The Failure of Purified T-2 Mycotoxin to Produce Hemorrhaging in Dairy Cattle

A Holstein cow was intubated with 182 mg of 97% pure T-2 toxin (0.44 mg/kg of body weight) for 15 days. A dairy ration containing 50 mg/kg (50 ppm) of T-2 toxin was refused. A calf, born four days after onset of maternal treatment, was intubated with 26.2 mg of purified T-2 toxin (0.6 mg/kg of body weight) for seven consecutive days and then on alternate days for a total of 16 days. The calf was severely affected clinically by the T-2 toxin. The T-2 toxin failed to cause bovine hemorrhagic syndrome in either animal. Unspecific gastrointestinal lesions were noted in the cow but none were detected in the calf. In the calf, severe depression, hindquarter ataxia, knuckling of the rear feet, listlessness and anorexia were caused by the T-2 toxin.     

Seroprevalence of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae serotype-1 infection in swine herds in Quebec

Seroprevalence of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae serotype-1 infection was evaluated in pigs on 7 farms in Quebec. Commercial cross-bred herds A to G, ranging from 110 to 235 sows and infected with A pleuropneumoniae serotype-1 were selected. Five pigs/litter were selected at random and were identified (group 1). Blood samples were obtained from group-1 pigs at 2 to 4, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days of age. Blood also was obtained from group-1 pigs remaining in the postweaning unit at 70 days of age, and from 20 to 40 sows 1 to 3 times. To determine prevalence of seropositive pigs in all age groups for the entire study period in herds C to G, blood samples were obtained from 20 pigs/age group (group 2) selected at random at 28, 42, and 56 days of age at each visit. Group-1 pigs were included when they reached 28, 42, and 56 days of age. Pigs were serologically monitored in herds A and B for 3 months and in herds C to G for 5 to 6 months. Serologic status of pigs at 2 to 4 days of age was not statistically associated with status at 42 days (P = 0.6293) and at 56 days (P = 0.3098) of age for the same pigs. Therefore, seronegative pigs 2 to 4 days old did not seroconvert earlier than did those with detectable maternal antibodies at 2 to 4 days old. Only about 50% of the 70-day-old pigs were seropositive at 56 days. Seemingly, pigs seroconverted late in the postweaning period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The Effects of Dexamethasone on the Response of Bronchus-associated Lymphoid Tissue to Intranasal Administration of Formalin-killed Pasteurella haemolytica A2 in Goats

A trial was conducted to observe the immediate and chronic effects in goats of dexamethasone administration on the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) response to intranasal administration of formalin-killed Pasteurella haemolytica A2. Twenty-four goats were divided into four groups. Those in group 1 were injected intramuscularly with 1 mg/kg dexamethasone on three consecutive days, followed by intranasal exposure to formalin-killed P. haemolytica A2 one day after the last dexamethasone treatment. The goats in group 2 were similarly injected with dexamethasone followed by intranasal exposure to formalin-killed P. haemolytica A2 21 days after the last dexamethasone treatment. The animals in group 3 were exposed intranasally to formalin-killed P. haemolytica A2 without prior dexamethasone treatment. The animals in group 4 were untreated controls. The intranasal exposures to formalin-killed P. haemolytica A2 were repeated 2 weeks later. Intranasal exposure to formalin-killed P. haemolytica 1 day after dexamethasone treatment further reduced the number and size of BALT compared to the untreated control. Significantly (p<0.01) more reduction of BALT occurred in goats exposed to formalin-killed P. haemolytica A2 21 days after dexamethasone treatment. On the other hand, intranasal exposure of goats without prior dexamethasone treatment stimulated the BALT compared to the untreated controls.     

Prevention of shedding and re-shedding of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in experimentally infected cats treated with oral Clindamycin: a preliminary study

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of preventive oral Clindamycin in cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Twelve short hair cats were divided into two groups (group 1 and group 2). No titres of T. gondii antibodies were detected in these cats before the experiment. The animals from group 1 were infected with tissue cysts of T. gondii and group 2 were infected and treated with Clindamycin (20 mg/kg/day). The infection was done with almost 40-50 tissue cysts for each cat on day 0. The cats from group 2 were treated with Clindamycin by oral rout for 24 days (from day -3 to day 21). At day 45, the groups 1 and 2 were divided into two subgroups with three animals each. Subgroups 1A and 2A were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg/day) for30 days and subgroups 1B and 2B were not immunosuppressed. Faecal exam looking for oocyst shedding was made by 30 days after T. gondii infection, and for 30 days after immunosuppression. All kittens from group 1 shedding oocysts after infection, while animals from group 2 did not shed. After immunosuppression period, all animals from group 1A re-shed oocysts and animals from group 2A remained without shed. However, 2 (66.6%) of the kittens from subgroup 2B shed oocysts 19-20 days after re-challenge. Based on this preliminary study, Clindamycin had a complete inhibitory effect on shedding of oocysts by cats, even under severe immunosuppression, which is a new finding not reported elsewhere.     

