A hematologic and blood chemical study of Swedish purchased calves.

The hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocytes (R.G.), serum iron (SI) and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBG) were examined in a total of 386 purchased calves for the duration of 1 year. The calves were tested within 3 days of arrival at the buyer’s herd. The average age of the calves was 28 ± 10 days ().The results may be summarized as follows:

1. Approx. 35% of the calves had Hb values ≦ 10.0 g/100 ml.
2. Fifteen% of the calves had ≦ 6.0 × 10⁶ R.C. per µl.
3. Fifty-three calves or about 14% showed SI values ≦ 40 µg/100 ml and 131 calves or 34% ≦ 80 µg/100 ml.
4. Twenty-seven % of the calves had UIBG values > 501 µg/100 ml.
5. Almost half the calves (48%) had a saturation percentage of transferrin with iron below 20% and 138 calves (36%) below 15%.

These figures among others in the study indicate that 13–35% of the purchased calves suffered from iron deficiency anemia.     

Some descriptive characteristics of a new goat breed called Honamli in Turkey

This study has been carried out in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey on seven different Honamli goat flocks. The aim of this study was to determine the growth characters, survival rate (till weaning, 105th day), some reproductive characteristics and marketable milk yield. The data were collected from 516 does and 210 kids (125 buckling and 85 doelings). The results indicate that the numbers of multiple birth and litter size were 32.8 % and 1.35 respectively. Survival rates of kids at the 30th, 90th, and 105th days were 98.5, 97.2, and 97.2?%, respectively. The average birth weight for the buckling and doelings was 4.1 and 3.7?kg, respectively. The average weaning weights for buckling and doelings were 26.9 and 23.4?kg, respectively. The effects of dams?? age, on sex and birth type on the growth of Honamli kids were statistically significant (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01, and p?<?0.001). While the diameters of erythrocytes of Honamli goats are smaller, the density of hemoglobin in the erythrocytes is more than Asian, Indian, and American caprine breeds. The average lactation length and marketable milk yield was assessed to be at 210.3?days and was 89?L, respectively. The growth characteristics of Honamli kids at weaning age were assessed to be higher than most of the other goat breeds in Turkey. The results further indicated that there is a significant variation in the production traits among the different Honamli goat flocks. Production traits of Honamli goats at different breeding conditions should further be investigated to come to a definite conclusion.     

Plasma Testosterone in Cows Related to Day of Gestation and Sex of the Foetus,and Plasma Testosterone Levels Around Parturition

No significant differences in plasma testosterone level were observed between cows carrying a male foetus and cows carrying a female foetus at any ten-day interval from day 35 of gestation until parturition. Reported higher abortion rates for male than for female foetuses would thus appear not to be due to effects of foetal testosterone on the maternal endocrine balance. In spite of a great individual variation in plasma testosterone values at similar stages of gestation, certain trends are evident. From the 35th to the 80th day of gestation the average concentration was 90–100 pg/ml. Later it rose and reached 200 pg/ml on the 180th day, remaining at this level until after partus. During the first day after parturition plasma testosterone fell significantly and stabilized around 120 pg/ml.     

Half-lives of sulphadoxine and trimethoprim after a single intravenous infusion in cows

DAVITIYANANDA, DANIS and FOLKE RASMUSSEN: Half-lives of sulphadoxine and trimethoprim after a single intravenous infusion in cows. Acta vet. scand. 1974, 15, 356–365. — The half-life of sulphadoxine in plasma (11 hrs.) is much longer than that of trimethoprim (50–103 min.) and in accordance to this traces of sulphadoxine are demonstrated in the milk 3 days after the infusion, while trimethoprim could not be detected in milk 2 days after the infusion. The apparent volume of distribution is 0.37 for sulphadoxine and 1.14 for trimethoprim, i.e. 37 % and 114 % of the body weight, respectively.sulphadoxine; trimethoprim; half-life; cow.     

