鸡MyoT基因组织表达谱分析、SNP检测及其与胴体和肉质性状的关联分析

利用半定量RT-PCR方法,对MyoT基因在白来航鸡7种不同组织(心、肝、脾、肺、肾、脑和肌肉)中的表达谱进行研究.结果表明,MyoT基因只在心脏和肌肉中表达.克隆得到了鸡MyoT基因的部分片段,发现外显子10存在A/G转换,利用PCR-Hin6 Ⅰ-RFLP方法对其在12个中国地方鸡种(白耳鸡、仙居鸡、大骨鸡、鹿苑鸡、固始鸡、斗鸡、乌骨鸡、油鸡、茶花鸡、萧山鸡、狼山和藏鸡)和1个外来鸡种(隐性白羽鸡)中的分布进行了研究.在藏鸡、隐性白羽鸡、杂交鸡(藏♂×隐♀)和75%血液藏鸡[藏♂×(藏♂×隐♀)♀]群体中进行了不同基因型与性状间的关联分析,结果表明,该SNP位点不同基因型与腿肌质量显著相关(P<0.05),与腿肌率和腿肌肉色极显著相关(P<0.01).     

鸡Lpin1基因c.1727C>T位点遗传变异及其与脂肪沉积性状的关联分析

利用生物信息学分析方法对鸡Lpin1基因编码区进行扫描,选取该基因3个引起错义突变的变异位点进行分析,其中c.391GA位点引起编码氨基酸Asp131→Asn131突变,c.1727CT位点引起编码氨基酸Ala576→Val576突变,c.2287AC位点引起编码氨基酸Met763→Leu763突变。应用引入限制性酶切位点PCR(Amplifi-cation-Created Restriction Site PCR,ACRS-PCR)的方法进行引物设计扩增3个突变位点,并通过限制性片段长度多态性(Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism,RFLP)检测PCR产物,以藏鸡、隐性白羽鸡、藏隐(藏鸡♂×隐性白羽♀)和藏藏隐[藏鸡♂×(藏鸡♂×隐性白羽♀)♀]群体为材料对3个变异位点进行基因型检测,并与胴体性状进行关联分析;同时在5个中国地方鸡种(固始鸡、萧山鸡、北京油鸡、泰和丝羽乌骨鸡和茶花鸡)中进行变异位点的遗传多样性分析。结果表明:(1)鸡Lpin1基因c.1727CT在不同品种中具丰富的多态性;而另2个位点在所检测的群体中无多态性存在,c.391GA位点以GG基因型为主,c.2287AC位点全部为AA基因型;(2)对c.1727CT位点的遗传多样性分析表明该位点C等位基因占优势地位,且固始鸡和北京油鸡群体基因型分布显著偏离哈代-温伯格平衡定律(P0.01),在萧山鸡、泰和丝羽乌骨鸡和茶花鸡三品种中基因型分布均符合哈代-温伯格平衡定律。(3)性状关联分析显示c.1727CT位点与皮下脂肪厚呈显著关联(P0.05),与腹脂质量呈极显著关联(P0.01);其中CC基因型个体的皮下脂肪厚显著高于TT基因型个体(P0.05),极显著高于TC基因型个体(P0.01)。TT基因型个体的腹脂质量显著高于其他两种基因型个体(P0.05)。     

不同鸡品种TYR基因遗传变异分析

采用PCR-SSCP方法,对中国宁夏固原鸡、海南文昌鸡、西藏藏鸡和国外引进海赛克斯鸡TYR基因5′侧翼区及外显子13个位点（P1、P2、P3）的遗传变异进行研究。结果表明,P2位点无多态,P1位点在3个中国鸡品种中均出现3种基因型,分别为AA型、BB型和AB型;在引进的海赛克斯鸡中,只检测到BB型和AB型2种类型。4个鸡品种在该位点均处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态;P3位点在中国3个鸡品种中均检测到3种基因型,分别为AA型、BB型和AB型,而海赛克斯鸡中只检测到AA和AB型,固原鸡和文昌鸡在该位点处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态,藏鸡和海赛克斯鸡均处于极不平衡状态。进一步说明,中国地方鸡品种的TYR基因蕴藏丰富变异资源。经克隆测序分析,P1位点存在C→T的单碱基替换突变,P3位点存在G→A的单碱基替换突变,但未引起氨基酸突变。独立χ2分析显示,两位点基因型和等位基因分布在不同鸡品种之间存在显著或极显著差异（P〈0.05和P〈0.01）,提示TYR基因的基因型和等位基因分布与鸡品种因素显著相关。本研究为以后对鸡TYR基因5′侧翼区及外显子1的进一步研究提供基础依据。     

