米糠日粮添加酶制剂对雏鹅代谢激素和生化指标的影响

7日龄雏鹅32只，随机分成对照组和试验组，饲以米糠（占30％）基因日粮，试验组添加0.2%的酶制剂。试验期为7－21日龄。21日龄时采取血样，测定其激素含量和生化指标。结果显示，（1）与对照相比较，酶制剂使雏鹅血液胰岛素水平升高40．82％（P＜0．01），血糖水平升高4．76％（P＞0．05），胰高血糖素水平降低31．18％（P＜0．01），胰岛素与胰高血糖素的比值升高104．18％（P＜0．01）；（2）血浆谷丙转氨酶活性较对照升高38．39％（P＜0．05），尿酸浓度下降10．60％（P＜0．05）；（3）血浆T3水平较对照升高24．42％（P＜0．05），促甲状腺激素水平下降8．85％（P＞0．05）。以上结果表明，酶制剂通过解除饲料中阿拉伯木聚糖等的抗营养作用，能影响机体代谢激素水平，改变糖和蛋白质的代谢，从而促进雏鹅的生长。     

酶制剂对成年鹅代谢激素和生化指标的影响

对 14只装有长久性翅静脉瘘管的成年鹅 (自身对照 ) ,饲以大麦 (占 45 %)基础日粮 ,试验期添加 0 .1%的Biokyowa粗酶制剂。经瘘管采血 ,分离血浆 ,测定其中激素含量和生化指标。结果表明 ,酶制剂使血浆中尿酸水平显著下降 ,较对照期低 18.85 %(P<0 .0 5 ) ,谷丙转氨酶却较对照期高 43.78%(P<0 .0 1)。血糖和胰岛素水平分别比对照期高 10 .14%(P<0 .0 5 )和 12 .6 3%(P<0 .0 5 ) ;同时 ,胰高血糖素的水平较对照期低 18.2 1%(P<0 .0 5 )。由此认为 ,酶制剂使尿酸水平下降和谷丙转氨酶活性提高 ,导致机体的蛋白质分解减少 ,合成代谢加强 ;血糖含量及胰岛素与胰高血糖素的比值升高 ,显示了机体的消化吸收改善和合成代谢加强。提示酶制剂不仅能改善鹅对大麦日粮的消化 ,而且还影响机体的代谢和激素水平 ,从而提高了鹅对饲料的转化效率。     

Correlation of Plasma Insulin Concentration with Laminitis Score in a Field Study of Equine Cushing's Disease and Equine Metabolic Syndrome

This study aimed to investigate endocrinologic test values and the response to treatment of two commonly encountered causes of endocrinopathic laminitis, equine Cushing's disease (ECD) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), in a veterinary practice setting. In particular, the study aimed to determine whether insulin concentration correlated to the severity of clinical laminitis in horses with EMS or ECD. Twenty-five horses were included in the study and assigned to one of three groups: ECD (n = 6), EMS (n = 10), and controls (n = 9). Blood samples were collected at an initial visit and then at regular intervals for the next 12 months. Plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, and insulin and serum concentrations of glucose and total thyroxine (T4) were obtained. Horses with ECD had significantly higher plasma ACTH concentrations than EMS horses or controls. Horses with EMS and ECD both had significantly higher plasma insulin concentrations than control horses, which was correlated with the Obel grade of laminitis (r = 0.63). After treatment, there was a trend for a reduction in plasma ACTH concentration in horses with ECD. A program of diet and exercise for horses with EMS resulted in reductions in both plasma insulin concentrations and bodyweight, which was variable, depending on the individual. There was a significant correlation between the change in plasma insulin concentration and Obel grade of laminitis (r = 0.69). This study has highlighted the importance of baseline plasma insulin concentration as a potential indicator of the susceptibility of horses to laminitis and the response to a program of diet and exercise.     

