Pyelocystitis in breeding sows

Pyelocystitis results from ascending infection of the urinary tract with Corynebacterium suis in sows. Infection occurs regularly during coitus by healthy boars, which are often contaminated with Corynebacterium suis. Characteristic clinical signs of pyelocystitis are haematuria, anemia and emaciation. The whole urinary tract shows severe purulent-necrotic inflammation with progressive vascular lesions. Diagnosis is based on clinical, pathological and bacteriological findings. Distinct changes in urine samples are present. Treatment is only successful in sows with intact function of kidneys. In early detected cases treatment can be effective with repeated application of appropriate antibiotics, e.g. penicillin or ampicillin. There are no proven methods of prevention.     

The kidney of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, in the acute phase of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia: in vivo experiments on the renal excretion of fluid, electrolytes and protein

Abstract. Kidney function was studied in unanaesthetized rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, with acute infection by VHS virus strain F-l causing viral haemorrhagic septicaemia. The experiments were performed in diseased and control fish with catheters chronically implanted in the dorsal aorta and the urinary bladder. Glomerular clearance of polyfructosan, tubular handling of fluid and electrolytes and urinary excretion of protein were studied. In diseased fish, plasma concentrations of inorganic solutes were reduced, but plasma osmolarity and systemic blood pressure remained unchanged. Glomerular filtration rate and urine flow, both linearly correlated, were reduced from 5.20±0.40 to 3.08±0.66 ml/h/kg and from 2.51±0.15 to 1.63±0.28 ml/h/kg, respectively (±SEM). The urine osmolarity was augmented due to increased Na and Mg concentrations in the urine. Net tubular secretion of Mg was observed in diseased fish whereas net reabsorption of Mg prevailed in the controls. Decreased renal protein excretion rate prevented a renal loss of protein and, therefore, diminished plasma protein concentrations in VHS-infected fish may be attributed to extrarenal pathophysiological mechanisms.     

Urinary bladder displacement (lateroflexio vesicae urinariae) in the sow

In older gravid sows in the last stage of gestation or after pariturition lateroflexion of the urinary bladder into the space between the vagina and the pelvic wall occasionally occurs. The reposition of the displaced urinary bladder by exerting external pressure either on the vulva or the perineum is usually unsuccessful. Only after the bladder has been emptied by a catheter spontaneous reposition does occur. In two cases displacement of the urinary bladder occurred immediately after normal pariturition. In both cases relapses were observed after the removal of the implanted balloon catheter. Both sows had the urinary balloon catheter reinserted and it was left in place until the weaning of the piglets. There were no complications during the whole lactation period. Both sows reared their piglets and could then be slaughtered.     

Clinical effects of an extreme Ca overdose in feed for growing piglets

In a piggery (approx. 60 sows) nearly all the weaned piglets (about 150) showed signs of poor development, reduced feed intake, increased water consumption, markedly dry and hard faeces, urine drinking, navel suckling and drowsiness over 6-8 weeks. In blood samples of 4 affected piglets a significant hypercalcaemia (values greater than 20 mg/dl)--combined with an at times marked hypophosphataemia--was measured. In the diet offered, a Ca content of 56.2 g/kg was estimated. An intoxication due to ochratoxin or due to excessive levels of quinoxaline or vitamin D was excluded by toxicological investigations of the diet. Contamination by Datura stramonium was also ruled out.     

Endoscopic studies of the bladder in breeding sows--diagnosis of cystitis

With a flexible scope the examination of the bladder is possible at the standing sow without anaesthesia. When using a non-flexible scope general anaesthesia with a supplementary spinal anaesthesia is necessary in order to avoid lesions of the urinary tract and damage of the instrument. For a systematic inspection the bladder must be emptied and filled with air. The state of the bladder can be estimated by the colour of mucosa, the condition of visible blood vessels and of the mucosal surface. To prevent infections careful disinfection of the scope as well as antibiotic treatment of the bladder is important. There were good correlations between endoscopic findings in sows with cystitis and parameters of urinalysis especially for sensory parameters, proteinuria, leukocyturia and significant bacteriuria. An advantage of cystoscopy is the possibility to survey beginning or chronic symptoms of cystitis, even when urine is nearly unchanged.     

