纤维素酶对常规水分和低水分稻草青贮品质的影响

为了研究不同水平纤维素酶对常规和低水分稻草青贮发酵品质的影响,为生产优质稻草青贮饲料提供理论依据。试验调制常规水分（70.00%）和低水分（37.50%）两种水分的稻草青贮,每种水分均设4组纤维素酶（cellulase,CEL）添加浓度,分别为0（CON）、20（CEL1）、40（CEL2）和80 mg·kg^-1（CEL3）,共计8个处理。每个处理重复3次。常温下青贮60 d开封,测定青贮饲料的发酵品质和化学成分。结果发现：两种水分青贮料中,低水分青贮料的pH和DMR显著（P<0.05）提高,NH₃-N含量显著（P<0.05）低于常规水分青贮料;常规青贮中,4组纤维素酶浓度组的WSC含量显著（P<0.05）增加、NDF和ADF含量显著（P<0.05）减少,其中CEL1组和CEL2组的pH显著（P<0.05）降低;低水分青贮中,4组纤维素酶浓度组的pH和NDF含量显著（P<0.05）降低、DM含量显著（P<0.05）增加,另外,CEL2组和CEL3组的DMR含量显著（P<0.05）提高,CEL2组的WSC含量显著（P<0.05）增加;2种水分青贮中,均以CEL2组的DM、DMR、WSC最高,pH、GLR、NDF含量、ADF含量、NH₃-N含量最低。研究结果表明,在常规水分和低水分稻草青贮中,3个纤维素酶水平都有显著的添加效果,且以40mg·kg^-1的添加效果最佳。     

生物添加剂对羊草青贮饲料超微结构和纤维变化的影响

本试验旨在研究纤维素酶和乳酸菌的单独和复合添加对羊草青贮饲料超微结构和纤维组分的影响。将1060 U/g的纤维素酶(CEL)、1×10⁵ CFU/g的干酪乳杆菌(LC)、1060 U/g的纤维素酶和1×10⁵ CFU/g的干酪乳杆菌复合添加剂(LC+CEL)添加到羊草中经过切短后装入0.5 L青贮桶中制作青贮饲料,每个处理3个重复。在常温状态下贮存45 d,测定发酵品质和营养品质变化并用透射电镜观察其超微结构。结果表明,混合组LC+CEL的pH为3.86显著低于LC和CEL处理组(P<0.05),乳酸和乙酸含量显著高于LC和CEL处理组(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,LC+CEL处理组显著降低43.9 g/kg的中性洗涤纤维、22.3 g/kg的酸性洗涤纤维、28.5 g/kg的纤维素和21.6 g/kg的半纤维素,增加20.5 g/kg的可溶性碳水化合物,29.2 g/kg乳酸。3个添加剂处理组中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维含量均显著低于对照组(P<0.05),可溶性糖和有机酸含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。总之,添加生物添加剂能破坏羊草的细胞结构,提供可溶性碳水化合物作为发酵底物,快速降低pH促进厌氧发酵。复合添加干酪乳酸菌和纤维素酶降解细胞壁和细胞内容物,将其转化为可溶性糖和有机酸的效果最好,单独添加干酪乳酸菌和单独添加纤维素酶的效果次之。生物添加剂对羊草叶片不同部位和结构的细胞降解程度不同,羊草薄壁组织容易降解,木质化程度越高的厚壁细胞降解越困难。     

不同酶制剂对水稻秸秆和白酒糟混合青贮品质的影响

为研究不同酶制剂对水稻(Oryzasativa L.)秸秆和白酒糟(m︰m=1︰1)混合青贮品质的影响,设置CK(对照)、CEL(250 U·g-1纤维素酶)和XYL(250 U·g-1木聚糖酶)3个处理,青贮120 d后取样测定其青贮品质.结果表明:CEL处理的感官评定等级为良好;CEL和XYL处理的干物质、粗脂肪、...     

