Aldicarb toxicosis in a flock of sheep.

Aldicarb toxicosis was diagnosed in 200 sheep that died suddenly. Carbamate insecticide toxicosis was suspected based on observed clinical signs (hypersalivation, diarrhea, urination, paddling, seizures, miosis, and deaths occurring within 1 hour). Tissue samples were submitted from 4 Columbian ewes for pathologic and analytical evaluation. Severe diffuse pulmonary edema was observed on gross and histologic examination. Inhibition of cholinesterase activity in retina (21.2-68.1% of normal activity, n = 3), brain (40.6-45.6% of normal activity, n = 3), and whole blood (27% of normal activity, n = 1) supported a diagnosis of carbamate toxicosis. Reversal of brain and whole blood cholinesterase activities (reactivation factor greater than 1.4) following an in vitro 1 hour incubation at 37 C was also consistent with carbamate poisoning. Aldicarb toxicosis was confirmed following its detection in rumen contents at 1.5, 5.5, and 334 ppm using both high-pressure liquid chromatography with UV detection and gas chromatography with nitrogen/phosphorus detection.     

不同结构的日粮对犊牛胃重量及瘤胃内黏膜发育的影响

为研究不同结构日粮对犊牛胃重量及瘤胃内黏膜发育的影响,选用中国荷斯坦乳用公犊牛39头,随机分为早期断奶(EW)组、低奶量(LQM)组和充裕奶量(HQM)组三个处理组,分别饲喂不同结构的日粮。试验犊牛在0日龄、7日龄、30日龄、60日龄、90日龄分别进行屠宰,每组屠宰13头,并称量胃重量、观察瘤胃粘膜色泽、量取粘膜长度。(结果)结果为:(1)三组犊牛7日龄时瘤网胃的重量均差异不显著(P>0.05)。30日龄、60日龄、90日龄时,EW和LQM组犊牛瘤网胃重量均显著高于HQM组(P<0.05),EW与LQM组间犊牛瘤网胃重量差异不显著(P>0.05);(2)7日龄和30日龄时,三组犊牛瓣胃重量差异均不显著,60日龄时犊牛瓣胃重量为EW>LQM>HQM(P<0.05);(3)7日龄和30日龄时,三组犊牛皱胃重量差异均不显著(P>0.05)。在60日龄和90日龄时,HQM组犊牛皱胃重量均显著高于EW组和LQM组(P<0.05),EW组与LQM组间差异不显著。试验表明不同结构的日粮对犊牛瘤网胃,皱胃增重影响较大,对瓣胃影响较小,犊牛适时食入固体料可以刺激前胃的发育,在60日龄之前不给犊牛喂固体饲料会影响犊牛瘤胃及其黏膜...     

Influences on fermentation and thiamine metabolism in bovine rumen fluid (in vitro)--part 3: Effects of artificially contaminated hay with Cladosporium herbarum and Fusarium graminearum, respectively

The influence of contaminated hay [Cladosporium herbarum (CL) and Fusarium graminearum (FU), respectively] on fermentation and thiamine metabolism of bovine rumen content was investigated using the longterm rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC). Six investigation periods 25 days long each were carried out. A nine days feeding period with normal hay was followed by the testphase I (five days) with a mixture of normal and mouldy hay and testphase II (five days) with additive an 0.3 mg thiamine per reaction vessel. The last four days served as regeneration time with normal hay. The following marginal effects of mouldy hay on rumen fermentation patterns could be noted. A) During testphase I: cellulase activity: +10.0% (FU); alternation of the thiamine derivate pattern, but no effect on total thiamine content (CL, FU). B) During testphase II the results were more obvious: bacterial protein synthesis: -22.6% (CL), -24.4% (FU). Alternation of the fatty acid pattern: propionate (-7.30% FU), n-butyrate (-3.90% CL, +3.49% FU), n-valerate (-8.5% CH, FU). Cellulase activity: -17.0% (CL, FU). But no effect on total thiamine (CL, FU); alternation of the thiamine derivate pattern: more non phosphorylate thiamine. The noted effects on rumen fermentation and thiamine metabolism were not severe enough to be responsible for the development of a CCN.     

