The ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid on the oxidative status,live weight and recovery rate in road transport stressed goats in a hot humid tropical environment

The ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on live weight following transportation is vital in animal husbandry. This study investigated the influence of AA on live weight, rectal temperature (rt), and oxidative status of transport stressed goats in a hot humid tropical environment. Twenty‐four goats were divided into four groups, A, B, C and D of six animals each. Group A were administered AA 100 mg/kg intramuscularly 30 min prior to 3.5 h transportation. Group B was administered AA following transportation. Group C were transported but not administered AA as positive controls while group D were not transported but were administered normal saline as negative controls. Live weight, rt and blood samples were collected before, immediately post‐transport (pt), 24 h, 3 days, 7 days and 10 days pt. Plasma was used for malondialdehyde (MDA) analysis while hemolysates were used for superoxide dismutase (SOD) analysis. There was minimal live weight loss in group A compared to groups B and C. Group A recorded reduced MDA activities and increased SOD activities compared to groups B and C which recorded significantly high MDA activities. This study revealed that AA administration ameliorated the stress responses induced by transportation in animals in hot humid tropical environments. The administration of AA to goats prior to transportation could ameliorate stress and enhance productivity.     

Temporal changes in serum concentrations of acute phase proteins in newborn dairy calves

Age-dependent changes in blood concentrations of four bovine acute phase proteins (APPs), serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), haptoglobin (Hp) and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP), were examined using two groups of newborn dairy calves. APP concentrations were monitored for either 3 weeks (Group A, n=13) or 2 months (Group B, n=13) after birth. Blood was collected at day 0-1 (Group A only), day 3 and then once or twice weekly until the end of the study. The possible transfer of colostral SAA as a source of SAA in the offspring was investigated by determining SAA isoforms in the serum of calves and in colostrum of their dams. Serum concentrations of all four APPs were high after birth, and concentrations showed a gradual decrease during the first 3 weeks of life. The lowest concentrations were at 21 days of age, after which concentrations stabilized. The calves synthesized adult SAA isotypes, and circulating SAA was not derived from colostrum. The results indicated that post-partum elevation of APPs is associated with the birth process and/or factors in colostrum and not necessarily with disease-related processes. This stresses the importance of considering a calf's age when interpreting APP concentrations in serum.     

参虎败毒颗粒体内抗猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒的效果观察

为探究参虎败毒颗粒抗猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒（PRRSV）的作用,将20头PRRSV阴性仔猪随机平均分为4组,即提前药物处理感染组（A组）、感染同时药物处理组（B组）、无药物处理感染组（C组）和无药物处理不感染组（D组）。A和B组分别于攻毒前3 d和攻毒时在基础日粮中添加参虎败毒颗粒（每头10 g·d^-1）,连续饲喂至攻毒后28 d,每日测量体温,在攻毒后第14天,每组随机处死仔猪1头,观察病理变化,RT-qPCR检测肺组织病毒载量,并在攻毒后第1、3、5、7、14、21、28、35天采全血和血清样品进行PRRSV核酸和抗体检测。结果发现,A和B组仔猪体温在攻毒后第6天上升至40℃以上,第12天时恢复正常;C组仔猪体温在第5天上升至40℃以上,持续至试验结束仍未恢复。A、B组仔猪肺组织病变较轻,肺泡结构轻度损伤,支气管内有少量炎性渗出物,周围有少量炎性细胞浸润;C组仔猪肺组织病变严重,肺泡结构破坏严重,支气管内有大量炎性渗出物和炎性细胞浸润。A组在攻毒后3、5、7和14 d病毒载量极显著低于C组（P<0.01）;B组在攻毒后3和5 d病毒载量极显著低于C组（P<0.01）,第7和14天病毒载量显著低于C组（P<0.05）。A、B组PRRSV抗体在攻毒后第21天达到峰值,C组在28 d达到峰值。以上结果可知,参虎败毒颗粒能够显著减轻PRRSV造成的仔猪肺部病理损伤,降低病毒血症;添加药物可使PRRSV特异性抗体峰值提前,减少病毒血症持续时间,证明参虎败毒颗粒可用于预防或治疗PRRSV感染,降低PRRSV对仔猪的影响。     