Effect of passive transfer status on preweaning growth performance in dairy goat kids

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of passive transfer status (determined from measurements of serum IgG concentration at 24 hours after parturition [sIgG-24]) on preweaning growth performance in dairy goat kids. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 20 healthy nursing dairy doe kids in a natural nonintensive breeding environment. PROCEDURES: For each kid, sIgG-24 was measured. Body weight was measured at birth and at the time of weaning 30 days (ie, 29 to 31 days) after birth; average daily gain from birth to day 30 and weight at day 30 were used as measures of preweaning growth performance. Regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between sIgG-24 and measures of preweaning growth performance. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD sIgG-24 was 31.7 +/- 10.3 mg/mL. Mean body weights at birth and weaning were 4.105 +/- 0.981 kg (9.031 +/- 2.158 lb) and 9.310 +/- 2.554 kg (20.482 +/- 5.619 lb), respectively; average daily gain was 0.174 +/- 0.072 kg/d (0.383 +/- 0.158 lb/d). No significant association was detected between sIgG-24 and birth weight. However, sIgG-24 was significantly associated with average daily gain (R(2) = 0.48) and weight at day 30 (R(2) = 0.56). Each increase in sIgG-24 of 1 mg/mL was associated with an increase in average daily gain of 0.005 kg/d (0.011 lb/d) and an increase in weight at day 30 of 0.185 kg (0.407 lb). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that passive transfer status (determined as sIgG-24) was a significant source of variation in preweaning growth performance in dairy doe kids reared in this nonintensive breeding environment.     

Bovine mycoplasmas: classification of groups related to Mycoplasma mycoides.

Mycoplasmas which had in various ways proved to be related to Mycoplasma mycoides were studied with a view to classification and nomenclature. Representative strains of M. mycoides — subspecies mycoides (PG1) and subspecies capri (PG3) — and of the as yet unclassified bovine serogroups 7 (PG50) and L (B144P) were compared serologically and by DNA-DNA hybridization. The serological methods used (metabolism inhibition, growth inhibition and immunofluorescence) are usually considered to be species-specific.

1. The two subspecies of M. mycoides can be clearly separated by all three serological methods, whereas the hybridization studies revealed great similarity between them, the relatedness value being 0.70.
2. The two serogroups (7 and L) cross-reacted with each other in all three serological tests, and their relatedness value was 0.83. The relatedness value between group 7 and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides was found to be 0.72, and only limited cross-reactions were demonstrated by immunofluorescence and growth inhibition.
3. Although groups 7 and L were found only to a slight degree to be genetically related to M. bovigenitalium with a DNA homology of 20 % or less, a serological cross-reaction between group 7 and M. bovigenitalium has been demonstrated by growth inhibition in previous studies.

Conclusions drawn on the basis of the premises just mentioned give rise to a dilemma, because three different situations exist. In (1), significant serological differences were disclosed, but the DNA homology was great. In (2), the serogroups 7 and L showed conformity between hybridization and serological findings, whereas, in (3), hybridization showed a distinct separation, but a serological cross-reaction does occur. If the results of hybridization are regarded as decisive, the two subspecies of M. mycoides can be preserved, but this is at variance with the general perception that the serological methods used here are species-specific. If, on the other hand, the serological results are chosen to be decisive, PG1 and PG3 must be regarded as two separate species, and consequently Group L/7 may also be a separate species.As regards the relation between group L/7 and M. bovigenitalium, the results of hybridization clearly show that they are two different species. As a consequence of this, it must be accepted that cross-reactions may occur — also in growth inhibition — between different species which, genetically, are even far removed from each other.On account of the fundamental nature of these problems, the authors prefer to leave the decisions — also as to the nomenclature — to the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Mycoplasmatales.     

