不同紫花苜蓿品种在不同生育期营养品质特性的比较

采用随机区组设计,以20个紫花苜蓿品种作为研究对象,对头茬草在现蕾期、初花期、盛花期取样,分别测定了各生育期的粗蛋白、酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维、粗脂肪、粗灰分含量。结果表明:同一紫花苜蓿材料的营养成分含量在不同生育期差异显著(P0.05),在现蕾期、初花期、盛花期等不同生育期,粗蛋白含量最高的品种分别为:北极星(22.06%),哥萨克(18.81%),陇东苜蓿(16.41%);酸性洗涤纤维含量最低的品种分别为:甘农1号(22.18%),陇中苜蓿(31.16%),苜蓿王(36.97%);各生育期中性洗涤纤维含量最低的品种分别为:甘农7号(27.59%),苜蓿王(38.10%),苜蓿王(44.35%);粗灰分含量最低的品种分别为:陇东苜蓿(9.40%),皇后(9.00%),甘农8号(6.02%);粗脂肪含量最高的品种分别为:中苜1号(2.91%),哥萨克(2.78%),甘农7号(3.04%)。粗蛋白含量和粗灰分含量随着生育期的推进明显下降;中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维含量随着生育期的推进呈明显上升趋势;粗脂肪含量随着生育期的推进出现小幅上升。苜蓿王各营养指标在不同的生育期表现最好,在武威地区的黄羊镇有较高的推广利用价值。     

不同刈割时期对紫花苜蓿和红豆草产量及营养价值的影响

不同生育期(营养期、现蕾期、开花期、盛花期、结荚期)选用品种(新牧1号、新牧2号、当地苜蓿、红豆草、高辉苜蓿)进行刈割,研究刈割时期对紫花苜蓿和红豆草产量及营养价值的影响。结果表明,新牧2号苜蓿开花期的鲜草产量和干草产量显著高于其他品种其他几个时期鲜草产量和干草产量(P0.05);牧草在营养期的粗蛋白质和粗灰分含量显著高于其他几个刈割时期(P0.05);牧草在盛花期的NFE含量显著高于其他几个刈割时期(P0.05);随着生育期由营养期延迟至结荚期,牧草的中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维含量显著增加(P0.05),而牧草的相对饲用价值含量显著降低(P0.05);新牧1号、新牧2号、当地苜蓿、红豆草、高辉苜蓿5个品种的干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、粗纤维、粗灰分、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤木质素、酸不溶灰分、相对饲用价值无显著差异(P0.05)。牧草现蕾期的产量和营养价值优于其他几个时期,新牧2号的产量和营养价值优于其他几个品种。     

基于主成分分析法评价不同牧草营养成分饲用价值

为研究不同类型青贮牧草中营养成分价值,选取燕麦、箭舌豌豆、高粱、苜蓿4种牧草进行青贮,采用常规分析方法测定4种青贮牧草中的7种主要营养成分(干物质、水分、粗灰分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、钙、磷)以及酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤木质素含量,测定4组青贮牧草体外营养消化率,利用主成分分析法和单因素方差分析对4种牧草进行饲用价值评价。结果显示：(1)青贮苜蓿中的干物质(DM)、钙(Ca)成分显著高于青贮燕麦、青贮箭舌豌豆以及青贮高粱(P<0.05);青贮高粱中性洗涤纤维(NDF)显著高于青贮箭舌豌豆(P<0.05),青贮苜蓿中酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、酸性洗涤木质素(ADL)显著高于其他3种青贮原料(P<0.05);青贮高粱的NDF₁₂、NDF₂₄以及NDF₄₈均显著高于青贮燕麦、青贮箭舌豌豆以及青贮苜蓿(P<0.05)。(2)经主成分分析,提出3个主成分,累积方差贡献率达到85.676%。4种青贮牧草营养价值优劣排序为：青贮苜蓿>青贮箭舌豌豆>青贮燕麦>青贮高粱,说明青贮苜蓿营养价值较...     

不同紫花苜蓿营养成分比较试验

本试验对两个紫花苜蓿品种--盛世和WL-525HQ的主要营养成分(干样干物质、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维,粗蛋白、粗脂肪)进行分析比较,结果表明:盛世全株的风干样干物质含量高于WL-525HQ,差异极显著(P＜0.01),酸性洗涤纤维的含量也高于WL-525HQ,差异显著(P＜0.05);WL-525HQ茎的中性洗涤纤维含量高于盛世,差异显著(P＜0.05); WL-525HQ叶的中性洗涤纤维的含量比盛世的高,差异显著(P＜0.05);在全株、茎、叶的盛世和WL-525HQ营养成分中表明,叶的各项营养成分含量都高于全株、茎的营养成分含量.     