Validation of an Automated Spectrophotometric Assay for the Determination of Cholinesterase Activity in Canine Serum

The determination of enzymatic activity of cholinesterase is a useful diagnostic method to detect exposure to anticholinesterase compounds in human and in veterinary medicine. We validated a modification of the Ellman method in canine serum and applied it to the diagnosis of dogs poisoned with anticholinesterase substances. The method used butyrylthiocholine as substrate and potassium hexacyanoferrate as chromophore. The reference range calculated on 60 clinically healthy dogs was set between 3405 and 6561 U/L (chi-square test for normal distribution, p > 0.05). The overall mean intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 0.53% and 3.83%, respectively. The assay was linear when using two sera with 12 538 U/L and 6604 U/L serum cholinesterase activity (r^2=0.997 and 0.999, respectively). The mean recovery values of pooled sera with a mean pseudocholinesterase (PChE) activity of 12 081 U/L and pooled sera with a mean PChE activity of 3415 U/L were 103.5% and 102.8%, respectively. Six dogs with a diagnosis of anticholinesterase compound intoxication showed a decrease in cholinesterase activity of at least 50% of normal activity with a mean ± SD of 487 ± 291 U/L ranging from 169 to 847 U/L. This technique conforms to the current standard for precision, linearity and accuracy and is a useful method for the complementary diagnosis of organophosphate or carbamate insecticide intoxication in dogs.     

纳豆枯草芽孢杆菌对犊牛断奶前后瘤胃发酵和酶活的影响

本试验旨在研究纳豆枯草芽孢杆菌在犊牛瘤胃中可能的作用机理。选取24头7日龄左右中国荷斯坦奶牛公犊牛,分为试验1、2组及对照组。试验1、2组犊牛直接饲喂N1型和Na型纳豆枯草芽孢杆菌菌液,对照组不饲喂菌液,当各组犊牛开食料采食量达到规定要求时断奶。断奶时每组随机选取4头犊牛屠宰,剩余12头犊牛继续饲喂,8周后屠宰。结果表明：①在断奶时及断奶后8周,试验1组犊牛瘤胃pH显著低于对照组和试验2组（P<0.05）;②断奶时及断奶后8周两处理组犊牛瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;断奶早期3组犊牛瘤胃食糜中乙酸的摩尔百分比差异不显著,而断奶后8周试验1组犊牛瘤胃中乙酸的摩尔百分比较对照组低（P<0.05）;与对照组相比,断奶时试验组犊牛瘤胃中丙酸的摩尔百分比显著降低（P<0.05）,而断奶后8周各组间无显著差异;③断奶早期试验2组犊牛瘤胃中氨氮浓度显著低于对照组（P<0.05）,试验1组氨氮浓度较对照组略低,但无显著差异;断奶后8周两处理组犊牛瘤胃中氨氮浓度显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;④整个试验期对照组犊牛瘤胃中性蛋白酶活性显著高于两试验组（P<0.05）,而外切葡聚糖酶活性显著低于两试验组（P<0.05）,各组犊牛瘤胃中β-葡萄糖苷酶和内切葡聚糖酶活性无显著差异。本试验说明在犊牛生长的不同时期,不同类型纳豆枯草芽孢杆菌的饲喂效果不尽相同。日粮中添加纳豆枯草芽孢杆菌有利于瘤胃的发育,从而促进犊牛生长。     

Hormonal and histological studies in a 61XXY bull.

