Efficacy of Ivermectin Delivered via a Controlled‐Release Capsule against Small Lungworms (Protostrongylidae) in Sheep

To evaluate the efficacy of an ivermectin controlled‐release capsule (CRC), which delivers 1.6 mg ivermectin per day intraruminally for 100 days to sheep weighing 40–80 kg (IVOMEC^® Maximizer^TMCR Capsule for adult sheep, Merial), against small lungworms two studies with 48 naturally infected adult female Merino Landrace sheep were conducted. The sheep were allocated by restricted randomization based on bodyweight to untreated controls or received an ivermectin CRC. Eight sheep per group were necropsied 35, 70 or 105 days post‐treatment. Lungworms were recovered by dissection or peptic digestion of the lungs. Baermann/Wetzel technique was used for faecal lungworm larval counts at weekly intervals. The efficacy of treatment was 100% against Dictyocaulus filaria and Protostrongylus rufescens (P < 0.05) at each necropsy day. The efficacy against Protostrongylus brevispiculum, Cystocaulus ocreatus and Neostrongylus linearis increased from 35 to 105 days after administration of the CRC and was found to be 100% (P < 0.01), 96.6% (P < 0.01) or 99% (P < 0.01), respectively, at 105 days post‐treatment. The reductions of Muellerius capillaris counts varied and were 96.2% (P < 0.05) at 70 days post‐treatment and 44.6% (P > 0.1) at 105 days post‐treatment. Faecal lungworm larvae disappeared nearly completely from at least 3 weeks after the ivermectin CRC administration for all protostrongylid species including M. capillaris so that pasture infectivity will be subsequently significantly reduced.     

An Apparent Outbreak of Cutaneous Papillomatosis in Merino Sheep in Patagonia,Argentina

A retrospective study was performed on skin samples from an outbreak of cutaneous papillomatosis in Merino sheep that occurred in 1995. The samples were processed for routine histology, electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry for papilloma viruses. Particles of approximately 55 nm diameter were found in some nuclei of the stratum granulosum cells, while immunocytochemistry gave positive staining of cell nuclei in this layer. This study confirms that papillomas associated with papillomaviruses occur in sheep in Patagonia.     

甘肃高山细毛羊育种现状及发展前景

甘肃高山细毛羊是以新疆细毛羊和高加索细毛羊为父本、以当地藏羊和蒙古羊为母本,经过杂交改良(1943～1957年)、横交固定(1958～1965年)和选育提高(1966～1980)三个阶段培育而成的我国第一个高原型细毛羊品种。从育成至今经过了30年的选育提高,为了改善和提高品种质量,先后10次从国内外引进澳洲美利奴、中国美利奴、新西兰美利奴、超细型中国美利奴、超细型澳洲美利奴等外血对品种进行换血改造。目前该品种质量发生了很大变化。2009年种公羊平均体重达到95.77kg,比1980年品种育成时提高了20.77kg,成年母羊平均体重达到49.55kg,比1980年育成时提高了9.55kg。种公羊平均毛长达到10.79cm,比1980年育成时提高了2.59cm,母羊平均毛长达到9.39cm,比1980年育成时提高了1.8cm。公羊平均剪毛量达到10.32kg,比1980年育成时提高了2.8kg,母羊平均剪毛量达到4.56kg,比1980年育成时提高了0.46kg。羊毛细度从1980年的以64支为主体发展为目前的以66支和70支为主体。以甘肃高山细毛羊为遗传基础,先后育成中国美利奴高山型新类群、甘肃高山细毛羊优质毛品系、甘肃高山细毛羊肉用类群、甘肃高山细毛羊超细品系。     

Haematological, biochemical and selected acute phase protein reference intervals for weaned female Merino lambs

Background   Merino lambs are currently the subject of much research into the welfare aspects of mulesing and mulesing alternatives.
Objective   Obtain haematology, biochemistry and acute phase protein reference intervals using modern methodologies for female Merino lambs.
Method   Blood was collected from 50, weaned, 9- to 16-week-old, female Merino lambs. Haematology and biochemistry panels were performed using routine automated methods. The acute phase proteins, fibrinogen, serum amyloid A and haptoglobin, were also measured using commercially available techniques. The reference intervals were determined to be the central 95% of results.
Results   Differences in the concentrations for some analytes were seen when compared with reported studies in sheep, but may be explained by the use of sheep of a different signalment, as well as different methodologies for analyte measurement. Overall, most analytes gave similar values to those previously reported in other studies. Notable exceptions were alkaline phosphatase, phosphate and globulins, for which the different results were often attributed to the younger age of the sheep in the present study, and platelets and creatine kinase, for which the elevated levels may have been a result of stress and muscle exertion associated with blood collection and husbandry practices.
Conclusion   Established haematological, biochemical and acute phase protein reference intervals are necessary for the investigation of the systemic impact of mulesing and mulesing alternatives and for the investigation of systemic diseases affecting weaned, 9- to 16-week-old, female Merino lambs in general.     