蛇代谢综合征继发感染细菌的分离鉴定及致病性试验

近年来,广西人工饲养的蛇发生代谢障碍综合征后,病死率较高,为查清原因,对临床接诊的18例蛇代谢障碍综合征病例的心、肝、脾等脏器病料进行细菌分离鉴定,并测定分离菌对小鼠和蛇的致病力。结果从18例病蛇的不同组织器官中分离到10株细菌,PCR结合生化试验方法,鉴定出4种细菌,分别为粪肠球菌、克氏葡萄球菌、缓慢葡萄球菌和弗格森氏大肠埃希菌,并对其进行种系发育关系分析。所鉴定的4种细菌对昆明小鼠和蛇的致病力差异较大,克氏葡萄球菌和弗格森氏大肠埃希菌对昆明小鼠有较强致病性,粪肠球菌和缓慢葡萄球菌对昆明小鼠致病力较弱;克氏葡萄球菌对眼镜蛇有致病性,其余菌对王锦蛇、眼镜蛇、滑鼠蛇均无致病性。     

马绒毛膜促性腺激素单克隆抗体的制备及鉴定

本研究采用马绒毛膜促性腺激素(equine chorionic gonadotropin,eCG)纯品免疫BALB/c小鼠,取其脾细胞与同系小鼠骨髓瘤细胞SP2/0按1∶10融合,间接酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)筛选阳性克隆和有限稀释法克隆,扩大培养后于小鼠腹腔制备腹水,共得到8株能稳定分泌单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株,采用间接ELISA测定抗体效价,效价均达10^-5以上。用获得的杂交瘤细胞株制备单克隆抗体,为eCG分泌水平的ELISA检测方法的建立确立了条件。     

The Bacteria Isolated from the Skin of 20 Horses at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The objective of this study was to isolate bacteria on the skin of the proximal to distal equine limb to guide the practitioner in the selection of prophylactic antimicrobial protocols. This prospective study involved 20 client-owned horses that were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for routine elective surgery. Each horse spent between 12 and 36 hours at our hospital before sampling. Samples were collected from the skin of the left mid-thorax and the dorsal aspect of nine joints on the left side of each horse: front and hind coffin and fetlock joints, carpi, elbows, shoulders, hocks, and stifles. Samples were cultured aerobically and speciated when possible. When evaluating bacterial composition by location, a 40% difference was considered clinically significant. When comparing proximal sites above the fetlock to distal sites, the odds of isolating gram-positive bacteria were 1.23 times (P = .0124) higher at proximal sites; the odds of isolating coliform bacteria were 1.32 times (P = .023) higher at distal sites; and the odds of isolating a common septic arthritis pathogen were 1.16 times (P = .018) higher at distal sites. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was not isolated in this study. All comparisons between sites and between the proximal and distal limb were <40%, and thus were not considered clinically significant. No coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was isolated from any of the 200 sites in this study, suggesting that iatrogenic infections by that organism may not be because of preexisting flora. These data suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis targeting preexisting normal flora should be similar regardless of the area of interest on the limb.     

Influence of Metabolic Status and Diet on Early Pregnant Equine Histotroph Proteome: Preliminary Findings

Insulin resistance (IR) is characterized by an increase in biomarkers of systemic inflammation and susceptibility to laminitis in horses. Impacts on reproduction include a lengthened interovulatory period in horses. Dietary omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) promotes anti-inflammatory processes, has been implicated in health benefits, and can reduce cytokine secretion. This preliminary study investigated the impact of IR as well as the influence of dietary supplementation (DHA) on the uterine fluid proteome in early pregnant horses. Mares were artificially inseminated; uterine fluid and embryos were collected on d 12.5 after ovulation. Uterine fluid was pooled for metabolic and diet categories (n = 8; n = 2 per metabolic and dietary status) and concentrated, and the proteome was analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry (iTRAQ). Five proteins met differential abundance criteria (±1.5-fold change, P < .05) in all comparisons (Control C, IS vs. C, IR; C, IS vs. DHA, IS; C, IR vs. DHA, IR). Serum amyloid A, afamin, and serotransferrin were upregulated in C, IR mares but downregulated in DHA, IR mares when compared to C, IS and C, IR, respectively. Quantitative PCR supported mass spectrometry results. The presence of serum amyloid A and serotransferrin in histotroph of IR mares potentially indicates an inflammatory response not seen in IS counterparts. These preliminary findings provide novel evidence on the potential impact of insulin resistance and DHA supplementation on the secreted equine uterine proteome during early pregnancy.     

