Differences in composition of avian bone collagen following genetic selection for resistance to osteoporosis

1. Collagen characteristics were compared in the tibiotarsus and humerus from 103 females and 38 males aged 68 to 72 weeks from the G6 generation of lines of laying hen selected for resistance or susceptibility to osteoporosis (high and low bone index (BI) lines). 2. Selection over the latest generation resulted in further divergence in the breaking strengths of humerus (from 12.3 to 21.8%) and tibia (from 22.3 to 37.3%) in hens. Males also showed line differences in bone strengths. 3. Plasma pyridinoline concentration was higher in hens in the low BI line, suggesting a greater rate of bone resorption in this line. 4. There were few differences between the lines in collagen and calcium concentrations in humerus and tibiotarsus cortical bone. 5. There were no differences between the lines in either sex in reduced immature collagen cross-link content of humerus or tibiotarsus. 6. Mature collagen cross-link content was higher in the high BI line in the male humerus but this effect was not apparent in the male tibiotarsus nor in either bone in the females. 7. Pyrrolic cross-link contents were higher in the high BI line in the female humerus and tibiotarsus and in the male tibiotarsus. 8. Over both lines combined, there were positive correlations between humeral and tibiotarsal pyrrole contents and strengths in females and between tibiotarsal pyrrole content and strength in males. 9. It is concluded that an increase in cross-linking, particularly pyrrolic cross-linking, in the collagen matrix contributes in part to the improvement in bone strength in the high BI line.     

Is Lamina Muscularis Mucosae Present in the Ruminal Mucosa of Cattle?

The cells in the condensed fibrous layer in the lamina propria of the ruminal mucosa of the calves and cows were studied at the light microscopic level. Abundant actin-immunoreactive cells were detected both in the calves and cows, while desmin-immunoreactive cells were moderate in frequency in the cows and low or absent in the calves. Vimentin-immunoreactive cells were abundant in the cows but moderate to low in frequency in the calves. These cells were distributed to form a condensed layer being more abundant in the ruminal papillae than the interpapillar mucosae in the cows and equal in the papillae and interpapillar mucosae in the calves. At the ultrastructural level, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts were abundant in the deep core of the ruminal papilla of the cows. The present results suggest that the condensed fibrous layer revealed in the ruminal mucosae contains smooth muscle cell population which could be regarded as the specialized lamina muscularis mucosae.     

The concentration of ascorbic acid in different tissues of calf fetuses in 3 different development stages]

The concentration of ascorbic acid in the cerebrum and in the brain stem of bovine fetuses decreased with increasing body weight; in the cerebellum there was no change. The decrease of the concentration in the lungs, in the heart, in the kidneys, in the M. longissimus and in the M. semimembranosus in the course of the fetal growth was different. In the liver and in the adrenals the concentration in the 3 groups of fetuses with a body weight of 4.18 +/- 2.01, of 9.72 +/- 0.97 and of 17.12 +/- 2.61 kg was similar. The highest concentrations were found in the adrenals, in the testes and in the cerebrum. The functional significance of the changes in the concentration in the tissues of the bovine fetuses is discussed and compared with the results in human fetuses and in adult cattle.     

An immunohistochemical study of the gastro-entero-pancreatic endocrine cells in the alimentary tract of the Korean tree squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris corea.

The regional distribution and relative frequencies of gastrointestinal endocrine cells were studied immunohistochemically in the gastrointestinal mucosa of Korean tree squirrels. Seven kinds of endocrine cells were identified in this study. Although a large number of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive cells were seen throughout the gastrointestinal tract, they were most predominant in the duodenum. A moderate number of glucagon-immunoreactive cells which were restricted to the cardia and fundus of the stomach was also observed. Bovine chromogranin-immunoreactive cells were numerous in the cardia and pylorus of the stomach, found in moderate numbers in the fundus, duodenum and large intestine, but rare in the jejunum. Porcine chromogranin-immunoreactive cells were found in moderate numbers in the stomach but were rare in the duodenum. Gastrin/cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells were abundant in the pyloric gland region but scarce in the duodenum. Bovine pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were observed to be rare and found only in the pyloric gland region. Somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were distributed moderately in the stomach but were few in number in the intestine. No insulin-immunoreactive cells were found in the gastrointestinal tract of Korean tree squirrels. These results suggest that although the Korean tree squirrel is a herbivorous rodent, the distribution pattern of its gastro-entero-endocrine cells is rather similar to that reported for omnivorous animals.     

