日粮类型对仔猪复合酸化剂添加效果的影响

将28日龄断乳仔猪60头随机分为4组,Ⅰ组为纯植物日粮,Ⅲ组为高动物蛋白日粮,Ⅱ、Ⅳ组分别在Ⅰ、Ⅲ组的日粮基础上添加0.5%的复合酸。经28天饲喂,发现乳酸型复合酸在纯植物日粮中添加,能提高28.65%(P<0.01)的日增重与14.42%的饲料报酬,降低33.33%(P<0.05)的腹泻率;而在高动物蛋白日粮中添加,仅能提高13.77%(P<0.05)的日增重与7.65%的饲料报酬,降低26.67%(P>0.05)的腹泻率。     

植酸酶和磷酸氢钙对育肥猪生长性能和养分消化率的影响

采用体重75 kg的长白×大约克二元杂交阉公猪56头,随机分为4个处理,分别饲喂常磷日粮、低磷日粮、常磷加植酸酶日粮和低磷加植酸酶日粮。每个处理14个重复,每个重复1头,研究杂粕型日粮添加植酸酶(750 U/kg)和不添加磷酸氢钙对育肥猪的生产性能和养分消化率的影响。结果表明:低磷组比常磷组的采食量降低了5.04%(P<0.05),料重比增加了17.94%(P<0.01),日增重降低了19.80%(P<0.01),单位增重饲料成本增加了17.20%(P<0.01),磷表观消化率降低了10.16%(P<0.01),钙表观消化率降低了8.56%(P<0.05),粗蛋白表观消化率无显著变化(P>0.05);常磷加酶组比常磷组的采食量增加了2.97%(P>0.05),料重比增加了3.53%(P>0.05),日增重降低了1.70%(P>0.05),单位增重饲料成本增加了4.12%(P>0.05),磷表观消化率降低了3.46%(P>0.05),钙表观消化率降低了4.40%(P>0.05),粗蛋白表观消化率无显著变化(P>0.05);低磷加酶组比低磷组的采食量增加了7.50%(P<0.01),料重比降低了13.47%(P<0.01),日增重增加了24.30%(P<0.01),单位增重饲料成本降低了13.60%(P<0.01),磷表观消化率提高了42.09%(P<0.01),钙表观消化率提高了11.18%(P<0.01),粗蛋白表观消化率无显著变化(P>0.05);低磷加酶组(即无磷酸氢钙日粮加酶组)与常磷组相比采食量、日增重、料重比和单位增重饲料成本均差异不显著(P>0.05),磷表观消化率提高了27.66%(P<0.05),钙表观消化率提高了1.68%(P>0.05),粗蛋白表观消化率无显著变化(P>0.05)。结论:低磷日粮添加植酸酶可以提高猪生长性能,提高钙磷表观消化率,但对粗蛋白表观消化率无显著影响;常磷日粮添加植酸酶对猪的生长性能和养分表观消化率均无显著影响;不添加磷酸氢钙会降低猪的生长性能和钙磷的表观消化率。     

日粮添加啤酒酵母葡聚糖对生猪生产性能的影响

选择90头平均体重为8.65±1.12 kg 的杜×长×大三元杂交断奶仔猪(30±3 d),按照窝别或体重一致原则随机分为3个处理,分别为阴性对照组、试验组(50×10~(-6)葡聚糖)和阳性对照组(10×10~(-6)金霉素),每个处理3个重复,每个重复10头猪,公母各半,试验期为105 d。试验结果:试验组与阴性对照组相比,保育期、生长育肥期日均增重分别提高11.5%(P<0.01)、6.2%(P<0.05);日均采食量分别提高2.3%、2.7‰差异均不显著(P>0.05):饲料报酬分别提高8.7%(P<0.05)、3.5%(P>0.05);保育期腹泻率分别下降68.7%、71.3%差异极显著(P<0.01)。试验组与阳性对照组相比,保育期、生长育肥期日均增重差异均不显著(P>0.05);日均采食量分别提高了-1.5%、0.3‰差异均不显著(P>0.05);饲料报酬分别提高了1.0%、0.6%,差异均不显著(P>0.05)。结果表明,在日粮中添加啤酒酵母β-葡聚糖对改善生猪的日增重、饲料报酬、腹泻率具有显著作用,但随日龄增长,其影响逐渐减弱,尤其是对饲料转化率影响,到育肥期不显著。     