The porcine acute phase protein response to acute clinical and subclinical experimental infection with Streptococcus suis

The pig acute phase protein (APP) response to experimental Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infection was mapped by the measurement of the positive APPs C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and major acute phase protein (pig-MAP) and the negative APPs albumin and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I. The aim was to elucidate the differences in the acute phase behaviour of the individual APPs during a typical bacterial septicaemic infection. Pigs were inoculated subcutaneously with live S. suis serotype 2 and blood was sampled before and on various days post inoculation (p.i.), until the pigs were killed and autopsied on day 14 p.i. Clinical signs (fever and lameness) were observed in four of the five inoculated pigs from day 2 p.i., and these pigs also had arthritic lesions at autopsy. CRP and SAA showed fast increases in serum concentrations, CRP being elevated from days 1 to 12 p.i. and peaking at 10 times the day 0-levels on day 1 p.i. SAA rose quickly to peak levels of 30-40 times the day 0-level on days 1-2 and returned to pre-inoculation level on day 5 p.i. Hp and pig-MAP showed slightly slower responses, both peaking around 5 days p.i. Hp was increased throughout the experiment with maximum levels around 10 times the day 0-levels, and pig-MAP was elevated on days 1-12 p.i. with peak levels of around seven times the day 0-levels. Apo A-I was decreased from days 1 to 8 and showed minimum levels of about 40% of day 0-levels around 1-2 days p.i. No clear pattern of changes in albumin levels could be identified. One pig, showing clinical signs on day 2 only, also showed an APP response, although of a relatively short duration, whereas three pigs presenting clinical signs for several days had a more protracted acute phase response. Remarkably, the one pig showing no clinical signs and no arthritic lesions showed an APP response comparable to that of the other, clinically affected pigs. Thus, both acute clinical and subclinical S. suis infection could be revealed by the measurement of one or more of the APPs CRP, SAA, Hp, pig-MAP and Apo A-I. The combined measurement of two or three APPs, including proteins with slow and fast kinetics, should be used to achieve the highest sensitivity for the detection of ongoing S. suis infection during a prolonged time period. A diagnostic tool based on such APP-measurements could considerably improve strategic control procedures for this important infection.     

Pre-exposure of cattle to drug-abbreviated Fasciola hepatica infections: the effect upon subsequent challenge infection and the early immune response

In this study we examined whether juvenile liver flukes are capable of stimulating protective immune responses in cattle. Four experimental groups of cattle were studied as follows: group A, a positive control, received a primary infection on day 0 and a secondary infection 28 days later; group B also received two infections but the primary infection was terminated by drug treatment on day 5; group C, received infections on days 0, 5 and 10 which were terminated by drug treatments on days 1, 6 and 11 and then a secondary infection on day 28; group D received an infection only on day 28. Juvenile flukes appear to induce protective responses because: (a) group B animals had significantly lower levels of gamma-GT (P<0.05) than group D; (b) both groups B and C exhibited lower parenchymal phase GLDH levels (P=0.006 and 0.041, respectively); and (c) both groups B and C had lower secondary phase eosinophilia (P=0.002 and 0.02, respectively) than those in group D. Sera taken from groups A-C contained antibodies reacting to a variety of proteins in adult fluke somatic antigen and excretory-secretory preparations, particularly to proteins of 52-60, 68-72 and 82-96 kDa. After secondary challenge the antibody responses of group A to these proteins declined while reactivity to proteins of 28-30 kDa increased. Antibody responses to the 28-30 kDa proteins were not detected in groups B-D until 3 weeks later than those observed in group A. Antibody responses to Fasciola hepatica cathepsin L proteases, which are known to induce protection, were monophasic, of the IgG1 isotype only and were not observed prior to secondary challenge in any of the four groups. In contrast, the response to another protective antigen fraction, a high molecular sized haem protein, was of a mixed IgG1/IgG2 nature and was detected within 14 days of primary infection. However, no significant difference in antibody titres to either protein preparation was observed after the secondary infection when groups B and C were compared to group D.     