短花针茅荒漠草地放牧系统微量元素季节变化及盈缺分析

为更有效地防治内蒙古自治区四子王旗地区家畜微量元素代谢病,合理使用微量元素添加剂,采用实地采样和实验室分析相结合的方法,对该地区短花针茅（Stipa breviflora）荒漠草地土壤-牧草-家畜生态系统中微量元素的水平进行检测。结果显示,土壤中铜和硒处于缺乏状态。牧草中铁和锰元素处于过量状态,硒为缺乏状态。与健康绵羊的各项指标相比较,血浆中铁和锰分别于夏秋季节和全年高于正常水平,硒和铜元素分别于秋季和冬季低于正常水平;肝脏中铁和锰全年高于正常水平,铜冬季低于临界值,硒元素秋冬季节低于正常水平;被毛中铁全年高于正常水平,而铜和硒全年低于正常水平。结合放牧绵羊对各种矿物质的进食量和消化率进行综合分析表明,该地区为高铁、高锰、低硒的生态环境,同时铜和锌处于季节性缺乏状态。     

Variation of the serum testosterone level in boars during 24 hours and during a period of several days]

Seven sexually mature boars were studied in two-hour intervals for 8 to 32 hours, as to the variation of testosterone levels in the blood plasma. Blood samples were obtained by means of a cannula inserted in the v. cava cranialis. The hormone level under study showed marked fluctuation. The coefficient of variation of testosterone concentration ranged from 12.7% to 35.2% in the individual animals and for the whole part of the study it was 33.0%. It appeared impossible to derive seriously any regular periodicity of testosterone concentration in boar blood in the 24-hour period from the analysis of the variation of the levels of the hormone in individual animals during the period under study. Further, the study revealed a marked fluctuation of testosterone levels in the blood plasma of twelve sexually mature boars in the course of several days' study. The coefficient of variation of testosterone concentration in individual animals ranged from 18.1% to 106.5%, reaching 77.0% for the whole part of study. The analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences of hormonal levels in individual boars in which the fluctuation of testosterone was studied in the 8- to 32-hour period as well as in several days' period. This proved the role of the animals' individuality in determining the concentration of testosterone in their blood. The discussion concerns the importance of these findings for the evaluation of the role of basal testosterone levels in the blood in classifying the incretion function of the gonads and in the diagnosis of incretion hypogonadism of boars.     

规模化奶牛场产奶牛和育成牛粪中污染因子的四季动态监测研究

本研究对规模化奶牛场产奶牛和育成牛粪中污染因子进行了四季监测,结果表明,鲜粪中含水率两类牛群夏季最高、春季最低;风干粪样中,除产奶牛夏季全氮和全磷外,产奶牛和育成牛5项检测指标及其年均值的季节变化规律均保持一致,即有机质＞全氮＞全磷＞锌＞铜;两类牛群全磷含量夏季最高、秋季最低,有机质含量春季最高、夏季最低,铜和锌含量夏季均最低;产奶牛全氮含量夏季最低、春季最高,铜含量春季最高,锌含量冬季最高;育成牛全氮含量夏季最高、秋季最低,铜含量秋季最高,锌含量春季最高.     

Seasonal influence on testicular function of male raccoons, Procyon lotor

In order to clarify the breeding capability of male raccoons in Japan, the testes of raccoons, a nuisance animal, collected in Kanagawa Prefecture and Hokkaido were histologically inspected. Furthermore, testosterone concentrations in their blood were measured. The testosterone concentrations increased in winter and the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the spermatogenetic score decreased in summer for the animals captured in Kanagawa Prefecture. For the animals captured in Hokkaido, the diameter of seminiferous tubules did not change and the decrease of the spermatogenetic score in summer was slight. As the above results show, there is a breeding season in male raccoons in Japan, and the reduction of testicular function in summer was greater in animals captured in Kanagawa Prefecture than in animals captured in Hokkaido.     

