Concentrations of strontium,barium, cadmium,copper, zinc,manganese, chromium,antimony, selenium,and lead in the liver and kidneys of dogs according to age,gender, and the occurrence of chronic kidney disease

This study was conducted to measure the concentrations of strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and lead (Pb) in canine liver, renal cortex, and renal medulla, and the association of these concentrations with age, gender, and occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tissues from 50 dogs were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cu, Zn, and Mn levels were highest in the liver followed by the renal cortex and renal medulla. The highest Sr, Cd, and Se concentrations were measured in the renal cortex while lower levels were found in the renal medulla and liver. Female dogs had higher tissue concentrations of Sr (liver and renal medulla), Cd (liver), Zn (liver and renal cortex), Cr (liver, renal cortex, and renal medulla), and Pb (liver) than male animals. Except for Mn and Sb, age-dependent variations were observed for all element concentrations in the canine tissues. Hepatic Cd and Cr concentrations were higher in dogs with CKD. In conclusion, the present results provide new knowledge about the storage of specific elements in canine liver and kidneys, and can be considered important reference data for diagnostic methods and further investigations.     

Comparisons of Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Hereford, Longhorn, Nellore, Piedmontese, Salers, and Shorthorn breeds for weight, weight adjusted for condition score, height, and condition score of cows

Breed differences for weight (CW), height (CH), and condition score (CS) were estimated from records (n = 12,188) of 2- to 6-yr-old cows (n = 744) from Cycle IV of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center's Germplasm Evaluation (GPE) Program. Cows were produced from mating Angus and Hereford dams to Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Shorthorn, Galloway, Longhorn, Nellore, Piedmontese, and Salers sires. Samples of Angus and Hereford sires were 1) reference sires born from 1962 through 1970 and 2) 1980s sires born in 1980 through 1987. The mixed model included cow age, season of measurement and their interactions, year of birth, pregnancy-lactation code (PL), and breedgroup as fixed effects for CW and CS. Analyses of weight adjusted for condition score included CS as a linear covariate. The model for CH excluded PL. Random effects were additive genetic and permanent environmental effects associated with the cow. Differences among breed groups were significant (P < 0.05) for all traits and were maintained through maturity with few interchanges in ranking. The order of F1 cows for weight was as follows: Charolais (506 to 635 kg for different ages), Shorthorn and Salers, reciprocal Hereford-Angus (HA) with 1980s sires, Nellore, HA with reference sires, Galloway, Piedmontese, and Longhorn (412 to 525 kg for different ages). Order for height was as follows: Nellore (136 to 140 cm), Charolais, Shorthorn, Salers, HA with 1980s sires, Piedmontese, Longhorn, Galloway and HA with reference sires (126 to 128 cm). Hereford and Angus cows with reference sires were generally lighter than those with 1980s sires. In general, breed differences for height followed those for weight except that F1 Nellore cows were tallest, which may in part be due to Bos taurus-Bos indicus heterosis for size.     

Supplementation of broodmares with copper, zinc, iron, manganese, cobalt, iodine, and selenium

In experiment 1, 6 pregnant mares received a concentrate that contained a trace mineral premix that provided 14.3 mg Cu, 40 mg Zn, 28 mg Fe, 28 mg Mn, 0.08 mg Co, 0.16 mg I, and 0.16 mg Se/kg concentrate (group A). Seven mares received the same concentrate plus 502 mg Zn and 127 mg Cu once daily (group B). No differences (P > .05) in foal growth data, or Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations of mare milk, mare serum, or foal serum were observed. In experiment 2, 6 pregnant mares received the same concentrate as group A (group C), and 8 mares received the same concentrate fortified with 4× the trace mineral premix (group D). Group C mares had higher serum Zn concentration at 1 day (P < 0.01) and 56 days (P < 0.04). Group C mares had higher milk Fe concentration at 28 days (P < .01), and group D mares had higher milk Cu concentration at 56 days (P < .01). Group C foals had higher serum Cu concentration at 14 days (P < .03). The results from this study provide no evidence to indicate that supplementing late gestating and lactating mares with higher dietary trace mineral levels than those recommended currently by NRC has any influence on foal growth and development, or on the Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations of the mare milk, mare serum, or foal serum.     