Corynebacterium suis infection in swine. 1. Clinical diagnosis with special consideration of urine studies and cystoscopy

Experimental and spontaneous infections with Corynebacterium suis in sows were investigated. In early stages animals show no clinical disorders or only for a short time. However, there are already marked changes in urinary samples (hematuria, proteinuria, leukocyturia, gross alterations). Using an endoscope mucosal irritations can be seen mainly on the floor of the bladders. In chronic cases alterations in urine are more pronounced. If a pyelonephritis is present in addition to the cystitis, general signs of illness are evident including anorexia, emaciation, anemia, subnormal body temperature and abortions. Bladders demonstrate an erosive and ulcerative, hemorrhagic cystitis on the whole mucosal surface. Uremia appears only in late stages of the disease.     

Effect of the beta blockader carazolol (Suacron) on parturition in sows

It was the aim of this study to investigate the effects of the betablocker carazolol (Suacron) on the birth process of the sow. The drug occupies the betareceptors in different organs without causing the stimulation of adrenaline which induces in part the stress reactions of the organism at these receptors. During delivery the stimulation of the betareceptors of the uterus causes a relaxation of the smooth muscles and, hence, prolongs parturition. It could be illustrated that the intravenous injection of the adrenaline-antagonist carazolol (0.5 mg i.e. 1 ml Suacron/50 kg b.w.) increased the contractions of the uterus sub partu in sows. In a double-blind-trial the same dose of the beta-blocker was administered to sows intramuscularly (n = 523). The rate of deliveries lasting six hours or more was reduced (11.0% vs. 14.5%) in the treated group in comparison with the control group (n = 543) that only received a salt solution. Additionally, the beta-blocker prophylaxis led to a reduced stillbirth rate (7.1% vs. 8.3%), caused less necessity for external aid (6.1% vs. 7.8%), decreased the use of oxytocine (28.9% vs. 34.8%) and managed to diminish the occurrence of puerperal disorders (15.5% vs. 19.5%). These beneficial effects on the farrowing are significant at the 5% level and particularly apparent in sows giving birth to the first litter.     

An 11-ketotestosterone induced kidney-secreted protein: the nest building glue from male three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus

In male three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, the kidney hypertrophies during the breeding season and produces a glue which is used in nest-building. This hypertrophy is androgen dependent with 11-ketotestosterone (11 KT) being most effective. The aim of the present study was to characterize the protein composition of this glue. Threads of glue were collected from stickleback nests and glue material was sampled from the content of urinary bladders of male sticklebacks in breeding condition. The samples were investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). One major glycoprotein dominated in both the nest-threads and urinary bladder samples. The identified glycoprotein had a molecular mass of approximately 203 kDa. After deglycosylation the molecular mass was approximately 200 kDa. The amino acid composition of the protein from urinary bladder content was almost identical to the amino acid composition of the protein from the nest-threads. The protein had a relatively high content of cysteine (7.6–8.0%). The glycoprotein was named spiggin. Spiggin was absent in the urinary bladder of untreated castrated fish, but spiggin was present in sham- operated fish and in castrated fish treated with 11 KT. These results demonstrate that spiggin is induced by 11 KT. Spiggin is so far the only protein known to be induced by 11KT and based on the present findings we suggest that spiggin represents a novel structural protein.     

The influence of the dietary carbohydrate: lipid ratio on the chronic toxicity of sodium pentachlorophenate to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson)