Findings of Yersinia in slaughter pigs, synantropic animals and workers in meat products in a defined region

In 15 selected stocks in the Strakonice district, 507 slaughter pigs, 708 small terrestric mammals and 110 free-living birds were examined in a two-year period (1986-1987) to study the occurrence of carriers of yersiniae and their elimination. Rectal smears from 243 persons working in livestock production were examined in the same way. Standard bacteriological methods, recent examination procedures (Aulisio et al., 1980; Aldová, 1981) and a diagnostic antiserum (03 IMUNA Sarisské Michalany) were used for the examination. The following results were obtained: In pigs: 1. yersiniae were detected in 65 cases (12.8%); of this, in 31 cases they occurred in the tonsils, in 35 cases in ileum, and twice in the ileocaecal lymph nodes. 2. Epidemiologically significant Y. enterocolitica 4;03 was detected in 28 cases (5.5%); of this, 22 times in the tonsils, 7 times in ileum, and once in the ileocaecal lymph nodes. 3. The seasonal nature of the occurrence of yersiniae was confirmed in 1986, with maxima in winter-spring, but in 1987 their occurrence declined substantially to less than a quarter. In the small mammals, yersiniae were detected 28 times (4%); of this, 7 times in common field mouse, 11 times in common vole, 5 times in house mouse, twice in shrew, once in Apodemus flavicollis, and once in Apodemus sp. 2. Y. enterocolitica 4;03 was detected twice (0.26%), both cases in the house mouse. Other results: 1. In all the 110 free-living birds the examination for yersiniae had a negative result; 2. in the rectal smears of 243 persons employed in livestock production, yersiniae were identified twice (0.8%)--in one case Y. enterocolitica 1, in the other Y. enterocolitica biovars 1 and 2.     

Salmonella in sheep in Iceland

In 1995 several outbreaks of food poisoning in humans occurred in Iceland, that were traced to salmonella contamination of singed sheep heads. This prompted us to study the prevalence of salmonella infection in sheep and to trace where and how infection might have occurred. Faecal, intestinal contents and tonsillar samples were collected in the spring and autumn from sheep on 50 farms in the southwestern part of the country, where salmonellosis had been detected and from 5 farms in the northwestern part of the country. All faecal samples from the southwest were negative, whereas samples from 3 farms obtained in the autumn in the northwest were positive. Tonsillae taken in the autumn were positive in sheep from 3 farms in the southwest and 2 in the northwest. Our results show that salmonella infection is rare in Icelandic sheep but healthy carriers my harbour the bacteria in tonsillae. Salmonella was not detected in drainage from slaughterhouses nor in singed sheep heads.     

Studies on the pathogenesis of tibial dyschondroplasia in chickens. III. Effect of body weight.

Surgical severance of the gastrocnemius and flexor tendons on the posterior aspect of the tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal joint in one leg resulted in unilateral lameness in chickens that were susceptible to tibial dyschondroplasia. Perotic-like deformation developed in the operated leg, while the tibiotarsus in the unoperated leg was thicker and bowed in an anterior direction. In nine of 43 chickens with tibial dyschondroplasia the severity of the lesion differed markedly between the operated and unoperated legs. The more severe lesion was in the operated leg in 6 birds, and in the unoperated leg in 3 birds. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that weight-bearing may be important in the pathogenesis of tibial dyschondroplasia.     

