Prevalence of Neospora antibodies in New Zealand dairy cattle and dogs

Abstract

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Neospora caninum is a major cause of disease in cattle and dogs, manifesting with abortions in cattle, and hind limb paresis in mostly young dogs ⁽¹⁾ Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1996. A review of Neospora caninum and neosporosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 1–59. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. Previous reports from New Zealand suggest that around 30% of bovine abortions may be due to Neospora ⁽²⁾ Thornton, RN, Thompson, EJ and Dubey, JP. 1991. Neospora abortion in New Zealand cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 129–133. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ⁽³⁾ Thornton, R. 1992. Bovine abortions — Laboratory diagnosis 1991. Surveillance, 19: 24–24.  [Google Scholar] and that about 40% of recently aborted dairy cows have antibodies against Neospora ⁽⁴⁾ Reichel, MP and Drake, JM. 1996. The diagnosis of Neospora abortions in cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 44: 151–154. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar].     

Gastroenteritis and inanition diarrhoea of sheep transported by ship

Abstract

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“Gastroenteritis” of sheep being transported in bulk livestock ships has been reported ⁽¹⁾ Richards, RB, Norris, RT, Dunlop, RH and McQuade, NC. 1989. Causes of death in sheep exported live by sea. Australian Veterinary Journal, 37: 33–38.  [Google Scholar] ⁽²⁾ Black, H. 1989. Live sheep shipments. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 37: 175–175. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ⁽³⁾ Davis, GB. 1989. The live sheep trade. Surveillance, 16(4): 24–26.  [Google Scholar], but still remains a poorly defined disease syndrome.     

Neospora caninum infection in an aborted bovine foetus in Brazil

Abstract

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Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite first reported in dogs (Bjerkås et al., 1984 Bjerkås, I, Mohn, SF and Presthus, J. 1984. Unidentified cyst-forming sporozoan causing encephalomyelitis and myositis in dogs. Zeitschrift für Parasitenk, 70: 271–274. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Dubey et al., 1988a Dubey, JP, Carpenter, JL, Speer, CA, Topper, MJ and Uggla, A. 1988a. Newly recognized fatal protozoan disease of dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 192: 1269–1285. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], Dubey et al., 1988b Dubey, JP, Hattel, AL, Lindsay, DS and Topper, MJ. 1988b. Neonatal Neospora caninum infection in dogs: Isolation of the causative agent and experimental transmission. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 193: 1259–1263.  [Google Scholar]) and subsequently recognised as a cause of bovine abortion (Dubey and Lindsay, 1993 Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1993. Neosporosis. Parasitology Today, 9: 452–458.  [Google Scholar]). Natural N. caninum infections have been reported in other animal species including the goat, sheep, horse and deer (Dubey and Lindsay, 1996 Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1996. A review of Neospora caninum and neosporosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 1–59. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The dog was recently identified as definitive host of the parasite (McAllister et al., 1998 McAllister, MM, Dubey, JP, Lindsay, DS, Jolley, WR, Wills, RA and McGuire, AM. 1998. Dogs are definitive hosts of Neosporu caninum. International Journal for Parasitology, 28: 1473–1478. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Neospora caninum has a worldwide distribution (Barber et al., 1995 Barber, JS, Holmdahl, OJM, Owen, MR, Uggla, A and Trees, AJ. 1995. Characterization of the first European isolate of Neosporu caninum (Dubey, Carpenter,Speer, Topper and Uggla). Parasitology, 111: 563–568.  [Google Scholar]; Duivenvoorden, 1995 Duivenvoorden, J. 1995. Neospora abortions in eastern Ontario dairy herds. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 36: 623–623.  [Google Scholar]; Jardine and Wells, 1995 Jardine, JE and Wells, BH. 1995. Bovine neosporosis in Zimbabwe. Veterinary Record, 137: 223–223.  [Google Scholar]; Stenlund et al., 1997 Stenlund, S, Bjorkman, C, Holmdahl, OJM, Kindahl, H and Uggla, A. 1997. Characterization of a Swedish bovine isolate of Neospora caninum. Parasitology Research, 83: 214–219.  [Google Scholar]; Thornton et al., 1991 Thornton, RN, Thompson, EJ and Dubey, JP. 1991. Neospora abortion in New Zealand cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 129–133. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Umemura et al., 1992 Umemura, T, Shiraki, K, Morita, T, Shimada, A, Haritani, M, Kobayashi, M and Yamagata, S. 1992. Neosporosis in a dog: The first case report in Japan. Journal of the Veterinary Medical Science, 54: 157–159.  [Google Scholar]) but the presence of N. caninum in Brazil has not been confirmed.     

