Effect of age on the acetylation and deacetylation reactions of sulphadimidine and N4- acetylsulphadimidine in calves

Following intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) adminstration of sulphadimidine (SDM), the pharmacokinetics of SDM and N₄-acetylsulphadimidine (N₄-SDM) were studied in plasma of calves from the first day of life to the age of about 6 months. An obvious age dependency was observed for the elimination half-life (t1/2) of SDM: the first day of life the t1/2 ranged between 13.5 and 17 h, and decreased in approximately 3 weeks to 4–6 h and remained constant from this time. The metabolite N₄-SDM, as a percentage of the total concentration of the sulphonamide measured in plasma of neonatal calves, ranged between 21.6 and 25.5% at the first day of life, declined in 3 weeks to approximately 12.8%, and at 5 till 9 weeks the final percentage was about 6.8%. Following administration of N₄-SDM, the elimination half-life of N₄-SDM was 3 h in an 8-day-old calf declined to 1.4–1.7 h in 4-week-old calves, and was 0.9 h in calves older than 11 weeks. The percentage of SDM (a metabolite of N₄-SDM) in plasma increased with time after injection from 5.5 to 62.8% of the total sulphonamide plasma concentration. This value was age-related. The total body clearance of N₄-SDM was three- to five-fold higher than that of SDM.     

Age-related changes in the pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin after intravenous administration in goats

The pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin was studied in adult goats and 1-, 3- and 6-weeks-old kids after single dose i.v. dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Drug concentration in plasma was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the data collected were subjected to compartmental kinetic analysis. Volume of distribution was relatively high in adult goats (Vss = 1.31 L/kg), and increased with age (Vss = 0.92 L/kg, 0.95 L/kg and 1.00 L/kg, in 1-, 3- and 6-weeks-old kids respectively). Total body clearance (Cl) also increased with age from 0.080 L/kg.h (1-week-old) to 0.097 L/kg.h (3-weeks-old), 0.18 L/kg.h (6-weeks-old) and 0.23 L/kg.h (adult goats). As a consequence of increased body Cl, area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve decreased with age (AUC = 27.46 microg.h/mL, 22.61 microg.h/mL, 11.86 microg.h/mL and 8.44 microg.h/mL in 1-, 3-, 6-weeks-old kids and adults, respectively) and a longer elimination half-life was found during the first 3 weeks of age (t1/2beta = 9.66 h, 8.25 h, 6.44 h and 7.18 h, in 1-, 3-, 6-weeks-old kids and adults, respectively). Mean residence time decreased with age from 11.86 h in 1-week-old kids to 9.63 h (3 weeks), 5.76 h (6 weeks) and 5.06 h in adult goats.     

Changes in Testicular Development, Ultrasonographic and Histological Appearance of the Testis in Buck Kids Immunized Against LHRH Using Recombinant LHRH Fusion Protein

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant Ovalbumin-LHRL (OL) immunization on changes in testicular size, histological appearance and testosterone production in buck kids. Thirty native buck kids at 18 weeks of age were divided into three groups, control (n = 10), immunization (n = 10) and castration (n = 10) groups. Immunized animals received OL protein generated by recombinant DNA technology. Ultrasonographic and histological examinations of the testes were performed. Animals were slaughtered at 44 weeks of age. Semen and epididymides were evaluated for the presence of sperm cells. Immunized animals generated anti-LHRH antibodies. Testosterone production, testicular and accessory glands development and sperm production were suppressed in the immunized animals (p < 0.01). Semineferous tubule diameters decreased (p < 0.01), basal membrane of the tubule was thickened and hyalinized in immunized kids. Immunization affected ultrasonographic appearance of the testes drastically. While testes of control animals gained their normal ultrasonographic appearance as the age increased, immunized animals had uniform hypoechogenic testicular structure as observed at 18 weeks of age until slaughter. Simultaneous histological and ultrasonographic evaluations indicated that the changes in testicular histology could partly be monitored via ultrasonographic imaging; nevertheless, it is difficult to claim that ultrasonographic image reflects the exact changes in such instances. In conclusion, these results indicate that recombinant OL fusion protein is effective in immunocastration in buck kids and has a potential to be used as an alternative to physical castration. Further researches should be conducted to help assessing reproductive status of testes from ultrasound images.     

