运输应激对马血细胞和血液生化指标的影响

为了调查运输应激对伊犁马血细胞和血液生化指标的影响,试验选取6匹伊犁母马,进行400 km里程的运输,总运输时间为8 h,分别在运输0、4、8 h和落地12 h后,测定马血清急性期蛋白（APPs）、皮质醇（Cor）、热休克蛋白（HSPs）、干扰素-γ（IFN-γ）和肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）含量以及血液常规指标。结果显示,与运输0 h相比,运输8 h马触珠蛋白（HP）含量显著上升（P<0.05）,运输4、8 h和落地12 h后马血清Cor含量均极显著上升（P<0.01）;落地12 h后马血清HSP90含量极显著下降（P<0.01）;运输对马血清IFN-γ和TNF-α含量均无显著影响（P>0.05）;运输4、8 h和落地12 h后血液红细胞分布宽度标准差（RDW-SD）、血小板分布宽度（PDW）、血小板大细胞比率（P-LCR）、粒细胞（GRAN）和粒细胞比率（GRAN%）均显著上升（P<0.05）,中间细胞比率（MID%）、中间细胞（MID）、血红蛋白浓度（MCHC）均显著下降（P<0.05）。综上所述,运输应激对马血清HP、Cor、HSP90浓度、血液RDW-SD、PDW、P-LCR、GRAN%、GRAN、MID%、MID和MCHC均产生显著影响,这些指标可用于评价马对运输应激的敏感性。     

Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Short-distance Transport Stress in Beef Cattle

To study the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on short-distance transport stress in beef cattle,15 healthy and 12-month-old Simmental crossbred beef cattle were selected and randomly divided into control group,transport stress group and Astragalus polysaccharide test group with 5 cattles in each group.The cattles in Astragalus polysaccharide test group were fed with 10 g/d per head Astragalus polysaccharide during the experimental period.The cattles both in transport stress group and Astragalus polysaccharide test group were transported for 3 h at the speed of 60 km/h, and blood samples were collected and used for measuring some biochemical parameters. The daily gain and morbidity were measured simultaneously. The results showed that,in transport stress group,serum Na⁺ increased significantly in 1 d after transportation comparing to before transportation (P<0.05). serum Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Cl^- showed no significant difference during the experimental period in control group and Astragalus polysaccharide test group (P>0.05).After transport (1 and 7 d),blood Na⁺/K⁺-ATP activities were extremely significantly decreased (P<0.01), SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while serum MDA contentswere significantly increased (P<0.05) in transport stress group comparing with that at 1 d before transport.These indicators of the control and Astragalus polysaccharide test group showed no significantly difference during the experimental period (P>0.05); 7 d average daily gain after transportation of control group and Astragalus polysaccharide test group were extremely significantly higher than transport stress group (P<0.01), incidence rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal of Astragalus polysaccharide test group was lower than transport stress group. The results demonstrated that Astragalus polysaccharide could be applied to the transport stress for prevention and treatment in beef cattle.     

Effects of an external nasal strip and frusemide on pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbreds following high-intensity exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an external nasal strip (NS), frusemide (FR) and a combination of the 2 treatments (NS + FR) on exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) in Thoroughbred horses. It was hypothesised that both the NS and FR would attenuate EIPH as assessed by red blood cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In random order, 8 horses completed each of 4 sprint exercise tests on a treadmill: 1) NS; 2) FR (0.5 mg/kg bwt i.v., 4 h pre-exercise); 3) NS + FR; and 4) control (C; no treatment). After a 5 min warm-up (4.5 m/s), horses completed 2 min running at 120% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) with the treadmill set at 3 degrees incline. Mean +/- s.d. running speed was 14.2+/-0.2 m/s. In the FR and NS + FR trials, horses carried weight equal to that lost as a result of frusemide administration. During exercise at 120% Vo2max, oxygen consumption (Vo2) and carbon dioxide production (Vco2) were measured at 15 s intervals. Plasma lactate concentration was measured in samples collected before exercise, at the end of the sprint and after 5 min cool-down at the trot. Thirty minutes after the run, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and the red cell count in the fluid quantified. Vo2 and Vco2 were significantly lower in NS and NS + FR trials than in the C and FR trials at the end of the sprint exercise protocol. However, plasma lactate concentrations did not differ among treatments. Compared with the C trial (61.1+/-30.5 x 10(6) red blood cells/ml BAL fluid), pulmonary haemorrhage was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in both the NS (15.9+/-4.0 x 106 RBC/ml) and FR (12.2+/-5.8 x 10(6) RBC/ml) trials. EIPH in the NS + FR trial (7.9+/-1.0 x 10(6) RBC/ml) was further diminished (P<0.05) compared to the NS trial, but not different from the FR trial. We conclude that both the external nasal strip and frusemide attenuate pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred horses during high-speed sprint exercise. The external nasal strip appears to lower the metabolic cost of supramaximal exertion in horses. Given the purported ergogenic effects of frusemide, the external nasal strip is a valuable alternative for the attenuation of EIPH.     

Effects of road transportation on metabolic and immunological responses in Holstein heifers

This study examined the effects of road transportation on metabolic and immunological responses in dairy heifers. Twenty Holstein heifers in early pregnancy were divided into non‐transported (NT; n = 7) and transported (T; n = 13) groups. Blood was collected before transportation (BT), immediately after transportation for 100 km (T1) and 200 km (T2), and 24 h after transportation (AT). The T heifers had higher (P < 0.05) blood cortisol and non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations after T1 and T2 than did NT heifers. By contrast, the T heifers had lower (P < 0.05) serum triglyceride concentrations after T1 and T2 than had the NT heifers. The serum cortisol and triglyceride concentrations returned (P > 0.05) to the BT concentrations at 24 h AT in the T heifers. The granulocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and the percentage of monocytes were higher (P < 0.05) after T2 in the T heifers than in the NT heifers, suggesting that transportation stress increased the numbers of innate immune cells. T heifers had higher (P < 0.01) plasma haptoglobin concentrations than NT heifers 24 h AT. In conclusion, transportation increased cortisol secretion and was correlated with increased metabolic responses and up‐regulation of peripheral innate immune cells in dairy heifers.     

运输应激对驴血液指标的影响

本试验旨在研究长途运输应激对驴血液指标的影响。试验以12头体重(140.8±5.2)kg的德州驴为研究对象,运输距离约950km,发车地气温为-20℃,目的地气温为-10℃,历时21h,其中包括10次停车观察(≤20min)。分别在运输前、运输后0h和运输后3、5、7、9、15d采集颈静脉血15mL,进行血液激素指标、血常规指标和血液生化指标检测,并分别记录运输前、运输后0h和运输后10、20、30d体重。结果显示,与运输前相比,落地后0h血清中促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)、热休克蛋白90(HSP90)和皮质醇(cortisol)浓度均显著升高(P<0.05),落地后3、5、7、9、15d内逐渐降低,ACTH和HSP90基本恢复至运输前水平;中性粒细胞总数(Neu)、红细胞总数(RBC)和血红蛋白浓度(HGB)均较运输前显著上升(P<0.05),白细胞总数(WBC)有所上升但与运输前差异不显著(P>0.05),淋巴细胞总数(LYM)较运输前显著下降(P<0.05);血清总蛋白(TP)、血清白蛋白(ALB)、肌酐(CREA)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、运输前后均未发生显著变化(P>0.05),谷草转氨酶(AST)、肌酸激酶(CK)、尿素(UREA)均较运输前显著上升(P<0.05);体重较运输前显著下降(P<0.05),运输后10d内体重已恢复至运输前水平。上述结果表明,长途运输可诱发驴的应激反应、肝脏损伤、机体代谢水平升高等,但免疫系统未受到明显损害,在落地后15d内机体逐渐从应激反应中恢复至运输前状态。     

