Accuracy and Precision of Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster Techniques for Determining Equine Strongyle Egg Counts

The use of fecal egg count techniques to indirectly assess intestinal parasite burdens and determine anthelmintic efficacy is common in parasitological research and veterinary practice. The McMaster method is one of the most widely used techniques in veterinary practice, but recently, the Mini-FLOTAC technique has been introduced as a possible alternative. Studies comparing the two methods in precision and accuracy are needed. This study aimed at evaluating the Mini-FLOTAC technique for determining equine strongyle egg counts through a two-part procedure. First, a set of fecal counts was executed using both methods. Next, blind counts were performed on spiked fecal samples with true egg counts at 0, 5, 50, 500, and 1,000 eggs per gram. All counts were performed in triplicates, and each sample was counted using both methods. Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster had 83.2% and 53.7% precision, respectively. The accuracy was found to be 42.6% and 23.5% for Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster, respectively. In conclusion, this study found that Mini-FLOTAC exhibited both higher precision and accuracy than the McMaster technique and appears to be a more reliable alternative. Using a more precise egg-counting method can help assure that changes in egg counts before and after treatment reflect a genuine reduction and are not due to chance variability.     

A Pressure Algometer Is a Useful Tool to Objectively Monitor the Effect of Diagnostic Palpation by a Physiotherapist in Warmblood Horses

There is a lack of scientific evidence for objective evaluation of neck and back musculoskeletal sensitivity in horses, although pressure algometry has been described as an objective tool to quantify musculoskeletal responses by mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) values. This study aimed to evaluate the use of pressure algometry for objectively quantifying the effect of diagnostic palpation applied by physiotherapists on the musculoskeletal function of the equine neck and back. The inter-examiner repeatability of animal physiotherapists was tested, and their subjective clinical scores for the vertebral column area were objectively compared with MNT values measured at the same locations to investigate the potential clinical implementation of the pressure algometer in daily equine rehabilitation practice. Six adult Dutch Warmblood riding school mares were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The MNT of all horses was measured on 35 predefined sites on the vertebral column in the morning and in the evening of the same day. In the experimental group (n = 3), neck and back surface “temperature”, “pain”, “muscle tone”, and passive “mobility” were scored through palpation by three certified physiotherapists and related to MNT measurements at the same vertebral column locations. Agreement between the physiotherapists was determined from Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (P < .05). These correlation coefficients showed a significant agreement between the scores of individual physiotherapists and with objective MNT measurements. The three physiotherapists agreed best in their subjective gradings of “pain”, but less for “temperature” and “muscle tone”, and least for “mobility”. There was also a significant difference in MNT between individual horses. The physiotherapeutic diagnostic intervention did not significantly alter the MNT of the experimental group compared with the control group. There was a significant difference, however, between morning (7.4 kg/cm²) and evening (6.9 kg/cm²) MNT-measurements within the combined group (n = 6, P < .05). In conclusion, a pressure algometer proved to be a useful tool to objectively monitor the palpation of individual Warmbloods by individual physiotherapists. The correlation of their scores to the objective MNT measurements elucidated that there were differences on which scale (“pain”, “temperature”, “muscle tone”, “mobility”) they merely relied upon in their palpation. Significant effects of physiotherapeutic diagnostic palpation on MNT, however, were not found. The lower MNT of the horses at the second trial in the evening could be a sensitization of the measurement location because of bruising, a learning effect of the horses, or a diurnal fluctuation. The use of pressure algometry has both a potential to quantify clinical neck and back musculoskeletal sensitivity in horses possibly leading to dysfunction, as well as to objectively evaluate treatment results. Repeated measurements on the same day and on the same location along the vertebral column may influence absolute MNT values. The algometer can be used with success provided that the operator has proper and frequent training.     

新疆褐牛体尺性状指标与体重的主成分分析

选择30头18月龄左右新疆褐牛进行体尺、体重测定,选择累计贡献率达89.505%的7个主成分进行分析。结果表明,新疆褐牛体尺指标尻长、腰角宽、髋宽、坐骨宽及体重的变异较大,选育潜力大;体重与体斜长、胸围、腰角宽、髋宽等指标存在极显著相关（P＜0.01）,与管围呈显著相关（P＜0.05）;从主成分的特征根与累计贡献率来看,第1至第3主成分起主导作用的第1主成分主要反映体型外貌特征,第2主成分主要反映尻部特征,第3主成分主要反映后躯特征。     

平武黄牛体尺性状的主成分分析

用主成分分析法对武黄牛体尺性状的13个性状指标进行了处理,选择累计贡献率85．938％的7个主成分进行分析,明确了平武黄牛的体型特征,提出了平武黄牛体尺性状的选育方向和重点。     