Interleukin 31 and targeted vaccination in a case series of six horses with chronic pruritus

Chronic pruritus is defined as prolonged itching symptoms associated with a variety of skin conditions. These pruritic conditions clinically manifest in a dermatitis phenotype and commonly are of allergic origin with hypersensitivities towards environmental allergens. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a common player in allergic pruritus across species. The objective of the study was evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a therapeutic vaccine targeting IL-31 in horses with chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) and that could not be explained by insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). This consecutive case series pilot study included client-owned horses with a long history of CPUO. Four horses affected by year-round CPUO were vaccinated with a vaccine consisting of equine IL-31 (eIL-31) covalently coupled to a virus-like particle (VLP) derived from cucumber mosaic virus containing a tetanus toxoid universal T cell epitope (CuMV_TT). Clinical signs and pruritic behaviour were documented by photography and owner questionnaire pre and post vaccination. In addition, in three CPUO horses, levels of IL-31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were quantified from skin punch biopsies. IL-31, TSLP and MCP-1 levels were upregulated in pruritic, alopecic skin lesions compared to healthy skin of the same horse. Clinical signs and pruritic behaviour improved in all four horses upon vaccination with eIL-31-CuMV_TT vaccine. The vaccine was well tolerated without safety concerns throughout the study. The main limitations of this study are the absence control treated horses and allergy diagnostics. It was concluded that Anti-IL-31 therapy might be applied as an allergen-independent treatment option for horses with CPUO overcoming the challenges of identifying the allergic trigger.     

绿汁发酵液和纤维素酶对香蕉茎+小麦麸混合青贮品质的影响

本试验旨在研究绿汁发酵液和纤维素酶对香蕉茎+小麦麸混合青贮发酵品质的影响。调制1个香蕉茎单贮(BSS)组和8个香蕉茎小麦麸混合青贮组,分别为1个对照(CON)组,添加2 mL/kg绿汁发酵液(FGJ)组,添加0.05、0.15和0.25 g/kg纤维素酶(CEL1、CEL2和CEL3)3个水平组,添加FGJ+CEL1(MIX1)、FGJ+CEL2(MIX2)和FGJ+CEL3(MIX3)3个混合组,每组均设3个重复。常温发酵60 d,测定青贮的发酵品质和化学成分。结果表明,与BSS组相比,CON组的气体损失率(GLR)和pH显著降低(P<0.05)。与CON组相比,各添加剂组的干物质(DM)、干物质回收率(DMR)和可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)含量有不同程度的增高,中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)及氨态氮(AN)含量有不同程度的降低;与FGJ组相比,CEL和MIX组的DMR极显著升高(P<0.01)。在CEL组中,随CEL水平的增加,青贮效果愈好;与MIX1组相比,MIX3组的NDF含量显著减少(P<0.05),DMR显著升高(P<0.05);与CEL组相比,对应的MIX组有不同程度的改善。综上所述,在香蕉茎青贮中添加小麦麸有利于改善青贮品质,添加纤维素的效果优于添加绿汁发酵液的效果,二者混合效果更好,且混合后的青贮效果随着纤维素酶的增加而更好。     

象草细胞壁成分与干物质体外消化率关系分析

以提高干物质体外消化率(IVDMD)为目标,在保持一定干物质产量的同时,通过研究象草细胞壁成分与消化率之间的关系,确定影响干物质体外消化率的细胞壁成分,为筛选高消化率象草育种材料和选育品种提供依据.结果表明:矮生多蘖、较高中蘖、较高少蘖以及高大少蘖型于物质体外消化率依次增加,细胞壁成分NDF、ADF、ADL、HEM、CEL含量则依次降低;第一次刈割时的叶片、茎鞘干物质体外消化率均明显高于第二次刈割,同一刈割时期的茎鞘干物质体外消化率显著高于叶片.叶片干物质体外消化率与NDF、CEL含量表现为显著或极显著负相关,茎鞘干物质体外消化率与NDF、ADF、CEL、ADL含量以及ADL/HEM、ADL/CEL、ADL/(HEM+CEL)比值之间表现为显著或极显著负相关.对IVDMD与细胞壁成分进行主成分分析可得两个较为稳定的主成分,一为ADL含量及ADL/CEL、ADL/(HEM+CEL)比值,二为HEM含量及HEM/CEL比值,因此认为ADL、HEM含量为象草细胞壁成分中影响干物质体外消化率的的主要因素.     

Treatment of tropical forages with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes: effects on chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation

The effects of three treatments of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum (CEL), xylanase from rumen micro‐organisms (XYL) and a 1:1 mixture of CEL and XYL (MIX) on the in vitro fermentation of two samples of Pennisetum clandestinum (P1 and P2), two samples of Dichanthium aristatum (D1 and D2) and one sample of each Acacia decurrens and Acacia mangium (A1 and A2) were investigated. The first experiment compared the effects of two methods of applying the enzymes to forages, either at the time of incubation or 24 h before, on the in vitro gas production. In general, the 24 h pre‐treatment resulted in higher values of gas production rate, and this application method was chosen for a second study investigating the effects of enzymes on chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of forages. The pre‐treatment with CEL for 24 h reduced (p < 0.05) the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of P1, P2, D1 and D2, and that of MIX reduced the NDF content of P1 and D1, but XYL had no effect on any forage. The CEL treatment increased (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production for all forages (ranging from 8.6% to 22.7%), but in general, no effects of MIX and XYL were observed. For both P. clandestinum samples, CEL treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the molar proportion of acetate and increased (p < 0.05) that of butyrate, but only subtle changes in VFA profile were observed for the rest of forages. Under the conditions of the present experiment, the treatment of tropical forages with CEL stimulated their in vitro ruminal fermentation, but XYL did not produce any positive effect. These results showed clearly that effectiveness of enzymes varied with the incubated forage and further study is warranted to investigate specific, optimal enzyme‐substrate combinations.     

Urinary excretion of advanced glycation end products in dogs and cats

The present study was conducted with privately owned dogs and cats to investigate whether a relationship exists between the dietary AGEs and the urinary excretion of AGEs, as indication of possible effective absorption of those compounds in the intestinal tract of pet carnivores. For this purpose, data were collected from both raw fed and dry processed food (DPF) fed to dogs and cats, through spot urine sampling and questionnaires. Raw pet food (RF, low in AGE diets) was fed as a primary food source to 29 dogs and DPF to 28 dogs. Cats were categorized into 3 groups, which were RF (n = 15), DPF (n = 14) and dry and wet processed pet food (DWF, n = 25). Urinary-free carboxymethyllysine (CML), carboxyethyllysine (CEL) and lysinoalanine (LAL) were analysed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)—mass spectrometry, and were standardized for variable urine concentration by expressing the AGE concentrations as a ratio to urine creatinine (Ucr) concentration (µg/µmol Ucr). Urinary excretion of CML, CEL and LAL in dogs fed with DPF was 2.03, 2.14 and 3 times higher compared to dogs fed with RF (p < .005). Similar to the dogs, a significant difference in CML:Ucr, CEL:Ucr and LAL:Ucr between the three diet groups was observed in cats (p-overall < 0.005, ANOVA), in which the RF fed group excreted less AGEs than the other groups. Linear regression coefficients and SE of CML:Ucr, CEL:Ucr and LAL:Ucr showed that body weight and neuter status were significantly correlated with CML and CEL excretion, but not to LAL excretion. Our results revealed a significant correlation between dietary AGEs and urinary excretion of free CML, CEL and LAL, and also showed that endogenous formation of these AGEs occurs in both dogs and cats under physiological conditions.     

添加乳酸菌和纤维素酶对茭白叶青贮品质的影响

为研究添加乳酸菌和纤维素酶对茭白(Zizania caclucifora)叶青贮品质的影响,试验设对照组(CK)、乳酸菌组(LAB, 乳酸菌1×10⁵ CFU·g^-1鲜草)、纤维素酶组(CEL, 纤维素酶1 g·kg^-1鲜草)和混合组(MIX, 乳酸菌1×10⁵ CFU·g^-1鲜草+纤维素酶1 g·kg^-1鲜草).桶装青贮,30 d后检测发酵品质.结果表明:添加乳酸菌和纤维素酶,可显著提高粗蛋白(CP),降低中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维含量(ADF);试验组pH、氨氮/总氮(NH₃-N/TN)值显著降低,乳酸含量、乳酸/乙酸值显著提高;试验组产气量、有机物消化率、氨氮和有机酸含量相比对照组显著提高.推荐使用乳酸菌(1×10⁵ CFU·g^-1鲜草)和纤维素酶(1 g·kg^-1鲜草)混合青贮茭白叶.     

添加乳酸菌及纤维素酶对象草青贮品质的改善效果

以象草(Pennisetum purpureum)为材料,研究了乳酸菌和纤维素酶单独添加或组合添加对象草青贮发酵品质和营养价值的改善效果.象草经刈割切短后,分别添加纤维素酶(CEL)、乳酸菌(LD1～LD8)、乳酸菌+纤维素酶(LD1+CEL～LD8+CEL),密封贮藏60 d后测定青贮饲料的发酵品质和营养价值.结果表明:所有添加剂处理组的pH值、丁酸含量均显著低于对照组(CK),乳酸、粗脂肪(EE)含量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05).弗氏法评分中LD2,LD3,LD7及所有组合添加处理组的发酵品质均为优,LD4发酵品质为中,CK发酵品质为差.组合添加处理组的中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)含量均显著低于CK(P<0.05),可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)均显著高于CK;且LD6+CEL将青贮饲料的NDF,ADF降到最低,其WSC也显著高于各处理组(P<0.05).表明添加乳酸菌、纤维素酶能有效改善象草青贮的发酵品质和营养价值,且以LD6+CEL的青贮效果最好.     

