复方中药对断奶獭兔生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、免疫功能及屠宰性能的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平的复方中药对断奶獭兔生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、免疫功能及屠宰性能的影响.将70只60日龄断奶仔獭兔随机分为7组,每组5个重复,每个重复2只.Ⅰ组为空白对照组,饲喂基础日粮;Ⅱ组为抗生素对照组,饲喂在基础日粮中添加抗生素(含50 mg/kg杆菌肽锌、10 mg/kg硫酸黏杆菌素)的日粮;Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ、Ⅶ组为中药试验组,分别饲喂在基础日粮中添加1%、2%、3%、4%、5%复方中药的日粮.预试期7 d,正试期45 d.结果表明:①Ⅳ组平均日增重显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组(P< 0.05),料重比显著低于其他各试验组(P< 0.05).②在干物质表观消化率上,Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P< 0.05),Ⅶ组显著高于Ⅰ组 (P< 0.05);在粗纤维表观消化率上,Ⅳ组极显著高于Ⅰ组(P< 0.01),Ⅶ组显著高于Ⅰ组(P< 0.05);在中性洗涤纤维表观消化率上,Ⅳ组极显著高于Ⅰ组(P< 0.01),显著高于Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ、Ⅶ组(P< 0.05);在酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率上,Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅴ、Ⅶ组(P< 0.05);在粗蛋白质表观消化率上,Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P< 0.05).③各试验组间免疫球蛋白(IgG、IgA、IgM)含量差异均不显著(P> 0.05);Ⅳ组脾脏指数显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ组(P< 0.05).④各试验组间屠宰率、半净膛屠宰率、全净膛屠宰率差异均不显著(P> 0.05).综上所述,日粮中添加复方中药和抗生素都可提高断奶獭兔生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、免疫功能及屠宰性能,且添加2%复方中药效果最好.     

植酸酶对樱桃谷肉鸭能量、蛋白质和氨基酸利用率及消化酶活性的影响

本试验研究了颗粒饲料中添加植酸酶对樱桃谷肉鸭能量、养分利用率和消化酶活性的影响.试验随机选取600只樱桃谷肉鸭,随机分为5个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复20只肉鸭.分为I组(正对照组,饲喂基础日粮),Ⅱ组(负对照组,有效磷水平降低,未添加植酸酶),Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组(分别在负对照的基础上添加500、1 000及10 000 U/kg植酸酶).结果表明:(1)与Ⅱ组相比,Ⅳ组21日龄肉鸭能量表观利用率、脂肪真利用率分别提高了3.18%和13.27%(P<0.05);Ⅳ组42日龄干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪表观利用率及粗脂肪真利用率显著提高(P<0.05),分别提高了10.07%、9.45%、17.49%和16.56%;(2)Ⅳ组21日龄肉鸭丝氨酸、甘氨酸、半胱氨酸和苯丙氨酸,42日龄甘氨酸、丙氨酸、蛋氨酸、异亮氨酸和酪氨酸的表观消化率比Ⅱ组均有显著提高(P<0.05);(3)Ⅳ组21日龄空肠蛋白酶和二糖酶活性分别比Ⅱ组高14.29%和17.87%,差异显著(P<0.05);42日龄Ⅳ组胰蛋白酶活性和Ⅲ、Ⅳ组脂肪酶活性较Ⅱ组显著提高(P<0.05).试验结果表明,日粮颗粒饲料中添加不同水平的植酸酶可不同程度地提高樱桃谷肉鸭消化酶活性和养分利用率,其中以1 000 U/kg添加水平效果最佳.     

