猪细小病毒VP2蛋白的原核表达及其免疫原性评估

利用原核表达载体pET28a和pColdⅠ与猪细小病毒VP2基因分别构建重组表达质粒，并采用与伴侣蛋白共表达和低温诱导表达猪细小病毒VP2蛋白，并以电镜观察、血凝效价测定等进行鉴定。结果显示，2个表达载体均能对重组蛋白进行可溶性表达。冷休克载体组pColdⅠ-VP2蛋白在上清中表达效率更高且杂蛋白较少，诱导时不需要额外添加L-阿拉伯糖，表达过程工艺相对更简单。纯化后的pColdⅠ-VP2蛋白具有一定的免疫反应性，能在体外组装成病毒样颗粒(virus-like particles, VLPs),且具有血凝活性，使用206佐剂混合乳化重组蛋白免疫豚鼠后，血清中能检测到高滴度血凝抑制抗体。上述结果为进一步研究新型安全高效的猪细小病毒疫苗提供了数据支持。     

表达猪瘟病毒石门株E0抗原的重组腺病毒构建及免疫性的研究

应用PCR从pMD18-T-E0质粒中扩增编码CSFV E0蛋白的基因片段,定向克隆到重组腺病毒Adeasy-1系统的穿梭质粒pAdTrack-CMV上,采用细菌内同源重组“两步转化法”构建携带CSFV E0基因的重组腺病毒基因组质粒pAdEasy-E0,转染293细胞,成功包装出重组腺病毒pAd-E0,PCR证实E0基因已整合至腺病毒基因组中,用Western blot检测到重组病毒感染293细胞中E0蛋白的表达。重组病毒免疫小鼠和猪,结果2次免疫后产生明显的免疫应答,ELISA检测小鼠血清抗体滴度分别为1∶512和1∶10240;猪血清抗体滴度分别为1∶16和1∶64。本研究成功构建了表达猪瘟病毒E0基因的非复制型重组腺病毒,该重组病毒免疫小鼠可产生较高的抗体滴度,免疫猪后能提供一定的保护效果。     

大熊猫源细小病毒病毒样颗粒的构建与免疫原性

将大熊猫源细小病毒VP2基因优化后克隆至pFastBac Dual载体,重组获得穿梭质粒rBacmid-Panda-dVP2,转染Sf9细胞拯救获得表达大熊猫源细小病毒VP2蛋白的重组杆状病毒rpFBD-Panda-dVP2。rpFBD-Panda-dVP2感染Sf9细胞会形成明显的细胞病变,间接免疫荧光鉴定显示rpFBD-Panda-dVP2感染的Sf9细胞可见明显的绿色荧光。对感染细胞后收获的抗原进行Western blot鉴定,结果显示在约65 kDa处可见明显的目的蛋白条带;电镜下可见与天然细小病毒形态大小相似的粒子,表明rpFBD-Panda-dVP2感染昆虫细胞后可成功组装成病毒样颗粒(virus-like particles,VLPs),获得的VLPs血凝效价可达1∶2¹⁵。将大熊猫源细小病毒VLPs免疫幼猫后可诱导机体产生血凝抑制(hemagglutination inhibition,HI)抗体,HI效价最高可达1∶211,且保护性抗体水平可持续至少12个月。大熊猫源细小病毒VLPs的成功构建,为大熊猫细小病毒病新型基因工程疫苗的研制奠定基础,对防控大熊猫细小病毒病具有重要意义。     

共表达猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒GP5基因和猪瘟病毒E2基因的重组腺病毒的构建及其在小鼠模型上的免疫原性分析

本研究旨在以复制缺陷型人5型腺病毒为载体,构建一株同时表达猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)变异株GP5蛋白和猪瘟病毒(CSFV)E2蛋白的重组腺病毒疫苗。首先利用重叠PCR将GP5和E2基因通过口蹄疫病毒(FMDV)2A序列连接,形成一个完整的ORF,并将其克隆到腺病毒穿梭载体中,通过细菌内同源重组构建共表达PRRSVGP5蛋白和CSFVE2蛋白的重组腺病毒(rAdV-GP52AE2)。间接免疫荧光试验和western blot检测证实2个外源基因均获得表达。在小鼠上进行的免疫效力评价结果显示,rAdV-GP52AE2免疫组针对CSFV的中和抗体滴度可达1∶128,针对PRRSV的中和抗体滴度为1∶16;在淋巴细胞增殖试验中,免疫组与阴性对照组在增殖指数上有显著差异,表明该重组腺病毒可以同时诱导抗PRRSV和CSFV的特异性体液免疫和细胞免疫。这些结果显示,利用具有自动剪切功能的FMDV2A多肽构建的重组腺病毒有望开发成一种同时预防PRRS和CSF的新型载体疫苗。     

