仔猪胃肠道微生物菌群发育规律及功能研究

仔猪胃肠道正常的微生物菌群在营养、健康和免疫等方面发挥着重要作用。本文就仔猪胃肠道微生物菌群的发育规律及其功能等方面进行综述,为维持仔猪肠道菌群稳定和促进肠道菌群结构向有益方向发展提供理论基础。     

多形拟杆菌对仔猪肠道菌群的影响

多形拟杆菌在健康动物和人体的粪便中数量可达3.2×109cfu/g,是绝对的优势菌,多形拟杆菌在帮助宿主吸收多糖以及提高营养利用率、调控脂肪积累、加快肠道黏膜的血管形成和提高宿主的免疫力、维持肠道微生态平衡等方面均有着非常重要的作用。本实验从健康的猪肠道中分离多形拟杆菌,采用了生理生化实验进行鉴定。本文通过研究多形拟杆菌对仔猪肠道菌群的影响,对提升猪肉品质,增加猪肉瘦肉率和预防仔猪腹泻,维持仔猪肠道微生物态平衡有很大的借鉴意义。     

乳仔猪铁营养调控研究进展

乳仔猪阶段相比其他阶段更易发生肠道疾病，可能与机体铁营养状况有关。铁营养可能通过调控食糜菌群、屏障功能、绒毛发育和黏膜免疫进而影响肠道健康。由于新生仔猪机体铁储备不足、母乳铁含量较低、前期生长速度较快、一次性注射铁剂量较高等，在乳仔猪养殖中易出现阶段性缺铁或铁过量问题。因此，有必要重新审视乳仔猪铁营养调控对健康养殖的重要意义。本文根据有关乳仔猪铁营养研究报道并结合笔者应用试验，对“母仔一体化”补铁方案、新型铁源添加剂开发、铁吸收转运机制、补铁对肠道健康的影响四个方面进行综述，旨在为优化乳仔猪补铁方案提供参考。 [关键词]母仔一体化|有机铁|铁蛋白|吸收转运|肠道健康|乳仔猪     

猪肠道微生物菌群特征与营养调控

通过营养技术手段调控猪肠道菌群的结构和丰度、产生生物活性物质和降低肠道p H等路径有效改善肠道微生态环境,增加猪体免疫力,促进猪肠道对营养物质的吸收,提高生产性能以及改善猪胴体品质。文章综述了猪肠道微生物菌群的特性及营养调控路径,以期为通过营养技术手段改善猪肠道健康的深入研究和生产实践提供理论支持和方法借鉴。     

酵母培养物在断奶仔猪上的应用效果

仔猪断奶是养猪生产过程中很关键的一个环节,断奶给小猪在同一时间带来了多方面的应激,从而影响胃肠道健康。肠道健康是保证动物生产性能和健康的一个重要决定因素。断奶后肠道菌群的数量、组成和多样性受到众多相关联因素的影响,比如营养(抗生素、不同的饲料添加剂、原料等)、消化性、环境(内和外)、疾病(临床和亚临床)、应激等。仔猪断奶后支持其生长速度达到最佳的一些方案包括:最大化采食量和日粮消化率,不损伤肠道健康;给肠道提供营养维持肠道壁的结构和吸收功能;稳定肠道菌群,最小化非有益菌的增殖;促进仔猪免疫系统的发育。如今,营养性添加剂成为一种最大化采食量和最终优化性能的可靠方案。全发酵的酵母培养物是包含无活性酵母细胞和代谢产物的复杂产品。许多研究表明,饲料中添加酵母培养物对反刍动物和猪有益,可以改善动物的生长速度、产奶量、氮平衡和营养素的消化。本文作者综述了饲料中添加酵母培养物对断奶仔猪生长性能、养分消化率、血液生化指标和肠道健康的影响。     