Relationship between Prenatal Survival Rate at 70 days of Gestation and Morphometric Parameters of Vagina, Uterus and Placenta in Gilts

Swine uterine capacity affects litter size, and it could be used as a selection parameter of reproductive performance. Although there are some controversial results, evidences show that the catheter penetration length is positively correlated with litter size, and it could be used as a tool for predicting selection methods. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any association between the prenatal survival rate and placental size at 70 days of gestation, the vaginal length [catheter penetration length during artificial insemination (AI)] and the uterine capacity in a homogeneous group of gilts. Sixty-six commercial-line gilts in pre-pubertal phase had their oestrus induced by hormonal treatment [600 UI of Equine Chorionic Gonadtrophin (eCG) i.m. and after a 72-h period 5 mg of luteinizing hormone (LH) i.m.], but only 40 gilts showed cyclicity after induction. The AI catheter penetration length was tested on these 40 gilts at the moment of AI using a calibrated AI catheter. Four gilts returned to oestrus and the other 36 were killed at around day 69 of pregnancy. The uterine length and weight showed a significant and positive correlation with the prenatal survival rate (p <0.05). The catheter penetration length was unable to predict the conceptus survival rate on 70 days of gestation; however, the uterine size influenced the survival rate positively. The mean placental area was positively correlated with the mean placental weight (p <0.0001), and both with the mean foetal weight (p <0.0001 and p <0.001, respectively). The analysis of the results obtained showed that neither did the catheter penetration length measurement during AI, nor the prenatal survival rate on day 70 of pregnancy predict the uterine capacity, but the uterine and placental size had a significant influence on the prenatal survival and foetus weight, respectively.     

Effects of field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) dietary supplementation on plasma thyroid hormones, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations and mohair characteristics in growing Angora goat kids

Twenty-two Angora kids were used to study the effect of a dietary supplementation with field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) on hair follicle activity, mohair characteristics and plasma total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin (INS) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations. At birth, their mothers were divided in two groups (S: supplemented, C: control), the S group being supplemented with 300 g/head/day of whole field bean. At weaning, diet of kids from S group was supplemented with 80 g/head/day of whole field bean. At weaning, secondary hair follicle activity (S: 0.91 ± 0.01, C: 0.84 ± 0.02, p < 0.01) and staple length (S: 5.82 ± 0.13 cm, C: 5.16 ± 0.14 cm, p < 0.001) were greater in the S group. At 155 days of age, secondary fibre diameter (S: 16.54 ± 0.35 μm, C: 18.09 ± 0.31 μm, p < 0.01) was higher in the C kids. Concentrations of total plasma T4 and T3 were higher (p < 0.001) in S (120 ± 12 and 4.87 ± 0.92 ng/ml respectively) than in C kids (92 ± 8 and 2.97 ± 0.77 ng/ml respectively). At weaning, T4 values were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the secondary fibre diameter and the T3/T4 ratio was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the secondary to primary hair follicle ratio. At 155 days of age, both T3 and T3/T4 values were positively correlated (p < 0.01) with staple length. Plasma INS (0.11 ± 0.03 ng/ml) and total IGF-1 concentrations (232 ± 13 ng/ml) were not affected by diet. Improvements of diet quality in kids positively affected fibre diameter and length and follicle activity rate. We suggest that increased circulating thyroid hormones concentrations, but not those of INS and IGF-1, may contribute to the beneficial actions of nutritional supplementation on anatomical growth and mohair production of kids.     

Effects of dietary L‐arginine supplementation to early pregnant mares on conceptus diameter—Preliminary findings

The importance of the amino acid L‐arginine (ARG) for conceptus growth and litter size has been demonstrated in various species. L‐arginine is part of embryo‐derived polyamines, a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and stimulates protein synthesis by the embryo. In the present study, we have investigated whether dietary L‐arginine supplementation stimulates early conceptus growth in mares. Warmblood mares with singleton pregnancies received either an arginine‐supplemented diet (approximately 0.0125% of body weight, n = 12) or a control diet (n = 11) from days 15 to 45 after ovulation. Diameter of the embryonic vesicle (days 14, 17, 20 of pregnancy) and size of the embryo respective foetus (length and maximal diameter, days 25–45 of pregnancy at 5‐day intervals) were determined by transrectal ultrasound. At foaling, weight and size of the foal and the placenta were determined. Blood for determination of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and progestin concentrations was collected repeatedly. Neither eCG nor progestin concentration in plasma of mares differed between groups at any time. No effects of arginine treatment on diameter of the embryonic vesicle between days 14 and 20 of pregnancy were detected. Diameter of the embryo/foetus on days 40 to 45 of pregnancy strongly tended to be enhanced by arginine supplementation (p = 0.06). Weight and size of neither the foal nor placenta at birth differed between groups. In conclusion, L‐arginine supplementation was without negative effects on early equine embryos and may support embryonic growth at the beginning of placentation.     