电感耦合等离子-质谱法测定饲料中钠、镁、铬、锰、铁、铜、锌、砷、硒、镉和铅

应用电感耦合等离子-质谱技术(ICP-MS),建立饲料中钠、镁、铬、锰、铁、铜、锌、砷、硒、镉和铅等元素的测定方法。对饲料样品的前处理方法、仪器工作参数和11种元素标准曲线进行优化;并以加标回收、分析方法比对和重复测试说明方法的准确性和精密性。方法在0～1 000 ng/ml范围内线性良好,仪器检出限为0.557 7～5.072 ng/ml,具有良好的精密度,其回收率在88.1%～104.4%之间,相对标准偏差小于5.0%。同时与原子吸收和原子荧光方法进行比对,测定结果相近。所建立的方法简单、快速,可替代原子吸收和原子荧光方法测定饲料中的11种金属元素,为饲料的质量控制提供理想的元素分析方法。     

The effects of antibiotic,probiotic, organic acid,vitamin C,and Echinacea purpurea extract on performance,carcass characteristics,blood chemistry,microbiota, and immunity of broiler chickens

The present context investigated the comparative study on the supplementation of antibiotic, probiotic, organic acid, vitamin C, and herbal extract after vaccination into drinking water and their effects on performance, carcass quality, blood biochemical parameters, immune system, and intestinal flora in broiler chicks for 42 days. A total of 420 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned into 7 treatments with 3 replicates (pens) per treatment and 20 male chicks for each replicate (pen). The experimental treatments consisted of drinking water (control, without additive); drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet; drinking water + C-Vet-50; drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet + C-Vet-50; drinking water + probiotic Primalac; drinking water + butyric acid; and drinking water + extract of Echinacea purpurea Moench (coneflower). There were no differences observed among the treatments for feed intake, but during the whole experimental period, the highest body weight gain was found in the chicks fed with drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet + 50 cc vitamin C (P < 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) observed among the treatments for feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no differences reported among treatments for carcass characteristics at the end of the experiment. Among the treatments, drinking water + 50 cc vitamin C, and drinking water + extract of E. purpurea reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins. Drinking water + 50 cc vitamin C, drinking water + Primalac, and drinking water + extract of E. purpurea increased (P < 0.05) the lymphocytes count and decreased the heterophils count and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. The highest Escherichia coli count and lowest Lactobacillus count in ileal content of the broilers were observed in the control group (P < 0.05). The additives used in this study may be incorporated in the drinking water of broiler chickens as growth promoters and for improved performance. A further, wider supplementation study is required to understand the performance, immune system, variation in the intestinal microbial counts, and any other possible alteration in the intestinal biota of the broilers.     

Granulocyte isolation from whole blood of goat, sheep, cattle, horse, dog, pig, and man

A simple two step procedure for the isolation of caprine, ovine, bovine, equine, canine, porcine and human peripheral blood granulocytes is described. After enrichment of granulocytes by centrifugation, contaminating erythrocytes are lysed hypotonically. Recovery, purity, and viability of the granulocyte suspensions are determined. FACScan analysis of the cell suspensions measuring cellular size by forward and sideward light scatter is compared with the corresponding analysis of whole blood leukocytes. Constituencies of the isolated cell suspensions and loss of granulocyte subpopulations through isolation procedure is discussed with regard to granulocyte function assays.     

Department of Clinical Veterinary Practices, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Circular excised skin wounds in the thoracic and metatarsal regions of the dog were studied. A similar sequence of events took place in the two regions although differences did occur due to the different reactions of the tissues which surrounded the wounds. None of the wound cavities became filled with exudate during the early stages of healing. In the thoracic wounds the cavities were largely filled by the swelling and inward movement of adipose tissue. Epithelium first grew on the wound surface in the sector of the wound that was situated in the direction of hair flow. The average time to complete epithelization was similar in both sets of wounds. A zone of alopecia developed around the wounds.     