不同产地藿香花粉活力与柱头可授性研究

主要对不同产地的藿香花粉活力、柱头可授性及花粉形态特征进行研究。各产地藿香花粉活力检测经过多种方法筛选后选择红墨水法,柱头可授性测定采用联苯胺-过氧化氢法,并利用扫描电镜对不同产地藿香的花粉形态进行观察。结果表明,在自然条件下,各产地开花习性较为一致,均在7至8月开花,群体花期15~28 d,单花花期约为3~5 d。不同产地藿香花粉活力随着开花时间的延长均表现出先升高后降低的趋势,平均花粉活力在18.46%~26.52%之间。5个产地当中,成都产地藿香平均花粉活力最高,长春产地藿香花粉活力最低。花粉寿命在4~5 d之间,柱头可授性可持续5~6 d。同时,在藿香刚开花第1天各产地柱头具可授性,在2~3 d内,具有较强的可授性。因而,不同产地藿香进行人工授粉最佳时期为开花后2~3 d。此外,不同产地藿香花粉粒形状主要为近球形或椭球形。花粉粒大小在42.93 μm×31.99 μm~46.59 μm×37.67 μm之间,均具6条萌发沟,萌发沟狭长、裂痕近两极。花粉外壁纹饰呈网状,网眼为不规则多角形,近圆形,大小不一。本文较为系统的比较了不同产地藿香花粉活力、柱头可授性及花粉形态,以期为藿香的人工栽培以及良种繁育提供理论依据。     

小单元全封闭隔离栏舍在猪疫病控制与净化上的效果研究

【目的】研究小单元全封闭隔离栏舍在猪疫病控制、净化及疫苗减免上的应用效果。【方法】试验设置猪圆环病毒2型(Porcine circovirus type 2,PCV2)血清抗体全阴、全阳及部分阳性组,每组选取同日龄的保育猪6头,进行为期140 d的A、B模式饲养。A模式为小单元全封闭隔离栏舍养殖140 d, B模式为小单元全封闭隔离栏舍养殖70 d+常规敞开型栏舍养殖70 d。所有试验猪进行猪瘟病毒(Classical swine fever virus, CSFV)和猪伪狂犬病病毒(Pseudorabies virus, PRV)单次疫苗免疫。试验在饲养的第0、70和140天检测猪群血清PCV2、猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, PRRSV)、CSFV、PRV-gB、PRV-gE抗体水平及血清抗体阳性率。【结果】与第0天相比,A模式所有组PCV2抗体水平及全阳组和部分阳性组PCV2血清抗体阳性率在第70和140天显著下降(P<0.05),B模式第70天全阳组PCV2抗体水平极显著下降...     

Behavior and viability of the premature neonatal foal after induced parturition

Parturition was induced in 2 groups of mares, less than 300 (n = 49) and 300 to 320 days gestation (n = 31), by the administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha or fluprostenol and oxytocin. Foals were categorized into 4 groups according to their ability to adapt in, and survive, the neonatal period. Group A had no demonstrable coordinating reflexes, were weak from birth, and all died within 90 minutes. Group B had some righting reflexes, but had poor coordination and a weak suck reflex. They showed some improvement for about 2 hours, but all died within 9 hours. Group C foals had a good suck reflex and made attempts to stand. After 24 hours, there was a steady deterioration and death occurred within 48 hours. Group D were initially weak, but showed rapid clinical improvement with good adaptation to the environment and survived for at least 7 days. The overall survival rate for the 80 foals born was only 5%. Most group A foals had gestational ages of less than 300 days, but a few (n = 9) were delivered after 300 days and 2 up to 319 days. The youngest survivor was delivered at 318 days and the 3 other survivors were delivered at 320 days. Aspects of the hazards of prematurely induced parturition were considered to be immaturity and stress of parturition.     

