Peptide absorption: a review of current concepts and future perspectives.

Absorption of di- and tripeptides from the gastrointestinal tract is accepted as being an important biological phenomenon. The extent to which peptides are absorbed and the nutritional and metabolic significance of peptide absorption remain unclear. Evidence is strong for the existence of multiple peptide transport systems, including one type that is electrogenic in nature and that requires a protonmotive force and cotransports two H+ for every peptide transported. The rate of absorption of peptides can be responsive to level of dietary intake and level of dietary protein. Peptide absorption seems to be an important physiological process in ruminants, and this process may account for a large portion of absorbed amino acids. An important new observation is that the nonmesenteric portion of the portal-drained viscera of the ruminant is a major site of peptide absorption. These new observations may result in a reshaping of the currently accepted theory concerning protein utilization by ruminants.     

酶固定化技术的应用

固定化酶便于运输和贮存,有利于自动化生产,是近年发展起来的酶应用技术。介绍了酶固定化技术的应用,包括传统酶固定化技术的应用、利用不同载体材料的酶固定化技术的应用、利用不同载体材料改性后的酶固定化技术的应用以及新型酶固定化技术的应用。     

Immunoglobulin containing cells in the bronchopulmonary system of non-pneumonic and pneumonic calves

In an examination of the immunoglobulin containing cells in the respiratory mucosa of three-month-old non-pneumonic calves, IgA was found to be the predominant plasma cell type. In calves with cuffing pneumonia there was a marked increase in the plasma cell population in the bronchial wall and IgG1 cells became the major cell type. Similarly in calves with an exudative type of pneumonia IgG1 plasma cells were the significant cell type in the respiratory mucosa but the total number of plasma cells was similar to that found in the non-pneumonic animals. The immunohistochemical results suggest that IgA and, to a lesser extent, IgM are both transported across the mucous membrane via bronchial epithelial secretory cells and submucosal glands.     

Lymph node cytology

In clinical practice, animals with lymphadenopathy are eminently suitable candidates for cytology sample collection by FNAB from several enlarged nodes; or, if surgical biopsies are made, imprint smears from the tissue may yield diagnostically useful information to supplement the histological findings. Cytology may reveal the lesion to be reactive, inflammatory, or neoplastic. Cytologically, reactive nodes will contain increased numbers of plasma cells, possibly with some inflammatory cells, along with the resident lymphoid population. If inflammation is present, neutrophils and macrophages also will be found and the type of inflammation may be classified. Any infectious agent such as fungal hyphae, yeasts, bacteria, and protozoa also may be demonstrated. Aspirates may be cultured directly onto blood agar plates or transported in nutrient broth for culture at a referral laboratory. In chronic dermatopathic nodes, a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate is expected, and in pruritic skin disorders, eosinophils usually are plentiful in node aspirates. Increased numbers of eosinophils also may be found in dogs that are microfilaremic with heartworm infection. Background debris of hemosiderin and melanin pigment and other fine particles may occur in some chronic inflammatory lymphadenopathies. Metastatic lesions are identified by the presence of foreign neoplastic cells, but this diagnosis may be missed in early metastatic spread or if the aspirate is not sufficiently cellular. A cytological guide to the classification of the more common diffuse canine lymphomas is provided but full characterization of the lymphoma type may require histology and immunocytochemistry. In practice, a simple differential Romanowsky stain such as Diff Quik is suitable for most purposes. Supplementary stains using 1 per cent toluidine blue may increase the detection of mast cells. Aspirates also may be transferred into suitable media for transport to a referral diagnostic laboratory for cytocentrifugation or further tests such as electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and culture. Although definitive diagnosis by histopathology and other tests still may be required, in many routine cases, diagnoses can be achieved expediently in clinical practice by aspiration cytology.     

