Role of nutraceuticals during the transition period of dairy cows: a review

The transition period of dairy cattle is characterized by a number of metabolic, endocrine, physiologic, and immune adaptations, including the occurrence of negative energy balance, hypocalcemia, liver dysfunction, overt systemic inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status. The degree and length of time during which these systems remain out of balance could render cows more susceptible to disease, poor reproductive outcomes, and less efficient for milk production and quality. Studies on both monogastrics and ruminants have reported the health benefits of nutraceuticals(e.g. probiotics, prebiotics, dietary lipids, functional peptides, phytoextracts) beyond nutritional value, interacting at different levels of the animal's physiology. From a physiological standpoint, it seems unrealistic to disregard any systemic inflammatory processes. However, an alternate approach is to modulate the inflammatory process per se and to resolve the systemic response as quickly as possible.To this aim, a growing body of literature underscores the efficacy of nutraceuticals(active compounds) during the critical phase of the transition period. Supplementation of essential fatty acids throughout a 2-month period(i.e. a month before and a month after calving) successfully attenuates the inflammatory status with a quicker resolution of phenomenon. In this context, the inflammatory and immune response scenario has been recognized to be targeted by the beneficial effect of methyl donors, such as methionine and choline, directly and indirectly modulating such response with the increase of antioxidants GSH and taurine. Indirectly by the establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal tract, yeast and yeast-based products showed to modulate the immune response, mitigating negative effects associated with parturition stress and consequent disorders.The use of phytoproducts has garnered high interest because of their wide range of actions on multiple tissue targets encompassing a series of antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immune-stimulating, rumen fermentation, and microbial modulation effects. In this review, we provide perspectives on investigations of regulating the immune responses and metabolism using several nutraceuticals in the periparturient cow.     

Precision grazing management of grassland: Concept,theory, technology and paradigm北大核心CSCD

With the development of human understanding of the multi-functionality of grassland, coupled with the increasing demand for grassland ecological services, animal production and pastoral living, it is necessary to update the concept of grassland management, develop higher level livestock grazing and feeding technology based on multidisciplinary theories, and establish a more effective grassland grazing management paradigm. This study considers both the background and characteristics of the grassland resources and modern multi-dimensional social demands, and develops the concept of precise grassland grazing management which encompasses the versatility and stability of the grassland ecosystem and sustainability as the goal and the use of grassland science, animal science, ecology and other multi-disciplinary theories, based on the habitat conditions, especially the vegetation characteristics, livestock classes and their requirements, and livestock-vegetation interactions. Through multi-dimensional, effective and directional regulation of the livestock grazing process, the grassland management and utilization paradigm of synergistic balance between production and ecological functions can be finally realized. Also, the concepts and connotations of precise grazing and its relevant theoretical bases are systematically explained, including the plant compensatory growth mechanism, the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, the theory of diversifying grazing livestock, mechanisms of plant-animal interactions, nutrition regulation principles and versatility synergy. These concepts form a scientific basis for the regulation of grazing pressure and livestock assembly. In conjunction with this coverage, the key points in precision grazing are reviewed, such as dynamic optimal stocking rate(threshold), mixed grazing(species and proportion), remote sensing information options(satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle monitoring, large scale data processing)and other related supporting technologies. Finally, the authors sum up the concept of grassland multifunctionality as a goal of “combining productive function and ecological service in a win-win manner”, so providing a precise grazing management paradigm. This approach provides a principle for the integration of natural grassland grazing, grassland grazing with supplementary feeding, and drylot feeding, reflecting region-wide whole industry regulation of livestock grazing pressure/assembly and provision for animal nutrition, while aiming for grassland grazing systems to achieve an overall “livestock-vegetation balance”. Such a system will generate high quality animal products and sustainable ecological services. Precise grazing management of grassland is advanced, practical and extensive, and therefore is a desirable choice for future grassland management with great potential and prospect. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

