Plasma pharmacokinetics and milk levels of ceftriaxone following single intravenous administration in healthy and endometritic cows

Pharmacokinetics and milk levels of ceftriaxone were studied in healthy and endometritic cows following single intravenous administration. The drug was detected up to 8 h of dosing in plasma of healthy and endometritic cows and the drug disposition followed three-compartment open model. The values of Vd_area, AUC, t_1/2β, Cl_B, MRT and P/C ratio were 0.50 ± 0.19 L.kg⁻¹, 62.2 ± 23.3 μg.ml⁻¹.h, 1.02 ± 0.07 h, 0.30 ± 0.09 L.kg⁻¹.h⁻¹, 1.55 ± 0.25 h and 0.52 ± 0.27, respectively, in healthy and 1.55 ± 0.52 L.kg⁻¹, 37.0 ± 17.1 μg.ml⁻¹.h, 1.56 ± 0.25 h, 0.56 ± 0.14 L.kg⁻¹.h⁻¹, 2.14 ± 0.34 h and 1.44 ± 0.60, respectively, in endometritic cows. The drug was detected in milk for 36 h after administration. For MIC₉₀ of 0.5 μg.ml⁻¹ the most appropriate dosage for ceftriaxone, would be 9.0 mg.kg⁻¹ repeated at 6 h intervals for the treatment of endometritis in cows.     

Early resynchronization protocols for goats: Progestogens can be used prior to an early pregnancy diagnosis without affecting corpus luteum functionality

This study aimed to evaluate the exogenous progesterone (P4) effect on the luteal function from Day 16 to Day 21 of the oestrous cycle in inseminated goats with unknown pregnancy status. A total of 54 does passed through a short progestin-based synchronization protocol and, on Day 16 of the following oestrous cycle, 27 does received a new P4 device which was retained until Day 21. Blood samples were collected daily from all does during this period, as well as on Day 24. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on Day 30. Serum P4 values from 26 animals (G_NPSP: Group of non-pregnant does with second sponge: n = 8; G_NPNSP: Group of non-pregnant does without second sponge: n = 6; G_PSP: Group of pregnant does with second sponge: n = 5; G_PNSP: Group of pregnant does without second sponge: n = 7) were determined by radioimmunoassay commercial kits. No P4 differences were found between groups (G_NPSP: 3.1 ± 2.8; 1.7 ± 1.8; 0.4 ± 1.0; and 0.0 ± 0.0 vs. G_NPNSP: 4.4 ± 1.8; 3.0 ± 2.2; 0.8 ± 0.8; and 0.0 ± 0.0 or G_PSP: 4.2 ± 1.0; 3.4 ± 0.6; 3.3 ± 1.6; 3.2 ± 0.9; 3.6 ± 1.2; 3.5 ± 1.3; 2.7 ± 1.3 vs. G_PNSP: 4.4 ± 1.6; 3.6 ± 1.5; 3.7 ± 1.5; 3.8 ± 1.4; 3.2 ± 1.2; 3.1 ± 1.2; 3.6 ± 1.1; D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D24, respectively) or for the interaction of group and time. In conclusion, a second progestogen device had no effect on luteolysis or early pregnancy in the following oestrous cycle.     