Effects of metomidate hydrochloride sedation on blood glucose and marketability of transported threespot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus

Our objectives were to determine whether sedation with metomidate hydrochloride (hereafter, "metomidate") during transportation of threespot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus would prevent an increase in blood glucose levels and improve fish marketability (i.e., based on appearance and behavior) in comparison with unsedated controls. Threespot gourami are obligate air-breathers that possess a labyrinth organ, enabling the fish to respire air above the water surface; these fish should be lightly sedated during transport. Fish were transported for approximately 24 h via truck and domestic airline. Blood was sampled at 0, 2, 6, and 12 h posttransport ation, and appearance and behavior were observed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 h and 7 d posttransportation. Metomidate concentrations tested were 0.0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/L. At the concentrations tested, metomidate neither inhibited elevations in blood glucose nor improved marketability. Fish that were transported with 0.3-mg/L metomidate were less marketable based on behavioral indices, and fish that were transported with 0.4-mg/L metomidate had higher glucose levels than control fish. Use of metomidate as a transport sedative for threespot gourami should be considered with caution and may be problematic at the concentrations tested; however, further research examining additional indices of stress may clarify metomidate use for this species.     

Anesthesia for fish

In fish, the most common purpose of anesthesia is to facilitate handling for physical examination and diagnostic sampling. Fish may also be transported to new locations more safely having been sedated. The author describes techniques of anesthesia in fish as well as the biologic characteristics of fish.     

Mortality in rabbits transported for slaughter

During transport rabbits may be exposed to various stressors which can compromise both their welfare and meat quality. Mortality related to the commercial transport of rabbits for slaughter was analyzed in the Czech Republic in the period from 2009 to 2016. The overall transport‐related mortality of rabbits was 0.19%. Transport distance was found to have an impact on rabbit mortality; significantly (p < .001) greater losses were found in rabbits transported over longer distances. Mortality rates ranged from 0.02% in rabbits transported over distances of less than 50 km to 0.29% in rabbits transported over distances exceeding 400 km. A significantly (p < .001) increased risk was also associated with shipments in which 500 and more rabbits were delivered per batch. No effect of season was found. Our results show that rabbits can be transported within a wide range of temperatures (from ?5 to 19.9°C) with no negative impact on mortality in transit. However, journeys carried out at temperatures below ?5°C and above 20°C were associated with increased death losses (0.17% and 0.15%, respectively).     

Investigation of the effects of transport and lairage on hydration state and resting behaviour of calves for export.

Plasma sodium concentrations, packed cell volume, total plasma protein concentration and dermal skinfold thickness were used to assess the state of hydration of 113 transported calves before and after lairage and in 30 control calves on the farm of origin. Skin thickness increased significantly (P less than 0.05) and total protein increased slightly during transport and decreased during lairage. These changes suggest that transport may cause dehydration and lairage may help in recovery. Plasma potassium concentration decreased during transport, but the effect was inversely related to the distance travelled, and the concentration increased during lairage. These changes are consistent with recovery from initially high cortisol levels at loading. The resting behaviour of 150 transported calves was recorded hourly for six hours. More time was spent resting and sleeping by the transported calves than has been reported for non-transported calves and more still by small transported calves, suggesting that transport is exhausting, that lairage helps recovery and that small calves are more adversely affected. During lairage the numbers of calves asleep decreased to values reported for normal calves, suggesting that 10 hours lairage was adequate. However, small calves did not return to their normal rest patterns within the observation period.     

Effects of Metomidate Hydrochloride Sedation on Blood Glucose and Marketability of Transported Threespot Gourami Trichogaster trichopterus

Abstract

Our objectives were to determine whether sedation with metomidate hydrochloride (hereafter, “metomidate”) during transportation of threespot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus would prevent an increase in blood glucose levels and improve fish marketability (i.e., based on appearance and behavior) in comparison with unsedated controls. Threespot gourami are obligate air-breathers that possess a labyrinth organ, enabling the fish to respire air above the water surface; these fish should be lightly sedated during transport. Fish were transported for approximately 24 h via truck and domestic airline. Blood was sampled at 0, 2, 6, and 12 h posttransportation, and appearance and behavior were observed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 h and 7 d posttransportation. Metomidate concentrations tested were 0.0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/L. At the concentrations tested, metomidate neither inhibited elevations in blood glucose nor improved marketability. Fish that were transported with 0.3-mg/L metomidate were less marketable based on behavioral indices, and fish that were transported with 0.4-mg/L metomidate had higher glucose levels than control fish. Use of metomidate as a transport sedative for threespot gourami should be considered with caution and may be problematic at the concentrations tested; however, further research examining additional indices of stress may clarify metomidate use for this species.