Demodex spp. infestation and suspected demodicosis of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in New Zealand

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Ectoparasites known to cause skin lesions in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) include the mites Sarcoptes scabiei, Chorioptes bovis and Psoroptes spp., and the lice Microthoracius mazzai and Bovicola breviceps (Cicchino et al. 1998 Cicchino, AC, Munoz, Cobenas ME, Bulman, GM, Diaz, JC and Laos, A. 1998. Identification of Microthoracius mazzai (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) as an economically important parasite of alpacas. Journal of Medical Entomology, 35: 922–930.  [Google Scholar]; Foster et al. 2007 Foster, A, Jackson, A and D'alterio, GL. 2007. Skin diseases of South American camelids. In Practice, 29: 216–223. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Occasionally, Demodex spp. infestations have been reported or mentioned as incidental fi ndings in llamas (Lama glama) (Atlee et al. 1997 Atlee, BA, Stannard, AA, Fowler, ME, Willemse, T, Ihrke, PJ and Olivry, T. 1997. The histology of the normal llama skin. Veterinary Dermatology, 8: 165–176. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and alpacas (Foster et al. 2007 Foster, A, Jackson, A and D'alterio, GL. 2007. Skin diseases of South American camelids. In Practice, 29: 216–223. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). So far, only Sarcoptes scabiei (McKenna et al. 2005 McKenna, PB, Hill, FI and Gillett, R. 2005. Sarcoptes scabiei infection on an alpaca (Lama pacos. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 53: 213–213. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), Chorioptes bovis (Arthur 1997 Arthur, DG. 1997. Diseases of lamoids in New Zealand. Surveillance, 24(1): 29–30.  [Google Scholar], non-peer reviewed) and Bovicola breviceps (Palma et al. 2006 Palma, RL, McKenna, PB and Aitken, P. 2006. Confirmation of the occurrence of the chewing louse Bovicola (Lepikentron) breviceps (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) on alpacas (Lamas pacos) in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 54: 253–254. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) have been recorded on lamoids in New Zealand. Here, we report the first record of Demodex spp. infestation of an alpaca in New Zealand.     

leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo vaccination against leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica infection

Abstract

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Sir, — Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica is now recognised as a widespread infection among opossums in New Zealand ⁽²⁾ Hathaway, S. C, Blackmore, D. K. and Marshall, R. B. 1978. The serologic and cultural prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica in opossums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. J. Wild Dis., 14: 345–350. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] and the possibility of domestic stock acting as accidental hosts has recently been demonstrated. ⁽³⁾ Mackintosh, C. G., Marshall, R. B. and Blackmore, D. K. 1980. Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica in cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 28: 268–268. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] With the recent development of hardjo vaccines ⁽¹⁾ Flint, S. H. and Liardet, D. M. 1980. A Trivalent leptospiral vaccine with emphasis on a Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo component to prevent leptospiruria. N.Z. vet. J., 28: 263–266. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ⁽⁴⁾ Marshall, R. B., Broughton, E. S. and Hellstrom, J. S. 1979. Protection of cattle against natural challenge with Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo using a hardjo - pomona vaccine. N.Z. vet. J., 27: 114–116. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] for controlling infection with this serovar in the maintenance hosts, stock could be left vulnerable to infection with other prevalent serovars such as balcanica.     

Toxoplasmosis in piglets

Abstract

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Ovine toxoplasmosis is of importance in New Zealand where it is recognized as the most common cause of intrauterine infection leading to abortion and stillbirths (Hartley and Boyes, 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, Betty W. 1964. Incidence of ovine perinatal mortality in New Zealand with particular reference to intrauterine infections. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 33–36. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). Although clinical disease is rare in humans, serological evidence shows a high incidence of subclinical infection with 50% of New Zealand adults over 40 years of age showing positive titres (Manning and Reid, 1956 Manning, J. D. and Reid, J. D. 1956. Toxoplasmosis in New Zealand. A serological survey. N.Z. med. J., 55: 441–447. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]). There is, however, a paucity of information on the disease incidence in other species in this country. Hartley (1956) Hartley, W. J. 1956. Some observations on canine toxoplasmosis. N.Z. vet. J., 4: 115–118. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] has recorded toxoplasmosis in dogs and fowls. Pneumonia in a pig associated with Toxoplasma gondii was described by Shortridge and Smith (1964) Shortridge, E. H. and Smith, B. 1964. Toxoplasmosis in a pig in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 118–120. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] while, more recently, Shortridge (1968) Shortridge, E. H. 1968. Toxoplasmosis in cats in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 16: 129–130. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] noted two cases of feline toxoplasmosis. This present communication concerns an outbreak of acute toxoplasmosis in several piglets.     

