Pronuclear Embryo Yield in Canindé and Saanen Goats for DNA Microinjection

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of donor breed on pronuclear‐stage embryo yield to be used for DNA microinjection in a transgenesis goat program. Twelve Canindé and twelve Saanen goats were heat synchronized using a progestagen‐cloprostenol treatment. Forty‐eight hours before the sponge removal, superovulation was induced with a total administration of 4.4 mg/kg bodyweight NIH‐FSH‐P1, given twice daily in decreasing doses over 3 days. In addition, goats received 100 μg of GnRH and they were hand‐mated at 36 and 48 h after progestagen removal. Embryo recovery was performed by oviduct flushing at 72 h after sponge removal. Embryos were microinjected with a DNA construct and noticeable swelling of the nuclei was the criterion for successful microinjection. The total diameter, cytoplasm diameter, zona pellucida thickness and pronuclei diameter were measured for each microinjected embryo. A higher (p < 0.05) percentage of fertilized ova was observed in Canindé (89.9%) than Saanen (36.2%) goats. In addition, Canindé donors produced a higher percentage of pronuclear embryos when compared with Saanen: 72.5% vs 20.6% (p < 0.05), respectively. Successful microinjection was verified in 96.7% and 73.3% of times in Canindé and Saanen embryos, respectively (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed for all morphometric parameters except for cytoplasm diameter. In conclusion, under our study experimental conditions, Canindé were more efficient than Saanen goats concerning the pronuclear embryo yield and manipulation. The use of Canindé goats in transgenesis programs could be increase the interest in their breeding and could be contribute to saving them from extinction.     

Effects of an extreme flash flood on the native fish assemblages across a Mediterranean catchment

Abstract  The effects of an extreme flash flood on the native fish assemblages across a Mediterranean catchment in Southwest Portugal were investigated. The fish community structure and habitat were surveyed at 10 sites pre- and post-flood. Overall species richness and rank abundances changed little after the flood, despite there being a consistent decline in the abundance of small cyprinids. Pre- and post-flood habitat correlates of abundance changed for at least some species, and variability in assemblage structure was associated with flood, depth and pH. These results indicate that extreme floods occurring early in the wet season may have little disruptive effects on the overall structure of native fish assemblages in Mediterranean streams, although may at least partially influence population dynamics for some species. Habitat quality and complexity are likely to play a role in mediating species responses to flooding.     

Evaluation of internal markers isolated by alkaline hydrogen peroxide incubation and acid detergent lignin extraction

Samples from two experiments were used to evaluate the potential of ADL and alkaline peroxide lignin (APL; isolated by sequential, alkaline hydrogen peroxide [AHP] incubation and ADL extraction) for predicting digestibility of warm-season grass diets. Experiment 1 evaluated the influence of level of sorghum grain supplementation on utilization of immature bluestem-range grasses, and Exp. 2 evaluated the influence of supplemental protein x energy level interaction on the utilization of dormant bluestem-range grasses. Internal markers isolated in feed, orts and feces were 1) ADL and 2) APL with AHP incubation either before (APL-PRE) or after (APL-POST) the acid detergent extraction step in the ADL procedure. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) was calculated from the ratio of marker consumed to marker excreted for each internal marker and was compared with OMD from total collection. For Exp. 1 a treatment x marker interaction was observed (P less than .01). The APL-PRE procedure yielded OMD coefficients similar (P greater than .10) to total collection values within most treatments, but OMD coefficients from APL-POST and ADL differed (P less than .05) from total collection within all treatments except at the highest level of supplementation. For Exp. 2, predicted OMD values from ALP-PRE were similar (P greater than .10) to total collection values, whereas OMD predictions from APL-POST and ADL were different (P less than .01) from total collection. In conclusion, APL appears promising as an internal marker for bluestem-range grasses if AHP incubation is incorporated before the acid detergent extraction in the ADL procedure.     

Nutrient net absorption across the portal-drained viscera of forage-fed beef steers: Quantitative assessment and application to a nutritional prediction model

This study aimed to establish the relationship between ME intake and energy and nutrient absorption across the portal-drained viscera (PDV) of forage-fed beef steers. Eight Angus (328 +/- 40 kg of BW) steers were surgically fitted with portal, mesenteric arterial, and mesenteric venous catheters, and were fed alfalfa cubes in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with 4 levels of energy intake between 1 and 2 times maintenance energy requirements. On d 28 of each experimental period, p-aminohippuric acid was infused to measure blood and plasma flow across the PDV, and blood samples (1 every hour, for 6 h) were collected simultaneously from arterial and venous catheters for net absorption measurements. Oxygen utilization, and therefore energy utilization, increased (P < 0.05) linearly in relation to ME intake. Glucose net uptake was unaffected, but lactate net release increased linearly in response to ME intake (P < 0.05). Net absorption of all AA except tryptophan, glutamate, and glutamine increased linearly with ME intake (P < 0.05). The constant net absorption of glutamate and glutamine indicated increased net utilization of these AA when dietary supply was increased. These data provide quantitative measures of the PDV effects on energy and AA availability for productive tissues, and suggest that the greater net utilization of some AA when ME intake is increased could relate to their catabolism for energy production. Prediction estimates of small intestinal AA absorption, based on the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), exceeded observed net AA PDV absorption. Mean bias represented the greatest proportion (87 to 96%) of the deviation between individual AA absorption and observed net AA PDV absorption, suggesting that the CNCPS model may be used to predict AA net absorption when factors describing AA utilization by the PDV are applied to model predictions.     