In ovo injection of flavanone on bone quality characteristics,biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme status of blood in daily chicks

In ovo injection (IOI) of Naringin (N), flavanone was examined on post‐hatch blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and bone characteristics. Fertile eggs (n = 700) were distributed in seven groups with 100 eggs. On 14th and 17.5th days of incubation, four groups were injected using 15 or 30 mg active ingredient levels of naringin/0.5 ml saline/egg, low and high level, into amnion sac. Controls include sham (injected normal saline, 0.5 ml/egg on day 14 and 17.5th) and un‐injected group. IOI of high naringin and saline on 14th day of incubation resulted in lower hatchability and then higher mortality in last week of embryonic life. On day hatch, high levels of injected groups more body weight compared to the control. Chick length was increased at high levels of naringin on day 17.5th compared to control and saline injected. Quality traits of bones were improved in naringin‐injected groups compared to control. IOI of naringin influenced thyroid hormones on 14th day of incubation. Naringin groups influenced the Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Calcium (Ca), superoxide dismutase (SOD), blood biochemical and lipids. Totally, amniotic IOI of naringin in last days of developing embryo may be useful for hatched chick, development of leg long bone or effect on biochemical metabolites by levels of flavanone that it needs more research.     

Age determination of bovine foetuses

The need for methods for age determination of foetuses is defined.X-ray examination of the foetal head is recommended as the surest basis for age determination. Calculations are made concerning the correlation between cranial length and foetal age, and the methods used for measurements are described in detail. Measurements of the metacarpus and metatarsus may also be used, but they give a poorer correlation. A formula is worked out for age determination based on cranial measurements.On x-ray photographs, tooth development is seen to occur in an obvious sequence. This is described. However, the interpretation of these observations is subjective and requires control material for comparison.The same is true for the sequence of ossification of the skeleton, which in foetuses < 120 days gives the surest basis for evaluation. Here, too, a wide range of control material for comparison is necessary.The sequence in the appearance of body hair — development and eruption — is noted, as far as the head is concerned. This alone gives an insecure basis for evaluation.By using the 4 systems of parameters mentioned, the age of a foetus can be determined within an error of ± 4—5 days.     

Ruminal metabolism of DNOC and DNBP

The metabolism of DNOG and DNBP in rumen fluid was examined in vitro after elaboration of analytical methods for quantitative determination of dinitrophenols, their 6-amino derivative and diamino-phenols. It was shown that, under anaerobic conditions, the dinitrophenols were rapidly converted into 6-amino derivatives, which successively were reduced to diamino compounds. Reduction did not take place in heat-sterilized rumen specimens, and the metabolism was inhibited by high initial concentrations of the dinitro compounds in the rumen fluid (1—4 × 10⁻³M).In vivo experiments were performed for determination of the concentrations of the dinitrophenols and their metabolites in rumen fluid and blood plasma in a cow. Ruminai metabolism was rapid like in vitro, and the parent compounds were reduced in 10—30 min. The 6-amino derivatives persisted in the rumen fluid for 1 nr., and thereafter only diaminophenols could be detected for another 8—10 hrs. At least 95 % of the absorbed DNOG or DNBP were bound to plasma proteins. 6-amino-4-nitro-o-cresol w^τas found in plasma exclusively in conjugated form, while 6-amino-4-nitro-sec.-butylphenol was free. The diamino compounds were not demonstrated in blood plasma.Severe methaemoglobinaemia and haemolysis were seen after administration of DNBP. The difference in toxicity for ruminants between the two dinitrophenols is discussed on the basis of the observations reported pointing at the unconjugated 6-amino-4-nitro-sec-butylphenol as a potent inducer of methaemoglobinaemia.     

