Effect of cation–anion balance in feed on urine pH in rabbits in comparison with other species

In the present investigation, the impact of diet composition on urine pH in rabbits was compared with previous studies on rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs and horses. A total of 13 dwarf rabbits were fed six different diets with a cation–anion balance (CAB) between ?39 and +320 mmol/kg dry matter (DM) using ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) as an acidifier. CAB was calculated as follows: CAB (mmol/kg DM) = 49.9*Ca + 82.3*Mg +43.5*Na + 25.6*K ? 59*P ? 62.4*S ? 28.2*Cl; minerals in g/kg DM. Urine, faeces and blood were collected. Urine pH ranged from 5.26 ± 0.22 at a CAB of ?39 mmol/kg DM to 8.56 ± 0.24 at a CAB of +320 mmol/kg DM. A low CAB in the feed reduced blood pH and blood base excess significantly. Renal excretion of Ca, P, Na and Mg and water was significantly higher in rabbits eating acidifying diets. In comparison with other species, rabbits reacted to acidifying diets in a similar way as cats, dogs and pigs. Rabbits on a mildly alkalizing diet, however, had a trend to higher urine pH than other monogastric species on such diets (cats, dogs, pigs, horses).     

Effect of dietary potassium and anionic salts on acid–base and mineral status in periparturient cows

Dry cow diets based on grassland forage from intensive production contain high amounts of K and could be responsible for a reduced ability to maintain Ca homoeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine whether a moderate anionic salt supplementation to a forage‐based pre‐calving diet with varying native K content affects the mineral and acid–base status in transition cows. Twenty‐four dry and pregnant Holstein cows, without antecedent episodes of clinical hypocalcemia, were assigned to two diets during the last 4 weeks before estimated calving date. Twelve cows were fed a hay‐based diet low in K (18 g K/kg DM), and 12, a hay‐based diet high in K (35 g K/kg DM). Within each diet, six cows received anionic salts during the last 2 weeks before the estimated calving day. After calving, all cows received the high K diet ad libitum. Blood samples were taken daily from day 11 pre‐partum to day 5 post‐partum. Urine samples were taken on days 7 and 2 pre‐partum and on day 2 post‐partum. The anionic salt did not alter feed intake during the pre‐partum period. Serum Ca was not influenced by the dietary treatments. Feeding pre‐partum diets with low K concentrations induced a reduced metabolic alkalotic charge, as indicated by reduced pre‐partum urinary base–acid quotient. Transition cows fed the low K diet including anionic salts induced a mild metabolic acidosis before calving, as indicated by higher urinary Ca, lower urinary pH and net acid–base excretion. Although serum Ca during the post‐partum period was not affected by dietary treatment, feeding a low K diet moderately supplemented with anionic salts to reach a dietary cation–anion difference close to zero permitted to obtain a metabolic response in periparturient cows without altering the dry matter intake.     

Modified Kuhnt–Szymanowski surgical procedure for secondary cicatricial ectropion in a horse

A 1‐year‐old Dutch Warmblood gelding was presented to the University of Florida’s Large Animal Hospital (UF‐LAH) for correction of ectropion of the right lower eyelid. The ectropion was the result of a lower eyelid laceration. A primary repair was performed by the referring veterinarian; however, the horse prematurely removed the sutures and the wound healed with inversion of the eyelid margin. Surgical correction of the entropion, with removal of tissue from the lower eyelid, resulted in cicatricial ectropion. During the initial evaluation at UF‐LAH, a corneal ulcer was noted in the right eye because of exposure from the anatomically nonfunctional lower eyelid. A modified Kuhnt–Szymanowski procedure was performed to correct the ectropion and repair the eyelid margin. The surgical site healed appropriately with an acceptable cosmetic and functional result. No recurrences of corneal ulcers in the right eye were reported in the 18 months following surgical correction of the ectropion.     

Effects of social and climatic factors on birth sex ratio in Macaca mulatta in Mount Taihangshan area

Sex allocation theory predicts the optimal investment to male and female offspring. However, a biased sex ratio requires explanations as to why the deviation occurs. Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the most widely distributed nonhuman primate species and the Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis) occupies the northern limit of all rhesus macaque natural populations worldwide. We observed one macaque troop (Wangwu‐1 [WW‐1]) inhabiting Taihangshan Macaque National Nature Reserve and recorded all birth events and the sex of newborn macaques from 2004 to 2013. Our aim was to apply the Trivers–Willard hypothesis to this free‐ranging rhesus macaque troop, and to understand the relationship between climatic parameters (precipitation and temperature) and birth sex ratio. We found that the total newborn macaques showed a female‐biased sex ratio at birth in the WW‐1 troop, but there were no significant biased birth sex ratios in all matriarchs and in high‐ranking and middle‐ranking matrilineal units. However, the low‐ranking macaque matrilineal unit was significantly female‐biased. Moreover, we found that the annual precipitation of the previous year was positively associated with the birth sex ratio, and there was an interactive effect of troop size and current winter temperature on the birth sex ratio. The underlying mechanisms for the effects of social and climatic factors on birth sex ratio could be complex, and we discuss several plausible explanations.     