Influence of slow-release urea on nitrogen balance and portal-drained visceral nutrient flux in beef steers

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of slow-release urea (SRU) versus feed-grade urea on portal-drained visceral (PDV) nutrient flux, nutrient digestibility, and total N balance in beef steers. Multi-catheterized steers were used to determine effects of intraruminal dosing (Exp. 1; n = 4; 319 +/- 5 kg of BW) or feeding (Exp. 2; n = 10; 4 Holstein steers 236 +/- 43 kg of BW and 6 Angus steers 367 +/- 46 kg of BW) SRU or urea on PDV nutrient flux and blood variables for 10 h after dosing. Intraruminal dosing of SRU (Exp. 1) prevented the rapid increase in ruminal ammonia concentrations that occurred with urea dosing (treatment x time P = 0.001). Although apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF were not affected by treatment (P > 0.53, Exp. 2), SRU increased fecal N excretion (49.6 vs. 45.6 g/d; P = 0.04) and reduced apparent total tract N digestibility (61.7 vs. 66.0%; P = 0.003). Transfer of urea from the blood to the gastrointestinal tract occurred for both treatments in Exp. 1 and 2 at all time points with the exception for 0.5 h after dosing of urea in Exp. 1, when urea was actually transferred from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood. In both Exp. 1 and 2, both urea and SRU treatments increased arterial urea concentrations from 0.5 to 6 h after feeding, but arterial urea concentrations were consistently less with SRU (treatment x time P < 0.001, Exp. 1; P = 0.007, Exp. 2). Net portal ammonia release remained relatively consistent across the entire sampling period with SRU treatment, whereas urea treatment increased portal ammonia release in Exp. 1 and tended to have a similar effect in Exp. 2 (treatment x time P = 0.003 and P = 0.11, respectively). Urea treatment also increased hepatic ammonia uptake within 0.5 h (treatment x time P = 0.02, Exp. 1); however, increased total splanchnic release of ammonia for the 2 h after urea treatment dosing suggests that PDV ammonia flux may have exceeded hepatic capacity for removal. Slow-release urea reduces the rapidity of ammonia-N release and may reduce shifts in N metabolism associated with disposal of ammonia. However, SRU increased fecal N excretion and increased urea transfer to the gastrointestinal tract, possibly by reduced SRU hydrolysis or effects on digestion patterns. Despite this, the ability of SRU to protect against the negative effects of urea feeding may be efficacious in some feeding applications.     

Long‐Term Outcome after Arthroscopic Debridement of Distal Phalanx Extensor Process Fragmentation in 13 Horses

Objective— To report long-term outcome after arthroscopic removal of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Adult horses (n=13).
Methods— Medical records (2003–2004) of horses that had arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included: lameness localized to the foot, fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx debrided arthroscopically, and a follow-up period of ≥4 years.
Results— Of the 13 horses, lameness was resolved in 11 (85%) initially but distal interphalangeal joint pain recurred in 2 (15%) within 1 year of surgery. Three (23%) other horses were retired because of lameness at other sites during the follow-up period resulting in 46% (6/13) being not lame and in full work after 4 years. Substantial changes were identified at surgery in the contralateral joint of 7 horses, even when fragments were only present unilaterally.
Conclusions— Arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the forelimb distal phalanx has a good short-term prognosis for resolution of lameness and return to work but a more guarded prognosis for long-term soundness.
Clinical Relevance— These results allow for more accurate prognostication preoperatively and may support early debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx.     

Effects of ruminal administration of supplemental degradable intake protein and starch on utilization of low-quality warm-season grass hay by beef steers.

Hereford x Angus steers were used in a 13-treatment, four-period, incomplete Latin square design to examine the effects of starch and degradable intake protein (DIP) supplements on forage utilization and ruminal function. Steers were given ad libitum access to low-quality hay (4.9% CP) and were not supplemented (NS) or received different amounts of starch (cornstarch grits; 0, .15, and .3% of initial BW) and DIP (Na-caseinate; .03, .06, .09, and .12% of initial BW) administered via ruminal fistulae in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Supplemented steers consumed more (P < .01) forage OM, total OM, NDF, and digestible OM (DOM) than NS steers. Forage OM, total OM, NDF, and DOM intakes increased linearly (P < .01) as the amount of supplemental DIP increased. The addition of starch to supplements linearly decreased ( P < .01) the intake of forage OM, NDF, and DOM. The digestion of DM, OM, and NDF increased linearly (P < .01) with supplemental DIP and decreased linearly (P < or = .06) with supplemental starch. Particulate and liquid passages generally increased with DIP; however, starch level influenced the nature of the response (P = .03 and .06, respectively). Similarly, ruminal acid detergent-insoluble ash content generally decreased as starch increased, but the effect was dependent on DIP level (P < .01). Supplementation increased (P < .01) ruminal NH3 and total VFA and decreased (P < .01) ruminal pH relative to NS. All treatments supported average pH values in a range (6.3 to 6.7) unlikely to inhibit fibrolytic bacteria. Ruminal NH3 concentration increased quadratically (P = .03) with DIP and decreased linearly (P = .02) with starch. As DIP increased, total VFA concentration increased linearly (P = .02). Providing supplemental DIP to steers fed low-quality forage increased OM intake and digestion, whereas addition of starch to supplements decreased forage intake and digestion.     