Effects of intravenously administered tetra-thiomolybdate on the distribution of copper in the liver and kidney of copper loaded sheep: a histochemical study

The effects of intravenously administered thiomolybdate on the liver and kidney of copper loaded sheep were studied using 16 ewes in three groups. Copper, iron and molybdenum concentrations were determined by spectrophotometry and the distribution of copper in the liver and kidney was studied histochemically. Following thiomolybdate administration, the concentration of copper in the liver was reduced, that of molybdenum increased and the concentration of copper and molybdenum in the kidney increased. The reduction of copper concentration in the liver was associated with reductions in the number and size of granules in hepatocytes which stained positively for copper and in the number of Kupffer cells containing positively staining granules. The decrease in the amount of copper in hepatocytes appeared to be greater than that in Kupffer cells. This effect was greatest in the centrilobular zones and least in the periportal zones. The increased concentration of copper and molybdenum in kidney was associated with an increase in the number and size of granules staining positively for copper in the epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubules which suggested an uptake of copper-molybdenum complexes by the lysosomes of these cells.     

Toxic elements in the sex organs of the cow and their relationship to fertility

The content of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn) has been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in parts of genital organs of cows with and without reproductive disorders, in blood, in placenta, in colostrum, and in the calf blood. The samples were collected in an industrially polluted area and in a relatively non-polluted area. It has been proven in the group of 99 cows that the biological quality of the oestrous cervical mucus is also influenced by toxic elements. The best conception rate after the artificial insemination (80.0%) has been found in cows with the cervical mucus without spermiotoxic properties. The genital organs of 49 cows culled because of reproductive disorders were examined. No significant differences in the content of heavy metals have been found in the separate parts of genital organs. There were also no differences between the cows with and without reproductive disorders. Toxic elements in blood have been found in cows after parturition and in newborn calves both in the polluted and the non-polluted areas. However, significant differences (p less than 0.01) were determined only in the content of Cd and Zn. The average content of all determined toxic elements in the samples of placenta in pluriparous and primiparous cows from the polluted and non-polluted areas was approximately at the same level. The content of Zn was 4.3 times higher than the hygienic standard in the colostrum of cows from the polluted area. The content of Zn exceeded the hygienic standard also in the non-polluted area, and the content of Cd and Hg was close to the hygienic standard there.     

Effect of Immunosuppression on the Clinicopathological Changes in Experimental Zygomycosis in Rabbits

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of immunosuppression by cyclophosphamide or methylprednisolone on the clinicopathological alterations in respiratory absidiosis in rabbits. Infected rabbits showed respiratory distress that was more severe in immunosuppressed groups. Leukocytosis due to neutrophilia was observed in the non-immunosuppressed group in the initial stages, whereas leukopenia was observed in both the immunosuppressed groups initially, owing to polymorphopenia in the cyclophosphamide-treated group and to lymphopenia in the methylprednisolone-treated group, followed by leukocytosis in both groups. Total serum proteins increased significantly in the non-immunosuppressed group but were significantly decreased in the immunosuppressed groups. Serum creatinine increased significantly in all the infected groups from 20 days post inoculation (DPI) onwards. Blood urea nitrogen increased significantly in the initial stages only in the methylprednisolone-treated group. AST and ALT also showed significant increases in the infected animals. Total serum immunoglobulins and circulating immune complexes increased gradually in all three infected groups, except for an initial significant drop in the immunosuppressed rabbits. Re-isolation of fungus was only achieved from the lungs of infected rabbits up to 15 DPI in the non-immunosuppressed group and 30 DPI in the immunosuppressed groups. Pathological lesions in all the infected groups were found mainly in the lungs and consisted of pyogranulomas. The lesions were most severe in the cyclophosphamide-treated group and least severe in the non-immunosuppressed group.     