Mucus and hormonal traits in three gestation patterns (pre-, full- and post-term) of Egyptian Nubian (Zaraibi) crossbred doe goats

In the present study, 48 crossbred does (Nubian × Baladi) were used to investigate physiological (mucus and hormonal) traits as affected by gestation pattern (pre‐, full‐ and post‐term parturitions). The incidence of full‐term (does with a gestation length of 146–152 days) was the highest (54.5%), followed by pre‐term (does with a gestation length of 140–145 days; 36.9%) and post‐term (does with a gestation length of 153 days; 8.9%), respectively. Prediction of gestation pattern by using some body measurements was also studied. Cervical mucus samples were collected during estrus to determine spinnbarkeit (i.e. strength, viscosity or stretchability) and pH values of the mucus. Mucus was also collected pre‐parturition daily from day 140 of gestation until delivery, to evaluate the ferning arborization. Blood samples were collected on the day before mating (0 time), 1 (at mating), 30, 60, 90 and 145 days after mating. The results showed that spinnbarkeit and pH in cervical mucus at estrus, serum estradiol‐17α (E2) at day 5 before delivery, and progesterone (P4) levels differed insignificantly according to gestation pattern. The fern degree between day 140 of gestation and day of delivery was the highest in pre‐term does, while it was the lowest in post‐ and full‐term does. The gestation length was the highest in post‐term does (157.5 days), and the lowest in pre‐term does (141.5 days). During winter, the incidence of pre‐term deliveries was the highest (54.5%), but in spring, full‐term deliveries were the most common (58.3%). Most of the traits studied were insignificantly affected by season of birth. Post‐term delivery can be estimated by doe weight and wither height, while full‐term delivery can be anticipated using by hip height and abdomen girth. Pre‐term does can be detected by cervical mucus fern between day 140 of gestation and day of delivery. Post‐term does can be defined by doe weight and wither height, while full‐term deliveries can be defined by hip height and abdomen girth, during pregnancy.     

Determination and Occurrence of Histamine in Rumen Liquor of Sheep

Methods for the determination of histamine in rumen liquor and different feeds are described. The procedures involve adsorption of histamine on Amberlite IRC-50 columns and biological determination of the histamine content of eluates from the ion-exchange resin. By these methods 70—80 % of added histamine were recovered and histamine concentrations as low as 0.01 μg histamine diphosphate per ml of rumen liquor could usually be estimated.Occurrence and formation of histamine in rumen contents of sheep have been examined with the following results:

1. Feeding invariably increased the concentration of histamine in the rumen, the increments being related to the histamine content of the feed.
2. A small formation of histamine seemed to take place in rumen content both in vivo and in vitro after feeding hay or concentrates.
3. The in vitro formation of histamine in rumen contents was greatly increased when L-histidine (10 mg/ml) was added. The formation of histamine varied widely from day to day and was further related to the time of feeding.
4. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate increased the in vitro formation of histamine in rumen content.

     

Variance components and genetic parameters for weight and size at birth in the Boer goat