Characterization of key genes of the renin–angiotensin system in mature feline adipocytes and during in vitro adipogenesis

Obesity is a growing health problem in humans as well as companion animals. In the development and progression of obesity‐associated diseases, the members of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) are proposed to be involved. Particularly, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in cats has increased enormously which is often been linked to obesity as well as to RAS. So far, reports about the expression of a local RAS in cat adipocytes are missing. Therefore, we investigated the mRNA expression of various RAS genes as well as the adipocyte marker genes adiponectin, leptin and PPAR‐γ in feline adipocytes using quantitative PCR. To characterize the gene expression during adipogenesis, feline pre‐adipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes in a primary cell culture and the expression of RAS key genes measured. All major RAS components were expressed in feline cells, but obvious differences in the expression between pre‐adipocytes and the various differentiation stages were found. Interestingly, the two enzymes ACE and ACE2 showed an opposite expression course. In addition to the in vitro experiments, mature adipocytes were isolated from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Significant differences between both fat depots were found for ACE as well as AT1 receptor with greater expression in subcutaneous than in visceral adipocytes. Visceral adipocytes had significantly higher adiponectin and PPAR‐γ mRNA level compared to the subcutaneous fat cells. Concerning the nutritional status, a significant lower expression of ACE2 was measured in subcutaneous adipocytes of overweight cats. In summary, the results show the existence of a potentially functional local RAS in feline adipose tissue which is differentially regulated during adipogenesis and dependent on the fat tissue depot and nutritional status. These findings are relevant for understanding the development of obesity‐associated diseases in cats such as diabetes mellitus.     

Kisspeptin in the early post–partum of the dairy cow

Recently, a new molecule, kisspeptin (Kp), and in particular Kisspeptin 10 (Kp10), was implicated in stimulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating Kp10 levels in the early post–partum period of the dairy cow. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows, at 10 (T10), 12 (T12), 14 (T14) and 16 (T16) days after calving. Progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated using ELISA, and levels of oestrogens (E2) and Kp were evaluated using a radio‐immunologic method. After an initial plateau, Kp10 significantly increased at T14 and decreased at T16. The P4 and E2 mean serum values remained in the physiological range. It is likely that Kp10 enhanced hypothalamic GnRH release as well as pituitary gonadotropin secretion, thus promoting follicular growth and the increase in E2 levels, which might have further enhanced Kp10 release through a positive feedback loop. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the range of Kp10 blood concentration during the early post–partum period in the dairy cow. The results of our study will increase our current understanding of the complex neuro‐endocrine crosstalk underlying the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in the dairy cow.     

Uptake of manganese from manganese–lysine complex in the primary rat intestinal epithelial cells

This study was conducted to compare the differences of the uptake of Mn from Mn–lysine complex (MnLys) and MnSO₄ and to determine the potential mechanisms of the uptake of Mn from MnLys. We first established the primary rat intestinal epithelial cell culture model and used it to determine the uptake of Mn from different Mn sources. The MnLys increased (p < 0.001) Mn uptake when compared to MnSO₄. The uptake of Mn decreased (p < 0.05) with added Fe concentration increasing in the medium regardless of Mn source. The MnLys decreased (p < 0.01) Mn²⁺ efflux transporter ferroportin 1 (FPN1) mRNA level, but did not influence (p > 0.06) Mn²⁺ influx transporter DMT1 mRNA expression when compared to MnSO₄. The results above indicated that the increase of Mn accumulation for MnLys at least partly was due to the decrease of Mn efflux by reduced FPN1 expression. The N‐ethylmaleimide, as an l ‐lysine transport system y⁺ inhibitor, decreased (p < 0.001) the uptake of Mn from MnLys, but did not affect (p > 0.10) the uptake of Mn from MnSO₄. The cycloheximide, as an l ‐lysine transport system b^0,+ activator, increased (p < 0.001) the uptake of Mn from MnLys, whereas also did not influence the uptake of Mn from MnSO₄. The MnLys increased (p < 0.01) the system y⁺ member cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) 1, and system b^0,+ components rBAT and b^0,+AT mRNA expression when compared to MnSO₄. These results suggested that the uptake of Mn from MnLys complex might be transported by CAT1 and system b^0,+, which was different from ionized Mn²⁺ uptake pathway. In conclusion, the uptake of MnLys complex not only might be absorbed as Mn²⁺, but also appeared to be transported through CAT1 and system b^0,+ in the primary rat intestinal epithelial cells.     

