限饲对东北梅花鹿消化代谢及尿嘌呤衍生物排出量的影响

试验选取4只体况相近的3岁东北梅花鹿公鹿,采用4×4拉丁方设计,饲喂同一种日粮,分4个不同限饲水平A(2.5kg/d)、B(2.0kg/d)、C(1.5kg/d)、D(1.0kg/d),利用尿嘌呤衍生物法并结合消化代谢试验,测定限制饲喂条件下东北梅花鹿尿嘌呤衍生物组成及排出量,可消化干物质和可消化有机物进食量与尿嘌呤衍生物排出量(PD)的关系及各种营养物质消化率。试验结果表明:东北梅花鹿尿中嘌呤衍生物包括49%～56%尿囊素、35%～38%尿酸、6%～15%黄嘌呤和次黄嘌呤;限饲条件下,东北梅花鹿尿中嘌呤衍生物、肌酐酸排出量无显著性差异(P>0.05);可消化干物质DDM(Ir=0.8592,n=16,P<0.001)和可消化有机物DOMI(r=0.8605,n=16,P<0.001)与尿中嘌呤衍生物排出量(PD)均存在显著的线性正相关;限饲使可消化干物质、可消化有机物质进食量和粗蛋白消化率显著降低(P<0.05),使干物质、有机物质、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维及钙、磷表观消化率均显著降低(P<0.05);限饲对尿氮和粪氮排出量无显著性影响(P>0.05),而显著影响氮沉积量(P<0.05),且随饲喂量降低,氮沉积逐渐减少,当饲喂量降到D水平时,出现了氮的负平衡,表明氮的摄入量已不能满足梅花鹿维持需要,需要动用内源氮来满足自身维持需要。     

低蛋白质饲粮补加过瘤胃赖氨酸对多浪羊生长性能、养分表观消化率、瘤胃发酵参数及氮代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究低蛋白质饲粮补加过瘤胃赖氨酸（RPLys）对多浪羊生长性能、养分表观消化率、瘤胃发酵参数及氮代谢的影响。将9只体况相近且安装永久性瘘管的多浪羊羯羊,采用3×3拉丁方设计,随机分为3组：CK组（饲喂14%蛋白质水平的饲粮）、DP组（饲喂12%蛋白质水平的饲粮）、LP组（饲喂12%蛋白质水平饲粮+14.0 g/d RPLys）。试验分3期进行,每期28 d,其中预试期15 d,正试期13 d。结果表明：1）各组间的初重及干物质采食量（DMI）无显著差异（P>0.05）,LP组的平均日增重（ADG）极显著高于CK组和DP组（P<0.01）,CK组和DP组的ADG差异不显著（P>0.05）,LP组的料重比（F/G）显著低于CK组和DP组（P<0.05）,CK组和DP组的F/G差异不显著（P>0.05）。2）各组间干物质（DM）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）、酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）和粗脂肪（EE）表观消化率差异不显著（P>0.05）;LP组粗蛋白质（CP）表观消化率极显著高于CK组和DP组（P<0.01）,CK组CP表观消化率极显著高于DP组（P...     

