滩羊二毛羔羊主要性状遗传相关的分析

滩羊二毛羔羊活重、毛股自然长、伸直长、肩部弯曲数，股部弯曲数、弯曲部分长、尾长等主要性状间的表型相关、遗传相关及回归分析结果表明：二毛期活重与毛股伸直长，二毛期活重与股部弯曲数、肩部弯曲数与弯曲部分长之间属于高遗传相关（遗传相关在0.6以上）。二毛期活重对毛股伸直长，肩部弯曲部对股部弯曲数，肩部弯曲数对弯曲部长，股部弯曲数对弯曲部分长均呈极显著的回归关系（P＜0.01），毛股伸直长对弯曲部分长呈显著回归关系（P＜0.05).     

舍饲条件下滩羊羔羊二毛性状的研究

对滩羊舍饲后,羔羊初生重、够毛体重以及二毛性状进行了研究。结果表明,舍饲可以提高滩羊羔羊的初生重和够毛体重;能够使肩部毛长有所提高;肩部毛股弯曲数和花穗评分保持稳定。     

放牧与舍饲对滩羊生产性能的影响

对舍饲和放牧条件下,滩羊母羊和羔羊生产性能进行了研究。结果显示:舍饲条件下滩羊母羊的繁殖率和繁殖成活率比放牧条件下有一定程度提高。羔羊的初生重、二毛期体重、平均日增重及肩部毛股弯曲数则有明显地提高,经t检验舍饲与放牧之间均呈极显著差异(P<0.01)。而羔羊成活率、肩部毛股长度和花穗评分等指标二者之间无明显区别,经t检验差异均不显著(P>0.05)。说明舍饲在提高滩羊生产性能方面具有一定作用,同时对其品种特征无不良影响。     

放牧与舍饲对滩羊生产性能的影响

对舍饲和放牧条件下,滩羊母羊和羔羊生产性能进行了研究.结果显示舍饲条件下滩羊母羊的繁殖率和繁殖成活率比放牧条件下有一定程度提高.羔羊的初生重、二毛期体重、平均日增重及肩部毛股弯曲数则有明显地提高,经t检验舍饲与放牧之间均呈极显著差异(P<0.01).而羔羊成活率、肩部毛股长度和花穗评分等指标二者之间无明显区别,经t检验差异均不显著(P>0.05).说明舍饲在提高滩羊生产性能方面具有一定作用,同时对其品种特征无不良影响.     

优质鸡MEF2A基因的SNPs检测及其与屠体性状的相关研究

为了解优质鸡MEF2A基因SNPs与屠体性状的相关性,以240只大恒优质肉鸡为材料,应用12对引物,采用PCR-SSCP技术对肌细胞特异性增强子因子2A(MEF2A)基因进行多态性检测.结果在该研究群体中检测到MEF2A基因的3个SNPs位点46 023 nt(C→T,SNP1)、72 626 nt(G→A,SNP2)和89 232 nt(G→T,sNP3).关联分析结果表明,MEF2A基因3个SNPs位点及其双倍型对部分屠体性状有显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)影响.最小二乘分析结果表明,SNP1中,基因型A2A2个体的活体质量、屠体质量、胸肌质量和腹脂质量最小二乘均值显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)大于A1A1个体;SNP2中,基因型B1B1个体的活体质量、屠体质量、胸肌质量、腿肌质量和腹脂质量的最小二乘均值显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)大于B282个体;SNP3中的基因型C1C1个体的半净膛率显著高于基因型C2C2个体(P<0.05).双倍型H1H2组合的活体质量、屠体质量、胸肌质量和腿肌质量的最小二乘均值均高于其他双倍型组合.H5H5双倍型的活体质量、屠体质量和胸肌质量的最小二乘均值均为最低.初步推断MEF2A基因可以作为影响鸡屠体性状的分子标记.     