三鸡种NLRC5基因编码区SNPs及其与部分免疫性状的关联分析

本研究通过检测鸡NLRC5基因编码区域单核苷酸多态位点,以期分析与免疫性状相关的遗传标记。采用PCR-SSCP方法对3个鸡品种NLRC5基因编码区SNPs进行检测,仅在外显子8区域发现多态位点,其中在文昌鸡中检测到AA、BB和AB 3种基因型,如皋鸡中检测到AA和AB 2种基因型,安卡鸡中仅存在AA基因型。序列分析结果显示,NLRC5基因外显子8存在G43A同义突变。测定部分免疫性状,分析不同鸡品种之间以及不同基因型与免疫性状间的关联性,结果表明:安卡鸡H/L值、ND抗体滴度、IL-1浓度均显著高于如皋鸡和文昌鸡(P0.05),AI抗体滴度极显著低于其他2个品种(P0.01),如皋鸡SBRC抗体滴度最高,但3个品种之间差异不显著(P0.05);不同基因型同免疫性状之间,AA型个体各项性状值均优于AB和BB型个体,但是差异不显著(P0.05)。综合分析,中国地方品种文昌鸡、如皋鸡的抗性优于安卡鸡种,AA型可能是NLRC5基因在机体免疫应答能力的有利基因型。     

藏鸡IGF-Ⅰ基因的SNPs检测及与生长性状的关联分析

通过PCR-RFLP技术对藏鸡和隐性白羽鸡类胰岛素生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)基因的5'非翻译区(UTR)的2个位点进行了多态性检测.检测结果显示,该基因具有HinfⅠ和PstⅠ多态现象.测序结果表明,HinfⅠ识别位点发生了A→C突变,PstI识别位点发生了C→T突变,从而在2群体中分别产生了3种基因型,而出现了8种单倍型组合.单倍型组合的X2检验结果表明,2个品种间存在极显著差异(P＜0.01).方差分析结果显示,品种对所分析的17个生长发育性状都有显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),性别对6个生长发育性状有显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),而基因型或单倍型组合对5个生长发育性状(初生重、2周龄体重和胫围、7周龄体斜长以及16周龄胫围)有显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).同时,基因型或单倍型组合与品种之间的互作对鸡的部分生长发育性状也有一定的影响.另外,基因型CT在鸡初生重和7周龄体斜长上显著(P＜0.05)或极显著地(P＜0.01)高于基因型CC和TT,而单倍型组合A+T/C+T在鸡初生重、2周龄体重和胫围以及16周龄胫围上显著(P＜0.05)或极显著地(P＜0.01)高于其它6种单倍型组合.     

鸡主要组织相容性复合体B区域多态性分析

为研究不同品种间BF1基因的结构变异,B-F exon2多态性以及TAPBP、BRD2、DMA、DMB2、TAP1、TAP2基因上14个SNPs位点的多态性,以农大3号矮小鸡、白来航鸡和藏鸡三个品种为研究对象,通过PCR扩增不同品种B-F1基因检测B-F1基因及启动子序列增强子A的缺失现象。同时利用红色原鸡B-F exon2序列设计引物后测序;选择TAPBP、TAP1、TAP2、BRD2、DMA、DMB2基因上的部分SNPs利用KASP技术进行分型。结果显示:根据缺失情况,将BF1基因分为A、B和Bdel三种,从而决定了AA、AB、ABdel、BB、BBdel和BdelBdel六种基因型,农大3号矮小鸡中存在两种基因型,白来航鸡存在四种基因型;藏鸡存在三种基因型。利用测序发现农大3号矮小鸡、白来航鸡和藏鸡在B-F exon 2序列上分别存在45、37、37个突变位点。通过KASP分型技术检测TAPBP、BRD2、DMA、DMB2、TAP1、TAP2基因上14个SNPs位点的多态性,发现农大3号矮小鸡、白来航鸡、藏鸡分别存在14、9、13个突变位点。     

