Hematology and Clinical Chemistry in Amiata Donkey Foals from Birth to 2 Months of Age

The aim of the present study was to fill the void in data related to hematological and biochemical parameters of donkey foals. Whole-blood and plasma samples were obtained from 16 Amiata donkey foals at birth, at 24 and 48 hours, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. RBC, WBC, hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, glucose, creatinine, blood urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, creatine-phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, total calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and albumin were measured. Similar to equine foals, values of RBC, Hgb, and Hct decreased significantly after the first 48 hours of life in Amiata donkey foals, reaching values similar to adult donkeys. No changes were found for mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration during the study period. The WBC was low at birth when compared with subsequent measurements, but significantly increased in the subsequent surveys. Platelet count was lower in the first week, with a secondary peak 2 weeks later, and then a decline again up to the eighth week. In agreement with equine foals, electrolyte concentrations, triglycerides, and total cholesterol did not show significant differences. Creatinine, total bilirubin, and blood urea showed a trend similar to RBC, Hgb, and Hct. For the first time, data of hematological and biochemical parameters in Amiata donkey foals are provided.     

Association Between Low Serum Zinc Concentration and Hypogammaglobulinemia in Foals of Different Age Categories

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element, and its deficiency causes defects in the response of the immune system, affecting the synthesis and secretion of γ-globulins. In this study, we evaluated serum Zn levels in race foals of different age categories to establish the relationship between subnormal values of Zn and decreased levels of γ-globulins. Decreased γ-globulin levels were accompanied by total protein and albumin serum levels that were within the normal range for the species. Serum Zn was measured in 304 foals (aged between 8 and 24 months), which were classified into three categories (weaning, yearling, and 2 years). The albumin/globulin ratio was 1.28 ± 0.2964 in the normal Zn group and 2.185 ± 0.818 (P < .001) in the low Zn group. Hypogammaglobulinemia was found to be more frequent in the yearling and in the 2-year-old category animals (P < .001 low Zn vs. normal Zn).     

A Field Study of Serum,Colostrum, Milk Iodine,and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Postpartum Draft Mares and Foals

Iodine, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are required for normal fetal growth, maturation, and neonatal survival. There is a lack of robust information on iodine levels found in colostrum, milk, and serum of mares and foals after a healthy pregnancy. Our objective was to characterize colostrum, milk, and serum iodine levels in healthy postpartum mares and foals (n = 10) and explore relationships with thyroid hormone concentrations. Colostrum, milk, and jugular blood samples from draft breed mares and foals with an estimated average iodine daily intake of 39 mg per mare during pregnancy were obtained at Day 0 (foaling date) and/or 10 days later. Parameters studied were (1) mare basal concentrations of serum: TT3, TT4, and iodine; (2) iodine in colostrum at Day 0 and milk iodine (Day 10); and (3) foal basal: TT3, TT4, and serum iodine (Days 0 and 10). Median ± median error colostrum iodine levels (165 ± 15.1 μg/L) were higher than milk (48 ± 5.6 μg/L; P = .007) levels. Median ± median error foal serum iodine (268.5 ± 7.6 μg/L), TT4 (1,225 ± 47.8 nmol/L), and TT3 (14.2 ± 1.1 nmol/L) at foaling date were higher than at 10 days (serum iodine: 70 ± 3.6 μg/L; TT4: 69.6. ± 20.4 nmol/L; and TT3: 5.4 ± 0.3 nmol/L). In conclusion, equine mammary tissue concentrates iodine beyond plasma levels, making colostrum and milk a significant source of iodine. Foal serum iodine levels are high in the neonatal period and are positively correlated with TT4, which is important for neonatal adaptation.     

Yeast Flora in Oropharyngeal and Rectal Mucous Membranes of Healthy and Critically Ill Neonatal Foals

Little is known about the normal or pathologic yeast flora in healthy and critically ill neonatal foals. The aims of this study were to evaluate the yeast flora colonizing the mucous membranes of the digestive tract (oropharynx and rectum mucous membranes) of healthy and hospitalized foals and to find out risk factors involved in yeast colonization of foals referred to a neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 240 swabs were collected from 21 healthy (group A) and 39 sick (group B) foals. In 14 of the 60 foals, yeast was isolated in at least one sample (23.3%): 3 of the 21 foals (14.3%) were positive in group A and 11 of 39 foals (28.2%) were positive in group B. The yeasts were isolated from rectal swabs obtained from none in healthy foals, whereas 5 of the 39 sick foals were positive; however, this difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference was also detected regarding oropharyngeal swabs between healthy (3/21) and sick (10/39) foals. The risk factors significantly associated with the isolation of yeasts from rectal swabs were female sex, treatment with oral antibiotics, and stressful diagnostic–therapeutic procedures. The only risk factor significantly associated with the isolation of yeast from oropharyngeal swabs was the treatment with antacids and gastroprotectants. The results show that fungi present in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal foals were mainly environmental yeasts and suggested the absence of a stable fungal colonization. Candida was the genus frequently isolated in hospitalized foals, just as it is isolated in critically ill human neonates.     

