、225 mg/kg)显著降低前期体增重和采食量、血红蛋白生成和血沉(P<0.05);高铜有利于白细胞生成 (P<0.05);0 mg/kg铜组显著提高血红蛋白含量、后期红细胞压积和前期血沉(P<0.05);铜的不同添加水平对全期红细胞数目影响不显著(P>0.05).5 000 IU/kg维生素A组获得较好的生长性能、血红蛋白含量、红细胞数目,并显著提高前期红细胞压积和白细胞数目,但显著降低后期红细胞压积(P<0.05).铜和维生素A互作效应对前期体增重及全期料重比影响均显著(P<0.05),对前后期血红蛋白含量、血沉、白细胞计数及后期红细胞压积影响均极显著(P<0.01),且二者间存在互补作用,Cu(8 mg/kg)×VA(5 000 IU/kg)组与Cu(0 mg/kg)×VA(5 000 IU/kg)组对前期肉仔鸡生长性能、红细胞计数、血红蛋白含量、红细胞压积、血沉均较好.铜和维生素A互作效应对全期红细胞数目影响不显著(P>0.05).结果提示,在基础日粮铜水平为16～23 mg/kg时,铜的适宜添加量前期为8 mg/kg,后期为0～8 mg/kg;全期维生素A的添加量为5 000 IU/kg.     

铜和维生素A及其交互作用对饲料中粗蛋白和铜、铁、锌、锰表观存留存率的影响

选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡448只,随机分为8组,每组4个重复,采用4×2(Cu×VA)完全随机设计,日粮铜的添加量为0、8、150、225mg/kg,VA添加量为1500、5000IU/kg,研究日粮中添加不同铜水平和VA水平对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段(0～4周龄和5～7周龄)粗蛋白表观存留率和铜、铁、锌、锰表观存留率的影响,结果表明:①日粮不同铜水平对前期粗蛋白表观存留率影响显著(P<0.01);对前后期铜、铁、锌表观存留率影响均显著(P<0.01);对前后期锰表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05)。②日粮不同VA水平对前后期粗蛋白表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05);对前期铁表观存留率影响显著(P<0.01),对前后期锌的表观存留率均不显著(P>0.05),但P值都小于0.09;对后期锰表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05)。③交互作用对前期粗蛋白表观存留率影响显著(P<0.01);对后期铜、前期锌、后期锰表观存留率影响显著(P<0.05);对前后期铁的表观存留率影响均显著(P<0.01)。     

饲粮镁对肉仔鸡生长、组织镁浓度及抗氧化功能的影响

研究比较了天门冬氨酸镁和氧化镁对肉仔鸡镁营养状态及肝脏和脾脏等组织抗氧化酶能力的影响。将252只1日龄的AA肉仔鸡随机分为7个处理组,每个处理6个重复,每个重复6只鸡。天门冬氨酸镁和氧化镁的添加水平为0.9、1.8、2.7g/kg日粮,基础日粮组作为不添加镁的对照组。日粮中添加镁能显著提高血清、肝脏和脾脏中的镁浓度(P<0.01),天门冬氨酸镁比氧化镁更能有效地提高血清和肝脏中的镁含量(P<0.01)。肝脏过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性,随天门冬氨酸镁添加量的增加线性增加(P<0.01),随氧化镁添加量的增加呈二次曲线增加(P<0.05)。天门冬氨酸镁比氧化镁更有效地增强肝脏中CAT的活性(P<0.01)。脾脏CAT的活性随天门冬氨酸镁(P<0.05)或氧化镁(P<0.01)添加量的增加线性增加。肝脏(P<0.05)和脾脏(P<0.01)丙二醛MDA的浓度随氧化镁或天门冬氨酸镁添加量的增加线性降低。天门冬氨酸镁比氧化镁更有效地降低肝脏中的MDA浓度(P<0.01)。结果表明:日粮中添加镁能显著改善肉仔鸡各种组织中镁的含量,并能提高肝脏和脾脏等组织中抗氧化酶的活性,降低脂质过氧化水平。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.