SHH在美利奴羊与小尾寒羊背部皮肤表达差异的研究

为了研究音猬因子(sonic hedgehog, SHH)在不同品种绵羊背部皮肤中的表达差异,以探索SHH与羊毛弯曲形成的关系,选取美利奴羊和小尾寒羊作为研究对象,利用HE染色法观察2种绵羊背部皮肤的组织结构,采用免疫组织化学技术、实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot方法探究2种绵羊背部皮肤中SHH蛋白和基因水平的相对表达量差异。结果显示:HE染色显示美利奴羊与小尾寒羊背部皮肤毛囊的组织结构存在毛囊数量及弯曲程度等差异;免疫组织化学试验显示,SHH蛋白在美利奴羊和小尾寒羊背部皮肤中均有表达,在美利奴羊背部皮肤中的毛乳头、毛基质、内外根鞘、皮脂腺和表皮细胞中显著表达,在小尾寒羊背部皮肤中的毛基质、内外根鞘和皮脂腺中显著表达;光密度分析显示,美利奴羊背部皮肤组织中SHH蛋白的表达量显著高于小尾寒羊(P<0.001);实时荧光定量PCR显示,美利奴羊SHH mRNA相对表达水平显著高于小尾寒羊(P<0.01);Western blot显示,美利奴羊SHH蛋白相对表达水平显著高于小尾寒羊(P<0.01)。提示:羊毛弯曲的形成与其组织结构有关,并受SHH的调控。     

SHH在美利奴羊与小尾寒羊背部皮肤表达差异的研究

为了研究音猬因子(sonic hedgehog, SHH)在不同品种绵羊背部皮肤中的表达差异,以探索SHH与羊毛弯曲形成的关系,选取美利奴羊和小尾寒羊作为研究对象,利用HE染色法观察2种绵羊背部皮肤的组织结构,采用免疫组织化学技术、实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot方法探究2种绵羊背部皮肤中SHH蛋白和基因水平的相对表达量差异。结果显示:HE染色显示美利奴羊与小尾寒羊背部皮肤毛囊的组织结构存在毛囊数量及弯曲程度等差异;免疫组织化学试验显示,SHH蛋白在美利奴羊和小尾寒羊背部皮肤中均有表达,在美利奴羊背部皮肤中的毛乳头、毛基质、内外根鞘、皮脂腺和表皮细胞中显著表达,在小尾寒羊背部皮肤中的毛基质、内外根鞘和皮脂腺中显著表达;光密度分析显示,美利奴羊背部皮肤组织中SHH蛋白的表达量显著高于小尾寒羊(P<0.001);实时荧光定量PCR显示,美利奴羊SHH mRNA相对表达水平显著高于小尾寒羊(P<0.01);Western blot显示,美利奴羊SHH蛋白相对表达水平显著高于小尾寒羊(P<0.01)。提示:羊毛弯曲的形成与其组织结构有关,并受SHH的调控。     

内蒙古鄂尔多斯市澳美型细毛羊冷冻胚胎移植技术应用效果

通过冷冻胚胎移植技术,2007年和2008年前后分2批在鄂尔多斯细毛羊种羊场实施纯种澳美型细毛羊冷冻胚胎移植,共有371只（2007年266只,2008年105只）受体羊做了冷冻胚胎移植,共生产澳美型细毛羊羔羊106只（2007年70只,2008年36只）。其中公羔60只,母羔46只;受胎率分别为26.32%和37.14%;羔羊初生重为公羔（4.73±0.41）kg/只、母羔（4.54±0.43）kg/只和公羔（4.60±0.68）kg/只、母羔（4.45±0.55）kg/只。经过调查鉴定,用冷冻胚移植技术获得羔羊106只,经培养共获得纯种澳美型细毛羊106只,补充了优质澳美型细毛羊种羊的数量,大大增加了纯种澳美型细毛羊的种源数量、节省了引种费用、缩短了鄂尔多斯细毛羊改良世代间隔和选育提高周期,起到了加速优良种畜繁殖速度、迅速扩大种源的科技效应。     