Background: Clostridium perfringens is the main etiological agent of necrotic enteritis. Lactobacil i show beneficial effects on intestinal health in infectious disease, but the protective functions of lactobacil i in C. perfringens-infected chickens are scarcely described. This study examined the effects of Lactobacil us acidophilus(L. acidophilus) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens chal enged with Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) over a 28-day period. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, a total of 308 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were included to investigate the effects of Lactobacil us acidophilus(L. acidophilus) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens chal enged with Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) during a 28-day trial.Results: During infection(d 14–21), C. perfringens challenge decreased the average daily gain(P 0.05), and increased feed conversion ratio and the mortality rate(P 0.05). However, dietary supplementation with L. acidophilus increased the body weight of C. perfringens-infected broilers on d 21(P 0.05), and tended to decrease the mortality(P = 0.061).C. perfringens challenge decreased the villus height(P 0.05), the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P 0.05) and OCLN(occludin) m RNA expression(P 0.05), and increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the spleen and jejunum, the intestinal populations of C. perfringens and Escherichia(P 0.05), and the serum content of endotoxin(P 0.05), regardless of L. acidophilus supplementation. In contrast, dietary L. acidophilus reducedthe intestinal lesion score of challenged broilers(P 0.05), the m RNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ileal populations of Escherichia and serum endotoxin content(P 0.05), but increased the intestinal Lactobacillus populations(P 0.05),irrespective of C. perfringens challenge.Conclusion: Dietary addition of L. acidophilus could improve the intestinal health and reduce the mortality of broilers suffering from necrotic enteritis.     

Protein profiles of enzymatically isolated rumen epithelium in sheep fed a fibrous diet

Background: The rumen wall plays a major role in efficient transfer of digested nutrients in the rumen to peripheral tissues through the portal venous system. Some of these substrates are metabolised in the epithelium during this process. To identify the specific proteins involved in these processes, we used proteomic technologies. Protein extracts were prepared from ventral rumen tissue of six sheep fed a fibrous diet at 1.5× maintenance energy requirements.Using a newly developed method, we were able to enzymatically isolate the epithelial cells from underlying tissue layers, thus allowing cytosol and membrane fractions to be independently analysed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC MS/MS).Results: Using our procedure we identified 570 epithelial proteins in the Ovis aries sequence database. Subcellular locations were largely cytosolic(n = 221) and extracellular(n = 85). However, a quarter of the proteins identified were assigned to the plasma membrane or organelle membranes, some of which transport nutrients and metabolites. Of these 91 were transmembrane proteins(TMHMM), 27 had an N-terminal signal peptide(signalP) and TMHMM motif,13 had a glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor and signalP sequence, 67 had beta(β) strands or 17 β strands and a transit peptide sequence, indicating the identified proteins were integral or peripheral membrane proteins. Subunits of the 5 protein complexes involved in mitochondrial cellular energy production were well represented. Structural proteins(15%), proteins involved in the metabolism of lipids and proteins(26%) and those with steroid or cytokine action were a feature of the proteome.Conclusion: Our research has developed a procedure to isolate rumen epithelium proteins from the underlying tissue layers so that they may be profiled using proteomic technologies. The approach improves the number of proteins that can be profiled that are specific to the epithelium of the rumen wall. It provides new insights into the proteins of structural and nutritional importance in the rumen epithelium, that carry out nutrient transport and metabolism, cell growth and signalling.     

Effects of quantitative feed restriction and sex on carcass traits,meat quality and meat lipid profile of Morada Nova lambs

Background: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction(FR) and sex on the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Thirty-five animals with an initial body weight of 14.5 ± 0.89 kg and age of 120 d were used in a completely randomized study with a 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three sexes(11 entire males, 12 castrated males and 12 females) and three levels of feeding(ad libitum – AL and 30% and 60% FR).Results: Entire males presented greater hot and cold carcass weights(P 0.05), followed by castrated males and females. However, the hot carcass yield was higher for females and castrated males than for entire males. Luminosity values were influenced(P 0.05) by sex, with entire males presenting higher values than castrated males and females.Females showed higher(P 0.05) concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in the meat of the longissimus thoracis muscle. The meat of animals submitted to AL intake and 30% FR showed similar(P 0.05) concentrations, and the concentrations of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher(P 0.05) than those of animals with 60% FR. The meat of females had a higher ω6/ω3 ratio and lower h/H ratio, and females had greater levels of feeding. The meat of animals on the 60% FR diet had a greater ω6/ω3 ratio, lower h/H ratio and lower concentration of desirable fatty acids in addition to a greater atherogenicity index(AI) and thrombogenicity index(TI).Conclusion: Lambs of different sexes had carcasses with different quantitative traits without total influence on the chemical and physical meat characteristics. The lipid profile of the meat was less favorable to consumer health when the animals were female or submitted to 60% feed restriction.     