莱芜仔猪肠道菌群组成初步分析

猪的肠道菌群组成与种类及健康状态密切相关,研究健康、品种优良的猪的肠道菌群组成对于养猪业的发展具有积极意义。本研究采用16SrRNA高通量测序方法对10日龄莱芜哺乳仔猪腹泻仔猪的粪便进行测序分析。结果显示,健康仔猪共有优势菌门为厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）、变形菌门（Proteobacteria）和拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes）,共有优势菌属为乳杆菌属（Lactobacillus）;腹泻仔猪共有优势菌门为厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）、拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes）,共有优势菌属为乳杆菌属（Lactobacillus）。此外,两组比较,Lactobacillus、Escherichia-Shigella、Prevotella＿9、Fusobacterium、Prevotellaceae属在腹泻仔猪组丰度水平高,而Acinetobacter、Jeotgalibaca、Treponema＿2、Psychrobacter属在健康仔猪组丰度水平高。本研究结果为莱芜猪肠道菌群多样性研究提供基础数据,并为后期调节肠道菌群、促进猪的健康成长提供参考依据。     

脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇对仔猪肠道健康影响的研究进展

猪对脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇(DON)的敏感性明显高于其他动物,其肠道是接触和吸收DON的主要场所。仔猪由于肠道发育尚未完善,容易受到DON污染引起肠道上皮细胞凋亡,促使肠道自由基和促炎性细胞因子分泌增加,破坏紧密连接蛋白,导致肠道形态结构和屏障功能损伤,打破肠道微生物区系平衡,从而影响仔猪肠道健康和正常生长。本文将围绕肠道形态结构、肠道屏障、肠道微生物、肠道黏膜免疫和肠道氧化应激等方面对近年来有关DON影响仔猪肠道健康的研究进行综述,以期为饲料中DON污染的防治措施以及仔猪肠道健康的营养调控提供科学依据。     

猪肠道微生物组成、影响因素及其对重要经济性状的影响研究进展

肠道微生物在调节宿主生理机能、代谢和免疫功能等方面发挥着非常重要的作用,是影响猪健康和重要经济性状表型的重要因素之一。近年来,人们对猪肠道微生物的研究和了解越来越深入,了解猪肠道微生物组成将有助于为从肠道菌群方向入手改善猪群健康和提高生产性能提供参考。作者首先综述了不同发育阶段、不同肠道部位以及主要商品猪和中国地方猪肠道核心菌群组成;其次系统总结了宿主遗传背景、饲粮种类、性别、环境以及抗生素、益生菌和饲料添加剂使用等因素对猪肠道微生物组成的影响;最后概述了猪肠道微生物主要功能及其对饲料利用率、脂肪沉积、宿主行为和免疫炎症等方面的影响。     

低蛋白质氨基酸平衡饲粮对猪肠道健康影响的研究进展

肠道不仅是动物消化吸收的重要器官,也是重要的免疫和内分泌器官。饲粮蛋白质及其消化产物可以通过对胃肠道激素、微生物菌群和相关基因的调控来影响猪的肠道健康,而低蛋白质氨基酸平衡饲粮可有效缓解断奶仔猪腹泻,对肠道健康和功能具有重要作用。本文综述了低蛋白质氨基酸平衡饲粮对猪肠道屏障、消化吸收功能和抗氧化能力等方面的影响,并探讨了可能的作用机制,旨在为低蛋白质氨基酸平衡饲粮在养猪生产中的应用提供依据。     

有机酸对猪肠道菌群的调节作用及其抑菌机制研究进展

肠道菌群平衡与动物机体健康及生长发育密切相关,有机酸(organic acid, OA)作为一种绿色安全的功能性饲料添加剂,对动物具有抑菌、促消化、调节菌群平衡等作用。随着饲料产业的不断发展,OA已从饲料酸化、防腐、防霉逐渐向制剂化、动物生长促进剂和替抗产品转变,已成为畜牧行业广泛使用的一种功能性添加剂。笔者综述了猪肠道菌群的形成和分布,OA调节猪肠道菌群的组成结构和多样性及其对肠道菌群代谢产物产生和肠道免疫反应等方面的影响,并对其调控猪肠道菌群的作用机制进行探讨,旨在进一步揭示OA与肠道菌群的相互影响机制,为促进猪肠道健康与OA的合理利用提供借鉴。     

Effect of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on rumen fermentation and metabolic profile of dairy cows in early lactation