Rainfall and breed effects on the efficacy of ivermectin jetting fluid for the prevention of fly strike and treatment of infestations of lice in long-wooled sheep

SUMMARY An ivermectin-based jetting fluid was assessed for its efficacy in the prevention of blowfly strike and treatment of lice in long-wooled sheep. The ivermectin concentrate was diluted to 0.03 mg/mL and applied via a standard hand jetting technique. In insectary studies, using laboratory-reared Lucilia cuprina, sheep jetted with ivermectin were protected from induced breech and body strikes for 18 weeks after treatment. Merino and Corriedale sheep were equally protected, as were sheep subjected to 25 mm simulated rainfall at 1, 3 or 6 hours after jetting. Naturally occurring infestations of lice, Bovicola (Damalinia) ovis, were successfully treated with ivermectin jetting fluid in Merino and Corriedale sheep using a standard hand jetting technique. In addition, the efficacy of treatment was not affected by simulated rainfall at 1, 3 or 6 hours after treatment.     

单核细胞增多性李氏杆菌人工感染绵羊试验

将人从病羊脑分离纯化的单核细胞增多性李氏杆菌经列脉接种于健康得奴绵羊３只,结果被感染绵羊均表现出与自然感染绵羊相同的临床症状和病理变化,并从脑、心血、淋巴结中回收到了单核细胞增钨生李氏杆菌,从而证明了该分离株单核细胞增多性李氏杆菌具有较强的致病性。     

Fractional protein synthesis rate and polyamine concentrations in tissues of Merino sheep selected for gastrointestinal nematode resistance

Selection of sheep for resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes has been considered as one option to control nematode infection. It is essential to understand the influence of selection on the diversification of protein metabolism in individual tissues. In this experiment we examined fractional protein synthesis rate (FSR) and polyamine (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and histamine concentrations in tissues of Merino sheep selected for low faecal worm egg count (parasite resistance) and control sheep. Sixty 18-month-old Merino rams, 40 from the resistant flock and 20 from the control line, were kept in individual pens of an animal house and fed ad libitum. Half of each genotype group were dosed orally with infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia circumcincta thrice weekly to deliver 10,000 larvae from each species per week for 18 weeks. At the end of week 18, FSR was measured using a flooding dose of l-[ring-d₅]phenylalanine, and polyamine concentrations were determined in all the sheep. Regardless of sheep genotype, the nematode infection significantly increased FSR in the mesenteric lymph nodes (37.0% vs. 32.6%/day, P < 0.01) and abomasal lymph nodes (28.8% vs. 16.0%/day, P < 0.001) and the bone marrow (5.12% vs. 3.96%/day, P < 0.01), but reduced FSR in skin (17.4% vs. 20.6%/day, P < 0.001), muscle (2.46% vs. 2.73%/day, P < 0.05) and liver (24.1% vs. 25.8%/day, P < 0.05). Nematode infection did not affect FSR in the jejunum. Polyamine concentrations in the tissues were generally increased by the infection (P < 0.05) except for a decline in spermine concentration in the muscle (P < 0.01). Overall there was no significant effect of selection for nematode resistance on tissue FSR or the concentration of amines. It was concluded that nematode infection resulted in a divergence of protein synthesis between tissues, and selection for nematode resistance in Merino sheep did not result in significant change in tissue protein synthesis compared with control sheep.     

Allele distributions of two novel SNPs within the sheep Cyp19 gene

Oestrogen is an important regulator of reproduction and growth. The key enzyme of oestrogen biosynthesis, aromatase cytochrome P450, is encoded by the Cyp19 gene. In order to generate genetic markers for the sheep Cyp19 gene, two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), one located in promoter 2 (P2), the other one in intron 9 (I9), were identified by a comparative sequencing approach. The allele distributions of both SNPs were investigated by means of Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR‐RFLP) in five economically relevant sheep breeds (British Milk Sheep, Carranzana, Latxa Black Face, Latxa White Face, Merino) and three ancient Hungarian breeds kept as gene reserves (Cikta, Racka, Tsigai). In British Milk Sheep, only the intronic SNP was present whereas in Merino, Cikta, Racka, Tsigai, Carranzana, Latxa Black Face and Latxa White Face, both SNPs could be found. This indicates that the newly identified SNPs can be used as markers for the Cyp19 locus in various sheep breeds.     