Uterine biology in pigs and sheep

There is a dialogue between the developing conceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placental membranes) and maternal uterus which must be established during the peri-implantation period for pregnancy recognition signaling, implantation, regulation of gene expression by uterine epithelial and stromal cells, placentation and exchange of nutrients and gases. The uterus provide a microenvironment in which molecules secreted by uterine epithelia or transported into the uterine lumen represent histotroph required for growth and development of the conceptus and receptivity of the uterus to implantation. Pregnancy recognition signaling mechanisms sustain the functional lifespan of the corpora lutea (CL) which produce progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy essential for uterine functions that support implantation and placentation required for a successful outcome of pregnancy. It is within the peri-implantation period that most embryonic deaths occur due to deficiencies attributed to uterine functions or failure of the conceptus to develop appropriately, signal pregnancy recognition and/or undergo implantation and placentation. With proper placentation, the fetal fluids and fetal membranes each have unique functions to ensure hematotrophic and histotrophic nutrition in support of growth and development of the fetus. The endocrine status of the pregnant female and her nutritional status are critical for successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. This review addresses the complexity of key mechanisms that are characteristic of successful reproduction in sheep and pigs and gaps in knowledge that must be the subject of research in order to enhance fertility and reproductive health of livestock species.     

Effects of corn gluten feed inclusion at graded levels in a corn-soybean diet on the ileal and fecal digestibility of growing pigs

Background:This study aimed to determine the effect of the inclusion of com gluten feed(CGF) on the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids and the apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of energy in growing pigs.The study was performed using 16 barrows(weight,45.3 ± 4.5 kg) that were fitted with a T cannula at the terminal ileum.There were four treatments:a corn-soybean diet without CGF and three corn-soybean diets containing increasing levels of CGF(65,130,and 195 g/kg).Data were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design,four blocks with four pigs each(one pig per treatment).The trend of the response(linear or quadratic) was determined using orthogonal contrasts,and when a linear effect was determined,a linear equation was obtained.Results:The results showed that the inclusion up to 195 g/kg of CGF in the corn-soybean diet did not diminish the ileal digestibility(apparent and standardized) of protein and amino acids(P 0.05),except that of phenylalanine,cystine,and proline.A linear decrease(P 0.05) per gram of CGF added to the diet in the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of phenylalanine(0.011 and 0.015 percentage units,respectively),cystine(0.048 and 0.043 percentage units,respectively),and proline(0.045 and 0.047 percentage units,respectively) was noted.Similarly,ileal digestibility of dry matter and energy were adversely affected(reduced by 0.028 and 0.025 percentage units,respectively,per gram of CGF increment in the diet).A significant(P 0.05) linear reduction in total tract digestibility with increase in CGF amount in the diet was observed for energy(0.027 percentage units),dry matter(0.027 percentage units),crude protein(0.020 percentage units),and neutral detergent fiber(0.041 percentage units) per gram of CGF added to the diet.Conclusion:CGF did not affect the ileal digestibility of protein and most amino acids but reduced the ileal and total tract digestibility of energy.     