The influence of diets varying in carbohydrate: lipid ratio on the chronic toxicity of waterborne sodium pentachlorophenate (0 or 50 g NaPCP.l^–1) to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was examined over a 12 week period. The three diets used were practical salmonid formulations, equivalent in energy and protein content, with cerelose: fish oil ratios of 18.24.7% (high carbohydrate, HC), 9.39.1% (intermediate, INT), and 0.613.8% (low carbohydrate, LC). With increasing levels of dietary carbohydrate trout exhibited enlarged livers, elevated liver glycogen content, reduced liver protein content, reduced body lipid content, reduced weight gain, and elevated feed: gain ratio. For all diet groups, exposure of trout to NaPCP resulted in reduced liver glycogen content, higher liver protein content, reduced levels of plasma total triiodo-L-thyronine and L-thyroxine, increased thyroid epithelial cell height, and increased feed: gain ratios relative to their respective dietary control group. NaPCP exposure led to nominal reductions in weight gain and body lipid content of fish reared on the HC and INT diets. NaPCP exposed fish on the LC diet gained significantly less weight but had a higher body lipid content than control fish. The increasing NaPCP bioconcentration factor (BCF) associated with increasing lipid content of fish (log BCF=2.75 [log % lipid] +0.30; r=0.95) may explain the differences in response. Correction of bioconcentration data for the lipid content of fish reduced the range in BCF from 5- to 2.8-fold.     

饲料中不同水解蛋白对鲈鱼(Lateolabrax japonicus)幼鱼鱼体及组织脂肪含量的影响

本研究通过8周的摄食生长实验来探讨高植物蛋白饲料中添加不同类型的水解蛋白对鲈鱼(Lateolabrax japonicus)幼鱼(初始平均体重为31.99 g)鱼体及组织脂肪含量的影响.实验设4个等氮等能的饲料处理组,对照组含有30％的鱼粉,通过在对照组饲料基础上分别添加水解猪血蛋白、水解豆粕蛋白和水解酵母蛋白替代10％的鱼粉来获得不同类型的实验组饲料,即水解猪血蛋白组、水解豆粕蛋白组和水解酵母蛋白组.养殖实验在近海浮式网箱中进行,每组饲料投喂3个重复的养殖网箱,每个网箱30尾鱼.实验结果显示,高植物蛋白饲料中水解猪血蛋白、水解豆粕蛋白及水解酵母蛋白并没有对鲈鱼幼鱼的鱼体、肝脏、肌肉和内脏的脂肪含量产生显著影响.但与对照组相比,添加水解酵母蛋白的处理组显著降低了鲈鱼幼鱼的血清甘油三酯、总胆固醇及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量(P＜0.05).水解酵母蛋白替代鱼粉显著提高了鲈鱼幼鱼肌肉中C20:1n-9的含量,而水解豆粕蛋白和水解酵母蛋白显著降低了肌肉中C22:5n-3的含量(P＜0.05).与对照组相比,水解酵母蛋白显著降低了血清中C20:5n-3的含量(P＜0.05).在腹部脂肪组织中,与对照组相比,猪血、豆粕及酵母蛋白水解物替代鱼粉极显著提高了饱和脂肪酸、十八碳及十六碳单不饱和脂肪酸、亚油酸及亚麻酸的含量,而极显著降低了C20:1n-9、C20:4n-6、C22:5n-3和C22:6n-3的含量(P＜0.01).本研究表明,高植物蛋白饲料中猪血、豆粕及酵母蛋白水解物替代10％的饲料鱼粉并未有效调节鲈鱼幼鱼鱼体、肝脏、肌肉及内脏的脂肪累积,但水解酵母蛋白在一定程度上改善了血清甘油三酯和胆固醇的代谢.水解蛋白对鲈鱼幼鱼脂肪酸组成的调节因水解蛋白的类型及鱼体组织类型而异.本研究是国内外首次系统研究不同类型水解蛋白对养殖鱼类脂肪累积的调节作用,对该领域相关研究具有重要借鉴和参考意义.     

Role of urine in the spawning of female rose bitterling,Rhodeus ocellatus ocellatus

This study clarified the spawning mechanism of female rose bitterling, Rhodeus ocellatus ocellatus, with special emphasis on the physical role of urine. Ovulated females ingested a significantly greater quantity of water by drinking than non-ovulated fish. The body weight of ovulated females increased about 1.3% while it decreased 1.0% in non-ovulated females. Urine volume in the urinary bladder increased rapidly before spawning, synchronized with the spawning cycle. On the other hand, little urine remained in specimens which had completed spawning. Histological observation demonstrated that the oviduct and the ureter joined at the proximal part of the ovipositor. On the basis of these anatomical and physiological results, it is proposed that urine plays the physical role of pushing the ovulated eggs through the elongated ovipositor during spawning.     

