柴达木盆地重度盐碱地燕麦引种适应性评价

在青海省海西州德令哈市尕海镇重度盐碱地上对青海省常用的10个燕麦品种进行了引种栽培试验。结果表明:10个燕麦品种均能完成生育期,生育天数在94～115d之间;盖度白燕7号最高,为91.7%,青莜3号最低,为70.0%;植株高度加燕2号最高,为88.8cm,最低的是青莜3号,为79.8cm;地上植物量白燕7号最高,为870.8g/m^2,最低的是青莜3号,为547.5g/m^2;种子产量白燕7号最高,为281.6g/m^2,青燕1号最低,为204.5g/m^2;总体来看,青海省常用的10个燕麦品种在柴达木盆地重度盐碱地上虽然生长受到了明显的抑制,但生产性能总体相对较好,表现出了较强的耐盐碱性,因此,可作为柴达木盆地重度盐碱地改良与重建的"先锋草种"。     

陇中黄土高原半干旱区9个燕麦品种籽粒产量及其营养价值研究

本研究对9个燕麦(Avena sativa)品种的主要农艺性状、种子产量和籽粒营养品质进行了比较,以期筛选出适宜在陇中黄土高原半干旱区生产利用的燕麦品种。结果表明：供试燕麦品种均属于中熟型,在当地均能成熟;9个燕麦农艺性状、种子产量及籽粒营养品质之间存在显著差异(P<0.05),‘迪燕1号’的株高和穗长最高,分别为150.00cm和30.50cm,但种子产量最低,为1734.20kg·hm^-2,穗粒数和穗粒重均以‘魏都莜5号’最高,分别为128.4粒和2.84g,‘晋燕17号’的种子产量和淀粉含量最高,分别为2500.00kg·hm^-2和53.68%,但粗蛋白含量最低,仅为15.95%,‘张莜8号’的千粒重最高,为28.20g,粗蛋白含量以‘张莜9号’最高,达18.75%,‘坝莜18号’的β-葡聚糖和粗脂肪含量最高,分别为4.37%和6.35%。应用灰色关联度理论方法对9个燕麦品种的主要农艺性状、种子产量与籽粒营养品质指标进行综合分析得出,‘晋燕17号’‘魏都莜5号’‘迪燕1号’综合性状较好,适宜在陇中黄土高原半干旱区种植及推广。     

不同燕麦品种饲草和籽粒生产性能分析

为探明不同燕麦品种饲草和籽粒生产性能的差异及其原因,本研究以青海省普遍种植的8份燕麦品种为试验材料,通过聚类分析、相关分析和多元逐步回归分析,明确了高产燕麦的性状特征。研究得到以下主要结果：1）不同燕麦品种的饲草和籽粒生产性能存在差异,青燕1号和林纳的饲草和籽粒产量最高,草莜1号和青莜2号饲草和籽粒产量最低;2）聚类分析可将8种燕麦分为两大类：第一类为综合表现较差的加燕2号、青引2号、草莜1号和青莜2号,第二类为综合表现较好的林纳、青燕1号、尼央和青永久887,其饲草和籽粒产量较第一类燕麦可分别提高12．8％和14．2％;3）两类燕麦的饲草产量均与株高显著正相关,与茎直径显著负相关;籽粒产量与株高、千粒重、带稃种子长度和宽度显著正相关,与茎直径、穗粒数、空铃数、籽粒容重显著负相关,说明不同燕麦的饲草产量同其性状的相关关系相对比较稳定;4）多元逐步回归分析表明,茎直径对两类燕麦品种的饲草产量的贡献显著且系数较大,茎直径和带稃种子宽度对籽粒产量的贡献显著且系数较大。与第一类燕麦品种相比较,茎直径对第二类燕麦饲草和籽粒产量的负向作用系数较小,而种子宽度的正向作用系数较大,是其高产的内在原因。因此,茎直径和种子宽度可作为燕麦选育的重要参考指标。     

西藏当雄10个引进燕麦品种的生产性能和营养品质比较

为了筛选出适合在西藏当雄种植的燕麦（Avena sativa）品种,本研究通过田间试验测定了10个燕麦品种的产量和营养品质。结果表明：青燕1号和青海甜燕麦的干草产量大于8 000 kg·hm^-2,青莜1号、青莜3号、林纳、阿坝燕麦、青引1号和加燕2号的干草产量在6 000~8 000 kg·hm^-2之间,青引3号和白燕7号的干草产量低于6 000 kg·hm^-2。10个燕麦品种的粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分、酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维、木质素含量的变化范围分别为5.35%~8.54%,21.67%~58.33%,3.83%~5.23%,27.27%~37.50%,49.73%~67.51%和23.81%~34.27%。结合灰色关联度理论方法对10个燕麦品种的产量与营养品质指标进行综合分析得出,青燕1号、青海甜燕麦和林纳较其他燕麦品种更适宜在该地区种植。     

