Effects of dietary protein level during rearing period and age at overfeeding on magret and foie gras quality in male mule ducks

The aim of this trial was to study the effects of dietary protein content during the rearing period on the performance of mule ducks, according to age at overfeeding (O). Ducks (n = 612) were divided into four groups differing in the protein content in the diet offered during the starting period (S, 0–20 days; S_l vs. S_h: 150 vs. 175 g/kg crude protein (CP)) and growing‐finishing period (GF; 21–67 or 81 days, depending on age at O; GF_l vs. GF_h: 133 vs. 152 g/kg CP). The relative weight of pectoral muscle was lower when ducks were fed a low protein diet during S (?5%, P < 0.01) or GF period (?6%, P < 0.001) at 68 days and higher in ducks of the S_lGF_h group (+6%; P < 0.05) at 82 days. Both foie gras and magret weights fell when ducks were fed S_l or GF_l (P < 0.05 and < 0.01). Mortality during the O period was higher in ducks fed the S_l diet and overfed at late age (7.4% vs. 0%; P < 0.01). In conclusion, a reduction in the dietary protein supply should be recommended only during the GF period for ducks overfed at a late age.     

An outbreak of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in a standardbred herd in Ontario

An outbreak of protein-losing enteropathy associated with Lawsonia intracelluaris infection was diagnosed in 6 standardbred foals from a farm in Ontario. Wildlife exposure may have been involved in the perpetuation of disease in this outbreak. The clinical presentation, treatment, outcomes, and pathological findings are described.     

Use of a Piezo Drill for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection into Cattle Oocytes Activated with Ionomycin Associated with Roscovitine

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) consists of the introduction, by micromanipulation, of a single sperm into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. This technique is particularly advantageous when only a few sperm are available for fertilization, representing an important tool in preserving genetic material, especially from poorly fertile males. The results from ICSI in cattle are very often unsatisfactory and difficult to reproduce. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of a Piezo drill (PD) and oocyte activation with ionomycin + roscovitine (I + R) during ICSI in cattle oocytes. After in vitro maturation (24 h), cumulus complex oocytes were divided into four groups: G1 – the ICSI was performed without the use of a PD and the oocyte was activated with I + R; G2 – the ICSI was performed with the use of the PD and activation with I + R; G3 – the ICSI was performed with the use of the PD, but without activation and G4 – parthenogenetic control, treated with I + R, but without sperm injection. The presumptive zygotes were cultured for 7 days and evaluated on day 3 for cleavage rate and on day 7 for blastocyst formation. Embryo production by standard in vitro fertilization in the laboratory was 78% for cleavage (117/150) and 35% for blastocyst formation (41/150). The cleavage rates obtained in G1, G2 and G4 were similar (66.7%, 71.6% and 66.3%, respectively), demonstrating the beneficial effect of oocyte activation. However, in G3, despite the presence of the sperm and the electric stimulation of a PD, the cleavage rates were significantly lower (17.5%) compared with the groups that used chemical activation, even in the absence of sperm (G4). Despite the beneficial effects of activation, this stimulus alone, or in the absence of the PD, was not sufficient for adequate morulae formation (13.4%, 37.9%, 0.0% and 13.5% for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively). Only in G2, when the PD was used followed by artificial activation, blastocysts were obtained (14.7%). These results indicate that cattle oocytes must be activated after ICSI to produce viable embryos.     

Cardiopulmonary effects and recovery characteristics associated with 2 sedative protocols for assisted ventilation in healthy neonatal foals

Neonatal foals may require prolonged sedation to permit ventilatory support in the first few days of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the cardiopulmonary effects and clinical recovery characteristics of 2 sedative/analgesia protocols in healthy foals receiving assisted ventilation. Foals were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine, butorphanol, and propofol (DBP) or midazolam, butorphanol, and propofol (MBP) during a 24-hour period. Infusion rates of dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol were adjusted and propofol boluses administered according to set protocols to maintain optimal sedation and muscle relaxation. Ventilatory support variables were adjusted to preset targets. Physiologic variables were recorded, cardiac output (CO) measured (thermodilution), and arterial and mixed venous blood collected for gas analysis at intervals up to 24 hours. Foals in group DBP received dexmedetomidine [2.4 ± 0.5 μg/kg body weight (BW) per hour], butorphanol (13 μg/kg BW per hour), and propofol (6.97 ± 0.86 mg/kg BW per hour), whereas foals in group MBP received midazolam (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/kg BW per hour), butorphanol (13 μg/kg BW per hour), and propofol (5.98 ± 1.33 mg/kg BW per hour). Foals in the DBP group received significantly more propofol boluses (9.0 ± 3.0) than those in the MBP group (4.0 ± 2.0). Although physiologic variables remained within acceptable limits, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac index (CI) were lower in foals in the DBP group than in the MBP group. Times to sternal recumbency, standing, and nursing were significantly shorter in the DBP than MBP group. We found that MBP and DBP protocols are suitable to assist ventilatory support in neonatal foals, although MBP results in a prolonged recovery compared to DBP.     