Effect of L‐carnitine on proliferative response and mRNA expression of some of its associated factors in splenic mononuclear cells of male broiler chicks

The effect of L‐carnitine supplementation on mitogen (concanavalin A, Con A) induced proliferation of mononuclear cells (MNC) in the spleen was investigated in broiler chickens at different ages. Day‐old chickens were fed a diet supplemented with or without L‐carnitine (100 ppm) for 24 days. The carnitine‐supplemented group showed greater proliferation of MNC in the spleen in response to Con A than that of the control group at 24 days of age. In addition, at 24 days of age the carnitine‐supplemented group showed higher expression of interleukin (IL)‐2 and interferon (IFN)‐γ mRNA, but lower expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the Con A‐stimulated splenic MNC than the control group. The enhancement effect of L‐carnitine on MNC proliferation and IL‐2 mRNA expression was not found in chicks at 14 days of age. Addition of L‐carnitine (50 nmol/mL) to the culture medium enhanced proliferation and IL‐2 mRNA expression of splenic MNC obtained from 24‐day‐old but not from 14‐day‐old broiler chickens. The results suggest that L‐carnitine is capable of enhancing MNC proliferation in broiler chickens at 24 days of age partly through increasing IL‐2 and IFN‐γ production and decreasing NO production.     

EQUINE HERPESVIRUSES: Experimental Infecton of a Foetus with Type 2

Intrauterine infection of pregnant mare with equine herpesvirus type 2 (EHV 2) did not result in foetal abortion, stillbirth or recognisable disease. Collection of uterine fluid by allantocentesis or amniocentesis 107 days after inoculation confirmed that intrauterine infection was established. EHV 2 was isolated from both allantoic and amniotic fluid separately collected at the time of elective Caesarean section 156 days after inoculation and virus neutralising antibody to EHV 2 was present in the foal's presuckle serum at birth. A very mild clinical disease, characterised by a scant, mucous oculo-nasal discharge was observed between 4 and 11 days after birth. EHV 2 was isolated from 22 nasal swabs taken between birth and 65 days of age, on which day the foal was infected with equine adenovirus. EHV 2 was not isolated from 6 nasal swabs collected from 66 to 71 days of age.     

Investigations on the ability of clenbuterol hydrochloride to reduce clinical signs and inflammation associated with equine influenza A infection

Twenty-four Quarter Horse and Quarter Horse-cross yearlings were experimentally infected with influenza A virus (Influenza A/equine/Saskatoon/90 [H3N8]) by nebulisation. In a double blind controlled trial the horses were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 8 animals. Group 1 received a placebo, (carrier syrup), Group 2 the labelled dose and Group 3 twice the labelled dose of clenbuterol hydrochloride. All treatments were given per os b.i.d. for 10 days and started on the day of infection. The horses were monitored for clinical signs of influenza infection for 14 days. Bronchoalveolar lavages were performed 4 days prior to, and 5 and 13 days after infection. Cell counts and concentrations of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2alpha in the lavage fluid were determined. Blood samples for haematology and serology were taken 4 days before, on the day of infection, 5, 9 and 13 days after infection. All horses experienced a typical influenza infection with fever, coughing and secondary bacterial infections with mainly Actinobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. There was no statistically or clinically significant effect of treatment with clenbuterol hydrochloride on measured clinical or laboratory parameters within 14 days of infection.     

白头翁皂苷B4对哺乳期犊牛生长性能和血清指标的影响

本试验旨在研究白头翁皂苷B4对哺乳期犊牛生长性能和血清指标的影响.选取60头新生荷斯坦公犊牛,随机分为4组(每组15头),分别饲喂在代乳粉中添加0(C组)、15(A1组)、30(A2组)和45 mg/d(A3组)白头翁皂苷B4的饲粮.试验期56 d,其中预试期14 d,正试期42 d.每2周空腹称重、测量体尺,每日记录...     