Colostral Transfer in the Goat of Antibodies Against Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis and the Antibody Status of Kids During the First 10 Months of Life

Serum and colostrum samples from goats at parturition and serum samples from their kids at 3 days and at 4, 7, 10 and 12 weeks after birth were examined for the presence of antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis hemolysins. The hemolysis inhibition test (HIT) was used. High correlation was found between titre values of antihemolysins in serum and colostrum of goats at parturition (correlation coefficient r = 0.83; P < 0.01). Intermediate correlation was found between antihemolysin titre in colostrum of goats and in the sera of their kids 3 days old (r = 0.56; 0.01 < P < 0.05). Furthermore, titre values for 3 day-old kids showed high correlation with the antihemolysin titres when the kids aged 4 and 7 weeks (r = 0.76 and 0.85, respectively; P < 0.01). Antihemolysin titres decreased linearly in kids from 3 days to 10 weeks old. Calculated half life of antibodies was 12 days. Most of the kids had detectable antibodies up to the age of 5–6 weeks. None of the kids were seropositive at 2½ months of age.Serum samples collected monthly from a group of kids chosen at random, aged 7–10 months, contained antibodies to hemolysins in half of the animals at the first testing. At the age of 10 months 14 out of 15 kids were seropositive. Thus, most of the kids from this herd were exposed to G. pseudotuberculosis antigens during summer and autumn of their first year of life.Prophylactic measures against caseous lymphadenitis is briefly discussed.     

The effect of testosterone and rutting on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of sulphadimidine in goats

After testosterone pretreatment of castrated goats and during the rutting season of adult entire male goats, the oxidative metabolism of sulphadimidine (SDM) was inhibited markedly compared with the castrated control state of these animals. The oxidation of the 5 position (yielding 5-hydroxysulphadimidine) and of the 6-hydroxymethyl group (yielding 6-carboxysulphadimidine) was decreased equally, with that of the methyl group at the pyrimidine side chain itself being 6-hydroxymethylsulphadimidine (CH2OH), whereas the acetylation pathway was unaffected by testosterone. The consequence of altered metabolism by testosterone was a prolongation of SDM presence in the body. Effects on protein binding of the CH2OH metabolite and on the renal clearance of SDM were also investigated.     

The effect of Duddingtonia flagrans on trichostrongyle infections of Saanen goats on pasture

Four groups of nine Saanen goat does with a naturally acquired mixed trichostrongylid infection were grazed on four paddocks. Two groups received a daily dose of Duddingtonia flagrans at the rate of 5 x 10(7) chlamydospores per animal per day for the 26-day grazing period. After a 19-day pasture resting period, 20 worm free 12-week-old tracer kids were introduced to the paddocks for 14 days prior to removal for worm burden analysis. Four groups of five does and four kids were drenched then turned out onto the paddocks and faecal egg count (FEC) monitored. The FEC between groups was comparable throughout the initial grazing period. There were significant reductions in number of Teladorsagia circumcincta (54.8%, P=0.004) and Haemonchus contortus (85.0%, P=0.02) worms recovered from tracer animals. FEC of animals subsequently grazing pasture were significantly reduced (P=0.036) with reductions of 44% observed 4 weeks post-turnout. No significant difference was observed after 6 weeks grazing. This trial has demonstrated the potential of D. flagrans to reduce larval numbers on pasture grazed by goats under New Zealand conditions.     

Fish and antibiotics: pharmacokinetics of sulphadimidine in carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clearance of sulphadimidine (SDM) were studied after a single intraperitoneal injection of SDM in carp at 20 degrees C. SDM was acetylated and hydroxylated to a small extent. The main metabolite was N4-acetyl derivative amounting only 2% of the total drug dose excreted; hydroxylation was less important (0.41% of the dose). The elimination half-life for SDM in carp was 17.5 h. The clearance values for SDM and its metabolites were equivalent. The importance of pharmacokinetic studies in different fish species is discussed.     

