The impact of 2 dipping systems on endemic stability to bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle in 4 communally grazed areas in Limpopo Province, South Africa

A 12-month study was conducted in 4 communal grazing areas in the Bushbuckridge region, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The main objective was to investigate the impact of reduced acaricide application on endemic stability to bovine babesiosis (Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis) and anaplasmosis (Anaplasma marginale) in the local cattle population. To this end 60 cattle in each communal grazing area were bled at the beginning and the conclusion of the experimental period and their sera were assayed for B. bovis, B. bigemina and Anaplasma antibodies. Cattle in the intensively dipped group were dipped 26 times and maintained on a 14-day dipping interval throughout the study, whereas cattle in the strategically dipped group were dipped only 13 times. Three cattle, from which adult ticks were collected, were selected from each village, while immature ticks were collected by drag-sampling the surrounding vegetation. During the dipping process, a questionnaire aimed at assessing the prevalence of clinical cases of tick-borne disease, abscesses and mortalities was completed by an Animal Health Technician at each diptank. An increase in seroprevalence to B. bovis and B. bigemina and a decrease in seroprevalence to Anaplasma was detected in the strategically dipped group while in the intensively dipped group the converse was true. Amblyomma hebraeum was the most numerous tick species on the cattle, and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was more plentiful than Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. Drag samples yielded more immature stages of A. hebraeum than of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. The incidence of clinical cases of tick-borne disease and of abscesses increased in the strategically dipped group at the start of the survey.     

An investigation into some causes of canine diarrhoea in Ibadan

Between October 1975 and March 1976, fourteen dogs of the 308 examined in the small animal clinic of the University of Ibadan were diarrhoeic while eight dogs from two experimental groups housed within the university and kept at a distance of about 1.5 km from the small animal clinic also had diarrhoea. The most common condition associated with diarrhoea in dogs in Ibadan was intestinal parasitism caused mainly by Ancylostoma caninum (six cases) Isospora canis (five cases) and Dipylidium caninum (one case). The other causes of diarrhoea were canine distemper, bacterial enteritis, canine babesiosis, traumatic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic gastroenteritis.     

Diversity and seasonal occurrence of Eimeria species in a mixed flock of communally reared sheep and goats in Mafikeng in the North West Province, South Africa

Diversity and seasonal occurrence of coccidia in a communally reared mixed flock of sheep and goats at Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa, was determined between March 2008 and February 2009. Faecal specimens were collected directly from the rectum of the animals and the number of oocysts per gram of faeces (opg) determined. The mean monthly opg for goats was significantly higher than that for sheep. Higher oocyst counts were observed during the hot, rainy season than during the cold, dry season. The highest mean values for both the sheep (862.5 opg) and goats (1200 opg) were recorded during March. Six species (Eimeria crandallis, E. bakuensis, E. weybridgensis, E. ahsata, E. intricata, and E. ovinoidalis) were recovered from sheep, with E. crandallis and E. bakuensis occurring most frequently. The last 2 species, together with E. ahsata, are considered among the most pathogenic species in sheep. In goats, 7 species (E. arloingi, E. jolchijevi, E. caprina, E. alijevi, E. caprovina, E. christenseni and E. hirci) were recovered, with E. arloingi and E. jolchijevi occurring most frequently. Up to 5 Eimeria species were recovered from individual specimens in goats while up to 4 were recovered in sheep. No cross-infections between goats and sheep were recorded and no clinical coccidiosis was noted during the study. It is increasingly becoming evident that the pathogenic E. arloingi is one of the most commonly occurring Eimeria species in goats in South Africa.     

Benefits of urea-molasses block supplementation and symptomatic and tactical anthelmintic treatments of communally grazed indigenous goats in the Bulwer area, Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa

This study was carried out with the cooperation of farmers owning communally grazed indigenous goats in southwestern KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, where farmers had identified poor reproductive performance in their herds as one of their major problems. The aim was to quantify the effects of 3 interventions and the interaction between these interventions on goat productivity and gastrointestinal nematode infection. The interventions were: urea-molasses block supplementation during the dry winter seasons of 2004 and 2005, tactical anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin (400 microg/kg) during the wet summer period (on 3 January 2005) and symptomatic treatment with ivermectin (400 microg/kg) of all goats judged anaemic throughout the entire study period. The FAMACHA system was used as a gauge of anaemia. It was noted that goats considered anaemic tended to remain so throughout the study period. The tactical anthelmintic treatment was effective as it markedly reduced (P = 0.066) the summer peak in faecal egg counts and is therefore recommended. By contrast, while the urea-molasses block supplementation appeared to reduce the faecal egg counts immediately following the 2004 supplementation (P < 0.05), this did not hold true in 2005. Interestingly, in the tactically treated anaemic goats, the improvement in the number of kids suckled per doe year-on-year tended to be greater than in the non-anaemic goats. It is considered that the routine symptomatic treatment of anaemic goats may have been a key factor. More detailed investigations into the routine symptomatic treatment of anaemic goats are therefore recommended.     