北京肉仔鸭蛋氨酸和赖氨酸需要量研究

蛋氨酸和赖氨酸试验各4个处理 ,各设4个重复 ,每重复试验鸭14只。0～2周龄饲粮处理水平分别为 :蛋氨酸0.35 %、0.40 %、0.45 %和0.50 % ;赖氨酸0.80 %、0.90 %、1.00 %和1.10 %。2～5周龄饲粮处理水平为 :蛋氨酸0.25 %、0.30 %、0.35 %和0.40 %;赖氨酸0.55 %0.65 %、0.75 %和0.85 %。测定14日龄和35日龄试验鸭血清尿素氮和尿酸氮含量。结果表明 :(1)蛋氨酸0.35 %处理组的活重和增重显著低于其它各处理组 (P<0.05) ,0.40 %处理组显著低于0.45 %和0.50 %处理组(P<0.05)。饲料报酬0.35 %组显著低于0.50 %处理组。(2)蛋氨酸0.25 %组5周龄体重显著低于其它处理 (P<0.05) ;2～5周龄体增重0.25 %组显著低于0.35 %和0.40 %组(P<0.05)。2～5周龄饲料报酬检验差异不显著 (P>0.05)。0～2周龄和2～5周龄各蛋氨酸水平饲料采食量差异不显著 (P>0.05)。 (3)2周龄体重和0～2周龄体增重以饲粮0.80 %赖氨酸水平组显著低于其它处理 (P<0.05) ,饲料报酬差异不显著 (P>0.05)。 (4)5周龄体重和2～5周龄增重0.55 %处理组显著低于其他处理 (P<0.05) ;2～5周龄饲料报酬0.55 %与0.65 %、0.75 %、0.85 %处理间差异显著 (P<0.05) ,采食量无显著差异 (P>0.05)。 (5)0～2周龄饲粮蛋氨酸各处理对14日龄试验鸭血清尿素氮和尿酸氮无显著影     

适于大别山黄牛后期肥育的稻草处理方法筛选

将24头大别山黄牛随机分为4组,在相同精料及喂量的基础上,选择适于其后期肥育的稻草处理方式。给90 d试验发现:与饲喂干稻草相比,氨化稻草能提高21.47%(P<0.01)的日增重,0.46%(P>0.05)的采食量,增收75.98元;微贮稻草能提高27.76%(P<0.01)的日增重,9.47%(P<0.01)的采食量,增收95.45元;EM处理稻草能提高7.97%(P<0.05)的增重速度,6.26%(P<0.05)的采食量,但欠收29.11元。     

不同配合饲料饲喂特种野猪效果研究

试验选取健康无病、体重基本一致的3月龄杂交野猪50头,随机均分5组,每组10头,试验期6个月,饲喂蛋白含量分别为20%、18%、16%、14%、12%的5种配合饲料。结果表明:5种配合日粮饲喂杂交野猪日增重分别为314.10、339.23、290.56、260.98、234.82g,Ⅱ组日增重最高,与Ⅳ组相比差异显著(P<0.05),与Ⅴ组相比差异极显著(P<0.01);Ⅱ组饲料报酬与Ⅰ组相近,而优于Ⅲ、Ⅳ组(P<0.05),极显著优于Ⅴ组(P<0.01);体长和胸围等生长指标Ⅱ组与Ⅴ组相比差异显著(P<0.05)。用蛋白含量为18%配合饲料饲喂特种野猪生长快、饲料报酬高、经济效益好。     

地面平养和笼养对青脚麻鸡生产性能和屠宰性能的影响

采用1日龄青脚麻鸡公雏1 200只,分成2组,每组6个重复,进行地面平养和笼养的生产性能比较和屠宰性能测定。结果表明:笼养组末重比平养组显著提高4.00%(P<0.05)。在1~10、61~70日龄时,笼养组日均增重分别较平养组有显著提高(P<0.05)。在21~30、41~50日龄,笼养组饲料增重比分别较平养组饲料增重比降低6.64%、5.38%(P<0.05);1~70日龄时,笼养组平均日增重较平养组增加3.88%(P<0.05);平均日采食量、饲料增重比分别比平养组显著低3.57%、7.14%(P<0.05)。两组成活率没有显著性差异(P>0.05)。笼养对青脚麻鸡屠宰率、全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、胫长、胫围没有影响(P>0.05);笼养组半净膛率比平养组半净膛率显著提高3.28%(P<0.05);但同时腹脂率较平养组显著提高40.08%(P<0.05),笼养组胸部囊肿比例比平养组高5.82倍(P<0.01)。     