Allergen-induced production of IL-31 by canine Th2 cells and identification of immune,skin, and neuronal target cells

The canine cytokine IL-31 induces pruritus in dogs and can be detected in dogs with atopic dermatitis; however very little is understood around its interactions with specific canine cells. We hypothesize that IL-31 is involved in the progression of allergic skin disease by coordinating the interaction between the immune system with skin and neuronal systems. The goal of the following work was to identify cells that produce IL-31 as well as cells that may respond to this cytokine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from naïve and house dust mite (HDM) allergen-sensitized beagle dogs and used for ex vivo characterization of cytokine production assessed using ELISpot and quantitative immunoassay. Sensitization to HDM allergen induced a T-helper type 2 (Th2) cell phenotype characterized by an increase in the production of IL-4 protein. Interestingly, repeated allergen challenge over time also resulted in an increase in IFN-γ. Further evaluation showed that co-stimulation of Th2 polarized cells with antigen and the bacterial component Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) produced higher levels of IL-31 compared to either stimulant alone. Production of IL-31 when PBMCs were stimulated by T cell mitogens suggests T cells as a source of IL-31. Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to determine expression of the IL-31 receptor alpha chain in canine cell lines and tissue. Canine monocytic cells, keratinocytes, and dorsal root ganglia were shown to express the IL-31 receptor alpha chain mRNA. In a multifaceted disease such as canine atopic dermatitis, the combination of Th2 polarization and microbial presence may lead to IL-31 mediated effects driving inflammation and pruritus by immune cells, keratinocytes, and direct neuronal stimulation.     

生物添加剂对水葫芦与甜玉米秸秆混合青贮品质的影响

本研究设计了4种混合比例的水葫芦玉米秸秆混合青贮,即水葫芦∶玉米秸秆按鲜重比为8∶2,7∶3,6∶4和5∶5(略为W8M2、W7M3、W6M4和W5M5),探讨生物添加剂绿汁发酵液(FGJ)、纤维素酶(CEL)和绿汁发酵液+纤维素酶(MIX)的效果。每个处理3次重复,常温下贮存60 d,开封后评定其青贮品质。结果表明,3种添加剂对不同混合比例的材料均能显著(P<0.05)提高其青贮品质,特别是绿汁发酵液和纤维素酶的混合添加,具有相乘作用,效果更好。随着玉米秸秆混合比例的升高,青贮品质提高,W5M5的效果最好。     

象草和杂交狼尾草细胞壁组分及乙醇理论产量动态分析

本试验系统研究了南京地区苏牧2号象草和杂交狼尾草细胞壁各组分含量、总量和木质纤维素乙醇理论产量(CEY)随生长天数的变化规律。结果表明,随着生长时间的延长,两品种茎和叶中纤维素(CEL)含量逐渐降低,茎中半纤维素(HMC)和酸性木质素(ADL)含量逐渐上升。不同生长阶段,两品种叶中CEL含量显著(P<0.01)高于茎,HMC含量显著(P<0.01)低于茎,象草叶中HMC含量显著(P<0.01)高于杂交狼尾草。移苗后114~173 d,象草茎中CEL含量显著(P<0.05)低于杂交狼尾草,而HMC(P<0.01)和ADL(P<0.05)含量显著高于后者。移苗后83~114 d,两品种细胞壁各组分总量和总CEY均稳步增加;茎和叶组织之间,两品种之间的CEL和ADL总量均无显著差异(P>0.05);HMC主要集中在茎组织中;两品种间总CEY以及来源于叶的CEY无显著差异,但两品种来源于茎的CEY显著(P<0.01)高于叶。移苗后114~173 d,细胞壁各组分总量和总CEY急剧增加,增加的产量更多来源于茎组织;两品种之间,HMC和ADL总量以及来源于叶的CEY均无显著差异,但杂交狼尾草纤维素总量和总CEY显著高于苏牧2号象草(P<0.01)。     

Molecular cloning of canine interleukin-31 and its expression in various tissues

The newly discovered cytokine, interleukin-31 (IL-31), belongs to the short-chain cytokine group. It was reported that transgenic expression of IL-31-induced pruritus, similar to atopic dermatitis, in mice, further, excessive amounts of IL-31 was also expressed in the skin from human patients with atopic dermatitis as compared to that from normal people. In this study, canine IL-31 was molecularly cloned from concanavalin A-stimulated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and its nucleotide sequence was determined. Canine IL-31 contains 4 alpha-helix structures characteristic of the IL-31 family, and the amino acid identity of canine IL-31 with those of human or mouse is 54% and 28%, respectively. Furthermore, we detected low levels of canine IL-31 in the thymus, testis, spleen, and kidneys, but not in the skin of atopic dogs.     