Association between Myeloperoxidase Concentration in Equine Frozen Semen and Post‐Thawing Parameters

Despite improvement of techniques, semen of 20% of stallions remains unfreezable. Recent studies focused on the impact of reactive oxygen species and oxidant enzymes on semen characteristics. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a pro‐oxidant enzyme contained in and released by neutrophils during degranulation or after cell lysis. It is responsible for the formation of hypochlorous acid, a strong oxidant agent, which could damage spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between MPO concentration and characteristics of frozen semen from stallions. Thirty‐five straws from different stallions were analysed. Post‐thawing spermatozoal concentration, and progressive and total motility were determined by Computer‐Assisted Semen Analysis. Freezability was determined according to post‐thawing progressive motility (above or below 15%). Percentage of alive spermatozoa and abnormal forms was determined after Eosin–Nigrosin and Diff‐Quick^® staining, respectively. Post‐thawing MPO concentration was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our study shows that frozen thawed semen contains large amounts of free MPO. We also observed that post‐thawing MPO ELISA assay can be used as an indicator of equine semen freezability. High MPO concentration samples showed lower total and progressive motility. A higher proportion of abnormal head shape associated with acrosome reaction was observed in our late examinations of the high concentration MPO group. Our results show that MPO adversely affects total and progressive motility of equine semen. A negative correlation between normal motile forms and MPO concentration was also observed. The effect of MPO on dead or abnormal forms remains to be precised.     

Penetration Profiles of a Class IV Therapeutic Laser and a Photobiomodulation Therapy Device in Equine Skin

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects depend on the energy settings and laser penetration. We investigated the penetration time profiles of two different light therapy devices, at the dark and light skin regions in horses. Six light skin and six dark skin adult clinically healthy Arab and Quarter horses were used. A cutometer was used to measure the width of the skin fold from both sides of the cervical area, followed by three measurements of the thickness of the same skin fold by transversal and longitudinal ultrasonography (US). The depth of light penetration was compared based on the percentage of penetration versus power, between a portable PBMT device versus a class IV laser device. The laser mean power output was measured with an optical power meter system for 120 seconds after penetrating the skin. Skin width and laser penetration were compared among equipment by paired “t” test. There was no difference in the width of the skin fold between measurements acquired by the cutometer against either longitudinal or transversal US or between the US measurements at cervical versus metacarpus area. Light penetration was greater in both kinds of skins in the PBMT (0.01303 ± 0.00778) versus class IV laser (0.00122 ± SD 0.00070) (P < .001). The PBMT device provided a greater energy penetration than the class IV laser in unclipped light and dark skin, suggesting that the former may produce a better therapeutic effect. The color of the skin changes penetration profiles of PBMT.     

The Mycobiota and Toxicity of Equine Feeds

Feed contamination can lead to nutrient losses and detrimental effects on animal health and production. The purposes of this study were to investigate the mycobiota in equine mixed feeds and to determine natural contamination with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and fumonisin B₁ (FB₁). Fungal enumeration of equine feed samples was done. A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was applied to quantify AFB₁ and FB₁. A comparison between ELISA and HPLC was carried out. Feed mould counts ranged from <1× 10² to 1× 10⁵ cfu/g. The most frequent genus isolated was Aspergillus (40.54%), followed by Penicillium (18.38%) and Fusarium (16.22%). The most prevalent Aspergillus sp. was A. flavus (36%). AFB₁ values ranged between 0.01 and 99.4 μg/kg. FB₁ levels ranged between 0.01 and 7.49 μg/kg. HPLC and ELISA methods showed positive correlation for AFB₁ and FB₁ determinations (r = 0.9851 and r = 0.9791, respectively). The ELISA analytical method was efficient for AFB₁ and FB₁ detection. The scarcity of studies on natural fungal contamination and on the presence of AFB₁ and FB₁ in materials used as equine feed ingredients highlights the value and contribution of this study.     