葡萄籽原花青素对高精料育肥羔羊免疫功能的影响

本试验旨在研究葡萄籽原花青素(GSPs)对高精料育肥羔羊免疫功能的影响。试验选取48只4月龄、体重[(22.75±1.20)kg]相近的杜寒杂交一代公羔羊,随机分为4组,每组12只羊。各组分别在基础饲粮中添加0(对照组)、10(10GSPs组)、20(20GSPs组)、40 mg/(kg BW·d)(40GSPs组)的GSPs。预试期15 d,正试期45 d。结果表明:1)正试期第30天,20GSPs和40GSPs组外周血中CD4^+T细胞比例显著高于对照组(P<0.05),CD8^+T细胞比例显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。正试期第45天,20GSPs和40GSPs组外周血中CD8^+T细胞比例显著低于对照组(P<0.05),CD4^+T细胞比例及CD4^+/CD8^+比值显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。2)随着GSPs添加水平的增加,外周血淋巴细胞转化率线性升高(P<0.05),淋巴细胞凋亡率线性降低(P<0.05)。20GSPs和40GSPs组的外周血淋巴细胞转化率显著高于对照组(P<0.05),淋巴细胞凋亡率显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。3)随着GSPs添加水平的增加,血清白细胞介素-2(IL-2)含量有线性升高的趋势(P=0.057),血清白细胞介素-6(IL-6)含量有线性降低的趋势(P=0.074),但各组间血清IL-2、IL-6含量差异不显著(P>0.05)。20GSPs和40GSPs组血清白细胞介素-4(IL-4)含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。随着GSPs添加水平的增加,血清免疫球蛋白G(IgG)含量线性增加(P<0.05);20GSPs组血清IgG含量显著高于10GSPs和对照组(P<0.05)。由此可见,高精料饲粮条件下添加适量的GSPs可以改善羔羊的免疫功能,本试验条件下GSPs的适宜添加水平为20 mg/(kg BW·d)。     

栽培一枝蒿粗多糖佐剂增强口蹄疫疫苗的皮下免疫效果

旨在评价新疆栽培一枝蒿粗多糖(cultivated A rtemisia rupestris L.crude polysaccharides,CARCP)对口蹄疫灭活疫苗(foot and mouth disease vaccine,FMDV)的免疫佐剂活性,确定多糖佐剂的有效性.选用不同剂量的CARCP与FMDV配伍...     

Bronchodilators in bronchoscopy-induced airflow limitation in allergen-sensitized cats

This study investigated the effect of bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on respiratory function, determined by barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP), of healthy and allergen-sensitized cats. Furthermore, the efficacy of inhaled bronchodilators in preventing changes in respiratory function was determined. For test 1, 18 healthy experimental cats were investigated on day 1 by BWBP. On day 2, the cats underwent BWBP after sedation (medetomidine), after anesthesia induction (propofol), and after bronchoscopy and BAL. Enhanced pause (Penh) was significantly increased after bronchoscopy and BAL (1.64 +/- 0.17 versus 1.23 +/- 0.07, P < .05). For test 2, 6 cats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), 6 cats were sensitized to Ascaris suum (AS), and 6 cats served as controls. On day 0, OVA- and AS-sensitized cats underwent an inhaled allergen challenge, whereas controls were exposed to saline. On days 1 and 2, the same protocol as described for test 1 was repeated. Post-BAL Penh of the AS-sensitized cats was significantly higher than at test 1 (2.28 +/- 0.22 versus 1.69 +/- 0.33, P < .05) and was correlated with BAL fluid neutrophil count (r = 0.55, P < .05). During tests 3, 4, and 5, the same protocol as used for test 2 was applied to each cat group, with the animals being randomly treated before sedation with inhaled salbutamol (200 microg), ipratropium bromide (40 microg), or a combination of both (200 + 40 microg). Post-BAL Penh of the AS-sensitized group was significantly decreased after the salbutamol + ipratropium bromide treatment (1.56 +/- 0.18 versus 2.28 +/- 0.22, P < .05). This study suggests that bronchoscopy and BAL induce airflow limitation in cats, which is more severe in the presence of lower airway inflammation. Inhaled salbutamol + ipratropium bromide reduce BAL-induced bronchoconstriction in AS-challenged cats and might be recommended as preventive treatment of asthmatic cats undergoing bronchoscopy.     