饲粮粗蛋白质与外源褪黑激素水平对水貂生长性能、血清生化指标及营养物质消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮粗蛋白质(CP)和外源褪黑激素(MT)水平对水貂生长性能、血清生化指标及营养物质消化率的影响。选取90只50日龄体重一致的健康雄性水貂,随机分为6组,每组15个重复,每个重复1只水貂。采用3×2两因子试验设计,即3个饲粮CP水平(32%、36%和40%)和2个皮下埋植的外源MT水平(0、10 mg/只)。试验期64 d。结果表明:1)40%CP水平时,10 mg/只MT组水貂末重显著高于0 mg/只MT组(P<0.05);32%CP水平时,10 mg/只MT组水貂平均日增重显著高于0 mg/只MT组(P<0.05);饲粮CP和外源MT水平对水貂末重、平均日增重无显著互作效应(P>0.05)。2)32%和40%CP水平时,皮下埋植10mg/只MT可极显著降低水貂血清白蛋白(ALB)含量(P<0.01);32%CP水平的血清甘油三酯(TG)含量均显著高于40%CP水平(P<0.05);饲粮CP和外源MT水平对水貂血清ALB含量存在极显著互作效应(P<0.01),对血清总蛋白(TP)、尿素氮(UN)、TG含量和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性无显著互作效应(P>0.05)。3)10 mg/只MT组中,32%和36%CP水平的水貂干物质采食量极显著高于40%CP水平(P<0.01);0 mg/只MT组水貂中,32%CP水平的干物质采食量和干物质排出量极显著高于40%CP水平(P<0.01);饲粮CP和外源MT水平对水貂采食量、干物质采食量、干物质排出量和干物质消化率均无显著互作效应(P>0.05)。4)10 mg/只MT组中,36%CP水平的水貂粗脂肪消化率显著高于32%和40%CP水平(P<0.05),32%CP水平的水貂钙消化率极显著高于40%CP水平(P<0.01),32%CP水平的水貂磷消化率极显著高于36%和40%CP水平(P<0.01);0 mg/只MT组中,36%CP水平钙消化率极显著高于40%CP水平(P<0.01),32%CP水平的水貂磷消化率极显著高于36%和40%CP水平(P<0.01);饲粮CP和外源MT水平对水貂CP、粗脂肪、钙和磷的消化率无显著互作效应(P>0.05)。综合本试验各项测定指标可以得出,皮下埋植10 mg/只外源MT时,水貂较适宜的饲粮CP水平为32%～36%。     

饲粮蛋白质水平和限饲对冬毛期水貂生产性能、消化代谢和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮蛋白质水平和限饲对冬毛期水貂生产性能、消化代谢和血清生化指标的影响。选择150日龄健康美国短毛黑公貂40只,随机分为4组,每组10个重复,每个重复1只。Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组水貂分别饲喂蛋白质水平为22%、32%、42%的试验饲粮,Ⅳ组为限饲组,饲喂蛋白质水平为32%的试验饲粮,饲喂量为Ⅱ组的50%。预试期7 d,正试期53 d。结果表明:饲粮蛋白质水平对水貂的165日龄体重、体长、鲜皮长、鲜皮重、针毛长度和绒毛长度均无显著影响(P>0.05),但均以Ⅱ组的值最高。Ⅱ组的180和195日龄体重显著高于Ⅲ组(P<0.05),针毛细度和绒毛细度极显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ组(P<0.01)。饲粮蛋白质水平对水貂的干物质采食量无显著影响(P>0.05)。Ⅱ组的干物质排出量显著低于Ⅰ组(P<0.05),干物质、粗脂肪和碳水化合物消化率则极显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.01),与Ⅲ组无显著差异(P>0.05)。Ⅱ组的沉积氮、净蛋白质利用率和蛋白质生物学价值显著或极显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ组的血清白蛋白和球蛋白含量无显著差异(P>0.05),但Ⅱ组的血清总蛋白含量显著高于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。Ⅱ组的血清谷草转氨酶活性极显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ组(P<0.01),血清碱性磷酸酶活性则显著低于Ⅰ组(P<0.05)。与Ⅱ组相比,Ⅳ组的针毛细度、绒毛细度、干物质采食量、干物质排出量、干物质消化率、粗蛋白质消化率、粗脂肪消化率、碳水化合物消化率、食入氮、沉积氮、净蛋白质利用率、蛋白质生物学价值以及血清谷草转氨酶活性显著或极显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),而血清谷丙转氨酶活性显著升高(P<0.05)。由此得出,冬毛期水貂饲粮适宜的蛋白质水平为32%。50%限饲对冬毛期水貂的体长、鲜皮长、鲜皮重、针毛长度和绒毛长度无显著影响,但是对针毛细度、绒毛细度以及蛋白质、脂肪和碳水化合物的消化率有显著影响。因此,在不影响水貂营养物质消化代谢和生产性能的基础上,适宜的限饲水平还有待于进一步研究。     

日粮精粗比对延边黄牛养分表观消化率和尿嘌呤衍生物排出量的影响

试验旨在采用日粮调控来探究不同精粗比的日粮对育肥前期的延边黄牛养分表观消化率及尿嘌呤衍生物排出量的影响。选择4头年龄及体质量相近(300±15)kg的延边黄牛,采用4×4拉丁方设计,分别饲喂精粗比为30∶70、40∶60、60∶40和70∶30的育肥前期基础日粮。试验分为4个阶段,每阶段20 d,预试期15 d,正试期5 d收集样品。结果表明:干物质、有机物和粗蛋白采食量随着日粮精料水平的提高而线性增加(P0.01),而中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)采食量随日粮精料水平的提高而线性降低(P0.01);随着精粗比的提高,干物质表观消化率显著升高(P0.05),粗蛋白表观消化率显著降低(P0.05)。有机物及酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率随着日粮精料水平的提高差异不显著(P0.05);总嘌呤衍生物排出量和尿囊素随着精粗比的提高呈升高的趋势(P0.05或P0.01)。由此可知,提高日粮精料比例能增加试验牛干物质、有机物和粗蛋白采食量,中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维采食量则相应减少;并且有效的提高干物质表观消化率和瘤胃可利用氮含量。     

饲喂高淀粉饲粮时不同瘤胃降解淀粉水平对奶牛泌乳性能、营养物质表观消化率和氮平衡的影响

本试验旨在研究饲喂高淀粉饲粮时不同瘤胃降解淀粉水平对奶牛泌乳性能、营养物质表观消化率和氮平衡的影响。选用10头荷斯坦经产奶牛[平均泌乳天数为(214±38)d,平均乳产量为(26.2±2.4)kg/d,平均体重为(727±65)kg]作为试验动物,随机分成2组,每组5头。试验设计2种不同瘤胃降解淀粉水平的试验饲粮,分别为瘤胃降解淀粉水平为62.3%(占总淀粉的百分比)的低瘤胃降解淀粉水平饲粮(L-RDS)和瘤胃降解淀粉水平为72.1%(占总淀粉的百分比)的高瘤胃降解淀粉水平饲粮(H-RDS)。采用交叉试验设计,试验分为2期,过渡期7 d,每期试验21 d,其中适应期14 d,采样期7 d。结果显示:1)相比L-RDS组,H-RDS组有机物和淀粉的表观消化率显著升高(P0.05),中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维的表观消化率显著降低(P0.05),干物质表观消化率有升高趋势(P=0.07),蛋白质表观消化率无显著差异(P0.05)。2)相比L-RDS组,H-RDS组尿素氮及它们占摄入氮比例有降低趋势(P=0.09),摄入氮、乳氮、粪氮、尿氮和沉积氮及它们占摄入氮比例无显著变化(P0.05),尿中总嘌呤衍生物排出量和微生物蛋白产量亦无显著变化(P0.05)。3)饲粮瘤胃降解淀粉水平对奶牛干物质采食量、乳产量和乳成分均无显著影响(P0.05)。综合以上结果可知,饲喂高淀粉饲粮时不同瘤胃降解淀粉水平影响饲粮营养物质的表观消化率,对泌乳性能和氮平衡无显著影响。     

精料类型对肉羊饲粮养分消化率及尿嘌呤衍生物排出量的影响

旨在建立利用嘌呤衍生物排出量估测微生物氮产量的模型。本研究选择10只平均体重为(47.4±4.4)kg健康的杜寒杂交成年公羊。10种全混颗粒饲粮,单一精料替换比例30%,每个处理10只羊,每个重复1只羊,试验按时间和饲粮划分为10期进行;每种饲粮饲喂20d,其中预试期15d,正试期5d;整体试验持续200d。试验测定了饲喂10种不同精料饲粮肉羊的营养物质消化率及尿嘌呤衍生物(PD)排出量。结果表明:1)饲粮营养成分的消化率与营养成分含量存在相关性,精料类型不同饲粮消化率有差异,饲粮可消化蛋白质(DCP)的最佳预测因子是粗蛋白质(CP);10种饲粮的摄入氮、尿氮、粪氮等均因精料类型不同呈极显著差异(P0.01)。2)10种饲粮的尿囊素、尿酸、黄嘌呤(包括次黄嘌呤)占PD排出量的比例均因饲粮类型的不同呈极显著差异(P0.01),占PD排出量的比例范围分别是85.60%~92.47%、2.54%~7.18%、3.20%~7.41%;10种饲粮的嘌呤氮指数(PNI)因饲粮类型的不同呈极显著差异(P0.01),变化范围是0.03~0.10,然而PD排出量与摄入氮和微生物氮(MN)存在强的线性相关。摄入氮与氮表观消化率、尿氮和氮沉积具有强相关关系,建立的沉积氮(Y)估测方程式:Y=0.244 9×摄入氮-1.319 9(R2=0.825);PD排出量与摄入氮以及MN均存在线性强相关关系,建立的估测方程式分别是PD=0.119 7×摄入氮+10.161(R2=0.925)、MN=0.746 1×PD+1.785 4(R2=0.898)。     

饲粮赖氨酸和蛋氨酸水平对冬毛生长期银狐生长性能、营养物质消化率、血清生化指标及毛皮性状的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮赖氨酸和蛋氨酸水平对冬毛生长期银狐生长性能、营养物质消化率、血清生化指标及毛皮性状的影响。选取70只120日龄、平均体重为(5 973±94)g的健康雄性银狐,随机分成7组,每组10个重复,每个重复1只银狐。采用二因子试验设计,赖氨酸添加水平分别为0、0.50%,蛋氨酸添加水平分别为0、0.25%、0.50%、0.75%,基础饲粮中赖氨酸含量为1.15%,蛋氨酸含量为0.66%。试验期51 d。结果表明:1)饲粮赖氨酸和蛋氨酸水平对冬毛期银狐生长性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。2)饲粮赖氨酸和蛋氨酸交互作用对营养物质采食量、排出量及消化率无显著影响(P>0.05);饲粮赖氨酸水平对营养物质采食量、蛋白质排出量及蛋白质消化率无显著影响(P>0.05),对干物质排出量、干物质消化率、脂肪排出量及脂肪消化率产生显著或极显著影响(P<0.05或P<0.01);饲粮蛋氨酸水平仅对干物质排出量产生显著影响(P<0.05)。3)饲粮赖氨酸和蛋氨酸交互作用对血清总氨基酸含量产生极显著影响(P<0.01),对血清总蛋白、白蛋白、尿素氮含量及丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶活性无显著影响(P>0.05);饲粮赖氨酸水平对血清总氨基酸含量产生极显著影响(P<0.01);饲粮赖氨酸水平对血清天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶活性产生极显著影响(P<0.01)。4)饲粮赖氨酸和蛋氨酸交互作用对毛皮性状影响不显著(P>0.05);饲粮赖氨酸或蛋氨酸水平对毛皮性状无显著影响(P>0.05)。从降低饲养成本和减少排放角度考虑,冬毛期银狐在基础饲粮中添加0.50%赖氨酸(实际含量1.65%)和0.25%蛋氨酸(实际含量0.91%)对银狐生产有利。     

饮用磁化水对饲喂颗粒日粮绵羊消化代谢的影响

为研究饮用磁化水对饲喂颗粒日粮绵羊消化代谢的影响,本研究设计了2个试验:试验1:选取4只约1.5岁、体重(44.7±1.8)kg的小尾寒羊公羊,采用4×4拉丁方设计,每期每只羊分别饲喂粉碎日粮(处理1)、粉碎日粮+磁化水(处理2)、颗粒日粮(处理3)及颗粒日粮+磁化水(处理4),研究饲喂粉碎、颗粒两种日粮条件下饮用磁化水对绵羊自由采食和消化代谢的影响;试验2:选取6只约1.5岁、体重(46.3±2.1)kg的小尾寒羊空怀母羊,采用3×3拉丁方设计,每期每组饲喂相同的颗粒日粮,处理1:自由采食;处理2:在自由采食条件下饮用磁化水;处理3:在限饲(相当于处理1的喂量)条件下饮用磁化水,研究饮用磁化水时限饲对绵羊消化代谢的影响。结果显示:(1)在试验1中,饮用磁化水组绵羊的干物质自由采食量,干物质、粗蛋白质和总能表观消化率及氮保留量较饲喂粉碎日粮时分别提高14.7%(P<0.05)、2.6%(P>0.05)、2.2%(P>0.05)、2.2%(P>0.05)和22.7%(P<0.01);在饲喂颗粒日粮时分别提高14.3%(P<0.05)、4.2%(P<0.05)、4.8%(P<0.05)、6.0%(P<0.01)和14.2%(P<0.05)。(2)在试验2中,饮用磁化水时限饲母羊的干物质、有机物、粗蛋白质、纤维素、半纤维素、不可酶解纤维素和半纤维素、总能表观消化率及氮保留量较自由采食时分别提高19.1%、19.0%、9.7%、18.4%、16.2%、341.5%、226.7%、17.4%和14.8%,均差异极显著(P<0.01)。综上所述,在饲喂颗粒日粮的基础上饮用磁化水时,绵羊干物质自由采食量可进一步提高;自由采食条件下饮用磁化水不影响饲喂粉碎日粮绵羊日粮消化率,但可提高饲喂颗粒日粮绵羊干物质、粗蛋白质和能量的表观消化率,且氮保留量显著增加;限饲条件下饮用磁化水可显著提高饲喂颗粒日粮绵羊日粮营养物质消化率。     