基于内转录间隔区测序分析不同饲养方式对滩羊羔羊瘤胃真菌组成及多样性的影响

为了研究放牧和舍饲2种不同的饲养方式对滩羊羔羊瘤胃真菌菌群的影响,本试验采用随机区组设计,选择体重接近、健康的刚出生放牧滩羊与舍饲滩羊羔羊各12只,放牧组羔羊随放牧哺乳母羊饲养,舍饲组随舍饲哺乳母羊饲养,2月龄时屠宰取瘤胃液,通过内转录间隔区(ITS)rDNA测序技术分析其真菌多样性及结构变化。结果表明:放牧组滩羊瘤胃中真菌多样性极显著高于舍饲组(P<0.01)。舍饲组与放牧组滩羊瘤胃真菌菌群共鉴定出6个门,其中舍饲组6个门,放牧组5个门。放牧组滩羊瘤胃中的新丽鞭毛菌门(Neocallimastigomycota)的相对丰度极显著高于舍饲组(P<0.01);舍饲组的子囊菌门(Ascomycota)的相对丰度极显著高于放牧组(P<0.01)。放牧组滩羊瘤胃液中优势菌门为子囊菌门和新丽鞭毛菌门,舍饲组优势菌门为子囊菌门。舍饲组与放牧组滩羊瘤胃真菌菌群共鉴定出69个属,其中放牧组55个属,舍饲组56个属。舍饲组的Kazachstania、赤霉菌属(Gibberella)、酵母属(Saccharomyces)的相对丰度均极显著高于放牧组(P<0.01),香蘑属(Lepista)的相对丰度显著高于放牧组(P<0.05)。而放牧组梨囊鞭菌属(Piromyces)、盲肠鞭菌属(Caecomyces)、新丽鞭菌属(Neocallimastix)、未分类新丽鞭菌科(Neocallimastigaceae_NA)、Chalastospora等的相对丰度均极显著高于舍饲组(P<0.01);放牧组未分类毕赤酵母科(Pichiaceae_NA)的相对丰度显著高于舍饲组(P<0.05)。放牧组优势菌属为Kazachstania和梨囊鞭菌属,舍饲组优势菌属为Kazachstania。综上所述,饲养方式对2月龄滩羊瘤胃真菌菌群结构的构建有显著影响。     

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF EQUINE STRONGYLOSIS IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND 1. The Bionomics of the Free-Living Stages in Faeces and on Pasture

SUMMARY Development of the free-living stages of strongylid nematodes of the horse to the infective stage occurred in faeces in all months of the year in southern Queensland, at a rate which depended on the season. Most rapid development to the infective stage occurred in the warmer months, with the hatching of strongyle eggs being completed in 2 days in summer. During the winter, egg hatching continued for over 2 weeks. Larval moults proceeded at a faster rate in summer—all larvae were infective in 7 days during the hottest months, but it was as long as 5 weeks before all were infective in winter. However, even though development was rapid in summer, survival rates varied from 1 to 10%, in contrast to the spring and autumn, when over 80% reached the infective stage. One percent of larvae in faeces survived for up to 20 weeks in autumn and winter, but for only 4 weeks in summer. These results highlight the inadequacy of short-term pasture spelling for all but the hottest months. Infective larvae were found on herbage in all months of the year, but greatest numbers were recovered in spring and early summer, and in autumn and early winter. The relationship of pasture infestation to migration of larvae from Paecal reservoirs in response to rain was clearly shown. Most infective larvae were found within 30 cm of faecal masses, and in fact 89% of all larvae isolated from herbage in this study were found within 15 cm of faeces. Migration of larvae from faeces to herbage occurred with falls of rain as small as 25 mm. Horse faecal masses dried out completely in 6–8 days in summer and in 14–16 days in winter. Strongyle larvae developed to the infective stage in faeces in the absence of rain, although many remained in the pre-infective stage and completed their development when rain fell. This study shows that massive contamination of pastures with the eggs of strongylid nematodes must be prevented in spring and autumn if susceptible young horses are not to be at serious risk.     

