Effect of acepromazine on the signs of capture stress in captive and free-ranging roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

The differences between the capture stress responses of captive and free-ranging roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and their modulation by acepromazine, during a period of three hours' physical restraint after capture in drive-nets, were examined in 16 free-ranging and 16 captive roe deer. Eight of the free-ranging and eight of the captive animals received acepromazine intramuscularly, and the other eight free-ranging and eight captive deer received the same volume of saline. Heart rate, body temperature and haematological and serum biochemical parameters were analysed. In the groups treated with acepromazine, the heart rate stabilised sooner, and the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration, packed-cell volume, the serum activities of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the concentrations of creatinine and lactate were significantly lower, and serum glucose started to decrease earlier, than in the untreated groups. Serum potassium levels decreased over time only in the untreated groups. The body temperature stabilised earlier, and the RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, serum CK, AST, ALT and LDH activities, and serum creatinine, lactate, cholesterol and glucose concentrations were significantly lower in the free-ranging roe deer than in the captive deer.     

Effects of acepromazine on the stress response in Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) captured by means of drive-nets

This study was conducted to assess the stress response of Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) to capture and physical restraint and the effects of acepromazine (a short-acting neuroleptic) on this response. Forty free-ranging Southern chamois were captured, injected intramuscularly with acepromazine (19 animals, randomly selected) or saline (the other 21 animals), and physically restrained for 3 h. Heart rate and body temperature were monitored with telemetric devices, and blood samples were obtained at capture and every hour thereafter to determine hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. The lower heart-rate variability, temperature, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and serum creatine kinase activity in the animals treated with acepromazine indicated that this agent reduced the adverse effects of stress. According to the differences in heart rate, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, PCV, lymphocyte count, and serum concentrations of glucose, creatinine, chloride, and potassium, alpha-adrenergic stimulation by catecholamines seemed to be stronger in females, whereas the adrenal-cortex reaction seemed to be stronger in males. The differences in erythrocyte parameters, temperature, serum creatine kinase activity, and serum concentrations of potassium and chloride indicated that acepromazine's beneficial effects were greater in females.     

Oxidative stress in dairy cows seropositives for Neospora caninum

Bovine neosporosis is caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum and is one of the major causes of abortion in cows. Cattle are intermediate hosts of this parasite and may have asymptomatic or symptomatic infections. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress marker reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) levels, glutathione S-transferase (GST), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities in dairy cows seropositives for N. caninum (asymptomatic or symptomatic). Dairy cows (n = 90) were tested by immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) for N. caninum and divided accordingly into three groups: the group A (seronegatives, n = 30), the group B (seropositives and asymptomatic, n = 30), and the group C (seropositives and symptomatic, n = 30). It was observed increased levels of TBARS and reduced (P < 0.05) BChE activity in seropositives either asymptomatic or symptomatic animals. ROS levels and ADA activity increased, and GST activity decreased (P < 0.05) only in seropositives symptomatic dairy cows (the group C) compared to seronegatives dairy cows (the group A). Based on these results, it was observed that seropositive animals showed cell damage associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, mainly in those with symptomatic infections. Increased seric ROS levels and BChE activity may have influenced N. caninum pathogenesis in symptomatic animals due to increased cell damage and exacerbated inflammatory response, leading to the development of clinical signs.     

Effect of supplemental sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets on gastrointestinal nematode infection in grazing goats