生物素对肉仔鸡免疫器官的发育、机体免疫功能和神经内分泌激素的影响

将400只1日龄AA肉仔鸡随机分成4个处理，每个处理5个重复，每个重复20只鸡（公母各半）；基础日粮为小麦-酪蛋白型日粮，在基础日粮中分别添加0．30、0．90和2．7mg／kg3个水平的生物素，包括对照组共4种日粮处理。试验结果表明：（1）添加生物素可促进免疫器官的发育，提高其质量指数；提高了血清中新城疫抗体滴度和IgG水平，0．9mg／kg和2．7mg／kg处理组的新城疫抗体滴度显著高于对照组和0．3mg／kg处理组（P＜0．05），2．7mg／kg处理组的IgG水平显著高于对照组（P＜0．05）；（2）添加生物素显著提高了血液中B淋巴细胞的转化效率（P＜0．05）和脾脏中T淋巴细胞（P＜0．05）和B淋巴细胞的转化效率（P＜0．05）；显著降低了血液中表达CD3^＋的细胞含量（P＜0．05），其中2．7mg／kg处理组极显著低于对照组和0．3mg／kg处理组（P＜0．05）；显著降低了脾脏中表达CD3^＋、CD4^＋和CD8^＋的细胞含量（P＜0．05），其中2．7mg／kg处理组显著低于对照组和0．3mg／kg处理组（P＜0．05）；（3）添加生物素后，血清甲状腺素T4、三碘甲状原氨酸T3、生长激素和皮质醇水平呈上升趋势（P＞0．05）。     

干扰素α对小鼠Tfh细胞分化的调控作用

通过体外试验观察干扰素-α(IFN-α)对滤泡辅助性T细胞(Tfh)分化及功能的影响。无菌分离小鼠脾细胞,磁珠分选CD4^+T细胞,加入抗CD3单克隆抗体、抗CD28单克隆抗体,重组IL-21、IL-6进行刺激,同时加入重组IFN-α(设不加IFN-α的阴性对照)进行培养,分别在培养后的1、3、5d,流式细胞术检测Tfh细胞(CD4^+CXCR5^+)和CD4^+CXCR5^+PD-1^+细胞的比例;ELISA检测细胞上清中Tfh细胞功能性细胞因子IL-4、IL-21的水平;real-time PCR检测培养3d后Tfh细胞相关转录因子STAT1、Bcl-6以及细胞因子IL-21mRNA的表达水平。结果表明,与阴性组相比,IFN-α能明显促进Tfh细胞的分化及Tfh细胞中PD-1的表达(P<0.05),能提高Tfh细胞功能性细胞因子IL-4、IL-21的分泌水平(P<0.05);IFN-α能正向调控Tfh细胞相关转录因子STAT1、Bcl-6以及细胞因子IL-21mRNA的表达水平(P<0.05)。说明IFN-α可通过正向调控STAT1、Bcl-6的表达,促进Tfh细胞的分化和细胞因子的分泌。     

饲料中大豆油替代鱼油对银鲳运输前后应激指标及组织抗氧化能力的影响

本试验通过检测运输胁迫前后血清皮质醇、葡萄糖和乳酸浓度以及组织抗氧化性能的变化,以研究饲料中大豆油替代鱼油对银鲳运输前后应激指标及组织抗氧化能力的影响。试验配制4种试验饲料,分别以100%鱼油(FO组)、70%鱼油+30%大豆油(FSO组)、30%鱼油+70%大豆油(SFO组)、100%大豆油(SO组)为脂肪源,饲喂平均体重(17.2±6.7)g银鲳60 d后进行4 h运输胁迫。每种饲料饲喂3个水泥池(重复),每池投放50尾试验鱼。结果显示:4 h运输胁迫后,各组血清皮质醇浓度均有所增加,其中SO组变化显著(P0.05),升高1.89倍,SFO组变化程度最小;各组血清葡萄糖浓度均略有增加,其中SFO组增加最少,但变化均不显著(P0.05);各组乳酸浓度则均出现显著增加(P0.05),尤其是SO组;各组脑部乙酰胆碱酯酶(ACh E)活力均出现显著减弱(P0.05),而SFO组无论是在胁迫前还是在胁迫后在各组中均有最高活力;各组血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力均显著增强(P0.05),其中SO组上升幅度最大;虽然各组血清过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力均有所增强,但只有SO组变化显著(P0.05);肝脏和肌肉CAT活力仅SO组显著增强(P0.05),其余各组变化不显著(P0.05);SO组血清SOD和CAT活力显著增强(P0.05)。由此可见,SO组银鲳在运输后机体健康情况较差,应激反应较为剧烈,说明投喂过量添加大豆油的饲料不利于银鲳的机体健康和长途运输,而在保持鱼油含量的前提下适当添加大豆油的效果较好。     

