Utilisation of U‐14C‐lysine by young turkeys

1. U‐¹⁴C‐lysine was administered by tube into the crop to turkey poults fed on assay diets (maize + sesame + maize gluten meal) containing varying concentrations oflysine, and partition of the label into body components, carbon dioxide, and excreta was measured.

2. Deposition of ¹⁴C label into breast and heart muscles responded positively to dietary lysine concentration. There was no apparent relationship between dietary lysine intake and deposition of label into carbon dioxide or excreta.

3. Efficiency of lysine retention, above maintenance, was estimated to be 0.523 ± 0.034.

4. Turkeys exhibited variable metabolic efficiency in the use of lysine as indicated by loss of U‐¹⁴C‐lysine label to expired carbon dioxide and to excreta by individual turkeys.     

The effect of storage temperature on the shelf‐life of eviscerated air‐chilled Turkeys

1. Eviscerated air‐chilled turkeys (weighing about 5.5 kg) were stored in groups of 10 at temperatures between 5 and — 2 °C. Slight “off” odour was detected in an average time of 7.2 d at 5 °C, 13.9 d at 2 °C, 22.6 d at 0 °G and about 38 d at ‐2 °C.

2. The microbiological condition of the carcasses was determined initially and after storage at — 2 ^oC for 28, 35 and 42 d. It was found that, whilst pseudomonads (pigmented and non‐pigmented) were present at 10⁸/cm² after 35 and 42‐d storage, yeasts were also present at 10⁷/cm² and probably accounted for the unusual fusty “off” odours.     

Modification of soil nutrients and micro‐climate by tree crowns in a semi‐arid rangeland of south‐western Zimbabwe

Abstract

Tree crowns in semi‐arid areas have often been found to create micro‐habitats of improved soil physical and nutrient status and reduced evapotranspiration. These encourage the growth of mesic, palatable and high yielding perennial grasses in otherwise arid environments. A two‐year study, in areas with a long history of light grazing, at Matopos Research Station sought to establish whether the soil nutrient status and micro‐climate under tree crowns are different from those in open areas, and whether the differences are affected by soil type and tree species. The study trees were Terminalia sericea and Acacia karroo. There were consistent patterns in soil nutrient status between understorey and open areas, although these patterns were largely not significant. There was also a consistent pattern in soil volumetric water content of open areas > T. sericea > A. karroo understorey areas. Tree crowns reduced solar radiation reaching understorey areas by an average of 88% and rainfall by an average of 15%. The findings on soil nutrient status are consistent with results from disturbed systems, and challenge the dogma, at least for soil nutrient status, that conservative stocking rates are beneficial.     

Use of the Cortisol‐to‐ACTH Ratio for Diagnosis of Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs

Background

The ACTH stimulation test is currently required for definitive diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Increased cost of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) has prompted a search for alternative diagnostic methods.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a cortisol‐to‐ACTH ratio (CAR) can be used to differentiate dogs with hypoadrenocorticism from normal dogs and those with nonadrenal illness.

Animals

Eight healthy dogs (H), 19 dogs with nonadrenal illness (NAI), and 15 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (HAD).

Methods

Dogs in the HAD group were retrospectively identified from PUVTH medical records. The NAI group consisted of hospitalized dogs with clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, or both, consistent with a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism, but in which hypoadrenocorticism was ruled out based on ACTH stimulation test results. Healthy dogs were recruited from hospital staff and students. Endogenous ACTH concentrations and cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation were measured in all dogs.

Results

Baseline cortisol concentration was significantly lower, and ACTH concentration was significantly higher, in the HAD group versus the H and NAI group (P < .001). However, there was overlap among groups. Cortisol‐to‐ACTH ratio was significantly lower in the HAD group versus the H and NAI groups (P < .001), and there was no overlap between the HAD group and the other 2 groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

CAR can be used for definitive diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism.     

The incidence of breast‐blister down‐grading in broiler chickens

1. A survey was conducted into down‐grading due to breast blisters at a large processing plant.

2. The relationships between incidence of down‐grading and age, body weight, sex, size of rearing site and its distance from the processing plant, and various weather conditions during the rearing period of each flock were examined using regression analysis.

3. Age and body weight and rearing site size were the only factors significantly correlated with amount of blistering.     

Short‐term stressor effects of reserpine

1. The effects of reserpine on plasma glucose, FFA and cholesterol and on adrenal cholesterol were determined in 1‐ and 21‐d‐old chicks over a 24‐h period.