Feline Leukemia Virus Testing

Abstract

Sir:- In September 1981 in a letter to the New Zealand Veterinary Journal we outlined the status of feline leukemia virus testing of cats in New Zealand.(4) Hardy, W. D. 1981. The Feline Leukaemia Virus. J Am anim Hosp. Ass., 17: 951–951. [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]     

Titres After Leptospiral Vaccines

Abstract

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Sir, — It appears that Drs Marshall et al.⁽¹⁾ Marshall, R.B., Manktelow, B.W. and Scholium, L.M. 1982. Standardisation of serology for leptospirosis. N.Z. vet. J., 30: 126–126. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] have missed the cardinal point of our paper on an unusual serological response in calves after use of a leptospiral vaccine. ⁽²⁾ Marshall, R.B., Manktelow, B.W. and Scholium, L.M. 1982. Standardisation of serology for leptospirosis. N.Z. vet. J., 30: 126–126. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] That point, of course, was that after use of one leptospiral vaccine, but not another, post-vaccination microscopic agglutination titres of calves were indistinguishable from post-infection titres, whatever the actual titres may have been.     

Re: Journal standards

Abstract

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I refer to the correspondence by Dr Jackson (2003) Jackson, R. 2003. Journal standards. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 51: 199–199. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] in the August 2003 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal, regarding citation of articles published in non-peer reviewed publications in this journal.     

Re: The safety of oral calcium formate

Abstract

A Short Communication was published in the October 2002 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal entitled “An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters” (McIntyre and Weston 2002 McIntyre, LH and Weston, SJ. 2002. An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 50: 195–198. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). It appeared to be comparing results directly withthose of a prior communication (Scott and Van Wijk 2000 Scott, DJ and Van Wijk, N. 2000. Comparison in dairy cattle of mucosal toxicity of calcium formate and calcium chloride in oil. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 48: 24–26. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).     

A haemolytic variant of Actinobacillus equuli causing an acute septicaemia in a foal

Abstract

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This paper describes the isolation of a haemolytic variant of Actinobacillus equuli from a foal which died from acute septicaemia. Foal deaths due to non-haemolytic A. Equuli (also known as Shigella equirulus) in New Zealand have been described previously by Hutchinson (1956 Hutchinson, Sally C. 1956. Shigella equirulus infection in a foal. N.Z. vet. J., 4: 119–120. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and Bloomberg (1963 Bloomberg, J. H. 1963. Atypical symptoms in a case of sleepy foal disease (Actinobacillus equuli infection). N.Z. vet. J., 11: 125–126. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Dairy cow preference for a soft track surface

Abstract

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As dairy herds get larger cows have to walk further, and foot care becomes more important. Lameness from bruising of the soles of the feet is a particular hazard (Tranter and Morris 1991 Tranter, W P and Morris, RS. 1991. A case study of lameness in three dairy herds. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 88–96. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], especially on hard tracks with loose angular stones or grit (Clackson and Ward 1991 Clackson, DA and Ward, WR. 1991. Farm tracks, stockman's herding and lameness in dairy cattle. Veterinary Record, 129: 511–512.  [Google Scholar]. One way of reducing this problem might be to provide an overlay of woodchips on top of the normal hard track. This would provide a softer grit-free surface, which could be more comfortable for the cows.     

A survey of new zealand cattle sera for antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus

Abstract

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Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus has been associated with respiratory infection (Webster and Manktelow, 1959 Webster, R. C. and Manktelow, B. W. 1959. Some; observations on bovine rhinotracheitis in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 7: 143–148. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and genital infections (Manktelow and Hansen, 1961 Manketlow, B. W. and Hansen, N. F. 1961. The isolation of a cytopathic agent resembling the virus of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis from an outbreak of pustular vulvovaginitis in cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 9: 136–140.  [Google Scholar]) in New Zealand. The possible role of IBR virus in abortion has been reviewed by Durham (1974 Durham, P. J. K. 1974. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virusand its role in bovine abortion. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 175–179. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Tuberculous sialoadenitis in a badger