DO11.10小鼠卵清蛋白免疫耐受模型的建立

为建立D011.10小鼠的卵清蛋白(OVA)免疫耐受模型,试验组小鼠尾静脉注射5 μg/只OVA,对照组注射PBS,共3次,每次间隔5 d.最后一次注射后的第3天、第12天分别用OVA进行免疫,第18天颈椎脱臼处死小鼠.利用MTT法检测小鼠OVA、OVA323-339肽段特异性脾淋巴细胞增殖情况,利用流式细胞术检测CD...     

Effect of dietary fermented garlic by Weissella koreensis powder on growth performance, blood characteristics, and immune response of growing pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of fermented garlic by Weissella koreensis powder (WKG) on pig growth performance and immune responses after an Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In Exp. 1, 120 growing barrows (23.5 ± 0.5 kg of BW and 56 d of age) were used in a 35-d experiment to determine the optimal amounts of WKG. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments with 6 replicate pens and 4 pigs per pen. Dietary treatments included 1) NC (negative control; basal diet without antibiotics), 2) PC (positive control; basal diet + 1 g of tylosin/kg), 3) WKG1 (basal diet + 1 g of WKG/kg), 4) WKG2 (basal diet + 2 g of WKG/kg), and 5) basal diet + 4 g of WKG/kg. At the end of the feeding period, 12 pigs each were selected from the NC and WKG2 treatment groups, and 6 pigs were injected with LPS (50 μg/kg of BW) and the other 6 pigs with an equivalent amount of sterile saline, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Blood samples and rectal temperature data were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after challenge. The ADG of pigs fed WKG- and antibiotic-supplemented diets was greater (P<0.05) than NC from d 14 to 35 and the overall phase, but no dosage-dependent effects were observed. At the end of the experiment, the fecal E. coli count was linearly reduced by the increasing amounts of WKG at d 35 (P=0.01). Challenge with LPS increased white blood cell counts at 6 and 8 h (P<0.01) and depressed lymphocyte concentration at 4, 8, and 12 h (P<0.01). During challenge, LPS injection increased rectal temperature at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h postchallenge (P<0.05), and WKG2 alleviated (P<0.05) the increase in the temperature at 2 h postchallenge. The LPS injection increased plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and IGF-1 concentrations at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h (P<0.01), whereas an alleviating effect of WKG was observed at 4, 6, and 8 h after LPS challenge (P<0.05). At 2, 4, and 6 h postchallenge, concentration of cluster of differentiation-antigen-4-positive cells and cluster of differentiation-antigen-8-positive cells (CD4(+) and CD8(+), respectively) increased in the LPS treatments (P<0.05), and the WKG2 boosted this effect (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of WKG2 in growing pigs can improve ADG and have a beneficial effect on the immune response during an inflammatory challenge.     

Transportation stress in young bulls alters expression of neutrophil genes important for the regulation of apoptosis, tissue remodeling, margination, and anti-bacterial function

