绵羊MC4R基因的半定量RT-PCR及生物信息学分析

本研究旨在对绵羊MC4R基因进行组织表达谱和生物信息学分析。参考牛MC4R基因序列设计引物,采用PCR技术克隆绵羊MC4R基因序列,并利用半定量RT-PCR进行组织表达谱分析;同时对其进行生物信息学分析。结果表明,克隆的绵羊MC4R基因全长1 919 bp,含有999 bp的完整CDS编码区,编码332个氨基酸。其CDS编码区的核苷酸序列与牛、人、猪、大鼠、小鼠MC4R基因对应序列的同源性分别为95.2%、68.8%、82.7%、76.6%、77.1%,预测的氨基酸序列同源性分别为97.0%、92.8%、93.7%、92.2%、91.6%。组织表达谱分析表明MC4R基因在各组织均不同程度的表达,其中在大脑表达量很高,其他组织较低。生物信息学预测MC4R蛋白功能发现,绵羊的MC4R蛋白存在7个跨膜螺旋结构域,同时预测MC4R存在10个磷酸化位点和1个特异性蛋白激酶磷酸化位点。结果表明,MC4R是一个非常保守的蛋白,在绵羊的生长发育中起着重要作用。     

马身猪CD63基因CDS区的克隆、表达及生物信息学分析

为了克隆马身猪CD63基因的CDS区,检测其在不同组织中的表达规律,预测编码蛋白的结构与功能,该研究对山西省地方品种马身猪CD63基因CDS区进行扩增和克隆,采用qRT-PCR技术检测CD63基因在心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肾脏、腰大肌、背部皮下脂肪等组织中的表达规律,采用生物信息学方法分析CD63蛋白的生物学特性。结果表明,该研究成功克隆出猪CD63基因的CDS区,全长714 bp,已上传NCBI数据库,登录号为MN082631。该基因在所检测的组织中均有表达,且在不同组织中的表达量有显著差异(P0.05),脂肪组织中表达量最高,其次是肝脏、肌肉、脾脏,肾脏中的表达量最低。经生物信息学预测,该基因编码的蛋白质含237个氨基酸,属于中性稳定四跨膜蛋白,有3个可能的N-糖基化位点,其中2个位点位于第3个与第4个跨膜结构域之间的胞外区内,另一个在第1个与第2个跨膜结构域之间的胞外区内;可能存在Ser磷酸化位点6个,Thr磷酸化位点4个,Tyr磷酸化位点1个;CD63蛋白为疏水性蛋白,α-螺旋、延伸、β-折叠和无规则卷曲分别占58.23%、11.39%、5.49%和24.89%。猪CD63蛋白氨基酸序列与野骆驼的相似性最高,其次是羊驼、长江江豚和抹香鲸,同时与骆驼科的野骆驼和羊驼的遗传距离最近,符合生物进化规律。该试验成功克隆了马身猪CD63基因CDS区,并进行了生物信息学分析,为深入探讨CD63基因生物学功能提供参考。     

民猪唾液酸合成酶基因的克隆、表达及进化分析

为进一步了解猪的唾液酸合成酶基因(SAS)的生物学功能,研究采用RT-PCR技术克隆了民猪唾液酸合成酶基因的全长CDS序列;采用生物信息学的方法对其编码的氨基酸序列进行分析;构建分子进化树;采用实时定量PCR方法对该基因在大肠、腿肌、肺、脂肪、心、脾和肝脏组织的表达情况进行分析。结果表明:民猪的唾液酸合成酶基因全长1080 bp,编码359个氨基酸,是一种跨膜蛋白。该蛋白存在1个似抗冻蛋白域标记,同时具有多个磷酸化位点。所构建的分子进化树与物种进化的拓扑结构基本一致。该基因在肺和脾中表达水平最高,其次是脂肪在大肠、肌肉、心和肝中表达水平较低。     

水牛自噬相关基因克隆、序列分析及组织表达研究

为了克隆水牛ATG5、LC3基因序列,并分析自噬相关基因在水牛各组织中的表达情况,试验采用RT-PCR技术克隆了水牛自噬相关基因ATG5、LC3序列,并对其CDS序列进行了生物学信息分析,同时利用QRT-PCR方法,对ATG3、ATG5、ATG6、ATG7、ATG12、LC3、BECN1 7个基因在胎水牛心脏、肝脏和肌肉等9种组织、成年水牛卵巢中的mRNA表达水平进行了分析。结果表明:克隆得到水牛ATG5基因序列980 bp,其中包括CDS序列828 bp,预计编码275个氨基酸;水牛LC3基因mRNA序列全长499 bp,包括CDS序列378 bp,预计编码125个氨基酸;所分析的7个自噬相关基因在10种水牛组织中均有不同程度的表达。     