Development of veld management research in the karoo region

The development of veld research in the semi‐arid Karoo areas since 1934 is outlined. It entailed key experiments on different types of veld, and the synthesis of grazing systems and their testing in experimental camps and co‐operatively on a practical farming scale. The experiments were primarily conducted with Merino sheep but Angora goats, Boer goats, cattle and Persian sheep were also employed. A large number of rotational grazing systems, special treatments and methods have been set out for the entire Karoo Region. The group camp approach serves as a basis for complete veld management planning in the Karoo Region.

Supporting research covered plant physiological, phenological and ecological studies; the determination of selective grazing habits of livestock; production of karoo bushes; and the development of research techniques especially in connection with quantitative and qualitative vegetation surveys.     

Mitomycin C: a promising agent for the treatment of canine corneal scarring

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) in prevention of canine corneal scarring. Methods With an in vitro approach using healthy canine corneas, cultures of primary canine corneal fibroblasts or myofibroblasts were generated. Primary canine corneal fibroblasts were obtained by growing corneal buttons in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Canine corneal myofibroblasts were produced by growing cultures in serum‐free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). Trypan blue assay and phase‐contrast microscopy were used to evaluate the toxicity of three doses of MMC (0.002%, 0.02% and 0.04%). Real‐time PCR, immunoblot, and immunocytochemistry techniques were used to determine MMC efficacy to inhibit markers of canine corneal scarring. Results A single 2‐min treatment of 0.02% or less MMC did not alter canine corneal fibroblast or keratocyte phenotype, viability, or growth. The 0.02% dose substantially reduced myofibroblast formation (up to 67%; P < 0.001), as measured by the change in RNA and protein expression of fibrosis biomarkers (α‐smooth muscle actin and F‐actin). Conclusion This in vitro study suggests that a single 2‐min 0.02% MMC treatment to the canine corneal keratocytes is safe and may be useful in decreasing canine corneal fibrous metaplasia. In vivo studies are warranted.     

Fine Structures of Embryonic Discs of In Vivo Post‐hatching Porcine Blastocysts at the Pre‐Primitive Streak Stage

To date, reports about the ultrastructure of porcine embryonic discs have not shown details of the primitive streak. The main objective of this study was to examine the ultrastructure of interior and exterior embryonic discs in porcine in vivo blastocysts with diameters of 1, 3 and 9 mm using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. For the first time, we revealed the ultrastructure of the unusual group of cells in the pre‐primitive streak area of embryonic discs. The cells were 1–2 μm in diameter, had high electron density and contained abundant, free ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. These primitive streak cells could represent original embryonic stem cells or represent a stem cell niche. The results also showed three types of cells on the exterior surface of the embryonic discs. Moreover, our results provided morphological evidence of condensed nuclei in the smooth cells on the surface of the embryonic disc.     

A note on the reproductive performance of Damara,Dorper and Merino sheep under optimum management and nutrition for Merino ewes in the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia

The reproductive performance of 48 Damara, 42 Dorper and 46 Merino ewes was evaluated under an optimum nutritional regime for Merino ewes that included one annual joining in a mixed (cropping and sheep) farming system in the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia (W.A.) over a 3-year period. In 2005, when the Damara, Dorper and Merino ewes were aged between 8 and 9 months at joining and weighed 41.2, 42.4 and 33.3 kg with average body condition scores of 2.3, 2.4 and 1.8, respectively, their weaning rates were 71% (Damara), 81% (Dorper) and 13% (Merino). The Merino ewes had significantly lighter body weights and were lower conditioned (p < 0.001) resulting in significantly lower weaning rates (p < 0.001). In 2006, the Damara, Dorper and Merino ewes weighed 61.9, 69.5 and 61.6 kg at joining, with body condition scores of 2.8, 3.3 and 2.8, respectively, resulting in weaning rates of 52% (Damara), 122% (Dorper) and 117% (Merino). While the Damara and Merino weights and body condition scores were not different (p > 0.05), the Damara weaning rates were significantly lower compared with the Dorper and Merino groups (p < 0.001). The Dorpers were heavier and greater conditioned (p < 0.001); however, the weaning rates between the Dorper and Merino were not different (p > 0.05). In 2007, the Damara, Dorper and Merino ewes weighed 71.6, 77.1 and 70.2 kg at joining with body condition scores of 2.8, 2.8 and 2.5, respectively. Again, the Dorper ewes were heavier (p < 0.001) than the Damaras and Merinos, which were not different (p > 0.05). The Damara and Dorper had the same body condition while the Merino ewes were less and different (p < 0.05). However, there were differences in weaning rates between the three breeds (p < 0.001), of 64% (Damara), 105% (Dorper) and 134% (Merino). Over the 3-year period, under a nutritional management system optimal for Merino sheep and with one annual joining, with increasing age the Merino ewes weaned more lambs. However, while the Damara and Dorper ewes conceived and weaned relatively high lamb numbers when they were joined as lambs, their reproductive performance decreased over time. This nutritional regime resulted in increased levels of fatness of the Damara and Dorper ewes with no increase in reproduction rates under an annual joining system. A significant factor for the lower conception and weaning rates in the Damara ewes was the enlarged fat tail due to the increased fat levels, which made it difficult for the rams to impregnate the ewes.     