Effect of vitamin E supplementation of sheep and goats fed diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in Se

Vitamin E (VitE) and selenium (Se) are an essential part of the antioxidative functions of metabolism. There are situations of low supply of both micronutrients. As VitE is involved in ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their protection against oxidation in metabolism, diets supplemented with PUFA may challenge VitE to an extent making recommended supplies insufficient. Twelve goats and sheep each were fed a diet supplemented with PUFA and characterised by low Se and limited VitE contents during the last 2 months of gestation and the first 2 months of lactation. The basal diet consisted of hay and concentrate. Six goats and sheep received extra VitE, while the control groups received no extra VitE. Blood and milk samples were taken. In addition, liver, heart muscle and spleen samples were obtained from the offspring after slaughtering at an age of 8 weeks. No significant changes were observed in serum Se and VitE. A significant increase in serum VitE concentrations between 2 and 4 weeks postpartum (pp) was evident in the supplemented kids. In 4, 6 and 8 weeks pp, the serum concentrations of VitE in the supplemented kids were significantly higher compared to the unsupplemented group. In the kids, VitE was higher in liver of the supplemented groups. There were no significant differences in response to extra VitE between sheep and goat. The kids responded to serum VitE different from that of lambs, as a significant difference was observed between supplemented and unsupplemented animals in the goat kids, but not the lambs. In conclusion, goats and sheep have to be viewed differently and may not be considered alike relating to VitE/Se metabolism and requirements, especially in young animals.     

Shedding pattern and serological profile of porcine circovirus type 2 infection in cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived and farm-raised pigs

Six 5-week-old porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-free, cesarean-derived, colostrums-deprived (CDCD) pigs were inoculated intranasally with 10(6) TCID(50) of PCV2. Four CDCD pigs were untreated cohabitants. Forty farm-raised pigs from two PCV2-contaminated herds were randomly selected for PCV2 trace investigations. Blood, nasal, oropharyngeal and fecal samples were collected from all tested pigs weekly. The PCV2 DNA shed at 6-11 and 7-12 weeks of age for PCV2-inoculated pigs and cohabitants, respectively. All the CDCD pigs exhibited seroconversion after PCV2 exposure. In the farm-raised animals, PCV2 shed at 9-15 weeks of age and seroconversion started at 11 weeks of age. Collectively, the pigs had a prolonged PCV2 shedding period following viral exposure, and growing pigs were the source of horizontal PCV2 transmission in PCV2-infected herds.     

Pharmacokinetics of three sulphonamides in ruminant and preruminant kids

The pharmacokinetic properties of three sulphonamides were determined in ruminant and preruminant kids after oral and intravenous administration. First, sulphisomidine (SIM, 50 mg kg-1) and sulphadoxine (SDX, 30 mg kg-1) were given to seven kids, 10 to 12 weeks old, while on a milk replacer diet and again at 15 to 18 weeks when fed roughage. Secondly, SIM (100 mg kg-1) and sulphadimidine (SDD, 100 mg kg-1) were given at six to nine, 12 to 15 and 18 to 21 weeks old to eight kids, of which four were fed milk replacer and four were with their mothers (with access to roughage) until 15 weeks, after which all were fed roughage only. SDX and SDD exhibited non-linear (or capacity limited) absorption after oral dosage, suggesting possible active absorption mechanisms, and both drugs also showed non-linear elimination. Intravenous curves for SDD and SIM indicated that recycling occurred. With SDX, ruminant kids showed poorer systemic availability after oral dosage, shorter t1/2(el) and higher B than did preruminants. For SDD, ruminant kids had lower Vd and higher B than preruminants. SIM's t1/2(el) tended to shorten and beta to increase in both groups throughout the experiment. Not all differences between ruminants and preruminants in sulphonamide pharmacokinetics could be explained by the accumulation of acidic forestomach contents and the change of urine pH from acid to alkaline in the maturing ruminant. Other potential contributing factors require investigation, including possible alterations in hepatic drug metabolism. Of the three drugs tested, SDX might be the most satisfactory for therapeutic use in preruminant animals, because it has good bioavailability after oral administration and long t1/2(el).     

Changes in the distribution of urea in body fluids during growth]

Urea concentration in plasma, muscle, and liver fluids of Wistar rats at the age of 3, 6, and 12 weeks was determined. In rats at the age of 3 weeks urea was cumulated in liver and muscle tissue fluids, in older rats (6 and 12 weeks) in plasma fluid. According to the stated urea distribution in individual age categories, a higher urea transport from tissues to blood is considered to be in rats at the age of 6 and 12 weeks. The urea transport proved to be one of the mechanisms of facilitating better utilization of endogenous urea nitrogen in bio-synthetic processes of the nitrogen metabolism in ruminants as well as in monogastric animals.     