山羊先天免疫TLR4基因克隆、组织表达分析及其凋亡功能初探

为了解山羊TLR4的分子结构、表达特性和免疫调节功能,试验以NCBI中山羊TLR4基因预测序列为模板,采用RACE扩增技术获得初生羔羊TLR4基因c DNA序列,并进行生物信息学分析,利用qRT-PCR技术检测羔羊各组织TLR4基因表达量,构建p EGFP-N1-TRL4重组质粒检测在真核细胞中的凋亡功能。结果表明:克隆得到TLR4基因c DNA序列长2 728 bp,CDS全长2 526 bp,编码841个氨基酸。山羊TLR4蛋白是1个跨膜蛋白,胞外包含2个LRRs-RI、1个LRRs_8及1个TPKR-C2,胞内含有TIL受体结构域、77个潜在磷酸化位点、9个糖基化位点,且与绵羊TLR4氨基酸序列同源性最高。TLR4基因在脾脏中的表达量较高(P0.05),肝脏、胸腺和肾脏依次减少,颌下腺、肺脏及血液较脾脏显著降低(P0.05)。说明试验成功构建具有TLR4基因完整CDS序列的p EGFPN1-TLR4重组载体,且能够在HEK293T细胞中正常表达,具有加快细胞凋亡的作用。山羊TLR4基因编码蛋白具有免疫学结构和功能特征,在免疫器官中可能参与细胞凋亡过程。     

陆川猪PTTG1基因克隆及序列分析

试验旨在克隆陆川猪PTTG1基因全长CDS序列并对其进行生物信息学分析。利用GenBank公布的猪PTTG1预测序列设计引物,用RT-PCR扩增得到目的基因片段,并用生物信息学软件分析和预测了陆川猪PTTG1基因的理化性质与二级结构。结果表明,陆川猪PTTG1基因全长CDS序列为609 bp,编码202个氨基酸;其核苷酸序列与牛、黑猩猩、人、猕猴、大鼠、小鼠、原鸡和斑马鱼相对应序列同源性分别为90.15%、87.85%、87.52%、87.03%、76.03%、74.38%、55.74%和44.48%;PTTG1基因编码的蛋白无信号肽,属于亲水性蛋白,主要存在于细胞质中,存在16个磷酸化位点。氨基酸系统进化树分析表明,不同物种PTTG1基因在进化过程中具有高度保守性。本研究成功克隆了陆川猪PTTG1基因,为今后研究PTTG1基因在猪早期胚胎发育过程中的作用奠定理论基础。     

三黄鸡ST3Gal6基因的半定量RT-PCR及生物信息学分析

本研究旨在对三黄鸡ST3Gal6基因进行组织表达谱和生物信息学分析。参考三黄鸡ST3Gal6基因序列设计引物,采用PCR技术克隆三黄鸡ST3Gal6基因序列,并利用半定量RT-PCR进行组织表达谱分析;同时对其进行生物信息学分析。结果表明,克隆的三黄鸡ST3Gal6基因全长1169 bp,含有1059 bp的完整CDS编码区,编码352个氨基酸。其CDS编码区的核苷酸序列与人、黑猩猩、牛、大鼠、蟾ST3Gal6基因对应序列的同源性分别为62%、62%、61.9%、59%、54.4%。组织表达谱分析表明,ST3Gal6基因在各组织均不同程度地表达,其中在大脑表达量很高,肺脏中最低。生物信息学预测ST3Gal6蛋白结构发现,三黄鸡的ST3Gal6蛋白存在2个跨膜螺旋结构域,同时预测ST3Gal6存在22个磷酸化位点和1个特异性蛋白激酶磷酸化位点。     

湖羊Sp1基因CDS区克隆及其对颗粒细胞增殖和凋亡的影响

旨在探讨湖羊Sp1基因序列特征及其对颗粒细胞增殖及凋亡的影响。采用克隆、测序获得湖羊Sp1基因CDS区并用生物信息学方法分析其序列特征;NJ方法构建基于Sp1氨基酸序列的系统进化树;RT-PCR方法检测Sp1基因湖羊组织表达谱;克隆方法构建湖羊Sp1过表达载体;试剂盒检测Caspase-3活性和CCK-8值;利用流式细胞术检测人卵巢颗粒细胞(KGN)凋亡率。结果表明,湖羊Sp1CDS区长2 340bp,编码779个氨基酸残基,与人的核苷酸序列和氨基酸序列的同源性分别为94.28%和95.75%;湖羊与牛的亲缘关系最近;Sp1基因在湖羊卵巢、卵泡等组织中广泛表达。本研究成功构建了湖羊Sp1过表达载体并转染人卵巢颗粒细胞(KGN);试验组Caspase-3活性显著高于对照组(P0.05),CCK-8值检测结果相反。表明过表达Sp1基因抑制KGN-细胞增殖(P0.05)、促进KGN-细胞凋亡(P0.05)。Sp1基因在哺乳动物中高度保守,湖羊Sp1基因可抑制人卵巢颗粒细胞(KGN)增殖、诱导其凋亡。     