日粮粗蛋白质水平对生长期实验兔生长性能和免疫功能的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮粗蛋白质水平对生长期(断奶至3月龄)实验兔生长和免疫功能的影响.选用平均初始体重为(950±90)g的40日龄断奶实验兔60只,随机分为5组(每组12个重复,每个重复1只),分别饲喂粗蛋白质水平为12%(Ⅰ组)、14%(Ⅱ组)、16%(Ⅲ组)、18%(Ⅳ组)和20%(Ⅴ组)的等消化能(10.0MJ/kg)等粗纤维(12%)日粮,进行6周饲养试验,并测定动物生长性能、免疫学指标和相关血液指标.结果表明:幼兔日增重(y)与粗蛋白质水平(x)间存在二次回归关系(y=-0.233x2+7.637x-40.335,r=0.79,P<0.01),日粮粗蛋白质水平为16.4%时,动物日增重最大.血清胰岛索样生长因子-Ⅰ含量以Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组较高,与Ⅰ组差异显著(P<0.05).各组实验兔的自然杀伤细胞活力、脾脏指数和胸腺指数均以Ⅴ组最高,且Ⅴ组在以上3项指标上分别相应地与Ⅰ组、Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组差异显著(P<0.05).脂多糖刺激指数以Ⅳ组较高,且与Ⅰ组差异显著(P<0.05).Ⅲ组刀豆素蛋白刺激指数显著或极显著高于Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组(P<0.05或P<0.01).日粮粗蛋白质水平对免疫球蛋白含量无显著影响(P>0.05),而Ⅳ组的白介素-1β的浓度显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05).血清一氧化氮含量和超氧化物歧化酶活性以Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组为高,与Ⅰ组差异显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01);而丙二醛含量则与超氧化物歧化酶活件的变化规律相反.由此可知,日粮粗蛋白质水平在16.4%时可满足生长期实验兔最大生长需要,该水平略低于实验兔维持最佳免疫状态对日粮粗蛋白质的需要.     

日粮添加不同水平普鲁兰酶对临武鸭生长性能、养分利用率和器官指数的影响

为研究日粮不同普鲁兰酶水平对3~28日龄雌性临武鸭生长性能、养分利用率和器官指数的影响,试验选取体重接近的健康3日龄雌性临武鸭480只,随机分为6个处理,处理Ⅰ为饲喂基础日粮的对照组,处理Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ和处理Ⅵ则分别在基础日粮基础上添加100、150、200、250 g/t和300 g/t酶制剂,每处理设5个重复,每重复16只鸭,试验全期为25 d。结果表明:(1)日粮不同普鲁兰酶添加水平对3~28日龄临武鸭生长性能各指标均无显著影响(P>0.05),添加100 g/t和150 g/t普鲁兰酶的2个试验处理试鸭平均日增重较对照处理Ⅰ分别高出2.15%和0.87%。另外,处理Ⅱ、Ⅳ和Ⅵ试鸭的料重比均低于对照处理Ⅰ。(2)日粮添加不同水平普鲁兰酶对临武鸭干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、粗纤维、中性洗涤纤维及酸性洗涤纤维的表观利用率均无显著性影响(P>0.05),处理Ⅱ试鸭的表观代谢能最高,分别较对照处理Ⅰ和处理Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ提高了0.24%、8.09%、17.59%(P<0.05)、6.45%、26.62%(P<0.05)。(3)日粮添加不同水平普鲁兰酶对28日龄临武鸭的脾脏、法氏囊、胰腺、肝脏、心脏、腺胃、肠道指数及肠道长度指数均无显著影响(P>0.05),而处理Ⅳ试鸭的肌胃指数最高,且显著高于处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ(P<0.05)。综合表明,以生长性能、养分表观利用率和器官指数作为评价指标,本试验条件下,3~28日龄临武鸭日粮普鲁兰酶添加水平在100~200 g/t为宜。     

蛋白水平对文昌鸡生长性能及养分的影响

通过饲养和代谢试验,研究日粮蛋白质水平对文昌鸡生长性能及养分利用率的影响。选取180只81日龄健康文昌鸡母鸡,随机分为4个处理组,每处理3个重复,每重复15只鸡。粗蛋白质水平分别设为15%(试验Ⅰ组)、16%(试验Ⅱ组)、17%(试验Ⅲ组)和18%(试验IV组)。试验期40 d。结果表明:1)试验Ⅱ、Ⅲ和IV组日增质量均显著高于试验Ⅰ组,而料重比都显著低于试验Ⅰ组;2)试验各组养分利用率间差异不显著,但试验Ⅱ组能量与粗蛋白质的利用率较高。结果说明:日粮蛋白质水平可提高文昌鸡的日增质量,降低料重比,以16%蛋白质水平为最佳。     