柠条锦鸡儿营养成分动态变化及其在绵羊瘤胃内的降解

本试验旨在研究内蒙古呼和浩特地区不同生育期柠条锦鸡儿营养成分的动态变化及其在绵羊瘤胃内的降解特性。分别于孕蕾期、开花期和结实期采集当年生柠条锦鸡儿嫩枝条,测定初水分后在65℃烘箱中烘干,测定常规营养物质含量;选用安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的内蒙古小尾寒羊3只,采用瘤胃尼龙袋法评定不同生育期柠条锦鸡儿营养成分的瘤胃降解特性。试验结果表明:1)开花期和结实期柠条锦鸡儿的干物质(DM)和粗蛋白质(CP)含量显著高于孕蕾期(P<0.05);不同生育期柠条锦鸡儿有机物(OM)、粗脂肪和无氮浸出物含量无显著差异(P>0.05);结实期粗灰分含量显著高于孕蕾期和开花期(P<0.05);孕蕾期和开花期柠条锦鸡儿中性洗涤纤维(NDF)含量显著高于结实期(P<0.05),而酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)含量显著低于结实期(P<0.05);随着生育期的延续,柠条锦鸡儿木质素含量逐渐升高,开花和结实期显著高于孕蕾期(P<0.05);随着生育期的延续,柠条锦鸡儿钙含量显著提高(P<0.05),磷含量显著降低(P<0.05)。2)随着生育期的延续,柠条锦鸡儿DM的72 h消失率和有效降解率逐渐降低,开花期和结实期DM的有效降解率无显著差异(P>0.05);不同生育期柠条锦鸡儿CP的72 h消失率无显著差异(P>0.05),但有效降解率孕蕾期显著高于开花期和结实期(P<0.05);随着生育期的延续,柠条锦鸡儿OM和NDF的72 h消失率和有效降解率均显著降低(P<0.05);开花期和结实期柠条锦鸡儿ADF的72 h消失率和有效降解率无显著差异(P>0.05),但显著低于孕蕾期(P<0.05)。试验结果提示,结合不同生育期柠条锦鸡儿营养物质含量、饲草DM产量以及营养物质的瘤胃降解特性,开花期柠条锦鸡儿营养物质的利用效率最高,为最佳刈割时期。     

不同刈割频率对黄土高原陇东苜蓿产量及其品质的影响

为探究黄土高原地区陇东苜蓿(Medicago sativa ‘Longdong’)草地的合理利用方式,本研究于2012至2013年在黄土高原地区进行陇东苜蓿单播试验,试验分为多次刈割和一次刈割两种利用方式。结果表明:两年在多次刈割条件下陇东苜蓿的株高累积量、分枝数累积量和总产量均显著高于一次刈割;多次刈割条件下陇东苜蓿的粗脂肪(ether extract, EE)和粗灰分(Ash)含量显著高于一次刈割,而中性洗涤纤维(neutral detergent fiber, NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(acid detergent fiber, ADF)含量显著低于一次刈割;多次刈割条件下陇东苜蓿的粗蛋白(crude protein, CP)、 EE、 Ash和NDF的产量均显著高于一次刈割。相关分析显示,在一次刈割条件下产量与株高、分枝数以及CP、Ash、NDF和ADF含量显著正相关(P 0.05);在多次刈割条件下,产量与株高、分枝数、CP和EE含量极显著正相关(P 0.01),与NDF和ADF含量极显著负相关(P 0.01)。综上所述,多次刈割较一次刈割提高了苜蓿产量,并获得更多的营养物质,是一种适宜黄土高原陇东苜蓿草地的管理措施。     

利用灰色关联度法评价12个苜蓿品种的营养价值

本试验以12个紫花苜蓿初花期的干物质（DM）、粗蛋白质（CP）、酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）、粗脂肪（EE）、粗灰分（ASH）、钙（Ca）、磷（P）含量和相对饲料价值（RFV）9个营养因子为对象,利用灰色关联度分析法进行营养价值评价,以期筛选出陇东旱塬区营养价值优良的苜蓿品种。结果显示：苜蓿王的CP含量比对照品种陇东苜蓿高5.03%(P <0.05);中王1号的NDF含量较对照品低13.85%(P <0.05);甘农5号的ASH含量较对照品种高24.34%(P <0.05),且各参试品种的DM、ADF、EE、Ca、P和RFV差异不显著（P> 0.05）。利用灰色关联度法综合评价得出,苜蓿王、中王1号、中兰1号、甘农5号和阿迪娜综合表现较好,营养价值较高。     

生育期与品种对紫花苜蓿营养价值及瘤胃降解率的影响

选用3个品种(肇东、龙牧801和龙牧803)、3个不同生育期(现蕾期、初花期和盛花期)的紫花苜蓿,研究不同生育期与品种对苜蓿营养价值及瘤胃降解特性的影响。结果表明,粗蛋白质(CP)含量、粗灰分(CA)含量、CP和中性洗涤纤维(NDF)的瘤胃有效降解率及快速降解组分(a组分)含量均随生育期的延长而降低;NDF、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)和CP的慢速降解组分(b组分)含量随生育期的延长而升高;肇东和龙牧803的CP含量、NDF有效降解率极显著高于龙牧801(P<0.01);ADF含量、CP有效降解率按肇东、龙牧801、龙牧803顺序显著降低(P<0.05);生育期与品种对CP含量、CA含量及CP、NDF有效降解率均有明显的互作效应。     

