Chemotherapeutic treatment of naturally acquired generalized demodicosis

Fifty-two dogs naturally parasitized with Demodex canis and having the generalized form of the disease were utilized to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single or multiple topical treatments with a liquid concentrate formulation of amitraz. Ten dogs (5 treated, 5 controls) were utilized to evaluate a single treatment. A single topical treatment with the miticide did not significantly reduce the incidence of dogs with mites, however, significant clinical improvement resulted. Side-effects were not observed after treatment. Forty-two dogs (26 treated, 16 controls) were utilized to evaluate multiple topical treatments with the liquid concentrate. A series of 3–6 treatments was applied topically at 14-day intervals. The dogs treated with the miticide received an average of 4.5 topical treatments. All (100%) of the dogs responded clinically, and the mean rate of improvement at four weeks post-treatment was 99.1%. Most dogs (96.2%) were cleared of mites after 3–6 treatments, and Mitaban did not cause any dermatologic, ocular, or other clinical side-effects. Multiple treatments with the liquid concentrate were highly efficacious and safe for treatment of generalized democdicosis. Control dogs did not improve clinically and retained mite populations.     

Amitraz: a tick and flea repellent and tick detachment drug

A topical formulation of amitraz (Mitaban Liquid Concentrate, The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.) was evaluated as a tick repellent and detachment agent, and flea repellent. The diluted liquid concentrate (250 p.p.m. active drug) was topically applied as a single treatment to dogs; the concentration was identical to the rate recommended for treatment of demodicosis and scabies. Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) populations were eliminated and repelled. Repellent activity (92-95%) was observed against R. sanguineus for 2 weeks post-treatment; the treatment was moderately active (63%) during the third week, and at 4 weeks post-treatment the drug was inactive. Established R. sanguineus populations were also treated, and the diluted liquid concentrate had 100% tick-detachment efficacy. Repellent activity (99%) was also detected against D. variabilis; the activity was monitored for only 7 days. The ectoparasiticide had low to moderate flea (Ctenocephalides felis) repellent activity (42%) for 4 days post-treatment; thereafter the treatment was ineffective. Side-effects were not observed in any of the dogs treated with amitraz, or the placebo.     

Influence of Feeding Horses a High Fiber Diet With or Without Live Yeast Cultures Supplementation on Feed Intake,Nutrient Digestion,Blood Chemistry,Fecal Coliform Count,and In Vitro Fecal Fermentation

Sixteen Quarter Horse mares (body weight: 450–500 kg) were used in a complete randomized design to determine the effects of feeding horses a high fiber diet with or without yeast cultures addition on nutrient intake and digestion, blood chemistry, fecal coliform count, and in vitro fecal fermentation. The treatments were (1) a basal diet without yeast cultures addition (control treatment), (2) control diet plus Procreatin 7 at 15 g/mare/d (P7 treatment), (3) control diet plus Biocell F53 at 11 g/mare/d (F53 treatment), or (4) control diet plus Biosaf SC47 at 15 g/mare/d (SC47 treatment). The basal concentrate diet consisted of a mixture of 50% commercial concentrates and 50% wheat bran fed at 4 kg/mare and offered twice daily at 04:00 and 16:00 hours, while oat straw was offered ad libitum at 05:00 and 17:00 hours. The mares fed the F53 had higher (P < .05) oat straw and total nutrient intakes compared to the control diet. Addition of Biocell F53 and Biosaf SC47 yeast cultures increased (P < .05) all nutrients' digestibilities. Feeding the yeast cultures resulted in higher crude protein (P = .029), neutral detergent fiber (P = .042), and acid detergent fiber (P = .035) digestibilities compared to the control diet. The SC47 treatment had lower blood total protein (P = .014) than the control treatment. Higher (P < .05) asymptotic in vitro fecal gas production was obtained with F53 treatment compared to SC47 treatment without differences between F53, P7, and control treatments. Increased methane production was obtained (P < .05) with F53 and SC47 treatments compared to the control treatment. It can be concluded that daily addition of Biocell F53 yeast culture at 11 g/mare/d resulted in higher feed intake and nutrients digestibility without affecting the mare's health.     