ELISA法检测猪瘟抗体消长规律的试验研究

本试验采用间接ELISA方法,检测猪瘟(CSF)常规免疫仔猪的CSF抗体水平。试验分A、B两组,A组首免注射4头份猪瘟兔化弱毒疫苗,B组首免注射2头份猪瘟兔化弱毒疫苗;二免两组均注射2头份猪瘟兔化弱毒疫苗。试验结果表明,注射疫苗后10d,开始产生抗体,20d-30d抗体达到峰值,二免后抗体峰值维持40d以上。首免4头份的仔猪比首免2头份的仔猪CSF抗体峰值出现的早,维持时间长。     

Plasma Concentrations of a Type II Collagen-derived Peptide and Its Nitrated Form in Growing Ardenner Sound Horses and in Horses Suffering from Juvenile Digital Degenerative Osteoarthropathy

Several breeds of draft horses suffer from degenerative digital osteoarthropathy, resulting in a reduced active lifespan. A group of 30 Ardenner horses was followed, in standardized conditions, from 15 to 28 months of age to detect the early manifestations of the disease. The severity of the disease was assessed according to a personal grading system including clinical and radiographic items. Coll 2-1, a peptide of the helical region of type II collagen, and its nitrated form (Coll 2-1 NO₂) were assayed in blood plasma collected at 452 ± 18 days, 504 ± 20 days, 558 ± 18 days, 613 ± 19 days, 675 ± 19 days, 752 ± 21 days and 852 ± 19 days of age. At the end of the follow-up period, 53.3% of Ardenner horses were affected by a degenerative digital osteoarthropathy. A significant effect (p < 0.05) of time, sex and pathology was observed for Coll 2-1 NO₂. Variations of Coll 2-1 were not significant except for the time effect. The elevation of Coll 2-1 NO₂ in the pathological group could indicate an inflammatory process during the growth of the affected horses, as nitration of tyrosine is mediated through reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and/or myeloperoxidase activity. Coll 2-1 NO₂ appears to be an interesting early marker of cartilage degradation and oxidation in degenerative osteoarthropathy.     

Gender-related differences in cytochrome P450 in porcine liver--implication for activity, expression and inhibition by testicular steroids

In pigs, the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2A and 2E1 activity is important in the regulation of skatole accumulation in adipose tissue. This study investigated gender-related differences in CYP1A2, 2A and 2E1 dependent activity, protein and mRNA expression. This study also investigated the gonadal steroid dependent inhibition of CYP activity in relation to gender and dietary composition. Microsomes were prepared from the liver of female and entire male pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire sire and Duroc boars) reared under similar conditions and slaughtered at an age of 164 days. A group of entire male pigs fed dried chicory root for 16 days prior to slaughter were included in the study. CYP activities were assessed by the use of probe substrates, whilst mRNA and protein expression were analysed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore inhibition of CYP dependent activity by gonadal steroids was assessed in vitro. Microsomes from female pigs had greater CYP1A2 and 2A activity, as well as mRNA expression compared to entire male pigs. The antibodies used did not detected differences in protein expression. In vitro inhibition by 17β-oestradiol, oestrone, androstenone and 3β-OH androstenol of CYP2E1 activity in microsomes from entire male pigs as well as inhibition of CYP1A activity in chicory fed entire male pigs was observed. Apart from that no effect of steroids was shown. In conclusion, female pigs show greater CYP activity and mRNA expression. Including chicory in the diet for 16 days changed the gonadal steroid dependent inhibition of CYP activity in entire male pigs.     

Successful reduction of a monozygotic equine twin pregnancy via transabdominal ultrasound‐guided cardiac puncture

In horses, twin pregnancy is pathological and represents a potentially life‐threatening condition to the mare and foal. Twinning occurs in approximately 2% of pregnancies. Of these, the majority of cases are dizygotic twins, resulting from 2 ovulations and monozygotic twins are rare. A 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was presented for breeding management with shipped cooled semen and embryo transfer. Seven days post ovulation, a single late morula/early blastocyst was recovered and transferred immediately to a recipient mare. Thirty‐six days after transfer, transrectal ultrasound examination revealed the presence of 2 embryos. A transcutaneous reduction of one of the fetuses was performed successfully at 128 days of gestation. This report is the first to describe a successful reduction of monozygotic twins by transcutaneous ultrasound‐guided cardiac puncture.     