Ovarian activity in F1 prepubertal ewe lambs under tropical conditions

Seventy crossbred ewe lambs, born from Pelibuey (PB) dams mated with five sire breeds: White Dorper × PB (WD × PB), Black Head Dorper × PB (BHD × PB), Ile de France × PB (Ile × PB) Katahdin × PB (KT × PB) and Pelibuey (PB × PB), were used to determine age and weight to puberty, follicular populations during prepubertal development, ovulation rate at first ovulation and function of the first corpus luteum (FCL). Ewe lambs were maintained under grazing conditions and were supplemented with 300 g head^− 1 day^− 1 of a concentrate with 14% CP and 3.0 Mcal ME kg^− 1 of DM. From 145 days of age, monthly observations were performed by endoscopy to monitor follicular populations and luteal structures. Ovarian follicles were classified according to size into small (≥ 1 and < 3 mm), medium (≥ 3 and ≤ 4 mm) and large (> 4 mm). Additionally, weekly observations by ultrasonography were performed in four ewes per genotype to assess follicular populations. Luteal function from first ovulation was determined by circulating concentrations of progesterone. Ovulation rate was not affected by genotype (P > 0.05). All breed groups had the same pattern of follicular populations, where most of follicles were small, followed by medium and a small proportion of large follicles. Maximum diameter of follicles was similar for all genotypes during prepubertal development (P > 0.05), with an average range of 3.9 ± 0.20 to 4.4 ± 0.20 mm. The BHD × PB reached puberty at the youngest age of 240.9 ± 13.0 days, compared to all other genotypes (P < 0.05), 259.1 ± 11.7 for WD × PB, 279.3 ± 9.6 for KT × PB and 289.0 ± 15.3 days for PB × PB and 308.6 ± 11.9 days for Ile × PB ewe lambs. Ile × PB had greater weight to first ovulation (31.5 ± 1.19 kg) as compared to other breed groups (P < 0.01). The largest percentage of FCL was for KT × PB ewes (100%) (P < 0.05), followed by BHD × PB (88.9%), PB × PB (83.3), WD × PB (78.6%) and Ile × PB (77.8%). There were no differences in ovulation rate attributable to type of lambing from which ewe lambs came from (P > 0.05). BHD × PB ewe lambs reached puberty at an earlier age than other in this study. KT × PB ewe lambs had the highest percentage of FCL in their first ovulation. Breed of sire Ile de France increased weight to puberty and decreased FCL at first ovulation. In conclusion, the BHD × PB ewe showed puberty at an earlier age than other genotypes, while the KT × PB had the highest percentage of functional corpus luteum in their first ovulation. Ewe lambs coming from single lambings reach puberty at a heavier weight than those coming from multiple lambings. The ovulation rate in the first ovulation of ewe lambs is not affected by genotype and type of lambing.     

Influence of dietary lysine level on whole-body protein turnover, plasma IGF-I, GH and insulin concentration in growing pigs

Four growing pigs (initial liveweight 25.9 ± 0.54 kg, final liveweight 43.0 ± 1.06 kg) were used to study the effect of dietary lysine level on nutrient digestibility, whole-body protein turnover, plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), growth hormone (GH), insulin, glucose, and urea nitrogen (PUN). Four diets, containing 7.0 g (L1), 9.5 g (L2), 12.0 g (L3) and 14.5 g (L4) lysine per kg diet respectively, were formulated as experimental treatments. The animals and diets were allocated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Nitrogen (N) metabolism and whole-body protein turnover were measured by classical method and single-dose ¹⁵N end-product method, respectively. The blood samples were taken at the end of each experimental period. Results showed that N retention (NR) and N biological value (NBV) were significantly increased from L1 to L4 (P < 0.05). However, differences in NR and NBV between L2, L3 and L4 were not significant (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference on dry matter (DM) digestibility, organic matter (OM) digestibility and N digestibility between different treatments (P > 0.05). Whole-body protein synthesis, protein degradation and protein accretion increased markedly from L1 to L2 (P < 0.05), but did not increase further from L2 to L4. Whole-body protein accretion (y, g/kg W^0.75/d) increased with dietary lysine (x, g/kg) in a quadratic manner: y = − 0.09x² + 2.12x − 5.14 (r² = 0.96, n = 4, P < 0.05).The results also showed that differences in plasma IGF-I, GH, glucose and PUN concentration between different treatments were not significant (P > 0.05). Plasma insulin concentration (y, μIU/ml) was increased with dietary lysine (x, g/kg) in a quadratic manner: y = 0.23x² − 4.10x + 32.25 (r² = 0.99, n = 4, P < 0.05), but it was not found that plasma insulin concentration was related to NR. A significant correlation was found between NR (y, g/d) and plasma IGF-I (x, ng/ml): y = − 3.1 × 10^− 3x² + 1.31x − 122.28 (r² = 0.99, n = 4, P < 0.05).It was concluded that dietary lysine level had a significant influence on NR and whole-body protein turnover but not on plasma IGF-I and GH concentration. Plasma IGF-I may be an important factor controlling N metabolism of growing pigs. Further research was needed to study the mechanism.     

Pharmacokinetics,plasma protein binding and bioavailability of moxifloxacin in Muscovy ducks after different routes of administration

