43～63日龄黄羽肉公鸡铜需要量

本研究旨在通过研究饲粮铜添加水平对黄羽肉公鸡生长性能、抗氧化性能、肝脏和血清铜含量等的影响,以探讨43~63日龄黄羽肉公鸡铜的需要量。选用43日龄健康、发育良好的快大型岭南黄羽肉公鸡900只,根据体重随机分为6个组,每组6个重复,每个重复25只鸡,组1(对照组)为基础饲粮组(铜水平为2.74 mg/kg),组2~6饲粮在基础饲粮中分别添加4、8、16、32、64 mg/kg铜。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,16和32 mg/kg铜组显著提高试鸡末重、平均日增重和平均日采食量(P<0.05),饲粮中铜添加水平对料重比无显著影响(P>0.05)。2)与对照组相比,16和32 mg/kg铜组血清铜锌-超氧化物歧化酶(Cu Zn-SOD)活性显著升高(P<0.05),32和64 mg/kg铜组肝脏Cu Zn-SOD活性显著升高(P<0.05),饲粮铜添加水平对胸肌中Cu ZnSOD活性无显著影响(P>0.05);饲粮添加32和64 mg/kg铜显著降低了胸肌丙二醛(M DA)含量(P<0.05),各组间血清和肝脏MDA含量均无显著差异(P>0.05);添加16、32、64 mg/kg铜显著降低了血清铜蓝蛋白活性(P<0.05)。3)与对照组相比,8、16 mg/kg铜组肝脏铜含量显著降低(P<0.05),铜添加水平对血清铜含量和肝脏金属硫蛋白含量影响不显著(P>0.05)。综合考虑各项指标,为获得较好生长性能和抗氧化性能,43~63日龄黄羽肉公鸡饲粮铜适宜添加水平分别为16和32 mg/kg,加上基础饲粮铜水平为2.74 mg/kg,则该阶段黄羽肉公鸡铜需要量分别为18.74和34.74 mg/kg;以生长性能和肝脏Cu Zn-SOD活性为依据,通过折线回归分析估测得到43~63日龄黄羽肉公鸡铜需要量分别为19.94和38.34 mg/kg。     

厚朴总酚对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉品质和抗氧化功能的影响

本试验旨在研究厚朴总酚对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉品质和抗氧化功能的影响。试验选取1日龄黄羽肉鸡360只,随机分为5组,每组6个重复,每个重复12只。对照组饲喂基础饲粮;抗生素组1～28日龄饲喂基础饲粮+20 mg/kg抗敌素和12 mg/kg黄霉素,29～56日龄饲喂基础饲粮+12 mg/kg黄霉素;厚朴总酚添加组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加50、150和250 mg/kg厚朴总酚的饲粮。试验期56 d。结果表明:1) 29～56日龄和1～56日龄,50 mg/kg厚朴总酚添加组黄羽肉鸡平均日采食量显著高于抗生素组(P0.05),黄羽肉鸡料重比随厚朴总酚添加水平的提高呈现二次变化(P0.05)。2) 56日龄时,50和150 mg/kg厚朴总酚添加组黄羽肉鸡胸肌pH(45 min和24 h)与抗生素组相比显著提高(P0.05),且150 mg/kg厚朴总酚添加组黄羽肉鸡胸肌肉色45 min红度值显著高于其他各组(P0.05),150 mg/kg厚朴总酚添加组黄羽肉鸡胸肌滴水损失(24 h)和失水率显著低于对照组和抗生素组(P0.05)。3) 28日龄时,150 mg/kg厚朴总酚添加组黄羽肉鸡血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶活性与抗生素组差异不显著(P0.05),且血清SOD活性显著高于其他组(P0.05); 56日龄时,150 mg/kg厚朴总酚添加组黄羽肉鸡肝脏丙二醛含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。综上所述,饲粮中添加厚朴总酚能提高黄羽肉鸡生长性能,改善肉品质,增强抗氧化功能,且以150 mg/kg的添加水平为佳。     

