Faecal bacteria of wild ruminants and the alpine marmot

Faecal samples from 60 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 13 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 7 chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), 41 alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) and soils mixed with deer faeces from the Stelvio National Park were examined for Campylobacter sp. and Salmonella sp. with negative results. The same material, especially deer faeces, was a habitat highly suitable for Yersinia sp.: Y. enterocolitica (two biotypes) was isolated twice, Y. kristensenii (two serotypes) was isolated 19 times, Y. frederiksenii and Y. intermedia were isolated once. Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli were isolated from 16 specimens from wild ruminants, one from marmot and two from feeding places.     

A caprine experimental model for studies on inflammation

A new experimental model forin vivo studies on local inflammation in the goat is presented. The teat and udder cisterns were separated by a surgical procedure, resulting in the teat cistern being an isolated pouch which is easily accessible through the teat canal and suitable for experimental studies. The surgery was consistently successful in closing the passage and no post-surgical complications were observed.The model was applied to a study of the inflammatory response induced by infusion ofSalmonella endotoxin. A marked response was observed as measured by the accumulation of leukocytes, serum albumin andN-acetyl--d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) in the test cistern. An initial increase in serum albumin, indicating an increase in the epithelial permeability, was observed from 1.5 h after endotoxin infusion. Approximately 0.5 h later, the cell count started to increase, reaching its peak level 3 h after infusion. The NAGase concentration was closely correlated with the cell count.The model provides new possibilities forin vivo studies on local inflammation and fulfils many of the requirements of an inflammatory model; for example, it allows non-traumatic repeated samplings from the same animal. The goat is a suitable experimental animal for many studies and, as each goat has two teats, intra-goat comparisons can be performeed.Abbreviations LPS lipopolysaccharide - FreeNAG NAGase in cell-free sample - NAGase N-acetyl--d-glucosaminidase; saline, sterile 0.9% (w/v) NaCl - TotNAG NAGase in cell-containing samples     

The identity and prevalence of coccidia species in sheep and cattle in New Zealand

The results of a national survey of faeces from clinically normal deer for Salmonella sp. and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis are reported. Five isolates of Y. pseudotuberculosis and none of Salmonella sp. were made from 3810 faeces representing 122 farms.     

Plasma,Urinary and Biliary Residues in Cattle Following Intramuscular Injection of Nortestosterone Laurate

The synthetic androgen 19-nortestosterone (-NT) has been used illegally as a growth promoter in cattle production in the European Union. Elimination of -NT and its metabolites in plasma, urine and bile was studied in three cattle with cannulated gallbladders following intramuscular injection at a single site of 500 mg of the laurate ester (NTL) containing 300.5 mg -NT. Using enzyme immunoassay quantification, plasma Cmax of free -NT was 0.5±0.15 g/L (mean±SEM). Concentrations of free -NT in plasma were consistently greater than the assay limit of quantification (0.12 g/L) for 32.7±13.42 days. Mean residence time for free -NT in plasma was 68.5±20.75 days. Following sample preparation by immunoaffinity chromatography, high-resolution GC-MS was used to quantify -NT and -NT in urine and bile. -NT was detected irregularly in urine from two of the three animals post injection. The principal metabolite present in the urine, -NT, was detected for 160.3±22.67 days post injection. Cmax for -NT in urine was 13.7±5.14 g/L. Mean urinary AUC0–183 days for -NT was 845.7±400.90 (g h)/L.In bile, -NT was the only metabolite detected for 174.3±8.67 days post treatment. Cmax for -NT in bile was 40.8±12.70 g/L and mean biliary AUC0–183 days for -NT was 1982.6±373.81 (g h)/L. Concentrations of -NT in bile samples were greater than those in urine samples taken at the same time. The mean ratio of biliary:urinary AUC0–183 days was 3.0±0.72. It is concluded that bile is a superior fluid for detection of -NT following injection of NTL, owing to the longer period during which residues may be detected after administration.     

Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin and Its Metabolite Ciprofloxacin after Intramuscular Administration of Enrofloxacin in Goats

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin were investigated in goats after a single intramuscular administration of enrofloxacin at 2.5 mg/kg body weight. The plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were determined simultaneously by a HPLC method. The peak concentrations (C _max) of enrofloxacin (1.13 g/ml) and ciprofloxacin (0.24 g/ml) were observed at 0.8 and 1.2 h, respectively. The elimination half-life (t _1/2), volume of distribution (V _d(area)), total body clearance (Cl_B) and mean residence time (MRT) of enrofloxacin were 0.74 h, 1.42 L/kg, 1329 ml/h per kg and 1.54 h, respectively. The t _1/2, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and the MRT of ciprofloxacin were 1.38 h, 0.74 g h/ml and 2.73 h, respectively. The metabolic conversion of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin was appreciable (36%) and the sum of the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was maintained at or above 0.1 g/ml for up to 4 h. Enrofloxacin appears to be useful for the treatment of goat diseases associated with pathogens sensitive to this drug.     

Haemophilus influenzae and the β-adrenergic system: A review

Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium that often can be isolated from the deeper respiratory airways of patients with chronic asthmatic bronchitis. In the present study the effects ofH. influenzae vaccination on guinea pig pulmonary -adrenoceptor number and function (in vitro and in vivo) have been evaluated. Functioning of -adrenoceptors is determined by measuring the -mimetic effect of isoprenaline on the inhibition of anaphylactic mediator release and isolated tracheal strip relaxation. The number of -adrenoceptor binding sites was measured by means of a³H-dihydroalprenolol binding assay.Also the mechanism of action underlying the changes in -adrenoceptor functioning was evaluated. Furthermore, it was established that the effect on the -adrenoceptor system was not specific forH. influenzae and that other respiratory pathogens were also biologically active in this respect.     

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis recovered from the faeces of clinically healthy deer

Extract

Sir:— A recent paper by Henderson and Hemmingsen(1) reported the recovery of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis from the faeces of 5 of 3810 (0.13%) clinically healthy deer in a national survey conducted on 122 farms. The isolates were obtained from animals on four (3.27%) different farms. The authors concluded on the basis of these results and unpublished data that Y. pseudotuberculosis was only rarely recovered from faeces of healthy deer.     

Isolation and characterization of Babesia pecorum sp. nov. from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

The diversity of Babesia species infecting cervids in parts of central and southern Spain was analyzed by collecting blood from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Babesia sp. was isolated in vitro from two red deer herds in Cádiz and Ciudad Real. The number of Babesia sp. carriers differed between the two herds: 36/77 in Cádiz and 1/35 in Ciudad Real. Hyalomma lusitanicum was the most prevalent tick species identified on the Cádiz farm vegetation and on sampled animals, and is therefore a candidate vector. The molecular characteristics of 21 isolates were determined by complete (8 isolates) or partial (13 isolates) 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The sequences were highly similar (over 99.4% identity) and 6 sequence types were identified at the level of one herd only, demonstrating a rather high genetic diversity. They formed a monophyletic clade, and members of the three main sequence types shared a similar morphology and the same erythrocyte susceptibility pattern. This clade also included Babesia sp. Xinjiang isolated from sheep in China and Babesia sp. identified in giraffe in South Africa, with identities higher than 98.3% and statistically relevant phylogenetic support. None of the biological properties analyzed for both Babesia from red deer and Babesia sp. Xinjiang allowed their differentiation (ability to develop in vitro in erythrocytes from cattle and sheep, as well as in erythrocytes from different cervids, unsuccessful infection of calves). We propose the Babesia isolated from red deer as a new species named B. pecorum. Whether Babesia sp. Xinjiang and the Babesia characterized in South Africa belong to the same species is debated.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13567-014-0078-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Intestinal helminths of cats in the Kainji Lake area Nigeria

Six parasitic helminths detected wereAncylostoma sp.,Opisthorchis felineus,Toxocara mystrax,Hepaticola hepatica,Taenia sp. andHydatigera taeniaeformis. The prevalence ofH.hepatica,T.mystrax andH.taeniaeformis is associated with rodents hunted by cats, and that ofO.felineus with fish fed to cats. The role of cats as primary host and reservoir for these helminths, which could be of zoonotic importance, is briefly mentioned.     

