不同能量水平日粮对深县猪生长性能、养分消化率和血液生化指标的影响

为了研究不同消化能水平日粮对深县猪生长性能、养分消化率和血液生化指标的影响,选用体重(15. 54±2. 25) kg的健康深县猪48头,随机分成3组,每组4个重复,每个重复4头猪,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组饲粮消化能水平分别为11. 20、11. 70、12. 20 MJ/kg,预试期7 d,正式期28 d。结果显示:试验Ⅲ组的平均日增重显著高于试验Ⅰ组15. 56%(P<0. 05),试验Ⅲ组的料重比(F/G)显著低于试验Ⅰ组(P<0. 05);试验Ⅲ组粗蛋白、总能与粗脂肪表观消化率均显著高于试验Ⅰ组9. 89%、7. 29%、7. 21%(P<0. 05)。综合各项指标,在本试验条件下,生长期深县猪适宜的消化能水平为12. 20 MJ/kg。     

湿基态发酵植物蛋白质饲料在仔猪低铜低锌日粮中的应用

选择15±1kg体重的健康仔猪96头,随机分为4个处理:处理Ⅰ为对照组(高铜、高锌+50mg/kg金霉素)、处理Ⅱ为试验Ⅰ组(低铜、低锌+50mg/kg金霉素+2%湿基态发酵植物蛋白质饲料)、处理Ⅲ为试验Ⅱ组(低铜、低锌+2%湿基态发酵植物蛋白质饲料)、处理Ⅳ为试验Ⅲ组(高铜、高锌+2%湿基态发酵植物蛋白质饲料),每个处理3个重复,每个重复8头猪,试验期33d。结果发现,与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组平均日增重分别提高0.22%、5.54%,试验Ⅰ组日增重下降3.10%,但差异均不显著(P0.05);试验Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组平均日采食量分别提高1.15%(P0.05)、8.76%(P0.05),试验Ⅰ组下降2.40%(P0.05);各处理间平均料肉比无显著差异(P0.05)。与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ组腹泻率最低,但各处理间无显著差异。     

杜仲提取物对猪胴体品质及肌肉氨基酸含量的影响

本试验旨在探索杜仲提取物(EUOE)对猪生长性能、胴体品质及肌肉氨基酸含量的影响。试验选用胎次相同、体重相近的42日龄杜×长×大三元杂交猪300头,平均初始重为(9.96±0.05)kg,随机分成5个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复10头猪。试验分成3个阶段,阶段Ⅰ:9.96～20kg;阶段Ⅱ:20～60kg;阶段Ⅲ:60～90kg。试验日粮分别在基础日粮中添加杜仲提取物0,1500,2000和2500mg/kg或黄霉素12mg/kg(阶段Ⅰ)或8mg/kg(阶段Ⅱ和Ⅲ)。结果表明,1500mg/kg杜仲提取物显著降低阶段Ⅰ和Ⅱ日均腹泻评分(P<0.05),显著提高了阶段Ⅱ猪群日均增重(P<0.05),降低了阶段Ⅱ和Ⅲ料重比(P<0.05)。杜仲提取物(除2000mg/kg)和黄霉素组均能显著提高试验全期日增重(P<0.05),而杜仲提取物与黄霉素间不存在显著差异(P<0.05),动物日均采食量存在增加趋势(0.050.05);而黄霉素的添加显著降低了肌肉肌内脂肪含量(P<0.05)。黄霉素和杜仲提取物组均能不同程度地降低胴体皮厚(0.05相似文献   

抗菌肽替代硫酸粘菌素对断奶仔猪生长性能和抗腹泻性能的影响

本试验旨在研究抗菌肽替代硫酸粘菌素对断奶仔猪生长性能和抗腹泻性能的影响。试验选用120头断奶日龄为(21±3)d、初始体重为(6.53±0.25)kg的断奶仔猪,随机分为3个处理,每个处理4个重复,每个重复10头猪,即对照组饲喂基础日粮+375 mg/kg金霉素(20%)+250 mg/kg恩拉霉素(8%)、处理Ⅰ组:基础日粮+375 mg/kg金霉素(20%)+250mg/kg恩拉霉素(8%)+100 mg/kg硫酸粘菌素(20%)、处理Ⅱ组:基础日粮+375 mg/kg金霉素(20%)+250 mg/kg恩拉霉素(8%)+400 mg/kg抗菌肽,试验期14 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ组的日采食量分别提高5.15%、4.78%(P0.05),日增重分别提高9.48%、7.11%(P0.05),耗料增重比分别改善4.20%、0.84%(P0.05);与对照组相比,处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ组腹泻率显著降低(P0.05),处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ组间差异不显著(P0.05)。由此可见,在断奶仔猪日粮中不使用硫酸粘菌素后断奶仔猪生长性能和抗腹泻性能有降低趋势,但通过添加400 mg/kg的抗菌肽,可达到与使用硫酸粘菌素类似的效果,说明在断奶仔猪日粮中使用抗菌肽替代硫酸粘菌素是可行的。     