Clinical evaluation of amitraz for treatment of canine scabies

A liquid concentrate formulation of amitraz (Mitaban: Upjohn) was used to topically treat 181 dogs with scabies, at an active drug level of 250 ppm, or 10.6 ml of concentrate in 2 gal water. After the dogs were clipped and bathed, the diluted medication was applied and allowed to dry on the animal. All treated dogs were clinically improved and 97.8% cured after a single treatment; 3 dogs required 2 treatments and 1 dog 3 treatments. Otodectes cynotis and Cheyletiella yasguri in several dogs were also cleared after 1 treatment. Mild, transient sedation occurred in 12.4% of treated dogs, with transient vomiting, increased appetite and diarrhea in less than 1%.     

Efficacy of 1.25% amitraz solution in the treatment of generalized demodicosis (eight cases) and sarcoptic mange (five cases) in dogs

Eight dogs with generalized demodicosis and five with sarcoptic mange were treated with 1.25% amitraz solution applied weekly and associated with an antidote treatment (atipamezol, 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ IM once: and yohimbine 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ once daily for 3 days, orally). Results of skin scrapings were used to determine whether therapy should be continued or stopped. The median number of treatments for demodicosis and sarcoptic mange was three (range 2–5) and two (range 1–3), respectively. Some side-effects were observed but all were stopped with antidote treatment; no failure or relapses occurred at 6–36 months after treatment.     

Evaluation of cytokine messenger RNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs with canine demodicosis

Using RT-PCR and semi-quantitative PCR, mRNA expression for canine interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined in dogs with or without demodicosis. mRNA expression for IFN-gamma as well as TNF-alpha in dogs with demodicosis (localized (LD) and generalized (GD)) was slightly lower than those in dogs without demodicosis (healthy controls). Expression of IL-5 mRNA in dogs with demodicosis was higher than that in control dogs, but there were no significant differences in IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels among the three groups. On the other hand, expression levels of TGF-beta mRNA in dogs with GD were higher than those in control dogs and dogs with LD. The expression levels of IL-5 and TGF-beta mRNA decreased in all three dogs with GD which showed resolution of the clinical signs. Taken together, these results suggest that the Th2-like response in PBMCs from dogs with demodicosis is up-regulated, and that subsequent increased expression of IL-5 and TGF-beta mRNA in dogs with GD is reversible after treatment. Therefore, these cytokines, particularly IL-5, might be a useful clinical index of the clinical course in demodicosis. Also, increased TGF-beta mRNA expression might be a key factor for revealing the difference in the mechanism of onset between LD and GD.     

Evaluation of a sponge-on therapy for canine scabies

Forty dogs (20 treated, 20 controls) were utilized to evaluate a new treatment for naturally acquired canine scabies. A liquid concentrate formulation of amitraz was diluted and applied as a sponge-on therapy. Ninety-four percent of the dogs treated with the scabicide were cleared of mites and returned to clinical normality with a single topical treatment; one dog was retreated, cleared of mites and was also returned to normality. All dogs treated with the miticide responded clinically, therefore the treatment also may be useful when trial therapy is necessary to differentially diagnose the disease. The miticide was well tolerated by all dogs, and there was no evidence of dermal or ocular irritation. Topical treatment with the liquid concentrate was efficacious and safe as a therapy for naturally acquired canine scabies. Placebo controls did not improve clinically and these animals retained their mite populations.     

Efficacy of daily amitraz on generalised demodicosis in dogs

Fifty dogs with generalised demodicosis were treated with daily applications of 0·125 per cent amitraz solution over half the body. This was applied once a day, alternating the body half treated. Nine dogs were lost to follow-up; the remaining dogs were classified as either a success (25 dogs, 61 per cent) or a failure (16 dogs, 39 per cent) according to their response to treatment. Eight of the failures were due to persistent demodicosis and eight relapsed within one year after treatment. All eight of the relapsed dogs were cured after a second course of daily amitraz treatment. For the 25 dogs considered treatment successes, the median duration of treatment was 6·5 weeks (range, three weeks to nine months), and the median interval from completion of treatment to last post treatment evaluation was 3·4 years (range, two to four-and-a-half-years). Including the eight dogs that were cured after retreatment, the daily amitraz applications were curative in 33 of 41 dogs (80 per cent) with generalised demodicosis.     