2. Irrespective of age, reserpinised chicks became hyperglycaemic and hypocholesteraemic, their stores of adrenal cholesterol were depleted and the mobilisation of the lipid was impaired. The response of the older bird was quantitatively larger than that of the younger bird.

3. Propranolol prevented the increase in plasma glucose concentration seen 1 h after reserpine but it did not affect subsequent changes.

4. It is concluded that reserpine acts as a stressor and it is shown that its effects have not been entirely overcome after 24 h.     

Short‐term stressor effects of propranolol

1. The effects of propranolol (10 mg/kg) on plasma cholesterol, glucose, corticosterone and free fatty acids, on adrenal mass and cholesterol content and on body temperature were determined over a 24‐h period in 3‐week‐old Light Sussex chicks.

2. Changes in plasma cholesterol were equivocal, though there was perhaps a trend towards hypercholesteraemia.

3. Birds became hypoglycaemic within an hour but were hyper‐glycaemic between 2 and 4 h. At 24 h they were normoglycaemic.

4. Plasma corticosterone was increased markedly at 1 h but was decreased compared with the control at 2 h (P<0.01). Thereafter the concentration was in the normal range.

5. There was an enhanced hyperlipacidaemia in the treated birds after 1 h.

6. Adrenal cholesterol stores were decreased by 10% at 4 h but were unaffected at all other times.

7. Colonic temperature decreased by 1–6 °C after 2 h but was normal by4h.

8. It is concluded that propranolol has mild stressor activity which is lost within 24 h.     

Studies on the toxic effects of crambe meal and two of its constituents, 1‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐butene (GHB) and epiprogoitrin,in broiler chick diets

1. Studies were undertaken to determine a safe inclusion rate for crambe (Crambe abyssinica) meal in broiler chick diets, and to determine the mechanism for adverse effects by investigating its constituents; l‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐butene (CHB) and 3‐butenyl glucosinolate (epi‐progoitrin, E‐PG).

2. Crambe meals were prepared to differ in E‐PG (19, 36 and 40 g/kg) and CHB contents (0.1, 0.7 and 1.9 g/kg), and with either active or inactive thioglucosidase.

3. Meals were fed to 7‐d‐old broiler chicks at 50 or 100 g/kg of the diet for 12 or 13 d. In separate studies, isolated E‐PG or CHB were mixed into the diet or administered by gavage to 7‐d‐old broiler chicks in amounts equivalent to 50 or 100 g/kg crambe meal diets for 10 and 12 d, respectively.

4. Weight gain decreased (P<0.05) in chicks fed on the high glucosinolate crambe diets or isolated E‐PG. Food consumption decreased (P<0.05) in chicks fed on the diet containing the high E‐PG meal with active enzyme.

5. Mild liver lesions and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase were found in chicks fed on the diet containing the high glucosinolate meal with active enzyme. Other organs, including thyroids, were normal.

6. Commercially‐processed crambe meal appeared safe at an inclusion rate of 50 or 100 g/kg diet, but could not be recommended at this point for long term feeding.     

The effect of feeding low‐protein diets to pullets from hatch to point‐of‐lay and the quantitative restriction of food during the subsequent laying period

Pullets from two commercial breeds were fed on diets of similar energy content but with 19% or 16% crude protein to 8 weeks of age and from 8 to 20 weeks of age on one of three isoenergetic diets containing either 12, 14 or 16% crude protein. At 20 weeks the birds were offered a conventional layers’ diet containing 16% crude protein either ad libitum or on a daily food intake of 100 g for a further 32 weeks.

The results indicate that with certain breeds the dietary protein levels can be lowered to approximately 16% during the o to 8‐week period and to approximately 12% during the 8 to 20‐week period without adversely affecting egg production. However, variations in the laying performance of the different breeds appear to be dependent on the amount of protein fed in the first eight weeks of life. Significant breed effects were observed throughout the experiment and although restricted feeding during the laying period substantially reduced the food intake it also had a detrimental effect on the rate of egg production and on the total weight of eggs produced.     

Crimidine (2‐chloro‐4‐(dimethylamino)‐6‐methylpyrimidine) poisoning in a dog due to ingestion of the rodenticide Castrix®

The diagnosis and treatment of a case of crimidine poisoning in a dog are described. Presenting signs were seizures and vomiting. The vomitus contained a purple coloured cereal grain. The signs and grain colour were suggestive for a rodenticide with convulsive effects The diagnosis of crimidine poisoning was made by thin layer chromatography and was later confirmed by finding the source of the poison. Except for the administration of Vit B6, the specific antidote for crimidine, general treatment principles for poisoning were followed. The treatment of crimidine poisoning is time consuming and requires intensive care facilities.     