Variance components, heritability (direct additive and maternal) and correlations (additive genetic, phenotypic, maternal genetic and environmental) of body weight (BW) and body size including length (BL), height (BH) and chest girth (BCG) at birth in Boer goats were estimated on the basis of 5096 records obtained from a Boer Goat Breeding Station in Yidu, China, during 2001–2005. The parameters were estimated using a DFREML procedure by excluding or including maternal genetic or permanent maternal environmental effects, four different analysis models were fitted in order to determine the optimum model for each trait. The environmental factors such as year, season, sex and litter size (LS, number of kids) were investigated as the fixed effects. The results showed that the maternal effects were important determinants of estimated the genetic parameters for birth traits. Year and season had significant effect on birth traits. Single births and male kids had the heaviest live weight and the largest body size at birth. The mean values and standard deviation (SD) of BW, BL, BH and BCG were 3.87 ± 0.85 kg, 31.67 ± 2.87 cm, 32.92 ± 2.80 cm, 33.46 ± 3.21 cm. The mean values and standard error (SE) of direct additive heritability estimates for BW, BL, BH and BCG calculated with the optimum model were 0.19 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.07, 0.24 ± 0.09 and 0.25 ± 0.10, respectively. For all the birth traits, estimates of the correlations between direct additive and maternal genetic (r_a–m) were negative. The estimates of additive genetic and phenotypic correlations among the birth traits were high and positive, and implied no genetic antagonisms among these traits analyzed. The estimates of maternal genetic correlations also were high and positive. Medium and positive environmental correlations indicated the important effects of environmental factors on early growth traits.     

Effect of different dietary energy levels on physio-biochemical,endocrine changes and mRNA expression profile of leptin in goat (Capra hircus)

This study aims to assess the effect of different energy levels of restriction on physiological and genetic level adaptability. Eighteen adult nonpregnant does (average BW 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into three groups, viz., GI (n=6; control), GII (n=6; 30% feed intake of control), GIII (n=6; 40% feed intake of control). The study was conducted for 40 days covering a period of two estrous cycles. Blood samples were collected every ten days interval. The parameters studied were allometric parameters (viz., body weight, and body condition) scoring and physiological responses (viz., respiration rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature) biochemical parameters (glucose, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol), hormones (T3, T4, cortisol, leptin) and mRNA expression profile of leptin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The nutritional stress significantly (P<0.05) affected most of the parameters. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in Body weight, Body condition score and. The physiological responses were significantly (P<0.05) affected. Among the biochemical parameters mean serum glucose first increased significantly (P<0.05) and then stabilized in GII whereas as there was no change in serum glucose levels in GIII. Serum albumin significantly (P<0.05) affected in late stages of study. There was no significant (P<0.05) changes in serum creatinine. Among hormonal parameters there was significant decrease in T3 in both the groups; T4 increased significantly in GII on 10th day and then stabilized whereas no changes was observed in GIII. Cortisol levels increased significantly (P<0.05) in both GII and GIII. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum leptin levels in GII but in GIII significant reduction was observed only 10th and 30th day of study. The mRNA expression was significantly (P<0.05) upregulated in GII on 30th day followed by a significant downregulation whereas in GIII significant (P<0.05) downregulation was only seen on 30th and 40th days. It can be concluded from our study that animals can maintain near physiological homeostasis even at 40% energy intake levels. The animals have innate physiological ability to survive periods of nutritional stress by adjusting leptin levels which are required for maintaining the physiological normalcy.     

The disappearance rate in reindeer of famphur an organophosphorus parasiticide

The present investigations were carried out in order to study the disappearance rate in reindeer of famphur (0,O-dimethyl-O,p-(NtN-di-methylsulphamoyl) phenyl phosphorothioate), a promising systemic parasiticide for the control of reindeer warble and nostril flies.The compound was administered intramuscularly to reindeer as a single dose (in the form of the preparation Warbcx). At a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight (2 animals) famphur caused inhibition of plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities by about 50 %. The plasma esterase activity fell off rapidly, within 24 hrs., and returned to normal within 3 weeks, whereas the erythrocyte esterase activity decreased gradually and remained low for at least 4 weeks after dosing.Peak plasma levels of fampliiir, varying between 1 and 16 p.p.m., were attained within 5–33 hrs., after a dose of 30 mg famphur per kg body weight (7 reindeer). The plasma levels declined to below 0.02 p.p.m. in 72–96 hrs. Famoxon, the oxygen analogue of famphur, was observed for 1–2 days in plasma at low levels, amounting to about 10 % of the corresponding famphur levels. In erythrocytes practically no residues were found of either compound.Tissue residue levels were low — except at the injection site. In a series of animals given a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight and killed at varying times after treatment famphur or famoxon were detectable in liver for 4.5 days and in kidney and skeletal muscle remote from the injection site for 12 days. In muscle tissue from the injection site highly variable residue levels were observed, indicating absorption from the intramuscular depot to be erratic.The experimental results suggest that no appreciable consumer hazard would arise from a proposed single-dose intramuscular treatment of reindeer with famphur at a dosage not exceeding 30 mg/kg body weight, provided a minimum interval of 3 weeks is maintained between treatment and slaughter and the muscle tissue around the injection site is discarded.     