A Friesian bull with bilateral testicular hypoplasia was diagnosed as having a pure 61XXY karyotype. The bull displayed normal sexual behaviour but was azoospermic. At 17 months, the animal's peripheral plasma androgen levels appeared to be lower than normal, and one testicle removed one month later showed small seminiferous tubules totally lacking in germ cells. The Leydig cell volume of this testis was well within the normal range but the tubule length was rather short. At 33 months of age an increase in peripheral plasma androgen levels was noted. In the remaining testis there had been both a considerable rise in Leydig cell volume and a fall in tubule length. These findings may be explained by the interaction of three factors; the effects of the abnormal karyotype, the increased maturity of the animal at 33 months and the reaction of the remaining testis to unilateral castration.     

The effect of the organophosphate trichlorfon on the neuromuscular blocking activity of atracurium in halothane-anesthetized horses

To determine whether cholinesterase inhibition by an organophosphate would influence atracurium's neuromuscular blockade, six horses were anesthetized and paralyzed with atracurium (total of five injections per horse) on experimental Day 1, then were given trichlorfon (64 mg/kg per os) 6 days later. On Day 7, horses were anesthetized and paralyzed in the same manner as on experimental Day 1. Blood was taken to measure serum cholinesterase activity prior to anesthesia on Days 1 and 7. No significant difference was noted in atracurium's neuromuscular blocking activity between the 2 experimental days (P less than 0.05), despite Day 7 cholinesterase activity that was 16% of pre-trichlorfon values. For atracurium Injections 1 and 2-5, 85 and 43 micrograms/kg of atracurium, respectively, were required to produce a 95-99% reduction in hoof twitch. The time from injection to maximum twitch reduction was approximately 9 min after Injection 1 and 5 min after subsequent injections. Time from injection to maximum twitch reduction was significantly longer for Injection 1 than Injections 2-5 on both experimental days. The time from maximum twitch reduction until 10% recovery was approximately 8 min, with no significant difference between experimental days. The time for twitch recovery from 10 to 75% was approximately 17 min for all injections. Antagonism of atracurium with edrophonium caused the twitch height to return to pre-atracurium strength in approximately 7 min. Edrophonium caused a significant increase in arterial blood pressure. Heart rate change was variable after edrophonium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Decreasing the roughage:concentrate ratio of a diet to determine the critical roughage part for beef cattle.

The critical roughage part (CRP) of 2 diet types was determined in a cross-over design with 6 double-muscled and 6 normally conformed Belgian Blue bulls fitted with rumen cannulae. The roughage:concentrate ratio was lowered weekly until signs of a lack of physical structure were observed. For diet 1, consisting of maize silage and concentrates, the initial proportion of maize silage was 25% of DM but it decreased weekly with 5% units of DM. For the second diet, consisting of wheat straw and concentrate, 12% straw (DM basis) was provided during the first week and thereafter the proportion of straw decreased weekly with 3% units of DM. Several directly observable parameters (rumen pH, feed intake, bloat, faecal consistency) were evaluated weekly for each bull. Apart from these direct indicators of acidosis, also other parameters, whose results were only available after the end of the trial, were determined (volatile fatty acid profile, lactic acid concentration, chewing time). The roughage part between the part fed when signs of a lack of physical structure was first observed and the part that was fed the week before, was considered as the CRP. Most animals showed no acute signs of clinical acidosis (directly observable parameters) and finished the trial on a 100% concentrate diet. However, in sacco rumen DM-degradabilities of maize silage, grass silage and wheat grain was depressed considerably when low roughage diets were fed. Based on all observed parameters, the mean CRP was calculated to be 14.7% for diet 1 and 8.1% for diet 2. The beef type (double-muscled or not) had no influence on the CRP.     

The effect of feeding rumen contents on glutamate dehydrogenase activity in some organs of broilers]

The effect of the replacement of 50, 60 and 80% of proteins in diet by dried rumen contents on glutamate dehydrogeanse activity (EC 1.4.1.3) in the kidneys, liver, and caecum tissue and contents was studied in broilers. The liver and caecum tissue did not show any significant changes in the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) in dependence on the concentration of rumen contents in the diet. A statistically significant drop of GLDH activity was ascertained in the kidneys, the drop being the most marked at a 65% concentration of rumen contents in the diet. Similarly, a statistically significant decrease of GLDH activity, caused by rumen contents feeding in comparison with the control, was observed in caecum contents, in which the activity of GLDH was the highest.     