The study evaluated dietary supplementation with live yeast (LY) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CNCM I‐4407, 10¹⁰ CFU/g, Actisaf; Phileo Lesaffre Animal Care, France) on rumen fermentation and serum metabolic profile in lactating dairy cows. Fifty Holstein cows received a total mixed ration with (Live Yeast Diet, LYD, n = 25) or without (Control Diet, CD, n = 25) 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/cow/day of LY from 3 to 19 weeks of lactation. Rumen fermentation and serum metabolic profile were measured in eight cows per treatment at 3, 7, 11, 15, 19 weeks post‐partum. LYD showed an increased daily milk yield (+4%) over CD (p < 0.05). Mean rumen pH at 4 hr after morning meal was higher in LYD (6.59) than CD (6.32) (p < 0.01). Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate molar proportion were higher in LYD (114.24 mM; 25.04%) than CD (106.47 mM; 24.73%) (p < 0.05). Propionate and butyrate molar proportions, acetate to propionate ratio, ammonia levels did not differ between LYD and CD. Ruminal lactate was lower in LYD than CD (9.3 vs. 16.4 mM) (p < 0.001), with a 53% decrease in LYD. During peak lactation, LYD had lower serum NEFA (p < 0.05, 0.40 vs. 0.48 mM) and BHBA (p < 0.01, 0.47 vs. 0.58 mM) than CD, lower liver enzyme activities (AST 1.39 vs. 1.54 ukat/L) (p < 0.05). Serum glucose was higher in LYD at peak lactation (3.22 vs. 3.12 mM, and 3.32 vs. 3.16 mM respectively) (p < 0.05). The results confirmed a reducing effect of LY on lactate accumulation in rumen fluid, associated with an increase in rumen pH. Lower serum levels of lipomobilization markers, liver enzyme activities and higher glucose levels may suggest that live yeast slightly mitigated negative energy balance and had a certain liver protective effect.     

Genetic and phenotypic parameters of milk yield, milk composition and age at first kidding in Saanen goats from Mexico

A total of 4007 lactation records from 1520 Saanen goats kidding from 1999 to 2006 and obtained from 10 herds in Guanajuato, Mexico, were analyzed to estimate the heritabilities, repeatabilities, as well as genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlations for milk yield (MILK), fat yield (FAT), protein yield (PROT), fat content (%FAT), protein content (%PROT) and age at fist kidding (AFK). A five-trait repeatability model was used to estimate (co)variances for milk traits, and a four-trait animal model for first lactation records was used to estimate (co)variances involving AFK. For MILK, FAT, PROT, %FAT, %PROT and AFK, heritability estimates were 0.17 ± 0.04, 0.19 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.04, 0.32 ± 0.06, 0.38 ± 0.07 and 0.31 ± 0.09, respectively. Repeatabilities for MILK, FAT, PROT, %FAT and %PROT were 0.43 ± 0.02, 0.42 ± 0.02, 0.42 ±0.02, 0.64 ± 0.02, and 0.63 ± 0.02, respectively. The genetic correlations between MILK and FAT, and between MILK and PROT, were high and positive (0.72 ± 0.08 and 0.87 ± 0.04, respectively). Genetic correlations between MILK and %FAT, between MILK and %PROT and between MILK and AFK, were − 0.24 ± 0.16, − 0.30 ± 0.15 and − 0.18 ± 0.23, respectively. Genetic correlations between AFK and FAT and between AFK and PROT were − 0.09 ± 0.24 and − 0.17 ± 0.25, respectively; and genetic correlations between AFK and %FAT and between AFK and %PROT were 0.29 ± 0.35 and 0.14 ± 0.27, respectively. Selection for milk traits is possible using a repeatability animal model. Selection for milk production traits would probably not increase AFK, but more precise estimates of the genetic correlations are required. Selection to lower AFK is possible. These (co)variance estimates would make it possible to predict the selection responses from different economic indices in order to maximize the economic responses for the local markets.     