Abstract

Extract

Tuberculous lesions in the skin of carnivorous species such as the mustelids have often been associated with the contamination of bite wounds inflicted during intra-species conflict (Muirhead et al., 1974 Muirhead, RH, Gallagher, J and Burn, KJ. 1974. Tuberculosis in wild badgers in Gloucestershire: Epidemiology. Veterinary Record, 95: 552–555.  [Google Scholar]; Cheeseman et al., 1988 Cheeseman, CL, Wilesmith, JW, Stuart, FA and Mallinson, PJ. 1988. Dynamics of tuberculosis in a naturally infected badger population. Mammal Review, 18: 61–72.  [Google Scholar]; Clifton-Hadley et al., 1993 Clifton-Hadley, RS, Wilesmith, JW and Stuart, FA. 1993. Mycobacterium bovis in the European badger (Meles meles): Epidemiological findings in tuberculous badgers from a naturally infected population. Epidemiology and Infection, 111: 9–19.  [Google Scholar]; Nolan and Wilesmith, 1994 Nolan, A and Wilesmith, JW. 1994. Tuberculosis in badgers (Meles meles). Veterinary Microbiology, 40: 179–191.  [Google Scholar]; Ragg et al., 1995 Ragg, JR, Waldrup, KA and Moller, H. 1995. The distribution of gross lesions of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in feral ferrets (Mustela furo) from Otago, New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 43: 338–341. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Lugton et al., 1997 Lugton, IW, Wobeser, G, Morris, RS and Caley, P. 1997. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in feral ferrets (Mustela furo) in New Zealand: II. Routes of infection and excretion. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 45: 151–157. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). A strong association between tuberculous tonsillitis and recovery of Mycobacterium bovis from the oral cavity of ferrets (Mustela furo) was reported by Lugton et al. (1997 Lugton, IW, Wobeser, G, Morris, RS and Caley, P. 1997. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in feral ferrets (Mustela furo) in New Zealand: II. Routes of infection and excretion. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 45: 151–157. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). They believed that the recovery of M. bovis from the pharynx was enhanced by the act of swabbing which could damage the oral mucosal epithelium and dislodge infected mucosal macrophages. The authors speculated that tubercle bacilli could enter the oral cavity through disrupted tonsillar epithelium, although they found no evidence of epithelial damage. It is also well established that in many species, infected pulmonary secretions reach the oral cavity and contaminate saliva (Jennings, 1949 Jennings, AR. 1949. The distribution of tuberculous lesions in the dog and cat, with reference to the pathogenesis. Veterinary Record, 61: 380–384.  [Google Scholar]).     

A nervous syndrome in dogs responding to treatment with thiamine

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Sir,—Following letters of Mayhew and Stewart 1969) Mayhew, I. G. and Stewart, J. M. 1969. Nervous syndrome in dogs possibly associated with a thiamine deficiency. N.Z. vet. J., 17: 91–92. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]and Stirling (1969) Stirling, T. 1969. Possible thiamine deficiency in dogs. N.Z. vet. J., 11: 160–160.  [Google Scholar], I feel that the following case report may be of interest.     

Serological evidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in lambs

Abstract

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Madam;–The results of field trials of a live parainfluenza virus type3(PI₃)vaccine suggested that(PI₃)might not be the only virus involved in the initiation of outbreaks of pneumonia in lambs in New Zealand,(5 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])The outbreaks that were not associated with infection with(PI₃)could not be linked to infection with the other ovine respiratory viruses then known to be present in New Zealand (ovine adenovirus type 6 and the ovine variant of bovine adenovirus type 7)((1 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]),(4 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]),(5 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])suggesting that other unrecognised viruses might be involved. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia in human infants and in cattle.(8 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])This virus has recently been isolated from a yearling ewe with mild rhinitis(6 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])and there is serological evidence of infection in adult sheep.(3 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]),(6 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])However, there are no reports implicating this virus in outbreaks of pneumonia in lambs, although experimental infection of lambs with a bovine isolate of RSV resulted in reduced pulmonary bacterial clearance leading to secondary pneumonic pasteurellosis.(2 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])     

