Modification of the human–broiler relationship and its potential effects on production

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of additional human contact (AHC) on the human–animal relationship (HAR) in broilers and on the birds’ productivity. A total of 1558 broiler one-day-old chicks were distributed into 12 equally sized pens at two different stocking densities (SDs), calculated on estimated weight at slaughter (4 pens with 32?kg/m² and 8 pens with 16?kg/m²). Six groups (2 high and 4 low SDs) received AHC, which consisted of 30-min sessions with visual human contact three days/week. The remaining six groups received as little human contact as possible and served as controls. A touch test was used to assess the human–broiler relationship and the production parameters measured were growth rate, mortality, feed consumption and feed conversion. The AHC treatment had a positive effect on the quality of the HAR but failed to affect any production parameter.     

Behavioral and cardiopulmonary effects of dexmedetomidine–midazolam and dexmedetomidine–midazolam–butorphanol in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Objective

To evaluate the behavior and some cardiopulmonary variables of dexmedetomidine–midazolam or dexmedetomidine–midazolam-butor-phanol in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Comparison of the effects of butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine and butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine in wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus)

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine (BAM) and butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine (BMM) protocols for immobilization of wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus) with subsequent antagonization with atipamezole.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded clinical trial.AnimalsA total of 40 adult wild common palm civets, 24 female and 16 male, weighing 1.5–3.4 kg.MethodsThe civets were randomly assigned for anesthesia with butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (0.6, 0.6 and 0.2 mg kg^–1, respectively; group BAM) or with butorphanol, midazolam and medetomidine (0.3, 0.4 and 0.1 mg kg^–1, respectively; group BMM) intramuscularly (IM) in a squeeze cage. When adequately relaxed, the trachea was intubated for oxygen administration. Physiological variables were recorded every 5 minutes after intubation. Following morphometric measurements, sampling, microchipping and parasite treatment, medetomidine was reversed with atipamezole at 1.0 or 0.5 mg kg^–1 IM to groups BAM and BMM, respectively. Physiological variables and times to reach the different stages of anesthesia were compared between groups.ResultsOnset time of sedation and recumbency was similar in both groups; time to achieve complete relaxation and tracheal intubation was longer in group BAM. Supplementation with isoflurane was required to enable intubation in five civets in group BAM and one civet in group BMM. All civets in group BAM required topical lidocaine to facilitate intubation. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure was lower in group BAM, but heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure were not different. All civets in both groups recovered well following administration of atipamezole.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth BAM and BMM combinations were effective for immobilizing wild common palm civets. The BMM combination had the advantage of producing complete relaxation that allowed intubation more rapidly.     

Seasonal changes in morphology and immunoreactivity of PDGF-A and its receptor PDGFR-α in the epididymis of wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) system is expressed and can exert its biological role in the male reproductive system including the maintenance of morphological structure and function of the epididymis. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the PDGF system and seasonal changes in morphology of the wild ground squirrel epididymis during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the epididymal morphology and histology. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to detect the immunoreactivities of PDGF-A and B and PDGFR-α. Significant seasonal changes in epididymal morphology were observed in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The proportions of the three compartments (interstitial tissue, epithelium and lumen of the duct) revealed distinct variances. Strong immunostaining of PDGF-A was present in the myoid cell and on the sperm in the breeding season, whereas there was a faint signal in the myoid cell in the nonbreeding season. PDGFR-α was expressed in all cell types of the epithelium throughout the whole seasonal cycle, and immunostaining of PDGFR-α in the breeding season was significantly stronger compared with that of the nonbreeding season. PDGF-B was not detected in the epididymis of wild ground squirrels. These results suggested that seasonal morphological changes in epididymis were correlated with immunoreactivities of PDGF-A and its receptor PDGFR-α and that PDGF-A and PDGFR-α might function as paracrine, autocrine or apocrine factors in wild ground squirrels.     

Expression of prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α)) receptor and its isoforms in the bovine corpus luteum during the estrous cycle and PGF(2α)-induced luteolysis

Prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α)) induces luteolysis via a specific receptor, PTGFR. Although PTGFR mRNA expression in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) has been studied previously, changes in PTGFR protein and its localization are not fully understood during the life span of the CL. In addition to full-length PTGFR, several types of PTGFR isoforms, such as PTGFRα (type I) and PTGFRζ (type II), were reported in the bovine CL, suggesting isoform-specific luteal action. Full-length PTGFR mRNA in the bovine CL increased from the early to the mid-luteal phase and decreased during luteolysis, whereas PTGFR protein remained stable. PTGFR protein was localized to both luteal and endothelial cells and was expressed similarly during the life span of the CL. Like full-length PTGFR mRNA, PTGFRα and PTGFRζ mRNA also increased from the early to mid-luteal phases, and mRNA of PTGFRζ, but not PTGFRα, decreased in the regressing CL. During PGF(2α)-induced luteolysis, the mRNAs of full-length PTGFR, PTGFR,α and PTGFRζ decreased rapidly (from 5 or 15 min after PGF(2α) injection), but PTGFR protein decreased only 12 h later. Silencing full-length PTGFR using small interfering RNA prevented PGF(2α)-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2) mRNA induction. By contrast, PGF(2α) could stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA even when full-length PTGFR was knocked down, thus suggesting that PGF(2α) may stimulate PTGS2 via full-length PTGFR, whereas VEGFA is stimulated via other PTGFR isoforms. Collectively, PTGFR protein was expressed continually in the bovine CL during the estrous cycle, implying that PGF(2α) could function throughout this period. Additionally, the bovine CL expresses different PTGFR isoforms, and thus PGF(2α) may have different effects when acting via full-length PTGFR or via PTGFR isoforms.     

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship

Instrumental learning plays an important role in dog–human interactions. The recent demand for pet dog training has resulted in the development of various training methods. The present exploratory study aims to compare the effects of 2 training methods on both the behavioral welfare of the dog and the dog–owner relationship: the first method is based on positive reinforcement (appearance of an appetitive stimulus), whereas the second method is based on negative reinforcement (disappearance of an aversive stimulus). The study compared behaviors linked to signs of stress and attentive behaviors toward the owner in 2 dog training schools, which used different methods. Walking on-leash activity and obeying the “sit” command were studied. The results show that dogs from the school using a negative reinforcement–based method demonstrated lowered body postures and signals of stress, whereas dogs from the school using a positive reinforcement–based method showed increased attentiveness toward their owner. However, neither method affected avoidance behaviors. This exploratory study reveals the differential effects of the 2 training methods on dogs' behaviors; it suggests that training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful and potentially better for their welfare.     

A bibliography on ticks and tick‐borne diseases in the countries of the Benelux (1567–1978)

Summary

Information published between 1567 and 1978 on this subject contains at least 223 titles. They cover medical and veterinary as well as biological aspects. Full bibliographical details of the publications are given. A subject index (to tick species, host species, and diseases transmitted) increases the availability of the data included. Some of the more interesting results of the study are discussed in a short introduction.     

Surgical management of foreign body obstruction of the small and large colons in 29 equids (2004–2016)

The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical presentation, surgical findings, complications and outcome of a case series of small and large colon obstruction by foreign bodies (FBs) in horses. The study is a retrospective case series which included 29 equids (28 horses and one donkey). Medical records of cases diagnosed with FB obstruction of the large or small colon between the years 2004 and 2016 that underwent surgery were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, clinical signs, surgical findings and post-operative variables were recorded. Short- (survival to hospital discharge) and long- (1 year after surgery) term survival rates were obtained. Cases had a mean age of 4.2 years, with both females and Arabian horses being overrepresented. Abdominal distention was the most common observation on presentation and the FB could be palpated in 20% of the cases during rectal examination. The most common reason to go into surgery was severe pain with abdominal distention. Significantly more FBs were found in the small colon during surgery (P<0.0001) and most were removed by small colon enterotomy. Complications rate post-operatively was relatively high (41%) with fever and diarrhoea being most common. Twenty-three cases (79%) were released from the hospital and all cases that were available for long-term follow-up were alive and returned to previous activity. No correlation between the chosen method of surgical removal of the FB and survival or complications post-operatively was noted. These data reflect favourable prognosis for surgical removal of colonic FBs. Few techniques are available to improve the safety of removal and the preferred method depends on the FB location, appearance and mobility. As FB obstruction resembles ‘noncomplicated’ colonic impaction, it is essential to try and recognise FB cases since deterioration can be rapid and surgery is the only sufficient treatment.     

Genetic structure of the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) population: Are tigers in Sikhote‐Alin and southwest Primorye truly isolated?

We used molecular genetic analyses to noninvasively identify individual Amur tigers and define subpopulations of tigers in the Russian Far East. We identified 63 individuals after genotyping 256 feces, 7 hair and 11 blood samples collected within southern, central and northern Sikhote‐Alin, as well as Southwest Primorye. Analysis of nuclear DNA at 9 microsatellite loci demonstrated greater genetic similarity between animals from southern and northern Sikhote‐Alin (some 500 km apart) than between animals from Ussuriskii State Nature Reserve and Southwest Primorye (less than 10 km apart at their nearest point), suggesting that a true barrier exists preventing movements of tigers between Southwest Primorye and the southern Sikhote‐Alin Mountains.     