In this study the disposition kinetics and plasma availability of moxifloxacin in Muscovy ducks after single intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral (p.o.) administrations of 5 mg kg^?1 b.wt. were investigated. The concentrations of moxifloxacin in the plasma were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection on samples collected at frequent intervals after drug administration. Following intravenous injection, the decline in plasma drug concentration was bi-exponential with half-lives of (t_1/2α) 0.22 ± 0.10 h and (t_1/2β) 2.49 ± 0.26 h for distribution and elimination phases, respectively. The volume of distribution at steady-state (V_dss) was 1.02 ± 0.14 l kg^?1 and the total body clearance (Cl_tot) was 0.32 ± 0.11 l kg^?1 h^?1, respectively. After intramuscular and oral administration of moxifloxacin at the same dose the peak plasma concentrations (C_max) were 2.38 ± 0.43 and 2.11 ± 0.36 μg ml^?1 and were obtained at 1.47 ± 0.26 and 1.83 ± 0.16 h (T_max), respectively, the elimination half-lives (T_1/2el) were 3.14 ± 0.42 and 2.63 ± 0.44 h, respectively, and AUC_0–24 were 15.87 ± 2.35 and 14.52 ± 2.37 μg ml^?1 h^?1, respectively. The systemic bioavailabilities were 96.36 ± 11.54% and 86.79 ± 12.64%, respectively. In vitro plasma protein binding percent was 32%. We concluded that moxifloxacin might be clinically interesting alternative for the treatment of most sensitive bacterial infections in Muscovy ducks.     

Leptospirosis in Colombia: Isolation ofLeptospira SPP. from the kidneys of brown rats (Rattus Norvegicus) trapped on infected piggeries

Summary Leptospira interrogansserotypes pomonaand icterohaemorrhagiaewere isolated from the kidneys of Rattus norvegicustrapped on pomonainfected piggeries.The isolation of pomonafrom one of 111cultured kidneys, although of interest, strongly suggests that this rat does not play an important part in the epidemiology of infection by this serotype. Kidney tubular degeneration, focal mononuclear infiltrations and fibroplasia are morphological traces which remain after an attack of leptospirosis. The high percentage (48.6)of these lesions found in the rat kidneys examined does not seem to be related to serotype pomonabut to icterohaemorrhagiae.The importance of this last serotype in swine in the Cauca Valley has yet to be assessed.

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Leptospirosis En Colombia: Aislamiento DeLeptospira SPP. De Riñones De Ratas Pardas (Rattus Norvegicus) Atrapadas En Porquerizas Infectadas

Resumen Se aislóLeptospira interrogans serotipospomona eicterohaemorrhagiae de riñones deRattus norvegicus atrapadas en porquerizas infectadas porpomona. El aislamiento depomona de 1/111 riñones cultivados, aunque de interés, sugiere que esta rata no desempeña parte importante en la epidemiología de las infecciones por este serotipo.Degeneración tubular renal, infiltración mononuclear focal y fibroplasia son huellas morfológicas que quedan después de un ataque de leptospirosis. El alto porcentaje (48.6) de estas lesiones encontradas en los riñones de las ratas examinadas no parece estar relacionado con el serotipopomona sino con elicterohaemorrhagiae. La importancia de este último seroptipo en cerdos en el Valle del Cauca no se ha evaluado todavía.

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Leptospiroses En Colombie: Isolement DeLeptospira SPP. De Reins De Rats Bruns (Rattus Norvegicus) Captures Dans Des Porcheries

Résumé Les sérotypespomona eticterohaemorrhagiae deLeptospira interrogans ont été isolés de reins deRattus norvegicus capturés dans des porcheries infectées de (pomona?). L'isolement depomona sur une seule des 111 cultures de rein effectuées, bien qu'interessant, suggère fortement que ce rat ne joue pas un rôle important dans l'épidémiologie de l'infection par ce sérotype.La dégénerescence tubulaire des reins, des infiltrations ponctuelles par des monocucléaires et l'aspect fibreux constituent les traces morphologiques qui demeurent après une attaque de leptospirose. Le pourcentage élevé (48,6) de ces lésions trouvées dans les les reins des rats examinés semble être plus en rapport avec le sérotypeicterohaemorrhagiae qu'avec le sérotypepomona. L'importance du sérotypeicterohaemorrhagiae chez le porc de la Cauca Valley est encore à vérifier.

     

Filarial infection of equidae in the Tehran area of Iran

Summary Microfilariae of three genera, namelyElaeophora böhmi, Onchocerca cervicalis andParafilaria multipapillosa were recovered from blood samples of equidae in Tehran, Iran. These microfilarial infections in equidae are reported for the first time from Iran.

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Infestacion Filaroidea De Equinos En El Area De Teheran, Iran

Resumen Microfilarias de tres géneros,Elaeophora bohmi, Onchocerca cervicalis andParafilaria multipapillosa se aislaron de la sangre de equinos en el area de Teherán, Irán. Este es el primer reporte de la infestación filaroidea de equinos en Irán.

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Filariose Des Equides Dans La Region De Teheran En Iran

Résumé Les microfilaires des genresElaeophora böhmi, Onchocerca cervalis etParafilaria multipapillosa ont été trouvées dans des échantillons de sang d'équidés de la région de Téhéran en Iran. C'est la première fois qu'un tel parasitisme des équidés est constaté en Iran.