Endometrial response to conceptus-derived estrogen and interleukin-1β at the time of implantation in pigs

The establishment of pregnancy is a complex process that requires a well-coordinated interaction between the implanting conceptus and the maternal uterus. In pigs, the conceptus undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes at the time of implantation and introduces various factors, including estrogens and cytokines,interleukin-1β2(IL1 B2), interferon-γ(IFNG), and IFN-δ(IFND), into the uterine lumen. In response to ovarian steroid hormones and conceptus-derived factors, the uterine endometrium becomes receptive to the implanting conceptus by changing its expression of cell adhesion molecules, secretory activity, and immune response. Conceptus-derived estrogens act as a signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy by changing the direction of prostaglandin(PG) F2αfrom the uterine vasculature to the uterine lumen. Estrogens also induce the expression of many endometrial genes,including genes related to growth factors, the synthesis and transport of PGs, and immunity. IL1 B2, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is produced by the elongating conceptus. The direct effect of IL1 B2 on endometrial function is not fully understood. IL1 B activates the expression of endometrial genes, including the genes involved in IL1 B signaling and PG synthesis and transport. In addition, estrogen or IL1 B stimulates endometrial expression of IFN signaling molecules,suggesting that estrogen and IL1 B act cooperatively in priming the endometrial function of conceptus-produced IFNG and IFND that, in turn, modulate endometrial immune response during early pregnancy. This review addresses information about maternal-conceptus interactions with respect to endometrial gene expression in response to conceptus-derived factors, focusing on the roles of estrogen and IL1 B during early pregnancy in pigs.     

Beneficial effects of a decreased meal frequency on nutrient utilization,secretion of luteinizing hormones and ovarian follicular development in gilts

Background: Replacement gilts are typically fed ad libitum, whereas emerging evidence from human and rodent studies has revealed that time-restricted access to food has health benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of meal frequency on the metabolic status and ovarian follicular development in gilts.Methods: A total of 36 gilts(Landrace × Yorkshire) with an age of 150±3 d and a body weight of 77.6±3.8 kg were randomly allocated into one of three groups(n = 12 in each group), and based on the group allocation, the gilts were fed at a frequency of one meal(T1), two meals(T2), or six meals per day(T6) for 14 consecutive weeks. The effects of the meal frequency on growth preference, nutrient utilization, short-chain fatty acid production by gut microbial, the post-meal dynamics in the metabolic status, reproductive hormone secretions, and ovarian follicular development in the gilts were measured.Results: The gilts in the T1 group presented a higher average daily gain(+ 48 g/d, P 0.05) and a higher body weight(+ 4.9 kg, P 0.05) than those in the T6 group. The meal frequency had no effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, and gross energy, with the exception that the T1 gilts exhibited a greater NDF digestibility than the T6 gilts(P 0.05). The nitrogen balance analysis revealed that the T1 gilts presented decreased urine excretion of nitrogen(-8.17 g/d, P 0.05) and higher nitrogen retention(+ 9.81 g/d, P 0.05), and thus exhibited higher nitrogen utilization than the T6 gilts. The time-course dynamics of glucose, α-amino nitrogen, urea, lactate, and insulin levels in serum revealed that the T1 group exhibited higher utilization of nutrients after a meal than the T2 or T6 gilts. The T1 gilts also had a higher acetate content and SCFAs in feces than the T6 gilts(P 0.05). The age, body weight and backfat thickness of the gilts at first estrous expression were not affected by the meal frequency, but the gilts in the T1 group had higher levels of serum luteinizing hormone on the 18 th day of the 3 rd estrus cycle and 17β-estradiol, a larger number of growing follicles and corpora lutea, and higher mRNA expression levels of genes related to follicular development on the 19 th day of the 3 rd estrus cycle.Conclusions: The current findings revealed the benefits of a lower meal frequency equal feed intake on nutrient utilization and reproductive function in replacement gilts, and thus provide new insights into the nutritional strategy for replacement gilts, and the dietary pattern for other mammals, such as humans.     