闽南黄牛体尺体重主成分分析及肉用性能研究

选择发育正常、健康无病的124头成年闽南黄牛进行体尺体重测定,采用主成分分析及因子分析的方法对闽南黄牛的主要体尺体重性状指标进行多元分析,选取前3个特征根较大的主成分,使其累计贡献率达90％以上,进行主成分分析,并对6头22～24月龄的闽南牛进行屠宰测定。结果表明：闽南牛体高、体斜长、胸围、管围、体重、十字部高分别为113．06±7．29cm、129．01±11．01cm、152．22±9．75cm、17．17±1．54cm、265．67±50．89kg;主成分分析可知各性状间除了管围外,其它指标存在不同程度的相关,各主成分的特征根分布很广。第1主成分与第2主成分的贡献率最大,经统计计算入选的2个主成分所占信息的侧重各不相同,一个是体高因子,一个是胸围因子;它们分别在一定程度上反映了闽南黄牛的体型特征及今后选育的方向和重点。6头闽南黄牛公母牛的胴体重、屠宰率、净肉率、腰部肌肉厚、大腿肌肉厚分别为145．1kg、56．17％、43．38％、7．16cm、17．51cm和131．9kg、51．25％、40．07％、3．11cm、16．34cm。     

贵妃鸡肌肉及肝脏中八种矿物元素的测定与分析

为了探讨贵妃鸡体内矿物元素的含量,开发安全的绿色营养食品,改善人们的膳食和提供丰富的营养,以及为其人工饲养的饲料添加剂配方与微量元素疾病(缺乏症或中毒症)的诊断提供一定的科学依据.本试验采用火焰原子吸收光谱法测定分析了贵妃鸡胸肌、腿肌及肝脏中Ca、Cu、Fe、zn、Mn、K、Mg和Se八种矿物元素的含量.试验结果表明,贵妃鸡肝脏中Ca、Cu、Fe、Zn和Mn的含量极显著高于胸肌和腿肌(P<0.01),其他元素差异不显著(P>0.05).Cu、Zn在腿肌与胸肌中的含量差异显著(P<0.05),腿肌含量高于胸肌,其他元素均无明显差异(P>0.05).与地方良种庄河鸡比较,贵妃鸡组织中矿物元素Fe、Cu和Se的含量明显高,矿物元素Zn、Mg的含量较高,矿物元素Ca、Mn、K的含量与地方鸡种基本一致.由此可见,贵妃鸡中矿物元素Mg、Zn、Fe、Cu、Se的含量非常丰富.     

The Effects of an Oxygen Scavenger and Coconut Water on Equine Sperm Cryopreservation

Alternative sources of lipoproteins in semen extenders could replace animal by-products. We hypothesized that: (1) post-thaw semen parameters and fertility would not be different in coconut water (CW)–treated samples compared with egg yolk (EY)–treated samples and (2) the use of an oxygen scavenger (Oxyrase) would improve post-thaw sperm motility and membrane integrity and decrease lipid peroxidation. Experiment 1: three ejaculates each from five stallions were split into four treatments: EY, CW, egg yolk with Oxyrase, and coconut water with Oxyrase. Computer-assisted sperm analysis measured progressive and total motility, velocity, and linearity. Membrane integrity, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using propidium iodide, annexin, and BODIPY fluorescent probes, respectively. Samples were cryopreserved, stored in liquid nitrogen, and then thawed to 37°C and analyzed again. Experiment 2: one ejaculate was divided into two aliquots and cryopreserved using either CW or EY. In a crossover design, 12 mares were bred on two consecutive cycles with either EY or CW. Pregnancy evaluations were at 14-day gestation. No differences were detected in sperm parameters between CW and EY (P > .05). Oxyrase did not improve sperm motility parameters in post-thaw samples, nor did it show protective effects for viability or against membrane damage (P > .05). More mares became pregnant using CW than EY (11/12 vs. 6/12, respectively; P = .013). Use of CW is a viable alternative to animal-based products in the cryopreservation of stallion semen.     

The Distribution of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Zimbabwe and an Evaluation of the Value of an Anti-trypanosomal Antibody Detection ELISA as a Tool for Monitoring the Effectiveness of Tsetse Control Operations

Tsetse have been cleared from large areas of Zimbabwe during the past 65 years. In most areas, they are prevented from re-invading cleared areas by barriers of odour-baited, insecticide-treated targets. A trypanosomosis survey was conducted to determine the effectiveness of such barriers against re-invasion and to confirm the absence of tsetse in areas where they had previously been eradicated. Parasitological diagnostic methods and an anti-trypanosomal antibody detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (antibody ELISA) were used. The prevalence of trypanosomal infections in the tsetse-cleared areas was generally low. However, the prevalence of anti-trypanosomal antibodies was unexpectedly high in some areas. This high proportion of cattle with antibodies could, in most cases, be explained by recent or historic information on the distribution and density of tsetse. The results from the survey demonstrated the value of anti-trypanosomal antibody detection as an additional sensitive tool for monitoring the effectiveness of tsetse control operations.     

Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: The case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares

A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL.     

无量山乌骨鸡体重和体尺测定及相关性分析

目的 研究不同性别无量山乌骨鸡体重、屠体重和体尺的相关性。方法 以18周龄无量山乌骨鸡为研究对象,测定公母各30只鸡体重、屠体重以及体斜长、龙骨长、胫长、胫围、髋宽、胸宽和胸深,应用独立样本t检验进行比较,采用Pearson分析法进行相关性分析。结果 无量山乌骨鸡公鸡体重、屠体重、体斜长、龙骨长、胫长、胫围、髋宽、胸宽和胸深极显著（P<0.01）高于母鸡。公鸡体重与屠体重、龙骨长和胫围极显著（P<0.01）正相关。母鸡体重与屠体重极显著（P<0.01）正相关,与胫围显著（P<0.05）正相关。结论 公鸡体重和体尺显著高于母鸡;体重与屠体重和胫围显著正相关;骨骼发育相关的龙骨长、胫长和胫围等体尺指标存在相关性。     

Heterologous Radioimmunoassay for Llama and Alpaca Luteinizing Hormone with a Monoclonal Antibody,an Equine Standard and a Human Tracer

A radioimmunoassay for llama and alpaca LH was developed using a human I¹²⁵LH tracer from a commercial kit, equine LH diluted in human LH free serum as standard, and a monoclonal antibody (518B7) specific for LH but with low species specificity. A 60-min delay in the addition of the tracer and overnight incubation gave a sensitivity of 0.8 μg L⁻¹. The intra-assay coefficient of variation was 37% at 1 μg L⁻¹, declined to 15% at 4 pg L⁻¹ and was below 6% for concentrations up to 32 μg L⁻¹. The inter-assay coefficients of variation for 3 control samples were 20% (2.8 μg L⁻¹), 16% (7.1 μg L⁻¹) and 9.8% (19 μg L⁻¹). In an attempt to increase sensitivity, all tubes were preincubated for 4 h at room temperature before adding the tracer, and the sample volume was increased from 50 μL to 100 μL· (in the standard curve the increased volume was compensated for by human LH free serum). With this protocol, the assay sensitivity was 0.5 μg L⁻¹. The assay was validated clinically and demonstrated increased concentrations of LH after mating in llamas and alpacas. Furthermore, the assay was used to monitor LH responses to a single dose of GnRH in llamas (adult males and females at different ages).     

Success of Anterior Chamber Paracentesis as a Treatment for Ocular Setariasis in Equine Eye: Case Report

A 7-year-old, male pony was presented to our facility with progressive corneal opacity and blepharospasm in the right eye. Vision could not be determined. A thread-like parasite was found in the anterior chamber of the eye. Removal of the parasite through the cornea using the aspiration technique could not be accomplished. The parasite was successfully removed by making a stabbing incision, as an alternative, and was identified as belonging to the genus Setaria. In this report, details of the surgical procedures used together with surgical complications have been discussed. Vision was restored in the right eye postoperatively, though local corneal opacity still persists.     

Antibody Responses Against Equine Influenza Virus Induced by Concurrent and by Consecutive Use of an Inactivated Equine Influenza Virus Vaccine and a Modified Live Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Vaccine in Thoroughbred Racehorses

An inactivated equine influenza virus (EIV) vaccine and a live equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) vaccine are usually administered concurrently to Thoroughbred racehorses in Japan. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether concurrent administration of an inactivated EIV vaccine and a live EHV-1 vaccine in Thoroughbred racehorses influences the antibody response against EIV. We compared the antibody response against EIV in horses administered both vaccines on the same day (Group A; n = 27) and the response in horses administered an inactivated EIV vaccine first and then a live EHV-1 vaccine 1–2 weeks later (Group B; n = 20). In both groups, geometric mean hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers against A/equine/Ibaraki/1/2007 and A/equine/Yokohama/aq13/2010 increased significantly after EIV vaccination. However, the percentage of horses that showed a twofold increase or greater in HI titers against A/equine/Yokohama/aq13/2010 was significantly higher in Group B (75%) than in Group A (37%; P = .02). These results suggest that the concurrent use of an inactivated EIV vaccine and a live EHV-1 vaccine reduced the immune response against EIV to some extent, and it would be better to use these vaccines consecutively, especially for naïve horses or horses whose vaccination history is incomplete.     

