The effect of Harderian adenectomy on the antibody response in chickens

Intact chicks and those that had their glands of Harder (GH) removed (GHx) at 1 day of age were studied for their response to optically or intraperitoneally (IP) applied antigens. Following exposure of the chicks to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), killed Brucella abortus, or bovine serum albumin (BSA), serum and tear samples were collected and assayed for antibodies. Of the two sources of antibodies, the serum generally had higher levels than did the tears. The only exception to this occurred in the intact chicks inoculated by the eye, in which serum and tear levels were equivalent. With SRBCs, no difference could be detected between the two routes of inoculation. However, IP inoculation produced higher levels of antibody in the serum of intact and GHx chicks inoculated with B. abortus or BSA and in the tears of the GHx chicks exposed to B. abortus. Removal of the GH resulted in a consistent decrease in antibody levels in the tears, regardless of the route of exposure. Although this effect was noted with all three antigens, it was more pronounced in the trials using B. abortus and BSA. This finding is discussed in terms of describing the importance of the GH as a source of antibodies to optically applied antigens, and its importance as a route of circulating antibody egress. Furthermore, the feasibility of using the antibody response in tears to a test antigen is discussed as a means of measuring the immune status of a functioning GH.     

Oesophagogastric parakeratosis in the growing pig: effects of the physical form of barley-based diets and added fibre

In four experiments a total of 288 individually fed pigs were given barley-based diets for about 100 days from about 20 kg liveweight. Fine grinding of barley increased the number and severity of oesophagogastric lesions. Pelleting a diet based on coarsely ground barley had a similar effect. Coarser grinding of the barley and substituting small proportions of oat husk, but not of bran, gave lower incidences and severities of lesions. The performance responses of the pigs differed and give a framework for deciding on the balance to be struck between optimal performance and the risk of lesion development.     

Clinical anatomy of the equine foot

A review of investigations of the functional anatomy of the equine foot is presented. Emphasis is placed on the relationships of structures involved in the major diseases of the foot.     

硝酸还原酶与氮素利用的关系及其在作物遗传育种中的应用(综述)

本文综述了硝酸还原酶与氮素利用的关系及其遗传特性和在作物育种中应用的某些最新进展。氮吸收、利用等性状的生理和遗传特性极其复杂,受环境影响很大,对其进行遗传改良需考虑多种指标。对硝酸还原酶活性(NRA)与品质性状和产量的关系的争论很多,有些研究表明 NRA 可作为品质、产量性状的选择指标,有些则相反。逆境条件下 NRA 的变化非常敏感,NRA 可能与抗逆性有关。     

Insertion of a transtympanic ventilation tube for the treatment of otitis media with effusion

In this paper, a case of otitis media with effusion (‘glue ear’) is described in a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Its presentation, diagnosis and surgical management by the insertion of a trans-tympanic ventilation tube (grommet) is discussed.