加味郁金散对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清免疫指标的影响

为研究加味郁金散对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清免疫指标的影响,本试验选取28 d体重相近的三元杂交"杜长大"断奶仔猪36头,共设4个处理组,每组3个重复,每个重复3头猪,其中Ⅰ组为对照组全期饲喂基础日粮+金霉素160 mg/kg,Ⅱ~IV组分别在基础日粮中添加0.05%、0.1%、0.2%加味郁金散,试验期为21 d,分为前期1~7 d,中期8~14 d,后期15~21 d三个阶段。试验结果显示:生长性能全期1~21 d,Ⅰ、Ⅲ组平均日增重(ADG)、平均日采食量(ADFI)、料重比(F/G)显著优于Ⅱ、Ⅳ组(P0.05),Ⅲ组ADG、ADFI、F/G、腹泻率优于Ⅰ组但差异不显著(P0.05),Ⅲ组比Ⅱ、Ⅳ组ADG提升11.85%、10.33%(P0.05),ADFI提高69.53%、62.45%(P0.05),F/G降低4.49%,3.25%(P0.05),腹泻率降低73.30%、69.19%(P0.05)。血清免疫指标8~14 d,加味郁金散Ⅲ组IgA、IgG显著优于抗生素组(P0.05),IgA比Ⅱ、Ⅳ组提升10.09%、17.65%(P0.05),IgG比Ⅳ组提升7.16%(P0.05)。15~21 d,加味郁金散组Ⅲ组IgA、IgG、IgM显著优于抗生素组(P0.05),IgA比Ⅱ、Ⅳ组提升13.91%、11.02%(P0.05),IgG提升8.22%、8.85%(P0.05),IgM比Ⅱ组提升13.15%(P0.05)。综合结果表明,加味郁金散可以提升断奶仔猪生长性,能降低腹泻率,提高断奶仔猪血清免疫指标,其中添加量为0.1%时效果最好。     

苦木汤对保育猪生长性能的影响

试验选用来源相同、体重约20 kg、健康状况良好的杜大长三元杂种商品猪120头,随机分为3组,每组4个重复,每个重复10头猪,公母各半。依据NRC(1998)猪的营养需要设计玉米-豆粕型基础饲粮,对照组在基础饲粮中添加抗生素(硫酸黏杆菌素20 mg/kg、吉他霉素40 mg/kg),部分取代抗生素组在基础饲粮中添加苦木汤粉剂300 g/t和硫酸黏杆菌素20 mg/kg,完全取代抗生素组在基础饲粮中添加苦木汤粉剂400 g/t,试验期21 d。结果表明,部分取代抗生素组和完全取代抗生素组日增重较对照组分别提高8.28%、8.92%,差异显著(P0.05);与对照组相比,部分取代抗生素组的料重比和腹泻率分别降低2.76%和29.67%,差异显著(P0.05);部分取代抗生素组和完全取代抗生素组间日增重、料重比、腹泻率均无显著差异(P0.05)。表明苦木汤可改善保育猪的生长性能、预防保育猪腹泻。     

复合酸化剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、粪便微生物数量及血液指标的影响

试验旨在研究复合酸化剂对早期断奶仔猪生长性能、腹泻率、粪便微生物数量及血液指标的影响。选择日龄(28±2)和体重(8.14±1.15)kg接近的"杜×长×大"断奶仔猪36头,分为3个处理组:复合抗生素组(基础日粮+土霉素100 mg/kg+金霉素75 mg/kg+喹烯酮250 mg/kg)、复合酸化剂Ⅰ组(基础日粮+5 000 mg/kg复合酸化剂Ⅰ)和复合酸化剂Ⅱ组(基础日粮+5 000 mg/kg复合酸化剂Ⅱ),每处理组4个重复,每个重复3头猪,进行为期42 d的生长试验。结果表明:①与复合抗生素组和复合酸化剂Ⅰ组相比,复合酸化剂Ⅱ组的采食量分别提高6.51%和10.67%,日增重分别提高了5.53%和10.90%,但差异均不显著(P0.05);②复合酸化剂Ⅱ组腹泻率较复合抗生素组降低17.72%,较复合酸化剂Ⅰ组高6.27%;③两个复合酸化剂组的有益菌(乳酸杆菌)数量显著高于复合抗生素组(P0.05),有害菌的数量低于复合抗生素组(大肠杆菌数量P0.05,沙门氏菌P0.10);④各组总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白(ALB)、球蛋白(GLB)和免疫球蛋白G(IgG)含量差异不显著(P0.05),复合酸化剂Ⅱ组免疫球蛋白M(IgM)含量比复合抗生素组显著提高34.78%(P0.05)。结果表明:复合酸化剂能提高断奶仔猪生长性能,降低腹泻率,改善仔猪肠道菌群结构,增强仔猪免疫力,且饲喂效果优于抗生素,能够代替抗生素应用于仔猪日粮中。     