Developmental Changes During the First Year of Life in Plasma Tryptophan Concentration of the Foal

Circulating tryptophan (TRP) levels can influence protein synthesis in various tissues during early stages of life. It is important to investigate factors that influence TRP dynamics to evaluate results of TRP use in equines. Previous studies have demonstrated that plasma TRP levels in the first periods of life are indicative of brain serotonin synthesis and that in horses there may be breed differences in the behavioral response to TRP administration. Current research has investigated the pattern of plasma TRP concentration in growing foals of two different breeds: Anglo-Arabian (AA) and Sicilian Oriental Purebred (PSO). Blood samples were collected from 10 clinically healthy colts, ages 1 to 12 months old. Plasma TRP concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Two-way analysis of variance showed age- and breed-related differences. A positive significant correlation was found between age and TRP concentration (r = 0.6, P < .001). After weaning (7th month of age) TRP levels were significantly higher than in previous months. PSO colt foals had TRP levels significantly higher than AA colt foals in the 1st, 2nd, and 12th months of life. These findings suggest that plasma TRP dynamics in growing horses are influenced by age and breed and should be taken into consideration for TRP experiments in equines.     

Ultrasound Measurements of the Dorsal Subarachnoid Space Depth in Healthy Trotter Foals during the First Week of Life

The aim of this study was to determine ultrasonographic measurements of the depth of the dorsal subarachnoid space in healthy foals so as to obtain reference values. The depth of the dorsal subarachnoid space was recorded in 50 trotter foals at day 1 (D1), 4 (D4), and 7 (D7) after birth, measuring the distance between the dura mater and the dorsal portion of the pia mater at the level of the cisterna magna, both in cross-sectional and longitudinal scans. Average, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values were calculated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to verify data distribution. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements and Bonferroni test as post hoc were applied to verify differences among D1, D4, and D7, both for cross-sectional and longitudinal scans. Student’s t-test for unpaired data was performed between fillies and colts to verify differences related to gender. Significance level was set at P < .05. Cross-sectional measurements were 7.2 ± 0.7 mm at D1, 7.4 ± 0.7 mm at D4, and 7.5 ± 0.6 mm at D7, whereas longitudinal measurements were 7.3 ± 0.6 mm at D1, 7.6 ± 0.6 mm at D4, and 7.6 ± 0.5 mm at D7. Differences in dorsal subarachnoid space depth were observed at D1 versus D7, both for cross-sectional and longitudinal scans, whereas no differences were found between fillies and colts. In this study, a reference range for the depth of the dorsal subarachnoid space has been reported in foals.     

Mucosal mRNA Cytokines’ Profile of Gastric Wall in Neonatal Foals: Comparison with Endoscopy and Histology

Gastritis and gastric ulcerations occur frequently in neonatal foals. The relationship between cytokines expressed by gastric mucosa and gastric histopathology in healthy or sick foals has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the histological diagnosis and endoscopic view with cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, and IFN-γ) of gastric mucosa. Twenty-two foals were definitively enrolled in the study: 19 were critically ill, and 3 were healthy foals. Gastric biopsy specimens were collected for histological examination and for cytokine mRNA qualitative real-time PCR analysis. This study shows that there is a substantial agreement between histology and endoscopy and that foals with evidence of gastritis and gastric ulcerations have higher probability of expressing TNF-α. Moreover, the overall profile of cytokines expression, with a low percentage of IFN-γ, a high percentage of IL-4, and the absence of IL-13, suggests a down-regulation of the Th1 cell-mediated immune response and an impaired Th2 response in the gastric wall in the neonatal period.     

Immunologic Profiles of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Serum Immunoglobulin G Concentrations in Perinatal Mares and Neonatal Foals (Heavy Draft Horse)

The purpose of this study was to examine sequential changes in the immunologic parameters of perinatal mares and neonatal foals of the heavy draft horse. Blood samples were collected from clinically healthy pregnant mares and their newborn foals every week from 1 month before the expected foaling date, and 1 hour, 1 day (24-48 hours), and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after foaling. Peripheral blood samples were used to examine total leukocyte counts (n = 20), differential leukocyte counts (n = 20), lymphocyte subpopulations (n = 13), lymphocyte responses to mitogens (n = 10), neutrophil phagocytic function (n = 12), and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations (n = 10). In perinatal mares, remarkable changes observed included increased neutrophils, decreased lymphocytes, decreased CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, and decreased lymphocyte responses to mitogens at delivery. These changes were speculated to be the result of physical stress associated with delivery. In neonatal foals, increase in the phagocytic function of neutrophils, and increase in serum IgG concentration after suckling colostrum and increase of lymphocytes accompanied by physiologic growth were observed. Compared to dams, foals showed lower phagocytic function of neutrophils before suckling and fewer lymphocytes and lower lymphocyte responses to mitogens within 1 day after birth. This study revealed immunologic dynamics in perinatal mares and neonatal foals. Immunologic functions are suppressed in foaling mares and are immature in neonatal foals, especially before colostral intake. We expect these data will be useful for further studies in the field of clinical immunology, and preventive medicine.     