     

Serological prevalence of bovine babesiosis in Mali

Summary A serological survey of cattle in Mali was carried out to determine the prevalence of antibody activity toBabesia bovis andB. bigemina. It was found that the level ofB. bovis infection as indicated by antibody activities was too low to be of immediate concern. However, the serological prevalence ofB. bigemina was high and this may indicate a potential disease problem. It was also found that when zebu and N'Dama cattle grazed together the N'Dama were twice as likely to have positive titres toBabesia as were the zebus.

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Prevalencia Serologica De Babesiosis Bovina En Mali

Resumen Se llevó a cabo un análisis serológico en Malí, para detectar la prevalencia deBabesia bovis yBabesia bigemina. Se encontró, que la prevalencia serológica deB. bovis es baja para considerar la enfermedad una amenaza inmediata. Sinembargo, la prevalencia deB. bigemina fué alta, un problema potencial. Tambien se encontró, que cuando el ganado Cebu y N'Dama pastorea junto, el N'Dama presenta el doble de títulos serológicos deB. bigemina.

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Frequence Serologique De La Babesiose Bovine Au Mali

Résumé Une enquête sérologique sur le bétail au Mali a été effectuée pour déterminer la fréquence de l'activité des anticorps àBabesia bovis etB. bigemina. On a trouvé que le degré d'infection àB. bovis tel qu'indiqué par les réactions anticorps était trop faible pour constituer un souci immédiat. Cependant la fréquence sérologique deB. bigemina était élevée, ce qui peut indiquer un problème pathologique potentiel. On a aussi noté que lorsque les zébus et les N'Dama broûtaient ensemble, les N'Dama avaient deux fois plus de chance d'avoir des titres positifs àBabesia que ne l'avaient les zébus.

     

Effects of forage ensiling and ration fermentation on total mixed ration pH,ruminal fermentation and performance of growing Holstein‐Zebu cross steers

Our objective was to determine the effect of forage ensiling and ration fermentation on total mixed ration pH, ruminal fermentation and animal performance. Thirty Holstein‐Zebu cross steers were allotted to feeding treatments for 188 days in a randomized complete block design including: fresh grass‐total mixed ration (GTMR; pH 4.7), grass silage‐TMR (STMR; pH 4.0) and fermented‐TMR (FTMR; pH 3.5). Average daily gain for STMR was greatest during the first 3 months period; however, that for FTMR tended to be greater than GTMR during the second 3 months period (P < 0.10). During the second period dry matter intake for STMR was the greatest (P < 0.01), but feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) and cost per gain (P < 0.01) were the least for FTMR. Protein digestibility tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for FTMR than STMR and fat digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) for GTMR and FTMR than STMR. FTMR had less (P < 0.01) ruminal NH₃‐N content than STMR. Total volatile fatty acids post‐feeding was greatest for GTMR (P < 0.01). Ruminal proportions of acetic and butyric acids were greater for FTMR than GTMR (P < 0.05); in contrast, propionic acid was greater for GTMR (P < 0.05). Utilizing silage or total ration fermentation did not negatively impact on ruminal pH. STMR and FTMRs can be used to maintain performance of growing crossbred Holstein steers.     

Definition and clinical evaluation of a recruiting airway pressure based on the specific lung elastance in anesthetized dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the specific lung elastance (SE_L) in anesthetized dogs and to evaluate the efficacy of a SE_L-based recruiting airway pressure (RP_aw) at improving global and regional lung aeration.Study designRetrospective and prospective clinical study.AnimalsA total of 28 adult dogs were included in the retrospective study and six adult dogs in the prospective study.MethodsRetrospective study: SE_L and SE_L-based RP_aw were determined using previously published data. In mechanically ventilated dogs undergoing thoracic computed tomography (CT), SE_L was calculated as ΔP_L/(V_T/EELV), where ΔP_L is the driving transpulmonary pressure, V_T is the tidal volume and EELV is the end-expiratory lung volume. The ratio of lung to respiratory system elastance (E_L/E_rs) was determined. SE_L and E_L/E_rs were used to calculate the SE_L-based RP_aw. Prospective study: dogs underwent thoracic CT at end-expiration and at end-inspiration using the SE_L-based RP_aw, and global and regional aeration was determined. For analysis of regional aeration, lungs were divided into cranial, intermediate and caudal regions. Regional compliance was also calculated. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe SE_L and E_L/E_rs were 12.7 ± 3.1 cmH₂O and 0.54 ± 0.07, respectively. The SE_L-based RP_aw was 29.1 ± 7.6 cmH₂O. In the prospective study, the RP_aw was 28.2 ± 1.3 cmH₂O. During RP_aw, hyperinflation increased (p = 0.0003) whereas poorly aerated (p < 0.0001) and nonaerated (p = 0.01) tissue decreased. Normally aerated tissue did not change (p = 0.265). Regional compliance was higher in the intermediate (p = 0.0003) and caudal (p = 0.034) regions compared with the cranial region. Aeration did not differ between regions (p > 0.05).Conclusions and clinical relevanceAn SE_L-based RP_aw reduces poorly and nonaerated lung tissue in anesthetized dogs. In nonsurgical anesthetized dogs, an RP_aw near 30 cmH₂O is effective at improving lung aeration.     