The effect of transportation/relocation on cortisol, CBG and induction of puberty in gilts with delayed puberty

Twenty-seven Swedish purebred Yorkshire gilts were transported 12 km to the clinic. In 8 gilts (Group A), blood samples were drawn in connection with transportation, while in the remaining 19 gilts (Group B) no samples were drawn at this time. After transportation the gilts were examined by laparoscopy and catheterized. Blood samples were then drawn 3 times and oestrus detection was performed twice daily. After 1 week the laparoscopy was repeated.Twenty gilts (74 %) showed oestrus within 1 week, on average 5.4 days (4–7.5 days) after transportation. Elevated oestradiol-17β levels were seen in those gilts approximately 2 days after transportation. The Cortisol level was significantly higher (p < 0.001) on day 1 (the day of transportation) than on day 2 and a markedly higher level of Cortisol was seen on days 1 and 2 in the gilts which did not show oestrus (2 gilts), compared with the gilts in which oestrus was induced (6 gilts) by transportation. The difference was significant on day 2 (p < 0.05). The CBG level was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) on day 2 for all 8 gilts. During day 3 to day 8 there was no difference in the Cortisol level between days (groups A and B, 27 gilts), and no differences were seen in the levels of Cortisol and CBG between gilts showing (20 gilts) and not showing oestrus (7 gilts). The hypothesis propounded that the higher levels of Cortisol on days 1 and 2 inhibited induction of oestrus in those gilts which did not show oestrus after transportation.     

代乳品营养水平对高寒牧区羔羊生长的影响

为探讨代乳品营养水平对高寒牧区早期断奶羔羊的饲喂效果,选取30只10日龄的甘肃高山细毛羊羔羊,分为5组,其中对照组(E)羔羊由母羊自由哺乳,并放牧;试验组羔羊10日龄断奶,分为A、B、C、D 4组,代乳品消化能、粗蛋白含量相应为18.5 MJ/kg2、3.0%,20.0 MJ/kg、25.0%,21.5 MJ/kg、27.0%,23.0MJ/kg、29.0%,试验期至90日龄。结果表明,50及70日龄时,对照组羔羊体质量高于试验组;90日龄时,C、D组羔羊体质量显著高于A组(P0.05),E组高于A、B、C组(P0.05),而D组与E组差异不显著(P0.05);E组瘤胃指数显著低于B、C、D组(P0.05),肾脏指数、肝脏指数显著低于各试验组(P0.05)。上述结果显示,高寒牧区羔羊10日龄断奶时,采食消化能23.00 MJ/kg、粗蛋白含量29.0%代乳品的体质量与未断奶羔羊无显著差异,生长发育情况优于其他低能低蛋白质的早期断奶羔羊,早期断奶羔羊的胃肠道和肝肾发育程度高于未断奶羔羊。     

Influence of different calcium contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism in periparturient dairy cows

At the initiation of lactation, Ca homeostatic mechanisms have to react to a tremendous increase in demand for Ca. Mobilization of Ca from bone and increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are required to re-establish homeostasis. It has been shown that dietary anions play an important role in the prevention of milk fever by mobilizing Ca from bone and by increasing Ca absorption in the GI tract. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different Ca contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism of dairy cows. Twenty-four holstein cows (housed inside, second to fourth lactation) without a milk fever history were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Each group was fed a different diet which was given from day 263 of gestation till the day of parturition. Group A and B received a low calcium diet (4 g/kg DM) whereas group C and D received a high Ca diet (8 g/kg DM). In addition group B and D received anionic salts. The DCAD was calculated with the formula: DCAD (mEq/kg DM)=(0.2 Ca2++0.16 Mg2++Na++K+)-(Cl-+0.6 S2-+0.65 P3-). Blood and urine samples were collected on days 256, 270 and 277 of gestation, on the day of parturition as well as the following 5 days and on days 9, 14 and 19 after parturition. Serum Ca, P, Mg, ICTP, OC, VITD, PTH and urinary pH were analysed. The bone resorption marker ICTP showed a significant increase after parturition in all the groups. On the contrary, the bone formation marker OC decreased after parturition in all the groups. The VITD concentrations in group D and the urinary pH in group B were significantly lower compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The Ca concentrations tended to be higher in group B around parturition than in all the other groups. No significant influence of the four different diets on all the other parameters could be shown. In conclusion, this data showed that the addition of anions and the different Ca contents had no significant influence on bone resorption and bone formation markers. This may be because of the fact that the dietary cation-anion balance was not low enough (DCAD-group A: 181 mEq/kg DM, group B: -48 mEq/kg DM, group C: 210 mEq/kg DM and group D: 28 mEq/kg DM) to induce a metabolic acidosis with all its positive effects on calcium metabolism.     

