女贞子多糖抑制MDA缓解CCl_4致小鼠肝损伤

本研究应用女贞子多糖给小鼠饮水,探讨其对四氯化碳诱导肝损伤的保护作用。试验分为对照组、模型组、女贞子多糖高、中、低剂量组和阳性药组,通过检测各组小鼠的生长性能、肝脏指数、血清生化指标和丙二醛(MDA)的表达量,综合评估女贞子多糖的保肝作用。结果表明:与模型组相比较,饮水中添加不同剂量的女贞子多糖对小鼠生长性能无影响(P>0.05),但可以显著缓解四氯化碳所致的肝脏指数(P<0.05)、肝功能指标(P<0.05)和肝脏血清MDA含量(P<0.05)。饮水中添加女贞子多糖可以有效缓解小鼠化学性肝损伤,这可能与调节肝脏MDA的表达,抑制脂质过氧化反应有关。     

鸡马立克氏病发生与细胞内HSP70 mRNA转录水平相关性研究

通过人工攻毒建立鸡马立克氏病肿瘤模型。利用荧光定量RT-PCR方法，研究肿瘤发生、发展过程中，HSP70 mRNA转录水平的变化。结果显示：攻毒21d后，试验鸡肝脏和脾脏内HSP70 mRNA的转录水平极显著升高，而疫苗组和空白组鸡肝脏和脾脏内HSP70 mRNA的转录水平差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

添加硒对氧化应激仔猪抗氧化能力和组织细胞超微结构的影响

本试验采用已建立的氧化应激模型,进一步研究添加硒对氧化应激仔猪抗氧化能力和组织细胞超微结构的影响。试验采用2×3＋1因子试验设计,84头（26±2）d断奶仔猪随机分配到7个处理中,每个处理6个重复,每个重复2头猪。检测血清抗氧化酶活力、MDA含量和组织细胞超微结构。结果发现：与非应激组相比,氧化应激引起血清抗氧化酶活力降低和MDA含量上升,肝脏和脾脏发生细胞凋亡;对应激试猪,随着硒添加水平的升高,氧化损伤的程度减弱。表现为GSH、GPx、SOD和CAT活性提高,MDA降低,细胞结构损伤减弱。当硒添加量上升到0.6mg/kg时,其抗氧化酶活力可达到与非应激组差异不显著的水平。结果表明,氧化应激会降低机体抗氧化能力,损伤细胞结构,补充硒有助于维持机体氧化还原稳衡动态的正常,减轻细胞的过氧化损伤;在本试验条件下,在氧化应激仔猪日粮中添加0.6mg/kg硒可获得较好的抗应激效应。     

氧化应激对断奶仔猪组织抗氧化酶活性和病理学变化的影响

采用单因子试验设计,探讨用5%氧化鱼油(过氧化值为786.50 meqO2/kg)和腹腔注射12 mg/kg敌快死(diquat)对断奶仔猪肝脏抗氧化酶活性和组织病理学变化的影响.试验共分3个处理,每个处理8个重复,每个重复1头猪.结果发现,与新鲜鱼油组相比.氧化鱼油和diquat处理降低了试验猪肝脏抗氧化酶活性和提高了MDA含量,降低了空肠绒毛高度和增加了隐窝深度,空肠黏膜和肝脏发生不同程度的病理变化.结果表明,氧化鱼油和diquat都可以对断奶仔猪造成不同程度的氧化应激,相对于氧化鱼油的氧化应激程度而言,由diquat诱导的氧化应激程度更强一些.     

饲粮添加香菇多糖对轮状病毒攻毒断奶仔猪回肠屏障功能的影响

本研究旨在探讨饲粮添加香菇多糖对轮状病毒攻毒破坏断奶仔猪回肠屏障功能是否具有缓解作用。试验选取28头健康的21日龄断奶的"杜×长×大"仔猪,采用2×2因子试验设计,即香菇多糖处理(饲粮中不添加或添加84 mg/kg香菇多糖)和轮状病毒攻毒(灌服轮状病毒液或用于病毒培养的无菌培养液),轮状病毒攻毒于试验第15天早上进行。试验期为19 d。结果表明,轮状病毒攻毒提高了断奶仔猪的腹泻指数,显著提高了血清中丙二醛(MDA)含量及回肠黏膜中轮状病毒特异性抗体、白细胞介素-2(IL-2)和MDA含量(P0.05),显著上调了回肠黏膜中B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2相关X蛋白(Bax)的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05),显著降低了血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)及回肠黏膜中分泌型免疫球蛋白A、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)含量和T-AOC (P 0.05),显著降低了回肠黏膜中B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(Bcl-2)、闭合蛋白(occludin)、闭锁小带蛋白-1 (ZO-1)、黏液蛋白1 (mucin 1)、黏液蛋白2(mucin 2)、猪β防御素1(pBD1)、猪β防御素2(pBD2)、猪β防御素3(pBD3)和Protegrins 1-5(PG1-5)的mRNA相对表达量以及回肠食糜中双歧杆菌、乳酸菌和总菌数量(P0.05);而饲粮添加香菇多糖降低了轮状病毒攻毒仔猪的腹泻指数,并显著缓解了轮状病毒对断奶仔猪回肠黏膜中sIgA和细胞因子(如IL-2和IFN-γ)含量、肠道健康相关基因(如occludin、ZO-1、mucin 1、mucin 2、pBD2、pBD3和PG1-5)的表达及抗氧化能力的影响(P0.05)。综上所述,饲粮添加香菇多糖可在一定程度上改善轮状病毒感染断奶仔猪的回肠屏障功能,这在香菇多糖缓解轮状病毒攻毒诱导腹泻中起到了重要的作用。     