A comparison of avian and mammalian cell cultures for the propagation of avian reovirus WVU 2937

Two avian and seven mammalian cell lines were evaluated for their application in propagating avian reovirus WVU 2937. Cultures were compared for monolayer-formation time, support of viral replication, passages and postinfection time required for expression of cytopathic effect (CPE), type of CPE, and virus yield. CPE was observed on the first passage with infected egg yolk in primary chicken embryo kidney cells, primary through tertiary chicken embryo liver (CEL) cells, and African green monkey kidney (VERO) cells; on the third blind passage of infected supernatant in Georgia bovine kidney cells, Crandall feline kidney cells, and baby hamster cells; on the fifth blind passage in rabbit kidney cells; and on the tenth blind passage in porcine kidney cells. CPE was not observed after 10 viral passages in rabbit bone-marrow cells. Monolayer formation time and postinfection time for CPE expression occurred sooner, and virus yield was greater, with CEL and VERO cells than with other cell lines.     

Provision of beta‐glucan prebiotics (cellooligosaccharides and kraft pulp) to calves from pre‐ to post‐weaning period on pasture

We conducted two feeding experiments to evaluate the effects of supplementation with either cellooligosaccharide or kraft pulp on growth performance in grazing beef calves (Japanese Black) from 4 weeks pre‐weaning to 12 to 16 weeks post‐weaning. In Experiment 1 (20‐week duration), nine calves (2.9‐month‐old females) were assigned to either a control group (CON) or an experimental group (CEL) fed cellooligosaccharide at a rate of 10 g/day mixed with concentrate. Average daily weight gain tended to be greater in CEL than in CON, especially after 1 month of weaning. In Experiment 2 (16‐week duration), 10 calves (2.0‐month‐old females) were assigned to either a control group or an experimental group (KRA) fed kraft pulp at a rate of 10% replacement of total digestible nutrients with concentrate. The proportion of fibrolytic bacteria increased and that of methanogenic Archaea decreased in the rumen microbial community composition of KRA calves in Experiment 2, whereas the decrease in Fibrobacter and Archaea was observed in CEL calves at first 4 weeks in Experiment 1. We conclude that beta‐glucan prebiotic supplementation to grazing calves at pre‐weaning would affect rumen microbial composition and modified rumen fermentation characteristics, leading to a better rumen environment via different means.     

酶制剂和绿汁发酵液对巨菌草青贮品质的影响

为了大规模开发利用巨菌草(Pennisetum sp.),设置6个青贮处理,分别为无添加(对照)组、添加纤维素酶组、添加绿汁发酵液组、添加纤维素酶+绿汁发酵液(复合1)组、添加木聚糖酶组以及添加木聚糖酶+绿汁发酵液(复合2)组。室温条件下贮存60d后开封,对青贮品质进行分析测定。结果表明,与对照组相比,纤维素酶组的半纤维素含量降低、干物质回收率升高;木聚糖酶组的乳酸、乙酸、丙酸、可溶性碳水化合物含量降低;绿汁发酵液组的pH、气体损失率、氨态氮含量极显著降低(P0.01),乳酸、干物质回收率和可溶性碳水化合物均增加;复合1组的乳酸和乙酸含量增加,pH、半纤维素、干物质回收率和氨态氮含量降低;复合2组的pH、干物质回收率、乙酸、丙酸、氨态氮含量降低,乳酸增加。较纤维素酶组和绿汁发酵液组,复合1组的青贮效果更优。较木聚糖酶组和绿汁发酵液组,复合2组的青贮效果更优。同时,证实巨菌草是适于作青贮原料。     

Effects of Fermented Green Juice and Cellulase on the Fermentation Quality of Rice Straw Silage and Rice Straw with Sugarcane Tip Mixed Silage