兔出血症病毒TP株VP60基因DNA免疫小鼠的实验研究

为评价兔出血症病毒(RHDV)VP60基因在小鼠体内诱导产生体液免疫和细胞免疫情况,本研究构建了RHDV VP60基因的真核表达质粒pcDNA-VP60,并将其免疫小鼠。利用ELISA方法检测特异性抗体和小鼠外周血细胞因子水平,MTT法和流式细胞术(FACS)检测小鼠外周血T淋巴细胞增殖情况和T淋巴细胞亚群的动态变化。抗体检测结果显示,重组质粒免疫组抗体水平在免疫后5周～6周达到峰值,而且与对照组比较差异显著(p<0.05);细胞因子检测结果显示,重组质粒免疫组血清中IFN-γ、IL-2、IL-4因子水平随免疫时间延长而升高,并且能够维持较高水平,与对照组比较差异显著(p<0.05);T淋巴细胞检测结果显示,重组质粒免疫组T淋巴细胞明显增殖,CD4+T淋巴细胞数量免疫后明显增高,与对照组比较差异显著(p<0.05);所有检测指标显示重组质粒免疫组和灭活苗免疫组比较均无显著差异(p>0.05)。以上结果表明pcDNA-VP60重组质粒可以诱导小鼠产生特异性体液免疫和细胞免疫,为研制预防兔病毒性出血症的候选DNA疫苗提供了实验依据。     

表达猪流感病毒血凝素基因的重组腺病毒的构建及免疫原性分析

通过细菌内同源重组的方法成功构建了表达H3N2亚型猪流感病毒血凝素的重组腺病毒。首先将血凝素基因亚克隆到穿梭载体质粒pAdeno Vator-CMV5-IRES-GFP上，与腺病毒基因组质粒pAdeno Vator△E1／E3共转化大肠杆菌BJ5183菌株，经细菌内同源重组产生重组腺病毒质粒pAd—HA—GFP。将该重组质粒转染293细胞以包装重组腺病毒。根据报告基因GFP的表达及Western-blot分析，证明获得了可正确表达猪流感病毒血凝素的重组腺病毒rAd—HA—GFP。重组腺病毒经一次性腹腔注射接种昆明鼠，2周后可检测到血凝抑制抗体，并且抗体至少可以持续12周，证实重组腺病毒介导表达的血凝素蛋白具有良好的免疫原性，可诱导小鼠产生高滴度的特异性抗体。     

番鸭源鹅细小病毒VP2病毒样颗粒制备及免疫原性测定

为制备杆状病毒表达系统表达的番鸭源鹅细小病毒(MDGPV)VP2蛋白形成的病毒样颗粒(VLPs),并测定其免疫原性,本研究通过PCR扩增得到MDGPV PT株VP2基因,通过杆状病毒表达系统构建了表达MDGPV VP2的重组杆状病毒MDGPV-rBV。以MOI 5的MDGPV-rBV感染Sf9细胞后,通过间接免疫荧光试验(IFA)检测结果显示,MDGPV-rBV感染的细胞出现亮绿色荧光;western blot检测VP2蛋白,结果显示在约65 ku处出现特异性条带,表明VP2蛋白正确表达。收集MDGPV-rBV感染的Sf9细胞制备细胞超薄切片样品,同时超速离心富集病毒样品,分别经透射电镜观察,可在细胞核观察到与MDGPV病毒粒子二十面体形态一致的VLPs,直径约20 nm,表明表达的VP2能够组装成VLPs。按常规方法制备VLPs油佐剂疫苗,以42μg/只VLPs经胸部肌肉注射免疫130日龄番鸭,免疫后2至7周每周采血并分离血清,利用GPV胶乳凝集抑制试验(LPAI)和微量中和试验检测免疫番鸭的MDGPV抗体效价,结果显示免疫后抗体效价逐渐升高,至第4周达到峰值,随后平缓下降,免疫番鸭的LPAI效价及中和效价峰值分别为4.9±1.10 log2、7±1.15 log2,以上结果表明构建的MDGPV VLPs具有良好免疫原性。本研究为MDGPV VLPs在疫苗和诊断试剂的开发应用奠定了基础。     