Variations in the Length of the Y Chromosome and the Seminal Attributes of Karan Fries Bulls

Fresh semen and blood samples from 20 Karan Fries bulls (4–6 years of age), maintained at the Artificial Breeding Complex of the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, were collected for one year. All the bulls had 60 chromosomes, comprising 58 acrocentric autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes, with X as the larger and Y as the smaller submetacentric. The mean lengths of Y_p and Y_q; the total length of the Y chromosome and the length ratio were 1.10±0.01 m, 1.83±0.02 m, 2.92±0.02 m and 62.46%±0.18%, respectively. Analysis of the length measurements of the the Y chromosomes in Karan Fries bulls showed that all the measurements, viz., the short arm of the Y chromosome, the long arm of the Y chromosome, the total length of the Y chromosome and the variation in length of Y chromosome, varied significantly among bulls. All the seminal parameters, the volume of semen, mass activity, initial motility, concentration, live sperm count and the total abnormal sperm count, were significantly affected by bulls, whereas season had a significant effect on all the seminal parameters except the total abnormal sperm count. No significant relationship between the ratio of the long arm to the total length of the Y chromosome and seminal attributes was observed.     

Microbiology of the genitalia of nulliparous and postpartum Savanna Brown goats

A study of the bacterial flora of the genitalia of nulliparous Savanna Brown does was carried out both before breeding and at different intervals postpartum to investigate the type of microbial organisms that could be present in the uterus, cervix and the vagina respectively.Of 29 pre-breeding vaginal swabs, Staphylococcus sp. was isolated from 20 goats, Streptococcus sp. from 15 goats and Micrococcus sp. from four goats. Mycoplasma agalactiae was isolated from five goats.The postpartum vagina did not show any appreciable change in the microbial flora, except that Escherichia coli was encountered in two cases. The uterus yielded E. coli from the goats slaughtered 2 days postpartum; Micrococcus sp. from goats slaughtered 12 days postpartum; Staph. aureus from goats slaughtered 16 days postpartum and Staph. aureus from goats slaughtered 24 days postpartum.Also in these two cases — a goat slaughtered at two days postpartum (dpp) and a goat slaughtered 16 dpp — E. coli was present in the uterus. Other isolates from the uteri of slaughtered goats were Micrococcus sp. (12 dpp), Staph. aureus and Micrococcus sp. (16 dpp) and Staph. aureus (24 dpp).     

Identification of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and alpha-fetoprotein in fallow deer (Dama dama) placenta

Background

This paper describes the isolation and characterization of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) from fetal cotyledonary tissue (FCT) and maternal caruncular tissue (MCT) collected from fallow deer (Dama dama) pregnant females. Proteins issued from FCT and MCT were submitted to affinity chromatographies by using Vicia villosa agarose (VVA) or anti-bovine PAG-2 (R#438) coupled to Sepharose 4B gel. Finally, they were characterized by SDS-PAGE and N-terminal microsequencing.

Results

Four distinct fallow deer PAG (fdPAG) sequences were identified and submitted to Swiss-Prot database. Comparison of fdPAG with PAG sequences identified in other ruminant species exhibited 64 to 83% identity. Additionally, alpha-fetoprotein was identified in fetal and maternal tissues.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the efficacy of VVA and bovine PAG-2 affinity chromatographies for the isolation of PAG molecules expressed in deer placenta. This is the first report giving four specific amino acid sequences of PAG isolated from feto-maternal junction (FCT and MCT) in the Cervidae family.     

The effect of transfer factor treatment on two challenge infections ofHaemonchus contortus in immuno-competent 7-month-old lambs

A number of immuno-competent Blackface lambs were infected with 10,000Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae and were later challenged with a second dose of 10,000H. contortus third stage larvae. One group of lambs was treated with dialysed transfer factor prior to the second challenge dose.Histological changes in the abomasal wall, reductions in abomasal worm burdens at slaughter and faecal egg counts monitored throughout the experiment suggested the presence in some animals of (1) an innate resistance, (2) a self curing effect, (3) an enhancement of this self curing effect in the transfer factor treated group and (4) a response in one transfer factor treated animal comparable to classical self cure.     

Gastrointestinal parasites in an isolated Norwegian population of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Background

Thirteen red deer (Cervus elaphus), culled from the isolated population at the Mongstad Oil Refinery, Norway, were investigated for gastrointestinal helminths. These animals, enclosed by the refinery fence, do not have contact with other ruminants and have a high population density considering the available browsing area (1 km²) within the refinery site (3 km²). The population was estimated to be 110-130 at the time of culling.