Feeding sun-dried sericea lespedeza [SL; Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours.) G. Don.] reduces gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in goats fed in confinement, but effects of this forage when fed as a supplement to goats on pasture are unclear. A study was completed in which supplemental feeds (75 and 95% SL leaf meal pellets and a commercial pellet, all fed at 0.91 kg/head/day) were offered to thirty growing male Spanish goats (9 months old, 20.6 ± 2.8 kg, 10/treatment) grazing perennial warm-season grass pastures in Fort Valley, GA, from September to November, 2010. Fecal and blood samples were taken from individual animals weekly to determine fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively, and animal weights were recorded at the start and end of the trial. After 11 weeks grazing, animals were slaughtered for recovery, counting, and speciation of adult GIN from the abomasum and small intestines. There was no difference in FEC between goats fed the 75 and 95% SL leaf meal pellets, but both groups had lower (P < 0.05) FEC than the goats fed the commercial pellets from days 35 to 77. The PCV values were not affected by the dietary treatments. Animal gain per day averaged 102.0, 77.2, and 53.3 g for goats fed 95% SL, commercial, and 75% SL pellets, respectively (P < 0.05). The 95% SL leaf meal pellet goats had 93.0 and 47.3% fewer (P < 0.05) total (male + female) adult Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta, respectively, than control animals, while only male H. contortus were lower (47.6%; P < 0.05) in 75% SL-fed goats compared with commercial pellet-fed animals. Feeding supplemental SL leaf meal pellets improved animal performance (95% SL pellets) and reduced worm burdens (75 and 95% SL pellets) in young grazing goats and is a useful tool for natural GIN control in small ruminants.     

Effect of dexmedetomidine vs. acepromazine–methadone premedication on limb to lung circulation time in dogs

The study compared limb-to-lung circulation times (CT) in dogs under general anaesthesia after premedication with dexmedetomidine (DEX) or acepromazine–methadone (ACE–M). Healthy male and female dogs (n = 20) were randomly assigned to receive acepromazine 0.04 mg/kg and methadone 0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM), or DEX 0.01 mg/kg IM. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane at similar concentration in both groups. Mechanical ventilation was started immediately (20 breaths/min; inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:2) and tidal volume was adjusted to achieve an end-tidal CO₂ concentration (PE’CO₂) of between 3.9 and 5.3 kPa. Ten minutes later arterial blood gas was analyzed and baseline data recorded for 3 minutes. A single dose of sodium bicarbonate 0,5 mEq/kg was administered intravenously over 10 s starting with inspiration. Limb-to-lung CT was defined as the time interval between the start of bicarbonate injection and the recording of the highest PE’CO₂.Following bicarbonate administration, PE’CO2 increased, and then rapidly decreased to baseline in both groups. CT was shorter in the ACE–M group (20 ± 2.3 vs. 27 ± 5.1 s). Bodyweight was higher in the ACE–M group (30.6 ± 3.9 vs. 23.3 ± 6.8 kg). Mean arterial blood pressure was higher in the DEX group (92 ± 9 vs. 73 ± 7 mm Hg) but premedication with DEX significantly prolonged CT compared to premedication with ACE–M.     

Evaluation of peripheral lymphocytes after weaning and vaccination for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

This study evaluated immune cell populations in pigs following weaning and vaccination for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Piglets (n = 24) were weaned (day 0) at 16 (±1) days of age, and randomly assigned to the vaccination group (n = 16) or control group (n = 8). Complete blood cell counts, flow cytometry and serology were completed for blood samples collected on days 0 (within hours of weaning), 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60. The M. hyopneumoniae S:P ratios (sample optical density: positive control optical density) were negative in the vaccination group until days 30 and 60, when the S:P ratios were 1.3 and 1.0, respectively. Control animals remained serologically negative. The percentage of CD4⁺ T cells was less (P < 0.01) in control pigs than vaccinated pigs at day 3. In contrast, numbers of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells were greater (P < 0.01) in control pigs than in vaccinated pigs at days 3 and 7. After day 7, few differences in immune cell types were evident between the groups. Differences in lymphocyte populations could not be solely attributed to vaccination, due at least in part, to the confounding influence of weaning. It was difficult to distinguish the influence of vaccination from the impact of weaning on peripheral immune cell populations.     