Prophylaxis using paromomycin of natural cryptosporidial infection in neonatal kids

The chemoprophylactic effects of paromomycin sulfate against natural cryptosporidiosis in young kids were investigated. Two studies were carried out using two groups of 18 and 12 animals in two pens. In each pen, kids were allocated to treated or control groups. The treatment consisted of oral paromomycin given at 100 mg kg⁻¹ body weight day⁻¹ for 11 consecutive days from 2 days of age. All kids were weighed at 2, 6 and 10 days of age. Infection was monitored by collecting fecal samples and staining fecal smears every 3–4 days from days 4 or 5 to days 15 or 19. The results clearly showed the efficacy of paromomycin in reducing cryptosporidial oocyst output. Moreover, paromomycin prevented clinical signs and mortality.     

Immunization with Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae-live attenuated oocysts protect goat kids from clinical coccidiosis

Caprine coccidiosis, affecting mainly young goat kids around the weaning period, is worldwide the most important disease in the goat industry. Control of caprine coccidiosis is increasingly hampered by resistances developed against coccidiostatic drugs leading to an enhanced need for anticoccidial vaccines. In the current study we conducted an oral immunization trial with live attenuated sporulated Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae oocysts. Sporulated E. ninakohlyakimovae oocysts were attenuated by X-irradiation technique. The experimental design included a total of 18 goat kids divided into the following groups: (i) animals immunized with attenuated E. ninakohlyakimovae oocysts at 5 weeks of age and challenged 3 weeks later with non-irradiated homologous oocysts (group 1); (ii) animals infected with non-attenuated E. ninakohlyakimovae oocysts at 5 weeks of age and challenged 3 weeks later with non-attenuated homologous oocysts (group 2); (iii) animals primary-infected with untreated E. ninakohlyakimovae oocysts at 8 weeks of age (control of the challenge infection, group 3); (iv) non-infected control animals (group 4). Goat kids immunized with live attenuated E. ninakohlyakimovae oocysts (group 1) excreted significantly less oocysts in the faeces (95.3% reduction) than kids infected with non-attenuated ones (group 2). Furthermore, immunization with live but attenuated oocysts resulted in ameliorated clinical coccidiosis compared to goat kids infected with untreated oocysts (group 2) and resulted in equally reduced signs of coccidiosis after challenge infection compared to acquired immunity driven by non-attenuated oocysts. Overall, the present study demonstrates for the first time that live attenuated E. ninakohlyakimovae oocysts orally administered showed almost no pathogenicity but enough immunogenicity in terms of immunoprotection. Importantly, vaccinated animals still shed low amounts of oocysts, guaranteeing environmental contamination and consecutive booster infections to sustain ongoing immunity.     

The effect of sex on antipyrine metabolism in cattle at different ages

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sex on the metabolism of antipyrine by measuring the antipyrine plasma clearance as well as excretion of three major metabolites in urine in cattle of different ages. The experiment was carried out on 10 female and 10 male cattle of Black and White breed. The antipyrine test was carried out at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 18 months of age for each animal (single dose of 10 mg/kg antipyrine were given intravenously). The concentrations of antipyrine, 4-hydroxyantipyrine (4-OHA), 3-hydroxymethylantipyrine (HMA) and norantipyrine (NORA) were measured in plasma and urine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The apparent volume of distribution of antipyrine (aVd) decreased significantly between 1 and 18 months of age, but mean aVd values observed in males and females were not statistically different. The experimental period was characterised by a steady decrease (statistically significant) in antipyrine half-life (t1/2beta). These values did not differ significantly between males and females under 12 months. In 12 and 18 month-old animals the antipyrine half-life in the females was significantly shorter than in the males. The systemic clearance (Cls) of antipyrine increased significantly between 1 and 18 months of age. No significant differences were observed between systemic clearance of antipyrine in males and females under 12 months. In 12 and 18 month-old animals the Cls values were significantly higher in females than in males. Following intravenous administration, recovery of antipyrine and its three main metabolites increased significantly with age. These values did not differ significantly between males and females under 12 month of age. In 12 and 18 month-old females the excretion of 4-OHA and HMA in urine was significantly higher than in males at the same age. The excretion of NORA and unchanged antipyrine in males and females did not differ significantly. The partial clearances of antipyrine metabolites (Cl(m)) increased significantly between 1 and 18 months of age. No significant differences were observed between Cl(m) values in males and females under 12 months of age. In 12 and 18 month-old females the partial clearances of 4-OHA and HMA were significantly higher than in males. The clearance of NORA was significantly higher in 18 month-old females than in males. In conclusion, we report a sex-linked difference in plasma antipyrine clearance and urinary excretion of the main metabolites of antipyrine in cattle over 12 months of age, the females being the more active metabolizers.     