Results

The helminth fauna among these sampled red deer was enumerated and species were identified based on morphology. Ostertagia leptospicularis/O. kolchida was detected in 83% [CI 55 - 95%], Spiculopteragia spiculoptera/S. mathevossiani in 92% [CI 65 - 99%] and Trichostrongylus axei in 42%, [CI 19 - 68%] of the abomasa examined. Characterisation of the intestinal parasite fauna revealed Capillaria bovis, Cooperia oncophora, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Trichuris globulosa and tapeworm fragments (presumed anoplocephalids) in seven individuals. Only one calf had an infection with more than one intestinal helminth (tapeworm fragment and Trichuris globulosa). The remaining six deer had single species intestinal infections.No significant age related trends were seen, with the exception of higher intensity of infection of T. axei in yearlings relative to other age classes. Assessment of abomasal parasite burden and body condition revealed no significant trends. In calves, statistically non-significant correlation was seen between increased parasite burden and decreased slaughter weight, whilst the opposite was seen in adults with the heaviest adults exhibiting the higher burdens. Given the small sample size the trends that were seen need further investigation. The parasite burden was aggregated with three adult red deer harbouring 75% of the total abomasal parasite count.

Conclusion

This isolated population was parasitised by a reduced subset of gastrointestinal nematodes typical of this cervid across an extensive geographic range in Eurasia. The intensity and abundance of abomasal nematodes was higher in this isolated population than reported in similar studies of red deer populations across Europe.     

Infectious pancreatic necrosis of salmonidae-recent developments and future prospects

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN), first described in 1955, is a viral disease of salmonid fry. The virus remains in the sexual fluids of adult carriers, thus allowing vertical transmission. The virus has been classified among the reoviruses, and at least three serotypes are well known: VR₂₉₉ (USA), Sp and Ab (Europe). It has been established in the case of VR₂₉₉ virus that some IPN survivors carry high levels of antibodies and completely eliminate the virus, while others do not synthesise antibodies and remain carriers for life. Sp type virus serially passaged a few times on cultured trout cells (RTG₂), acquires new properties compared to the wild original virus. The adapted virus forms large plaques, loses its pathogenicity and is neutralised by normal serum from trout free of IPN. The molecule involved in this neutralisation is not related to IgM antibodies, and its nature remains unknown. Variant virus types with different growth characteristics have also been selected from VR₂₉₉ cultured in trout (RTG₂) or minnow (FHM) cells. It appears therefore necessary to investigate the relationships betweenin vitro properties and pathogenicity.

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Kurzfassung Die zuerst in Amerika (1955) beschriebene infektiose Pankreas-Nekrose (N.P.I.) stellt eine Virose der Salmonidenbrut dar. Der Virus befindet sich in den sexuellen Ausscheidungen erwachsener Trägertiere; somit ist eine vertikale Ubertragung möglich. Von diesem Virus, der zur Familie der Reoviridae gehört, sind wenigstens drei Serumtypen bekannt: VR₂₉₉ (USA), Sp und Ab (Europa). Für VR₂₉₉ steht fest, dass die NPI Uberlebenden viele Antikörper erzeugen und den Virus völlig ausscheiden, während andere Varianten gar keine Antikörper produzieren und daher lebenszeitige Träger bleiben. Auf kultivierte Forellenzellen übertragene Viren des Sp Typus erlangen andere Eigenschaften als die Zellen des wilden Original virus. Der angepasste Virus provoziert grössere Auflösungsplatten, verliert seine pathogene Wirkung und wird vom normalen Forellenserum der NPI neutralisiert. In diesem Fall gehört das verantwortliche Molekül für die Neutralisierung nicht zu den IgM Antikörpern, und seine Natur ist nicht gut bekannt. Eine Selektion verschiedener Viren mit unterschiedlichen Wachstumseigen-schaften hat man mit dem VR₂₉₉ auf Forellen-oder Pfrillen-(FHM)-Zellen erhalten. Es scheint demnach notwendig, die Beziehungen zwischen Eigenschaftenin vitro und die Pathogeneität näher zu untersuchen.

