The use of a shotgun for euthanasia of stranded cetaceans

A 12-gauge shotgun, loaded with either a solid 28 g lead slug or buckshot consisting of nine individual lead pellets with a total mass of 28 g, was used to shoot the heads of one dead common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and five dead long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) varying in length from 2.5 m to 5 m. The dolphin and the smallest pilot whale were shot with both projectiles from the dorsal surface of the head. The projectiles penetrated the head and dorsal surface of the skull, but not the base of the cranium. This site using buckshot was not effective in the larger animals. Two whales between 3 and 4 m in length were shot with buckshot through the lateral side of the head caudal to and above the eye, without penetration of the contralateral side of the head. It is concluded that shooting smaller cetaceans with a shotgun can be effective and safe. Further work is required to develop more suitable projectiles for cetaceans up to the size of mature pilot whales.     

Effects of breed and ejaculate volume on sperm morphology and semen parameters of boars

The aim of the study was to determine the relation between the semen quality, frequency of sperm defects, sperm dimensions and shape, and the ejaculate volume of Large White and Landrace boars. A total of 648 ejaculates collected from 31 Large White and 30 Landrace boars were divided into three groups according to the criterion of the ejaculate volume. In this study Landrace boars produced ejaculates with higher volume, sperm concentration, and total numbers of spermatozoa than Large White boars. Landrace boars also showed a lower frequency of sperm with morphological abnormalities (P < 0.05). Landrace boars sperm had larger heads, which were by 0.15 μm longer, and by a larger perimeter and area (P < 0.05). Landrace boar spermatozoa also had a longer flagellum and were generally larger and by 2.07 μm longer than Large White boar sperm (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in the shape of sperm of the two breeds (P < 0.05). Landrace boars sperm had more elongated heads, and the ratio of head size to flagellum length was lower than in Large White boars sperm (P < 0.05). Sperm from ejaculates with low volume had a shorter flagellum and a greater head length/flagellum length ratio than sperm from medium- and high-volume ejaculates (P < 0.05).     

Energy requirements for the penetration of heads of domestic stock and the development of a multiple projectile

The forces and kinetic energy required to penetrate the isolated heads of calves, adult beef cattle, sheep and red deer with a metal probe the same diameter as the bore of an experimental pistol were determined. Approximately 16 and 127 Joules were required to penetrate the heads of adult sheep and cattle, respectively. Using these data a 10 g projectile, consisting of 49 lead pellets and a lead disc in a polyethylene sleeve, was constructed. This projectile, when fired by a charge sufficient to produce a muzzle velocity of 165 m/second, had sufficient kinetic energy to penetrate the heads and brains of cattle, sheep, horses and deer. The projectile was fired from a new design of humane killer with a spring loaded barrel and fitted with a silencer. After penetration of the frontal bones the projectile fragmented and the kinetic energy of its individual particles were insufficient for them to penetrate the opposite side of the head of any of the animals, including one-week-old calves. Fragmentation also caused more brain damage and inhibition of spinal reflexes than a solid free bullet or captive bolt. It is suggested that the use of such a projectile for the emergency slaughter of animals is less hazardous than a solid free bullet and is easier to use and more effective than either a solid free bullet or captive bolt. The projectile was not suitable for killing adult pigs because of problems associated with the frontal sinus.     

大白猪哺乳期背膘损失对繁殖性能的影响

为了研究大白母猪哺乳期背膘损失对其繁殖性能的影响,试验选取大白母猪1 178头,统计6个胎次的总产仔数、产活仔数、健仔数、断奶窝重、断奶发情间隔、哺乳期背膘损失等性状,根据哺乳期的背膘损失情况将母猪分为6组：<0、0~1、1~2、3~4、5~6、>6 mm,以断奶窝重为协变量,利用最小二乘检验开展组间总产仔数、产活仔数、健仔数、断奶发情间隔等性状的差异显著性分析。结果显示,大白母猪6个胎次平均总产仔数、产活仔数、健仔数、断奶窝重、断奶发情间隔和哺乳期背膘损失分别为13.67头、11.51头、10.32头、65.90 kg、4.83 d和2.89 mm,大白母猪1~6胎产仔数在各组间存在显著差异（P<0.05）。综合全部6个胎次的结果可知,第4、5、6组间差异不显著（P>0.05）,但均显著高于第1、2、3组（P<0.05）;第4组总产仔数最高,达13.54头,比第1、2、3组分别高出1.90、2.29和1.63头（P<0.05）。虽然各胎次中各组间产活仔数和健仔数性状有时也出现显著差异,但综合分析6个胎次组间并未出现显著差异（P>0.05）。从断奶发情间隔性状来看,各组间均未出现显著差异（P>0.05）。结果表明,在大白猪生产中,将哺乳期母猪的背膘损失控制在3~4 mm可以获得更高的总产仔数。     

Corrosion potential of steel bird shot in dogs.