Effect of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bentonite on digestion, solid and liquid flow, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of forage sorghum silage-based diets fed to steers

Six ruminally cannulated steers, five Holsteins and one Hereford (250 to 295 kg), were fed 84% forage sorghum silage plus 16% supplement or 50% forage sorghum silage plus concentrate and supplement diets containing either no addition (controls), 1% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or 2% sodium bentonite in a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a 6 X 6 Latin-square experiment with 3-wk periods. Sodium bicarbonate increased dry matter (DM) intake when concentrate was included, but neither compound affected intake of the 84% silage diet. Bentonite lowered DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibilities, but NDF disappearance from nylon bags was unchanged. Ruminal pH, osmolality and L(+) and D(-) lactate were not affected by treatment. Both NaHCO3 and bentonite tended to lower ruminal NH3-N concentrations. Bentonite lowered the molar proportion of isobutyrate in ruminal fluid relative to controls, but proportions of other volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total VFA concentrations were unchanged. Neither NaHCO3 nor bentonite affected ruminal liquid or solid volumes, dilution rate constants or ruminal outflow rates. Markers overestimated volumes, but correction with measured volumes did not change interpretation of treatment effects. It was concluded that control diets had sufficiently high baseline values of pH, dilution rate and acetate proportion to preclude changes induced by either compound, especially at 1 or 2% of DM intake. An effect on palatibility through neutralization of silage acids may have been responsible for the intake response to NaHCO3.     

Effects of supplementation on voluntary dry matter intake, growth and nutrient digestibility of the Fiji Fantastic sheep on a basal diet of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum)

Eighteen growing Fiji Fantastic (FF) sheep (nine ram lambs and nine ewe lambs), 5–6 months old, pre-experimental average body weight of 25.6 ± 0.82 kg were randomly divided into three groups of six and allotted to the treatments designated as A: Guinea grass (Panicum maximum); B: Guinea grass + concentrate mixture; and C: Guinea grass + crushed wheat grain in a completely randomized design experiment that lasted for 92 days. Total DM intake of sheep on forage + concentrate mixture were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those on forage + crushed wheat grain and forage alone. Average daily gains (ADG) were 30, 75 and 42 g/day for forage, forage + concentrate mixture and forage + crushed wheat grain, respectively. ADG was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in sheep on forage + concentrate mixture. Daily protein intakes and BUN concentration were 3.59, 10.39 and 5.60 g/kg^0.75/day; and 6.0, 9.7 and 6.0 mmol/l for sheep on forage alone, forage + concentrate mixture and forage + crushed wheat grain, respectively. BUN and glucose concentrations at the post-experimental period were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in sheep on forage + concentrate mixture. DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose and energy digestibility were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in sheep on the concentrate mixture while neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in sheep fed crushed wheat grain. Sheep on the concentrate mixture were also significantly (P < 0.002) higher in metabolizable energy intake (MEI). Sheep on concentrate mixture had higher organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility, high DMI and ADG. In conclusion this experiment has provided some relevant lacking information on the average DMI and ADG of the FF sheep and a concentrate mixture of 16.5% CP plus 19.0 MJ GE/kg BW seems ideal to meet the protein and energy requirements of the FF sheep for growth in the tropical environment of Fiji. Finally data obtained also demonstrated the influence of supplementary concentrate feeding on DMI and ADG of the FF sheep.     

Evaluation of topical application of ronnel solution for generalized demodicosis in dogs.

Of 20 dogs with generalized demodicosis, 18 responded favorably to treatment with 8.5% ronnel solution applied to one-third of the body every 3rd day, in rotation. Duration of treatment was from 5 to 20 weeks. In 2 dogs, the demodicosis recurred and required additional treatment with ronnel. Two dogs died during the study. One death was attributed to ronnel toxicosis; the other was unexplained. Eight of 10 control dogs treated orally and topically for pyoderma associated with demodicosis still had demodicosis 1 year after initiation of the study.     