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol after intravenous administration in Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxaemic sheep

Experiments in different animal species have shown that febrile conditions, induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), may alter the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. The objective was to study the effects of a LPS‐induced acute‐phase response (APR) model on plasma pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FFC) after its intravenous administration in sheep. Six adult clinically healthy Suffolk Down sheep, 8 months old and 35.5 ± 2.2 kg in body weight (bw), were distributed through a crossover factorial 2 × 2 design, with 4 weeks of washout. Pairs of sheep similar in body weight were assigned to experimental groups: Group 1 (LPS) was treated with three intravenous doses of 1 μg/kg bw of E. coli LPS before FFC treatment. Group 2 (control) was treated with an equivalent volume of saline solution (SS) at similar intervals as LPS. At 24 h after the first injection of LPS or SS, an intravenous bolus of 20 mg/kg bw of FFC was administered. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected before drug administration and at different times between 0.05 and 48.0 h after treatment. FFC plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography. A noncompartmental pharmacokinetic model was used for data analysis, and data were compared using a Mann–Whitney U‐test. The mean values of AUC_0–∞ in the endotoxaemic sheep (105.9 ± 14.3 μg·h/mL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than values observed in healthy sheep (78.4 ± 5.2 μg·h/mL). The total mean plasma clearance (CL_T) decreased from 257.7 ± 16.9 mL·h/kg in the control group to 198.2 ± 24.1 mL·h/kg in LPS‐treated sheep. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the terminal half‐life was observed in the endotoxaemic sheep (16.9 ± 3.8 h) compared to the values observed in healthy sheep (10.4 ± 3.2 h). In conclusion, the APR induced by the intravenous administration of E. coli LPS in sheep produces higher plasma concentrations of FFC due to a decrease in the total body clearance of the drug.     

Spiroplasma found in the eyes of scrapie affected sheep

Objective Scrapie, a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) occurring naturally in sheep, characteristically shows a severe retinopathy that is well developed in the terminal phases of the disease. In this study, we set out to demonstrate similar retinal changes in our ruminant spiroplasmosis TSE model. Procedure The eyes from deer, sheep, and goats that were inoculated intracranially with the laboratory strain of spiroplasma (suckling mouse cataract [SMCA] strain of Spiroplasma mirum) or with Spiroplasma sp. isolated from the brains affected with scrapie or with chronic wasting disease were examined by light microscopy for pathologic changes and by immunocytochemistry for distribution of spiroplasma antigen. The eyes were also obtained from a research flock of sheep with terminal scrapie, from which the intraocular tissues were submitted aseptically for culture assay in M1D broth or as explants on bovine corneal endothelia (BCE). Results The eyes from the spiroplasmosis ruminant models showed retinopathy remarkably similar to eye lesions seen in sheep with scrapie. The spiroplasma antigen accrued in the ruminant model eye tissues, particularly in the retina, the vitreous humor, and the corneal endothelia. A Spiroplasma sp. grew out of the scrapie‐affected eyes both in the M1D broth and in the BCE cultures but did not expand. These new spiroplasma isolates differed immunologically from SMCA. Conclusion These data showed a clear association of spiroplasma with scrapie suggesting that these bacteria have a role in the pathogenesis of TSE and that the eye should be a research focus for future studies of TSE.