Ostertagiasis in adult cattle: A clinical report of an outbreak in the field

Abstract

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The pathogenic significance of Ostertagia ostertag to cattle has been well established by many workers overseas (see Brunsdon (1968 Brunsdon, R. V. 1968. Trichostrongyle worm infection in cattle: Ostertagiasis — effect of a field outbreak on production, with a review of the diseases syndromes, problems of diagnosis and treatment. N.Z. vet. J., 16: 176–187. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) for review) and in New Zealand (Brunsdon, 1968 Brunsdon, R. V. 1968. Trichostrongyle worm infection in cattle: Ostertagiasis — effect of a field outbreak on production, with a review of the diseases syndromes, problems of diagnosis and treatment. N.Z. vet. J., 16: 176–187. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], 1969 Brunsdon, R. V. 1969. Trichostrongyle worm infection in cattle: Ostertagiasis and concurrent infections in dairycalves: Seasonal patterns of occurrence, pathology and diagnosis. N.Z. vet. J., 17: 161–171. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

The refractometric determination of the total protein concentration in some animal plasmas

Abstract

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Refractometry has been used for serum or plasma total, protein determination since the beginning of this century and while at times the value and accuracy of the technique has been open to question (see Lines and Raine, 1970a Babul, J. and Stellwagen, E. 1969. Measurement of protein concentration with interference optics. Analyt. Biochem., 28: 216–221. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar],b Barry, K. G., McLaurin, A. W. and Parnell, B. L. 1960. A practical temperature-compensated hand refractometer (the TS-meter). Its clinical use and application in estimation of total serum proteins. J. lab. din. Med., 55: 803–808.  [Google Scholar]), many studies have shown close agreement between refractometric determination of serum total protein and estimation by such techniques as the Biuret method and the Kjeldahl nitrogen determination (Lines and Raine, 1970b Drickman, A. and McKeon, F. A. 1962. Determination of total serum protein by means of the refractive index of serum. Am. f. clin. Path., 38: 392–396.  [Google Scholar]; Barry et al., 1960 Harboe, M. 1959. A method for determination of haemoglobin in plasma by near-ultraviolet spec-trophotometry. Scand, J. clin. lab. Invest., 11: 66–70. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]; Drickman and McKeon, 1962 Henry, R. J. 1974. Clinical Chemistry, 177–177. New York, Evanston and London: Harper &; Row. John Weatherhill, Tokyo [Google Scholar]).     

Microbial Contamination of the Abdominal Cavity in Commercial Carcasses Subject to Delays Before Evisceration

Abstract

Sir: Hygiene regulations require that carcasses be eviscerated soon after slaughter, and in recent years there have been moves in some countries to impose a relatively short time limit between death and evisceration. Although a number of reasons can be advanced for the utility of such a requirement,(3) Gill, C. O. 1979. Intrinsic bacteria in meat. J. Appl. Bacterial., 47: 367–378. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar] there is little doubt that a major original and continuing consideration is the belief that delays in evisceration can lead to contamination of carcasses by bacterial invasion from the intestine. It has been demonstrated that no such invasion actually occurs and that muscle tissue is usually sterile until exposed surfaces are contaminated by extraneous organisms.(1) Koneman, E. W. 1970. Post-mortem bacteriology. CRC Crit. Rev. Clin. Lab. Sci., 1: 5–23. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]     

Lethal effect of intraruminal barium chloride administration in gloats

Abstract

Magnesium absorption in ruminants is reduced by high potassium intakes (Fontenot et al., 1989 Fontenot, JP,, Allen, VG,, Bunce, GE , and Goff, JP. 1989. Factors influencing magnesium absorption and metabolism in ruminants. Journal of Animal Science, 67: 3445–55.  [Google Scholar]), which might relate to a change in the transmural potential difference at the level of the rumen (Martens etal., 1987 Martens, H,, Gäbel, G, and Strozyk, H. 1987. The effect of potassium and the transmural potential difference on magnesium transport across an isolated preparation of sheep rumen epithelium. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology, 72: 181–8. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). In-vitro experiments with ruminal epithelium have shown that barium ions, which block potassium channels in cell membranes, alter the transepithelial potential difference when added to the mucosal side in the form of BaCl₂, (Martens et al., 1987 Martens, H,, Gäbel, G, and Strozyk, H. 1987. The effect of potassium and the transmural potential difference on magnesium transport across an isolated preparation of sheep rumen epithelium. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology, 72: 181–8. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Concentrations up to 4 mM Ba are used to block potassium channels in cell membranes. In the course of our studies on magnesium absorption in ruminants, we wished to alter the in-vivo transmural potential difference. To check whether BaCl₂ would be a suitable tool, a test with two goats was carried out.