Evaluation of the mineral status of cattle on communal grazing in the North West Province of South Africa

Twenty five cattle were randomly selected from a herd of animals grazing communally around Mogosane village in the North West Province to evaluate their mineral status based on blood and faecal analysis. Mean faecal phosphorus (P) concentration was curvilinear, increasing from July (0.99 mg/g) to December (3.63 mg/g) and decreasing to 1.29 mg/g in June. Mean P concentration in grass was also curvilinear, increasing from July (0.87 mg/g) to January (1.8 mg/g) and decreasing to 0.9 mg/g in June. There was a high correlation (r2 = 0.89) between faecal and grass P concentrations. Faecal:grass P ratios suggest that the animals were conserving P by reducing faecal P excretion during times of low dietary P. Animals maintained consistent but very low serum inorganic P (SiP) throughout the year (range 1.33-1.95 mg%) and SiP was not correlated with either faecal or grass P. Mean faecal and grass calcium (Ca) concentrations followed a similar pattern to P. There was also a positive correlation (r2 = 0.95) between grass and faecal Ca concentrations. Faecal:grass Ca ratios indicated a conservation of Ca by reducing faecal Ca when dietary Ca was low. Animals were better able to conserve dietary Ca by reducing losses in the faeces than they were P, based on a higher faecal:grass P ratio (1.56) compared with Ca (1.18). Magnesium (Mg) was lost through the faeces during times of high dietary Mg concentrations but was conserved when grass Mg was low.     

Participatory rural appraisal to investigate constraints in reporting cattle mortalities in the Odi district of North West Province, south Africa

Mortalities in cattle can have severe financial implications for small scale and communal farmers in South Africa. They could also be a measurable indicator for surveillance of animal diseases, such as those listed by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), or diseases included in the regulations of the South African Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984). In order to prevent further mortalities and for accurate surveillance and monitoring of diseases, it is important that farmers participate in the determination of causes of mortality in their cattle. This paper reports on constraints of the reporting diseases to the state veterinary services, the study area being Odi district, in the North West Province. The method that was followed was based on participatory rural appraisal. The selected cattle owners participated in every phase. They were the ones who first spoke to veterinary services about ways to decrease the diseases and mortalities of their cattle. A questionnaire to verify the facts complemented the survey. A total number of 60 farmers were randomly selected from 12 villages. One farmer withdrew, leaving 59 farmers. Most of the farmers in the study were men ( n = 55). The area of study was communal and the farming system traditional and extensive. It was suspected that there was a communication problem and this was proven by the results of the research, as 23 farmers were not even aware that mortalities have to be reported by law. The real problem was that causes of death were not being diagnosed because farmers were not aware that a necropsy could give information on the causes of death. Farmers were keen to receive training in elementary necropsy techniques so as to be able to discuss the cause of death of cattle with the state veterinarian.     

A field investigation of causes of abortion in dairy cattle

Cases of abortion on dairy farms on the Lancashire/Cumbria border were investigated by means of a systematic diagnostic procedure, using the facilities of a veterinary practice's laboratory, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food veterinary investigation centre. Among approximately 3600 animals, 149 abortions were investigated on 54 farms in two years, an annual abortion rate of 2 per cent. A diagnosis was made in 34 per cent of the cases, based on a pathological examination of aborted material and bacteriological and serological findings. The most common pathogens associated with abortion were bovine viral diarrhoea virus (39 cases), bacterial or fungal infections (20 cases), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (19 cases), and Leptospira hardjo (18 cases), either as single or multiple infections.     