Phase II Evaluation of VDC‐1101 in Canine Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma

Background

Canine cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon disease for which efficacious therapies are lacking. The novel anticancer nucleotide prodrug VDC‐1101 (formerly known as GS‐9219) has shown efficacy in dogs with multicentric lymphoma. One of the observed adverse effects with this drug was a skin change characterized by hair loss, erythema, and pruritus, implying delivery of VDC‐1101 to the skin.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary study objective was to identify the objective response rate (ORR) to VDC‐1101 in canine CTCL; secondary objectives included characterization of progression‐free survival (PFS) and adverse events (AEs).

Animals

Twelve dogs with chemotherapy‐naïve or relapsed, histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed CTCL.

Methods

Dogs received VDC‐1101 as a 30‐minute IV infusion once every 21 days. Prednisone (1 mg/kg PO q48h) was administered concurrently.

Results

In 11 evaluable patients, responses included 1 complete response (CR), 4 partial responses (PR), 2 stable disease (SD), and 4 progressive disease for an ORR of 45% and biologic response rate (CR/PR/SD) of 64%. The median PFS was 37.5 days (26 to >399 days), which includes 1 durable and ongoing CR (>1 year). Gastrointestinal and hematologic AEs were mild; no dogs developed grade 3 or 4 AEs. Three dogs developed dermatopathies and 1 of these dogs was removed from the study as a result of this AE.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

VDC‐1101 has activity against canine CTCL and could provide another treatment option in a disease process with a poor prognosis.     

Effect of beta‐aminoproprionitrile on eggshell formation

1. Eggshells are bioceramic‐biopolymer composites made by a cell‐mediated deposition of an extracellular matrix which drives the organisation of the inorganic phase. Ultrastructurally, eggshells are composed of shell membranes, mammillary knobs, palisade, and cuticle. Shell membranes are two nets of type X collagen‐containing fibrils. On to these membranes, the mammillary knobs, that is, the crystal nucleation sites, are deposited. Type X collagen is highly cross‐linked and insoluble.

2. In order to evaluate the role of type X collagen cross‐linking on eggshell formation, hens were injected with different doses of β‐aminoproprionitrile, which specifically interferes with cross‐link formation.

3. Changes in egg size and shape were observed. Scanning electron micrographs analysis of these eggs demonstrated marked changes in crystal growth and shell membrane structure and arrangement. A dot‐blot analysis, using a monoclonal antibody against chicken type X collagen, shows a dose‐dependent increase in shell membrane collagen extractability.

4. It is concluded that the formation of β‐aminoproprionitrile‐sensitive cross‐links among the type X collagen molecules of the shell membranes play an essential role in normal eggshell formation.     

The estimation of rate of lay from part‐record data

1. Egg production is considered as a composite of at least the following four traits: age at sexual maturity, rate of lay, laying‐house mortality and the non‐laying condition.

2. Age at sexual maturity is available in the part record and hence does not require estimation.

3. Estimators of rate of lay from the part record are considered on the basis of their convenience and efficiency. It is concluded that the most suitable estimator is the number of eggs laid by each hen which has reached sexual maturity and which survives over a standard assay period between the ages of 30 and 40 weeks.

4. Laying‐house mortality and the non‐laying condition may be estimated from the performance of the sibs in these traits in the part record.     

Effect of dietary contents of cholecalciferol, 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol on blood concentrations of 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol, 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol,total calcium and eggshell quality

1. Withdrawal of cholecalciferol (D₃) supplement from a layers diet drastically reduced blood 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25‐OH‐D₃), 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol) and egg specific gravity (SG) within two weeks, followed by a decrease in blood total calcium (Ca).

2. Doubling the D₃ supplement in the control diet (27.5 μg or 1100 IU/kg) almost linearly increased the circulating concentration of 25‐OH‐D₃ without raising the concentration of calcitriol, Ca, or egg SG.

3. Replacing D₃ by the optimal concentration of calcitriol (5 μg/kg diet) improved egg SG after 21 weeks of treatment without increasing blood calcitriol or total Ca.

4. By itself, 24,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol [24,25‐(OH)₂D₃] was unable to maintain normal blood levels of calcitriol, Ca or egg SG and, when added together with calcitriol in the diet, tended to elevate blood Ca but suppress the beneficial effect of calcitriol on shell quality, with little or no effect on blood calcitriol.     

Comparison of storage time‐temperature effects on sensory and hedonic attributes of frozen and deep‐frozen chickens

1. Broilers were stored at ‐12±1°G and ‐18±1°C for nine periods of up to 24 and 36 months respectively and compared with birds stored at ‐43 ± 2°C.