呼伦贝尔地区不同燕麦品种的营养价值及发酵品质评价研究

为筛选适宜在呼伦贝尔地区种植的优质青贮燕麦品种，采用随机区组设计方法，于2018年在中国农业科学院呼伦贝尔草原生态系统国家野外科学观测研究站种植10个燕麦品种（贝勒、魅力、陇燕2号、陇燕3号、燕王、青海444、巴燕3号、林纳、白燕7号、青引1号）进行区域试验。于燕麦乳熟期刈割，切至2 cm后进行罐贮。60 d后开封取样，测定其营养指标和发酵指标。结果表明：陇燕2号干物质（DM）产量最高，为4905.45 kg·hm^-2，青引1号干物质产量最低，为1773.65 kg·hm^-2，品种间差异显著（P<0.05）；10个燕麦品种青贮饲料的干物质含量在30.73%~45.47%，DM含量最高品种为陇燕2号，最低品种为巴燕3号，2个品种间有显著差异（P<0.05）；林纳、贝勒和陇燕2号3个品种的粗蛋白含量分别为12.63%、12.46%和12.41%，显著高于其他品种（P<0.05）。贝勒和林纳2个燕麦品种的酸性洗涤纤维含量最低，分别为25.11%和26.11%，显著低于其他品种（P<0.05）。10个燕麦品种的可溶性糖含量为2.17%~4.33%，平均含量为3.39%，含量最高为贝勒，最低为燕王，2个品种间差异显著（P<0.05）。不同品种的发酵品质差异显著（P<0.05）。林纳的pH值最低，乳酸含量最高，为6.86%，丙酸、丁酸、氨态氮和总挥发性脂肪酸含量低，发酵品质较好。10个燕麦品种发酵品质的V-Score评分中陇燕3号、林纳、陇燕2号、青海444、魅力、青引1号、白燕7号和贝勒8个品种的分值在80以上，发酵品质为优。综合考虑产量、营养品质和青贮发酵品质，林纳适宜作为青贮燕麦品种在呼伦贝尔地区种植加工。     

青海东部农区高产优质燕麦品种筛选

为筛选出适宜青海东部农区种植的优质燕麦(Avena sativa)品种,以8个当地主栽燕麦品种为供试材料,对其农艺性状、产量和品质进行比较分析,并利用隶属函数法进行综合评价。结果表明,开花期8个燕麦品种的饲草产量及品质从高到低依次为青海444>青海甜燕麦>青燕1号>青引1号>加燕2号>白燕7号>青引2号>林纳,其中青海444饲草产量最高,达39091.29 kg·hm^-2,青海甜燕麦排名第2,且两者纤维含量低,适口性较好;青燕1号饲草产量、粗蛋白含量较高。因此收获饲草建议种植青海444、青海甜燕麦和青燕1号。成熟期8个燕麦品种的种子产量及饲草品质综合评价从高到低依次为白燕7号>青海甜燕麦>青燕1号>林纳>青海444>青引2号>加燕2号>青引1号,白燕7号粗蛋白含量(3.74%)最高,但白燕7号的种子产量(5528.01 kg·hm^-2)低于林纳(5888.69 kg·hm^-2),青燕1号种子产量较低,因此以种子高产为目的建议种植白燕7号、青海甜燕麦和林纳。     

内蒙古地区10个燕麦品种生产性能及营养品质的比较研究北大核心

试验旨在筛选出适宜内蒙古土默特右旗种植的优质燕麦品种。以10个燕麦品种为供试材料,对其物候期、农艺性状、产量性状和营养品质等进行分析。结果显示,10个燕麦品种均能够在试验区完成整个生长发育过程,生育期87~110 d。定燕2号株高显著高于其他品种(P<0.05),而蒙燕1号株高显著低于其他品种(P<0.05)。坝莜18号籽粒产量最高,坝燕6号次之,而远杂1号显著低于其他品种(P<0.05)。定燕2号与坝莜18号干草产量显著高于其他品种(P<0.05),而远杂1号显著低于其他所有品种(P<0.05)。GL381粗蛋白含量最高,魁北克粗蛋白含量最低。粗脂肪含量最高的是坝莜3号,最低的是蒙燕1号。定燕2号粗纤维含量最高,坝莜3号粗纤维含量最低。远杂1号粗灰分含量显著高于其他品种(P<0.05),魁北克粗灰分含量显著低于其他品种(P<0.05)。定燕2号酸性洗涤纤维含量最高,显著高于除魁北克之外的其他燕麦品种(P<0.05),最低的是远杂1号。定燕2号的中性洗涤纤维含量显著高于其他品种(P<0.05),坝莜3号显著低于其他品种(P<0.05)。坝莜3号相对饲喂价值最高,为107.67,定燕2号最低。灰色关联度综合分析显示,张燕4号、坝莜18号和坝莜3号生产性能和营养品质综合表现较好。研究表明,张燕4号、坝莜18号和坝莜3号适宜在土默特右旗及其周边地区种植及推广。     