加酶预消化饲料对断奶仔猪生长和养分表观消化率的影响

为研究体外加酶预消化饲料对断奶仔猪生长与养分消化率的影响,选用28日龄断奶杜长大仔猪80头,按试验要求随机分为4组,每组2个重复,每个重复10头,分别饲喂基础饲粮颗粒料(Ⅰ组)、基础饲粮预消化颗粒料(Ⅱ组)、普通加酶饲粮颗粒料(Ⅲ组)、加酶预消化饲粮颗粒料(Ⅳ组),预试期7 d,正试期28 d.结果表明,Ⅳ组仔猪日增体质量(P<0.05)和饲料转化率(P<0.05)显著高于Ⅰ和Ⅱ组,腹泻率极显著低于Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ组(P<0.01);Ⅳ组仔猪能量和钙表观消化率均高于Ⅰ和Ⅱ组(P<0.05),但与Ⅲ组比较差异不显著(P>0.05);Ⅳ组仔猪磷表观消化率显著高于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)、Ⅰ和Ⅱ组(P<0.01),Ⅳ组粗蛋白表观消化率虽略有提升,但与其它3组相比差异不显著.加酶预消化饲料可提高断奶仔猪对饲料养分的消化,进而促进其生长.     

日粮能量水平对6～10周龄扬州鹅生产性能与脂肪沉积的影响

本研究旨在探讨日粮能量水平对6～10周龄扬州鹅生产性能和脂肪沉积的影响.选用35日龄、体重相近的扬州鹅200只,随机分成4组,每组5个重复,每个重复10只,公母各1/2.Ⅰ～Ⅳ组日粮能量水平分别为10.11、11.19、12.37和13.45MJ/kg,试验期35 d.结果表明:(1)Ⅱ组的平均日采食量显著高于Ⅳ组,Ⅲ和Ⅳ组的料重比显著低于Ⅰ和Ⅱ组(P<0.05);(2)Ⅳ组的屠宰率和腿脂率显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05),Ⅲ和Ⅳ组的腹脂率极显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.01);(3)日粮能量水平对血清总胆固醇、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、尿酸、葡萄糖、碱性磷酸酶和乳酸脱氢酶无显著影响(P>0.05),Ⅲ组的血清高密度脂蛋白和低密度脂蛋白显著高于Ⅱ组(P<0.05),而极低密度脂蛋白和甘油三酯显著低于Ⅱ组(P<0.05),Ⅲ组的血清总蛋白和白蛋白显著低于Ⅰ组(P<0.05).由此可知,高能量日粮显著提高6～10周龄扬州鹅的屠宰率、腹脂率和腿脂率,降低采食量和料重比.但是,腹脂率过高(5.4%)将导致饲料成本增加.因此,建议6～10周龄扬州鹅日粮的适宜能量水平为12.37MJ/kg.     

酵母浓缩物的不同添加方式对罗斯肉鸡生长性能和营养物质表观代谢率的影响

选取192羽1日龄罗斯308肉仔鸡,随机分为3组,每组4个重复,每个重复16只鸡。Ⅰ组为对照组,饲喂基础饲粮,Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组在基础饲粮中添加0.2%的酵母浓缩物,其中II组添加方式为1~42日龄连续添加,Ⅲ组为1~21日龄添加而22~42日龄不添加,试验期42d。结果表明:1~21日龄,和对照组比较试验Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组ADG分别提高9.84%(P<0.05)和9.43%(P<0.05),干物质和粗脂肪表观代谢率提高(P<0.05),试验组间差异不显著(P>0.05);22~42日龄,Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组ADG分别提高12.06%(P<0.05)和5.18%(P>0.05),试验组组间差异不显著(P>0.05);试验组营养物质表观代谢率均高于对照组,但试验组组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。1~42日龄,Ⅱ组Ⅲ组ADG分别提高11.47%(P<0.05)和6.28%(P<0.05),ADFI提高(P>0.05),F/G降低(P>0.05)。综合分析,酵母浓缩物可以提高肉仔鸡的平均日增重和营养物质表观代谢率,降低料重比,并具有后续促生长的作用。     