不同蛋白质来源饲粮对不同生长阶段藏獒营养物质表观消化率及粪便质量的影响

本试验旨在研究不同蛋白质原料[豆粕、玉米蛋白粉、低蛋白质含量(65%)的鸡肉粉65、高蛋白质含量(80%)的鸡肉粉80、鱼粉、鸭架粉]对不同年龄阶段藏獒的采食量、营养物质表观消化率及粪便质量的影响。试验选取5~6月龄的幼年藏獒10只,2周岁以上的成年藏獒10只,各分为2组,每组5个重复,每个重复1只。试验配制7种试验饲粮,分别为CGM(植物蛋白质仅含玉米蛋白粉)、SBM(植物蛋白质仅含豆粕)、PMH-FM(动物蛋白质为鸡肉粉80和鱼粉)、PML-FM(动物蛋白质为鸡肉粉65和鱼粉)、DM-FM(动物蛋白质为鸭架粉和鱼粉)、FM(动物蛋白质仅含鱼粉)和PML饲粮(动物蛋白质仅含鸡肉粉65)。每种饲粮分别饲喂1组幼犬和成犬。试验共分4期进行,每期试验期为10 d,其中预试期6 d,收粪期4 d。结果表明:幼犬对不同蛋白质来源饲粮的平均日采食量无显著差异(P>0.05)。成犬对PML-FM饲粮的平均日采食量与PMH-FM饲粮相比无显著差异(P>0.05),但显著高于其他饲粮(P<0.05)。在饲喂同种饲粮情况下,幼犬的平均日采食量均比成犬高,且差异显著(P<0.05)。幼犬对PM H-FM饲粮的干物质、粗蛋白质、有机质、钙和总磷表观消化率均最高,其上述营养物质表观消化率均显著高于PML-FM饲粮(P<0.05),且粗蛋白质表观消化率还显著高于PML饲粮(P<0.05),总磷表观消化率还显著高于DM-FM和FM饲粮(P<0.05)。成犬对SBM饲粮的干物质表观消化率显著高于PML-FM饲粮(P<0.05),对DM-FM饲粮的粗蛋白质表观消化率显著高于PML和PML-FM饲粮(P<0.05),对FM饲粮的总磷表观消化率显著低于SBM和PM L-FM饲粮(P<0.05)。成犬对各饲粮的有机质和钙表观消化率均无显著差异(P>0.05)。在饲喂同种饲粮情况下,成犬和幼犬对干物质、粗蛋白质、有机质的表观消化率均无显著差异(P>0.05);但是,在同时饲喂PMH-FM饲粮情况下,幼犬对钙和总磷的表观消化率要显著高于成犬(P<0.05)。幼犬饲喂PMH-FM饲粮时粪样初水分含量最低,显著低于除PML-FM和DM-FM饲粮外的其他饲粮(P<0.05)。成犬饲喂FM饲粮时粪样初水分含量最高,显著高于其他饲粮(P<0.05)。幼犬饲喂CGM、PMH-FM、PML-FM、DM-FM和FM饲粮时粪样分数均在最佳粪样分数(2.5)左右,而在饲喂SBM和PML饲粮时粪样分数在2.8左右。成犬饲喂不同的饲粮,其粪样分数无显著差异(P>0.05)。在饲喂同种饲粮情况下,成犬和幼犬粪样初水分含量无显著差异(P>0.05),但幼犬粪样分数均显著高于成犬(P<0.05)。由此得出,饲粮不同蛋白质来源对藏獒的营养物质消化率和粪便质量均有一定的影响,且对幼犬影响更大。对于藏獒,玉米蛋白粉和豆粕混合使用比单一使用效果要好;相对于鱼粉和低蛋白质含量的鸡肉粉65,高蛋白质含量的鸡肉粉80作为蛋白质来源较佳。     