Effects of Nigella sativa L. and Urtica dioica L. on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and some liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats

This study was designed to investigate the effects Nigella sativa L. (NS) and Urtica dioica L. (UD) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and some liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. A total of 60 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of four experimental groups: A (CCl4-only treated), B (CCl4 + UD treated), C (CCl4 + NS treated) and D (CCl4 + UD + NS treated), each containing 15 animals. All groups received CCl4 [0.8 ml/kg of body weight, subcutaneously, twice a week for 90 days starting day 1]. In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 ml/kg NS or/and 2 ml/kg UD oils for 45 days starting day 46. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 ml/kg normal saline solution for 45 days starting day 46. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from five randomly chosen rats in each treatment group at beginning, at 45th and at 90th day of the experiment. The CCl4 treatment for 45 days increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatments (alone or combination) for 45 days starting day 46 decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. Live weights of the rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. It is concluded that NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defence system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.     

Immunological response and markers of cell damage in seropositive horses for Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is an important parasitic disease affecting several species of mammals, but little is known about this disease in horses. This study aimed to investigate the levels of several immunological variables and markers of cell damage in the serum of seropositive horses for Toxoplasma gondii. Sera samples of adult horses from the Santa Catarina State, Brazil used on a previous study were divided into groups according to their antibody levels for T. gondii determined by immunofluorescence assay, i.e. 20 samples from seronegative horses (Group A – control), 20 samples from horses with titers of 1:64 (Group B), 20 samples of horses with titers of 1:256 (Group C), and five samples from horses with titers of 1:1024 (Group D). Positive animals (Groups B, C, and D) had higher levels of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-4, and IL-6) and protein C-reactive protein, as well as lower levels of IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) when compared to seronegative horses (Group A). The nitric oxide levels were also elevated in seropositive horses. Therefore, we have found humoral and cellular immune responses in seropositive horses, and a correlation between high antibody levels and inflammatory mediators. Markers of cell injury by lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein oxidation (AOPP) were elevated in animals seropositives for T. gondii when compared to seronegatives. Therefore, seropositive horses to T. gondii can keep active immune responses against the parasite. As a consequence with chronicity of disease, they show cellular lesions that may lead to tissue damage with the appearance of clinical disease.     

Effects of short courses of different doses of prednisone and dexamethasone on serum third component of complement (C3) levels in dogs.

The effect of different doses of prednisone and dexamethasone on serum C3 levels was determined in 35 dogs. Dogs in Group A (n = 15) were administered prednisone (1.1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days; dogs in Group B (n = 10) were given prednisone at 2.2 mg/kg/day for 7 days; dogs in group C (n = 10) were administered dexamethasone (0.25 g/kg/day) for 7 days. Serum C3 concentrations were determined using a sandwich ELISA in samples obtained before and after glucocorticoid administration. Concentrations were expressed as a percentage of a reference standard. No statistically significant differences were found after glucocorticoid administration in all groups. Thus, short-term administration of prednisone and dexamethasone at commonly used doses did not result in significantly lower serum C3 levels.     

