Ear necrosis reduction in pigs after vaccination against PCV2

The influence of sows vaccination against PCV2 on the prevalence of ear necrosis syndrome (ENS) reduction among weaners was analyzed using 12,931 piglets from 45 consecutive batches, born to both, vaccinated and non-vaccinated sows. The results were statistically tested with a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests.The results show that vaccination against PCV2 significantly reduced the prevalence of ENS (p < 0.05). The percentage of affected pigs born to vaccinated sows was about over two times lower than in both groups of pigs born to non-vaccinated females (before the vaccination implementation and after its withdrawing). Even more distinct were the differences in the intensity of the lesions (p < 0.05). In the group of pigs born to vaccinated sows, the percentage of severe lesions was three times lower than in the pigs born to non-vaccinated sows.It conclusion, it could statement that vaccination against PCV2 might be effective in reduction of ENS.     

日本大耳白兔红细胞调控淋巴细胞和NK细胞活性研究

应用红细胞促淋巴细胞转化和促NK细胞活性试验,对不同生理发育时期日本大耳白兔红细胞调控淋巴细胞和NK细胞活性进行研究。结果表明：青年组日本大耳白兔红细胞调控淋巴细胞能力明显高于幼年兔和老年兔（P〈0．01）;老年组红细胞调控NK活性能力明显高于青年组和幼年组（P〈0．01）,青年组高于幼年组（P〈0．01）。日本大耳白兔红细胞调控淋巴细胞能力在青年时期达到了高峰．随后逐渐降低：而红细胞调控NK活性随年龄增长而显著增强,这提示老年兔的免疫活性细胞较多地处于预激活状态,并对刺激显示良好的免疫应答能力。     

奶牛耳成纤维细胞的分离培养及培养条件的研究

本试验研究了奶牛耳成纤维细胞的体外培养,培养液、消化液、胰岛素和血清饥饿对细胞的影响。采用组织块贴壁法培养。了奶牛耳成纤维细胞,采用0．25％胰酶差别消化获得了纯化的奶牛耳成纤维细胞。用三种不同的培养液即DMEM（低糖）、DMEM（高糖）、DMEM／F12,对细胞进行培养,结果细胞群体倍增时间均在2．3-2．5d,DMEM（高糖）的培养效果稍好。用三种不同的消化液（0．25％胰蛋白酶,0.02％EDTA,0．25％胰蛋白酶＋0．02％EDTA）对传代钿跑进行消化．结果表明0．25％胰蛋白酶＋0D2％EDTA所用时间短,消化后培养细胞贴壁率高。在培养液中添加姨岛素能促进细胞的生长。对指数生长期的细胞进行血清饥饿后,细胞仍保持着较高的活力。     

不同生理发育期日本大耳白兔红细胞免疫学研究

为探讨不同生理发育时期日本大耳白兔红细胞免疫功能的变化规律,应用红细胞C3b受体花环（E—C3bRR）和红细胞免疫复合物花环（E—ICRR）试验以及红细胞免疫粘附调节因子活性测定试验．对不同生理发育期日本大耳白兔红细胞免疫学进行了研究。结果显示：随着年龄的增长,日本大耳白兔的红细胞C3b受体花环（E—C3bRR）和红细胞免疫粘附促进因子（RFER）显著降低（P〈0．01）,而红细胞免疫复合物花环（E—ICRR）和红细胞免疫粘附抑制因子（RFIR）显著升高（P〈0．01）。日本大耳白兔红细胞E—C3bRR和RFER与年龄呈显著负相关,而E—ICRR和RFIR与年龄呈显著正相关。     

胎次与产仔数对广东小耳花猪初生仔猪均匀度的影响

初生仔猪均匀度常用窝初生个体均重的标准偏差及变异系数表示,是反映母猪孕期繁殖效率的重要指标之一。为了研究不同胎次及产仔数对初生仔猪均匀度的影响,研究对1011窝广东小耳花猪的历史分娩数据进行分析。结果表明:窝初生个体均重为0.67 kg,窝初生个体均重的标准偏差为0.13 kg,窝初生个体均重的变异系数为19%;窝初生个体均重与窝初生个体均重标准偏差的相关系数是0.296,呈极显著正相关(P约0.01);窝初生个体均重变异系数与总产仔数的相关系数是0.028,与产活仔数的相关系数为0.024,均呈现弱正相关。研究建议在地方猪开发利用中,合理调整群体胎龄结构,改善饲养管理方式,合理调整孕期母猪营养水平,进一步提高群体初生仔猪均匀度。     

Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from normal and diseased external ear canals in dogs: a comparative analysis

To investigate the role of Malassezia pachydermatis as a pathogenic agent in canine otitis, a comparative analysis of isolates from normal and diseased external ear canals in dogs was undertaken. Specimens were collected from the ears of dogs with unilateral or bilateral otitis and from healthy dogs. Mycological analysis was by direct microscopy and fungal culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and Dixon's agar. Of the otitis specimens, 63.7% showed typical Malassezia cells on cytological examination. In samples taken from the healthy ears of dogs with unilateral otitis, only 21.43% (P<0.05) showed evidence of Malassezia. M. pachydermatis was identified cytologically and culturally in 57.53% (P<0.05), 14.29% and 30.0% of samples from the ears of dogs with otitis, from the healthy ears of dogs with unilateral otitis and from the ears of healthy dogs with no otitis. In the group with otitis associated with M. pachydermatis, the poodle was the most common breed (39.29%; P<0.05), whereas in the group without otitis, the German Shepherd breed was prominent (although this observation was not statistically significant). In both groups, the majority of dogs with M. pachydermatis were aged between 1 and 3 years (P<0.05). The higher incidence of M. pachydermatis isolated from the ears of dogs with otitis externa suggests a putative pathogenic role of this yeast in this condition.     

利用耳组织、血液、牛奶样品检测牛病毒性腹泻病毒的比较

牛病毒性腹泻病以发热、口腔及消化道粘膜糜烂、腹泻为主要症状,可引起怀孕母牛流产或产畸型胎儿,给养牛业造成巨大的经济损失,该病已成为当前严重危害我国养牛业的传染病之一。由于大部分感染BVDV的牛不表现特征性的临床症状和病理变化,而且引起腹泻和消化道黏膜糜烂或溃疡的疾病很多,所以确诊需进行实验室检查。目前实验室检测BVDV的主要方法是利用美国IDEXX公司ELISA诊断试剂盒,通过BVDV抗原和抗体的检测区别牛群持续感染牛。用于检测BVDV的样品种类有许多种,绝大多数是采集血液(血清)或牛奶样品进行检测。本试验对奶牛进行耳组织采样,同时采集血液和牛奶,用三种样品在相同条件下同时检测BVDV抗原,用血清和牛奶样品检测抗体,比较样品的检测结果。结果表明,这三种样品检测结果具有一致性,且耳组织采样更宜于大面积筛查。     

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

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

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

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

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

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

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

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

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

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

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

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

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

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

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

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