Changes in several blood and urine parameters during combined hyperfluid therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) in the horse

During the combination of oral and intravenous application of saline solution for treatment of the COPD of horses the level of hydraemia basing on the total protein concentration in the serum, the urine production and the specific weight of urine was determined. Additionally the development of serum concentration and of renal excretion rates of potassium, calcium and magnesium were ascertained. The level of hydraemia resulting from the combined method is almost identical with the solely intravenous performed hyperinfusion therapy. Due to the excessive application of fluid an extremely high level of urine production is reached which causes a reduced specific weight as well as an increased renal excretion of potassium, calcium and magnesium. The result is a real loss of electrolytes which is - apart from hydraemia - the reason for the lower level of the corresponding serum concentrations. This seems to be important, especially for potassium and magnesium, because the organism is unable to compensate the loss of these electrolytes in the same way as the loss of calcium. In connection with the renal loss of electrolytes during the high level of urine production glucosuria is observed.     

The influence of temperature on the apparent nutrient and fatty acid digestibility of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus L.

To study the influence of temperature on the nutrient and fatty acid digestibility of salmonid fish, Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus L., were fed dry pelleted diets at 10 and 0.6 °C for 81 days. The diets had a carbohydrate/lipid content of 23.7/13% and 6.4/ 27% and a constant protein content of around 50%. At the end of feeding period, gut contents were collected from the mid- and hind-gut regions, and analysed for the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of nutrients using chromic oxide as digestibility marker. Fish maintained at 0.6 °C had a lower ADC of protein, carbohydrate, lipid and dry matter compared to those maintained at 10 °C. This shows that increased gastrointestinal holding time following low temperature adaptation does not fully compensate for lowered digestive/absorptive metabolism. Feeding high carbohydrate diets had no significant influence on nutrient utilization at 10 °C, but appeared to reduce the ADC of most macronutrients at 0.6 °C. The ADC of the individual fatty acids increased with decreasing chain length and increased with unsaturation. Maintaining the fish at 0.6 °C significantly reduced the ADC of saturated fatty acids, while the monounsaturated fatty acids, and in particular, the polyunsaturated fatty acids were hardly influenced by environmental temperature. It is suggested that the reason may be a shift in digestive lipase specificity caused by changes in the substrate state or lowered solubilization of saturated fatty acids in bile micelles, which thus reduces the uptake into the enterocyte.     

Initiation of carp spermatozoa motility and early ATP reduction after milt contamination by urine

Fish sperm collected by stripping males is frequently contaminated by urine. In this study, carp milt mixed with urine (0.5–7.5% of volume) was studied in order to evaluate the changes of some motility parameters (percentage of motile spermatozoa, velocity and beat frequency) and the ATP content of spermatozoa. In the absence of urine contamination, spermatozoa had an ATP content in the range of 8–9 nmol/10⁸ spermatozoa, an initial velocity of 100–160 μm s⁻¹ and a flagellar beat frequency around 30–50 Hz, 10 s after a 1/2000 dilution in an activating medium (45 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 30 mM Tris–HCl, pH 8.0, osmolality <160 mosM kg⁻¹). In contrast, when milt was contaminated with 7.5% of urine for 1 h, the ATP content was 4–5 nmol/10⁸ spermatozoa and most spermatozoa had low initial velocity (30–100 μm s⁻¹) and flagellar beat frequency (10–30 Hz). It appears that the low osmolality of urine was responsible for the degradation in the quality of carp spermatozoa by an early activation in the collecting tube which induced an early reduction of the intracellular ATP store. From a practical point of view, milt contamination by urine during stripping can be avoided by first pressing the abdomen before sampling and then collecting the remaining urine by means of a catheter introduced into the urinary bladder.     