Effect of replacing concentrate feed with leaves of Oldman saltbush (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Atriplex nummularia</Emphasis>) on feed intake,weight gain,and carcass parameters of highland sheep fed on wheat straw in northern Ethiopia

Atriplex nummularia (oldman saltbush) is widely planted on salt-affected land to provide a vegetative cover, which can be used as an alternative feed resource. The study was conducted to evaluate the replacement of commercial concentrate with oldman saltbush (SB) leaf on the feed intake, live weight gain, and carcass parameters of local sheep. Twenty-five sheep with an age of 6 months and weighting 14.60?±?2.47 kg were used in randomized complete block design and distributed into five equal groups, with five animals each. The selected sheep were fed with the dietary treatments for 2 weeks for adaptation and continued until the end of the study, which lasted for 90 days. In the control treatment (SB-0), sheep were fed 100% concentrate mix, while in SB-5, SB-10, SB-15, and SB-20, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the concentrate mix was replaced by SB, respectively. Wheat straw and water were given at ad libitum throughout the experiment period. Data on feed intake and live weight gain were recorded daily and weekly, respectively, for 90 days. Three animals from each treatment were slaughtered for carcass analysis. Atriplex nummularia leaf (Oldman saltbush) contained 92.02% dry matter (DM), 21.99% crude protein (CP), 24.77% ash, 58.27% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 26.56% acid detergent fiber (ADF). Dry matter intake, live weight gain, and carcass parameter were not statistically different among the treatments. Result indicated that concentrate feed can be replaced with Atriplex nummularia leaf up to 20% in sheep diet without negative effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.     

P‐26 New aspects of canine demodicosis and the possibility of treatment with selamectin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 55 clinical cases of canine demodicosis and to compare the results of treatment using amitraz (solution), selamectin (spot‐on), ivermectin (injection) and cythioate (oral tablets). Data from the 55 cases was collected and evaluated after clinical and microbiological examination. Treatment was selected depending on the severity of demodicosis and compliance of the owner. The cases were followed for 12 months and the status of the patients was grouped on two levels: recovered (58%), or relapsed (42%). Five dogs (9%) were euthanized. The disease was commonly diagnosed in purebred dogs. Demodicosis was more common in dogs under 2 years of age (65%), in males (64%), and in the short‐haired breeds (75%). Demodicosis was generalized in 73% of cases, localised in 23% and affected the feet (pododemodicosis) in 4% of cases. Recovery was the highest in dogs between 1 and 2 years of age (73%), and in the localized cases (92%). Nonspecific treatment with glucocorticoids prior to the diagnosis lowered the rate of recovery (4%), but treatment with glucocorticoids for proven atopic dermatitis improved the rate of recovery (41%). All drugs (amitraz, selamectin, cythioate) administered for the localized form were effective (100% recovered). Recovery in generalized demodicosis was 60% using ivermectin, 55% using amitraz, 44% with the combination of amitraz and selamectin (two treatments with amitraz followed by selamectin), and 43% in cases where selamectin was used alone. Funding: Pfizer Animal Health.     

Oral intubation of dogs with combinations of fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide chemicals commonly used on lawns

Six Beagle dogs were orally intubated with mixtures of a urea-based fertilizer, 2,4-D, mecoprop (MCPP), dicamba, and either bensulide or chlorpyrifos. The mixtures were formulated as they are used in liquid application to lawns. The dogs were given volumes of 10 ml/kg of body weight, delivering the following quantities of each ingredient: urea--623 mg/kg, inorganic phosphorus (P2O5)--24 mg/kg, potassium (K2O)--66 mg/kg, 2,4-D--6.5 mg/kg, MCPP--3.26 mg/kg, dicamba--0.55 mg/kg, and either bensulide--60.93 mg/kg or chlorpyrifos--6.77 mg/kg. The dogs were given 3 consecutive daily doses of the mixture containing bensulide (round 1) or the mixture containing chlorpyrifos (round 2). The dogs did not exhibit any clinical signs of illness associated with the treatments. Effects on hematologic values or routine clinical chemical analyses did not occur with the round 2 mixture. Serum lactic dehydrogenase activity decreased by approximately 50% after a single dose of the round 1 mixture was given. Plasma cholinesterase decreased to approximately 50% of control values following either the round 1 or the round 2 mixture; this decrease was not accompanied by cholinergic signs of intoxication.     