Protogynous hermaphroditism in Chrysoblephus laticeps (Cuvier) and C. cristiceps (Cuvier) (Teleostei: Sparidae)

A histological study of the gonads of two sparid fishes, Chrysoblephus laticeps and C. cristiceps showed that these species are protogynous hermaphrodites. Both species are also monandric in which all males are derived from functional females. Intersexual individuals were restricted to a narrow size range between females and males, and no evidence for simultaneous hermaphroditism was found. Similar to other sparids, the development of the ovary and testis was delimited by a connective tissue layer.     

Filaroides infections in wild ferrets (Mustela putorius) and stoats (Mustela erminea)

Abstract

Species of metastrongylid nematodes of the genus Filaroides have been recorded in various hosts throughout the world(1) Anderson, RC. 1978. “No.5. Keys to the genera of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea”. In CIH Keys to the Nematode Parasites of Vertebrates, Edited by: Anderson, RC, Chabaud, AG and Willmott, S. 3–4. Wallingford: CAB International.  [Google Scholar]. In New Zealand, the only known species is Filaroides (= Oslerus) osleri, which occurs in wart-like nodules near the bifurcation of the trachea of the dog(2) Jones, BR, Clark, WT, Collins, GH and Johnstone, AC. 1977. Filuroides osleri in a dog. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 25: 103–104. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar].     

紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦混贮发酵品质和营养成分分析

以新鲜及晾晒后的紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦为原料,分别设计紫花苜蓿单贮、裸燕麦单贮、裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=1∶1、裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1及裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=1∶2混贮等5个处理,青贮60 d后,对其感官评分、发酵品质和营养成分等进行分析。结果表明,鲜贮苜蓿在感官评定、V-Score及Kaiser评价体系中表现一般,而晾晒及混合青贮各处理组均能不同程度提高青贮评分。晾晒和混合青贮对发酵品质产生影响,两者显著或极显著降低pH值、 PA(丙酸)、AA(乙酸)、BA(丁酸)和AN/TN(氨态氮/总氮)含量(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),显著或极显著升高LA(乳酸)含量(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),其中以裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1降低或升高最明显。晾晒对青贮饲料的干物质、可溶性碳水化合物及粗灰分含量具有显著或极显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),对其他养分含量影响不大(P>0.05)。混合比例对青贮饲料的所有发酵项目均有极显著影响(P＜0.01),对粗蛋白质、可溶性碳水化合物及中性洗涤纤维含量具有显著或极显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),对其他养分指标影响不显著(P>0.05)。晾晒和混合青贮的交互作用可显著提高青贮饲料的发酵品质,但对养分含量影响不明显。因此,从青贮后感官评价、发酵品质及养分含量来看,紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦混合青贮品质优于单独青贮,且晾晒相对于鲜贮更易于青贮,而无论晾晒和鲜贮,当裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1时,青贮品质均优于其他各组。     

Intraocular pressure in normal llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Lama pacos)