The involvement of N‐glycosylation of zona glycoproteins during meiotic maturation in sperm–zona pellucida interactions of porcine denuded oocytes

The present study was conducted to delineate whether N‐glycosylation of zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins occurred during meiotic maturation and whether this N‐glycosylation played a role in sperm–ZP interactions of porcine cumulus denuded oocytes (DOs). After mechanical removal of cumulus cells from cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), DOs were cultured for 44 h in in vitro maturation (IVM) culture. The experiments were carried out to determine the effects of tunicamycin, a specific N‐glycosylation inhibitor, for various intervals during IVM on sperm–ZP interactions in porcine DOs. The results determined that DOs could induce meiotic maturation, although the maturation rate of DOs was earlier than that of COCs. In addition, N‐glycosylation of ZP glycoproteins occurred during meiotic maturation and was crucial in sperm–ZP interactions, was responsible for sperm penetration, sperm binding to ZP and induction of acrosome reaction in ZP‐bound sperm. However, the inhibition of N‐glycosylation by tunicamycin during IVM did not influence ZP hardness and male pronuclear formation, indicating that this N‐glycosylation was involved in the initial stage of fertilization. We conclude that 24–44 h of N‐glycosylation of ZP glycoproteins during meiotic maturation was crucial in sperm penetration and sperm binding to ZP and the induction of acrosome reaction in sperm bound to ZP of porcine DOs.     

Genetic Analysis of Dobrava–Belgrade Virus from Western Serbia – A Newly Detected Focus in the Balkan Peninsula

Dobrava–Belgrade virus (DOBV) is a hantavirus species that causes the most severe form of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Europe. DOBV has been detected in three Apodemus rodents: A. flavicollis, A. agrarius and A. ponticus. These emerging viruses appear throughout the Balkan Peninsula including Serbia as its central part. In this study, we examined the seroprevalence, molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics of DOBV from A. flavicollis captured at six Serbian localities. Furthermore, we applied microsatellite typing of host animal genome to analyse the role of host kinship in DOBV animal transmission. The overall IgG seropositivity rate over 3 years (2008–2010) was 11.9% (22/185). All seropositive samples were subjected to RT‐PCR and DNA sequencing for S and L genome segments (pos. 291–1079 nt and 2999–3316 nt, respectively). DOBV was genetically detected in three samples from mountain Tara in western Serbia, a newly detected DOBV focus in the Balkans. No sequence data from human cases from Serbia are available for the studied period. However, collected DOBV isolates in this work phylogenetically clustered together with isolates from Serbian human cases dating from 2002, with 1.9% nucleotide divergence. We determined the level of kinship between seropositive and seronegative animal groups and found no significant difference, suggesting that horizontal virus transmission in the studied population was the same within and among the hatches. Our findings are the first genetic detection of DOBV in rodents in Serbia. We confirm wide and continuous hantavirus presence in the examined parts of the Balkans, underlying the necessity of continual monitoring of hantavirus circulation in A. flavicollis.     

Comparative observation of freeze–thaw‐induced damage in pig,rabbit, and human corneal stroma

Objective Although variations exist between species with respect to outcomes after cryopreservation, little is known about the differences in the susceptibility of the corneal stroma to cryoinjury. We performed this study to investigate freeze–thaw‐induced damage in keratocytes and collagen in rabbit, pig, and human corneas. Animals studied Rabbit, pig, and human. Procedures We prepared 250‐μm‐thick anterior stroma from rabbit, pig, and human corneas after scraping off the epithelium and endothelium. Each 250‐μm‐thick corneal stroma without epithelium was placed in a 50‐mL tube, frozen with liquid N₂ for 15 min and taken out to thaw rapidly at 37 °C. This procedure of rapid freezing and thawing was repeated three times. Differences between the species with respect to cells and collagen structures were examined using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We orthotopically transplanted the pig and rabbit corneal transplants after the triple freeze–thaw cycle into rabbit eyes and evaluated graft survival. Results On gross examination, rabbit corneas became opaque after the triple freeze–thaw procedure, while pig and human corneas remained transparent. Histologically, keratocytes were apoptotic on TUNEL assay and TEM in rabbit, pig, and human corneas. Collagen fibrils were fragmented and the arrangement of collagen fibrils was severely disturbed in rabbit corneas on H&E staining and TEM; collagen was well preserved in pig and human corneas. Rabbit corneal stroma underwent autolysis after transplantation, whereas the pig corneal stroma remained clear for 1 month. Conclusions Our study showed that rabbit corneal stroma was more susceptible to freeze–thaw injury than pig and human corneas.     