Each year many dogs are accidentally or purposely wounded with shotguns. When lead pellets were used exclusively in the past, clinical problems from chronically embedded shot seldom developed except for rare cases of lead toxicosis. However, because expended lead shot ingested unintentionally by waterfowl and other avian species is fatal, the US Fish and Wildlife Service mandated exclusive use of steel shot for waterfowl hunting beginning in 1991. To discover the effects of implanted steel shot in a biological system, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. Severe surface corrosion was evident when steel shot was placed in physiologic saline solution and sterile canine plasma. Eight laboratory dogs were surgically implanted with sterile steel shot in various superficial locations for intervals of 2 to 26 weeks. Corrosion of implants and tissue inflammation was observed in all biopsy specimens examined. It has been shown that steel shot embedded in tissues will corrode and result in a severe inflammatory response. If the accompanying inflammation is complicated by bacterial contamination, foreign body reactions resulting in infected, draining tracts could develop. Veterinarians and dog owners should be aware that treatment and prognosis for wounds caused by steel shot may differ from those for similar wounds caused by lead shot.     

Genetic Polymorphism of Dppa5 Gene and its Association with Reproductive Performance in Sow

The purpose of this study was to detect the genetic variation of the porcine developmental piuripotency associated 5 (Dppa5) gene and its association with reproductive performance in sow.PCR-RFLP and sequencing methods were used to detect SNPs and analyze its association with reproductive performance in Large White and Landrace sows.The results showed that two missense mutations g.363 T> C and g.844 G> T were detectd in exon of porcine Dppa5.SNP g.363 T> C affected total number born highly significantly in primiparous Large White sow (P< 0.01) and affected litter size and number born alive significantly in Large White and Landrace sows (P< 0.05).SNP g.844 G> T showed a significant impact on total number born in multiparous Landrace and Large White sows (P< 0.05).The results suggested that the SNPs of Dppa5 gene impacted reproductive performance of sows and could be genetic markers.     

Dppa5基因遗传多态性及其与母猪繁殖性状的关联分析

试验旨在研究猪多潜能性维持因子5(developmental piuripotency associated 5,Dppa5)基因的遗传多态性及其与母猪繁殖性状的遗传效应。以长白猪和大白猪为试验群体,采用PCR-RFLP、克隆测序等方法分析检测猪Dppa5基因的多态性并对其与母猪产仔性能进行关联分析。结果表明,猪Dppa5基因外显子上存在2个错义突变位点:g.363 T> C和g.844 G> T;猪Dppa5基因g.363 T> C 位点对初产大白猪的总产仔数有极显著影响(P< 0.01),对经产大白猪、长白猪的产活仔数有显著影响(P< 0.05);g.844 G> T位点对经产长白猪和大白猪的总产仔数有显著影响(P< 0.05)。综合结果分析,Dppa5多态位点对猪的繁殖性能存在影响,可作为潜在的遗传标记,为猪的分子育种提供参考。     

大白猪PTGS2基因外显子2多态性及其与繁殖性状的关联分析

试验旨在研究前列腺素内过氧化物合酶2（prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2,PTGS2）基因的单核苷酸多态性,并将其与大白猪的繁殖性状进行关联分析,为猪分子遗传标记提供依据。以美系及法系纯种大白猪基因组DNA为模板,构建DNA混合池,通过克隆测序比对,检测猪PTGS2基因的遗传变异;采用PCR-RFLP技术对多态性位点进行基因分型,并与目标性状进行关联分析。结果显示,在猪PTGS2基因外显子2上存在1个g.86A>G碱基突变,并具有Msp Ⅰ酶切位点多态性,且在大白猪群体中检测到AA、AG和GG 3种基因型;哈迪-温伯格平衡检验结果显示,在法系大白猪群体中,PTGS2基因g.86A>G多态性分布达到遗传平衡状态（P>0.05）。关联分析结果表明,在美系大白猪群体中,AA基因型初产母猪弱仔数显著少于AG基因型（P<0.05）,AA基因型经产母猪初生窝重显著高于AG基因型（P<0.05）;在法系大白猪群体中,GG基因型个体总产仔数、健仔数和初生窝重均高于AA和AG基因型,但未达到显著水平（P>0.05）。PTGS2基因外显子2 g.86A>G多态性位点显著影响初生窝重和弱仔数,可作为猪分子标记辅助选择育种的潜在位点。     