发酵中药对蛋鸡生长性能、抗体水平及肠道菌群的影响

【目的】 研究发酵中药对蛋鸡生长性能、抗体水平和肠道微生物菌群的影响。【方法】 选用1日龄科宝蛋鸡84只,预饲至13日龄,于14日龄进行正式试验,将雏鸡随机分为7组,每组单笼饲养,每笼12只,分别为空白对照组（A组）,复方中药组（B组）,发酵中药低剂量组（C组）、中剂量组（D组）、高剂量组（E组）,发酵菌液组（F组）,对照药物黄芪多糖组（G组）。试验期间记录每日给料量与剩料量,于试验第1（14日龄）、14（28日龄）、28（42日龄）天清晨空腹称重,计算各阶段平均日增重、平均日采食量及料重比。于试验第7、14、21、28天每组鸡翅下静脉采血,用于抗体效价的检测。试验结束后对A、B、D、F、G组鸡进行剖检,每组取5只鸡的盲肠内容物进行高通量测序分析。【结果】 试验第1~14天,D、E组平均日采食量均极显著高于A、F、G组（P<0.01）,D、E组平均日增重极显著或显著高于A、F组（P<0.01;P<0.05）;F、G组料重比均极显著低于其他各组（P<0.01）。试验第15~28天,C、E组平均日采食量均显著高于B、F组（P<0.05）,B组平均日增重极显著高于其他各组（P<0.01）,E组显著高于A组（P<0.05）;B组料重比极显著低于其他各组（P<0.01）,D、E、F、G组料重比均极显著低于A组（P<0.01）。试验第7天,各组鸡血清抗体效价均无显著差异（P>0.05）;试验第14天,E组抗体水平均显著高于A、F、G组（P<0.05）;试验第21和28天,E组抗体水平显著高于A组（P<0.05）。D组Chao1和Observed species指数最高,但与其他组间无显著性差异（P>0.05）。在门水平上,D和G组盲肠中拟杆菌门相对丰度均显著高于A组（P<0.05）;在属水平上,D组盲肠中拟杆菌属相对丰度均显著高于A组（P<0.05）。【结论】 发酵中药可以提高鸡的生长性能和抗体水平,对肠道菌群有明显的调控作用。     

Immunological response to long-term transport stress in mature horses and effects of adaptogenic dietary supplementation as an immunomodulator

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Little information exists on the immunological effects of transport or the use of supplements to minimise transport stress. OBJECTIVES: To establish baseline ranges and evaluate immunophenotypic and functional changes associated with transport and a nutritional 'adaptogen' supplement. METHODS: Horses received either supplement (n = 10) or placebos (n = 9) during the 30 day study. After 28 days in stalls, 12 horses (6 supplement; 6 placebo) were transported for 24 h, then unloaded and recovered. Venous blood samples were collected on Days 1, 14 and 28 to establish baselines, and on Days 28, 29 and 30 to examine changes during transport and recovery. RESULTS: Transport prompted elevations (P<0.05) in cortisol concentration, neutrophil count and white blood cell counts, while lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+) decreased (P<0.05). Normal phenotypic lymphocyte profiles returned within 24 h of recovery. Supplement effects on immunophenotype (CD21+ and CD8+) were observed in stabled horses (P<0.05), but not in transported horses. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide insights into the immunological mechanisms associated with long-term transport. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The existence of a small window of immunological uncertainty follows long-term transportation, enhancing the potential risk of infectious disease in susceptible individuals.     

A comparative study of two antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory formulations in the treatment of canine otitis externa

The efficacy and tolerability of a marbofloxacin-clotrimazole-dexamethasone otic suspension (MCD) was compared with a standard topical treatment using a phase III clinical trial protocol. In a total of 140 dogs with clinical signs of acute or subacute otitis externa, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae and Malassezia were isolated from samples taken at inclusion to identify the causative pathogen; a further sample was collected in the event of failure or relapse, and from dogs (at day 14) for which Pseudomonas species had been isolated at inclusion. One group received MCD (10 drops per affected ear) once daily and a second received Surolan (containing polymyxin B, miconazole and prednisolone) (5 drops per affected ear), twice daily. Each group received treatment for 7 or 14 days according to the clinical outcome on day 7. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated on days 7, 14 and, if necessary, 28 for dogs treated for 14 days. The trial demonstrated equivalence of both treatments in terms of efficacy, with a cure rate of 58.3% for MCD and 41.2% for Surolan. Both medications were equally well tolerated by dogs, but MCD was superior in terms of pain relief, decrease in pus quantity and smell, response rate and investigator's assessment on day 14.     