Evaluation of Ziehl–Neelsen stained faecal smear and ELISA as tools for surveillance of clinical paratuberculosis in cattle in the Netherlands

Testing cattle suspected of clinical paratuberculosis is an important element of surveillance of paratuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic-test characteristics of microscopic examination of Ziehl–Neelsen stained faecal smears for acid-fast Mycobacteria (ZN-test) and serum-ELISA in cattle suspected of clinical paratuberculosis in the Netherlands.Results of all samples submitted for ZN-test and serum-ELISA between April 2003 and April 2006 to our laboratory were retrieved. Results from cattle for which both tests were performed were analysed using two Bayesian latent-class models for evaluation of diagnostic tests in two populations without a gold standard, assuming (a) conditional independence of tests, or (b) conditional dependence of tests in both infected and non-infected cattle. Sampled cattle were divided into two populations in different ways using four known risk factors for clinical paratuberculosis: region, soil type, clinical signs, and age.For 892 cattle suspected of clinical paratuberculosis, both ZN-test and serum-ELISA results were retrieved: 250 ZN-positive and ELISA-positive, 12 ZN-positive and ELISA-negative, 260 ZN-negative and ELISA-positive, and 370 ZN-negative and ELISA-negative cattle.With priors based on the available literature, the posterior estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the ELISA were always higher than those of the ZN-test. Furthermore, lower limits of the 95% credibility intervals of the posterior positive predictive values of the ELISA were ≥99.7%, and of the negative predictive values of the ELISA ≥56.4%.We conclude that the ELISA is preferred to the ZN-test to confirm the presumptive diagnosis of clinical paratuberculosis in the Netherlands. Little diagnostic information can be gained by performing the ZN-test in addition to the ELISA.     

Effect of different head–neck positions on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse

Different head–neck positions (HNPs) are used in equestrian sports and are regarded as desirable for training and competition by riders, judges and trainers. Even though some studies have been indicative of hyperflexion having negative effects on horses, this unnatural position is frequently used. In the present study, the influence of different HNPs on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse was investigated. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood cortisol levels were measured in 18 horses. Low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) are power components in the frequency domain measurement of HRV which show the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Values were recorded at rest, while riding with a working HNP and while riding with hyperflexion of the horse's head, neck and poll. In addition, rideability and behaviour during the different investigation stages were evaluated by the rider and by an observer. Neither the HR nor the HRV showed a significant difference between working HNP (HR = 105 ± 22/min; LF/HF = 3.89 ± 5.68; LF = 37.28 ± 10.77%) and hyperflexion (HR = 110 ± 18; LF/HF = 1.94 ± 2.21; LF = 38.39 ± 13.01%). Blood cortisol levels revealed a significant increase comparing working HNP (158 ± 60 nm ) and hyperflexion (176 ± 64 nm , p = 0.01). The evaluation of rider and observer resulted in clear changes of rideability and behavioural changes for the worse in all parameters collected between a working HNP and hyperflexion. In conclusion, changes of the cortisol blood level as a physical parameter led to the assumption that hyperflexion of head, neck and poll effects a stress reaction in the horse, and observation of the behaviour illustrates adverse effects on the well‐being of horses during hyperflexion.     