凝结芽孢杆菌对黄羽肉鸡生产性能、血清生化指标及抗氧化功能的影响

本试验旨在研究凝结芽孢杆菌对黄羽肉鸡生产性能、血清生化指标及抗氧化功能的影响。选取1日龄黄羽肉鸡360羽,随机分为4组(每组6个重复,每重复15羽):Ⅰ组(对照组)饲喂基础饲粮,Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组饲喂分别添加100、200、300 mg/kg凝结芽孢杆菌(活菌数为1×109CFU/g)的试验饲粮,试验期70 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,1)饲粮添加200 mg/kg凝结芽孢杆菌显著提高了全期肉鸡平均日增重、成活率和胸肌率(P<0.05),显著降低了全期料重比(P<0.05);2)饲粮添加200 mg/kg凝结芽孢杆菌显著或极显著提高了28、70日龄肉鸡血清碱性磷酸酶活性(P<0.05或P<0.01)、70日龄血清白蛋白和总蛋白含量(P<0.05),极显著降低了70日龄血清尿素氮含量(P<0.01);3)饲粮添加200 mg/kg凝结芽孢杆菌显著提高了肉鸡28、70日龄血清中总抗氧化能力、超氧化物歧化酶活性和70日龄血清过氧化氢酶活性(P<0.05),极显著或显著降低了28、70日龄血清丙二醛含量(P<0.01或P<0.05)。由此可见,结合生产性能、血清生化指标及抗氧化功能指标,1~70日龄黄羽肉鸡饲粮添加200 mg/kg(2×108CFU/kg)凝结芽孢杆菌效果最佳。     

D-泛酸钙对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉品质、抗氧化能力和免疫功能的影响北大核心CSCD

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加不同水平D-泛酸钙对1~70日龄黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉品质、抗氧化能力和免疫功能的影响,以确定黄羽肉鸡饲粮中D-泛酸钙的适宜添加水平。试验选取960羽1日龄健康黄羽肉公鸡(梅黄1号),随机分为6组,每组8个重复,每个重复20羽。6个组分别在基础饲粮中添加0(对照组)、10、15、20、25和30 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙。试验期70 d,分为前期(1~35日龄)和后期(36~70日龄)2个阶段。结果表明:1)随着饲粮中D-泛酸钙添加水平的提高,肉鸡1~35日龄平均日增重(ADG)、36~70日龄料重比(F/G)以及1~70日龄ADG和F/G均呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,饲粮中添加20 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著提高1~70日龄ADG(P<0.05),饲粮中添加15~30 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著降低1~70日龄F/G(P<0.05)。2)随着饲粮中D-泛酸钙添加水平的提高,肉鸡胸肌滴水损失呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05),且与对照组相比,饲粮中添加10~30 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著降低胸肌滴水损失(P<0.05)。3)随着饲粮中D-泛酸钙添加水平的提高,肉鸡35和70日龄血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和丙二醛(MDA)含量呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,饲粮中添加15~25 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著提高血清T-AOC(P<0.05),饲粮中添加10~30 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著降低血清MDA含量(P<0.05)。4)随着饲粮中D-泛酸钙添加水平的提高,肉鸡35和70日龄血清免疫球蛋白G(IgG)含量呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05),且与对照组相比,饲粮中添加15和20 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著提高血清IgG含量(P<0.05)。5)随着饲粮中D-泛酸钙添加水平的提高,肉鸡70日龄血清白介素-6(IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05),且与对照组相比,饲粮中添加15~30 mg/kg的D-泛酸钙显著降低血清IL-6和TNF-α含量(P<0.05)。6)以生长性能、肉品质、抗氧化能力和免疫功能为评价指标,通过二次曲线回归分析,1~35日龄和36~70日龄肉鸡饲粮中D-泛酸钙的适宜添加水平分别为19.73~25.21 mg/kg和14.97~23.40 mg/kg。综上所述,饲粮中添加D-泛酸钙可提高黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉品质、抗氧化能力和免疫功能,经综合评价,推荐黄羽肉鸡玉米-豆粕型饲粮中D-泛酸钙的添加水平为14.97~25.21 mg/kg。     