谷氨酰胺在断奶仔猪饲料中的应用效果

选取108头28日龄杜大长三元杂交断奶仔猪,按饲养试验随机分成3组,每组设3个重复,每个重复12头。Ⅰ组为5%乳清粉日粮组、Ⅱ组为0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽日粮组、Ⅲ组为2%乳清粉+0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽日粮组。试验从28日龄开始至52日龄时结束,试验期为24d,进行断奶仔猪日粮中添加谷氨酰胺对提高断奶仔猪生长性能的试验研究。试验结果表明:Ⅱ组(0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽)比对照Ⅰ组(5%乳清粉)平均日增重提高了3.8%,差异不显著(P>0.05);Ⅲ组(0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽+2%乳清粉)比对照Ⅰ组(5%乳清粉)平均日增重提高了19.2%(P<0.05),增重效果显著。这表明断奶仔猪日粮中添加0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽可替代5%的乳清粉,谷氨酰胺和乳清粉联合使用(用0.5%的谷氨酰胺二肽替代3%的乳清粉)对断奶仔猪来说能取得更理想的饲养效果,并且显著降低了饲料成本。在饲料报酬和采食量方面,Ⅱ组(0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽)与对照Ⅰ组(5%乳清粉)相比饲料转化率降低了1.17%,差异不显著(P>0.05);Ⅲ组(0.5%谷氨酰胺二肽+2%乳清粉)与对照Ⅰ组(5%乳清粉)相比饲料转化率提高了9.25%,差异显著(P<0.05)。表明谷氨酰胺能改善仔猪肠道功能,增加营养物质的吸收,谷氨酰胺与乳清粉联合使用可显著提高饲料转化率,同时可促进仔猪的采食量。在仔猪腹泻方面,试验各组的断奶仔猪均保持在一较低水平的腹泻率,并且差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

复方植物精油促进肉牛瘤胃发酵及生长性能探索

本文旨在研究复方植物精油对瘤胃发酵产物如挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)以及氨氮等生成的影响，对肉牛氮吸收以及生产性能的影响。采用5只安装永久瘤胃瘘管的波尔山羊采集瘤胃液进行体外实验，将瘤胃液进行分组并加入0.2 g/kg复方植物精油和百里香酚培养24 h,采用气相色谱及分光光度法检测发酵产物中VFA以及氨氮的含量；另外，选取60头荷斯坦肉牛，随机分为3组，每组20个重复，对照组饲喂基础日粮，Ep组添加0.2 g/kg复方植物精油，Tm组添加0.2 g/kg百里香酚，实验进行15周。Ep组乙酸的浓度降低12.3%(P<0.05),Tm组乙酸浓度降低2.01%(P>0.05),Ep组丙酸的浓度提高17.2%(P<0.05),乳酸浓度降低13.6%(P<0.05),各组间总VFA没有显著差异。肉牛生产实验结果显示，Ep组肉牛末增重与饲料报酬分别提高14.41%和15.28%(P<0.01);Tm组肉牛末增重和饲料报酬分别提高9.32%和13.19%(P<0.05);粪便检测结果发现，Ep组与Tm组可使饲料中氮的利用率分别提高13.1%与7.86%(P<0.0...     

饲粮能量和精氨酸水平对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状和肉品质的影响

试验选用60头初始体重为(88.16±8.03)kg的杜×长×大三元杂交育肥猪,分为4个处理组,采用2×2因子设计。试验日粮包括2个消化能水平(正常能量组:14.22 MJ/kg;高能组:16.21 MJ/kg,以10%椰子油替代10%玉米淀粉)和2个精氨酸添加水平(0%和1%)。结果表明:高能组可显著降低猪的平均日采食量(P<0.05)和饲料增重比(P<0.01);精氨酸的添加对猪的生长性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。饲粮能量和精氨酸水平对猪的胴体性状无显著影响(P>0.05)。高能组可极显著提高猪背最长肌剪切力(P<0.01),降低肌内脂肪含量(32.39%,P>0.05);在高能组饲粮中添加精氨酸可提高背最长肌肌内脂肪含量(P>0.05),极显著降低肌肉剪切力(P<0.01),而在正常能量组饲粮中添加精氨酸对肉品质无显著影响(P>0.05);饲粮能量和精氨酸水平对肌肉剪切力的影响有交互作用趋势(P=0.061)。由此可见,育肥后期饲粮添加椰子油可提高消化能浓度,能显著改善饲料利用率,但不利于猪肌内脂肪的沉积,提高了肌肉剪切力,而在高能量饲粮中添加精氨酸则有助于提高肌内脂肪含量,降低剪切力,改善肉质。     

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.     

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.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.