Use of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants in cattle by Setswana-speaking people in the Madikwe area of the North West Province of South Africa

Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) methods were employed to document the use of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants in cattle by Setswana-speaking people in the Madikwe area of the North West Province of South Africa. The study indicated that Setswana-speaking people in the North West Province have a rich heritage of ethnoveterinary knowledge, which includes all aspects of ethnoveterinary medicinal plant use. Information was gathered from informants through individual interviews, group interviews, guided field walks and observations. Ethnoveterinary uses in cattle of 45 plant species representing 24 families were recorded. Plants were used in 84% of the total number of recorded ethnoveterinary remedies. These plants were used alone (64%) or in mixtures (36%) for 29 indications. The most important indications were retained placenta, diarrhoea, gallsickness, fractures, eye inflammation, general ailments, fertility enhancement, general gastrointestinal problems, heartwater, internal parasites, coughing, redwater and reduction of tick burden. Plant materials were prepared in various ways including infusion, decoction, ground fresh material, sap expressed from fresh material, charred and dried. The most common dosage form was a liquid for oral dosing. Other dosage forms included drops, licks, ointments, lotions and powders. Liquid remedies for oral dosing were always administered using a bottle. Medicinal plant material was preferably stored in a dried form in a cool place out of direct sunlight and wind. Lack of transfer of ethnoveterinary knowledge to younger generations puts this knowledge at risk. RRA was found to be a successful method of investigation for the study of ethnoveterinary medicine.     

Genetic relationships among calving ease, calving interval, birth weight, and weaning weight in the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed

The aim of this paper was to estimate direct and maternal genetic parameters for calving ease (CE), birth weight (BrW), weaning weight (WW), and calving interval (CI) to assess the possibility of including this information in beef cattle improvement programs. Field data, including a total of 59,813 animals (1,390 sires and 1,147 maternal grand sires) from the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed, were analyzed with a multivariate linear model. Estimates of heritability for direct genetic effects (CED, CID, BrWD, and WWD) were 0.191 +/- 0.019, 0.121 +/- 0.013, 0.390 +/- 0.030, and 0.453 +/- 0.035, respectively, whereas those for maternal genetic effects (CEM, BrWM, and WWM) were 0.140 +/- 0.015, 0.208 +/- 0.020, and 0.138 +/- 0.022, respectively. Genetic correlations between direct or maternal genetic effects across traits were, in general, positive and moderate to low. However, genetic correlation for the pair CED-BrWD was positive and high (0.604 +/- 0.064). Genetic correlations between the direct and maternal genetic effects within a trait were negative and moderate (-0.219 +/- 0.097 for CE, -0.337 +/- 0.080 for BrW, and -0.440 +/- 0.102 for WW). Genetic correlations for CED-BrWM and CED-WWM were -0.121 +/- 0.090 and -0.097 +/- 0.113, respectively. The genetic correlation for CEM-CID was unfavorable (0.485 +/- 0.078), and those for CEM-BrWD (-0.094 +/- 0.079) and CEM-WWD (-0.125 +/- 0.082) were low and negative. The genetic correlation between CID and WWM was favorable (-0.148 +/- 0.106). Overall, the data presented here support the hypothesis that maternal effects for CE and BrW are not the same and that the genetic relationships between CI and maternal effects for WW in beef cattle follow a similar pattern to that reported between CI and milk yield in dairy cattle. Moreover, the need to include direct and maternal breeding values in beef cattle selection programs is suggested.     

Bluetongue virus seropositivity in sheep flocks in North West Frontier Province, Pakistan

The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence and distribution of serum antibodies to Bluetongue virus (BTV) in a sample of 38 sheep flocks in northern areas of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan and to identify demographic and productivity variables that are associated with BTV seropositivity. Blood samples were taken from a random sample of ewes in each flock in April 1995. The owners of the flocks were interviewed regarding some demographic, husbandry and productivity variables of the flocks on the day of blood sampling. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to test the serum samples for BTV group-specific antibodies. BTV seropositive reactions were obtained in 184 (48.4%) out of 380 tested sera, and in 89.5% (34/38) of the flocks. In the 34 seropositive flocks, the prevalences ranged from 12.5 to 100% (median = 47). A multivariable logistic analysis was carried out to study the influence of demographic and productivity variables on the BTV serological status of the sheep flocks. Abortion risk in the previous lambing season was mildly associated with the serological status of the flock (adjusted odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.07). For the seropositive flocks, a linear multiple regression showed that distance travelled by the flock during transhumant movement was significantly associated with percent seropositivity (partial regression coefficient (± SE) = − 0.091 ± 0.045).     