The transportation of beef cattle results in a stress response that is associated with increased susceptibility and severity of respiratory diseases, presumably due to an alteration in immune function. Neutrophils are phagocytic immune cells important in lung defense and are also targets of the stress response. The objective of this study was to determine if a 9h transportation of young bulls by road induced changes in the expression of candidate genes known to be important in neutrophil-mediated defense and inflammation in the lung. These neutrophil genes encompassed functions of apoptosis (A1 and Fas), tissue remodeling (MMP-9), vascular margination (L-selectin), bacterial killing (BPI), and wound healing (betaglycan), as well as responsiveness of the cells to stress-induced increases in glucocorticoid hormones (GRalpha). To explore gene expression changes, blood was collected, plasma harvested, and neutrophils isolated from six Belgian Blue x Friesian bulls (231+/-7.0 kg in weight; 282+/-4 days of age) at -24, 0, 4.5, 9.75, 14.25, 24, and 48h relative to commencement of a 9h road transportation by truck. Plasma cortisol concentrations were elevated at 4.5 and 9.75h, peaking at 50.64+/-4.46 ng/mL (P<0.0001) and confirming that the animals experienced stress. Blood neutrophil count was elevated between 4.5 and 14.25h (P<0.0001), reaching a peak that was over 3-fold higher than the -24h concentration. Neutrophil Fas gene expression was acutely down-regulated (P=0.02) by transportation stress, while expressions of MMP-9, l-selectin, and BPI were profoundly up-regulated (P=0.003, 0.002, and <0.001 respectively). However, no changes in neutrophil expressions of betaglycan, GRalpha, and A1 were detected. It is concluded that a 9h transportation of young bulls induces a gene expression signature in blood neutrophils that increases their circulating numbers and may enhance their pro-inflammatory and anti-bacterial potential.     

Effects of inhalation of dust and endotoxin on respiratory tracts of pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of inhalation of feed flour dust and dustborne endotoxin on respiratory tracts of pigs. ANIMALS: 29 healthy Belgian Landrace pigs. PROCEDURE: Pigs housed in an environmental chamber were exposed for 6 days to feed flour dust (1 to 15 mg/m3) and dustborne endotoxins (50 to 2,500 ng/m3). Effects were evaluated by measuring albumin concentration, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, cell composition of nasal lavage (NL) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and blood, and percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in blood and lavage fluids. Dustborne endotoxin was obtained by mixing endotoxins from Escherichia coli (serotype O127:B8) with feed flour before spraying the flour in the environmental chamber. RESULTS: Exposure did not affect cell composition of NL fluid or blood. Total cell counts of BAL fluids were increased in all groups exposed to dust. Macrophage counts were increased in pigs exposed to inhalable dust concentrations as low as 4.4 mg/m3, and lymphocyte counts were increased in groups exposed to high dust concentrations. Percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in blood and lavage fluids were unchanged. In all dust-exposed groups, albumin content of BAL fluid was increased, whereas LDH activity was unaffected. Macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration and edema in the bronchi were identified by light microscopy. Effects attributable to E. coli endotoxin exposure were not identified. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of feed flour dust did not affect nasal mucosa but did induce bronchial airway inflammation. Dustborne endotoxins did not have effects attributable to endotoxin alone.     

长途运输应激对西门塔尔牛体重、血液生化指标和细胞因子含量的影响

为研究长途运输应激对西门塔尔牛体重、血液生化指标和细胞因子含量的影响,随机选取12头、平均体重（292.1±38.2）kg的西门塔尔牛,在最高气温30℃下,经过36 h、1 450 km的敞篷卡车运输,运输前后称重并采集颈静脉血样,测定其体重及血液生化指标的变化情况。结果表明：①与运输前体重相比,经36 h、1 450 km运输后,试验牛平均体重极显著降低（P<0.01）,由292.1 kg降低到262.8 kg,体重损失10.03%。②与运输前相比,运输36 h时西门塔尔牛血清皮质醇（COR）含量显著提高（P<0.05）、血糖（GLU）水平极显著增高（P<0.01）,运输后7~14 d下降到运输前水平（P>0.05）;运输应激对血清胆固醇水平无显著影响（P>0.05）。③运输应激极显著提高了西门塔尔牛血清C-反应蛋白（CRP）含量（P<0.01）,显著提高血清白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、γ-干扰素（IFN-γ）和肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）的含量（P<0.05）,运输后7~14 d下降到运输前或更低水平（P>0.05）;运输应激对血清白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）含量无显著影响（P>0.05）。综上所述,长途运输可显著降低肉牛的体重和抑制机体免疫机能,经长途运输后的西门塔尔牛需要约14 d的恢复期。     

Responses of serum electrolytes of goats to twelve hours of road transportation during the hot-dry season in Nigeria, and the effect of pretreatment with ascorbic acid