不同秋眠级苜蓿生产性能及越冬率评价

筛选适宜呼和浩特地区种植的苜蓿品种,探讨苜蓿秋眠等级与生产性能及越冬的关系,为建植苜蓿人工草地提供优良品种。收集国内外8个不同秋眠等级紫花苜蓿品种进行试验,采用随机区组设计,于2015-2017年每年初花期进行刈割,调查越冬率,测定株高、再生性、茎叶比、干草产量及营养成分[粗蛋白质(crude protein,CP)、干物质(dry matter,DM)、酸性洗涤纤维(acid detergent fiber,ADF)、中性洗涤纤维(neutral detergent fiber,NDF)]含量,计算相对饲用价值(relative feed value,RFV),通过相关性分析和隶属函数评价筛选出最优苜蓿品种。结果表明,中苜2号、草原3号和驯鹿苜蓿越冬率(>95%)与金皇后苜蓿差异不显著(P>0.05),但显著高于与其他苜蓿品种(P<0.05)。秋眠等级与越冬率存在极显著负相关关系(P<0.01),相关系数为-0.984,而秋眠等级与苜蓿干草产量相关性不显著(P>0.05)。2015年,秋眠型苜蓿中苜2号干草产量最高,显著高于其他苜蓿材料(P<0.05);2016年,中苜2号和金皇后苜蓿干草产量较高,二者显著高于其他苜蓿品种(P<0.05),而WL525和驯鹿苜蓿干草产量较低;2017年,中苜2号苜蓿干草产量最高,其次是金皇后和草原3号,以上3个苜蓿品种显著高于其他苜蓿品种(P<0.05)。通过3年试验发现,中苜2号苜蓿的干草产量和相对饲用价值均为最高,酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维含量最低,苜蓿纤维含量越低,饲用价值越好。草原3号、中苜2号苜蓿的粗蛋白含量均大于20%,粗蛋白含量越高,营养价值越好。运用隶属函数综合评价,确定中苜2号、金皇后和草原3号属于最佳苜蓿品种。苜蓿秋眠等级与越冬率呈显著的负相关关系,秋眠等级对苜蓿干草产量、营养成分等生产性能无显著影响。中苜2号、金皇后和草原3号苜蓿品种在3年干草产量、越冬性及营养品质方面均表现较好,较适宜呼和浩特地区种植。     

不同品种和刈割时间对苜蓿青贮发酵品质及蛋白质降解的影响

为探究不同品种以及同日内不同刈割时间对苜蓿青贮发酵品质及蛋白质降解的影响,采用4个苜蓿品种,分别于同日6∶00、12∶00、18∶00刈割,室温发酵56d后开封,分析发酵品质、微生物组成和蛋白组分。结果表明,不同品种苜蓿的粗蛋白、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维和可溶性糖(WSC)含量以及附着微生物的数量存在显著性差异(P0.05);推迟刈割时间,苜蓿原料的干物质,WSC含量以及附着微生物数量显著增加(P0.05)。品种A与C的发酵品质显著优于品种B与D(P0.05),其乳酸含量较高而pH值、乙酸与氨态氮含量较低(P0.05)。随着刈割时间的推迟,所有苜蓿青贮的乳酸含量及乳乙比显著增加(P0.05),pH值、乙酸、丁酸、非蛋白氮与氨态氮含量显著降低(P0.05),显著抑制蛋白降解。综上所述,不同品种的原料特性显著影响苜蓿青贮发酵品质,推迟刈割时间可以有效改善青贮发酵品质,减少蛋白质的降解。     

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.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

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.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

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.     

Changes in proportion of canine urinary calculi composed of calcium oxalate or struvite in specimens analyzed from 1981 through 2001

The objective of this report was to characterize 20-year changes in proportion of calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculi and struvite calculi in dogs, and associations with breed, age, and sex. In this retrospective study, results of analysis of urinary calculi from dogs were reviewed for specimens received between July 1, 1981, and December 31, 2001. Breed, sex, age, year of submission of the specimen, and mineral type(s) were analyzed statistically. CaOx or Struvite or both were contained in 18,966 of 20,884 (91%) specimens. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant increase was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained CaOx. The increase in this proportion was greater in females (1% to 31%) than in males (18% to 82%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions may have plateaued, the odds of specimens containing CaOx were markedly higher in 18 breeds, markedly lower in 5 breeds, and not significantly different in 13 breeds compared with crossbreds. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant decrease was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained struvite. This decrease in proportion was greater for males (79-16%) than for females (97-68%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions plateaued, the odds of calculi containing struvite were markedly lower in 20 breeds, markedly higher in 1 breed, and not significantly different in 15 breeds when compared with crossbreds. Breed, age, and sex were associated statistically with CaOx or struvite urolithiasis. In conclusion, there appears to have been a long-term increase in the proportion of specimens of canine urinary calculi that contain CaOx as well as a long-term decrease in the proportion of specimens of calculi that contain struvite for both male and female dogs. The rate of change appeared to begin leveling off in the period 1998 to 2001. The recent proportion of dogs with either CaOx- or struvite-associated urolithiasis may depend on breed, age, and sex, and on interactions among these 3 factors.     

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.