Effects of butorphanol, flunixin, levorphanol, morphine, and xylazine in ponies

The analgesic and behavioral effects of butorphanol (0.22 mg/kg), flunixin (2.2 mg/kg), levorphanol (0.033 mg/kg), morphine (0.66 mg/kg), and xylazine (2.2 mg/kg), given IM were observed in 8 ponies. These ponies were instrumented to measure response objectively to painful superficial and visceral stimuli. Effects on the cardiopulmonary system and rectal temperature also were evaluated in 6 of these ponies. Observations were conducted before drug injection (base-line values) and after injection at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. Xylazine provided the highest pain threshold for the first 60 minutes and a sedative effect for 105 minutes. The effects for superficial pain and visceral pain persisted 3 hours and 4 hours, respectively. Morphine produced good analgesia for superficial pain (30 minutes), whereas butorphanol provided good effect for visceral pain (4 hours). A slight degree of analgesia for visceral pain was obtained after morphine (1 hour) and levorphanol (4 hours); flunixin did not induce analgesia. Butorphanol, levorphanol, and morphine stimulated motor activity. Behavioral effects did not occur after flunixin was given. Xylazine decreased systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures. Marked increases in these pressures, heart rate, and respiratory rate were observed after morphine was given. Changes of central venous pressure, rectal temperature, and blood gas values remained within base-line limits after both drugs were given. Butorphanol increased heart rates for 1 hour; flunixin and levorphanol did not alter any of the above values.     

Expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD-2 in the normal equine cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva

Objective Human corneal cells have detectable levels of TLRs 1‐10. TLRs 2 and 4 are the major corneal receptors, recognizing the PAMPs associated with fungal invasion in humans. The conjunctiva and limbus contain TLRs 2, 4, and 9. Our purpose was to determine the expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 in the normal equine cornea, conjunctiva, and limbus. Methods Corneal, limbal, and conjunctival tissues were collected from seven euthanized horses having no evidence of ocular disease. RNA extraction with DNase‐1 digestion was performed followed by RT‐PCR to determine expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2. Products were resolved by electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gels and visualized using ethidium bromide staining. Results Expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 was present in the cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva of each horse, except one horse, where TLR3 expression was unable to be demonstrated in the dorsal and ventral conjunctiva. Conclusions Confirming the expression of TLRs in equine ocular tissues is an initial step in identifying how they play a role in infectious keratitis, particularly fungal. The results further support the use of equine ocular tissues as a model for human fungal keratitis. Studies of the TLR expression together with their cytokine profile induced during equine fungal keratitis may help further clarify the pathogenesis of the disease and possibly lead to the development of new treatment protocols for both equines and humans.     

In vitro effects of oxytocin,acepromazine, detomidine,xylazine, butorphanol,terbutaline, isoproterenol,and dantrolene on smooth and skeletal muscles of the equine esophagus

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the in vitro effects of oxytocin, acepromazine, xylazine, butorphanol, detomidine, dantrolene, isoproterenol, and terbutaline on skeletal and smooth muscle from the equine esophagus. ANIMALS: 14 adult horses without digestive tract disease. PROCEDURE: Circular and longitudinal strips from the skeletal and smooth muscle of the esophagus were suspended in tissue baths, connected to force-displacement transducers interfaced with a physiograph, and electrical field stimulation was applied. Cumulative concentration-response curves were generated for oxytocin, acepromazine, xylazine, detomidine, butorphanol, isoproterenol, terbutaline, and dantrolene. Mean maximum twitch amplitude for 3 contractions/min was recorded and compared with predrug-vehicle values for the skeletal muscle segments, and area under the curve (AUC) for 3 contractions/min was compared with predrug-vehicle values for the smooth muscle segments. RESULTS: No drugs caused a significant change in skeletal muscle response. In smooth muscle, isoproterenol, terbutaline, and oxytocin significantly reduced AUC in a concentration-dependent manner. Maximum reduction in AUC was 69% at 10(-4) M for isoproterenol, 63% at 10(-6) M for terbutaline, and 64% at 10(-4) M for oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Isoproterenol, terbutaline, and oxytocin cause relaxation of the smooth muscle portion of the esophagus. The clinical relaxant effects on the proximal portion of the esophagus reported of drugs such as oxytocin, detomidine, and acepromazine may be the result of centrally mediated mechanisms.     