不同精粗比颗粒饲料对断奶公犊牛瘤胃发酵参数和微生物的影响

本试验旨在研究不同精粗比颗粒饲料对中国荷斯坦断奶公犊牛瘤胃微生物蛋白、发酵参数和微生物数量的影响。选用12头3月龄大的中国荷斯坦断奶公犊牛,按照日龄相近(103.92±1.5 d)、体重相似(121.25±4.12 kg)的原则随机分成4组,每组3头,分别饲喂精粗比为75∶25(Ⅰ)、70∶30(Ⅱ)、65∶35(Ⅲ)、60∶40(Ⅳ)的4种全价颗粒饲料。预试期14 d,正试期56 d。测定犊牛瘤胃微生物蛋白、发酵参数和微生物数量。结果表明,处理组Ⅳ的总挥发性脂肪酸和乙酸浓度最低,且显著低于处理组Ⅰ(P<0.05);处理组Ⅳ的丁酸浓度最高,且显著高于处理组Ⅰ、Ⅲ(P<0.05);处理组Ⅲ的乙酸/丙酸最大,且显著大于处理组Ⅳ(P<0.05)。处理组Ⅳ的白色瘤胃球菌、溶纤维丁酸弧菌和真菌的相对表达量最高,且显著高于其他各处理组(P<0.05);处理组Ⅲ的黄色瘤胃球菌的相对表达量最高,且显著高于其他各处理组(P<0.05)。综上所述,高精料全价颗粒饲料虽然能提高犊牛瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸和乙酸的水平,但会抑制瘤胃纤维降解菌和厌氧真菌的生长。     

Motility of the rumen after feeding sheep pelleted rations]

In an experiment with wethers the effect of the feeding with pelleted feed rations and the partial replacement of coarse fodder by non-treated beech sawdust on the motorial activity of the rumen was observed. The rumen motility was measured through a rumen fistula by means of the balloon method with the help of a capacitator primary unit, an electric manometer and a recording instrument. Over a period of 24 weeks the animals consumed 1.3 kg dry matter per day. It consisted of 41.8% meadow hay, 25.3% barley, 15.4% sawdust, 15.0% molasses, 1.3% urea, 0.76% mixed minerals and 0.48% hexametaphosphate in the form of pellets (test group) or the traditional classical form (control group). The feeding of pellets diminished the frequency (P less than 0.001) and the intensity of rumen contractions before and 1, 3 and 5 hours after feeding. Maximal frequency values were registered one hour after the food intake. During this time the number of secondary contractions of the rumen increased; differences of the frequency were, however, not registered, which means that the different physical form of the diet had no influence on the motorial activity of the rumen and that the food intake as such is the decisive factor. The diminished rumen motility in further hours after feeding was effected by treating the feed (grinding and pelleting).     

新型脲酶抑制剂对绵羊瘤胃酶活性和细菌总数的影响

为了研究新型脲酶抑制剂对绵羊瘤胃酶活性和细菌总数的影响 ,进行了两个实验。实验一 ,采用反转设计 ,用4头装有瘤胃瘘管的绵羊 ,分别测定了瘤胃液中脲酶、纤维素酶、蛋白水解酶、总脱氢酶的活性和瘤胃细菌总数。结果表明 ,在瘤胃内灌注50mg脲酶抑制剂 (氢醌 ,HQ )可以使脲酶的活性降低65 % (P<0.01) ,使纤维素酶的活性提高28 % (P<0.05) ,对蛋白水解酶、总脱氢酶的活性和瘤胃细菌总数没有影响(P>0.05)。实验二 ,采用滤纸片法观察了氢醌在10、20、40和80mg/L浓度范围内对瘤胃微生物的抑制作用。测定结果表明 ,除了80mg/L氢醌对瘤胃微生物有微弱的抑制作用外 ,其它浓度的氢醌对瘤胃微生物的生长没有影响。上述结果表明 ,HQ是瘤胃微生物脲酶的专一性抑制剂 ,对瘤胃微生物的繁殖和代谢活性无不良影响。HQ在较低浓度范围内使用 ,就可以非常有效地减缓瘤胃中尿素的释放速度 ,对瘤胃微生物和宿主动物安全 ,无毒副作用 ,在反刍动物尿素利用方面具有非常大的开发潜力。     