The role of plasma protein binding on the metabolism and renal excretion of sulphadimethoxine and its metabolite N4-acetylsulphadimethoxine in pigs

The effects of plasma protein binding on the elimination of sulphadimethoxine (SDM) were examined after intravenous administration of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg to pigs. At an early stage of the experiment, the animals were anaesthetised by inhalation of enflurane to obtain a more exact relationship between plasma concentration and the renal excretion. SDM and its acetylated conjugate, N4-acetylsulphadimethoxine (N4-SDM) were detected in plasma and urine of all animals, and the recovery of the doses was almost complete in two animals with negligible renal excretion of SDM. The percentages of plasma protein binding of SDM and N4-SDM were almost similar, and ranged from 30 to 95%, depending on the plasma concentration. The metabolic clearance of SDM by acetylation increased when the plasma protein binding decreased. These results suggested that the main elimination route of SDM in pigs is acetylation, and that the plasma protein binding can have a large effect on the elimination of SDM in pigs. The effect of plasma protein binding on the renal clearance of SDM was not so evident, because urine pH had a much greater effect on it. The deacetylation of N4-SDM was detected after 25 mg/kg intravenous administration of N4-SDM, which suggests that the metabolic clearance of SDM is part of an acetylation-deacetylation equilibrium. Saturation of the active tubular reabsorption of SDM and of the active tubular secretion of N4-SDM was also suggested after higher doses of SDM.     

A field evaluation of treatment with febantel for the control of Toxocara canis in pups

The faecal egg count depression (FECD) of febantel (Rintal vet. 100 mg tablets, Bayer AG, Veterin?r-Bereich, Leverkusen), against Toxocara canis was tested in suckling pups treated at 2 weeks of age. The dose rate was 30 mg kg-1 body weight given orally, once every 12 h, three times. The effect of a further treatment of 6- and 12-week-old pups on excreted eggs was also evaluated. The FECD of 6-week-old pups was 100%. However, some of the 12- and 17-week-old pups had low eggs per gram (epg) values indicating that shorter intervals between the treatments should have been used in order to minimize the risk of spreading T. canis eggs. The control pups of the first treatment group were untreated litter mates. They were treated when 4 weeks old and then followed a similar regimen to the experimental animals. At 6 weeks of age, their FECD was 100%, but low epg values were observed among 12- and 17-week-old pups, similar to the test group.     

Immunohistochemical localisation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus VP-60 antigen in early infection of young and adult rabbits

This study evaluated the time course distribution of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) structural protein VP60 in tissues from experimentally infected rabbits from three different age groups. Viral VP60 antigen could not be detected in tissue samples from animals under four weeks, and only a few hepatocytes (0.01 to 0.2 per cent) were stained in the 6-week-old animals. A 6-week-old rabbit euthanised at 72 hpi showed VP60-labelling in hepatocytes and macrophages close to areas of inflammation. Viral VP60 antigen was detected as early as 12 hpi in a few hepatocytes (0.03 per cent) from adult animals. Within this age group, the extent of hepatocyte labelling considerably increased at 18 (3.0 per cent), 24 (25.5 per cent), 36 (50 per cent) and 48 (60 per cent) hpi. Extrahepatic viral VP60 antigen was also detected at 36 and 48 hpi in spleen macrophages and lymphocytes from adult rabbits. These findings support the hypothesis that the hepatocyte is the only cell type in the liver able to support RHDV replication almost immediately after viral infection.     