西藏日喀则地区8个引进燕麦品种的生产性能和营养品质比较

草畜平衡对于西藏草原的可持续发展和畜牧业的高效生产非常必要,为了筛选出适宜在西藏日喀则地区种植的燕麦(Avena sativa)品种,缓解过度放牧对天然草地的压力,本研究在西藏日喀则地区南木林县艾玛岗草原站对8个燕麦品种的干重、株高、叶茎比、穗长、穗重和千粒重以及粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分、酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维、木质素指标进行综合评比。生产性能结果表明,青引1号的干草产量最高(12 406.95 kg·hm–2)、穗重最大(3.67 g),青引3号的穗长最长(25.60 cm)、株高最高(159 cm),林纳的千粒重最大(43.94 g);营养品质结果表明:青引2号的粗蛋白含量最高(6.40%),青燕1号的酸性洗涤纤维含量最低(28.55%),林纳的中性洗涤纤维含量最低(52%),青引1号的粗脂肪含量最高(52.7%),青燕1号的灰分含量最高(4.97%),青引2号的木质素含量最低(24.18%)。应用灰色关联度理论对燕麦的产量与营养品质进行综合分析发现,青引1号、青引3号和青引2号适宜在西藏日喀则地区种植推广。     

川西北高寒地区6个燕麦品种生长特性的比较分析

为筛选适宜在川西北地区种植的优良燕麦(Avena sativa)品种,对国内外6个燕麦品种(青海444、青引1号、林纳、定燕2号、讴歌、莫妮卡)的生育期、株高、茎粗、产草量、鲜干比、茎叶穗构成及营养成分(粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分、酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维)进行了品比试验。结果表明,除定燕2号外,其余5个燕麦品种均能完成生育期,其中青海444和青引1号生育期最短,分别为130和133d。供试燕麦的株高在81.53~90.54cm,品种间没有显著差异(P0.05)。莫妮卡的茎粗最大,为4.35mm;青引1号最小,为3.32mm。林纳干草产量最高,达到10 448.52kg·hm-2;而青引1号最低,仅8 554.81kg·hm-2。青海444和青引1号鲜干比显著低于其他品种(P0.05)。林纳的叶和穗重量占总干物质量的比例最高。林纳粗蛋白含量最高,为7.82%;定燕2号最低,为5.83%。青引1号粗脂肪含量最高,为2.93%;讴歌最低,为2.48%。粗灰分、酸性洗涤纤维和中性洗涤纤维含量最高的品种是青海444,分别为4.60%、35.57%和63.27%;含量最低的定燕2号则分别为3.76%、32.00%和54.47%。综合评价分析结果表明,品种林纳和莫妮卡最适宜在该区域推广种植。     

寒地黑土区优质燕麦品种的筛选及其高产栽培技术研究

为了筛选出适宜在黑龙江省寒地黑土区种植的优质燕麦品种,并对优质燕麦品种的高产栽培技术进行研究,试验选择林纳(Avena. sativa L.cv. Lena)、青海444(Avena. sativa L.cv. Qinghai No.444)、青引1号(Avena. sativa L.cv. Qingyin No.1)、青引2号(Avena. sativa L.cv. Qingyin No.2)和甜燕麦(Avena. sativa L.cv. Qinghai) 5个燕麦品种进行单播处理,分别测定其株高、小穗个数、籽粒个数、茎叶比、千粒重和干草产量,并对5个燕麦品种的6个生产性能指标进行灰色关联分析,筛选优质燕麦品种。其次,试验采用随机区组设计方法,对林纳燕麦进行单播和混播试验,单播试验设置了4个播种量(90,135,180,240 kg/hm~2),分别测定其干草产量;混播试验采用林纳燕麦与箭筈豌豆进行混播组合,设计4个处理,分别为对照(100%林纳燕麦,播种量为180 kg/hm~2),75%燕麦+25%箭筈豌豆、50%燕麦+50%箭筈豌豆、25%燕麦+75%箭筈豌豆,行距均为30 cm,分别测定其干草产量。结果表明:各品种的株高随燕麦生长逐渐增加,青海444在生长末期(2016年7月26日)时株高最高,在蜡熟后期达到123 cm;各品种的小穗个数差异不显著;林纳的籽粒个数多于其他4个品种;甜燕麦的茎叶比、千粒重、干草产量比其他4个品种均具有优势;灰色关联度表明甜燕麦林纳青海444青引1号青引2号,但甜燕麦倒伏情况较为严重,说明林纳燕麦更适宜在寒地黑土区种植。不同播种量处理下随着播种量增加林纳燕麦的干草产量呈现先增加后降低的趋势,最适宜的播种量为180 kg/hm~2,干草产量达到8 136.76 kg/hm~2;林纳燕麦和箭筈豌豆最佳的混播组合为75%燕麦+25%箭筈豌豆,混播中林纳燕麦干草产量为8 551.05 kg/hm~2,比对照(100%燕麦)干草产量提高了5.09%,比单播播种量为135 kg/hm~2(75%燕麦)的林纳燕麦干草产量提高22.67%。综合各品种燕麦的农艺性状和燕麦单播及混播试验结果,说明林纳燕麦是最优的燕麦品种,单播的适宜播种量为180 kg/hm~2,最佳的混播组合为75%燕麦+25%箭筈豌豆。     

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.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.