Received February 16, 2011; accepted December 18, 2011.     

Welfare issues related to transport and handling of both trained and unhandled horses and ponies

Dehydration and increased risk of respiratory problems are common outcomes of transport, and both appear to be related to journey duration, emotional effects, such as fear, and challenging environmental conditions. Welfare may be improved by familiarising equines with transport vehicles and loading procedures before travel starts, and by providing thermally comfortable and well ventilated conditions during the journey. For long road journeys, rest breaks with drinking water should be given. Both trained and unhandled animals should have sufficient space and freedom to adjust their posture and to lower their heads, but maximum safe space allowances are unknown. Mares and foals should be transported together. Injury during transport is relatively common, particularly in groups of horses travelling to slaughter, and is usually associated with driver error, internal fittings and vehicle type or design, but also with mixing of animals of different sex and weight leading to fighting. There needs to be better training and monitoring to prevent such avoidable risks to horse welfare. There is also a need for more research into appropriate prophylaxis and post transport therapy as knowledge of accumulated stress and depressed immune function following prolonged and repeated transport is poorly understood.     

Decreased ACTH secretion during prolonged transportation stress is associated with reduced pituitary responsiveness to tropic hormone stimulation in cattle

The present study examined the effect of transportation stress on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis responsiveness to tropic hormone stimulation and on abundance of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor R1 (CRFR1) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor V3 (V3) mRNAs in the anterior pituitary (AP) of cattle. Holstein steers were transported for 10 h or used as non-transported controls (NTC). Blood samples were collected at start of transportation and every 1–2 h thereafter. To test AP responsiveness to tropic hormones, animals were challenged (i.v.) with CRF (0.5 μg/kg), AVP (1 μg/kg) or CRF plus AVP immediately after end of transportation and blood samples collected every 30 min for 3 h. The AP of animals transported for 0, 4 or 10 h were harvested for mRNA analyses. Plasma ACTH in transported animals increased within 1 h and remained elevated for 6 and 8 h versus NTC and 0 h values, respectively. Plasma concentrations of cortisol increased in response to transportation and remained elevated throughout the transport period. Injection of CRF or AVP to NTC animals increased plasma ACTH, but ACTH secretion in response to CRF or AVP was dramatically reduced in transported animals. ACTH secretion following co-injection of CRF and AVP tended to be less in transported animals, but was almost 100% greater than when secretagogues were administered separately. Despite decreased AP responsiveness to CRF and AVP, AP CRFR1 and V3 mRNAs were increased after 10 h transportation. Results indicate decreased AP responsiveness to CRF and AVP may regulate duration of ACTH secretion in response to transportation stress in cattle.     

Physiological and metabolic effects of prophylactic treatment with the osmolytes glycerol and betaine on Bos indicus steers during long duration transportation

The physiological and metabolic effects of prophylactic treatment with osmolytes were investigated using twenty-four 2.5-yr-old Bos indicus steers. Animals were allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups: 1) control, feed and water deprived for 48 h (n = 6); 2) transported, transported for 48 h (n = 6); 3) glycerol, dosed with glycerol (2 g/kg of BW) and then transported for 48 h (n = 6); and 4) betaine, dosed with betaine (0.25 g/kg of BW) then transported for 48 h (n = 6). Body water, electrolytes, blood pH and gases, plasma lactate, glucose, albumin, total protein, anion gap, strong ion difference, total weak acids, and BW were determined at the conclusion of 24 and 48 h of transportation. The glycerol group had greater body water volumes than the control (P = 0.05) and transported (P = 0.02) groups. The glycerol, transported, and betaine groups had lower (P = 0.02) plasma Mg concentrations than the control group at 24 h, whereas the glycerol group maintained lower (P = 0.04) plasma concentrations of Ca than the control group. The betaine group had lower (P = 0.04) hematocrit than the control group at 24 and 48 h. Plasma bicarbonate and pCO2 were 13 and 17% greater (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively) in the glycerol group at 24 h compared with control and transported groups. However, the ratio of [HCO3]/[CO2] in the glycerol group did not differ from the other groups and thereby maintained pH. The glycerol group maintained a 30% greater (P < 0.001) plasma concentration of glucose than the control group, and 14% greater (P = 0.05) than the transported and betaine groups. In contrast, betaine had little effect on increasing blood glucose compared with glycerol. Glycerol-linked hyperhydration at 24 h may not only help to conserve water loss during long distance transportation, but the increased blood glucose may have an important protein-sparing effect due, in part, to greater insulin concentrations inhibiting the breakdown of muscle proteins, thus, countering the amino-acid mobilizing effect of cortisol after 24 h. Therefore, the osmolyte glycerol shows promise as a prophylactic treatment for attenuating the effects of long distance transportation by maintaining body water, decreasing the energy deficit, and preserving health and muscle quality.     