Pharmacokinetics of sodium baicalin following intravenous and intramuscular administration to piglets

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of baicalin after intravenous and intramuscular administration of sodium baicalin at 50 mg/kg to piglets. Plasma baicalin levels were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The plasma concentration–time data of baicalin for both administration routes were best described by two‐compartmental open model. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve and the elimination half‐lives were 77.47 ± 6.14 µg/ml × h and 1.73 ± 0.16 hr for intravenous and 64.85 ± 5.67 µg/ml × h and 2.42 ± 0.15 hr for intramuscular administration, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution and body clearance were 1.63 ± 0.23 L/kg and 2.74 ± 0.30 L h^?1 kg^?1 for intravenous and 0.51 ± 0.10 L/kg and 0.78 ± 0.08 L h^?1 kg^?1 for intramuscular routes, respectively. An intramuscular injection of sodium baicalin in piglets resulted in rapid and complete absorption, with a mean maximal plasma concentration of 77.28 ± 7.40 µg/ml at 0.17 hr and a high absolute bioavailability of 83.73 ± 5.53%.     

Fiber characteristics of pork muscle exhibiting different levels of drip loss

The present study aimed to investigate the fiber characteristics of pork muscle exhibiting different levels of drip loss during storage. The samples were taken from Longissimus dorsi muscle to evaluate drip loss (n = 100). Fifteen muscles per group (low and high drip loss) were selected to evaluate the histological characteristics at 0 and 72 h of storage time. The statistical analysis revealed that a high drip loss group had greater endomysium thickness than a low drip loss group at 0 h of storage time (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in total number of fibers, fiber diameter, fiber area and perimysium thickness at 0 h of storage time (P > 0.05). At 72 h of storage time, a high drip loss was evident in higher total number of fibers (P < 0.01), but smaller fiber diameter (P < 0.05), fiber area (P < 0.01) and endomysium thickness (P < 0.01) than a low drip loss group. There was no significant difference in perimysium thickness (P > 0.05). In conclusion, drip loss might be affected by muscle structural characteristics during storage.     

Cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of intravenous or epidural methadone in conscious dogs

Cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of intravenous or epidural methadone were compared. Six beagles were randomly assigned to group MIV (methadone 0.5 mg/kg IV + NaCl 0.9% epidurally) or MEP (methadone 0.5 mg/kg epidurally + NaCl 0.9% IV). Cardiopulmonary, blood gas and sedation were assessed at time (T) 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min after drug administration. Compared to T0, heart rate decreased at T15–T120 in MIV (p < .001) and T15–T240 in MEP (p < .05); mean arterial pressure was reduced at T15–T60 in MEP (p < .01); respiratory rate was higher at T15 and T30 in both groups (p < .05); pH was lower at T15–T120 in MIV (p < .01) and T15, T30 and T120 in MEP (p < .05); PaCO₂ was higher at T15–T60 in MIV (p < .01) and T15, T30 and T120 in MEP (p < .01); sedation scores were higher at T15 and T30 in MIV and T15–T60 in MEP (p < .05). At T120 and T240, sedation score was higher in group MEP compared with group MIV (p < .01) In conclusion, cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of identical methadone doses are similar when administered IV or epidurally to conscious healthy dogs.     