饲粮添加山竹醇对氧化应激仔猪生长性能、抗氧化功能及肝脏脂质合成的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加山竹醇对氧化应激仔猪生长性能、抗氧化功能及肝脏脂质合成的影响。选择30头健康状况良好、胎次相近的35日龄三元杂交(杜×长×大)断奶仔猪,随机分为5个组,每组6个重复,每个重复1头仔猪。对照组和应激组仔猪饲喂基础饲粮,山竹醇组仔猪饲喂在基础饲粮中分别添加200、400、600 mg/kg山竹醇的试验饲粮,预饲7 d后开始正式试验,试验期28 d。在试验第15天早晨进行前腔静脉采血,采血后应激组和山竹醇组仔猪按照10 mg/kg BW的剂量腹腔注射敌草快(diquat)溶液,对照组仔猪腹腔注射相同剂量灭菌生理盐水。在试验第29天试验猪空腹进行前腔静脉采血并采取所需肝脏样品,检测血清和肝脏生化指标以及肝脏脂质合成相关基因mRNA的表达量。结果表明:1)注射diquat后(第15～28天),应激组仔猪的平均日增重(ADG)和平均日采食量(ADFI)显著低于对照组(P0.05),料重比(F/G)显著高于对照组(P0.05),各山竹醇组的ADG和ADFI均显著高于应激组(P0.05),400 mg/kg山竹醇组的F/G显著低于应激组(P0.05)。2)注射diquat前(第15天),饲粮添加400、600 mg/kg山竹醇显著提高了仔猪血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性以及总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)(P0.05)。注射diquat后(第29天),与对照组相比,应激组血清和肝脏SOD、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性显著降低(P0.05),血清和肝脏丙二醛(MDA)含量显著增加(P0.05);饲粮添加200、400和600 mg/kg山竹醇均显著提高了氧化应激仔猪血清和肝脏SOD、GSH-Px活性(P0.05),显著降低了血清和肝脏M DA含量(P 0. 05),其中以山竹醇添加量为400 mg/kg时效果最好。3)肝脏组织病理学观察发现应激组仔猪肝脏组织结构受到损伤,且肝脏内脂质沉积明显增加,与应激组相比,各山竹醇组的肝脏组织结构有一定程度恢复,除此之外,脂质沉积也明显减少。4)注射diquat后,应激组血清甘油三酯(TG)和总胆固醇(TC)含量显著高于对照组(P0.05)。饲粮添加400、600 mg/kg山竹醇可显著降低氧化应激仔猪血清TG和TC含量(P0.05),且以山竹醇添加量为400 mg/kg时血清TG和TC含量最低。5)与对照组相比,应激组肝脏固醇调节元件结合蛋白-1c(SREBP-1c)、脂肪酸合成酶(FAS)、乙酰辅酶A羧化酶(ACC)、硬脂酰辅酶A去饱和酶1(SCD1) mRNA的表达量显著上调(P0.05)。饲粮添加200、600 mg/kg山竹醇可以显著降低氧化应激仔猪肝脏中SREBP-1c、ACC mRNA的表达量(P0.05);饲粮添加400 mg/kg山竹醇可以显著降低氧化应激仔猪肝脏中SREBP-1c、FAS、ACC、SCD1 mRNA的表达量(P0.05)。由此可见,氧化应激条件下,饲粮添加山竹醇可通过改善仔猪的抗氧化能力,缓解diquat诱导的氧化应激,改善应激仔猪的生长性能以及应激导致的脂质合成增多,保护肝脏,其中以山竹醇添加量为400 mg/kg时效果最佳。     