绍鸭性成熟过程中血清IGF-I和leptin浓度的变化

试验采用放射免疫学方法(R IA)测定了绍鸭性成熟过程中血清leptin和IGF-I浓度的变化。结果显示,性成熟前30 d(90日龄)时血清leptin浓度显著升高,此后呈下降趋势;在1~150日龄期间,血清IGF-I浓度出现两个峰值,即在发育早期(30日龄)和性成熟(120日龄)时。以上结果显示:leptin和IGF-I可能是性成熟启动的两个代谢相关激素信号。     

Evaluation of Serum Electrolytes and Blood Lactate Concentration During Repeated Maximal Exercise in Horse

Modifications of some serum electrolyte concentration during two international *** show jumping competition performed in two consecutive weekends were evaluated. Serum sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and blood lactate on 14 well-trained Italian saddle horses were assessed. Blood samples were collected before the beginning of the competition (T0B), within 10 minutes after the end of race (R1, R2, and R3), and on the day after competition (T0R). The same procedure was followed on the second weekend (R4, R5, R6, and T1R). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied on collected data, and a significant effect on sampling time (P < .05) on all parameters studied was found. These results suggest that serum electrolytes and blood lactate concentration are responsive to intense exercise and could be considered an important factor for a correct management training's planning.     

新疆家蚕抗菌肽对雏鸡生长性能及血清激素、理化指标的影响

将240只1日龄南宁麻花鸡随机分成4组.对照组饮用自来水,3个试验组的饮水中分别添加0.5、1.5、3.5 mL/L抗菌肽.试验期为56d.结果表明:与对照组相比,1.5、3.5 mL/L添加量的试验组雏鸡增重效果显著(P＜0.05),试验组血清总蛋白浓度差异不显著(P＞0.05),尿素氮水平下降显著(P＜0.05),血清胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)水平显著升高.在28日龄,试验组的三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)浓度高于对照组,差异不显著(P＞0.05),甲状腺素(T4)水平下降显著(P＜0.05);在56日龄,试验组的T3水平显著降低(P＜0.05),但T4水平高于对照组,差异显著(P＜0.05).     

Thrombocytes,Leucocytes and Packed Red Cell Volume in Piglets During the First two Weeks of Life

Number of platelets, leucocytes and packed red cell volume (PGV) have been determined in normal piglets during the first 2 weeks of life.A mean platelet count of 337 ± 79 at birth decreased during the first 2 days to 241 ± 48, followed by increasing numbers the next week to a maximum of 578 ±128 at 10 days after birth. Then a slight decrease to 492 ±115 on the 15th day was observed.The leucocyte counts were highest the first 30 hrs. of life, the mean count being 16.9. During this period, however, there was as wide a range as from 3.6 to 46.3. For the rest of the period the mean varied from 8.0 to 11.8, the counts ranging from 4.5 to 20.0.The mean PGV, which was highest at birth, decreased from a mean of 40.8 ± 6.1 to 32.9 ± 5.0 during the first 2 days. At 7 days of age the mean was 31.5 ± 3.8 but increased during the following week to 39.9 ± 3.6 on the 15th day.     

Changes in Plasma Progesterone Levels in the Caudal Vena Cava and the Jugular Vein and Luteinizing Hormone Secretion Pattern After Feeding in Lactating and Non-lactating Dairy Cows

The present study was designed to assess progesterone profiles at the secreted (caudal vena cava) and circulating levels (jugular vein) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion pattern in lactating and non-lactating cows with reference to feeding. Four lactating and four non-lactating cycling Holstein cows were examined. Blood samples were collected simultaneously from the caudal vena cava (via a catheter inserted from the coccygeal vein) and the jugular vein every 15 min for 12 h (0500–1700 h) during the functional luteal phase. Cows were fed 50% of the daily diet 6 h after the start of blood sampling. During the 12-h sampling period, mean progesterone concentrations in the caudal vena cava did not differ between lactating and non-lactating cows (49.0 ± 2.9 and 53.3 ± 3.7 ng/ml; mean ± SE), whereas mean progesterone concentrations in the jugular vein in lactating cows were higher than those in non-lactating cows (6.4 ± 0.1 and 5.6 ± 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Lactating cows had a higher frequency of LH pulses than non-lactating cows (7.0 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 0.9 pulses/12 h, P<0.05). The influence of feeding was not observed on LH profiles but was observed on progesterone profiles in both veins. Progesterone concentrations in the caudal vena cava increased after feeding in both groups. Progesterone concentrations in the jugular vein decreased after feeding in lactating cows but not in non-lactating cows. These results indicate the difference in feeding-related changes in progesterone dynamics between lactating and non-lactating cows.     