Endogenous ghrelin released in response to endothelin stimulates growth hormone secretion in cattle

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether circulating ghrelin and growth hormone (GH) concentrations in cattle are regulated by endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-3 (ET-3), and secretin. Six Holstein steers (242 ± 1 d old, 280.5 ± 4.4 kg body weight [BW]; mean ± SEM) were allocated randomly in an incomplete Latin square design to receive each of 4 treatment compounds (vehicle, ET-1, ET-3, and secretin) with 1-d intervals between successive treatments. The treatment compounds were injected intravenously via a catheter inserted into the external jugular vein of each steer. Blood was sampled from the indwelling catheter at -30, -15, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min. Plasma ghrelin and GH responses to the treatment compounds were measured by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay system. Data were analyzed by using a MIXED procedure of SAS, version 9.1. Plasma acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and GH concentrations were increased by both ET-1 and ET-3 injection (ET-1 injection: 311 ± 15 pg/mL vs 245 ± 15 pg/mL, 2.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL vs 1.61 ± 0.05 ng/mL, 4.73 ± 0.92 ng/mL vs 1.17 ± 0.09 ng/mL for acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and GH, respectively; ET-3 injection: 337 ± 27 pg/mL vs 245 ± 15 pg/mL, 2.6 ± 0.1 ng/mL vs 1.61 ± 0.05 ng/mL, 5.56 ± 0.97 ng/mL vs 1.17 ± 0.09 ng/mL for acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and GH, respectively; P < 0.01). Ghrelin and GH concentrations were not changed by secretin injection throughout the experimental periods. These results indicate that ET-1 and ET-3 stimulate ghrelin and GH secretion in cattle and demonstrate for the first time that endogenous ghrelin released in response to endothelin injection stimulates GH secretion in vivo in cattle.     

Characterization of d-Glucose Transport across Equine Jejunal Brush Border Membrane Using the Pig as an Efficient Model of Jejunal Glucose Uptake

To test the hypotheses that glucose transport capacity across the brush border membrane (BBM) of the large colon is lower than that of the small intestine in equids, and that small intestinal transport capacity in equids is lower than suids. d-glucose transport capacity (V_max) and affinity (K_M) across the BBM of the distal jejunum (DJ) and proximal large colon (PLC) of the pony and pig were measured. Mucosa was collected from the DJ and PLC of ponies (n = 4) and pigs (n = 3), flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80°C. Jejunal and colonic BBM vesicles were manufactured, and d-glucose transport was determined. There was no detectable active uptake of glucose in the equine PLC. Compared with the pig DJ, d-glucose transport capacity was lower (2595 ± 331 vs. 655 ± 286 ρmol·mg protein⁻¹·s⁻¹, respectively, P < .01) and transport affinity tended to be lower (0.09 ± 0.07 vs. 0.27 ± 0.06 mM, respectively, P = .11) in the pony DJ. Compared with the pig DJ, d-glucose transport capacity (2,595 ± 331 vs. 571 ± 331 ρmol·mg protein⁻¹·s⁻¹, respectively, P < .001) and transport affinity (0.09 ± 0.07 vs. 0.54 ± 0.07 mM, respectively, P < .001) in the pig PLC were lower. Results show there is negligible d-glucose uptake across pony PLC, and capacity for d-glucose absorption across DJ BBM is fourfold lower in the pony compared with the pig. Results further exemplify, at a physiological level, the limited capacity of the equid small intestine to transport glucose relative to an omnivorous mammal, and the likely evolutionary adaptation of equids to low dietary levels of nonstructural carbohydrates.     

Genetic parameters for body weights,egg traits and antibody response against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine among two Tanzania chicken ecotypes