A field study of kick injuries to the radius and tibia in 51 horses (2000–2010)

The objective of this study was to examine all kick injuries to the radius and tibia seen in an ambulatory setting over an 11-year period in order to determine factors affecting outcome. Medical records of 51 horses seen for a kick injury to the radius or tibia were reviewed. Signalment, physical examination findings, type of management, and outcome were evaluated. There was a significant association between the presence of bony crepitus and a lameness score of ≥ 4/5 and a poor outcome. There was no relationship between signalment and outcome, but significantly more Thoroughbred/Thoroughbred cross horses were affected than any other breed. There was no detected relationship between the type of management and outcome; however, most (81%) horses were managed on stall rest. Horses with bony crepitus or with a lameness score of ≥ 4/5 were at an increased risk for euthanasia.     

The role of fish movements and the spread of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) in Chile, 2007–2009

Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) infection is a constant major threat to farmed and wild Atlantic salmon worldwide. Many epidemics have recently been reported in the most important salmon farming regions of the world, including Chile (2007–2009), where ISAV generated the most important disease and economic crisis in history of the salmon industry of the country. The spread of ISAV within a region is most likely by local or neighborhood spread from an infected farm; however, there is evidence that anthropogenic activities, such as movement of live or harvested fish or their byproduct, may have played a more important role than environmental or passive transmission in the 2007–2009 outbreak. Atlantic salmon farms (n = 421) were retrospectively followed from stocking to harvesting in southern Chile at the time of the ISAV epidemic (2007–2009). The effect of husbandry and spatial risk factors, in addition to contact-network risk factors, which were obtained from the social network analyses, on time to first ISAV infection was estimated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Five variables were retained in the final fitted model: co-existing multiple generations on a farm (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.585), mean smolt weight at stocking greater than 120 g (HR = 1.165), farm area (per km²) (HR = 1.005), and increased number of shipments entering a farm, i.e. the farm input degree (HR = 1.876) were associated with reduced time to infection; whereas time-to-infection was longer for farms located farther from an ongoing ISAV outbreak (HR = 0.943). It was demonstrated that movements of latently infected fish resulted in approximately 7 outbreaks, and potentially explain about 6% of the total number of cases during the epidemic. Results from this study provide new information about the mechanisms of spread of ISAV in one the largest documented ISAV epidemics in the world. Findings may be used to support the design and implementation of risk-based surveillance and control programs that may help to prevent, detect and control future ISAV outbreaks.     

Evaluation of untreated and urea molasses–treated finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw and lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) leaf hay on nutritive values and the performance of Gumuz sheep in Ethiopia

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of untreated and urea molasses–treated finger millet straw and lowland bamboo leaf hay feeding on...     

An unholy disease in the Holy Land: The history of anthrax between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea (1909–2012)

The history of recorded cases of anthrax in human beings and animals from 1909 to 2012 in the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea is reviewed. The disease was endemic until the middle of the 20th century, but the incidence decreased thereafter, with only sporadic cases from the 1980s onwards. Human cases have not been diagnosed in the region since 1984 and the number of episodes of animal disease has reduced to less than one per year. This decline is mostly due to the disruption of the infective cycle by improved veterinary control, including vaccination, treatment and outbreak management. A policy of reactive vaccination for 10 years of affected herds and herds grazing in their proximity has been applied. No new outbreaks have been observed in such herds after the cessation of vaccination, despite continued grazing on the same sites, so it is assumed that spore survival in such areas is shorter than 10 years. This is independent of the soil composition, which is calcareous throughout most of the relevant area. However, reemergence of anthrax, even after decades, has occurred following disturbance and heavy rainfall.     

Frequency and distribution of foot lesions identified during cattle hoof trimming in the Province of Antioquia,Colombia (2011–2016)

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Lameness is a severe welfare problem in cattle and has a detrimental effect on longevity, productivity, and reproductive performance. This study aimed to...     

Analysis of domestic animal movements in Colombia (2006–2014) and their possible influence on the bovine brucellosis spread

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes great economic losses. The disease is endemic in Colombia and animal movements from infected herds carry...     

Bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) in cattle–a review with emphasis on reproductive impacts and the emergence of infection in Ireland and the United Kingdom

Bovine reproductive disease attributable to bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) was first described in Germany in the 19^th century, being recognised primarily as the cause of infectious vulvovaginitis and balanoposthitis until the mid-1950s when a more virulent strain of the virus (BoHV-1.1) associated with respiratory disease (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis; IBR) emerged in the western United States. Subsequently, IBR emerged as a clinical condition in Europe, from the 1970s onward. While the ability of BoHV-1 to produce respiratory disease is now well recognised, the potential negative outcomes of infection on fertility and reproduction are less frequently considered. This review was conducted against the background of the prioritization of disease caused by BoHV-1 as one of several diseases to be addressed by Animal Health Ireland, with the twin goals of summarizing the published literature on the potential outcomes of infection at different stages of breeding and pregnancy, and of describing the emergence of BoHV-1 as a significant pathogen in Ireland and the UK.