Disease and mortality in small ruminants in the North West Province of Cameroon

Mortality rates and the prevalence of disease were assessed in 115 flocks of traditionally managed sheep and goats in two Divisions of the North West Province of Cameroon by means of a questionnaire to the owners. The mortality rate was significantly higher in sheep than in goats and also higher in young stock than in adults. Tethering the animals during the day resulted in significantly lower mortality in both adult and young sheep and also in kids. Disease problems of small ruminants, identified on the basis of signs reported by their owners, included intestinal parasitism, especially helminthiasis, tick infestation and associated diseases, pneumonia, goat plague (peste des petits ruminants) and Oestrus ovis infestation. Treatment of sick animals was only practised on a very small scale, often by possibly ineffective traditional methods. The owners identified tick infestation and diarrhoea as common causes of death. Recommendations are made on control measures suitable for application in this area.     

云南省腾冲市牛羊感染梨形虫的分子流行病学调查

为了解腾冲市牛、羊感染梨形虫的流行情况,本研究选择腾冲市11个乡镇为采样点,采集牛、羊血液样本,采用分子生物学方法,扩增包括泰勒虫属和巴贝斯虫属在内的梨形虫科18S rRNA基因约1 600 bp片段,阳性产物进行测序,根据序列同源性比对和遗传进化分析,进行虫种鉴定。共采集758头牛、羊的血样,检出阳性207头,总阳性率27.31%。其中牛、羊阳性率分别为45.02%(149/331)、13.58%(58/427)。11个乡镇的牛均有检出,6个乡镇的羊有阳性。检出虫种包括巴贝斯虫(Babesia)和泰勒虫(Theileria)两属共13种,均为蜱传血液原虫,泰勒虫占82.13%(170/207),巴贝斯虫占17.87%(37/207)。巴贝斯虫种类包括:狍巴贝斯虫(B.capreoli)、猎户巴贝斯虫(B.venatorum)、双芽巴贝斯虫(B.bigemina)、牛巴贝斯虫(B.bovis)、微小巴贝斯虫(B.microti)等5种;泰勒虫种类包括:吕氏泰勒虫(T.luwenshuni)、环形泰勒虫(T.annulata)、水牛泰勒虫(T.buffeli)、东方泰勒虫(T.orientalis)、瑟氏泰勒虫(T.sergenti)、绵羊泰勒虫(T.ovis)、附膜泰勒虫(T.velifera)和一种新的未命名泰勒虫共8种。牛感染6种泰勒虫和4种巴贝斯虫,羊感染3种泰勒虫和2种巴贝斯虫。该结果表明腾冲市养殖的牛羊存在梨形虫病的广泛流行,且虫种丰富,具有较高的多样性特征,需加强防范。     

Management and productivity of small ruminants in the North West Province of Cameroon

Summary A survey showed that in the North West Province of Cameroon 92% of the farmers rear goats as against only 21% who rear sheep. The main constraint on sheep husbandry appeared to be a traditional belief that keeping sheep adversely affects a woman's fertility. Flock sizes are small (three to 48, median seven) but there was some tendency towards larger numbers in mixed flocks. There were considerably more females than males. Six systems for managing small ruminants were identified. The most widely practised was housing at night and tethering in daytime during the cropping season with either tethering or free-range grazing during the daytime in the non-cropping season. The most common housing system was an enclosed shed with walls of sticks, tree fern or bamboo. Floors of planks laid on the earth or slightly raised were used by about 48% of the farmers while 22% constructed raised slatted floors.Most farmers gave their animals salt on a more or less regular basis but otherwise intentional feed supplementation was rare. About 43% of the farmers thought it unnecessary to provide water. Breeding was generally uncontrolled and the progeny of the most active breeding ram or buck was often the main source of replacement males. The overall offtake rates were 20% for sheep and 24% for goats. Several flocks had no offtake while four (three flocks of goats and one of sheep) reported offtake rates of 65 to 80%.

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Manejo Y Productividad De Rumiantes Menores En La Provincia Noroccidental De Camerun

Resumen Un estudio de campo reveló, que en la Provincia Noroccidental de Camerún, el 92% de los agricultores crían cabras contra el 21% que cría ovejas. El mayor obstáculo para la cría de ovejas parece ser la creencia, que las ovejas afectan la fertilidad de las mujeres. El tamaño de los apriscos es pequeño (tres a siete), pero existe una tendencia a incrementarse cuando son mixtos. Existe un mayor número de hembras que machos.Se identificaron seis sistemas de manejo. El que más se practica, es el de encierro durante la noche y pastoreo restringido (atadura) durante el día, durante la estación de cosecha y pastoreo restringido o libre durante la estación de poscosecha. El sistema más común de alojamiento, fue el encierro en corrales de bambú sobre planchas a nivel del suelo o ligeramente levantadas o sobre pisos ranurados. El porcentaje de agricultores que utilizaban estos sistemas de alojamiento fue del 48 y 22% respectivamente.La suplementación de sal fue más o menos regular, pero no se vió otro tipo de suplementación. El 43% de los agricultores no aceptaron que era necesario proporcionar agua. El apareamiento no fue controlado y los reemplazos provenían de los reproductores más activos. La tasa de extracción general fue del 20% para las ovejas y del 24% para las cabras. Algunos apriscos no tenían tasas de extracción, mientras que tres de cabras y uno de ovejas tenían tasas de 65 y 80% respectivamente.