Unconditional quantum teleportation

Quantum teleportation of optical coherent states was demonstrated experimentally using squeezed-state entanglement. The quantum nature of the achieved teleportation was verified by the experimentally determined fidelity Fexp = 0.58 +/- 0.02, which describes the match between input and output states. A fidelity greater than 0.5 is not possible for coherent states without the use of entanglement. This is the first realization of unconditional quantum teleportation where every state entering the device is actually teleported.     

Evaluation of cardiorespiratory and biochemical effects of ketamine‐propofol and guaifenesin‐ketamine‐xylazine anesthesia in donkeys (Equus asinus)

ObjectivesTo evaluate the cardiorespiratory and biochemical effects of ketamine-propofol (KP) or guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine (GKX) anesthesia in donkeys.Study designProspective crossover trial.AnimalsEight healthy, standard donkeys, aged 10 ± 5 years and weighing 153 ± 23 kg.MethodsDonkeys were premedicated with 1.0 mg kg^?1 of xylazine (IV) in both treatments. Eight donkeys were administered ketamine (1.5 mg kg^?1) and propofol (0.5 mg kg^?1) for induction, and anesthesia was maintained by constant rate infusion (CRI) of ketamine (0.05 mg kg^?1 minute^?1) and propofol (0.15 mg kg^?1 minute^?1) in the KP treatment. After 10 days, diazepam (0.05 mg kg^?1) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg^?1) were administered for induction, and anesthesia was maintained by a CRI (2.0 mL kg^?1 hour^?1) of ketamine (2.0 mg mL^?1), xylazine (0.5 mg mL^?1) and guaifenesin (50 mg mL^?1) solution. Quality of anesthesia was assessed along with cardiorespiratory and biochemical measurements.ResultsAnesthetic induction took longer in GKX than in KP. The induction was considered good in 7/8 with KP and in 6/8 in GKX. Anesthetic recovery was classified as good in 7/8 animals in both treatments. Xylazine administration decreased heart rate (HR) in both treatments, but in KP the HR increased and was higher than GKX throughout the anesthetic period. Respiratory rate was higher in GKX than in KP. PaO₂ decreased significantly in both groups during the anesthetic period. Glucose concentrations [GLU] increased and rectal temperature and PCV decreased in both treatments. Arterial lactate [LAC] increased at recovery compared with all time points in KP. [GLU] and calcium were higher in GKX than in KP at recovery.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThese protocols induced significant hypoxemia but no other cardiorespiratory or metabolic changes. These protocols could be used to maintain anesthesia in donkeys, however, they were not tested in animals undergoing surgery.     

Sinoscopic Treatment of Rostral Maxillary and Ventral Conchal Sinusitis in 60 Horses

Objective— To evaluate the use of sinoscopy for detection and treatment of ventral conchal sinus (VCS) and/or rostral maxillary sinus (RMS) disease in horses.
Study Design— Case series
Animals— Horses (n=60) with suspected paranasal sinus disease.
Methods— Horses were evaluated by sinoscopy through a conchofrontal sinus (CFS) portal with ventral conchal bulla (VCB) fenestration. Other endoscopic sinus approaches and adjunctive diagnostic tests; oral examination, computed tomography, radiography, scintigraphy and endoscopic examination of the upper portion of the respiratory tract were used in some horses.
Results— The CFS approach permitted adequate observation of the RMS and VCS in 53 horses (88%). Hemorrhage caused by VCB fenestration prevented examination of the RMS and/or VCS in 12 horses (21%). Observation of lesions was possible in all horses diagnosed with neoplasia, sinus cysts, and progressive ethmoidal hematomas. Endoscopy of the paranasal sinuses was useful diagnostically in 82% of horses with primary sinusitis. Other diagnostic modalities were usually required to confirm a diagnosis of dental sinusitis.
Conclusions— Trephination into the CFS with VCB fenestration is a minimally invasive technique that provides consistent access to the RMS and VCS. It facilitates diagnosis of many sinus disorders and endoscopically guided treatment of many horses with sinus cysts and primary sinusitis, in combination with sinus lavage.
Clinical Relevance— Many diseases affecting the RMS and VCS can be diagnosed and resolved endoscopically using a CFS approach with VCB fenestration, thus avoiding the need for osteoplastic sinus surgery and its associated risks and complications.