Breed comparisons of Angus,Charolais, Hereford,Jersey, Limousin,Simmental, and South Devon for weight,weight adjusted for body condition score,height, and body condition score of cows

Breed means and differences for weight (CW, n = 19,851), height (CH, n = 14,553), and condition scores (CS, n = 19,536) recorded in four seasons per year were evaluated for 881 cows ranging from 2 to 7 yr of age from Cycle I of the Germplasm Evaluation Program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Cows were straightbred Herefords and Angus and topcrosses from mating of Hereford, Angus, South Devon, Jersey, Simmental, Limousin, and Charolais sires to Hereford and Angus dams. The model included cow age, season of measurement, and their interactions, with year of birth, pregnancy-lactation (PL) code, and breed group as fixed effects for CW and CS. Analyses of weight adjusted for condition score included CS as covariate. Model for CH excluded PL. Random effects were additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. Data were analyzed by REML. Differences due to breeds of sire were significant for all traits. Differences were generally maintained across ages, with few interchanges in ranking through maturity. Rankings were in the following order: Jersey (lightest and shortest), Hereford-Angus (and reciprocal), Limousin, South Devon, Simmental, and Charolais (heaviest and tallest). The only exception was that Limousin-sired cows were heavier than South Devon-sired cows after 5 yr of age. Cows sired by breeds of British origin tended to be lighter than breeds of continental European origin. Adjustment for condition score changed estimates of breed differences. Rankings of breed groups, however, were generally the same for actual weight and weight adjusted for condition score. Results indicated that the part of the differences in weight due to differences in condition were of small magnitude. Differences tended to increase when adjusted for condition score, especially in contrasts of continental vs British breeds. Differences among breed groups for height followed differences for weight closely.     

猪肌浆中某些元素含量与肌肉和骨骼生长的关系——定远猪及其二元杂交猪肌浆中Ca、P、Mg、Mn、Zn的含量与肌肉生长和后肢发育之间的相关性比较

研究了定远猪及其杂交F1 代猪肌浆中Ca、P、Zn、Mn、Mg等元素含量与肌肉生长和后肢发育之间的相关性。结果表明 ,杂交使得猪肌浆中的Ca含量显著降低 (P <0 0 1 ) ,导致肌浆Ca、P比例改变并升高 ;肌浆Mg、Mn、Zn含量变化不明显。杂交F1 代猪肌浆中Ca、Zn与肌肉蛋白质含量间呈较高的正相关 ,r =0 84～ 0 91 ,(定远猪r =0 40 ) ,肌浆Ca、Zn水平可能是肌肉生长的指示剂。肌浆Mn、Zn含量与后躯及后肢骨骼发育状况间的关系尚未能肯定     

Correlation between corneal sensitivity and quantity of reflex tearing in cows,horses, goats,sheep, dogs,cats, rabbits,and guinea pigs

Objective Guinea pigs have a very low threshold of corneal sensitivity and at the same time nearly no reflex tearing compared to dogs, cats, and horses. The question arose whether there is a general correlation between corneal sensitivity and the quantity of reflex tearing. Animals studied Totally 160 animals of 8 different species (20 animals per species) were investigated. Procedures The corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured with a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer. The palpebral fissure length (PFL) was measured with a calliper ruler. The Schirmer tear test (STT) was modified by adapting the width of the STT strip to the PFL of every species. For the STT II, 0.4% oxybuprocaine was applied. Results Corneal touch threshold: Cows (1.67 g/mm²), horses (1.23 g/mm²), sheep (1.13 g/mm²), goats (1.44 g/mm²), dogs (2.16 g/mm²), and cats (1.33 g/mm²) show similar CTT values. In contrast, rabbits (6.21 g/mm²) and guinea pigs (7.75 g/mm²) show a significantly lower CTT. Tear Production Difference STT I ? STT II: Rabbits have the greatest decline in tear production with 38.4%, followed by sheep (33.3%), dogs (31.1%), cats (24.7%), cows (23.7%), horses (18.0%), and goats (14.0%). Guinea pigs have no decline, but a slight increase of ?16.0%. Correlation CTT and STT II ? STT I Difference: Pearson’s correlation coefficient shows a small, but significant correlation. The coefficient of determination can only forecast a value with 7.1% certainty. Conclusions The high variance and low reproducibility of results suggest that the measuring devices are inappropriate to assess the evaluated parameters. Therefore, no assured correlation between the corneal sensitivity and the quantity of reflex tearing could be found.