Identification of polymorphisms and association analysis with meat quality traits in the porcine KIAA1717 and HUMMLC2B genes

Skeletal muscle genes are potential candidates for production and meat quality. Screening a subtracted cDNA library constructed with mRNA obtained from longissimus dorsi muscles of F1 hybrids Landrace × Yorkshire and their female parents Yorkshire, we isolated two partial sequences coding for the H3-K4-specific methyltransferase (KIAA1717) and skeletal muscle myosin regulatory light chain (HUMMLC2B) genes. Database search revealed KIAA1717 and HUMMLC2B encoded proteins with SET domain and EF-hand calcium binding motif, respectively. In the present work we identified their partial polymorphisms and two SNPs, one (C1354T) at the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of KIAA1717 and one (A345G) at the SINE (PRE-1) element of HUMMLC2B, both created/disrupted a restriction site for endonuclease Msp I. The selected pigs were genotyped at the KIAA1717 C1354T and HUMMLC2B A345G sites by means of a PCR-RFLP protocol. Significant associations were observed for the KIAA1717 C1354T polymorphic site with meat marbling (longissimus doris (p < 0.05), biceps femoris (p < 0.01)) and intramuscular fat (p < 0.01). HUMMLC2B A345G were significantly associated with meat pH (longissimus doris (p < 0.05), biceps femoris (p < 0.01)), drip loss (p < 0.01), water holding capacity (p < 0.01) and meat color value (longissimus doris (p < 0.01), biceps femoris (p < 0.05)). Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.     

Low‐density lipoproteins and milk serum proteins improve the quality of stallion sperm after vitrification in straws

Lipids and proteins can be used for sperm vitrification to preserve the integrity of sperm membranes or to increase the viscosity of the medium. This study evaluated the effect of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and milk serum proteins (Pronexcell) for stallion sperm vitrification. Hippex extender (Barex Biochemical Products, The Netherlands), plus 1% of bovine serum albumin and 100 mM of trehalose, was used as control for sperm vitrification. In experiment 1, different concentrations of LDL (L1 = 0.25, L2 = 0.5, L3 = 1%) and in experiment 2 of Pronexcell (P1 = 1, P2 = 5, P3 = 10%) were added to control extender. Vitrification was performed in 0.25‐ml straws directly plunged into liquid nitrogen. Total motility (TM, %) and progressive motility (PM, %) were analysed by CASA, and plasma membrane (IMS, %) and acrosome membrane integrity (AIS, %) were assessed under epifluorescence microscopy. Post‐warmed sperm parameters were compared between treatments by ANOVA. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM. In both experiments, the minimum concentration of LDL and Pronexcell obtained significantly higher values (p < 0.01) than the control extender for TM (L1 = 52.95 ± 4.4; P1 = 58.99 ± 4.6; C = 30.88 ± 3.0), PM (L1 = 36.79 ± 5.5; P1 = 47.25 ± 4.3; C = 19.20 ± 2.4), IMS (L1 = 68.88 ± 3.6; P1 = 47.25 ± 4.3; C = 52.81 ± 2.6) and AIS (L1 = 45.88 ± 3.6; P1 = 47.25 ± 4.3; C = 26.00 ± 2.1). No differences in sperm parameters were found among different concentrations of LDL or Pronexcell. In conclusion, the addition of 0.25% LDL and 1% Pronexcell to the vitrification extender is recommended to improve the quality of stallion sperm after vitrification.     

Effect of storage duration on egg quality,embryo mortality and hatchability in FUNAAB-ɑ chickens

Effect of extended storage on egg quality, embryo mortality and hatchability in FUNAAB-ɑ chickens was determined. Hatchable eggs (n = 288; weighing 53.2 ± 4.67 g) collected from a flock of FUNAAB-ɑ layer breeder hens aged 32 weeks were stored in egg tray with broad end up under 16 ± 1.5°C for either 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 d. Before incubation, eight eggs from each group were evaluated for internal and external quality traits. Remaining eggs were set in an incubator and transferred into hatcher on embryonic day 18. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Egg weight loss (EWL; p < .001), surface area (p < .001), yolk diameter (p < .001), inner and outer blastoderm diameters (p < .05) and dead in germ (DIG; p < .001) increased with storage duration while yolk height (p < .001), yolk index (p < .001), albumen weight (p < .05), albumen height (p < .05), albumen index (p < .01), Haugh's unit (HU; p < .05), fertility (p < .001), hatchability of set (HATCHS; p < .001) and fertile eggs (p < .05) decreased. Weight losses of 0, 1.2, 2.2, 3.4, 4.6 and 6.1% were recorded in egg stored for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days respectively. Eggs stored beyond 8 days exhibited higher DIG and lower HATCHS. Shell percentage in 4 days storage (11.4%) was lower (p < .05) than in 16 days storage (13.4%). Shell thickness was similar in eggs stored for 0 to 12 days, but 8 days storage (0.60 mm) had thinner (p < .01) shell than day 16 (0.71 mm) and day 20 (0.73 mm) storage. Internal quality unit (IQU) was higher (p < .05) in fresh eggs (180.4) than in 12 days (167.8) and 20 days (167.8) stored eggs. Extended storage of FUNAAB-ɑ eggs caused EWL, surface area shrinkage, lowered HU and IQU, loss of yolk and albumen quality, increased blastoderm diameters and DIG, and decreased egg fertility and HATCHS from day 8 forward. Storing FUNAAB-ɑ eggs beyond 8 days reduced quality parameters; therefore, other mitigating factors are recommended when storing beyond 8 days.     