The effect of three different head–neck positions on the average EMG activity of three important neck muscles in the horse

The Knowledge of muscle activity in common head–neck positions (HNPs) is a necessary precondition for making judgements on HNPs. The aim of the study was to record the surface electromyography activities of important muscles of the horse's neck in various HNPs. The electrical activities of the m. splenius, brachiocephalicus and trapezius were recorded on both sides. Five horses, both with and without a rider, were examined in all three gaits on both hands in three different HNPs: a ‘free’ position, a ‘gathered’ (head higher, neck more flexed) position with the noseline in front of the vertical and a ‘hyperflexed’ position. Averages of ten consecutive gait cycles in each HNP were evaluated and compared by standard statistical methods. No difference between ridden and unridden horses could be detected. The m. brachiocephalicus was in the hyperflexed position in all gaits significantly (p < 0.01) more active than in the gathered and free position, which were not significantly different. By contrast, the m. splenius was in the hyperflexed position less active than in the free position (p < 0.02), in which it always showed the highest activity. In walking, the muscle activities in the free and gathered positions deviated significantly (p < 0.01). The m. trapezius was in the hyperflexed posture during walking significantly less active than in the free (p < 0.01) and gathered (p < 0.01) positions with the strongest activities in the free position. Again, the free and gathered positions differed significantly (p < 0.01). In trot, the same pattern occured, although the gathered and hyperflexed positions did not differ significantly. In the canter, the activities of the m. trapezius showed no differences between HNPs. In HNPs with the noseline in front of the vertical, the muscles of the topline (m. splenius, m. trapezius) are activated and trained. In the hyperflexed position, however, a major muscle of the lower topline (m. brachiocephalicus) is activated and trained.     

Neutrophil and platelet activation in equine recurrent airway obstruction is associated with increased neutrophil CD13 expression, but not platelet CD41/61 and CD62P or neutrophil–platelet aggregate formation

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in mature horses is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and neutrophilic inflammation; there is also functional activation of circulating platelets and neutrophils. This study was undertaken to determine if changes in activation marker expression and heterotypic aggregate formation can be used as an indicator of this increased functional responsiveness.In vitro conditions for flow cytometric measurement of CD13, CD41/61 and CD62P expression on activated cells and heterotypic aggregate formation were established. Values were then compared before and after antigen challenge of RAO and healthy horses. Platelet adhesion to serum-coated plastic was measured as a functional marker of platelet activation.In vitro activation resulted in increased expression of neutrophil CD13 and platelet CD41/61 and CD62P. Activation of both cell types caused a significant increase in neutrophil–platelet aggregates.In horses with RAO, but not controls, there was a significant increase in the percentage of CD13 positive neutrophils at 10 h and 24 h and in the mean fluorescence intensity at 10 h. This was accompanied at 24 h by an increased mean platelet side scatter and thrombin-stimulated platelet adhesion.In conclusion, CD13 expression can be used as an indicator of equine neutrophil activation both in vitro and in vivo. Equine platelet activation in vitro can be detected by measuring CD41/61 or CD62P expression, and PAF-activated platelets and neutrophils form aggregates. However, despite evidence of circulating platelet activation, neither a change in expression of platelet activation markers, nor heterotypic aggregate aggregate formation could be detected.     

A four‐season longitudinal study of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli in beef cow–calf herds in Mississippi and Nebraska

Our objective was to describe the probability of detecting seven serogroups of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC‐7) of public health importance in faecal samples from beef cow–calf herds and to test for factors associated with their detection. Fresh faecal samples (n = 85) from two Mississippi and two Nebraska herds were collected in each of four seasons. Samples were tested for each EHEC‐7 serogroup by a molecular screening assay. Separate management groups within herds were sampled, and group‐level factors were recorded. To measure the effects of factors on faecal shedding of EHEC‐7, separate multivariable logistic regression models were used, accounting for the random effect of clustering by group within farm. Statistical significance was set α = 0.05. Fifty‐nine samples (4.3%) were positive for EHEC O26, and Nebraska samples were more likely to be positive than Mississippi samples (OR = 12.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 139.2). Forty‐four samples (3.2%) were positive for EHEC O45. Odds for detection were greater in the summer than all other seasons combined (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.3, 14.0), and odds decreased if a precipitation event occurred (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.8). EHEC O103 was detected in 66 samples (4.9%) with increased probability to be detected at increased temperature. EHEC O111 was detected in 71 samples (5.2%), and 43 samples (3.2%) were positive for EHEC O145. Both EHEC O111 and O145 were associated separately with season, with greater probability for detection in the summer. Eighteen (1.3%) and 68 (5.0%) samples were positive for EHEC O121 and EHEC O157, respectively. We failed to detect significant explanatory factors associated with probability to detect EHEC O121 or O157. Factors that vary by time and place, such as precipitation, ambient temperature, region and season, are uniquely associated with the probability to detect EHEC‐7 in fresh faeces collected from cow–calf herds.     