半胱胺添加水平对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉质及机体抗氧化能力的影响

本试验在22～63日龄黄羽肉鸡日粮中添加不同水平的半胱胺,研究半胱胺对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肉质及机体抗氧化能力的影响.选用750只21日龄黄羽肉鸡(母鸡)随机分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复50只鸡.预饲1周后,在肉鸡基础日粮中分别添加0、60和120 mg/kg半胱胺,鸡饲养至63日龄结束.结果表明,在黄羽肉鸡日粮中添加120 mg/kg半胱胺可显著提高22～42日龄肉鸡的平均日增重和平均日采食量(P<0.05),对22～42日龄肉鸡的料重比及43～63日龄肉鸡的平均日增重、平均日采食量及料重比无显著影响(P>0.05);添加60 mg/kg半胱胺可显著提高63日龄黄羽肉鸡肌肉pH45 min、肌内脂肪含量和肌肉嫩度(P<0.05),显著降低宰后45 min 肌肉亮度(L*45 min)(P<0.05),添加60和120 mg/kg半胱胺可显著提高63日龄黄羽肉鸡肌肉系水力(P<0.05);添加60 mg/kg半胱胺可显著提高63日龄黄羽肉鸡血清和肌肉中谷胱甘肽含量(P<0.05),显著提高肌肉中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶的活性和总抗氧化能力(P<0.05),肌肉中巯基含量有提高趋势,丙二醛含量有降低趋势;添加60 mg/kg 半胱胺可显著提高63日龄黄羽肉鸡肌肉中超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、腺苷一磷酸脱氨酶1、过氧化物酶体增生物激活受体-γ基因的表达(P<0.05).结果提示:在22～63日龄黄羽肉鸡日粮中添加120 mg/kg半胱胺能显著提高22～42日龄鸡的生长性能(P<0.05);在22～63日龄黄羽肉鸡只粮中添加60 mg/kg半胱胺能显著提高63日龄鸡的肌内脂肪含量、肌肉嫩度、肌肉pH及系水力,提高机体抗氧化能力(P<0.05).     

43～63日龄黄羽肉鸡硒需要量的研究

试验旨在研究饲粮不同硒水平对43～63日龄黄羽肉鸡生长性能、抗氧化指标的影响,探讨黄羽肉鸡饲养后期的硒需要量。选用43日龄健康、发育良好的快大型岭南黄肉公鸡1 200只,根据体重随机分为5个组,每组6个重复,每个重复40只鸡,试验组1(对照组)为基础饲粮组(硒含量0.036 mg/kg),试验组2、3、4、5饲粮则在基础饲粮中分别添加0.075、0.150、0.225、0.300 mg/kg硒。试验期为21 d。结果显示:(1)0.150、0.225、0.300 mg/kg硒添加组血浆和红细胞GSH-Px活力显著高于对照组和0.075 mg/kg硒添加组(P0.05),0.150、0.225、0.300 mg/kg硒添加组血浆MDA含量显著低于其他各组(P0.05);(2)各硒添加组肝脏GSH-Px活力显著高于对照组(P0.05),而0.075 mg/kg硒添加组GSH-Px活力显著低于其他硒添加组(P0.05),0.225和0.300 mg/kg硒添加组肝脏MDA含量显著高于其他组(P0.05)。综合考虑:为获得较好抗氧化指标,43～63日龄黄羽肉鸡饲粮硒适宜添加水平为0.15 mg/kg,加上基础饲粮硒含量为0.036 mg/kg,则43~63日龄黄羽肉鸡硒需要量为0.186 mg/kg;以肝脏GSH-Px活性为依据,通过非线性回归分析估测得到43~63日龄黄羽肉鸡硒需要量为0.160 mg/kg。     

1～21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜供给量的研究

本试验旨在研究饲粮不同硒添加水平对1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡生长性能和抗氧化性能的影响,以探讨快大型岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲养前期的饲粮硒适宜供给量。选用1日龄健康、发育良好的快大型岭南黄羽肉公雏鸡1 200只,根据体重随机分为5个组,每组6个重复,每个重复40只鸡,试验1组(对照组)饲喂基础饲粮(硒水平为0.039 mg/kg),试验2~5组饲粮在基础饲粮中分别添加0.075、0.150、0.225和0.300 mg/kg硒,试验期21 d。结果表明:本试验条件下:1)与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.300 mg/kg硒显著降低1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡的末重(P0.05),显著提高料重比(P0.05),且0.300 mg/kg硒添加组的平均日增重显著低于其他各水平硒添加组(P0.05)。2)与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.075和0.150 mg/kg硒显著提高21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡的血浆谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P0.05),饲粮添加0.225和0.300 mg/kg硒显著降低血浆丙二醛(MDA)含量(P0.05)。各水平硒添加组的红细胞GSH-Px活性均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。3)与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.075、0.150和0.225mg/kg硒显著提高21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡的肝脏GSH-Px活性(P0.05),0.075和0.150 mg/kg硒添加组的肝脏MDA含量显著低于对照组和0.300 mg/kg硒添加组(P0.05)。综合考虑,为获得较好生长性能和抗氧化性能,1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜添加水平为0.075 mg/kg,基础饲粮中硒水平为0.039 mg/kg,则1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜供给量为0.114 mg/kg;以肝脏MDA含量为依据,通过非线性回归分析估测得到1~21日龄岭南黄羽肉仔鸡饲粮硒适宜供给量为0.130 mg/kg。     