Applicability of a progesterone-based timed artificilal insemination protocol after follicular fluid aspiration using the ovum pick-up technique in suckled beef cows

We conducted a progesterone-based timed AI protocol after follicular fluid aspiration using the ovum pick-up (OPU) technique to examine its applicability to the suckled beef cow. A total of 19 beef cows were randomly allocated to one of the following three groups based on the number of days postpartum: 13 to 60 days (Group A: suckled; early postpartum period, n=9), 61 to 150 days (Group B: suckled; mid postpartum period, n=6), or 151 to 281 days (Group C: non-suckled; prolonged open period, n=4) postpartum. These cows were treated with follicular fluid aspiration and insertion of a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) on day 0. The PRID was removed and 500 microg of cloprostenol was intramuscularly administered on day 7. A dose (100 microg) of fertirelin acetate was injected intramuscularly 48 hours later, and this was followed by a timed AI (TAI) after another 18 hours (day 10). Serum samples were taken on days 0, 7, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24 and 31 for determination of the estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and progesterone concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was made by rectal palpation approximately 60 days after TAI. There was no significant difference in the peripheral E(2) concentrations among the three groups during the period of the hormonal treatment. The average progesterone concentrations in Group A on day 17 were significantly higher than those in Group B and exceeded 1.0 ng/ml on day 17 and thereafter. There was no significant difference in the numbers of collected immature oocytes among the three groups. The pregnancy rates in Groups A, B, and C were 77.8% (7/9), 83.3% (5/6) and 50.0% (2/4), respectively. In conclusion, this timed AI protocol is applicable to suckled beef cows within the period of 60 days postpartum.     

Influence of a second Anaplasma exposure on the success of treatment to eliminate Anaplasma carrier infections in cattle

Treatment of adult Anaplasma carrier cows, with long-acting oxytetracycline at dosage levels generally successful in eliminating infection, was unsuccessful when the treatment was preceded or accompanied by a 2nd exposure to A marginale on days 0, 7, or 14 before treatment. Noninfected calves exposed to A marginale 7 days before a similar treatment developed anaplasmosis and became carriers of infection.     

Experimental and field sulfaquinoxaline toxicosis in Leghorn chickens

Mortality of 47% occurred in a commercial flock of 20-week-old leghorn pullets treated with 0.05% sulfaquinoxaline in the feed. The drug was given for 2-3 days, removed for 2 days, and fed again for 2-3 days. Gross lesions consisted of disseminated hemorrhages, bone marrow pallor, a variety of changes suggesting septicemia, and overwhelming bacterial infection. Experimental feeding of sulfaquinoxaline at 0.05% in the feed at a schedule of 3 days on, 3 days off, and 2 days on successfully reproduced the essential features and gross lesions of the field toxicosis. Mortalities of 32.5% and 43.5% were observed in sulfaquinoxaline-treated groups. A high incidence of gangrenous dermatitis occurred in chickens with the experimental toxicosis, but it was not observed in the field case.     

Conception rates in cows after various synchronisation techniques using progesterone releasing intravaginal devices

The effects of different treatments for oestrus synchronisation on the incidence of oestrus and fertility levels in dairy cows were studied in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, 200 lactating cows were allotted to 5 groups and the treatments imposed were either; 1: Untreated controls, 2: An injection of 0.5 mg of cloprostenol followed 13 days later by a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) inserted for 12 days, 3: A PRID, with a capsule containing 10 mg of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) attached, inserted for 12 days, 4: A PRID inserted for 12 days with 0.5 mg of cloprostenol administered 24 h before PRID removal or, 5: As for 4 but 14 days after fixed-time insemination a second PRID was inserted for 12 days. Treated cows were inseminated 56 h after PRID removal and at an observed oestrus during the subsequent 30 days. The control group was inseminated at an observed oestrus during this 30-day period. For treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, the percentage of cows showing oestrus by 60 h after PRID removal was 70, 40, 67 and 43 and conception rates to the fixed time insemination were 34, 33, 49 and 29%. Calving rates of cows inseminated at an observed oestrus during a 30-day period were 70, 75, 70, 83 and 82% for treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. In Experiment 2, 60 lactating cows were divided into 2 groups and the treatments imposed were either 1: An injection of 0.5 mg of cloprostenol followed 13 days later by a PRID inserted for 12 days or 2: As for 1 but 14 days after fixed-time insemination a second PRID was inserted for 12 days. Treated cows were inseminated 56 h after PRID removal and at an observed oestrus over a period from the first insemination to 6 days after removal of the second PRID. For treatments 1 and 2, respectively, 73 and 71% of cows showed oestrus by 60 h after removal of the first PRID and 40% and 46% conceived to the fixed time insemination. The conception rates to inseminations over the treatment period were 73 and 70% for treatments 1 and 2, respectively. None of the treatments resulted in conception rates which were lower than those of control cows provided that treated cows were reinseminated at observed oestrus. Treatment 4 provided the most practicable technique for oestrus synchronisation.