不同能量和蛋白质水平日粮对石岐杂鸡免疫器官发育及血液生化指标的影响

本研究旨在探讨不同能量和蛋白质水平日粮对石岐杂仔鸡器官指数和血液生化指标的影响。选用21日龄健康石岐杂鸡120只,随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复10只,饲喂4种蛋白质(CP)和能量(DE)水平不同的玉米-豆饼型日粮,分别为:Ⅰ组(12.09 MJ/kg;18.07%)、Ⅱ组(13.09 MJ/kg;18.01%)、Ⅲ组(12.09 MJ/kg;20.08%)和Ⅳ组(13.09 MJ/kg;19.93%)。试验期为21 d。结果显示:(1)Ⅱ、Ⅳ组较Ⅰ组能显著提高胸腺、脾脏和法氏囊等免疫器官指数(P<0.05);Ⅲ组较Ⅰ组能显著提高胸腺和脾脏指数(P<0.05)。(2)Ⅱ组较Ⅰ、Ⅲ组能显著提高肝脏指数(P<0.05);(3)Ⅱ组能显著提高葡萄糖和总胆固醇的含量(P<0.05);Ⅲ组能显著提高血清总蛋白、甘油三酯和尿酸的含量(P<0.05);Ⅳ组能显著提高血清总蛋白和葡萄糖的含量(P<0.05),并提高总胆固醇、甘油三酯和尿酸含量(P>0.05)。对于22～42日龄的石岐杂鸡,以免疫器官指数作为衡量标准,能量13.09 MJ/kg、蛋白质19.93%较为适宜;以血液葡萄糖和尿酸(或其他指标)为衡量指标,能量...     

饲粮胆汁酸水平对育成期貉生长性能、氮代谢及血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮胆汁酸水平对育成期貉生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、氮代谢及血清生化指标的影响。选取50日龄公貉64只,随机分成4组,每组16个重复,每个重复1只。4组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加0(Ⅰ组)、100(Ⅱ组)、300(Ⅲ组)、500 mg/kg胆汁酸(Ⅳ组)的饲粮。正试期90 d。结果表明:1)Ⅱ组的末重显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.05);Ⅱ组的料重比显著低于Ⅰ组(P0.05)。2)Ⅱ组的干物质表观消化率显著高于Ⅳ组(P0.05);Ⅰ组的粗蛋白质表观消化率显著高于Ⅳ组(P0.05),Ⅱ组的粗蛋白质表观消化率极显著高于Ⅳ组(P0.01);Ⅰ组的粗脂肪表观消化率显著低于Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组(P0.05)。3)Ⅱ组和Ⅰ组的粪氮排出量显著低于Ⅳ组(P0.05);Ⅱ组的氮沉积显著高于Ⅳ组(P0.05)。4)Ⅳ组的血清中尿素(UREA)含量极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01),Ⅲ组显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.05),Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅱ组(P0.05);Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组血清总蛋白(TP)和白蛋白(ALB)含量均极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01);Ⅳ组血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活性极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01),Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅱ、Ⅲ组(P0.05);Ⅲ、Ⅳ组血清碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性极显著高于Ⅰ组(P 0.01),Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅱ组(P 0.05);Ⅳ组血清葡萄糖(GLU)含量极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01);Ⅲ、Ⅳ组血清高密度脂蛋白(HDL)含量极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01),Ⅱ组显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.05),Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅱ组(P0.05);Ⅳ组血清低密度脂蛋白(LDL)含量极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01),显著高于Ⅱ组(P0.05);Ⅲ、Ⅳ组血清胆固醇(CHOL)含量极显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.01),Ⅱ组显著高于Ⅰ组(P0.05),Ⅳ组显著高于Ⅱ组(P0.05);Ⅳ组血清甘油三酯(TG)含量极显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P0.01)。综上所述,本试验条件下,饲粮胆汁酸添加水平在100 mg/kg时,貉的生长性能、干物质表观消化率、粗蛋白质表观消化率、粗脂肪表观消化率和氮沉积较高,动物机体对蛋白质和脂肪吸收较好,对貉的生长更有利。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein     

Avian brood parasitism — a growing research area in behavioral ecology (part Ⅱ)

正We are pleased to publish the second special issue on avian brood parasitism and to be responsible guest editors for the two special issues of Chinese Birds (Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012 and Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013), entitled "Avian Brood Parasitism - A Growing Research Area in Behavioral Ecology". The first issue was published in December 2012. The goal of the two special issues is to publish accumulated knowledge and some of the recent developments in     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -