Population Statistics and Biological Traits of Endangered Kiso Horse

The objective of this study was to clarify the current status of endangered Kiso horse, population statistics and biological traits, in order to take a step for the conservation by scientific approach. We surveyed 125 Kiso horses (86.2% of the whole breed), analyzed the construction of the population, and calculated the coefficient of inbreeding and effective population size. Moreover, we confirmed coat color variations and the traditional traits of the Kiso horse, and measured their height at the withers and chest circumference to clarify their physical characteristics. The population pyramid of the horses was stationary or contractive, suggesting a reduction of the population in the near future. The effective population size of the horse (47.9) suggested that the diversity was much less than their census size, and the high coefficient of inbreeding, 0.11 ± 0.07 on average, suggested that the horses were surely inbred. The horses had only 4 coat colors; bay, dark bay, buckskin dun, and chestnut, and 116 horses (92.8%) were bayish color, suggesting the fixation in their coat color. Moreover, the majority of them had dorsal stripe (83 horses; 66.4%), and the average heights at withers(131.9 ± 4.4 cm) and chest circumference (167.1 ± 10.1 cm) were not significantly different between males and females.     

普氏野马血液生理参数测定及与家马的差异研究

本文受新疆林业厅委托测定了３４匹不同年龄的普氏野马血液生理参数。并且与蒙古马、当地马的血液生理参数进行了比较，比较结果表明，野马的多项红细胞值明显高于家马，而杆状型、分叶型嗜中性白细胞和单核细胞低于当地马。野马性别、年龄的血液生理参数值差异趋势与家马接近。     

Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Peripartum Mares and Neonatal Foals (Heavy Draft Horse)

Peripartum mares and neonatal foals are physiologically unstable. Although hormonal changes around the parturition have been well studied in the field of endocrinology, hematological and biochemical changes have been studied little. The purpose of this study was to examine hematological and biochemical changes in peripartum mares and neonatal foals (n = 23; heavy draft horse). The number of white and red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, platelet count in peripheral whole blood, and the concentration of glucose, nonesterified fatty acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, iron, calcium, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chlorine in serum were measured. The main changes observed in peripartum mares suggested the following: (1) dehydration at the foaling, (2) physical stress by the foaling, (3) muscle damage by the foaling, and (4) change of energy metabolism associated with the beginning of lactation. The main changes observed in neonatal foals suggested the following: (1) dehydration (hemoconcentration) at the birth, (2) intake of colostrum, (3) beginning of urination, (4) functional change of hematopoiesis, (5) change of liver metabolism associated with the beginning of enteral nutrition, and (6) change of milk composition. This study revealed hematological and biochemical dynamics in peripartum mares and neonatal foals.     

Tuberculosis seroprevalence and comparison of hematology and biochemistry parameters between seropositive and seronegative captive Asian elephants of Nepal

We conducted a tuberculosis (TB) serosurveillance program of captive elephants in Nepal and compared hematology and biochemistry parameters between seropositive and seronegative elephants. A total of 153 elephants (male=20, female=133) from four national parks were tested for TB using the ElephantTB STAT-PAK^® Assay (ChemBio Diagnostic Systems, Inc., Medford, NY, USA). The mean reported age for 138 elephants was 38.5 years (range 2–71 years). Seroprevalence for TB was 21.56% (33/153). The majority of seropositive elephants were female (n=30) and from Chitwan National Park (n=29). The occurrence of TB seropositive cases in other more remote national parks suggests TB may be widespread among the captive elephant population of Nepal. Hematology and biochemistry analyses were performed on 13 and 22 seropositive elephants, respectively and, nine elephants from a seronegative TB herd for comparison. Hematology parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelet, white blood cells, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were comparable between the two groups. Total protein, globulin, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher in seronegative elephants, and bilirubin was significantly higher in seropositive elephants whereas blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), glutamic pyruvic transaminase/alanine aminotransferase (GPT/ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GT), and albumin were not significantly different. The range of biochemical parameters that were significantly different between seropositive and seronegative elephants had narrow ranges. Thus, the potential of these parameters as a direct biomarker for TB diagnosis is limited based on the findings in this study. We recommend including blood parameters in future TB surveillance studies.     

Reference intervals for biochemical and haematological parameters in mature domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) in the UK

Reference intervals (RIs) for haematology and serum biochemistry for donkeys in a temperate climate have been previously published using blood sample results from the resident population of a large donkey shelter in the UK. Periodic review of reference intervals is recommended to ensure their applicability to the patient population and changes in laboratory methods and technologies. The current study aimed to revise the previously published haematology and serum biochemistry values for the adult domestic donkey (Equus asinus) in the UK in the light of a change in analytical equipment at the Donkey Sanctuary laboratory, but also to refine the demography of the sample population with respect to age, physiology and clinical history. Clinical pathology results from 138 clinically healthy mature (4–24 years inclusive) female and castrated male donkeys selected from the resident population of the Donkey Sanctuary, were analysed retrospectively. The animals were blood sampled during the period February 2008 to June 2011 as part of a routine health screen prior to rehoming. Results for a total of 38 biochemical and haematological parameters were analysed including 3 previously unreferenced parameters in addition to those assessed in the previous study. The new reference intervals and median values show very poor transferability with recently derived reference intervals for non‐Thoroughbred horses and only limited transferability with reference intervals previously published for donkeys in the UK. Of particular note is a marked reduction in the upper reference limit for triglycerides of 2.8 mmol/l (from 4.3 mmol/l) since this parameter is used to decide when donkeys are at risk of developing hyperlipaemia. This study demonstrates the value of intermittent review of reference intervals and refinement of study populations. Notwithstanding the caution with which reference interval data from different laboratories should be compared, the lack of transferability of results between donkeys and horses highlights the importance of use of species‐appropriate reference intervals for clinical decision‐making.     

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。     

An accidental fatal attack on domestic pigeons by honey bees in Bangladesh

Fatalities among avian species due to multiple bee stings are rare. Sixteen pigeons on a farm in Bangladesh each suffered multiple bee stings. Ten of the pigeons died before treatment, 5 (4–11 stings) died within 12 hr after treatment, and 1 pigeon (only 3 stings) survived. Body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, MCV, MCH and MCHC decreased significantly after the incident, but leucocytes, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, ALT, AST, LDH, CK, creatinine, BUN and UA increased markedly. Overall, the hematological and biochemical changes in the bee-stung pigeons were similar to those of mammals; however, avian species may be more sensitive to bee stings than mammals.     

SPF级新西兰兔血液生理生化指标的测定

为了解SPF级新西兰兔血液生理生化指标 ,为毒理学实验提供相关的实验动物背景资料 ,试验测定了SPF级新西兰雌、雄兔各 1 0只的 3 4个血液生理生化指标 ,并且对其进行比较。结果显示 ,SPF级新西兰雌、雄兔之间的血液成分中除了红细胞平均体积和血小板压积值有显著性差异外 (P <0 .0 5) ,其它各项指标几乎没有显著性差异。     

Hematology and serum biochemistry of captive Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in Wildlife Reserves Singapore

The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) faces threat of extinction due to illegal trafficking of its scales for the purpose of traditional medicine in the Asian region. Ex-situ captive breeding and reintroduction programs have been identified to be a key effort in the conservation of the species. The establishment of blood parameters for captive Sunda pangolins are vital to assess the health in these animals during health assessments. The objective of this study is to establish blood parameters for captive Sunda pangolins and compare the blood parameters with the established blood reference ranges for rescued wild Sunda pangolins in Singapore. Blood parameters for hematology and serum biochemistry were established from 13 clinically normal captive Sunda pangolins. Male captive Sunda pangolins were found to have significantly (P<0.05) higher potassium compared to the female captive Sunda pangolins. Captive Sunda pangolins were found to have significantly (P<0.05) lower white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil counts, alanine phosphatase (ALP) and phosphorus and significantly (P<0.05) higher PCV, TP, globulin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) when compared with rescued wild Sunda pangolins from the previous study.     

不同周龄大耳白兔血液生理生化指标的测定

为了明确大耳白兔中国兽药监察所封闭群的生物学特性，对其血液生理生化指标进行了测定。选5、10及13周龄的雄兔和雌兔。空腹采血测定红细胞、白细胞等16项血液生理指标和血糖、总蛋白等16项生化指标。10周龄的红细胞数、白细胞数、红细胞压积和平均红细胞血红蛋白含量高于5周龄和13周龄，雌雄间血液生理指标无明显差异，血清丙氨酸转氨酶含量随着周龄的增加而升高，碱性磷酸则随着周龄的增加而下降。与日本大耳白兔相比，主要血液生理指标比较接近，丙氨酸转氨酸、白蛋白、尿素氮、直接胆红素等血液生化指标相近，其他指标有所不同。测定结果表明，该封闭群具有不同于日本大耳白兔（Slc:JW/CSK)的生物学特性。     

Serologic Prevalence of Brucellosis in Horse Stables in Two Northern States of Nigeria

Despite the endemicity of brucellosis in Nigeria, reports on equine brucellosis are rare. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was used to determine the serologic prevalence of Brucella abortus antibodies amongst 75 horses from three stables in two States of northern Nigeria. The highest prevalence (22.7%) was recorded in stable C located in Plateau State and the lowest (6.7%) was found in stable B in Kaduna State. The overall prevalence determined was 14.7%. There is need for the inclusion of horses in brucellosis surveillance and control strategies in Nigeria to safeguard people at high risk.     

Biochemical and antioxidant changes in plasma and erythrocytes of pentathlon horses before and after exercise

Abstract: Physical exercise in the horse induces a series of normal physiological and biochemical adaptations. Increasing metabolism and oxygen uptake may induce oxidative stress in various organs. The aim of this study was to examine exercise-induced changes in some plasma and RBC biochemical and antioxidant variables in pentathlon horses. Blood samples were taken from 14 horses before, immediately after, and 24 hours after competing in two 1-minute runs of intense exercise over jumps. The peak intensity periods were preceded by a 20-minute warm-up and separated by a 20-minute break. The following plasma biochemical analytes were determined: total protein, uric acid, and lactate concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) also were measured. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total protein concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in RBC hemolysates. Significantly increased concentrations of total protein, lactate, and FRAP, and increased activities of CK and LDH were observed immediately postexercise compared with pre-exercise samples (P < .05). All results returned to approximately initial values after 24 hours of rest. RBC GSH and TBARS concentrations did not change immediately after exercise, but decreased after 24 hours of rest (P < .05). Plasma uric acid and FRAP values were positively correlated in a linear model ( r = .78). In summary, the type of exercise applied in this study, which can be considered quite usual for pentathlon horses, caused detectable biochemical and lipid peroxidative changes in plasma and RBCs. FRAP and TAS values changed in opposite directions, indicating that when antioxidant capacity is assessed using different methods, highly different results may be obtained.     

Breed Dependency of Reference Intervals for Plasma Biochemical Values in Cats

Background: Reference intervals (RI) are pivotal in clinical pathology. The influence of breed on RI has been poorly documented in cats. Hypothesis/Objectives: RI for plasma biochemistry variables are breed‐dependent in cats. Animals: Five hundred and thirty‐six clinically healthy, fasted, client‐owned cats from 4 breeds: Holly Birman (n = 132), Chartreux (n = 129), Maine Coon (n = 139), and Persian (n = 136). Methods: Prospective observational study: Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein into capillary tubes containing lithium heparin. Plasma glucose, urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO₂ concentrations and the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were assayed with a dry slide biochemical analyzer. RI were defined as central 95% intervals bounded by the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Data were analyzed by a linear mixed effects model with type I error rate of 0.05. Results: A significant (P < .05) breed effect was observed for 9/13 variables. The magnitude of the differences between breeds could be clinically relevant for creatinine, glucose, and total protein. Age, body weight, sex, and housing conditions had significant (P < .05) breed‐related effects on different variables. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Breed‐specific RI should be considered for cats.     

几种珍稀猛禽的血液及生化指标分析

目前国内猛禽血液分析的资料几近空白,本研究对北京动物园和IFAW北京猛禽救助中心的14种22只猛禽血液指标进行了统计和分析,试图通过血液生化参数的对比,了解猛禽的健康状况和伤病原因,从而推动对猛禽健康状况的评定以及伤病猛禽的救助和治疗,对猛禽的救助工作意义重大。     

运输应激对马血细胞和血液生化指标的影响

为了调查运输应激对伊犁马血细胞和血液生化指标的影响,试验选取6匹伊犁母马,进行400 km里程的运输,总运输时间为8 h,分别在运输0、4、8 h和落地12 h后,测定马血清急性期蛋白（APPs）、皮质醇（Cor）、热休克蛋白（HSPs）、干扰素-γ（IFN-γ）和肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）含量以及血液常规指标。结果显示,与运输0 h相比,运输8 h马触珠蛋白（HP）含量显著上升（P<0.05）,运输4、8 h和落地12 h后马血清Cor含量均极显著上升（P<0.01）;落地12 h后马血清HSP90含量极显著下降（P<0.01）;运输对马血清IFN-γ和TNF-α含量均无显著影响（P>0.05）;运输4、8 h和落地12 h后血液红细胞分布宽度标准差（RDW-SD）、血小板分布宽度（PDW）、血小板大细胞比率（P-LCR）、粒细胞（GRAN）和粒细胞比率（GRAN%）均显著上升（P<0.05）,中间细胞比率（MID%）、中间细胞（MID）、血红蛋白浓度（MCHC）均显著下降（P<0.05）。综上所述,运输应激对马血清HP、Cor、HSP90浓度、血液RDW-SD、PDW、P-LCR、GRAN%、GRAN、MID%、MID和MCHC均产生显著影响,这些指标可用于评价马对运输应激的敏感性。     

马科学研究动态和马业发展

马业是历史悠久的产业．分布于世界各地，世界马业的发展方向是现代马业，以赛马为代表。综述了马的遗传改良、营养研究、繁殖技术、疾病控制等方面的研究动态．对马业的发展趋势，以及马匹的调教、管理等方面作了综合的阐述。     

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Norwegian crossbreed grower pigs

Background: Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals depend on many factors, including environment and age. Reference intervals for Norwegian grower pigs are lacking, and previously published reference intervals for similar pigs from other countries are now outdated due to significant changes in management and breeding on the pig farms. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine updated reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical analytes in healthy crossbred grower pigs, and to compare the results among 3 different farms. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 104 clinically healthy pigs of the most common Norwegian crossbreed (Landrace Yorkshire sow × Landrace Duroc boar). The pigs were 12–16 weeks old, weighed 30–50 kg, of both sexes, and lived on 3 farms in eastern Norway. Automated hematologic and biochemical analysis were performed using ADVIA 2120 and ADVIA 1650 analyzers. Results: Five samples were excluded because of hemolysis (1) or outliers (4). Reference intervals were calculated using parametric or nonparametric methods, depending on data distribution. Mean, median, minimum, and maximum values were tabulated. Conclusions: The reference intervals calculated in this study will be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in this widespread crossbreed pig. Compared with previously published reference values, reference intervals for total WBC count, creatine kinase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and albumin, bilirubin, and urea concentrations in this study differed notably.