Activated coagulation times in normal cats and dogs using MAX-ACTTM tubes

Objective  To establish reference values for activated coagulation time (ACT) in normal cats and dogs, by visual assessment of clot formation using the MAX-ACT^TM tube.
Subjects  We recruited 43 cats and 50 dogs for the study; 11 cats and 4 dogs were excluded from the statistical analysis because of abnormalities on clinical examination or laboratory testing including anaemia, prolonged prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), or insufficient plasma volume for comprehensive laboratory coagulation testing.
Procedure  Blood samples were collected via direct venipuncture for MAX-ACT, packed cell volume/total solids, manual platelet estimation and PT/APTT measurement. Blood (0.5 mL) was mixed gently in the MAX-ACT tube at 37°C for 30 s, then assessed for clot formation every 5 to 10 s by tipping the tube gently on its side and monitoring for magnet movement. The endpoint was defined as the magnet lodging in the clot. The technique was tested with 10 dogs by collecting two blood samples from the same needle insertion and running a MAX-ACT on each simultaneously.
Results  In normal cats the mean MAX-ACT was 66 s (range 55–85 s). In normal dogs the mean was 71 s (range 55–80 s). There was no statistical difference between the first and second samples collected from the same needle insertion.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance  In both cats and dogs, a MAX-ACT result >85 s should be considered abnormal and further coagulation testing should be performed. Additionally, failure to discard the first few drops of the sample does not appear to significantly affect results.     

Tannins in tropical browses: effects on in vitro microbial fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in media containing different amounts of nitrogen

Four species of browses (Acacia angustissima, Acacia salicina, Calliandra calothyrsus, andDichrostachys cinerea) were used to study the effect of tannins on microbial fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in incubation media containing high nitrogen (HN) and low nitrogen (LN) in the presence and absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG, MW 6000). The additional nitrogen in HN medium was supplied through ammonium bicarbonate. The use of HN medium significantly (P < 0.05) increased the in vitro gas and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and microbial protein synthesis compared to the LN medium. Incubation of tannin-containing browses alone produced significantly (P < 0.05) lower gas and SCFA compared to in the presence of PEG in both HN and LN media. Inclusion of PEG in tannin-containing browses significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the molar proportion of propionate compared to in its absence. Higher N in the media resulted in 10.4 and 9.9% increases in in vitro gas and SCFA production, respectively, whereas inclusion of PEG to tannin-containing feed to remove the effect of tannins increased the in vitro gas and SCFA production by 186 and 195%, respectively, indicating that the low fermentation of tannin-containing browses could be due to the depressive effects of tannins on microbial activity and only partially accounted for by unavailability of N for rumen microbes. Incubation of browses with straw significantly (P < 0.05) decreased ammonia nitrogen concentration but increased the in vitro gas and SCFA production and microbial protein synthesis compared to straw alone.     

欧拉羊与山谷型藏羊杂交F_1代羔羊补饲兼放牧育肥试验效果观察

用欧拉羊杂交改良山谷型藏羊,对杂交F1代羔羊补饲兼放牧育肥试验,补饲阶段试验结果表明：经过90 d补饲,试验组增重10.88kg,比对照组高4.32 kg（P〈0.01）,平均日增重0.121 kg,比对照组高0.048 kg;放牧育肥阶段试验结果表明：经过3个月放牧育肥,试验组增重9.09 kg,比对照组高2.67 kg（P〈0.05）,平均日增重0.101 kg,比对照组高0.03 kg。     

Genetic diversity of the African wild rice (Oryza longistaminata Chev. et Roehr) from Ethiopia as revealed by SSR markers

Data from microsatellite markers have been extensively used for both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies by determining the level of genetic diversity of natural populations that can widen the gene pool of cultivated plants. Such conservation practices are based on understanding of the between and within population genetic variations and partitioning populations on the basis of geographic origin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Oryza longistaminata Chev. et Roehr and how this variation is partitioned within and between the eight O. longistaminata populations found in the different geographic regions of Ethiopia using simple sequence repeat markers. Five microsatellite markers in 320 samples generated 64 alleles that revealed the presence of large amount of genetic variability (Ho = 0.225; He = 0.768; Na = 7.375; Ne = 6.565 and P = 0.744). The F-statistics detected by the microsatellite loci showed Fst = 0.064 and Fis = 0.743 and there was no population in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The genetic diversity results obtained from this data indicated that there are high levels of genetic diversity in the populations of O. longistaminata studied and it is higher within than between populations. Among the eight populations sampled, five populations were identified as priorities for conservation strategies. Thus, national collection and conservation strategies need to consider these populations.     

Sero-prevalence and risk factors study of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

This study reports a prevalence and risk factor survey of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia between October 2011 and April 2012 to determine the sero-prevalence of small-ruminant brucellosis and to identify associated risk factors for the occurrence of disease in small ruminants under extensive production system. Multistage random sampling was followed to select locations, flocks, and individual animals. Laboratory analysis of serum samples provided sero-prevalence estimates for flocks and geographic location. Information on risk factors at the individual and flock level was obtained by examination of individual animal and a questionnaire interview to flock owners. The overall individual animal-level sero-prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants was 3.5 % and flock level sero-prevalence was 28.3 %, and the within-flock sero-prevalence was ranged from 0 % to 22.2 % based on the Complement Fixation Test. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the major risk factors for flock level sero-positivity were flock size and abortion history. This study showed that small-ruminant brucellosis is prevalent in the study area. Larger flock size and history of previous abortion in the flock were major risk factors identified for sero-positivity of small-ruminant brucellosis.