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Gestion Et Productivte Des Petits Ruminants Dans La Province Nord Oeust Du Cameroun

Résumé Une enquête a montré que dans la province Nord Ouest du Cameroun 92% des paysans élèvent des chèvres pour seulement 21% élevant des moutons. La principale contrainte à l'élevage du mouton paraît être la croyance traditionnelle selon laquelle avoir des moutons porte tort à la fécondité de la femme. La taille des troupeaux est faible avec des effectifs de 3 à 48, et une médiane de 7, mais il y a une tendance à avoir des nombres plus élevés dans les troupeaux mixtes. Il y a considérablement plus de femelles que de mâles.Six systèmes d'élevage des petits ruminants ont été identifiés. Le plus couramment pratiqué comporte la stabulation nocturne et la mise à l'attache durant la journée pendant la saison des cultures. Le système le plus courant de stabulation consiste en un abri clos avec des parois faites de morceaux de bois, de fougères arborescentes ou de bambou. Un plancher en lattes posé par terre ou légèrement surélevé était employé par environ 48% des éleveurs alors que 22% contstruisaient des planchers surélevés en ardoise.La plupart des paysans donnent du sel aux animaux sur une base plus ou moins régulière mais toute autre forme de supplémentation alimentaire intentionnelle est rate. Environ 43% des éleveurs ne jugent pas nécessaire de donner à boire. La reproduction est en général non maitrisée, et les produits du bélier ou du bouc le plus actif sont souvent la source principale de mâles de remplacement. Les taux d'exploitation sont de 20% pour les moutons et 24% pour les chèvres. Plusieurs troupeaux ne sont pas exploités alors que quatre (trois de chèvres et un de moutons) ont fait état de taux d'exploitation de 65 à 80%.

     

Molecular genotyping of Mycobacterium bovis isolated from cattle tissues in the North West Region of Cameroon

An epidemiological study was carried out to determine the Mycobacterium bovis strains causing bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in North West Cameroon. Suspected TB lesions from slaughtered cattle were cultured on Lowenstein–Jensen and Middlebrook 7 H9 media to isolate mycobacteria agents for molecular genotyping using deletion analysis and spoligotyping. PCR-based genomic deletion typing showed that 54 of 103 tubercle bacilli isolated from cattle tissue were M. bovis strains and the African 1 clonal complex was widespread in affected cattle. Spoligotyping analysis revealed a closely related group of five M. bovis strains. SB0953, the dominant spoligotype pattern, and four new patterns identified as SB2161, SB2162, SB2663 and SB2664 according to the www.Mbovis.org international spoligotype database were identified. These spoligotypes were similar to other M. bovis strains recovered from bordering regions and other parts of Africa. The findings provided useful facts on the zoonotic risks of bovine TB and overwhelming evidence of the significance of M. bovis infection to human TB in the North West Region of Cameroon. The study revealed that bovine TB was widespread in cattle destined for human consumption and also has important implications for the control of TB in animals and humans in Cameroon.     

An inquiry into the causes of liver damage in lambs

The lamb slaughter records of a large private abattoir showed that a small minority of farms had a lamb liver rejection rate exceeding 40 per cent. Small sheep farms were most likely to have high rejection rates and farms producing both lambs and pigs had relatively high lamb liver rejection rates. In a farm survey statistical analysis showed that the spreading of pig slurry, access to the grazing land by hunts and the infrequent use of dog cestocides were factors significantly linked to high lamb liver rejection rates. A survey of 4000 lambs' livers confirmed the importance of Cysticercus tenuicollis as a cause of rejection. Fifty-two per cent of the livers had lesions which could not be identified but showed histological similarities to ascarid lesions.     