The impact of dystocia on dairy calf health,welfare, performance and survival

Up to one-third of dairy calves are born after dystocia and this is a major cause of calf mortality. This study investigated the neonatal physiology, survival, health and subsequent growth of dairy calves following dystocia and is the first longitudinal study to analyse multiple effects and to look beyond the perinatal period.A total of 455 live born Holstein calves (N: No assistance, n = 360; FN: Farmer assistance but normally presented calf, n = 82; FM: Farmer assistance of malpresented calf, n = 13) were followed from birth to first service (heifers) or until leaving the farm (bulls). Compared to N calves, FN and FM animals had higher salivary cortisol concentrations at day 1 (P < 0.001) and FN calves had lower passive immune transfer (P = 0.03). Dystocia had no biologically significant impact on rectal temperature throughout the first 4 days (P > 0.05). During the first 60 days, FM calves had a higher proportion of days with non-routine health treatments (P < 0.05) and, by the time of weaning, mortality in FN and FM heifers was higher than in N calves (2.8×; P < 0.01). However, in surviving calves, growth to first service was not affected by dystocia category (P > 0.05).Calves which survive dystocia experience lower passive immunity transfer, higher mortality and higher indicators of physiological stress. Such calves have poorer welfare in the neonatal period and possibly beyond. Strategies need to be implemented to improve the subsequent health and welfare of such calves and to lower the incidence of dystocia.     

Immunophenotypical characterization in Andalusian horse: Variations with age and gender

Assessment of lymphocyte subsets is an effective method for characterizing disorders such as leukemia, lymphomas, autoimmune and infectious diseases. In order to clinically interpret these parameters, normal reference values should be set, estimating age- and gender-related variations. This research aimed to: (1) characterize lymphocyte subpopulations in Andalusian horse, and (2) evaluate age and gender-related variations of lymphocyte subsets.Jugular blood samples were obtained from 159 animals, 77 males and 82 females, belonging to four age groups—1: 1–2 years (N = 39; 21 males and 18 females), 2: 2–3 years (N = 38; 16 males and 22 females), 3: 3–4 years (N = 41; 19 males and 22 females) and 4: 4–7 years (N = 41; 21 males and 20 females). T lymphocytes subsets were quantified by flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD2, CD4 and CD8 cell markers. B and NK cell counts were estimated by using a mathematical formula. No variations were found in T, B lymphocytes and NK cells between males and females. Animals of group 1 and 2 had a higher number of CD2, T, CD4+, CD8+, B lymphocytes and NK cells than animals of groups 3 and 4.The percentage of CD2 in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 4. The percentage of T and CD4+ lymphocytes in the group 1 were significantly higher than groups 2 and 3, respectively. Whereas the percentage of B cells calculated by flow cytometry was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 4, the percentage of B cells calculated by a mathematical formula was higher in group 1. NK cells percentage was significantly lower in group 3 and 4 than in younger animals.In conclusion, in Andalusian horse, gender does not influence absolute numbers and percentages of T, B and NK. There is an age-related decline in absolute number of CD2, T, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and NK cells, with increasing percentage of CD2, T, CD4+ and B lymphocytes, and a decrease in NK with no differences in CD4/CD8 ratio. The decline of lymphocyte population numbers with age is a natural process in many animal species, and could be the origin for immune dysfunction observed in geriatric individuals.     

Prevalence,risk factor analysis,and hematological findings of hemoplasma infection in domestic cats from Valdivia,Southern Chile

Four distinct cat hemoplasma species are recognized worldwide. However, this is the first study to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and hematological findings of hemoplasmas in cats from Chile. Complete blood count and 16S rRNA real-time PCR for cat hemoplasma species were performed in 384 blood samples from domestic cats in Valdivia, Chile. Among the 384 samples the species-specific prevalence was as follows: ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (7.8%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (4.4%), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (1%), ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ + M. haemofelis (0.78%), ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ + ‘Ca. M. turicensis’ (0.52%), ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ + ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’ (0.26%) and ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ + M. haemofelis + ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’ (0.26%). Male sex, older age, outdoor access, and FIV status were risk factors for hemoplasmosis. Mycoplasma haemofelis-positive cats had higher mean corpuscular volume and monocyte count. Four hemoplasma species circulate in the cat population of Valdivia. ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’ and ‘Ca. M. haematoparvum’ have been reported for the first time in Chilean cats.     