Effect of banding or burdizzo castration on plasma testosterone, acute-phase proteins, scrotal circumference, growth, and health of bulls

The objective was to assess the effect of banding or burdizzo castration performed on farms on plasma testosterone, acute-phase proteins, scrotal circumferences, growth, and well-being of bulls. 243 Continental bulls (12 months; 399.2 ± 5.72 kg) from three different farms were allocated at random, after stratification on weight within breed type, to one of three treatment groups: banding castration (BAND; n = 80), burdizzo castration (BURD; n = 83), or controls (CON; n = 80). The castration methods were conducted under local anaesthesia, and tetanus toxoid vaccine and antibiotic were also injected at castration. BAND and BURD castrates had lower (P < 0.001) plasma testosterone concentration than control bulls, with no difference between BAND and BURD castrates on 28 d post-castration. From days 0 to 14 post-castration, BAND (P = 0.0002) and BURD (P < 0.0001) castrates had lower average daily gain (ADG) than CON bulls, no difference (P = 0.46) was found between BAND and BURD castrates. From days 15 to 28, BAND castrates had lower ADG compared with BURD castrates (P = 0.03) and CON bulls (P = 0.01), while no difference (P = 0.76) was found between BURD and CON. From days 29 to 56, BAND (P = 0.01) and BURD (P = 0.002) castrates had lower ADG than CON bulls, no difference (P = 0.55) was found between BAND and BURD. From days 57 to 84, the ADG of BAND castrates was not different compared with BURD castrates (P = 0.12) and CON bulls (P = 0.38), while BURD had lower (P = 0.02) ADG compared with CON. The integrated ADG from day 0 to 112 of BAND (P = 0.0001) and BURD (P = 0.02) groups were lower compared with CON, while there was no difference (P = 0.09) between BAND and BURD castrates. On d 14 post-castration, BAND castrates had lower scrotal temperature than BURD (P < 0.0001) and CON (P < 0.0001), and BURD castrates had greater (P < 0.006) scrotal temperature than CON; BAND castrates had lower scrotal latitudinal and longitudinal circumferences than BURD castrates (P < 0.001) and CON bulls (P < 0.001), and BURD castrates had greater (P < 0.001) scrotal latitudinal and longitudinal circumferences than CON bulls. BAND (P < 0.0001) and BURD (P = 0.01) castrates had greater glucose concentration than CON bulls, and BAND castrates had greater (P = 0.04) glucose concentration than BURD. In conclusion, BAND or BURD castration significantly reduced plasma testosterone concentration; reduced average daily weight gain mainly during the first 2 weeks, which was not compensated during the subsequent 16 weeks; increased withdrawal of stored energy and increased plasma protein concentration. BURD showed an advantage over BAND in growth during days 15 to 28 following castration.     

Studies on helminthosis at the centre for tropical veterinary medicine (CTVM)

Summary The research work relating to helminths, which has been conducted within the Helminthology Section of the CTVM, often in collaboration with colleagues from the tropics is reviewed and placed into a historical perspective. The research has, in the main, concentrated on the trematodesFasciola hepatica andFasciola gigantica and the cestodesTaenia saginata andTaenia solium, but work on other parasites including gastro-intestinal nematodes is also considered. All of these parasites are of obvious veterinary/economic importance particularly in the tropics and subtropics. While the zoonotic importance ofT. saginata andT. solium has been recognised for many years, it is only more recently that the zoonotic impact ofFasciola spp. has been generally acknowledged.

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Estudios Sobre Enfermedades Causadas Por Helmintos En El CTVM

Resumen El artículo revisa y sitúa en una perspectiva histórica la investigación sobre helmintos realizada en la sección de helmintología del CTVM, a menudo en colaboración con otros investigadores de países tropicales. La investigación se ha centrado principalmente en los trematodosFasciola hepatica y Fasciola gigantica y en los cestodosTaenia saginata y Taenia solium, aunque en el artículo se incluye también el trabajo realizado con nematodos gastrointestinales y otros parásitos. Todos los parásitos mencionados tienen una importancia obvia desde el punto de vista veterinario y económico, particularmente en los trópicos y subtrópicos. Mientras que la importancia deT. saginata yT. solium como zoonosis ha sido siempre reconocida, el posible carácter zoonótico deFasciola spp. ha sido descubierto muy recientemente.