Interacting effects of diet and environmental temperature on biochemical parameters in the liver ofLeuciscus idus melanotus (Cyprinidae: Teleostei)

One year old golden ide (Leuciscus idus melanotus) were starved for 2 weeks at 20°C (time zero) and then they were fed either freeze-dried mosquito larvae (natural diet) or a commercial fish chow (artificial diet) at an ambient temperature of 14°C and 20°C, respectively. Growth parameters and biochemical data in the liver were measured at time zero and after 3 and 7 weeks of specific regimen. If compared to natural food, the artificial diet caused transient increase in anabolic activity of the liver, but prevented long-lasting hepatocyte proliferation (increase of total liver DNA). After 3 weeks on artificial diet, the body weight was significantly higher and the liver mass doubled compared to ide kept on the natural regimen; tissue DNA content indicated that the hepatocyte volume increased mainly by increased protein content and corresponding uptake of water; lipid and glycogen contents were increased by a factor of 3–6, and the RNADNA ratio was increased accordingly. The growth of the ide, as reflected by the condition factor and hepatosomatic index (HSI), was virtually stopped when the artificial regimen was maintained for 7 weeks, whereas on natural food the condition factor was increased and liver weight and DNA were doubled. Growth of the fish maintained at 14°C was significantly lower than that of fish maintained at 20°C, though the total liver DNA was still increased on the natural regimen during the experiment. Less lipid was stored by fish maintained at 14°C, whereas protein and glycogen deposits were enlarged, if compared to fish maintained at 20°C. The specific activity of cytochrome oxidase in liver mitochondria and of NADPH cytochrome c reductase in the microsomal fraction were found independent of diet and ambient temperature. Oxidative capacity of hepatocytes (mitochondrial protein/mg DNA) remained unchanged, and microsomal protein/cell appeared reduced in response to the artificial food. However, reduction of cell number on this diet resulted in less total mitochondrial and microsomal protein in the organ. Golden ide liver is found to be a sensitive experimental model to characterize the mutual influence of diet and temperature on fish; the results are discussed with regard to the usage of golden ide as test fish for water pollution.     

Antifreeze proteins in the urine of marine fish

Several species of marine teleosts have evolved blood plasma antifreeze polypeptides which enable them to survive in ice-laden seawater. Four distinct antifreeze protein classes differing in carbohydrate content, amino acid composition, protein sequence and secondary structure are currently known. Although all of these antifreezes are relatively small (2.6–33 kd) it was generally thought that they were excluded from the urine by a variety of glomerular mechanisms. In the present study antifreeze polypeptides were found in the bladder urine of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus), ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Since the plasma of each of these fish contains a different antifreeze class it would appear that all four classes of antifreeze can enter the urine. The major antifreeze components in the urine of winter flounder were found to be identical to the major plasma components in terms of high performance liquid chromatography retention times and amino acid composition. It is concluded that plasma antifreeze peptides need not be chemically modified before they can enter the urine.     

Effects of different levels of plant proteins on the ongrowing of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) juveniles at low temperatures

Four experimental diets with different inclusion levels of plant proteins and fish protein hydrolysates were compared with a commercial diet for meagre (Argyrosomus regius) ongrowing at optimal and suboptimal water temperature. Results in terms of growth in length and weight, conversion efficiency, dietary feed intake and utilization, body composition (whole fish and liver) as well as enzyme and immunological activities are presented. Fish growth was significantly reduced by the inclusion of plant proteins, although further addition of fish protein hydrolysates improved the results. Daily feed intake was not affected by plant protein inclusion in the diets, although the group fed the highest inclusion level showed lower ingestion than the rest of the groups, probably as a consequence of a reduced dietary palatability. The decrease in water temperature during the second part of the experiment had a negative effect on feed intake and fish growth. Gross visceral morphology of meagre fed the experimental diets was not affected, but muscle weight was significantly reduced. Whole body and liver composition was not affected with plant protein inclusion. However, the inclusion of fish protein hydrolysates resulted in a significant increase in fat content, especially in liver cholesterol and steryl esters, with a parallel reduction in protein. Brush border enzymes were affected by plant protein inclusion as well as serum lysozyme that significantly increased in the fish fed the highest inclusion level. As a conclusion, up to 315 g kg^?1 plant protein (76.2% of total protein content) can be included in the diet for meagre without affecting growth or feed utilization. Higher inclusion levels can also be used if at least 5% fish protein hydrolysate is also included.     