猪抗病基因Mx1第14外显子多态性与免疫性能的相关分析

为分析辽宁种猪群体Mx1基因多态性与免疫性能之间的关系,提取猪耳组织DNA,采用PCR-RFLP技术分析荷包猪、大白猪的Mx1基因多态性,通过双抗体夹心酶联免疫分析(ELISA)方法对两个种群中IFN-α、IL-4、SIgA的水平进行分析,显示:Hin6Ⅰ酶切仅检测到荷包猪存在AA、AB、BB三种基因型,基因型频率为0.681 4、0.061 9、0.256 6;荷包猪群体免疫数据整体高于大白猪群体,且波动范围大。结果表明:荷包猪与大白猪Mx1基因频率存在差别,荷包猪群体免疫水平高于大白猪,且携带更多Mx1基因的抗病性基因型。本研究为辽宁种猪资源保存、品种选育和开发利用提供了科学依据。     

Body composition of breeding gilts in response to dietary protein and energy balance from thirty kilograms of body weight to completion of first parity

The relationships among BW, backfat depth, and body physical and chemical composition were evaluated in response to dietary protein and DE balance in breeding gilts from 30 kg of BW to weaning of the first litter. Large White (sire) x Landrace (dam) F1 hybrid (White; n = 75) and Landrace (sire) x (Meishan x Large White; dam) (Meishan; n = 19) hybrid gilts were received at 30 kg of BW. Five gilts were taken as the initial slaughter group at 30 kg of BW, and the remaining gilts were fed diets differing in total lysine to DE ratio, high (H) vs. low (L), from 30 kg of BW to mating (rearing), and during gestation and lactation, allowing factorial investigation of dietary treatment effects and interactions during rearing, gestation, and lactation. Gilts were slaughtered at approximately 50 and 90 kg of BW, and at mating, farrowing, and weaning. Gilts fed L diets during rearing were lighter at mating (117.9 vs. 133.6 kg of BW, P = 0.035) due to a reduction in gain (592 vs. 720 g/d, P = 0.002) and a restriction in protein accretion (83 vs. 117 g/d, P = 0.001). During rearing, lipid accretion did not differ between L- and H-fed gilts (208 vs. 198 g/d, P = 0.60), but the ratio of lipid to protein accretion was about 1.5-fold greater in L-fed gilts, where lipid mass expressed as a percentage of BW was increased at mating (26.0 vs. 21.9%, P = 0.005). Effects of L diets on lipid accretion during rearing were transient; no residual effects on body lipid mass (P > 0.17) were found at farrowing or weaning. Overall, Meishan hybrids carried greater lipid mass (P < 0.001) than White hybrid gilts. Whereas the rate of body lipid and protein accretion and body lipid and protein mass can be nutritionally influenced and can vary according to growth stage, reproductive status, and genotype, this study established that body protein mass expressed as a proportion of the lipid free empty BW remains inflexible. A value for this measure of 0.188 +/- 0.0052 was found in White and Meishan hybrid gilts ranging from 28 to 203 kg of BW and 3 to 36 mm backfat depth, covering growth, pregnancy, and lactation, and offered diets differing in protein and energy balance. Body protein mass can be predicted as approximately 0.2 of the lipid free empty BW once body lipid mass is estimated accurately from physical measurements, such as backfat depth (P2, mm) and BW (kg), by regression using lipid (kg) = - 8.14 (SE, 1.302) + 0.167 (SE, 0.010) BW + 0.883 (SE, 0.065) P2 (residual SD = 3.51; R2 = 0.912).     

大白猪MC4R、CDC16基因多态性及其与生长性状的关联分析

本研究旨在利用高分辨率熔解曲线(high resolution melt,HRM)分型方法检测大白猪黑素皮质素受体(melanocortin-4 receptor,MC4R)和细胞分裂周期蛋白16(cell division cycle 16,CDC16)基因的多态性,并对其与大白猪的生长性状进行关联性分析。试验共采集246头大白猪的耳组织样提取基因组DNA,对小群体样本进行PCR扩增后,通过测序方法寻找两个基因在该群体中的多态性位点,针对已发现的多态性位点设计HRM专用引物,利用HRM方法对大群体进行多态性检测,将所得结果与大白猪生长性状进行关联性分析。结果表明,在MC4R基因序列中检测到1个突变位点2207A>G,2个等位基因:A和G,3个基因型:AA、AG和GG;在CDC16基因第18外显子上检测到了1个突变位点837T>C,2个等位基因:T和C,2种基因型:TT和CT。χ~2适合性检验结果显示,2个基因的基因型频率和等位基因频率在2个种群中分布差异不显著,符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡定律(P>0.05)。多态信息含量(PIC)分析显示,MC4R基因在2个群体中均处于中度多态(0.25相似文献   