哺乳期放养云岭山羊羔羊生长曲线拟合分析

[目的]探讨放养云岭山羊羔羊在哺乳期的生长发育规律。[方法]选取待产母羊24只,共产羔36只（公羔17只,母羔19只）,测定0~8周龄羔羊的体重（每周测定1次）和体尺（隔1周测定）。采用Logistic、Gompertz和Von Bertalanffy 3种非线性模型对0~8周龄公羔、母羔的体重进行生长曲线拟合,并对初生体重以及试验末体重进行相关性分析。[结果]采用的3种非线性模型均能够很好地拟合哺乳期云岭山羊羔羊生长曲线,拟合度均大于0.99。Gompertz和Von Bertalanffy模型拟合效果较优,公羔的生长发育曲线拐点时间分别为3.212周和2.862周,拐点体重分别为5.691、5.352 kg;母羔拐点时间分别为1.927周和1.325周,拐点体重分别为4.532、3.960 kg;公、母羔之间拐点周龄和拐点体重存在差异,公羔平均在3.037周龄体重增长速度达到最大,而母羔平均在1.626周龄体重增长速度达到最大。初生重对羔羊试验末体重有极显著（P<0.01）影响。[结论]该研究结果可为今后对哺乳期放养云岭山羊羔羊进行合理补饲提供依据。     

Disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides LC in Hungarian goat herds

The occurrence of a goat disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides LC in Hungary is reported. The disease occurred in two goat herds in the spring of 1999. In one herd 25% of the 4-12 weeks old kids (10 animals) while in the other herd 33% of the 6-12 weeks old kids (20 animals) became affected. The goat kids developed polyarthritis. The most severe lesions developed in the carpal joints. All animals died after 3-8 days of disease. Four dead kids were necropsied. All of them had serofibrinous and purulent polyarthritis, and in two animals bronchopneumonia, fibrinous pleuritis and meningitis were also found. In the articular exudates the presence of mycoplasmas was detected by PCR using a general mycoplasma primer. Mycoplasmas were cultured from the joints of all animals, from the abdominal parenchymal organs of two kids and from the lungs of one animal. The cultured mycoplasmas grew in strikingly large colonies, proved to be glucose positive, arginine negative and phosphatase positive, and liquefied the coagulated serum. They survived incubation at 45 degrees C for more than 24 h. Based upon their biochemical properties, the results of the immunofluorescence (IF) and growth inhibition tests and the sequence analysis of the PCR product, the cultured strains were identified as M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC. Animals purchased in the previous autumn had been introduced to both farms. The disease may have been introduced with asymptomatic carrier animals, as earlier no similar disease had been observed at either farm.     

Spermatid giant cells, tubular hypospermatogenesis, spermatogonial swelling, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and tubular dilatation in the testes of normal rabbits

Testes of 36 normal New Zealand white rabbits (8, 15, 18, 26, and greater than 52 weeks of age) were examined by light and electron microscopy. The incidence and number of affected tubules were determined for spermatid giant cells, focal tubular hypospermatogenesis, cytoplasmic swelling of spermatogonia, intracytoplasmic vacuoles in seminiferous epithelium, and tubular dilatation. Spermatogenesis commenced at 15-18 weeks of age and was present in all rabbits by 18 weeks. Spermatid giant cells occurred in 96% of rabbits 15 weeks of age and older. Focal hypospermatogenesis was present in 14-57% of testes once active spermatogenesis began. Ninety-seven percent of testes in all age groups combined had spermatogonial swelling. Infrequent dilated seminiferous tubules were present in five rabbits. Ultrastructurally, spermatid giant cells were round cells with multiple nuclei that appeared to arise by widening of narrow intercellular bridges that normally connect spermatogenic epithelial cells. Pale-staining spermatogonia consisted of cytoplasmic and nuclear swelling with disruption of plasma and nuclear membranes. Tubules with spermatogonial swelling were more numerous in 15- and 18-week-old rabbits. There were no significant differences in incidence or extent of spermatid giant cells, focal hypospermatogenesis, cytoplasmic vacuoles, or tubular dilatation between age groups after spermatogenesis commenced. Although the cause of these changes is not known, they were frequent findings in normal rabbits 15 weeks of age and older.