Effects of feeding buffering mineral mixture on subacute rumen acidosis and some production traits in dairy cows

This trial was designed in order to evaluate the incidence of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) during early lactation and to investigate the possibilities for its prevention by use of a buffering mineral mixture. On the beginning of the trial it was found that the pH value of rumen fluid in 4 animals was lower than normal (pH < 6.0) and that 20% of animals have had SARA. The control and the experimental group of cows were fed the same meal with exception of concentrated feed which in the experimental group contained the mineral mix with buffering activity in amount of 1%. Continuous addition of buffering mineral mixture in the amount of 1% in concentrated feed for early lactation cows successfully prevents SARA formation and leads to increased milk production, as well as increased milk fat and protein content.     

Phosphoric acid ester preparations used in cattle, swine and sheep with special reference to cholinesterase activity. 4. Use of phosphoric acid esters and their effect on acetylcholinesterase activity in sheep]

The use of organophosphorus preparations for the control of ectoparasites and endoparasites of sheep, particularly systemic application, is discussed. Experiments on 13 groups of sheep with five preparations produced in the German Democratic Republic in various formulations and concentrations showed that external application had good contact activity, but little was absorbed. Acetylcholinesterase activity was not inhibited, except by pour-on application of doses several times the normal dose. The preparations were arranged in order of cholinesterase inhibition. In contrast to cattle, diminished cholinesterase activity was unreliable as in indicator of systemic toxicity of organophosphorus preparations in sheep.     

Evaluation of Breeding Value and Selection of Bull Dams in the Danish Dairy Breeds: II. Model Calculations of the Effect of Bias on the Efficiency of Selection

Abstract

Alternative selection strategies in the bull dam path were investigated to reduce the magnitude of bias. The study's objective was to examine the effect of alternative strategies under the assumption of particular biases. Bias in the evaluation of bull dam estimated breeding values (EBVs) causes an estimated reduction of 32% in their genetic superiority, compared with the theoretical potential. Biased evaluations caused selection of too many bull dams from later lactations. Two alternative strategies were developed to account for existing bias. Results suggested that the influence of bias could be reduced. The estimated improvement in selection response was 11–13% higher than current practice. Problems with biased EBVs in conventional breeding schemes are discussed and a method to counteract bias from future breeding schemes is presented.     

Differences in monocarboxylic acid transporter type 1 expression in rumen epithelium of newborn calves due to age and milk or milk replacer feeding

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether besides age and solid feed intake, monocarboxylic acid transporter type 1 (MCT1) expression in the rumen epithelium of calves is affected by liquid feed type [whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR)]. Thirty bull calves at the mean age of 5 days were randomly allocated to five experimental groups (six calves/group). Six calves were slaughtered immediately after allocation to the trial (5 days of life), eighteen calves were fed MR and slaughtered at week intervals (on 12, 19, 26 days of life respectively), and six calves were fed WM and slaughtered at the 26 days of life. MCT1 protein abundance and the MCT1 mRNA level were investigated in the dorsal and ventral sack of the rumen. Solid feed intake and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in the rumen fluid increased linearly with calves' age. The amount of the MCT1 protein and mRNA in the dorsal sac of rumen as well as the amount of MCT1 protein in the cranial ventral sac of rumen also increased linearly with calves' age. Calves fed WM had greater solid feed intake in the last week of the study as compared to calves fed MR, but SCFA concentration in the rumen fluid was not different. MCT1 mRNA expression in the cranial dorsal sac of rumen and protein MCT1 expression in both dorsal and ventral cranial sack of the rumen were higher in calves fed WM as compared to calves fed MR. This study confirmed age‐dependent changes of MCT1 expression in the rumen epithelium of newborn calves and showed that its expression might be affected by liquid feed type.     