白细胞介素-12对犬细小病毒VP2 DNA疫苗的免疫增强作用

犬细小病毒编码的VP2蛋白是该病毒重要的结构蛋白和抗原蛋白。利用VP2基因制备的DNA疫苗能够刺激机体产生免疫应答反应。为进一步提高VP2DNA疫苗的免疫应答水平,本研究在小鼠体内尝试了利用白细胞介素12（IL-12）基因表达载体提高VP2DNA疫苗的免疫应答水平。首先采用RT-PCR方法从小鼠脾淋巴细胞中分别扩增IL-12大亚基（P40）和小亚基（P35）cDNA基因;然后在真核表达载体pcDNA3.1A上通过引入内部核糖体进入位点（IRES）序列,分别将P40基因和P35基因插入到IRES序列的上下游,构建成IL-12（P40和P35双亚基）基因表达载体,pcDNA-P40-IRES-P35。将上述表达载体与本室构建的VP2表达载体通过磷酸钙方法转染HEK 293T细胞进行瞬时表达,以确定构建的表达载体能否介导相应基因在真核细胞中进行分泌表达。然后用VP2载体单免疫和VP2载体和IL-12载体共免疫方法对小鼠进行免疫（用pcDNA3.1A作为对照）。免疫后在特定时间通过ELISA方法检测小鼠血清抗VP2蛋白的抗体水平,并通过淋巴细胞增殖实验检测免疫后35d小鼠脾脏淋巴细胞增殖反应。结果表明,扩增的小鼠IL-12P40和P35亚基基因与GenBank的参考序列基本一致。Western-blot检测结果表明,重组IL-12和VP2均能够在HEK293T细胞中进行分泌性表达。ELISA检测结果表明利用IL-2载体与VP2载体共免疫小鼠,其血清中抗VP2的抗体水平明显高于VP2载体单免疫组（P〈0.01）,抗体水平在第35天高达1：5120。淋巴细胞增殖试验结果表明,免疫小鼠的淋巴细胞刺激指数均明显高于对照组（P〈0.01）,VP2载体与IL2载体共免疫组的刺激指数明显高于VP2载体单免疫组（P〈0.05）。由此可见,在小鼠体内,IL-12基因表达载体可明显提高CPV VP2基因疫苗的免疫应答水平。     

VP22短肽融合猪圆环病毒2型重组病毒样颗粒的构建及其鉴定

采用融合PCR方法将猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)Cap基因和人单纯疱疹病毒Ⅰ型病毒(HSV-1)VP22蛋白转导域串联得到Cap-VP22基因,将其插入到杆状病毒转移载体pFastBac Dual构建pFast-Cap-VP22重组转移载体,通过转化含有Bacmid的DH10Bac感受态细胞,经3种抗性和蓝白斑筛选,获得含Cap-VP22基因的重组穿梭质粒rBac-2Cap-VP22。重组穿梭质粒转染昆虫细胞(Sf9),获得重组杆状病毒。重组杆状病毒感染Sf9细胞,通过PCR、间接免疫荧光(IFA)、电镜观察对表达产物进行检测。结果表明,成功构建含双拷贝Cap-VP22基因的杆状病毒载体,IFA证实重组蛋白在Sf9细胞中获得正确表达,与PCV2阳性血清具有良好的反应原性;电镜观察结果显示细胞上清中的目的蛋白可装配形成直径约17nm的病毒样颗粒(VLPs);表明C端融合VP22蛋白转导域序列并不影响Cap蛋白的组装。本研究为进一步研制安全、高效的PCV2疫苗奠定基础。     

猪圆环病毒2型Rep、Cap蛋白基因串联重组腺病毒的构建及其免疫效果研究

采用PCR方法克隆猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)Rep和Cap蛋白基因,以串联的方式依次克隆到pMD18-T载体中.经鉴定后亚克隆于腺病毒穿梭质粒pAdTrack-CMV.重组穿梭质粒用Pme Ⅰ线性化后与腺病毒骨架载体pAdeasy-1在大肠杆菌BJ5183株内进行同源重组产生重组腺病毒质粒.将重组腺病毒质粒用Pac Ⅰ线性化后转染293细胞中包装成为完整的腺病毒.将构建的重组腺病毒按照每100μL 1×107蚀宽单位(PFU)滴鼻2次免疫6～8周龄BALB/c小鼠,经尾部采血获得一免、二免血清.用ELISA方法检测结果表明,该重组腺病毒可以诱导机体产生针对PCV2的特异性抗体,可作为候选基因工程疫苗进行本体动物免疫试验研究.     

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.     

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

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.