日粮中添加活性干酵母对西门塔尔育肥牛饲料消化率和日增重的影响

[目的] 研究活性干酵母（active dry yeast,ADY）对西门塔尔育肥牛饲料消化率和日增重的影响。[方法] 选择西门塔尔肉牛30头,随机分成3组,A组为对照组,B组、C组为试验组。A组牛饲喂基础日粮,B组每头牛每天基础日粮+饲喂10 g酵母菌1,C组每头牛每天饲喂基础日粮+10 g酵母菌2,分早晚2次饲喂。预饲期为5 d,正试期为28 d。利用粪便分离筛对育肥牛饲料消化率进行评估,并计算日增重。[结果] 试验第21天,C组上层粪筛滞留物比例显著（P<0.05）低于A组。试验第28天,C组中层粪筛滞留物比例低于A组和B组,并显著（P<0.05）低于试验第7天、第14天和第21天。试验第28天,C组下层粪筛滞留物比例最高,并显著（P<0.05）高于试验第7天和试验第14天。2个试验组的平均日增重均高于对照组,试验C组的平均日增重显著（P<0.05）高于A组和B组。[结论] 日粮中分别添加2种活性干酵母可提高西门塔尔育肥牛的日增重,并在一定程度上提高饲料消化率,酵母菌2的效果更好。     

Effect of transportation on cortisol concentrations and on the circadian rhythm of cortisol in gilts

A study was conducted to determine whether the circadian rhythm of cortisol in gilts is disrupted or altered by transport. Sixteen ovariectomized gilts with indwelling jugular catheters were individually penned in an enclosed building (location 1). Blood samples were collected at 0700 and 1900 hours for 6 days. On day 7, gilts in groups of 4 were transported 5.6 km to environmentally controlled chambers (25 C) and were individually penned (location 2). On the day of transport, samples were collected at 0700 hours at location 1, immediately before and after transport in a trailer, after unloading at location 2, and at 1900 hours at location 2. For the first 6 days at location 2, blood samples were collected daily at 0700 and 1900 hours. For the 6 days at location 1, circadian rhythm was evidenced by higher cortisol concentrations in the AM hours than in the PM hours. During transport, serum cortisol concentrations increased (P less than 0.01). Highest concentrations developed at 0.5 hour after unloading; concentrations declined thereafter. During the first 6 days at location 2, circadian rhythm was evidenced by higher serum cortisol concentrations in the AM hours than in the PM hours. Therefore, the transportation of gilts 5.6 km to new pens was a transient stress causing a temporary increase in serum cortisol concentrations, but did not cause a disruption in the endogenous rhythm of cortisol.     

No impact of a phytogenic feed additive on digestion and unspecific immune reaction in piglets

Two 35 day experiments were conducted to examine the influence of a commercial phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on nutrient digestibility and unspecific immune reaction of piglets in the post-weaning period. The PFA composition was inulin, an essential oil mix (carvacrol and thymol), chestnut meal (tannins), and cellulose powder as carrier substance. In each experiment, immediately after weaning 40 male castrated piglets were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10). Diets were based on wheat, barley, soy bean meal and fishmeal using lysine as the first limiting amino acid. In experiment 1, graded levels of the PFA were supplied (A: control; B: 0.05% PFA; C: 0.1% PFA; D: 0.15% PFA). Experiment 2 utilized equal diets with 0.1% of the PFA, but different lysine supply (A: control; B: 0.1% PFA; C: +0.35% lysine; D: 0.1% PFA + 0.35% lysine). At the end of the experimental period, acute phase proteins (APPs) haptoglobin and C-reactive protein were examined in individual blood plasma samples. Following each growth study, 16 animals (n = 4) were taken for sampling of ileal chyme and assessing of praecaecal digestibility of protein and amino acids. In addition, digesta samples of the duodenum and the total pancreatic tissue were utilized for determining the enzyme activity of alpha-amylase and trypsin. APP, praecaecal digestibility and enzyme activities did not significantly respond to the PFA supplementaion in diets.     