Effects of supplementary desalted mother liquor as replacement of commercial salt in diet for Thai native cattle on digestibility,energy and nitrogen balance,and rumen conditions

Four Thai native cattle were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the availability of desalted mother liquor (DML) as replacement of salt in concentrate. Each cattle was assigned to one of the following concentrate feeding treatments: C1, 1% NaCl was added as salt; C2, 2% NaCl was added as salt; D1, 1% NaCl was replaced by DML; D2, 2% NaCl was replaced by DML, on a dry matter (DM) basis. The animals were fed rice straw and experimental concentrates (40:60) at 1.9% of body weight on a DM basis, daily. Acid detergent fiber expressed exclusive of residual ash (ADFom) digestibility in DML treatment was higher than salt treatment (p < .05) and D2 feeding showed the highest value (60.8%). There were no significant differences in blood metabolites, nitrogen retention, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, methane emission or energy efficiency among treatments. Molar percent of acetate on volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid 4 hr post‐feeding tended to be higher in DML treatment than salt treatment (p = .08). The results indicated that adding DML could improve ADFom digestibility and salt could be replaced by DML up to 2% as NaCl in concentrate without adverse effects on nitrogen balance, rumen conditions, blood metabolites and methane emission.     

Suppression of in vitro lymphocyte transformation by serum from dogs with generalized demodicosis.

Serum from dogs with generalized demodicosis suppressed the in vitro reactivity of peripheral lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin. Suppression occurred with peripheral lymphocytes from normal dogs or from dogs with generalized demodicosis. Serums from dogs in remission were no longer suppressive. The data indicate that peripheral lymphoid cells obtained from dogs with generalized demodicosis do not respond differently in vitro to phytohemagglutinin than do lymphoid cells from normal dogs when either is cultured in the presence of serum from normal dogs.     

微生态制剂对玉米秸秆青贮发酵品质、营养成分及瘤胃降解率的影响

本研究以玉米秸秆为研究对象,探讨酶制剂、菌制剂以及酶制剂与菌制剂混合处理对玉米秸秆青贮料发酵品质、营养成分以及瘤胃降解率的影响。玉米秸秆(干物质含量为42%~44%)用青贮切碎机切短至2 cm,将各处理青贮剂溶于蒸馏水,与原料混合均匀后,装入聚乙烯袋(24 cm×40 cm)中,每袋1 kg,然后用真空包装机抽真空封口,室温贮藏45 d后开封取样。采用实验室化学分析法及半体内试验测定发酵品质、营养成分和瘤胃降解率。结果表明,1)与对照组相比,菌制剂(LAB₁ 和LAB₂)处理组pH值和NH₃-N含量均显著降低(P<0.05),乳酸(LA)含量、有机物(OM)及可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)保存量、干物质(DM)、OM、粗蛋白(CP)的瘤胃降解率显著增加(P<0.05);菌制剂处理组的WSC含量显著高于对照组和酶制剂处理(P<0.05)。2)与对照组相比,酶制剂(CE₁和CE₂)处理组pH值、NH₃-N含量、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、纤维素均显著降低(P<0.05),乳酸(LA)含量、有机物(OM)及可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)保存量、干物质(DM)、OM、粗蛋白(CP)的瘤胃降解率显著增加(P<0.05);有降低酸性洗涤木质素(ADL)含量的趋势,但是差异不显著(P>0.05)。3)酶菌复合处理组(MCL₁和MCL₂)pH值最低(P<0.05),NDF、纤维素在瘤胃中降解能力显著高于其他处理组(P<0.05),ADL降解率在数值上高于其他组,但差异不显著(P>0.05);与对照组相比,酶菌混合处理组能够降低NDF、ADF、纤维素含量(P<0.05)。综上,酶菌复合添加剂喷洒到秸秆中进行青贮发酵后,能够有效破除玉米秸秆青贮饲料的特殊的木质素-纤维素-半纤维素复合体结构,改善秸秆青贮饲料的发酵品质,提高营养物质的保存量及反刍动物瘤胃对秸秆营养物质的降解率,从而提高秸秆的可利用率,其中MCL₂处理组效果最佳。     