Objective: To determine the mean intraocular pressure in llamas ( Lama glama ) and alpacas ( Lama pacos ) using applanation tonometry. Animals studied: Ten llamas and 10 alpacas. Procedures: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Tono-Pen™ XL (Mentor Ophthalmics, Inc., Norwell, MA, USA). Three values, with 5% variance, were recorded for each eye. Least-squares means were determined for IOP for each eye of llamas and alpacas. Controlling for age, differences between left and right eye were analyzed using anova . Two age groups were established, less than 5 years and greater than 5 years. The effect of age on IOP within each group was analyzed by linear regression. Probability values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Comparison of mean IOP between right ( n  = 20) and left eyes ( n  = 20), independent of species type, showed no differences in IOPs for llamas and alpacas. Mean IOP declined with increasing age in llamas and alpacas. Mean IOPs for 20 eyes in 10 llamas was 16.96 ± 3.51 mmHg. Mean IOP for 20 eyes in 10 alpacas was 16.14 ± 3.74 mmHg. Mean IOP for all eyes ( n  = 40), independent of species, was 16.55 ± 3.55 mmHg. The range of IOP in normal llamas and alpacas within 2 SD (95% of the population) was 14.89±18.21 mmHg. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in IOP between alpacas and llamas. Mean IOP in both species decreased with increased age.     

Body condition scoring (BCS) in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and comparison to pre-existing body condition index (BCI) for snakes

In the veterinary profession, the body condition score (BCS) plays an important role in the assessment of patients. It is a subjective, tactile method of evaluating body fat and muscle mass and is used in numerous species. Recognizing obesity (or the contrary, emaciation) is important for veterinarians treating reptiles and could be facilitated by a BCS. An existing form of body condition assessment already used is the body condition index (BCI), where the residuals from a regression of body mass on body length are calculated. Therefore, the goal of this study was to provide practitioners with a BCS system for corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and to test it against the BCI. A total of 22 corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus), stationed at the “Auffangstation für Reptilien” in Munich (reptile rescue centre, RRC), were subject of this study. Each had the following measurements taken: body weight (BW), snout–tail tip length (STL), snout–vent length (SVL) and circumference in the middle (C). Manual palpation of spine, area between vertebral spinous and transverse process, ribs and neck of each snake was performed by three veterinarians and assigned to specific scores by each examiner. A BCS (mean of examiners’ scores) was given to each snake according to manual palpation. The BCS system was chosen to be out of 5 in 0.5-point steps with 2.5 considered as ideal BCS. In the studied snakes, the BCS ranged from 1.5 to 3.5, with a median of 2.5. The median BW was 309 g (75–967 g), the median STL was 123 cm (79–153 cm), the median SVL was 104 cm (73–133 cm) and the median C was 7.5 cm (4.3–11 cm). BCS and BCI were positively correlated. A BCS includes a manual palpation of the animal and thus gives the examiner additional information to the objectively measured/calculated index.     

Differences in copper and selenium metabolism between Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle

A 2-yr study was conducted at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida – Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) (Ona, FL), to evaluate differences in the metabolism of Cu and Se of Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. Thirty-two pregnant beef cows (n = 8 Brahman and 8 Angus/yr) were enrolled in the study in the first trimester of gestation. This study consisted of three phases: 1) restriction (day 0 to 90), 2) supplementation (day 91 to 150), and 3) calving. During all three phases, cows were individually fed and housed in partially covered drylot pens. During the restriction and supplementation phases, cows were provided a 1.5 kg/d of a grain-based concentrate supplement, which was fortified with flowers of S (50 g of supplemental S/cow daily; restriction phase) or Cu and Se (100 and 3 mg/d of Cu and Se, respectively; supplementation phase). Blood and liver samples were collected from all cows at 30 d intervals and from both cows and calves within 24 h of calving. Colostrum and milk samples were collected at calving and 7 d after birth. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, where cow and calf were the experimental unit. During the restriction phase, a breed × day effect (P = 0.03) was observed where Brahman had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus cows in all sampling days. For liver Se concentration, a tendency (P = 0.07) for a breed effect was observed where Angus cows tended to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman. During the supplementation phase, breed (P < 0.001) and day (P < 0.01) effects were observed, where Brahman cows had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus. For liver Se concentration, a day effect (P < 0.001) was observed, where liver Se concentration increased (P < 0.001) from day 90 to 120 and remained unchanged (P = 0.86) until day 150. At calving, no effects of breed (P = 0.34) were observed for liver Cu concentration of cows; however, Brahman calves tended (P = 0.09) to have greater liver Cu concentration than Angus calves. For Se liver concentration at calving, Angus cows tended (P = 0.07) to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman cows; however, no breed differences (P = 0.70) were observed for liver Se concentration of calves at birth. In summary, substantial differences in multiple indicators of Cu and Se status were observed between Angus and Brahman cattle, implying that Angus and Brahman cattle possibly have different mechanisms to maintain adequate Cu and Se status.     