Plasma and blood volume in the calf from birth till 90 days of age.

Determinations of plasma volume were made of 9 clinically healthy Swedish Red and White calves from birth to 90 days of age by means of the isotop dilution technique. Commercially available ¹³¹I labelled human serum albumin was used. Calculation of the total blood volume was based on the plasma volume and packed cell volume.The plasma and blood volumes increased per kg body weight in average 17 and 14% respectively from directly after birth to 24 hrs. old. From 1 to 90 days of age the plasma and blood volume fell steadily per kg body weight. Plasma volume expressed as a percentage of body weight was 5.3% at birth, 6.5% at 1 day old, and 4.9% at 90 days old. Corresponding values for blood volume were 8.4, 9.3 and 7.0%.     

The normal development of Mongolian gerbil foetuses and, in particular, the timing and sequence of the appearance of ossification centres

To elucidate the normal development and growth of Mongolian gerbils, the timing and sequence of the appearance of ossification centres within foetuses were investigated. Average foetus body weight and tail length on the 15th day of pregnancy were found to be 0.042 g and 6.2 mm, respectively. For the 25th day of pregnancy, these measurements were 2.601 g and 29.4 mm, respectively. The body weight and tail length of foetuses increased significantly from the 20th day of pregnancy. Also, the first ossification centre of Mongolian gerbil foetuses appeared in the clavicle at the 17th day of pregnancy. The order in which ossification centres appeared in Mongolian gerbils resembles the pattern for rats and mice, except in some areas of the skull. Except for the clavicle, in which ossification centres appeared rather early, most ossification centres appeared in the last quarter of pregnancy. These results suggest that Mongolian gerbil foetal development is near completion by the last gestational stage. Also, ossification centres appear sooner in the skull and nasal bones than in other rodents.     

The effect of the early feeding of solid and bulk foods on the dynamic development of the digestive processes in calves ina large-scale breeding facility

Digestive activities were studied in test calves (n = 12) in relation to age and feed intake. The calves were isolated after birth from adult cows. Since the 14th day of age, milk replacers were fed with concentrate feed mixture TG and alfalfa hay, i.e. the calves were in the period of plant feeding. The investigation lasted from the end of milk feeding (50th day) to the age of six months. Overall health condition was studied clinically. The characteristics of digestive activities studied in rumen fluid at weekly--monthly intervals were pH, ammonia content, total content of volatile fatty acids, content of particular volatile fatty acids, incidence and number of infusoria. At the age of 50 days, actual pH of rumen fluid was on the average 6.07 and it ranged from 5.84 to 6.76 in the next period. Ammonia content was the highest at the age of 50 days (21.49 mmol/l rumen fluid), then it dropped to 9.83 mmol/l rumen fluid at the age of 180 days. The average total concentration of volatile fatty acids (C2-C5) made 117.00 mmol/l during the first examination, it increased to 132.98 mmol/l at the age of 84 days, and it dropped to 94.16 mmol/l rumen fluid at the age of six months. A similar tendency was found in the volatile fatty acids. The infusoria were found out only at the age of 120 days--their numbers were 155 000 per ml; at the age of 180 days their numbers rose to 368 000 per ml rumen fluid. No disorders of health condition were recorded during the experiment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)