Development of a new score to estimate clinical East Coast Fever in experimentally infected cattle

East Coast Fever is a tick-transmitted disease in cattle caused by Theileria parva protozoan parasites. Quantification of the clinical disease can be done by determining a number of variables, derived from parasitological, haematological and rectal temperature measurements as described by Rowlands et al. (2000). From a total of 13 parameters a single ECF-score is calculated that allows categorization of infected cattle in five different classes that correlate with the severity of clinical signs. This score is complicated not only by the fact that it requires estimation of 13 parameters but also because of the subsequent mathematics. The fact that the values are normalised over a range of 0–10 for each experiment makes it impossible to compare results from different experiments. Here we present an alternative score based on the packed cell volume and the number of piroplasms in the circulation and that is calculated using a simple equation; ECF-score = PCV_rel day 0/log(PE + 10). In this equation the packed cell volume is expressed as a value relative to that of the day on infection (PCV_rel day 0) and the number of piroplasms is expressed as the logarithmic value of the number of infected red blood cells (=PE) in a total of 1000 red blood cells. To allow PE to be 0, +10 is added in the denominator. We analysed a data set of 54 cattle from a previous experiment and found a statistically significant linear correlation between the ECF-score value reached during the post-infection period and the Rowlands’ score value. The new score is much more practical than the Rowlands score as it only requires daily blood sampling. From these blood samples both PCV and number of piroplasms can be determined, and the score can be calculated daily. This allows monitoring the development of ECF after infection, which was hitherto not possible. In addition, the new score allows for easy comparison of results from different experiments.     

Neospora caninum DNA detection by TaqMan real-time PCR assay in experimentally infected pregnant heifers

Neosporosis has been considered the main cause of abortion between the first and the second trimester of pregnancy in cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the presence of Neospora caninum DNA obtained from experimental models based on the evaluation of different areas of the fetal nervous system and organs from heifers previously inoculated with NC-1 after or before insemination. This study was performed with Hereford × Nelore (n = 29) heifers and all animals were considered free of diseases at the beginning of the experiment. All animals were bred by fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) and allocated as follows: (a) seronegative heifers subjected to TAI (TAI, n = 9), (b) heifers infected with N. caninun 60 days prior to TAI (NC-1 + TAI, n = 9), and (c) heifers submitted to TAI and infected with N. caninum 60 days later (TAI + NC-1, n = 11). The pregnancy was confirmed by transrectal ultrasonography 35 days after TAI and evaluated every 30 days until the end of gestation. Fetuses were collected surgically at 170 days of gestation, and immediately necropsied to remove tissues aseptically. Samples of the central nervous system (CNS), heart, kidney, lung, liver, skeletal muscle and caruncle were collected for DNA extraction. Days of gestation at abortion and interval from abortion to first insemination were examined by Student's t-test. At 35 days of gestation the pregnancy rates in the group NC-1 + TAI (4/9, 44.4%) was lower than in the control group (8/9, 88.8%, P < 0.05). At 60 days, the pregnancy rates in the NC-1 + TAI group (0/4, 0%) was lower compared to TAI + NC-1 (5/7, 71.4%) and control (6/8, 75.0%) groups (P < 0.05). Animals from the group NC-1 + TAI were re-inseminated 60 days after the first TAI. After pregnancy losses throughout the study, 5 animals (TAI), 3 animals (NC-1 + TAI) and 5 animals (TAI + NC-1) maintained pregnancy until 170 days of gestation. TaqMan RT-PCR demonstrated the presence of N. caninum DNA in the medulla and right posterior cortex in 3 out of 5 fetuses from the TAI + NC-1 group. We concluded that heifers infected after TAI had a higher incidence of the parasite at the fetus CNS. Identification of N. caninum by TaqMan RT-PCR would assist in the investigation of infection and in the evaluation of vaccines or therapeutic drugs to control neosporosis in cattle.     

Systemic and local immune response in pigs intradermally and intramuscularly injected with inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccines

The systemic and respiratory local immune response induced by the intradermal administration of a commercial inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae whole-cell vaccine (Porcilis^® MHYO ID ONCE – MSD AH) in comparison with two commercial vaccines administered via the intramuscular route and a negative control (adjuvant only) was investigated. Forty conventional M. hyopneumoniae-free pigs were randomly assigned to four groups (ten animals each): Group A = intradermal administration of the test vaccine by using the needle-less IDAL^® vaccinator at a dose of 0.2 ml; Group B = intramuscular administration of a commercially available vaccine (vaccine B); Group C = intramuscular administration of the adjuvant only (2 ml of X-solve adjuvant); Group D = intramuscular administration of a commercially available vaccine (vaccine D). Pigs were vaccinated at 28 days of age. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples were collected at vaccination (blood only), 4 and 8 weeks post-vaccination. Serum and BAL fluid were tested for the presence of antibodies by ELISA test. Peripheral blood monomorphonuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated to quantify the number of IFN-γ secreting cells by ELISpot. Moreover, cytokine gene expression from the BAL fluid was performed. Total antibodies against M. hyopneumoniae and specific IgG were detected in serum of intradermally and intramuscularly (vaccine B only) vaccinated pigs at 4 and 8 weeks post-vaccination. M. hyopneumoniae specific IgA were detected in BAL fluid from vaccinated animals (Groups A and B) but not from controls and animals vaccinated with the bacterin D (p < 0.05). Significantly higher gene expression of IL-10 was observed in the BAL fluid at week 8 post-vaccination in the intradermally vaccinated pigs (p < 0.05). The results support that the intradermal administration of an adjuvanted bacterin induces both systemic and mucosal immune responses. Moreover, the intramuscularly administered commercial vaccines each had a different ability to stimulate the immune response both systemically and locally.     

The effect of supplementation of flax-seed oil on interaction of Lactobacillus plantarum--Biocenol™ LP96 and Escherichia coli O8:K88ab:H9 in the gut of germ-free piglets

We investigated the influence of administration of flax-seed oil on interaction of Lactobacillus plantarum – Biocenol? LP96 and Escherichia coli O8:K88ab:H9 in the gut of germ-free piglets. When compared to animals supplemented with L. plantarum, the counts of lactobacilli in the jejunal and ileal mucosa and in the intestinal content were significantly higher in LMK group (p < 0.0001). Inter-groups comparison of the counts of E. coli K88 adhering to the jejunal and ileal mucosa revealed a significantly decrease in LMK animals (p < 0.001; p < 0.05).     

Reduced efficacy of moxidectin and abamectin in young red deer (Cervus elaphus) after 20 years of moxidectin pour-on use on a New Zealand deer farm

A study was undertaken on weaned 4–5 month old farmed red deer to test the efficacy of moxidectin and abamectin anthelmintics, given by three different routes of administration, compared with an untreated control. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 for a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), blood samples were collected on days 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 for pharmacokinetics, and the deer were killed on days 14 or 15 for total nematode count.The control group averaged 1264 adult Ostertagia-type nematode parasite species and treatment efficacy was 77.4% for moxidectin injection, 26% for oral moxidectin and 27.6% for pour-on moxidectin, while the treatment efficacy was 72.4% for abamectin injection, 70.1% for oral abamectin (Hi-Mineral) and 34.1% for pour-on abamectin. Both moxidectin and abamectin injections were significantly more efficacious than their equivalent pour-ons. There was a significant difference in efficacy between oral abamectin (Hi-Mineral) and oral moxidectin (P < 0.01).The control group averaged 2956 adult lungworm (Dictyocaulus eckerti) and 50 Oesophagostomum venulosum in the large intestine and treatment efficacy against these nematodes was 100% for all treatments. There were negligible numbers of other gastro-intestinal nematodes.At slaughter, there was a significant correlation (P = 0.02) between FEC and Ostertagia-type nematodes in the untreated controls. Relatively few eggs were found in faeces from treated animals at 7 and 14 days post-treatment despite significant worm burdens in all six treatment groups, suggesting egg-laying suppression in resistant nematodes, and all three different FECRT calculations tended to overestimate the efficacy of the treatments compared with actual nematode counts.Peak plasma concentrations (C_max) for both actives were measured 12 h after treatment for injection and oral and at 5 days for pour-on. C_max (ng/ml) for moxidectin injection, oral and pour-on were 71.8, 8.3 and 0.4, respectively, and for abamectin injection, oral and pour-on were 62.1, 30.3 and 10.0, respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) estimates for moxidectin injection, oral and pour-on were 106.6, 12.9 and 6.1, respectively, and for abamectin injection, oral and pour-on were 162.7, 57.5 and 74.3, respectively.The results demonstrate that significant anthelmintic resistance to moxidectin and abamectin is present on this deer farm. However, the injection was the most effective route of administration in young deer for both anthelmintics, although <80% efficacious. We conclude that the FECRT is unreliable in deer when anthelmintic resistance is present.     

Characterization of arginase expression by equine neutrophils

Neutrophils are the predominant cells recruited in the airways of horses suffering from heaves. These cells have been shown to express arginase in some species. The metabolism of l-arginine is thought to be involved in chronic inflammation, and airway obstruction and remodeling. The aim of this study was to assess the expression, regulation, activity, and functional role of arginase isoforms in equine neutrophils. Arginase I, arginase II, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) expression were assessed in resting and stimulated (IL-4, LPS/fMLP, PMA; 5 and 18 h) blood neutrophils using quantitative PCR. Arginase expression was also studied by Western blot and enzyme activity assay. The effect of nor-NOHA (1 mM), a specific arginase inhibitor, was assessed on arginase activity in vitro and ex vivo on neutrophil's inflammatory gene expression and viability. Results showed that equine neutrophils constitutively express arginase isoform 2, ODC and OAT. Neutrophil ex vivo stimulation did not induce arginase I or influence arginase II mRNA expression. Ex vivo inhibition of arginase activity by nor-NOHA had no effect on neutrophils inflammatory gene expression induced by LPS/fMLP (5 h) but significantly reversed the cell loss observed after this stimulation.     

In vivo efficacy of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit extract on experimental fluoride exposure in rats

The study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of hydro-methanolic (1:1) extract of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) fruit pulp in removing body fluoride burden. Thirty rats were divided into five groups. Keeping no fluoride group as the control, rats of no treatment, low dose, middle dose and high dose groups received sodium fluoride orally at the rate of 200 mg per kg body weight daily for 14 weeks. Rats of low dose, middle dose and high dose group simultaneously received tamarind fruit pulp extract at three doses, viz. 25 (low), 50 (medium) and 100 mg (high) per kg body weight orally, respectively. Fluoride concentration in blood, urine and long bone of experimental rats was monitored to assess the efficacy of the extract. Mean serum fluoride concentration in fluoride exposed rats was 0.145 ± 0.009 and 0.783 ± 0.042 μg/ml on days 0 and 98. In comparison, fluoride concentrations in tamarind treated rats were 0.179 ± 0.021 and 0.633 ± 0.015; 0.179 ± 0.021 and 0.502 ± 0.025 and 0.176 ± 0.021 and 0.498 ± 0.030 μg/ml in low, medium and high dose groups, respectively on day 0 and day 98 of the experiment. There was a significant (p ⩽ 0.01) increase in urinary fluoride excretion from day 28 onwards. The mean fluoride concentration in long bones of treated rats was significantly lower than the values recorded in fluoride exposed rats. These findings suggest that concomitant use of tamarind fruit pulp extract can reduce fluoride concentration in blood and bone and enhanced urinary excretion, indicating the ameliorative potential of fruits of tamarind in fluoride toxicity.     

Effects of midazolam before or after alfaxalone for co-induction of anaesthesia in healthy dogs

Objective

To study the effect of alternating the order of midazolam and alfaxalone administration on the incidence of behavioural changes, alfaxalone induction dose and some cardiorespiratory variables in healthy dogs.

Effects of single or trickle Haemonchus contortus experimental infection on digestibility and host responses of naïve Creole kids reared indoor

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the type of Haemonchus contortus experimental infection (trickle infection, TI versus single infection, SI) on feed intake, nutrients digestibility, parasitological and haematological measures, and plasma leptin in Creole kids. The animals were infected over 2 periods (challenge 1 and challenge 2) of 6 weeks each, corresponding respectively to the primary and the secondary infection. Periods prior infection (1 week each) were considered as controls. The primary infection was realized with 35 Creole kids (18.40 ± 3.76 kg BW) housed in individual boxes and fed a hay-based diet. The secondary infection continued with 29 kids (21.90 ± 3.40 kg BW) from the initial 35. A total of 6 kids and 8 kids were slaughtered for measuring nematode burden at the end of the primary and the secondary infection, respectively. Measurements of nutrients digestibility were made at 0, 3 and 5 weeks post-infection for both challenges. Faecal egg count (FEC), blood eosinophilia and packed cell volume (PCV) were monitored weekly. Feed intake (dry matter intake, DMI) and nutrients digestibility were negatively affected by H. contortus infection only during the primary infection. Plasma leptin changed significantly over time (P = 0.0002) but was not affected by the infection type. Effect of infection type was observed only on crude protein digestibility during the primary infection, which was lower in the TI group (P < 0.01). The overall level of blood eosinophilia was significantly higher in the TI group (P < 0.0001) during both challenges. The overall FEC mean was significantly higher in the SI compared with the TI groups, during both challenges (P < 0.02). These results were related to the mean female length significantly higher in the SI group compared with the TI group during challenge 1 (P = 0.004), and the number of adult nematode significantly lower in the TI group compared with the SI group during the challenge 2 (P = 0.05). The results showed that the response of Creole kids to H. contortus experimental infection was in part dependent on the type of experimental infection. Our data suggest that plasma leptin would not be involved in the response of Creole kids against H. contortus infection, as no relationship between its plasma level and the transient reduction in voluntary feed intake observed in both groups during the primary infection was observed.     

Leukocytic responses and intestinal mucin dynamics of broilers protected with Enterococcus faecium EF55 and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis

The protective effect of Enterococcus faecium EF55 in chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 4 (SE PT4) was assessed. The antibacterial effect on the bacterial microflora in the small intestine in relation to white blood cell count, phenotyping of peripheral blood and intestinal lymphocytes, functional activity of lymphocytes and phagocytes and mucin quantitation were investigated. Day-old chicks (85) were randomly divided into four groups. The probiotic group (EF) and Salmonella + probiotic group (EFSE) received E. faecium EF55 (10⁹ CFU – 3 g/group/day) for 21 days. The Salmonella group (SE) and EFSE group were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis (10⁸ CFU in 0.2 ml PBS) in a single dose per os on day four of the experiment. The control group chicks (C) were fed a commercial diet without added bacteria. Supplementation of EF55 in the diet of the chickens in the EFSE group, challenged with S. Enteritidis, caused the density of the intestinal mucin layer to increase significantly in non-specific regions (duodenum and jejunum), but decrease significantly in target regions (caeca) for S. Enteritidis. Probiotic treatment also appeared to result in a significantly higher number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood and a tendency to increase CD3, CD4, CD8, and IgM positive cells 3 days post-infection with S. Enteritidis. The results demonstrated an antibacterial effect and suggested that EF55 had a moderating effect on intestinal mucin production and leukocytic response in the early phase of S. Enteritidis infection.