Quantitative analysis of acid-base balance in Bos indicus steers subjected to transportation of long duration

There is a lack of information pertaining to the effects of transport stress on the acid-base physiology of ruminants. The effect of transportation and/or feed and water deprivation on acid-base balance was studied using 19 2-yr-old Bos indicus steers. The steers were allocated to one of three groups: 1) control, offered ad libitum access to feed and water (n = 8); 2) water and feed deprived, offered no feed or water for 60 h (n = 6); and 3) transported, offered no feed or water for 12 h, and then transported for 48 h (n = 5). Blood gases, electrolytes, lactate, total protein, albumin, anion gap, strong ion difference, and total weak acids were determined at the conclusion of transportation. Arterial blood pH did not differ among the experimental groups. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) was lower for the water and feed deprived (P = 0.023) group than for the control group. Plasma total protein, albumin and total weak acid concentrations were higher for the transported (P = 0.001, P = 0.03, P = 0.01) and water- and feed-deprived (P = 0.000, P = 0.003, P = 0.001) groups, respectively, compared with the control group. Transported animals had a lower plasma concentration of potassium (P = 0.026) compared with the control animals. This study demonstrates that although blood pH remains within normal values in transported and fasted steers, the primary challenge to a transported or feed- and water-deprived animal is a mild metabolic acidosis induced by elevated plasma proteins, which may be the result of a loss of body water. The loss of electrolytes had little effect on the acid-base balance of the animals.     

Periparturient infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 causes hemorrhagic proctocolitis in a cow

After 3 cows of a dairy herd had died from severe hemorrhagic diarrhea, a 4th sick cow was transported to the clinic. Blood analyses revealed the complete absence of white blood cells, the presence of a type 1b strain of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and seroconversion to BVDV.     

What is Fieldwork?

Fieldwork implies the performance of veterinary procedures away from a normal workplace. In the context of exotic animals and wildlife, this often means or suggests working overseas in poorer regions of the world, but even in richer countries, field techniques may be required to diagnose disease or to carry out veterinary treatment. Equipment for such work has to be carefully selected and either transported to the location or made available on site. Standard utilities may not be available, calling for alternative sources of power such as battery or solar energy, and water may have to be carried or collected. There may be limited assistance, difficult terrain, and poor communication. As this and ensuing articles show, those involved in fieldwork, wherever it takes place, need to be adaptable and versatile. Health and safety are always important considerations.     

Morphogenesis of vesiculation in foot-and-mouth disease

The morphogenesis of vesiculation in cattle inoculated (aerosol expsoure) with foot-and-mouth disease virus was investigated by examining alternate, frozen sections of selected tissues stained by fluorescent antibody technique and with hematoxylin and eosin. Viremia preceded the development of lesions, and virus appeared to be transported to the epithelium via papillae. Lesions were initiated usually by the infection of single cells in the stratum spinosum adjacent to the papillae. Three types of lesions were observed. A vesicle developed mainly from the lysis of swollen, spherical cells and the release of intracellular fluid. The 2nd type of lesion was formed mainly by the accumulation of intercellular edema. The 3rd type was characterized by the absence of a vesicle due to seepage and loss of edema fluid and desiccation of the lesion.     