Progress on the taxonomic classification of Medicago species北大核心CSCD

This review investigates the disordered status of the classification of Medicago genus,both domestically and internationally. Several definitions of a taxonomic species were considered and the names and characteristics of 13 Medicago species in China are reported,together with a detailed summary of the names,life forms,chromosome numbers,pollination methods and natural distribution of about 90 Medicago species worldwide,including the classification of 14 sections and 10 subsections in Medicago. The molecular evolutionary relationships between different species,and the geographical origin of Medicago are discussed,and the genetic relationships between different subspecies in the alfalfa complex are further explained. This study puts forward a method of identifying Medicago species on the basis of deep understanding of the concept of species. A wide collection of global Medicago germplasm resources,aiming to further clarify the evolutionary relationship among different sections and different species by molecular evolution methods is proposed. This review provides a reference framework for future Medicago classification and alfalfa cross breeding. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

鸡视顶盖后背侧部的纤维联系——HRP法研究

选用健康成年来航鸡9只,以20～30％HRP溶液作标记物,观察了视顶盖后背侧部的神经纤维联系。结果:在光镜下明视野视察,标记细胞出现在古纹状体后腹部、外侧螺旋核、视上交叉腹侧核、顶盖前核、峡核大细胞部和深中脑外侧核,在内侧螺旋核和视顶盖中央灰层偶见标记细胞;在腹外侧膝状体核、圆核、顶盖前顶盖下间置核、背外侧膝状体核、前顶盖下核、丘脑背外侧核、视顶盖室周纤维层以及中脑和延髓的网状结构等部位观察到标记终枝;同时观察到顶盖丘脑束中有标记纤维的横断像以及视上腹侧交叉和顶盖连合中有标记纤维。结果表明,视顶盖的纤维比较广泛,与端脑、间脑、中脑以及延髓都有联系,视上腹交叉是两眼间视觉信息交流的形态学基础。     

陕北白绒山羊繁育中心羊场绒山羊日粮的评价

试验选择陕北白绒山羊繁育中心羊场的成年健康母羊（怀孕前期）16只,育成母羊13只,育成公羊13只,空腹称重。测定每只羊1d的采食量,计算其摄入的营养成分含量,并与原苏联绒用山羊饲养标准比较,进行饲养水平评价。结果显示,与饲养标准比较,陕北白绒山羊繁育中心羊场的育成母羊代谢能高2．68MJ,粗蛋白低59．29g,钙低3．00g,磷低1．52g;育成公羊代谢能高3．47MJ,粗蛋白低81．92g,钙低4．42g,磷低2．62g;成年母羊代谢能高2．51MJ,粗蛋白低91．33g,钙低3．09g,磷低1．93g。结合羊的体况综合评价饲养水平基本合理,但尚需要按饲养标准增加粗蛋白、钙、磷等营养物质的供给量。     

Infection of the cartilages of the foot

Infection of the cartilages of the foot is an uncommon condition, occurring usually secondary to wounds just above the coronary band. Effective treatment relies on surgical debridement of necrotic cartilage, but following this the prognosis for complete recovery is good.     

Handbook of the Mammals of the World

Frugivores feed on fruits and nectars that contain different types of sugars in different proportions, which provide these animals with energy. Wahlberg’s epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi) has a high glucose intake irrespective of sugar concentration of nectar. It is not known how these bats regulate their blood plasma glucose concentrations in order to avoid the negative effects associated with hyperglycemia. Fruit bats have a high amount of sugar intake in a short period of time which could cause a glucose challenge and it is therefore necessary to determine whether these bats are able to regulate their blood plasma glucose concentrations within normal concentrations. This study investigated the diel variations in blood plasma glucose concentrations of E. wahlbergi. Epomophorus wahlbergi‘s blood plasma glucose concentration was lower (5.24 ± 0.38 mmol/l) at 18:00 before feeding and increased during/after feeding (8.19 ± 1.24 mmol/l) but bats appeared to regulate it within limits. Their range in concentrations was higher than the normal mammalian blood plasma glucose concentrations range. Consequently these bats appear to regulate their blood plasma glucose concentration, although at a range higher than normal mammalian levels, and thus reduce the negative consequences associated with hyperglycemia.     