Validation of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) as an overall indicator of population mental health and well-being in the UK veterinary profession

The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) was evaluated as an indicator of mental health and well-being within the veterinary profession in a cross-sectional study among a representative sample of 3200 veterinary surgeons practising in the UK. The WEMWBS mean score for the sample was 48.85 (95% confidence interval 48.43–49.28). The score showed a negative correlation with anxiety and depressive symptoms and a positive correlation with favourable psychosocial working conditions. A 1 unit increase in score was associated with reduced odds of reporting having experienced suicidal thoughts in the previous 12 months, and reduced odds of reporting depressive or anxiety symptoms of clinical significance. The results support the validity of the scale as an overall indicator of population mental health and well-being for this occupational group.     

The immune response in Taenia solium neurocysticercosis in pigs is associated with astrogliosis, axonal degeneration and altered blood–brain barrier permeability

Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the immuno-pathological changes and the extent of neuronal damage caused by either viable or dead Taenia solium cysticerci during porcine neurocysticercosis. Thirty pig brains with cerebral cysticercosis and 5 brains from T. solium free pigs were used in this study. Results revealed extensive astrogliosis, neuronal and mostly axonal damage in both early (grade I) and late (grades III and V) lesions as evidenced by an increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament protein (NFP). In many late lesions, astrocyte end-feet formed glial scars that surrounded the dead parasite. Rapid angiogenesis resulted in blood vessels lacking astrocyte end-feet suggesting loss of blood–brain barrier (BBB) hence allowing an influx of peripheral blood immune cells such as eosinophils, macrophages, CD3+ T cells, B lymphocytes and plasma cells into lesions. This study showed that porcine NCC was associated with severe nervous tissue damage, the host response of which is a collaborative effort between the local and peripheral immune responses comparable to that observed in human NCC. Results further implied that porcine NCC could be a useful model for understanding the course of NCC in human as well as provide useful information for therapeutic and/or immune strategies.     

Effects of iron–glycine chelate on growth,carcass characteristic,liver mineral concentrations and haematological and biochemical blood parameters in broilers

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of additive iron–glycine chelate on the production performance, slaughter yield, mineral deposition in the liver and the metabolic blood panel in broiler chickens. A total of 250 one‐day‐old Ross 308 chicks were allotted into five groups with five replicates of 10 birds each. Diets were supplemented with the organic form iron (Fe–Gly at the rate of 25%, 50% or 100% of the total requirements of the elements) and inorganic Fe (FeSO₄ at the rate of 50% or 100%). In the experiment, iron was added to the premix (containing no Fe) in an amount of 40 or 20 mg per kg of basal diet, in groups I and II, in the form of FeSO₄, and in an amount of 40, 20 or 10 mg per kg of basal diet, in groups III, IV and V, in the form of Fe–Gly. The study covering the period from the first to the 42nd day of breeding revealed that the production performance and slaughter yield were not dependent on the form and amount of added Fe. In the experimental groups with the addition of Fe–Gly of 20 or 10 mg/kg, there were no deaths of chickens during the whole fattening period. As a result, introducing an organic form of iron covering 50% and 25% of the birds' requirement increased the effectiveness of chicken fattening (European Efficiency Index) (p < 0.01). An organic Fe compound (40, 20 or 10 mg/kg) added to mixtures contributed to significant changes in the level of biochemical and haematological indicators in blood. The study demonstrated that an addition of Fe–Gly to mixtures for broilers can be fully effective in terms of production and health performance even if the suggested requirement for this element is 50% or 25% covered.     

Effect of solid–liquid separation on anaerobic digestion of dairy manure in semi‐continuous stirred tank reactors: Process performance and digestate characteristics

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of solid–liquid separation on anaerobic digestion of dairy manure in semi‐continuous stirred tank reactors. Reactors fed with liquid fraction of dairy manure (screened liquid manure) were kept in water baths at mesophilic (Run 1) and thermophilic (Run 3) temperatures, respectively, while reactors fed with water diluted manure and kept at mesophilic (Run 2) and thermophilic (Run 4) temperatures as control reactors. The performances of reactors were compared in terms of biogas and methane production, and digestate characteristics. The methane yields obtained from screened manure were higher than those from diluted manure at both mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures, while the highest methane yield was 185 L/kg VS_added under thermophilic temperature. Solid–liquid separation also had improved the effect on digestate fertilizer characteristics. Among four digestates from reactors, the highest contents of nutrients, N (4.12 g/kg) and P (2.36 g/kg) were found in Run 3, while the highest content of K (3.42 g/kg) was found in Run 1. These results showed the benefits of solid–liquid separation of dairy manure on process performance and digestate characteristics.