中药"敌克素"对岭南黄鸡生产性能和T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

选用岭南黄羽肉鸡初生雏840只,分为5组,在56天的饲养中,在1,3,4,5组日粮中分别添加0,400,800,1000mg/kg补益类中草药提取物“敌克素”,在2组日粮中添加饲用金霉素(50mg/kg)。结果,“敌克素”显著提高了56日龄黄羽肉鸡生产性能和血清CD4 /CD8 的比例(P<0.05),显著降低血清尿素氮浓度(P<0.05),效果优于金霉素。     

1～21日龄黄羽肉鸡锌需要量的研究

本研究旨在通过研究不同日粮锌(Zn)添加水平对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、抗氧化机能、免疫功能、组织Zn沉积等的影响,并对相对敏感指标进行非线性回归模型分析,以探讨1～21日龄黄羽肉鸡的Zn需要量.选用1日龄健康、发育良好的快大型岭南黄羽肉鸡公雏鸡1440只,根据体重随机分成6个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复40只鸡,处理1(空白对照组)为基础日粮,其中Zn水平为25 mg/kg,处理2、3、4、5、6日粮分别在基础日粮中添加20、40、60、80、120 mg/kg Zn.结果表明,日粮中添加各Zn水平均显著提高了试鸡平均日增重(P<0.05),添加80、120 mg/kg Zn显著提高了平均日采食量(P<0.05),添加60 mg/kg Zn显著降低了料重比(P<0.05).日粮中添加Zn显著提高了血清中谷胱甘肽(GSH)、Zn、金属硫蛋白(MT)含量和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、铜锌超氧化物歧化酶(CuZnSOD)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性(P<0.05),并显著增加了胫骨中Zn含量和肝脏中MT含量(P<0.05),其中添加60 mg/kg Zn对改善血清AKP活性和胫骨Zn含量效果最佳.日粮中添加40 mg/kg Zn显著提高了脾脏指数(P<0.05),添加20～80 mg/kg Zn显著提高了胸腺指数和法氏囊指数(P<0.05).试验结果提示,以平均日增重、血清AKP活性和胫骨Zn含量为衡量指标,并考虑基础日粮中Zn水平得出,1～21日龄阶段试鸡日粮Zn适宜水平均为85 mg/kg,通过非线性回归模型估测得到的日粮Zn适宜水平分别为99、96和93 mg/kg.     

饲粮卵磷脂添加水平对肉鸡生长性能、屠宰性能、肝脏营养成分及肝脏和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮卵磷脂添加水平对肉鸡生长性能、屠宰性能、肝脏营养成分及肝脏和血清生化指标的影响。选取体重一致的1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡500只,随机分成5个组,每组10个重复,每个重复10只鸡。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮中分别添加500、1000、1500和2000 mg/kg卵磷脂。试验期42 d。结果表明:1)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21和42日龄肉鸡平均体重呈二次曲线升高(P<0.05)。2)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,42日龄肉鸡半净膛率和全净膛率呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.05),42日龄肉鸡腿肌率呈线性升高(P<0.05)。3)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21日龄肉鸡新鲜样本基础和干物质基础上肝脏有机物含量呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),42日龄肉鸡新鲜样本基础和干物质基础上肝脏有机物和粗脂肪含量均呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。4)随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21日龄肉鸡肝脏总胆固醇含量呈线性升高(P<0.05),42日龄肉鸡肝脏甘油三酯含量呈线性和二次曲线升高(P<0.01)。5)与对照组相比,饲粮添加1000、1500和2000 mg/kg卵磷脂显著降低了21和42日龄肉鸡血清甘油三酯含量(P<0.05),饲粮添加2000 mg/kg卵磷脂显著降低21和42日龄肉鸡血清尿素氮含量(P<0.05)。随着饲粮卵磷脂添加水平的增加,21日龄肉鸡血清低密度脂蛋白、甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量呈线性降低(P<0.05),42日龄肉鸡血清甘油三酯含量呈线性和二次曲线降低(P<0.05)。由此可见,饲粮添加卵磷脂能够提高肉鸡生长性能和屠宰性能,调节肝脏和血清脂质代谢,降低血清尿素氮含量。以肉鸡平均体重为判断指标,推荐1~21日龄和22~42日龄肉鸡基础饲粮中卵磷脂添加水平分别为952和1246 mg/kg。     

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.     

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.