Neuroradiological aspects of experimental traumatic missile injury in sheep

Radiological assessment of ovine brains subjected to experimental gunshot injury was performed using computed tomography. This imaging procedure enabled precise localisation of the projectile and metal and bony fragments, and depicted parenchymal damage, distortion and displacement of the brain, and skull fractures. Computed tomography scanning was found to be useful in the clinical evaluation of craniocerebral missile injuries and confirmed the acceptability of the 0.22 calibre rifle and 12-gauge shotgun for the euthanasia of sheep.     

马身猪和大白猪不同组织DECR1基因的表达

旨在研究DECR1基因在猪不同组织和品种中mRNA和蛋白水平的表达规律,探讨该基因与脂肪代谢的关系。以山西马身猪与大白猪为试验材料,提取肝脏、心脏、肾脏、脾脏、肺脏、胃、小肠、皮下脂肪和背最长肌组织的总RNA和总蛋白,应用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测DECR1基因在2个品种各组织中mRNA的相对表达量,采用Western blot技术对各组织中DECR1蛋白进行半定量分析。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示:DECR1基因在各组织中均有表达,组织之间的表达量存在极显著差异(P<0.01),DECR1基因在肝脏、皮下脂肪与心脏中为高丰度表达;在不同品种的皮下脂肪组织中,大白猪DECR1的mRNA表达极显著高于马身猪(P<0.01)。Western blot检测结果显示:DECR1在各组织中均有表达,不同组织的表达量存在极显著差异(P<0.01),在皮下脂肪、肝脏与小肠中高表达;不同品种的皮下脂肪组织中,大白猪DECR1蛋白的表达显著高于马身猪(P<0.05)。猪DECR1基因在不同组织的表达差异可能与脂肪代谢和脂肪沉积有关。     

Treatment of lead poisoning in wild geese.

Twenty-seven wild geese (Anser albifrons) suffering from lead poisoning caused by ingestion of lead shot were treated with disodium calcium ethylenediaminetetraacetate. The concentration of lead in blood ranged from 0.4 to 23.0 micrograms/ml, with a mean concentration of 5.6 micrograms/ml. In 22 of the birds, 1 to 48 lead pellets (mean, 10.5 pellets/bird) were seen on radiographs of their gizzards. Eleven of 27 birds recovered 3 to 8 weeks after the initiation of treatment. In the birds that recovered, the lead pellets were rapidly eroded as the birds recovered their appetites in response to treatment, and disappeared radiographically between treatment days 17 and 52. The birds that did not survive died within 4 weeks, despite decreased concentrations of lead in blood. Of these 16 birds, 15 had radiographic evidence of impaction of the proventriculus at the first examination and no evidence of resolution of the impaction at the time of death. In contrast, only 2 of the 11 geese that recovered had impaction of the proventriculus at the time of admission. Thus, the condition of the proventriculus seems to be the first consideration to evaluate in the prognosis of lead poisoning in geese.     

江口萝卜猪和梅山猪的猪应急综合征主效基因RYR1的PCR-RFLP检测

猪兰尼定受体1(Ryanodine Receptor1,RYR1)基因是导致猪应激综合征、影响猪肉质的主效基因.试验采用RFLP方法,以大白猪、2个杂交猪群(杜洛克×长白猪×大白猪和长白猪×大白猪)为对照,检测了江口萝卜猪与引入的梅山猪群RYR1基因的分布类型.结果表明,对照组中,外三元、外二元杂交猪和大白猪中均检测到...     