运输应激对畜禽的影响及其应对措施

由于集约化养殖的畜禽在进出养殖场、转群、集中屠宰前都需要运输,运输过程不可避免地伴有运输应激,这会导致动物的生理、心理状态和代谢过程发生相应地变化,严重时会给畜牧业生产带来巨大损失。本文综述了运输应激对动物生产性能、内分泌代谢、机体免疫机能和产品品质四方面的影响,并提出了一些针对性的应对和防控措施,以期为缓解运输应激给畜禽生产造成的不利影响提供借鉴和指导。     

The effect of transport on the quality of rabbit meat

The analyzed material included 40 hybrid rabbits slaughtered at the age of 90 days. The control group was transported directly after weaning, while the transport group was transported directly prior to slaughter. The experiment was designed to assess the transport stress, carcass and meat quality implications, taking into account the muscle type and sex. The transported animals were characterized by a higher level of blood cortisol, glucose and triglycerides (P < 0.0001), and a lower level of insulin (P < 0.0001) compared to the control group. In the presented study the time post‐mortem affected the pH decline in both rabbit groups (P < 0.0001). The lightness, redness and yellowness of rabbit meat were affected by the transport (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001). The percentage of free water and its share in the total water was higher for the non‐transported rabbits compared to the transported ones (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the meat from the control group was characterized by greater plasticity compared to the transport group (P = 0.003). The chemical composition of rabbit meat was not changed by the effect of transport (P = 0.643–0.979). To conclude, the quality traits of meat from the transported hybrid rabbits clearly indicated the development of dark firm and dry‐like lower quality of meat.     

Comparison of the effects of fan-assisted and natural ventilation of vehicles on the welfare of pigs being transported to slaughter

A total of 417 pigs with an estimated average liveweight of 91 kg were transported to slaughter in three journeys, carried out in late June, each consisting of a three-hour drive followed by a one-hour holding period at the slaughter plant before they were unloaded. The pigs were accommodated on the lower two decks of a three-deck articulated lorry, each deck having five equal-sized pens; half were kept in naturally ventilated pens and half in pens with fan-assisted ventilation. The pigs' body temperature was recorded as the temperature of the blood lost at exsanguination, and as the temperature of the inner surface of the ear measured by thermal imaging. The pigs carried on the upper deck were hotter than those carried on the lower deck, and the pigs carried at the front of the vehicle were hotter than those at the back. There were small differences between the temperatures of the pigs in the different pens, but overall the temperatures of the pigs kept in pens with fan-assisted ventilation were no lower than those of the pigs kept in pens with natural ventilation. The higher temperature of the pigs transported in the front of the vehicle was associated with significantly higher serum concentrations of cortisol and activities of creatine kinase, and a tendency to higher albumin concentrations and osmolality, suggesting that they may have been exposed to more physical and psychological stress, and were possibly slightly more dehydrated, than the pigs in the rearmost pens. The type of ventilation had no effect on the blood composition of the pigs.     

Behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to being transported for up to 24 hours followed by six hours recovery in lairage

Ninety-six pure-bred Large White pigs weighing 80 to 100 kg were either not transported or transported for eight, 16 or 24 hours, and then either slaughtered immediately on arrival at the abattoir or kept in lairage for six hours before being slaughtered. The pigs travelling for eight, 16 or 24 hours lost 2.2, 2.0 and 4.3 per cent of liveweight, respectively, and the pigs travelling for 24 hours lost 2.6 per cent of hot carcase weight Both liveweight and hot carcase weight recovered during the lairage period although there was a net liveweight loss in comparison with the control animals. Only transport for 24 hours led to losses in carcase weight The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids increased with the time spent travelling. The concentrations of cortisol, creatine phosphokinase and lactate were all low in comparison with the levels found in commercially slaughtered animals. Plasma albumin and protein concentrations indicated that the animals were becoming dehydrated during the longer journeys. The animals lay down for most of the journey and appeared to be asleep. During the period in lairage, the animals transported for eight hours had two distinct periods of feeding and drinking but spent most of the time lying down, but those transported for 16 and 24 hours showed far more eating and drinking activity. All the groups appeared tired, but the urge to eat of the groups transported for 16 hours, and especially 24 hours appeared to be more important. There were behavioural and the physiological differences between the transported groups and the controls. Six hours in lairage with access to food and water allowed most of the physiological parameters to return to pretransport levels.