抗菌肽替代抗生素在断奶仔猪中的应用研究

试验旨在研究抗菌肽替代抗生素对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清免疫指标的影响。选用7.5 kg左右的"杜×长×大"三元杂交猪断奶仔猪45头,随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每个重复3头猪,其中Ⅰ组为对照组,全期只饲喂基础日粮,Ⅱ组在基础日粮中添加160 mg/kg金霉素,Ⅲ~Ⅴ组分别在基础日粮中添加160、320、480 mg/kg抗菌肽,试验期为28 d,分为前期1~14 d,后期15~28 d两个阶段。试验结果显示:全期1~28 d抗菌肽组ADG和ADFI显著优于对照组和抗生素组(P<0.05),抗菌肽Ⅳ、Ⅴ组F/G相比对照组分别降低了5.26%、9.36%(P<0.05),比抗生素组分别降低了1.82%、6.06%(P<0.05)。抗菌肽Ⅴ组腹泻率显著低于对照组和抗生素组(P<0.05)。1~14 d抗菌肽组Ig A、Ig G、Ig M均显著优于对照组(P<0.05),抗菌肽组Ig G显著优于抗生素组(P<0.05)。抗菌肽Ⅳ、Ⅴ组Ig A比抗生素组提升了25.74%(P<0.05)、30.69%(P<0.05),Ig M比抗生素组提升了21.69%(P<0.05)、29.32%(P<0.05),15~28 d各抗菌肽组Ig A、Ig G、Ig M,均显著优于对照组和抗生素组(P<0.05)。结果表明,饲粮中添加抗菌肽可提升断奶仔猪生长性能、降低腹泻率、提高仔猪免疫力,其中添加量为480 mg/kg时效果最好。     

辣椒碱对生长猪生产性能的影响

食用辣椒中的辣味成分——辣椒碱,产生愉悦感、具有促进食欲、增强胃动力、刺激消化酶分泌、修复改善胃肠粘膜、抗菌、杀虫等多种生理功能。本试验旨在研究辣椒碱对生长猪生产性能的影响。试验选取144头体重35kg左右、健康状态良好的"杜×长×大"三元杂交猪,以公(阉公猪)母各半的原则随机分成3个处理组,每个处理3个重复,每个重复16头猪。对照组饲喂玉米-豆粕型基础日粮,处理组Ⅰ、Ⅱ分别在基础日粮中添加2mg/kg、3mg/kg的辣椒碱,试验期20天。结果表明,处理组Ⅰ、Ⅱ的平均日采食量分别为1682.81±9.79g和1696.67±45.80g,较对照组(1571.88±7.97g)分别提高7.1%和7.9%,差异均显著(P0.05),两处理组之间差异不显著(P0.05)处理组Ⅰ、Ⅱ的平均日增重分别为762.50±22.53g和766.67±40.18g,较对照组(695.83±15.42g)分别提高9.6%及10.2%,呈显著性差异(P0.05),两处理组之间差异不显著(P0.05);处理组Ⅰ、Ⅱ的料重比(2.21±0.08、2.21±0.06)与对照组(2.26±0.06)相比有降低趋势,但无显著差异。结论:在生长猪日粮中添加2～3mg/kg辣椒碱,可以显著提高采食量,并显著改善生长猪的生产性能。     

复合微生态制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、腹泻率、免疫性能和肠道菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究复合微生态制剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、腹泻率、免疫性能和肠道菌群的影响。选取(30±2)日龄平均体重为(8.15±0.05)kg的莱芜黑猪断奶仔猪96头,随机分为4组,每组6个重复(公母各占1/2),每个重复4头猪。Ⅰ组为对照组,饲喂不添加任何益生菌和抗生素的基础饲粮;Ⅱ组为复合微生态制剂组,在基础饲粮中添加1.0‰肽菌素;Ⅲ组为抗生素组,在基础饲粮中添加500 mg/kg硫酸黏杆菌素;Ⅳ组为肽菌素和抗生素混用组,在基础饲粮中添加1.0‰肽菌素的同时添加200 mg/kg的喹乙醇和110 mg/kg的吉他霉素。预试期3 d,正试期28 d。结果表明,1)Ⅱ组平均日增重较Ⅰ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组分别显著提高了13.16%、15.77%和10.66%(P0.05),F/G分别显著降低了8.54%、12.10%和6.50%(P0.05)。与Ⅰ组相比,Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组均显著降低了仔猪腹泻率(P0.05)。2)与Ⅰ和Ⅲ组相比,Ⅱ组肝脏指数和脾脏指数分别提高了12.13%、24.76%和14.60%、12.45%,血清免疫球蛋白G和免疫球蛋白A含量分别提高了49.73%、37.50%和61.05%、46.67%,且差异均显著(P0.05)。3)与Ⅰ和Ⅲ组相比,Ⅱ组显著降低了胃和十二指肠内容物的p H(P0.05),且显著提高了盲肠和结肠中乳酸杆菌数量(P0.05)。由此可知,本试验条件下,饲粮添加1.0‰复合微生态制剂肽菌素可改善断奶仔猪生长性能,降低腹泻率,促进免疫器官的发育,提高血清中免疫球蛋白含量,增强仔猪免疫力,降低胃和十二指肠内容物p H,改善肠道菌群平衡。     

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.     

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.