边鸡IGF-ⅠR基因AluⅠ位点多态性及其对生长性状和繁殖性状的遗传效应分析

为了寻找与边鸡生长性状和繁殖性状相关的遗传标记,本试验采用PCR-RFLP技术检测边鸡类胰岛素生长因子Ⅰ受体（insulin-like growth factor Ⅰreceptor,IGF-ⅠR）基因Alu Ⅰ位点的多态性,并分析该多态位点对边鸡生长性状和繁殖性状的遗传效应。结果显示,边鸡IGF-ⅠR基因Alu Ⅰ位点存在多态性,在外显子2的376 bp处有1个G→A突变,产生了GG、GA和AA 3种基因型,基因型频率分别为0.687、0.296和0.017,GG为优势基因型;G等位基因频率为0.835,为优势等位基因。卡方适合性检验结果表明,该基因座位在边鸡群体中处于哈代-温伯格平衡状态（P>0.05）。相关分析结果表明,在8、14、16和18周龄时,GG基因型个体的体重显著高于GA基因型（P<0.05）,GG基因型个体的开产体重极显著高于GA基因型个体（P<0.01）,但并不能说明该位点可以作为影响边鸡繁殖性状的遗传标记。IGF-ⅠR基因外显子2的Alu Ⅰ位点（G→A）可能是影响边鸡生长性状的一个遗传标记。     

藏鸡、泸宁鸡POU1F1基因外显子2多态性与生长性能的关联研究

为研究POU1F1基因的多态性对鸡生长发育的影响,试验以藏鸡和泸宁鸡为研究对象,采用PCR-SSCP及测序方法对POU1F1基因的外显子2的多态性进行检测,并与其生长性能进行关联分析。结果表明:在藏鸡和泸宁鸡POU1F1基因外显子2处检测到1个多态位点(C/T)变异,呈现出CC、CT、TT三种基因型,其中C基因为优势基因,CC基因型为优势基因型;两个鸡群在该位点基因杂合度均较低,PIC0.25,属低度多态性;经卡方检验,在该位点藏鸡不处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态(P0.05);泸宁鸡则处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态(P0.05);泸宁鸡6周龄时,CC基因型个体体重显著高于CT型(P0.05),其他周龄之间无显著差异;藏鸡和泸宁鸡均表现出CT基因型的生长态势较纯合子好;泸宁鸡6~7周龄和10~11周龄CT型个体极显著高于CC基因型个体的周增重率(P0.01);9~10周龄CT基因型个体的周增重率显著高于CC型个体(P0.05);藏鸡和泸宁鸡POU1F1基因外显子2多态位点(C/T)中,C基因为优势基因,而CT基因型是控制泸宁鸡早期生长速度的优势基因型。说明POU1F1基因的多态性是鸡早期生长速度的一个潜在分子标记。     

鸡脂滴包被蛋白基因内含子5多态性与胴体及脂肪性状的相关性分析

本试验采用PCR-RFLP方法检测脂滴包被蛋白基因(perilipin,PLIN)在济宁百日鸡、汶上芦花鸡等5个地方鸡种和1个培育品系中的遗传多态性,并分析了多态位点不同基因型与鸡胴体及脂肪性状的相关性。结果发现,在6个供试群体中检测到1个Pst Ⅰ酶切突变位点,测序证实为新发现的鸡PLIN基因2224 bp处G→T突变,该突变位点在供试群体中共检测到两种基因型(A1A1和A1A2),等位基因A1在所有供试群体中均表现为优势等位基因。关联分析结果表明,PLIN基因2224多态位点对鸡胴体性状和脂肪性状影响均不显著(P＞0.05)。多重比较结果表明,A1A1基因型个体在胴体和脂肪性状上总体优于A1A2基因型个体,但各性状均值在两种基因型个体间差异均不显著(P＞0.05)。本研究结果表明,该位点不能作为鸡胴体和脂肪性状的有效分子标记。     

藏鸡IGF—I基因的SNPs检测及与生长性状的关联分析

通过PCR-RFLP技术对藏鸡和隐性白羽鸡类胰岛素生长因子-I（IGF-I）基因的5’非翻译区（UTR）的2个位点进行了多态性检测。检测结果显示，该基因具有HinfI和PstI多态现象.测序结果表明，HinfI识别位点发生了A→C突变，PstI识别位点发生了C→T突变，从而在2群体中分别产生了3种基因型，而出现了8种单倍型组合。单倍型组合的x^2检验结果表明，2个品种间存在极显著差异（P〈0．01）。方差分析结果显示，品种对所分析的17个生长发育性状都有显著影响（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），性别对6个生长发育性状有显著影响（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），而基因型或单倍型组合对5个生长发育性状（初生重、2周龄体重和胫围、7周龄体斜长以及16周龄胫围）有显著影响（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。同时，基因型或单倍型组合与品种之间的互作对鸡的部分生长发育性状也有一定的影响。另外，基因型CT在鸡初生重和7周龄体斜长上显著（P〈0．05）或极显著地（P〈0．01）高于基因型CC和TT，而单倍型组合A＋T／C＋T在鸡初生重、2周龄体重和胫围以及16周龄胫围上显著（P〈0．05）或极显著地（P〈0．01）高于其它6种单倍型组合。     

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.