Serum Protein Fraction in Mature Horses and Relationship With Metabolic and Hematological Parameters

This study was conducted to determine the effect of age on serum protein fractions and their relationship with metabolic and hematological profiles in mature horses. Twenty-five mature Italian Saddle horses (mean age 13.6 ± 4.8 years) fed the same diet (grass hay and concentrate) were stratified according to age as first maturity, M1 (≤10 years old); second maturity, M2 (>10 and <15 years old); and old, O (>15 years), to be monitored every 28 days for a continuous period of 140 days. Horses in group O had higher plasma protein and thiol concentrations and white blood cell and neutrophil counts than the other two groups. Serum α₂-globulin concentrations were positively correlated with total plasma cholesterol (r = 0.514; P < .001), alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.430; P < .001), aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.339; P < .001), ceruloplasmin (r = 0.321; P < .001), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (r = 0.444; P < .001), reactive oxygen metabolites (r = 0.426; P < .001), and blood neutrophil counts (r = 0.344; P < .01), and negatively with plasma bilirubin (r = −0.522; P < .001) and creatinine (r = −0.400; P < .001). These results suggest differences in hematological and metabolic profile in Italian Saddle horses after 15 years of age, resulting mainly from changes in plasma proteins and inflammatory mediators. The α₂-globulins fraction seems a quick but reliable marker of an inflammatory situation that, successively, should be better investigated with specific metabolites or enzymes.     

Occurrence and Importance of Glomus Organs (Hoyer-Grosser's Organs) in the Skin of the Equine and Bovine Mammary Gland

Glomus organs (Hoyer-Grosser's organs) were frequently found in the corium and the subcutis of the skin of the equine and bovine mammary gland. They were most frequently situated in the border zone between the stratum profundum and the stratum superficiale corii. These specialized vascular structures (arterio-venous anastomosis) were present in all investigated skin areas. Although the glomus organs varied in size and shape, they possessed common histologic structures: an arteriole entered the connective capsule of the glomus and divided into strongly convoluted arterio-venous channels; the arterio-venous channels united in the end to form a venule; the mentioned vascular elements were covered by a connective capsule and were thus united to an organ-like structure. Questions concerning their occurrence, their functional interpretation, their relevance, the size of the glomus organs as well as the possible involvement of the lymphatics were discussed.     

Investigation of the Effects of a Dietary Supplement on Insulin and Adipokine Concentrations in Equine Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Dysregulation

High insulin concentrations are a common clinical feature of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and insulin dysregulation. Hyperinsulinemia can induce laminitis, so reduction of insulin concentrations in response to an oral challenge should decrease risk. In human studies, diets containing a polyphenol (resveratrol) led to improvements in insulin sensitivity. In rodents, the addition of leucine to a resveratrol supplement caused a decrease in the amount of resveratrol needed to achieve a clinical effect. We hypothesize a supplementation with a low dose of a synergistic polyphenol and amino acid blend including leucine (SPB+L) would improve metabolic health in EMS/insulin dysregulated horses. Fifteen EMS/ID horses received a high or low dose of SPB+ L daily for 6 weeks. Insulin during an oral sugar test (OST), body condition score, weight, baseline high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were assessed before supplementation (PRE) and after supplementation (POST) via paired Student’s t-tests and a repeated-measures mixed-model analysis of variance (significant at P < .05). There were no differences between doses. Horses in the POST group weighed significantly less, had significantly higher baseline HMW adiponectin concentrations, and had significantly lower insulin concentrations at 60- and 75-minute time points (P < .05). Insulin concentrations of the horsesin the POST group, but not in the PRE group, were lower and similar to results from the study conducted three years before the present study (PRIOR) for 0- and 60-minute time points (P < .002). An increased HMW adiponectin level supports increasing insulin sensitivity after supplementation. These results suggest that SPB + L supplementation at either dose leads to improvements in the clinical manifestations of EMS/insulin dysregulation, potentially reducing laminitis risk.