The 2011 South Dakota Equitarian Survey and Comparative Analysis of Equine Welfare on a South Dakota Native American Reservation

Economic stress and geographic isolation are barriers to proper veterinary care for horses on Native American reservations. The 2011 South Dakota (SD) Equitarian Survey was distributed to 135 equine veterinarians in SD to detect perceptions of effectiveness and best methodologies for improving reservation equine welfare. There was a positive correlation (P < .005) between the perceived importance and effectiveness of increased veterinary access and the importance of free care and owner knowledge in changing the health and welfare of SD’s reservation equine population. Thirty-nine percent of respondents claimed to have an interest in providing help for reservation equines; those with no veterinary experience on reservations tended not to have interest (P = .05). Previous experience practicing on a reservation impacted how crucial they believed horse owner knowledge or awareness was in changing the health and welfare of reservation equines (P < .04). The most commonly noted health threat and strength were poor nutrition and the absence of internal disease, respectively. In a subsequent analysis, 299 horses on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation were observed for welfare indicators and divided into groups by use: saddle, production, bucking stock, and performance. Average body condition score was 5 of 9 and did not differ between the four groups. Coat (P < .001) and hoof (P < .007) conditions varied between groups, with optimal conditions in the performance and saddle horse groups, respectively. Variable hoof, coat, and vaccination practices among the groups of reservation equines present an opportunity for health care education and welfare improvement.     

一种高寒草地草产量快速测定工具的设计和试验

为解决青藏高原天然草地在草产量测定过程中费时、繁琐、草地破坏严重以及对工作人员的潜在危害较大等问题,利用植物群落草层高度、盖度、密度等综合指标与天然草地草产量间的相关性,建立函数关系,并制作成简易的测草杖进行草产量的快速测定。结果表明,与传统的样方法相比,该测草杖可节约时间75%左右,节省劳动力50%左右,降低50%~80%左右成本,同时也保障了工作人员的健康。     

牧草地流转价格空间分异格局及形成机制分析——以内蒙古西乌珠穆沁旗为例

以内蒙古西乌珠穆沁旗（西乌旗）为例,分析牧草地流转价格的空间结构及其形成机制。首先运用克里金插值法研究其空间分异特征,然后利用相关分析和空间计量模型揭示牧草地流转价格空间格局的形成机制。结果显示：西乌旗牧草地流转价格由旗北部、东南部向外围逐渐递减,并呈现出东高西低的趋势;牧草地流转价格空间自相关特征显著且呈空间集聚格局,但也存在由于少量空间异质性而呈现的局部离散格局;流转价格受草地用途、草地产草量、是否签订合同的影响最显著,牧户年牧业纯收入和个人承包面积对牧草地流转价格影响次之。研究结果为宏观把控该地区牧草地流转价格的总体情况,以及完善不同区域草地流转市场提供了参考信息。     

Equine hospital data as a source for study of prevalence and heritability of osteochondrosis and palmar/plantar osseous fragments of Swedish Warmblood horses

Reasons for performing study: Disturbances in skeletal development, primarily osteochondrosis (OC) and palmar/plantar osseous fragments (POF), have been commonly reported as problems in young horses. However, there are few reports of such findings for epidemiological analyses or breeding purposes. Objectives: To evaluate equine hospital data as a possible source of information for genetic evaluations by estimating prevalence and heritability of OC in the stifle, hock and fetlock joints and of POF in the fetlock. Methods: Data on Swedish Warmblood (SWB) horses were obtained from a large equine hospital in south Sweden. Prevalences were based on radiographic examinations of 879 screened horses, mainly evaluated as part of a prepurchase examination and 3639 horses with a reported history of orthopaedic problems. For the heritability study the 2 data sources were pooled and 3199 examined horses with pedigree information were considered for the linear animal model analyses. Results: The overall prevalence of OC was 13% (stifle 9%, hock 6% and dorsal osseous fragments in fetlock [DOF] 10%) and POF 10%. The overall heritability of OC was 0.05 on the visible binomial scale. The corresponding heritabilities for OC in the stifle were 0.03, hock 0.08, DOF 0.10 and POF 0.13. These values correspond to heritabilities of 0.09–0.38 on the underlying quantitative scale. Conclusions and potential relevance: Obtained prevalences and heritabilities were in accordance with other studies, supporting the hypothesis that data regularly obtained from equine hospitals may be a valuable source in studies of inherited disorders such as OC and POF. There is a need for more standardised documentation of diagnoses and consistent recording of identity of examined horses using passports or breed databases. Compilation of results from major clinics is desired in order to cover most progenies of stallions used in a region or nation.     

法系獭兔血液中AKP活性与体尺、体重性状的关系

对20只40日龄法系獭兔和20只68日龄法系獭兔（公、母各半）血液中AKP活性进行了测定，并分析了40日龄与68日龄法系獭兔血液中AKP活性与体重、体长、胸围的相关性。结果表明：40日龄时法系獭兔血液中AKP活性高于68日龄；日龄相同时，公兔活性显著高于母兔（P＜0.05）；40日龄AKP活性与体重有较为密切的关系，其他相关则不显著。