饲料蛋白质水平对马苏大麻哈鱼幼鱼生长指标和饲料系数的影响

为了解在水温7.4～11.3℃的流水池养殖条件下马苏大麻哈鱼(Oncorhynchus masou masou)幼鱼饲料中不同蛋白质水平对其生长指标和饲料利用效率的影响,设计了5组蛋白质水平为40.40％、44.84％、50.16％、54.82％和59.03％的养殖试验,养殖期为150d.试验过程中进行了水质化学指标的...     

Evaluation of the feed value of a transgenic strain of the narrow‐leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) in the diet of the marine fish,Pagrus auratus

This study assessed the nutritional and biological value of a noncommercial, transgenic line of the Australian sweet lupin, Lupinus angustifolius, (cv. Warrah), produced to increase the methionine content of the seed. An initial experiment demonstrated that differences in the methionine content of the transgenic and nontransgenic control lupins had no apparent influence on the growth of juvenile red seabream fed practical diets. Re‐evaluation of the nutritional characteristics of the lupin meals with subsequent digestibility studies allowed the determination of the digestible value of the protein and energy content of each of the varieties. The digestible protein content of either variety was similar, however significant differences in the digestible energy value of each variety existed (56.3% cf. 64.0%). This re‐evaluation of the nutritional value of the genetically manipulated (GM) and non‐GM lupin varieties enabled the reformulation of diets on a digestible protein and energy basis. A second growth trial was undertaken using sub‐satietal pair‐feeding regimes, with the experiment also involving protein‐restrictive diets to allow expression of the differences in the methionine content of the transgenic and nontransgenic lupin meals. A significant benefit of the enhanced methionine level in the transgenic lupin was observed. It is argued that in the high‐protein fish diets used, the importance of amino acid composition is relatively limited. Economic modelling of the potential value of the increased methionine in the transgenic lupin suggests that this will have limited benefit for aquaculture industries, and that greater value would be attributable to higher protein and energy levels in ingredients.     

饲料中花生四烯酸对发育前期大菱鲆亲鱼性类固醇激素合成的影响

为研究饲料中不同水平的花生四烯酸(arachidonic acid,ARA)对发育前期的大菱鲆亲鱼性类固醇激素合成量及合成过程的影响,配制3种等氮等脂(脂肪含量13%)的实验饲料,分别含有不同梯度水平的花生四烯酸:0.72%(不添加花生四烯酸精制油的对照组,C),5.63%(添加低水平ARA的处理组,ARA-L)及15.03%(添加高水平ARA的处理组,ARA-H)(各数值均为占总脂肪酸的比例)。每组饲料投喂3个实验桶,每桶放25尾3龄大菱鲆亲鱼(雌雄比例约为1:1)。养殖实验在室内流水系统内进行,每天饱食投喂2次,养殖周期为5个月。养殖结束后,分别取性腺发育前期的雌雄鱼测血清雌二醇和睾酮的含量并检测性腺中性类固醇激素合成相关蛋白质的基因表达量。结果显示:与对照组相比,饲料中高水平的花生四烯酸显著降低了雌鱼血清中雌二醇的含量,而雄鱼血清中睾酮的含量在低水平花生四烯酸处理组显著降低。在卵巢中,饲料中高水平的花生四烯酸显著降低了促卵泡激素受体mRNA的表达量,但是饲料中低水平的花生四烯酸显著提高了17α羟化酶的mRNA表达量。在精巢中,饲料中低水平的花生四烯酸显著降低了固醇合成急性调节蛋白以及17α羟化酶的mRNA表达量,但显著升高了芳香化酶的mRNA表达量。饲料中花生四烯酸提高了性腺、肝脏和肌肉组织中花生四烯酸的含量,但降低了二十碳五烯酸(EPA)的含量,卵巢中的花生四烯酸累积量高于精巢。综上所述,饲料中添加一定量的花生四烯酸抑制了发育前期大菱鲆亲鱼雌二醇和睾酮的合成,在卵巢中,这种抑制作用可能是通过抑制促卵泡激素受体的表达来实现,而在精巢中,可能是通过抑制固醇合成急性调节蛋白以及17α羟化酶来实现。