Migration of protoplasmic droplets and phagocytosis of damaged sperm during their passage through the efferent ducts in boars and bulls

Seventeen gonad pairs of boars and ten gonad pairs of bulls were examined to evaluate the migration of protoplasmic droplets and the phagocytosis of defective spermatozoa. The material for a microscopic investigation of secretions was collected from two sites in the testis and from seven sites in the epididymis. The greatest motion of protoplasmic droplets was recorded in the caput epididymidis, although the migration of droplets from the proximal section of the connective part of the flagellum towards the distal parts could also be observed as far as in the cauda epididymidis in both animals. A proximally located droplet still occurred in the cauda epididymidis in 4.5% of the spermatozoa of boars and in 1.9% of those of bulls. Absent mitochondrial spirals or swollen connective parts were observed in the imprints of testicular tissue in almost 50% of the spermatozoa whereas in the secretion of efferent ducts they were observed only in 0.3% of bull spermatozoa and about 3% of boar spermatozoa. No such defects were recorded in the epididymis head and tail in either of the two species. The marked reduction in the number of defective spermatozoa without mitochondrial spirals in the secretion of efferent ducts and after passage through the caput epididymidis testifies to the phagocytic ability of the epithelium of this part of efferent ducts.     

Immunohistochemical Expression of Growth Factors in the Follicular Wall of Normal and Cystic Ovaries of Sows

The expression of growth factors was evaluated immunohistochemically in normal and cystic ovaries of sows. The immunohistochemically stained area (IHCSA) was quantified by image analysis to analyse the expression of these proteins in the follicular wall of secondary, tertiary and cystic follicles. IGF‐I immunoreactivity was strong in the granulosa cell layer (GC), moderate in the theca interna (TI) and mild in the theca externa (TE) of the normal follicles. There was severe reduction of the labelling to IGF‐I in the GC of the follicular and luteinized cysts. In the normal follicles, the reactivity for IGF‐II was very similar to pattern noted in IGF‐I. There was reduction of the IHCSAs in the GC of the follicular and luteinized cysts, but the decrease was not significant. The staining of the IGF‐II in the TI and TE of the cysts was increased, in comparison with normal follicles. The IHCSAs for VEGF were higher in the GC and TE of the normal follicles in contrast to TI, but this difference was noted only in the tertiary follicle. The VEGF reactivity increased in the GC of the cysts, in relation to normal follicles. The results of the current study show that the formation of ovarian cysts in sows is associated with alterations in the immunohistochemical expression of some growth factors.     

奶牛发情周期中毛 唾液和乳汁孕酮水平的变化

本实验采用放射免疫分析法(RIA)测定了11头奶牛一个发情周期里毛、唾液、乳汁中孕酮(P_4)含量。经产牛(n=8)的毛和唾液中P_4水平变化与乳汁中P_4水平变化一致。青年牛(n=3)的毛和睡液中的P_4水平变化一致,并分别与经产牛毛和唾液中P_4水平变化一致。7头配种后的经产牛和5头配种后的青年牛分别取20和23天的样品进行妊娠诊断,与配种后60天的直检结果相对照,依据经产牛毛、乳P_4水平进行妊娠诊断的阳性准确率分别是85.7％(6/7)和100％(7/7),依据青年牛毛P_4水平进行妊娠诊断的阳性准确率为100％(5/5)。     

Development of muscle spindles in the human tongue

The presence, location and morphology of muscle spindles in the tongue of human fetuses and newborns was examined in frontal and sagittal serial sections of the organ or of the whole lower half of the mouth. While in the fetal material of 105, 155 and 170 mrn. C. R. L. there are only very few and small spindles in some extrinsic muscles of the tongue and in the Mm. mylohyoideus and geniohyoideus, the specimens of 260, 310 and 390mm. C. R. L. showed them in the intrinsic muscles as well as in the extrinsic ones, excludicg only the region of the tip of the tongue. In the latter group, the size of the whole spindles is bigger than in the small fetuses, and their number increases towards the root and the midline area of the tongue. In the newborns, there is the same situation in general, with an especially high number of spindles in the Mm. transversus linguae and genioglossus. The size of the intrafusal muscle fibers was of 6.33 ± 0.72µm. in the newborns, and of 4.93 ± 1.16 pm. in the fetal material; the sheat (capsule) is thinner and the periaxi.11 space is smaller in the minor specimens. As it was possible to find spindles in the muscles of the floor of the mouth in a fetus of the 4th lunar month, there seems to be evidence of the earlier appearance of sum proprioceptors in this region than in other parts of the body, an observation which might implicate some functional significance.