谷氨酰胺对脂多糖诱导的断奶仔猪氧化应激的影响

本试验以大肠杆菌型脂多糖(LPS)建立氧化应激模型,探讨了谷氨酰胺(GLN)对断奶仔猪氧化应激的影响。选用24头28日龄的健康三元(杜×长×大)断奶仔猪,随机分成3组,每组8个重复,每个重复1头猪。对照组和应激组饲喂基础饲粮,GLN组饲粮在基础饲粮中添加1%GLN,试验期为30 d。在试验第22、25、28和30天,应激组和GLN组仔猪分别按每千克体重腹腔注射100μg LPS,对照组仔猪腹腔注射相同剂量的灭菌生理盐水,第30天进行前腔静脉采血并屠宰采取所需肠道样品,检测氧化应激相关指标。结果显示:1)LPS攻毒前各组血清抗氧化能力指标均无显著差异(P0.05)。LPS攻毒后,应激组血清丙二醛(MDA)含量显著高于对照组(P0.05);GLN组血清MDA含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性显著低于应激组和对照组(P0.05)。2)LPS攻毒后,在十二指肠黏膜中,GLN组过氧化氢酶(CAT)和锌铜超氧化物歧化酶(Cu Zu SOD)基因相对表达量显著高于应激组(P0.05)。在空肠黏膜中,GLN组CAT、锰超氧化物歧化酶(Mn SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶1(GPX1)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶4(GPX4)基因相对表达量显著高于对照组和应激组(P0.05),对照组GPX4基因相对表达量显著高于应激组(P0.05)。在回肠黏膜中,GLN组和应激组CAT基因相对表达量显著低于对照组(P0.05),GPX4基因相对表达量显著高于对照组(P0.05);GLN组Mn SOD基因相对表达量显著高于对照组和应激组(P0.05),Cu Zn SOD基因相对表达量显著高于对照组(P0.05)。结果表明,GLN在一定程度上可以缓解断奶仔猪因LPS引起的氧化应激,以期为实际生产中减少氧化应激提供一定的理论基础。     

不同类型女贞子对AA肉鸡抗氧化功能的影响

选用1日龄AA肉鸡公雏360羽,随机分成6组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只鸡。试验1组(对照)饲喂基础日粮,试验2～6组在基础日粮中分别添加5 mg/kg黄霉素,0.5%、1%女贞子原粉,0.5%、1%酒蒸女贞子原粉。研究不同类型女贞子作为饲料添加剂对AA肉鸡抗氧化功能的影响。结果表明:添加酒蒸女贞子原粉可提高4周肝脏和8周血清T-SOD、CAT、T-AOC活性(P<0.05);1%女贞子、酒蒸女贞子可降低4周和8周血清MDA含量(P<0.05),1%酒蒸女贞子可降低4周肝脏MDA含量(P<0.05);添加酒蒸女贞子可提高8周血清和肝脏GSH-Px活性(P<0.05)。说明女贞子、酒蒸女贞子对肉鸡抗氧化功能均有积极作用。其中,添加1%酒蒸女贞子原粉的效果更佳。     

连梅提取液对湿热泻痢仔猪的血清抗氧化指标、胃肠调节酶及十二指肠凋亡基因表达的影响

为了探索连梅提取液对湿热泻痢仔猪的抗氧化功能、胃肠调节酶及十二指肠凋亡基因表达的影响,试验采用了人工模拟高湿高热的环境,给仔猪灌服大肠杆菌辅助致使泻痢,选择泻痢仔猪分为模型组、阳性药物组和连梅提取液高、中、低剂量组,以正常环境下正常饲喂的仔猪作为对照,通过检测仔猪血清抗氧化酶、胃肠调节酶、肝ATP酶以及十二指肠凋亡基因Caspase-3、-8、-9 mRNA转录变化以分析连梅提取液治疗泻痢仔猪的作用机制。结果显示,湿热泻痢仔猪经连梅提取液进行治疗后,血清T-SOD、GSH-Px活力升高,LDH、MDA含量减少,与模型组相比较差异极显著(P0.01);乙酰胆碱酯酶、淀粉酶、肝Na+-K+-ATPase和Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase活力较模型组显著增强(P0.05);T3、T4和GH分泌量显著升高(P0.05),GC分泌量显著降低(P0.05);同时各药物组仔猪十二指肠凋亡基因得到了不同程度的恢复,Caspase-8 mRNA表达量只有中剂量组较模型组极显著降低至2.62倍(P0.01);Caspase-3mRNA表达中,高、中剂量组分别降至正常组的5.82、3.29倍,较模型组差异显著(P0.05)或极显著(P0.01);Caspase-9mRNA表达量均显著降低(P0.05),且降低量与药物浓度成正比。由此可知,连梅提取液可以通过增强湿热泻痢仔猪抗氧化损伤能力,改善胃肠道的消化吸收,促进生长激素的分泌和降低凋亡基因的表达而达到治疗仔猪湿热泻痢。     

植物多糖通过核因子κB及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶/核因子E2相关因子2信号通路发挥抗氧化作用的机制

植物多糖是植物提取物中重要活性成分之一,具有抗氧化、免疫增强、抗肿瘤等多种生物学作用。在抗氧化作用方面,植物多糖通过核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路减少炎症因子的分泌,缓解氧化应激损伤;通过丝裂原活化蛋白激酶/核因子E2相关因子2(MAPK/Nrf2)信号通路清除机体或细胞内自由基,提高抗氧化酶活性或含量,增强机体或细胞对氧化应激的抗性。本文主要综述了氧化应激产生的原因及其危害,并阐述NF-κB及MAPK/Nrf2信号通路在植物多糖发挥抗氧化作用中的研究现状以及存在问题,为植物多糖作为抗氧化剂的研究与应用提供理论参考。     

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.