Rice straw and sugarcane tip were used as the silage materials in this research,and there were two groups:Rice straw silage and mixed silage of rice straw and sugarcane tip with the mixed ratio 6:4(m/m).Four treatment groups were set up in each silage:Control group (CON) and three treatment groups which added 2 mL/kg fermented green juice (FGJ),3 mL/kg cellulase (CEL) and 2 mL/kg FGJ+3 mL/kg CEL (MIX),and treatment was repeated 3 times. The materials were ensiled at room temperature for 60 days,and the fermentation quality and chemical compositions were tested. The result showed that for the two kinds of raw silage materials,the contents of WSC and CP in rice straw were lower than those in sugarcane tip,while the contents of NDF and ADF in rice straw were higher than those of sugarcane tip.Compared with the CON group,the NDF,ADF,pH and NH₃-N in FGJ group were extremely significantly decreased when rice straw was silaged alone (P<0.01),while WSC was extremely significantly increased (P<0.01),and DMR was increased. The NDF,ADF,pH,GLR and NH₃-N in MIX group were extremely significantly decreased (P<0.01),while lactic acid,WSC and DMR were increased. In CEL group, the ADF was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and other indicators also had improved in different degrees. Compared with rice straw silage,the NDF,HC,pH and NH₃-N of mixed silage were lower,while DMR and WSC were obviously increased. In conclusion,the fermented green juice and it compound with cellulase had the similar effects on improving the fermentation quality,and the effects were both better than that of cellulase. The fermentation quality of rice straw with sugarcane tip mixed silage was better than rice straw silage.     

Performance,rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of dairy calves fed starter mixtures supplemented with herbal plants,essential oils or monensin

This study evaluated the supplementation effects of three herbal plants (thyme [THY], eucalyptus [EUC] and celery [CEL]), a commercial phytogenic additive ?containing essential oils (PFA‐EO, Digestarom^® P.E.P.) and monensin (MON) in calf starter on performance, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites during pre‐ (days 3–55) and post‐weaning (days 56–70). Sixty‐six Holstein dairy calves (3 days of age, 41.2 ± 3 kg of BW) were allocated to one of six starters supplemented with: (i) no additives (CON), (ii) MON (30 mg/kg), (iii) THY (23 g/kg), (iv) CEL (23 g/kg), (v) EUC (23 g/kg) and (vi) PFA‐EO (3 g/kg). All the calves were offered starters ad libitum plus 6 L of whole milk daily. Starter intake tended to be the highest in calves fed PFA‐EO and THY; intermediate in calves fed CON, MON and EUC; and the lowest in those fed CEL. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) remained unaffected by dietary treatments during the pre‐weaning. During the post‐weaning period, ADG and FE ?were greatest in calves fed EUC followed by those fed CON, MON, PFA‐EO and THY, and then in those fed CEL. No differences were observed among the treatments in skeletal growth, faecal score, rumen pH or ammonia‐N concentration. Compared to calves fed CON and MON, those fed the herbal plants or PFA‐EO tended to recorded higher molar proportions of acetate and butyrate, and the acetate: propionate ratio. Blood malondialdehyde level did not differ among treatments, but calves on CON had the highest glucose concentration, and those fed PFA‐EO recorded the highest value for β‐hydroxyl butyrate on day 70. In conclusion, the results indicate that the three herbs and PFA‐EO are capable of modulating some of the rumen fermentation parameters and blood metabolites as well as eucalyptus could potentially be a better alternative to monensin for improving post‐weaning performance.     

Neuraxial morphine induced pruritus in two cats and treatment with sub anaesthetic doses of propofol

HistoryTwo cats were presented for orthopaedic surgery.Physical ExaminationWith the exception of the orthopaedic injuries found, clinical examination showed no abnormality.ManagementAs part of anaesthetic management, one cat received intrathecal morphine, the other epidural morphine. Following recovery, intense grooming was observed. After ensuring adequate analgesia this behaviour was interpreted as pruritus.In the first cat, pruritus was initially managed with medetomidine constant rate infusion (CRI) at 1 and 1.5 μg kg^?1 hour^?1. The lower dose produced sedation and no relief from pruritus, the higher dose ablated pruritus but induced sedation. Two propofol (lipid emulsion formulation) boli of 0.1 mg kg^?1 ablated pruritus without causing sedation. The second cat was successfully treated with four boli of 0.1 mg kg^?1 propofol over 20 minutes.Follow–upFollowing treatment with propofol, pruritus did not recur in either cat and both were discharged from the hospital.ConclusionsThis is the first clinical report of morphine–induced pruritus in cats and management with low–dose propofol. These cases suggest an antipruritic mechanism for lipid–formulation propofol.