Effect of storage on bovine erythrocyte cholinesterase activity.

Bovine whole blood and washed erythrocyte samples with either sodium heparin or EDTA as the anticoagulant were stored at -24, 2 to 3, 21, or 37 C for up to 8 weeks to determine the stability of erythrocyte cholinesterase (ChE) activity. An automated colorimetric method was used to measure ChE activity. Regression analysis was used to estimate the rate of decline of ChE activity of samples to 95% of normal. Samples stored at -24 and 2 to 3 C were very stable, and ChE activity was maintained for several weeks or longer. Samples stored at 21 C maintained an activity level not less than 95% of normal for at least 9 days and those stored at 37 C for at least 2 days. The type of anticoagulant used did not appear to affect significantly the stability of activity.     

牛冷冻精液的应用研究进展

牛人工授精技术是所有家畜中应用最为广泛的一种繁殖技术,而其巨大的发展又得益于精液冷冻保存的成功应用.本文简要介绍了牛精液冷冻技术的发展历史和精液冷冻的原理,分析了影响牛精液冷冻效果的主要因素,并对国内外现行使用的精液评定指标作了简单阐述,以期为牛高质量冷冻精液的研究和牛人工授精技术的应用提供参考.     

湖羊利用混合挥发性脂肪酸铵的研究——体外试验与前胃消化代谢试验

体外试验研究表明,试验管NH_3-N浓度于培养过程中逐渐下降。而三氯醋酸沉淀蛋白(TCA-P)浓度则迅速上升,2.5小时后超过对照管。同时丁酸向乙酸转化。利用3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管和皱胃瘘管的湖羊,进行体内试验,以挥发性脂肪酸胺(AS-VFA)替代日粮总氮34％。饲喂后瘤胃NH_3-N、TVFA和丁酸浓度迅速上升,瘤胃内稻草粉纤维素48小时消失率为38.6％,显著高于对照期的31.94％(P<0.05)。试验期1昼夜通过皱胃的总氮量为14.27克,非氨氮(NAN)13.02克,微生物氮4.06克,均有提高趋势。微生物蛋白合成效率提高70％(P<0.01),而前胃有机物消化率则趋于降低。     

Effect of a hay and a grain diet on the rate of hydrolysis of ochratoxin A in the rumen of sheep

The hydrolysis of ochratoxin A (OA) and the corresponding formation of its hydrolysis product, alpha ochratoxin (O alpha), by ruminal digesta and in the rumen of hay-fed and grain-fed sheep were compared. Ruminal contents from sheep fed diets with hay or with grain hydrolyzed OA in vitro; the majority of the activity was associated with the particulate fraction of the ruminal contents. The rate of hydrolysis of OA by ruminal fluid that was adjusted to different pH values was not influenced (P greater than .6) by the pH of the samples (pH was from 5.5 to 7.0). Ruminal fluid obtained from hay-fed animals (pH 7.0) was able to hydrolyze OA in vitro and to produce the hydrolyzed product, O alpha, at a much greater rate (fivefold) than ruminal fluid obtained from grain-fed animals (pH 5.5) (P less than .01). Ochratoxin A was administered intraruminally at a concentration of .5 mg/kg of BW to hay-fed and grain-fed sheep. The half-lives for disappearance of OA from the rumen of sheep fed grain (normal feed intake, rumen pH 5.7), fed grain at a low level (30% of normal feed intake, pH 6.5), and fed hay (pH 7.1) were 3.6, 1.3, and .6 h, respectively. The results suggest that OA is hydrolyzed much faster in the rumen of sheep fed hay than in sheep fed grain, presumably because of the different ruminal microbial population, which in turn influenced the rate of hydrolysis of OA.