Surfing and marine conservation: Exploring surf‐break protection as IUCN protected area categories and other effective area‐based conservation measures

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Brazilian sardinella (Sardinella brasiliensis) conservation by immersion in seawater added with sea salt and refrigerated on‐board

On‐board Brazilian sardinella (Sardinella brasiliensis) conservation system based on cooling in ice, but in recent years, fishing boats have been applying immersion in chilled brine as a storage system on‐board. This study evaluated this system concerning physicochemical quality (total volatile bases, pH, histamine, moisture) of the fish and cation concentrations. Offshore (on‐board) data were collected (total storage time, over time temperature, fish mass captured by bid, load capacity in use and available) to assess the efficiency and viability. The results showed that this system is useful in maintaining the physicochemical quality of the fish since the samples met the quality standards required by law. Data showed high levels of sodium in fish muscle, which are strongly influenced by the immersion time, suggesting the need for standardization of the method considering the risks associated with consumption of foods with high levels of sodium.     

Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile on a veal farm: prevalence, molecular characterization and tetracycline resistance

Concern has been raised about the potential for Clostridium difficile to be a bovine and foodborne pathogen, yet limited study has been performed in cattle, and none in veal calves. This study evaluated the epidemiology and microbiology of C. difficile on one veal farm. Rectal swabs were obtained from calves within 48 h of arrival and at one, 17 and 21 weeks later. Selective culture for C. difficile was performed. Isolates were characterized by PCR ribotyping and PCR for tcdA, tcdB and cdtA. Tetracycline resistance and resistance genes were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationship between shedding of the bacterium and specific ribotypes and the independent variables: time of sampling and area of housing. Calves were twice more likely to test positive 1 week after arrival (51%) when compared to initial results (32%). Shedding at 17 and 21 weeks was significantly lower (2% at both samplings). Ribotype 078 was the most common. Twelve different ribotypes were present initially with only three ribotypes found subsequently. Seventy-six percent (40/53) of isolates initially recovered were tetracycline resistant compared to 93% (81/87) from 2nd sampling. Tetracycline resistance genes were detected in 24% (13/53) of isolates during 1st and in 55% (50/91) during 2nd sampling. The high prevalence of pathogenic C. difficile in veal calves could be of zoonotic concern. The low prevalence before slaughter may be of importance for the evaluation of foodborne risks. Oxytetracycline administration to calves may have an impact on prevalence of C. difficile colonization.     

Physicochemical Interpretation of Acid‐Base Abnormalities in 54 Adult Horses with Acute Severe Colitis and Diarrhea

Background

The quantitative effect of strong electrolytes, pCO₂, and plasma protein concentration in determining plasma pH and bicarbonate concentrations can be demonstrated with the physicochemical approach. Plasma anion gap (AG) and strong ion gap (SIG) are used to assess the presence or absence of unmeasured anions.

Hypotheses

The physicochemical approach is useful for detection and explanation of acid‐base disorders in horses with colitis. AG and SIG accurately predict hyperlactatemia in horses with colitis.

Animals

Fifty‐four horses with acute colitis and diarrhea.

Methods

Retrospective study . Physicochemical variables were calculated for each patient. ROC curves were generated to analyze sensitivity and specificity of AG and SIG for predicting hyperlactatemia.

Results

Physicochemical interpretation of acid‐base events indicated that strong ion metabolic acidosis was present in 39 (72%) horses. Mixed strong ion acidosis and decreased weak acid (hypoproteinemia) alkalosis was concomitantly present in 17 (30%) patients. The sensitivity and specificity of AG and SIG to predict hyperlactatemia (L‐lactate > 5 mEq/L) were 100% (95% CI, 66.4–100; P < .0001) and 84.4% (95% CI, 70.5–93.5 P < .0001). Area under the ROC curve for AG and SIG for predicting hyperlactatemia was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86–0.99) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.83–0.99), respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical relevance

These results emphasize the importance of strong ions and proteins in the maintenance of the acid‐base equilibria. AG and SIG were considered good predictors of clinically relevant hyperlactatemia.     

Efficacy of ivermectin jetting fluid against strike by some primary and secondary blowflies of sheep

SUMMARY Merino sheep, which were hand jetted with ivermectin jetting fluid, and untreated sheep were challenged with larval implants of Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, Calliphora noclva and Chrysomya ruflfacles at intervals of about 2 weeks from 6 to 16 weeks after treatment. Both Lucilia species produced strike rates of about 90% in untreated sheep; the respective rates were lower for Chr rufifacies (55%) and C nociva (60%). Strike rates for the treated group were about 17, 11, and 9% for L cuprina, L sericata, and Chr rufifacies, respectively. Only 1 implant site in the treated group was struck by C nociva. Treated sheep had significantly (P < 0.01) longer time to first strike than did untreated ones for each species of fly. L sericata, Chr rufifacies, and C nociva larvae implanted on treated animals had significantly (P < 0.05) longer time to first strike than did L cuprina larvae.     

Loss of Restriction Site DdeI, used for Avian Molecular Sexing, in Oreophasis derbianus

Molecular sexing is a rapid and safe procedure for bird sex determination. Two universal methods based on the amplification of a chromo‐helicase‐DNA‐Binding 1 (CHD) gene region, located in both sexual chromosomes (Z and W), have been established. We found that molecular sexing of Oreophasis derbianus failed by using these two procedures. One of them is based on a restriction site located in CHD1W gene but absent in CHD1Z. The DdeI restriction site, used successfully to determine gender in several bird species, was found to be lost because of nucleotide change in O. derbianus. This change created a new restriction site, NlaIII, that was successfully applied for sexing this endangered bird.