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Resume Décrite pour la première fois aux U.S.A. en 1955, la Nécrose Pancréatique Infectieuse (N.P.I.) est une virose des alevins de salmonidés. Le virus est présent dans les produits sexuels des porteurs adultes, assurant la transmission verticale. Ce virus, classé dans la famille des Reoviridae, présente au moins trois sérotypes: VR₂₉₉ (U.S.A.), Sp et Ab (Europe). Classiquement, les survivants de N.P.I. (dans le cas du VR₂₉₉) font beaucoup d'anticorps et éliminent le virus, ou bien font peu ou pas d'anticorps et restent porteurs à vie. les virus de type Sp cultive sur cellules de truite RTG₂ acquièrent en quelques passages des propriétés différentes de celles du virus sauvage d'origine. Le virus adapté provoque des plages de lyse plus grandes, perd tout pouvoir pathogène et est neutralisé par le sérum de truites indemnes de N.P.I. Dans ce cas, la molécule responsable de la neutralisation n'appartient pas aux anticorps, et sa nature reste mal connue. La sélection de variants possédant des caractéristiques de croissance différente a aussi été obtenue avec le VR₂₉₉ propagé en cultures soit de truit (RTG₂) soit de vairon (FHM). Il apparaît donc néssaire d'approfondir les relations entre propriétésin vitro et pouvoir pathogènein vivo.

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Riassunto Descritta negli USA per la prima volta nel 1955, la necrosi pancreatica infettiva e una virosi dei giovani salmonidi. Il virus e presente nei prodotti sessuali dei portatori adulti, assicurando la trasmissione verticale. Questo virus classificato nella famiglia dei Reoviridae, rappresenta almeno tre sierotipi diversi: il VR₂₉₉ (USA), lo Sp ed il Ab (Europa). Tipicamente, i sopravissuti della NPI, producono molti anticorpi ed eliminano il virus, oppure ne producono pochi o non ne procucono affatto e rimangono portatori a vita. Dopo alcuni passaggi, i virus di tipo Sp, coltivati su cellule di trota RTG₂, acquistano delle proprietà diverse delle cellule del virus selvatico di origine. Il virus adattato provoca dell placche di lisi più grandi, perde ogni potere patogeno, e si neutralizza con il siero di trota indenne da NPI. In questo caso, la molecola responsabile della neutralizzazione non appartiene agli anticorpi e la sua natura resta poco nota. La selezione di varianti con caratteristiche di crescita diverse è stata anche ottenuta propagando il VR₂₉₉ in colture di trota (RTG₂) e di vairone (FHM). Appare quindi necessario approfondire le relazioni tra le proprietain vitro e il potere patogenoin vivo.

     

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from the floors of private veterinary clinics in Italy

To evaluate the presence of keratinophilic fungi in the environment, 400 samples were collected from the floors of 50 private veterinary clinics using 55-mm-diameter contact plates, containing mycobiotic agar. After incubation for 15 days at 25°C, the following species were isolated: Microsporum canis, Trichophyton terrestre, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Chrysosporium sp., Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton ajelloi, Chrysosporium tropicum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum and Chrysosporium pannorum. It is concluded that the keratinic material shed by infected pets may contribute to the development and propagation of dermatophytes and related fungi in veterinary clinics. Therefore, such veterinary clinics may represent sites where pets and humans are exposed to risk of infection with keratinophilic fungi from the environment.     

Some Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Pefloxacin in Lactating Goats

The aim of this study was to elucidate some of the pharmacokinetic parameters of pefloxacin in lactating goats (n = 5) following intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injections of 10 mg/kg bw. Serially obtained serum, milk and urine samples were collected at precise time intervals, and the drug concentrations were assayed using a microbiological assay. A two-compartment open model best described the decrease of pefloxacin concentration in the serum after intravenous administration. The maximum serum concentration (C _p ⁰ ) was 8.4±0.48 g/ml; elimination half-life (t _1/2) was 1.6±0.3 h; total body clearance (Cl_tot) was 3.6±0.3 L/kg/h; steady-state volume of distribution (V _dss) was 5.14±0.21 L/kg; and the area under the curve (AUC) was 2.78±0.22 g.ml/h. Pefloxacin was absorbed rapidly after i.m. injection with an absorption half-life (t _1/2ab) of 0.32±0.02 h. The peak serum concentration (C _max) of 0.86±0.08 g/ml was attained at 0.75 h (T _max). The absolute bioavailability after i.m. administration was 70.63±1.13% and the serum protein-bound fraction ranged from 7.2% to 14.3%, with an average value of 9.8±1.6%. Penetration of pefloxacin from the blood into the milk was rapid and extensive, and the pefloxacin concentration in milk exceeded that in serum from 1 h after administration. The drug was detected in milk and urine for 10 and 72 h, respectively; no samples were taken after 72 h.     