2. There were negligible differences in preference between the experimental and reference grilled breast meats.

3. Odour preference differences for thawed, uncooked birds were significant after 1 month of storage at ‐ 12 °C and after 9 months at ‐ 18 °G.

4. In comparison with the reference birds the redness of frozen and thawed birds decreased more regularly during storage at ‐ 12°C than at ‐18 °C.

5. Packaging the birds in Cryovac instead of in polythene resulted, in the raw birds, in a greater difference in surface redness. This redness decreased more rapidly during storage than that of birds packaged in polythene.     

Choice feeding of the egg‐type pullet

1. Egg‐type pullets from 43 to 127 d of age were fed either a high‐protein concentrate (493 g/kg), a protein concentrate (323 g/kg) or a grower diet, together with either whole wheat or whole barley. Further birds received a complete diet and had no choice.

2. Eighty‐four point six, 69.5 and 31.4% respectively of the food consumed by the birds which received the high‐protein concentrate, protein concentrate or grower diet with wheat consisted of the whole cereal. The corresponding figures for the birds which received barley were 73.9, 41.3 and 10.9% respectively.

3. There were no significant differences in rate of food intake or growth between choice‐fed birds receiving whole wheat and the complete diet‐fed birds with no choice.     

Cardiovascular effects of angiotensin‐II in chickens

1. Mature WL cockerels with permanent cannulae in brachial artery and vein were restrained in an isolated sling. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded. When the chickens were habituated to the sling, injections began. In each experiment the cockerels were injected intravenously 6 times at 6 min intervals.

2. In the first experiment 6 injections of 0.5 nmol[Aspl,Val5]ANG‐II/kg body weight were given.

3. In the second experiment oxytocin (OT) antagonist ([d(GH2)5‐O‐Me‐Tyr2,Thr4,Tyr9,Orn8]VT) at a dose of 2 nmol/kg, was injected for the first 3 and 0.5 nmol ANG‐II/kg for the last 3 injections. Such OT‐antagonist pretreatment completely abolishes the vasodepressor (VDP) response to neurohypophysial pep‐tides in chickens.

4. Injections of ANG‐II resulted in a biphasic effect on BP, an initial brief fall followed by a prolonged rise. During the hypotensive phase, tachycardia developed which turned into bradycardia as the hypertensive phase appeared. No tachyphy‐laxis of the VDP effect of ANG‐II was evident with repeated injections.

5. OT‐antagonist pretreatment had no effect on the VDP response to ANG‐II.

6. These results suggest that, unlike relaxation of chicken aortic ring in in vitro preparations, there is no tachyphylaxis of the VDP response to ANG‐II, in vivo. Furthermore, the neurohypophysial peptides are not involved in the VDP effect of ANG‐II because pretreatment with an OT‐antagonist had no effect on it. The baroreflex buffers the effects of ANG‐II on vascular tone by affecting HR.

7. As ANG‐II is secreted during hypovolaemia, the biphasic haemodynamic response peptides may have a compensatory role following volume contraction.     

The structure of the ileo‐caeco‐golic junction of the domestic fowl (Gallus Gallus L.)

1. The structure of the ileo‐caeco‐colic junction of domestic fowl aged from 3 to 12 weeks was investigated by histological techniques and the preparation of latex casts of the lumina.

2. The caeca open ventro‐laterally from the cranial end of the colon. At this level a muscular ring of tissue, formed from the circular muscle of the lamina muscularis of the ileum, projects into the colon lateral to the caecal openings. The location of this muscular ring is discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms of caecal filling.

3. The longitudinal muscle of the lamina muscularis of the caudal region of each caecum is continuous with that of the colon and ileum. The circular muscle of the lamina muscularis of each caecum begins in the muscularis mucosa of the colon at a distance of 1 to 2 mm from the caecal openings. At the level of the caecal openings the musculature is complex, consisting of parts of the lamina muscularis of the colon, caeca and ileum.

4. The openings of the caeca from the colon are narrow and filled with villi. It is suggested that the junction may be involved in filtering material during the filling of the caeca.     

L‐aspartic acid and urea supplementation of low‐protein layer diets1

1. Urea supplementation of low‐protein (125 g/kg) conventional‐type diets for layers, whether containing fish meal or not, did not appear advantageous.

2. Supplementation of the low‐protein diet with aspartic acid did not affect egg production rate or efficiency.

3. Soyabean meal supplementation of the low‐protein diet increased egg weight significantly whereas aspartic acid did not.