牦牛PRLHR基因的克隆、序列分析及组织表达研究

试验旨在对牦牛催乳素释放激素受体(prolactin releasing hormone receptor,PRLHR)基因进行克隆、序列分析及组织表达研究。采集5头母牦牛和5头母黄牛的下丘脑、脑垂体前叶、卵巢、输卵管和子宫组织,采用RT-PCR技术扩增得到PRLHR基因cDNA全长,通过生物信息学方法分析该基因编码蛋白的生物信息学特征,利用实时荧光定量PCR技术测定PRLHR基因在牦牛及黄牛各组织中的表达量。结果显示,牦牛PRLHR基因序列长1 625 bp,其中CDS区1 113 bp、5′-UTR 22 bp和3′-UTR 490 bp,编码370个氨基酸,与黄牛、水牛、绵羊、猪和人的核苷酸序列有较高的同源性,在进化过程中十分保守;牦牛PRLHR为不稳定疏水蛋白,无信号肽,存在7个跨膜结构域;有13个丝氨酸磷酸化位点、6个苏氨酸磷酸化位点和4个酪氨酸磷酸化位点;有3个N-糖基化位点和10个O-糖基化位点;蛋白二级结构中α-螺旋、无规则卷曲、延伸链和β-转角分别为49.19%、31.89%、15.68%和3.24%;蛋白质三级结构预测显示,牦牛PRLHR蛋白具有GPCRs超级家族中PrRP家族的典型结构域。实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,PRLHR基因在牦牛输卵管组织中的表达量显著高于其他组织(P0.05);在牦牛下丘脑、脑垂体前叶、子宫和输卵管组织中的表达量极显著高于黄牛(P0.01)。试验成功克隆得到牦牛PRLHR基因序列,并对其进行了生物信息学和组织表达特性分析,为进一步研究PRLHR基因在牦牛繁殖活动中的调控作用奠定了基础。     

猪MORC2基因克隆、生物信息学分析及组织表达定位

【目的】克隆猪的Microrchidia家族CW锌指蛋白2（Microrchidia family CW-type zinc finger 2,MORC2）基因,利用生物信息学手段分析其序列特征,并检测MORC2基因在猪不同组织中的表达情况和卵巢中的定位。【方法】以猪卵巢cDNA为模板扩增和克隆MORC2基因完整CDS区,并进行相似性比对及系统发育树构建;利用生物信息学软件对猪MORC2蛋白序列进行预测;使用实时荧光定量PCR检测MORC2基因在猪不同组织中的表达情况;利用免疫组化方法检测猪MORC2蛋白在猪卵巢中的定位情况。【结果】猪MORC2基因CDS区序列全长3 102 bp,编码1 033个氨基酸。猪MORC2蛋白氨基酸序列与人、黑猩猩、恒河猴、小鼠、牛、绵羊、鸡和斑马鱼的相似性分别为94.8%、94.6%、94.9%、91.9%、93.8%、93.9%、80.8%和64.3%。系统进化树表明,猪与灵长类亲缘关系最近,与反刍动物和啮齿类次之,与斑马鱼（鱼类）亲缘关系最远。猪MORC2蛋白分子质量为117.44 ku,理论等电点为8.16,半衰期为30 h,属于不稳定蛋白。MORC2蛋白的平均疏水性为―0.736,为亲水性蛋白,不含跨膜结构和信号肽。猪MORC2蛋白有174个磷酸化位点、81个糖基化位点;亚细胞定位属于核蛋白,细胞质次之,线粒体中有少量表达;含有经典的MORC蛋白家族结构：GHKL-ATPase、zf-CW和CC结构域。组织表达谱结果显示,MORC2基因在猪各组织中广泛表达,其中在肝脏中表达量最多,显著高于其他组织（P＜0.05）,在心脏、肺脏和肌肉中表达量较少,显著低于其他组织（P＜0.05）。免疫组化结果显示,MORC2蛋白在健康猪卵泡颗粒细胞和膜细胞中均有表达且表达量较高,在闭锁的卵泡颗粒细胞和膜细胞中表达量较少。【结论】试验成功获得猪MORC2基因完整CDS区序列,该基因在猪各组织中广泛表达,MORC2蛋白主要在健康猪的卵泡颗粒细胞和膜细胞中表达。研究结果为进一步研究MORC2蛋白调控猪卵巢发育和卵泡闭锁的分子机制提供理论依据。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.