Determination of the incidence of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens in wild birds near broiler chicken houses by sampling intestinal droppings

Several methods were evaluated for collecting fecal and intestinal samples from wild birds found near broiler chicken houses. A few intestinal samples and cloacal swabs were obtained from European starlings and house sparrows. Most of the samples collected consisted of wild bird droppings found on or near the houses. Samples were collected from each of four farms of a broiler integrator during a grow-out cycle: a cycle in the summer for farm A, fall for farm B, and spring, summer, fall, and winter for farms C and D. Of the 25 wild bird intestinal and fecal samples collected from a broiler house on farm A during a grow-out cycle in July-August 1997, 24% were positive for Salmonella spp., 4% for Campylobacter jejuni, and 28% for Clostridium perfringens. Of the nine fecal samples collected from broiler house B in a grow-out cycle in September-November 1997, 33% were positive for Salmonella spp., 11% for C. jejuni, and 22% for C. perfringens. For farms C and D, of the 23 samples collected in March-April 1998, 0 were positive for Salmonella spp., 11% for C. jejuni, and 52% for C. perfringens; of 27 samples collected in June-July 1998, 4% were positive for Salmonella spp., 0 for C. jejuni, and 13% for C. perfringens; of 24 samples collected in August-October 1998, 14% were positive for Salmonella spp., 5% for C. jejuni, and 4% for C. perfringens; of 14 samples collected December 1998-January 1999, 0 were positive for Salmonella, 50% for C. jejuni, and 14% for C. perfringens. The incidence of these bacterial enteropathogens in wild birds near the broiler chicken houses suggests that wild birds that gain entry to poultry grow-out houses have the potential to transmit these pathogens to poultry.     

Effects of cross-tying horses during 24 h of road transport

Transportation stress has been implicated as a predisposing factor to respiratory disease in horses. Cross-tying horses individually in stalls is common practice for transporting show and racehorses, but horses also travel in small groups or individually without being restricted by tying. The objective of this study was to compare physiological responses of horses travelling cross-tied or loose during 24 h of road transport. Ten horses were used in a cross-over design consisting of two 4 day trials. In the first trial, 6 horses were cross-tied, while 2 pairs of horses were loose in enclosed compartments. Treatments were reversed in the second trial. Baseline samples were collected on Day 1, horses transported on Day 2, and recovery data collected on Days 3 and 4. Blood samples were collected daily at 0800, 1100 and 2000 h. The mean responses in all horses of serum cortisol, lactate, glucose, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, and total protein concentrations, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) counts and aminotransferase and creatine kinase were was elevated significantly from baseline during the 4 day study. The response of white blood cell counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios and glucose and cortisol concentrations was significantly elevated in the cross-tied compared to the loose group during transport and recovery. This study supports the recommendation of allowing horses during long-term transportation to travel loose in small compartments, without elevating their head by cross-tying.     

Shedding and serological patterns of dairy cows following abortions associated with Coxiella burnetii DNA detection

To describe both shedding and serological patterns following abortions detected as being associated with Coxiella burnetii (Cb), 24 cows experiencing an abortion due to Cb were followed over a one month period. Samples taken on the day of abortion (D0) were followed 3-fold by weekly samplings from day 14 (D14) to D28 after the abortion. Milk and vaginal mucus were collected at each weekly sampling and tested using real-time PCR while blood samples were collected 2-fold on D21 and D28 and tested using ELISA. We found a very short duration of C. burnetii shedding in vaginal mucus after abortion, highlighting the need to collect samples as rapidly as possible following an abortion to avoid false negative results. In contrast with previous results, concomitancy of vaginal and mucus shedding was frequent, especially for cows shedding a high bacterial load on DO leading to the hypothesis that the clinical onset of the infection influences the modalities of Cb shedding. Lastly, serological results indicating a lack of sensitivity to detect Cb shedder cows (especially for cows for which Ct values were high) suggest that ELISA is not a useful tool to diagnose abortions at the individual level.