滩母羊日粮中铜水平对其羔羊裘皮品质影响的研究

为了研究铜对滩羊裘皮品质的影响,试验采用分组饲喂妊娠后期[(90±10)d]滩母羊,在基础日粮中分别添加了0,7,14,21 mg/kg 4个铜水平,取其二毛羔羊毛样进行裘皮品质分析。结果表明:试验组二毛中铜的含量随日粮中铜含量的增加而增加,二者极显著相关(r=0.802);试验组毛股弯曲数比对照组增加了1.22个弯曲;毛股自然长度与对照组相比增加了1.72 cm,差异显著(P0.05);随铜含量的增加无髓毛变细。说明妊娠后期滩母羊饲粮中铜水平对其羔羊二毛裘皮品质有显著影响(P0.05);日粮中铜含量为20.42 mg时效果最好。     

南江黄羊GHR基因5′-调控区多态与体重性状相关性研究

试验采用PCR-SSCP方法检测392只南江黄羊和49只波尔山羊GHR基因5′-调控区多态性,并与体重性状进行关联分析。结果表明:GHR基因5′-调控区存在(G)10、(G)11与(G)14多态和(TG)13、(TG)14与(TG)17多态。经最小二乘分析,在2个山羊群体中基因型效应对初生重的影响不显著(P>0.05),对周岁体重影响显著,基因型BB所对应周岁体重的最小二乘均值显著高于基因型DD所对应的最小二乘均值(P<0.05)。     

滩羊的良种选育—串字花品系繁育

<正> 滩羊是我国比较古老的裘皮羊品种。1958年宁夏对滩羊进行了一次较广泛、系统的调查,调查表明群众把滩羊二毛羔羊的被毛花型分为“串字花”、“录豆丝”、“软大花”、“笔筒花”等,但最受欢迎的是“串字花”花型。因为“串字花”的毛股纤维密度适中,毛股粗细在0.4—0.6厘米之间,弯曲弧度均匀,且呈水平状,弯曲数一般5—7个,花案清晰,光泽悦目,洁白如玉,这种裘皮既保暖又美观。“录豆丝”(也叫小串字花)毛股较细,一般在0.3厘米以下,虽然美观,但保暖性梢差,“软大花”毛股较粗,一般在0.6厘米以上,毛纤维密度较大,绒毛较     

宁夏白、黑滩羊种质及生产性能研究与分析

对宁夏盐池滩羊选育场白、黑滩羊种质及生产性能进行了观察和研究。结果表明：①白滩母羊的性成熟期在7月龄以上,适配年龄在15月龄以上,妊娠期平均为153d。黑滩母羊的性成熟期在6月龄以上,适配年龄在12月龄以上,妊娠期平均为153 d,二者产羔率平均为103%,双羔率为3%,基本一致。仅黑滩羊性成熟期相对早些,白黑滩羊在营养水平较高的条件下均可一年四季发情,但多集中于秋季和初冬季节。②从表现裘皮品质的经济性状来看,白滩羊的初生重、初生毛长、初生毛股弯曲数、二毛活重、二毛毛长、二毛毛股弯曲数等各项指标都优于黑滩羊（即白滩羊裘皮品质优于黑滩羊）,黑滩羊裘皮品质指标的变异幅度较大,有进一步选育提高的可能性。③白、黑滩羊产肉、产毛性能二者相当。     

宁夏黑滩羊的种质特性研究

宁夏黑滩羊原名宁夏黑羊 ,在宁夏饲养已有八十余年的历史。黑羊长期以来 ,多生产色泽黑艳 ,皮板轻软 ,经久耐用的裘皮 ,在群众中享有声誉。二毛羔羊期为 4 5天 ,毛股长度 6～ 7 5cm ,毛股弯曲 3～ 4个 ,毛根以黑为主 ,占 4 4 38%以上。 70年代饲养量 6 0 0 0只 ,80年代下降 35 70余只 ,近几年又恢复到了 4 380只。经测定 ,宁夏黑滩羊的生理性状指标、白细胞组成、血液生化指标和血红蛋白及血清酯酶等生理生化性状 ,黑滩羊和白滩羊间存在一定的差异 ,其中大部分指标以黑滩羊为高 ,表明黑滩羊的适应性和抗逆性优于白滩羊黑羊 ,黑羊对当地自然环境条件的适应能力尚好。     

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.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

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.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

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