STC-1基因在大、小体型猪中表达与分布的差异分析

试验分别采集40日龄小体型猪（巴马猪）和大体型猪（大白猪）的心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肺脏、肾脏、头骨、骨骼肌组织,利用实时荧光定量PCR检测斯钙素-1（stanniocalcin 1,STC-1）基因mRNA在各个组织中的表达水平,并通过Western blotting检测STC-1蛋白在各个组织中的分布。实时荧光定量PCR检测结果表明,STC-1基因mRNA在巴马猪和大白猪肺脏、肾脏中相对表达水平较高,在骨骼肌中的表达水平最低;除心脏和骨骼肌外,巴马猪其余各组织中STC-1基因mRNA表达水平均显著高于大白猪（P < 0.05）。Western blotting检测结果表明,巴马猪肝脏中STC-1蛋白的表达量最高,而大白猪脾脏中STC-1蛋白表达量最高,两者差异显著（P < 0.05）;巴马猪肺脏、肝脏、骨骼肌及心脏组织中STC-1蛋白表达量均极显著高于大白猪（P < 0.01）;而巴马猪肾脏、脾脏中STC-1蛋白表达量极显著低于大白猪（P < 0.01）。本研究首次对大、小体型猪不同组织的STC-1基因mRNA表达水平及其STC-1蛋白分布进行检测,导致该基因表达与分布差异的原因可能与两种猪受外界环境应激及生长发育差异有关。     

Pathological study of lead poisoning in whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) in Japan.

During spring 1989, thirty-three whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) died at Lake Miyajima in Hokkaido, Japan; 15 were examined. The birds were diagnosed as having subacute lead poisoning due to ingestion of spent lead shot. The main gross findings were bile-stained liver, edematous or gelatinous bone marrow, bile-stained lining with hyperkeratosis and lead pellets in the gizzard, and proventricular impaction. Histopathologically, there was lead-hemolytic jaundice of the liver, hemosiderosis in the liver and spleen, and hypoplasia of the bone marrow with increased numbers of polychromatic erythroblasts. Acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies were seen in kidneys of seven swans. Under electron microscopy, inclusion bodies had frayed contours and consisted of high-electron-dense fine granules. The lead concentration of the liver ranged from 5.5 to 44.3 mg/kg wet weight. It was suggested that these changes resulted from excess breakdown of erythrocytes, inhibition of heme synthesis, and impaired erythropoiesis caused by lead shot.     

Expression and Distribution Difference Analysis of STC-1 Gene in Big and Small Body Shape Pigs

The heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,skull,skeletal muscle were collected from 40-day-old Bama Mini pig and Large White pig,stanniocalcin 1(STC-1) gene mRNA and STC-1 protein were detected with Real-time PCR and Western blotting methods, respectively. The Real-time PCR results showed that the expression level of STC-1 gene mRNA was higher in lung and kidney, but was the lowest in skeletal muscle of Bama Mini pig and Large White pig. Except for heart and skeletal muscle tissues, the expression level of STC-1 gene mRNA in other tissues of Bama Mini pig was significantly higher than Large White pig (P < 0.05).The Western blotting results showed that the STC-1 protein distribution were the highest in liver and spleen of Bama Mini pig and Large White pig, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The STC-1 protein expression in lung, liver, skeletal muscle and heart of Bama Mini pig were extremely significantly higher than Large White pig (P < 0.01),and the STC-1 protein expression in kidney and spleen of Bama Mini pig were extremely significantly lower than Large White pig (P < 0.01). STC-1 gene mRNA and protein were firstly detected in different tissues from big and small body shape pigs,this might have a relationship with various external environments stress and development.     

The prevalence of lead shot ingestion in wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Netherlands

During the hunting season 1986-1987, 2859 gizzards from mallards shot in the Netherlands were collected. Gizzards were selected radiographically and examined visually for ingested lead shot. The 95% confidence interval of the prevalence of lead shot ingestion was calculated to be 1.7 to 2.9%. In some gizzards a large number of lead shot (12-16) were seen. This is an indication for locally heavily contaminated areas. Especially places where mallards are attracted for hunting purposes, by daily feeding of corn, predispose these birds to lead poisoning. A ban with regard to these hunting practices will probably drastically reduce the prevalence of lead shot ingestion. A change from lead shot to steel shot will solve the problem completely.     

Experimental control of the process of lead absorption and deposition in domestic ducks

A trial was conducted with 40 domestic ducks of the White Pekin breed at the age of 40 days: thirty pieces of lead shot were introduced as a single dose in the gizzard. The process of lead resorption and deposition was found not to be significantly influenced by the therapeutic treatments nor changes in the composition of feed. A week after the administration of shot a significant increase was recorded in the content of lead to 4.32 mg in liver, to 11.36 mg in kidney and to 1.15 mg in muscle (the respective values for the control animals were 0.07, 0.11 and 0.06 mg per kg). At the end of the trial after three weeks of treatment and administration of experimental diets, no significant differences were recorded in lead content in liver, kidney and muscle between the untreated and treated ducks nor ducks fed experimental diets.