Characterization of ovine strains of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA hybridization.

Restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA hybridization revealed five ovine strains of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from South Africa had identical DNA patterns to an ovine strain from Canada. Genetically this strain type has features in common with the two major groups of M. paratuberculosis.     

Transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus from persistently infected sows to contact controls.

The objective of this study was to determine if porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) could persist in non-pregnant sows and if persistently infected sows could transmit virus to naive contact controls. Twelve PRRSV-naive, non-pregnant sows (index sows) were infected with a field isolate of PRRSV and housed in individual isolation rooms for 42 to 56 days postinfection. Following this period, 1 naive contact sow was placed in each room divided by a gate allowing nose-to-nose contact with a single index sow. Index sows were not viremic at the time of contact sow entry. Virus nucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and infectious virus was detected by virus isolation in sera from 3 of the 12 contact sows at 49, 56, and 86 days postinfection. All 3 infected contacts developed PRRSV antibodies. Virus nucleic acid was detected in tissues of all of the 12 index sows at 72 or 86 days postinfection. Nucleic acid sequencing indicated that representative samples from index and infected contacts were homologous (> 99%) to the PRRSV used to infect index sows at the onset of the study. This study demonstrates that PRRSV can persist in sows and that persistently infected sows can transmit virus to naive contact animals.     

Effects of stable dust on farm animals--a review

The relationship between air quality--its dust content--and respiratory diseases of animals in the food industry and otherwise is examined. The correlation between dust content and incidence of disease in farm animals is also discussed. Lesions caused either directly or indirectly by dust-transported microorganisms are reviewed. Effects of dust on animal performance are included. This review is an attempt to compile available information on the natural occurrence of stable dust and the possibilities for its measurement and control.     

Managing the production, storage, and delivery of colostrum.

Provision of an adequate immunoglobulin mass to dairy calves is an essential component for survival, health, and future productivity. To prevent FPT of immunity due to suckling of the dam, newborn dairy calves should be removed from the calving area within 30 minutes of birth. First and later lactation cows are suitable colostrum donors, provided they are healthy, well-vaccinated, have had optimal transition management, and an appropriate dry-period length. Early colostrum collection yields an adequate immunoglobulin mass provided that 3 to 4 L of colostrum is fed to the newborn calf. Regular testing for the adequacy of the dairy's colostrum feeding program is an excellent way to prevent calf health problems and identify potential need for CSs or replacement products.     

Intra‐abdominal cystic lymphangiomatosis in a Thoroughbred foal

Cystic lymphangiomas are rare malformations of the lymphatics that result in the formation of a cystic mass. Where multiple cysts are seen, the condition is termed cystic lymphangiomatosis. This case describes the diagnosis and unique management of cystic lymphangiomatosis in a 10‐day‐old Thoroughbred foal. Ultrasonography, histopathology and laparoscopy were essential for diagnosis and appreciation of the extent of disease. Ultimately, the cystic lymphangiomatosis was so extensive in this foal that complete surgical excision was considered impossible and the presence of adhesions within the abdomen indicated a very poor long‐term prognosis; the owners elected for euthanasia at age 14 weeks. Although rare, lymphangioma and lymphangiomatosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for an intra‐abdominal mass in a young horse.     

Field‐grown Cotton Exhibits Seasonal Variation in Photosynthetic Heat Tolerance without Exposure to Heat‐stress or Water‐deficit Conditions

Thermotolerance acclimation of photosystem II to heat and drought is well documented, but studies demonstrating developmental impacts on heat tolerance in field‐grown plants are limited. Consequently, climatic variables, estimated canopy temperature, predawn leaf water potential (Ψ_PD), and the temperature responses of maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F_v/F_m), variable fluorescence (F_v/F₀), quantum yield of electron transport (φ_Eο) and efficiency of PSI electron acceptor reduction (REο/ABS) were characterized for Gossypium hirsutum at three sample times during the growing season (21 June, 2 July and 18 July 2013) under well‐watered conditions. The temperature decreasing a given photosynthetic parameter 15% from the optimum is referred to as T₁₅ and served as a standardized measure of heat tolerance. Ambient and estimated canopy temperatures were well within the optimal range for cotton throughout the sample period, and leaves were verified well watered using Ψ_PD measurements. However, T₁₅ varied with sample date (highest on July 2 for all parameters), being 2 °C (F_v/F₀) to 5.5 °C (φ_Eο) higher on July 2 relative to June 21, despite optimal temperature conditions and predawn leaf water potential on all sample dates. These findings suggest that even under optimum temperature conditions and water availability, heat tolerance could be influenced by plant developmental stage.