An investigation into the depth of penetration of low level laser therapy through the equine tendon in vivo

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is frequently used in the treatment of wounds, soft tissue injury and in pain management. The exact penetration depth of LLLT in human tissue remains unspecified. Similar uncertainty regarding penetration depth arises in treating animals. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that transmission of LLLT in horses is increased by clipping the hair and/or by cleaning the area to be treated with alcohol, but is unaffected by coat colour. A LLLT probe (810 nm, 500 mW) was applied to the medial aspect of the superficial flexor tendon of seventeen equine forelimbs in vivo. A light sensor was applied to the lateral aspect, directly opposite the laser probe to measure the amount of light transmitted. Light transmission was not affected by individual horse, coat colour or leg. However, it was associated with leg condition (F = 4.42, p = 0.0032). Tendons clipped dry and clipped and cleaned with alcohol, were both associated with greater transmission of light than the unprepared state. Use of alcohol without clipping was not associated with an increase in light transmission. These results suggest that, when applying laser to a subcutaneous structure in the horse, the area should be clipped and cleaned beforehand.     

An investigation of the causes of parturient calf mortality in Shorthorn heifers

A study of parturient calf mortality in a herd of 250 Shorthorn cattle on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales is reported. Death rates as high as 44% from heifer groups are described. There were 30 parturient deaths of which 27 were confirmed as due to maternal dystocia. Pathological changes in many of the dystocia-caused deaths were minimal, but a congested, swollen tongue was a definitive lesion. The death rate was not significantly higher in heifers mated at 14 to 16 months of age than in those mated at 20 to 22 months, but significantly more male than female calves died from maternal dystocia. As two dead calves were affected with goitre, a comparative trial using parenteral iodine was designed. Ratios of thyroid weight to calf body weight were examined for 24 of the calves where the mean was 0.52 gm/kg. Goitre was found not to be a contributing factor to the calving mortality problem. The use of a Jersey bull for heifer matings eliminated the dystocia problem. The Jersey cross allowed safe, early mating at 14 months of age.     

滨州地区肉牛饲料资源调查报告

通过调查，摸清了全区饲草资源、饲料资源的分布、数量、利用现状、开发潜力、存在的问题，提出开发利用饲料资源的建议，为合理开发、改良、利用饲草料资源，促进畜牧业的发展，特别是促进肉牛业的发展，提供科学依据。     

Predicting the start of calving in Japanese Black cattle using camera image analysis

This study assessed the feasibility of using camera image analysis to detect behavioral changes as an indicator of the onset of calving in Japanese Black cattle. Thirty-five pregnant cattle individually housed in pens were used and were continuously monitored using a digital camera system. For the automatic determination of the x and y coordinates of a cow, trajectory analysis was conducted using thermal image and analysis software, and the distances moved were calculated using coordinate data. Further, the frequency of postural changes and the time spent tail raising per hour were measured for 14 cows using visible images. The measurement data were used to calculate hourly data for 12 h prior to amniorrhexis (first rupture of the allantoic sac). The hourly distances moved tended to increase at the time of amniorrhexis, with significantly longer distances measured 3–0 h before amniorrhexis than those at 12–8 h before amniorrhexis (P < 0.05). In all cows, amniorrhexis occurred within 11 h of hourly distances moved by more than 50% compared with distance moved the previous hour. The overall average elapsed time before amniorrhexis was 9 h 30 min (range: 5–11 h). Tail raising time and the frequency of postural changes significantly increased at 1–0 h and 2–0 h before amniorrhexis, respectively. This suggests that predicting the time of calving is possible by measuring the activity of Japanese Black cows during late pregnancy using camera image analysis as a non-invasive technique.     

Ectoparasites of dogs belonging to people in resource-poor communities in North West Province, South Africa

A total of 344 dogs belonging to people in resource-poor communities in North West Province, South Africa, was examined for ectoparasites, and all visible arthropods were collected from the left side of each dog. By doubling these numbers it was estimated that the dogs harboured 14,724 ixodid ticks, belonging to 6 species, 1,028 fleas, belonging to 2 species, and 26 lice. Haemaphysalis leachi accounted for 420 and Rhipicephalus sanguineus for 14,226 of the ticks. Pure infestations of H. leachi were present on 14 dogs and of R. sanguineus on 172 dogs. Small numbers of Amblyomma hebraeum, R. appendiciulatus, R. evertsi evertsi and R. simus were also collected. The predominance of R. sanguitneus accounts for the high prevalence of canine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) within the survey region, compared to canine babesiosis (Babesia canis), which is transmitted by H. leachi, and is a much rarer disease.