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Etudes Sur Les Helminthiases A CTVM

Résumé Le travail de recherche portant sur les helminthes, qui a été mené dans le groupe Helminthologie à CTVM, souvent en collaboration avec des collègues des pays tropicaux, est passé en revue et mis dans une perspective historique. La recherche a principalement porté sur les trematodesFasciola hepatica etFasciola gigantica et sur les cestodesTaenia saginata etTaenia solium, cependant d'autres travaux ont également porté sur d'autres parasites et sur des nématodes gastro-intestinaux.Tous ces parasites sont d'une importance économique/vétérinaire évidente et ceci particulièrement dans les pays tropicaux et sub-tropicaux. Tandis que l'importance deT. saginata etT. solium, sur la zoonose, a toujours été reconnue, ce n'est que récemment que l'impact deFasciola spp sur la zoonose a été repertorié.

     

Effect of treatment of chronic theileriosis with buparvaquone on milk yields

Summary Chronic, undulatingTheileria annulata infection was diagnosed as the cause of severely depressed milk yields in a herd of 44 Friesian cows in Egypt. The herd was divided at random into two groups of 22; one group was injected intramuscularly with a single dose of the experimental antitheilerial drug, buparvaquone, while the other remained untreated. Over the subsequent seven weeks milk yield in the treated group increased to double that of the untreated group (P<0.05). Pyrexia was controlled within two days of injection of buparvaquone and piroplasm parasitaemia was eliminated in one week. It is suggested that treatment of dairy cattle chronically infected withT. annulata using buparvaquone may have the dual beneficial effect of reducing the pathogenic effects of theileriosis, thereby permitting restoration of an impaired immune system, thus increasing resistance to other infections. If a similar effect could be produced inBos indicus cattle inT. annulata endemic areas, treatment of indigenous cattle with buparvaquone could be a useful alternative to the introduction ofBos taurus blood as a way of boosting milk production.

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Efecto Sobre La Produccion De Leche Del Tratamiento De La Theileriosis Cronica Con Buparvaquone

Resumen Se diagnosticó infección crónica ondulate deTheileria annulata, en un hato de 44 vacas Friesian en Egipto; la causa fue, la caida severa de la producción láctea. Se dividió el hato al azár, en dos grupos de 22 vacas cada uno; un grupo se inyectó via intramuscular, con una dosis única de la droga experimental buparvaquone y el otro no se trató. Durante las siete semanas subsiguientes, la producción láctea aumentó el doble en el grupo tratado, en relación con el grupo sin tratar (P<0.05). La pirexia fue controlada, dentro de los dos primeros dias después de la inyección de buparvaquone, y la parasitemia por piroplasmas se eliminó en una semana. Se sugiere, que el tratamiento con buparvaquone del genado de leche infectado crónicamente conT. annulata, podría tener doble efecto benéfico, al reducir el efecto patógeno de la theileriosis, permitiendo la restauración del sistema inmunológico, incrementando así la resistencia a otras infecciones. Si un efecto similar se produjera en ganadoBos indicus, en áreas endémicas deT. annulata, el tratamiento del ganado nativo con buparvaquone, podría convertirse en una alternativa a la introducción de sangreBos taurus, para incrementar la producción láctea.

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Effet Du Traitement De La Theileriose Chronique Par La Buparvaquone Sur Les Rendements Laitiers

Résumé L'infection chronique et à rechutes àTheileria annulata a été diagnostiquée comme étant la cause de rendements laitiers fortement déprimés dans un troupeau de 44 vaches frisonnes en Egypte. Le troupeau fut partagé, au hasard, en deux groupes de 22; un groupe a reçu par voie intramusculaire, une dose unique d'un médicament antitheileriose expériemental, la buparvaquone, tandis que l'autre n'était pas traité. Pendant les sept semaines suivantes, le rendement laitier du groupe traité a doublé par rapport à celui du groupe non triaté (P<0.05). L'hyperthermie a été contrôlée dans les deux jours suivant l'injection de buparvaquone, et la parantémie à piroplasme éliminée en une semaine. Il est suggéré que le traitement du bétail laitier chroniquement infecté parT. annulata à l'aide de la buparvaquone peut avoir le double effet bénéfique de réduire les effects pathologiques de la theilériose, permettant ainsi la restauration d'un système immunitaire affaibli, ce qui augmente la résistance aux autres infections. Si un effet similaire pouvait être produit chez le bétailBos indicus des régions à endémicitéT annulata, le traitement du bétail indigène avec la buparvaquone pourrait être une alternative utile à l'introduction du sangBos taurus dans le but de stimuler la production laitière.