日粮补充苹果酸对牛瘤胃发酵和养分消化代谢的影响

选用8头体重462 kg、年龄3岁、装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的西门塔尔牛阉牛,采用4×4重复拉丁方设计,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理组分别在基础日粮基础上添加苹果酸70,140和210 g/d,研究苹果酸对西门塔尔牛瘤胃发酵、尿嘌呤衍生物含量、日粮养分表观消化率、能量代谢及氮平衡的影响。结果表明,140和210 g/d组瘤胃pH值显著低于对照组,瘤胃乙酸摩尔比、乙酸/丙酸、氨态氮浓度和乳酸含量显著低于对照组和70 g/d组(P<0.05),瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸浓度、丙酸和丁酸摩尔比显著高于对照组和100 g/d组(P<0.05)。140 g/d组玉米秸秆干物质、有机物质、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维瘤胃有效降解率显著高于对照组(P<0.05);210 g/d组混合精料干物质、有机物质和粗蛋白质瘤胃有效降解率显著低于对照组、70和140 g/d组(P<0.05)。140 g/d组尿囊素和尿嘌呤衍生物含量显著高于70和210 g/d组及对照组(P<0.05);140和210 g/d组有机物质、粗脂肪、无氮浸出物、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率显著高于对照组(P<0.05);140 g/d组消化能、代谢能、沉积能及沉积能/消化能显著高于对照组(P<0.05);140 g/d组沉积氮显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。综合各项指标,苹果酸的适宜添加水平为140 g/d。     

Effect of nitrogen source in high-concentrate, low-protein beef cattle diets on microbial fermentation studied in vivo and in vitro

In Exp. 1, four Holstein heifers (112+/-5.5 kg BW) fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the effects of N source on ruminal fermentation and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used; the factors were the type of protein source (soybean meal, SBM, vs a 50:50 mixture of fish meal and corn gluten meal, FMCGM) and the partial substitution of protein source by urea (with vs without). Heifers were allowed to consume concentrate and barley straw on an ad libitum basis. Barley straw:concentrate ratio (12:88) and average ruminal pH (6.25) were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. Ruminal NH3 N concentration and urinary excretion of purine derivatives were not affected (P > 0.05) by supplemental N source. In situ CP degradability of supplemented SBM was very low (50%). In Exp. 2, eight dual-flow continuous-culture fermenters were used to study diet effects on microbial fermentation and nutrient flow, using forage:concentrate ratio, solid and liquid passage rates, and pH fluctuation to simulate in vivo conditions. The treatment containing SBM without urea reached the greatest total VFA concentration (P < 0.01), molar percentage of acetate (P < 0.05), and NH3 N concentration (P < 0.05), followed by treatments with partial substitution of protein source by urea, and finally by the treatment containing FMCGM. True OM digestion tended to increase (P = 0.13) in treatments containing SBM. These results suggest that amino N from SBM and NH3 N concentration stimulated nutrient digestion. Microbial protein synthesis was lowest in treatments with FMCGM and without urea, indicating that rapidly available N limited microbial growth. The low CP degradability of SBM observed may have contributed to the limitation in N supply for microbial growth. Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis increased in treatments containing urea (P < 0.05). Protein source affected total (P < 0.05) and essential AA (P < 0.10) flows, which were greater in treatments containing FMCGM. Partial replacement of protein supplements by urea did not affect total and essential AA flows. Because mean dietary protein contribution to total N effluent was 46%, the AA profile of supplemental protein sources had a great impact on total AA flow and its profile.     

Field efficacy of moxidectin in dogs and rabbits naturally infested with Sarcoptes spp., Demodex spp. and Psoroptes spp. mites

The efficacy of moxidectin 1% injectable for cattle was evaluated in dogs and rabbits with naturally acquired sarcoptic, demodectic or psoroptic mites. Twenty-two dogs with generalised demodicosis were orally treated with 0.4mg/kg moxidectin daily. Forty-one dogs suffering from sarcoptic mange were treated with 0.2-0.25mg/kg moxidectin either orally or subcutaneously every week for three to six times. Seven rabbits were treated orally with 0.2mg/kg moxidectin twice 10 days apart. Of the 22 dogs with demodicosis, 14% were stopped treatment because of side effects, 14% were lost and of the remaining 72% all were cured (mean therapy duration 2.4 months). Thirty-seven of the sarcoptic mange-infected dogs finished treatment and were cured. In 17% of dogs, side effects were noted. All seven rabbits treated for psoroptic mange were cured and did not show any side effect. Our results indicate that moxidectin is effective and a good alternative for the treatment of demodicosis and scabies in dogs and psoroptic mange in rabbits. Side effects seem to occur more frequently if applied subcutaneously, therefore the oral route should be preferred.