Characteristics of prolactin-releasing response to salsolinol (SAL) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in ruminants

The secretion of prolactin (PRL) is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and inhibited by dopamine (DA). However, we have recently demonstrated that salsolinol (SAL), a DA-derived endogenous compound, is able to stimulate the release of PRL in ruminants. The aims of the present study were to compare the characteristics of the PRL-releasing response to SAL and TRH, and examine the relation between the effects that SAL and DA exert on the secretion of PRL in ruminants in vivo and in vitro. Three consecutive intravenous (i.v.) injections of SAL (5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.): 19.2 μmol/kg b.w.) or TRH (1 μg/kg b.w.: 2.8 nmol/kg b.w.) at 2-h intervals increased plasma PRL levels after each injection in goats (P < 0.05); however, the responses to SAL were different from those to TRH. There were no significant differences in each peak value between the groups. The rate of decrease in PRL levels following the peak was attenuated in SAL-treated compare to TRH-treated animals (P < 0.05). PRL-releasing responses to SAL were similar to those to sulpiride (a DA receptor antagonist, 0.1 mg/kg b.w.: 293.3 nmol/kg b.w.). In cultured bovine anterior pituitary (AP) cells, TRH (10⁻⁸ M) significantly increased the release of PRL following both 15- and 30-min incubation periods (P < 0.05), but SAL (10⁻⁶ M) did not increase the release during the same periods. DA (10⁻⁶ M) completely blocked the TRH-induced release of PRL for a 2-h incubation period in the AP cells (P < 0.05). Sulpiride (10⁻⁶ M) reversed this inhibitory effect but SAL (10⁻⁶ M) did not have any influence on the action of DA. These results show that the mechanism(s) by which SAL releases PRL is different from the mechanism of action of TRH. Furthermore, they also show that the secretion of PRL is under the inhibitory control of DA, and SAL does not antagonize the DA receptor's action.     

Butylhydroxyanisol (BHA), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin (EMQ) tested for mutagenicity.

The antioxydants butylhydroxyanisol (BHA), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin (EMQ) were tested for mutagenicity in the so-called “Ames test”. The test was performed with and without the addition of microsomal mixed function oxidase system from rat liver. The compounds were found not to be mutagenic in this test. At high concentration of BHA and EMQ toxic effects on the growth of the bacteria were observed.     

Respiratory Characteristics of the Blood of Labeo Umbratus (SMITH) and Labeo Capensis (Smith)

Various respiratory characteristics of mudfish blood were investigated. Oxygen and carbon dioxide contents of mixed venous blood were 1,17±0,53 and 11,35±1,65 vol. % respectively. Blood oxygen dissociation curves showed P₅₀ values of 11,84±3,1; 13,77±2,0 and 18,05±4,7 mm Hg at CO₂, concentrations of 0-1%, 4-5% and 9-10%. A marked Bohr effect of —0,59 was observed and the Haldane effect was found to be relatively low. No differences could be observed between the characteristics of L. umbratus and L. capensis blood.     

Drinking preferences in chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger), degus (Octodon degu) and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger), degus (Octodon degus) and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are South American rodents living in a semi‐arid habitat with varying, species‐specific adaptations to water deprivation. Nonetheless, several diseases have been linked to insufficient water intake when these species are kept as pets, such as urolithiasis or obstipation. This study evaluated preferences for drinking systems. Six animals of each species were given a choice between an open dish and a nipple drinker. Food intake and water intake were measured daily for 13 days. Chinchillas in this study had significantly lower water intakes than the other two species, indicating particular species‐specific adaptations to aridity. All chinchillas favoured open dishes, whereas the degus and guinea pigs had variable individual preferences. Water intake of chinchillas was similar or higher in this study than in previous studies where nipple drinkers were used. The results indicate that degus and guinea pigs can meet their drinking water needs with nipple drinkers; for chinchillas, other drinking systems may be more adequate.