Studies on Diarrhea in Neonatal Calves: The Plasma Proteins of Normal and Diarrheic Calves During the First Ten Days of Age

The concentration of serum proteins and plasma fibrinogen were determined in 151 normal and 49 diarrheic calves at intervals from birth to ten days of age. There were significant differences in the concentrations of the various serum proteins in normal calves when the results were analysed at six age intervals. There was no significant relationship between the concentration of the various proteins and the season of the year.

Of the diarrheic calves, those that died had significantly lower gamma globulin concentrations than the other calves. Severely diarrheic and dehydrated calves had significantly increased serum albumin and alpha glabulin concentrations and decreased gamma globulin concentrations. No significant variation occurred in total serum protein concentration. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations were similar in normal and diarrheic calves.

     

1例自发性糖尿病猕猴血液学及血液生化指标分析

通过测定和分析自发性糖尿病猕猴的血液学、生化指标,为建立猕猴自发性糖尿病模型提供参考数据。对发生类似人类糖尿病“三多一少”症状的1只猕猴,应用全自动血细胞分析仪和血液生化分析仪,测定其血液学、生化值,并进行糖耐量试验。结果血糖(空腹)、尿糖和尿素显著升高;甘油三酯、肌酐、总胆固醇、氯、磷、镁和二氧化碳处于正常值高限或增多,血液学中性粒细胞百分比、血红蛋白、平均红细胞血红蛋白和平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度升高。表明猕猴为典型的自发性糖尿病动物。     

Colostral Transfer in the Goat of Antibodies Against Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis and the Antibody Status of Kids During the First 10 Months of Life

Serum and colostrum samples from goats at parturition and serum samples from their kids at 3 days and at 4, 7, 10 and 12 weeks after birth were examined for the presence of antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis hemolysins. The hemolysis inhibition test (HIT) was used. High correlation was found between titre values of antihemolysins in serum and colostrum of goats at parturition (correlation coefficient r = 0.83; P < 0.01). Intermediate correlation was found between antihemolysin titre in colostrum of goats and in the sera of their kids 3 days old (r = 0.56; 0.01 < P < 0.05). Furthermore, titre values for 3 day-old kids showed high correlation with the antihemolysin titres when the kids aged 4 and 7 weeks (r = 0.76 and 0.85, respectively; P < 0.01). Antihemolysin titres decreased linearly in kids from 3 days to 10 weeks old. Calculated half life of antibodies was 12 days. Most of the kids had detectable antibodies up to the age of 5–6 weeks. None of the kids were seropositive at 2½ months of age.Serum samples collected monthly from a group of kids chosen at random, aged 7–10 months, contained antibodies to hemolysins in half of the animals at the first testing. At the age of 10 months 14 out of 15 kids were seropositive. Thus, most of the kids from this herd were exposed to G. pseudotuberculosis antigens during summer and autumn of their first year of life.Prophylactic measures against caseous lymphadenitis is briefly discussed.     

Blood Chemistry and Histological Properties of Wild and Cultured Sea Bass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicentrarchus labrax</Emphasis>) in the North Adriatic Sea

Histological and biochemical procedures were employed to study liver histomorphology and plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TRIG), cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLU) and total protein (TP) in cultured (CSB) and wild sea bass (WSB) (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. Histopathological changes in liver included varying degrees of infiltration and lipid degeneration of hepatocytes in examined cultured fish. No significant differences between median AST values of CSB (44 IU) and WSB (45 IU) were observed. Values of ALT were <5 IU in both groups. TRIG, CHOL, GLU and TP levels were higher in CSB (2.08 mmol/L, 3.67 mmol/L, 10.66 mmol/L and 49 g/L, respectively) than in WSB (0.67 mmol/L, 2.74 mmol/L, 3.68 mmol/L and 36 g/L, respectively). The study showed differences between plasma biochemical parameters and liver histomorphology of CSB and WSB. This can be explained as a consequence of different diets (artificial in contrast to natural foods), which influence energy metabolism.     

产蛋期母鸡血液激素的昼夜变化

用放射免疫方法检测了10只200日龄产蛋期母鸡血液激素的昼夜变化。结果:血浆雌二醇含量在11时出现一次峰值,孕酮在8时和17时出现两次峰值,黄体生成素在17时出现一次峰值,其他时间这几种激素的含量均波动不大;甲状腺素含量在一昼夜内一直较稳定,无明显波动。此外,对上述血液激素与排卵的关系作了讨论。