犊牛腹泻与肠道菌群的变化

本文检测腹泻犊牛的直肠内8种主要正常菌群的变化,并与健康犊牛进行对比。结果发现,犊牛腹泻时,大肠杆菌、双岐杆菌和乳杆菌变化较大,而其它菌群变化较小。腹泻或将腹泻时,大肠杆菌数增加,双岐杆菌和乳杆菌数下降。腹泻康复或即将康复时,大肠杆菌减少,双岐杆菌、乳杆菌数增加。     

用关键年法分析家蚕原种微粒子病发病规律

根据广东省蚕种繁殖试验所 195 7～ 1997年原种微粒子病的发病率和相应年份的年均气温 ,利用统计假设检验法初步分析了原种微粒子病发生的关键年 (峰谷年 )的变化趋势及其与气温的关系。结果发现年平均气温对原种微粒子病发生有显著的影响 ;峰年前年的年平均气温明显高于历史平均水平 ;而低谷年前年的年平均气温明显低于历史平均水平。自 2 0世纪 80年代以来 ,微粒子病发病率偏高 ,平均气温亦显著偏高 ,可见气温是造成 10多年来原种微粒子病流行的原因之一。关键年法分析微粒子病发生的结果与生产实际基本吻合。     

古浪县北部荒漠草场改良过程中植被变化动态的研究

结合古浪县北部荒漠草场生态治理工程,在自由放牧、围栏封育和人工补播条件下,对退化草场的植物种类、植被盖度、生产力水平等进行了初步的调查研究。结果表明：1）随自由放牧时间的延长,草场植被盖度、生产力逐渐下降,植物种类逐渐减少;2）随围栏封育时间的延长,放牧压力减轻,草场植被盖度、生产力逐渐提高,物种丰富度增加;3）人工补播种草加快了草场的恢复演替速度。围栏封育和人工补播使草场植物群落优势种得到加强,沙蒿Artemisia desertorum,沙米Agriophyllum squarrosura,短花针茅Stipa breviflora大量生长,草场植被盖度和生产力大幅度提高,是恢复和改良退化草场的一条行之有效的途径。     

Observations on the Pathology of the Spleen of the Cat

Abstract— Lesions were found in the spleen of four of sixty-three cats examined post mortem in the department, and comprised two examples of lymphosarcoma, one of chronic fibrinous peritonitis and one of subcapsular haematoma. Abnormalities were found in two cat spleens received from veterinary surgeons in general practice. In one cat the abnormalities were an haemangiosarcoma with secondary deposits in the liver and in the other extensive mast cell infiltration. In addition lesions were detected in the spleen of three of eighty-seven cats examined post mortem in general practice. The lesions were: multiple secondary deposits of adenocarcinoma from a primary tumour of the mammary gland, a ruptured spleen and a foreign body below the splenic capsule. Résumé— L'examen microscopique de soixante-trois chats pratiqué dans le service a permis de rencontrer quatre fois des lésions de la rate, dont deux lymphosarcomes, une péritonite capsulaire fibrineuse et un hématome sous-capsulaire. D'autre part des lésions ont été trouvées dans deux rates de chat expédiées par des vétérinaires exerçant en pratiaue générale. Chez un chat il s'agissait d'un htmangiosarcome avec métastases hépatiques et chex l'autre d'une infilt ation diffuse par des mastocyta. De plus, on a rencontré des llésions dnas la rate de trois chats parmi quatre-vingt sept autopsies effectuées dans le cadre d'une clientèle génárale. Ces iésions étaient dés métastases multiples d'un adénocarcinome dont la tumeur primitive siègeait dam la glande mammaire, une rupture de la rate et un corps érangers sou capsulaire. Zusammenfassung— Läsionen der Milz wurden bei vier von dreiuiidsechzig in dieser hbteilung sezierten Katzen gefunden, und zwar in zwei Fällen ein Lymphosarkom, in einem Falle eine chron-ische fibrinöse Peritonitis und in einem ein subkapsuläres Hématom. Anomalien fanden sich auch in der Milz von zwei Katzen, die aus der tierxrztlichen Praxis eingesandt wurden. Bei der einen Katze war dies ein Hämangiosarkom mit Metastasen in der Leber, bei der anderen eine weitläufige Infiltration der Mastzellen. Außerdem wurden bei drei von siebenundachtzig in der Praxis sezierten Katzen Milzläsionen gefunden. Diese bestanden am multiplen Metastasen eines Adenokarzinoms der Brustdrüse, einer Milzzerreissung und einem Fremdkörper unterhalb der Milzkapsel.