Immunological determination of faecal haemoglobin concentrations in dogs

Faecal haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in apparently healthy experimental Beagle dogs and in dogs of various breeds kept in private households or at breeders were measured by reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an effort to define the physiological concentrations of faecal Hb in the dog. In 88% (53) of 60 experimental Beagle dogs (30 males and 30 females), the RPLA titres were 1:2 and 1:8 and the faecal Hb concentrations ranged from 40.0 to 431.5 (mean 184.1±92.6) g/g faeces by ELISA. No significant difference was found in Hb levels or RPLA titres between males and females. Seven dogs (12%) had significantly greater RPLA titres and Hb concentrations by ELISA than the remaining dogs. In 84% (45) of the 53 dogs kept in private households or at breeders, the RPLA titres were >1:1 to 1:8 and the faecal Hb concentrations ranged from 7.1 to 456.7 (mean 137.5±128.7) g/g faeces in ELISA. Eight of these dogs (15.1% of 53 dogs) had significantly greater RPLA titres and Hb concentrations by ELISA than the remaining dogs. There were no significant differences between the Beagles and dogs kept in private households or at breeders. In conclusion, in 98 (86.7% of 113) dogs the physiological concentrations of RPLA titres were >1:1 to 1:8 and the faecal Hb concentrations were 143.5–185.1 g/g (95% confidence level). Approximately 13.3% of apparently healthy dogs had higher faecal Hb concentrations, suggesting the presence of subclinical haemorrhages. Four dogs suffering from colorectal cancer also had high faecal Hb concentrations.     

The isolation of Yersinia sp. from feral and farmed deer faeces

Faecal samples from clinically normal farmed red deer, wapiti, fallow deer; and feral red deer and white tail deer were examined for members of the genus Yersinia. From 922 samples 176 strains of Y.enterocolitica, 56 strains of Y.frederiksenii, 29 strains of Y.kristensenii, eight strains of Y.intermedia, and seven strains of Y.pseudotuberculosis were isolated. High isolation rates of Yersinia sp. were recorded from some farms. Two herds had isolation rates of 33.3% and 36.8%. Sixteen strains of Yersinia sp. in addition to strains of Y.psuedotuberculosis were found to be Hela cell invasive. The majority of these strains were confined to a single herd and represented Y.enterocolitica biotypes I, II and III, Y.intermedia, Y. fredericksenii, and Y.kristensenii.     

Feed intake and rumen motility in dwarf goats. Effects of some α-adrenergic agonists,prostaglandins and posterior pituitary hormones

The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that drug-induced changes in rumen contractions influence feed intake in dwarf goats. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of clonidine (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 10 min), xylazine (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 10 min), and PGF-2 (10 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) caused bradycardia and inhibition of rumen contractions. However, no appetite-stimulating effect of these drugs was observed. Other clinical changes induced by the ₂-adrenergic agonists included slight sedation and a decrease in body temperature; all clinical effects of clonidine and xylazine were partly antagonized by tolazoline pretreatment (10 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 30 min). These results suggest that the CNS control of feeding differs in ruminants and monogastric species.In dwarf goats fasted for 2 h, i.v. administration of oxytocin (0.01 IU kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), vasopressin (0.01 IU kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), octapressin (0.003 IU kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) or PGE (0.8 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) did not change feeding behaviour during the two observation periods (0–30 min and 180–210 min after drug infusion, respectively). In previous studies, similar doses of these drugs induced changes in heart rate and inhibition of rumen contraction in goats. These findings demonstrate that drug-induced changes in forestomach contractions do not simply cause changes in feeding behaviour. The i.v. infusion of the PGF₂ analogues etiproston (10 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), luprostiol (30 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), cloprostenol (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) and tiaprost (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) induced hypophagic effects and stimulated intestinal propulsion.