Genetic parameters were estimated for production traits and primary antibody response (Ab) against Newcastle diseases virus (NDV) vaccine among two Tanzania chicken ecotypes viz. Kuchi and Tanzania Medium (Medium). Production traits studied were body weights at 8 (Bwt8), 12(Bwt12), 16(Bwt16), and 20 (Bwt20) weeks of age, age at first egg (AFE), egg number in the first 90 days after sexual maturity (EN-90), egg weight (EW), egg shell thickness (STH), and egg shape index (ESI). Heritability estimates for Bwt8, Bwt12, Bwt16, Bwt20, AFE, EN-90, EW, STH, ESI and Ab for Kuchi chicken were 0.38 ± 0.10, 0.41 ± 0.07, 0.44 ± 0.08, 0.45 ± 0.09, 0.42 ± 0.10, 0.31 ± 0.05, 0.43 ± 0.08, 0.53 ± 0.11, 0.48 ± 0.13 and 0.27 ± 0.06, respectively. Corresponding estimates for Medium ecotype were 0.39 ± 0.09, 0.43 ± 0.10, 0.42 ± 0.08, 0.43 ± 0.07, 0.52 ± 0.11, 0.32 ± 0.06, 0.50 ± 0.07, 0.61 ± 0.13, 0.52 ± 0.10 and 0.29 ± 0.05, respectively. Genetic (r _g) and phenotypic (r_p) correlations in both ecotypes were highest among body weights (i.e. r_g = 0.60 to 0.93 and r_p = 0.54 to 0.78), and were lowest (around 0.10 and below, ranging from positive to negative) among primary antibody response against NDV vaccine and production traits, and among eggshell thickness, egg shape index and other production traits. The magnitudes of heritability estimates obtained in this study indicate good prospects of improving these traits in both ecotypes through selection.     

Factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical environment

Follicle development and timing of ovulation are indicators of the reproductive performance of sows. The present study aimed to determine factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval (WOI) in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical climates with special emphasis on breed, parity and backfat thickness at weaning. In total, 80 sows were included in the study. Follicle development was determined by using transrectal real-time B-mode ultrasonography every 6 hr after standing oestrus. Weaning-to-oestrous interval (WEI), oestrous-to-ovulation interval (EOI), WOI and the diameter of graafian follicles were investigated in relation to breed, parity number (1, 2–3 and 4–7) and backfat thickness (low, moderate and high) of sows. Overall, WEI, EOI, WOI and the pre-ovulatory follicle diameter were 92.5 ± 21.6 hr, 64.3 ± 19.3 hr, 156.3 ± 29.1 hr and 10.3 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. Pre-ovulatory follicle size was smaller in primiparous sows compared with sows of greater parity, 4–7 (9.7 ± 0.51 and 11.7 ± 0.52 mm, respectively, p < .05). Weaning-to-ovulation interval was positively correlated with WEI (r = 0.75, p < .001) and EOI (r = 0.66, p < .001), but negatively correlated with size of the graafian follicle (r = –0.34, p < .01). Sows with a shorter WEI had a larger pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (at 64 hr after oestrus) (r = –0.37, p < .01). Sows with low backfat thickness had a WOI 23.4 hr longer than those with moderate backfat thickness (p < .05) and 17.6 hr longer than sows with a high backfat thickness (p = .140). The follicle diameter in primiparous sows with high backfat thickness (11.7 ± 1.1 mm) was higher than in those with low (8.9 ± 0.7 mm, p < .05) or moderate (8.6 ± 0.8, p < .05) backfat thickness. In conclusion, factors influencing follicle diameter and WOI in sows included parity number and backfat thickness at weaning. The impact of backfat thickness on follicle diameter, WEI and WOI was most pronounced in primiparous sows.     

Carcass tissue composition in light lambs: Influence of feeding system and prediction equations

Fourty-eight Churra Tensina single male lambs were used to evaluate the effect of different feeding systems on carcass composition and predict the carcass tissue composition from joint composition and carcass measurements. Four treatments were studied: GR, unweaned lambs continuously grazing with ewes; GR + S, the same as the previous group, but lambs had free access to concentrate; DRL-GRE, lambs remained indoors with free access to concentrate and ewes grazed for 8 h/day, thereafter remaining with lambs; and DRL, lambs and ewes were kept in confinement, they had free access to concentrate and dry unifeed respectively. In the DRL-GRE and DRL groups lambs were weaned when 45 days old. Lambs were slaughtered at 22–24 kg live weight. Commercial joints from the half left carcass were obtained, recorded and dissected to determine carcass tissue composition.The feeding system had an effect on the proportion of the carcass tissue composition. GR treatment showed higher muscle (M) (p < 0.05) and bone (B) (p < 0.001) percentages, and a lower total fat (F) percentage (p < 0.001) than the rest of treatments. Hence it revealed higher M/F (p < 0.01) and lower M/B (p < 0.05) and subcutaneous fat/intermuscular fat ratios (SF/IF; p < 0.001). Carcass composition predictions were more accurate for grams than for percentages. In predictions from joint composition, pelvic limb was the most accurate joint for grams (R² = 0.84, R² = 0.68, and R² = 0.77 for muscle, bone, and fat, respectively) as well as for percentage (R² = 0.65, R² = 0.56, and R² = 0.73 for muscle, bone, and fat, respectively). Predictions from carcass measurements were greater in muscle and fat grams (R² = 0.87 and R² = 0.86 for muscle and fat, respectively) than in percentage (R² = 0.58 and R² = 0.73 for muscle and fat, respectively). Equations to predict carcass tissue that include carcass measurements are a simple method to assess accurately saleable muscle yield from different lamb feeding systems without involving carcass damage.     

Pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin in sows

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of flunixin in 12 nonlactating sows following transdermal (TD) flunixin (3.33 mg/kg) and intravenous (IV; 2.20 mg/kg) flunixin meglumine (FM) administration using a crossover design with a 10‐day washout period. Blood samples were collected postadministration from sows receiving IV FM (3, 6, 10, 20, 40 min and 1, 3, 6, 12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hr) and from sows receiving TD flunixin (10, 20, 40 min and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hr). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to determine plasma flunixin concentrations, and noncompartmental methods were used for PK analysis. The geometric mean ± SD area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) following IV injection was 26,820.59 ± 9,033.88 and 511.83 ± 213.98 hr ng/ml for TD route. Mean initial plasma concentration (C₀) was 26,279.70 ± 3,610.00 ng/ml, and peak concentration (C_max) was 14.61 ± 7.85 ng/ml for IV and TD administration, respectively. The percent mean bioavailability of TD flunixin was 1.55 ± 1.00. Our results demonstrate that topical administration is not an efficient route for delivering flunixin in mature sows.     

Sleep and lying behavior of milking Holstein cows at commercial tie‐stall dairy farms

The aim of this study was to clarify cow's sleep behavior on farm and to examine the influence of some environment and management factors on cow's sleep. Total 85 behavior data (summer 41, autumn 44) were corrected from 12 commercial tie‐stall dairy farm in northern Tohoku area. Daily duration, bout frequency, and averaged bout duration of sleep and lying were measured. Even though there was no significant difference in any lying measurements, daily duration, bout frequency, and averaged bout duration of sleep was significantly different among farms (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). However, we could not find that any managements influence on sleep. There was significant seasonal difference in daily sleep duration (p < 0.01) and sleep bout frequency (p < 0.05). On the other hand, daily lying duration and averaged lying bout duration were significantly different between seasons (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Primiparous cows slept longer and more frequent than multiparous (both p < 0.001). Milk solid‐non‐fat content was positively correlated with daily sleep duration (p < 0.05) and bout frequency (p < 0.01). These results might imply the productive importance of sleep related with anabolic hormones release.     

Pharmacokinetics of tildipirosin in beagle dogs

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of tildipirosin (TD) in 24 beagle dogs following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration, respectively, at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg. Plasma samples at certain time points (0–14 days) were collected, and the concentrations of drug were quantified by UPLC‐MS/MS. Plasma concentration–time data and relevant parameters were described by noncompartmental through WinNonlin 6.4 software. After single i.m. injection at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg body weight, mean maximum concentration (C_max) was 412.73 ± 76.01, 1,051 ± 323, and 1,061 ± 352 ng/ml, respectively. Mean time to reach C_max was 0.36 ± 0.2, 0.08 ± 0.00, and 0.13 ± 0.07 hr after i.m. injection at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg, respectively. The mean value of T_1/2λz for i.m. administration at doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg was 71.39 ± 28.42, 91 .33 ± 50.02, and 96.43 ± 45.02 hr, respectively. The mean residence times were 63.81 ± 10.96, 35.83 ± 15.13, and 38.18 ± 16.77 hr for doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg, respectively. These pharmacokinetic characteristics after i.m. administration indicated that TD could be rapidly distributed into tissues on account of the high lipid solubility and then released into plasma. In addition, the absolute bioavailability of 2 mg/kg after i.m. injection was 112%. No adverse effects were observed after i.v. and i.m. administration.