Twenty goats which served as the experimental group were administered ascorbic acid (AA) per os at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg body mass, while 20 others served as controls and were given 10 ml each of sterile water. Forty minutes after the administration and loading, the goats were transported for 12 h. Handling and loading of the experimental and control groups of goats decreased (P < 0.05) the potassium and sodium serum concentrations. The concentration of serum chloride, sodium and calcium increased significantly (P < 0.05) immediately post-transportation, while potassium and magnesium decreased (P < 0.05) in the control goats. In AA-treated goats sodium and magnesium concentrations decreased abruptly (P < 0.05), while calcium increased significantly (P < 0.05) after transportation. Handling, loading and transportation adversely affected the electrolyte balance of the goats which suggested respiratory alkalosis, dehydration and muscular damage in the transported goats, and the administration of AA alleviated the adverse effects of road transportation stress on serum electrolytes.     

Physiological responses of young cross‐bred calves immediately after long‐haul road transportation and after one week of habituation

We investigated 10 suckling cross‐bred calves (Japanese Black (Wagyu) × Holstein) and collected data on the physiological stress responses of the young calves to long‐haul road transportation. All calves were male and 21–47 days of age. The calves were obtained at a livestock market and were transported from the market to the university in a commercial livestock vehicle. The total haul distance and time were 306.9 km and 7 h, respectively. The calves were deprived of food and water during transportation. Blood samples, electrocardiograms, and rectal temperatures were collected immediately after transportation and after one week of habituation at the university. Serum pH was significantly lower (P < 0.01), while serum triiodothyronine, aspartate aminotransferase, non‐esterified fatty acids (all P < 0.05), and heart rate (P < 0.01) were significantly higher immediately after transportation. The concentrations of blood lactic acid (P = 0.08) and serum alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.06) tended to be higher after transportation. These physiological responses suggest that the stress caused by long‐haul transportation causes significant effects on liver function in young calves.     

Immunopathological effects of experimental T-2 mycotoxocosis in broiler chicken co-infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV)

A total of 128 1-week-old chicks were classified into four groups; T-2 toxin fed (T-2), IBV infected (IBV), T-2 toxin fed and co-infected with IBV (T-2+IBV), and untreated (control) for a period of 6 weeks. Within their respective groups, the birds belonged to T-2 and T-2+IBV were exposed to 2 ppm of T-2 toxin contaminated feed for 6 weeks, and 0.2 ml of 10 EID(50) (10(5.69)/0.2 ml) inoculums of IBV isolate (India/LKW/56/IVRI/08) was used to challenge the chicks belonged to IBV alone and T-2+IBV groups after 3 weeks of the experiment. To study immunopathological effects, parameters such as lymphocyte stimulation indices (SI), haemagglutination inhibition, enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), peripheral lymphocytes CD(4)(+) and CD(8)(+) analysis, and histopathological examination of lymphoid organs were done. Accordingly, SI values were significantly (P<0.05) lower in all the treatment groups as compared to control, however, the SI values of IBV infected group were significantly higher than the values in toxin fed groups. The mean HI titres to ND vaccine was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the toxin groups at all the intervals, and the antibody titres in IBV infected group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of T-2 toxin fed and co-infected with IBV group but were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the control at 21 (3) and 28 (10) days of toxin feeding (DTF) (days post infection (DPI)). Similarly, the mean IBV ELISA antibody titres in the toxin fed groups were significantly (P<0.01) reduced as compared with the IBV ELISA antibody titres of IBV infected but not toxin fed group, at all intervals. Peripheral CD(4)(+):CD(8)(+) ratios in T-2+IBV group and number of CD(4)(+) and CD(8)(+) peripheral lymphocytes in all treatment groups were significantly reduced as compared to the values in control birds. However, CD(4)(+):CD(8)(+) ratios of IBV infected group at 42 (21) DTF (DPI) were found significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values in control birds. Histopathologically, lymphoid organs (bursa of Fabricius, spleen, thymus, caecal tonsils and Harderian glands) showed moderate to severe necrosis (lymphocytolysis) and extensive lymphocyte depletion in all the toxin groups (T-2 and T-2+IBV groups) where the severity and extent of the lesions were more in T-2+IBV group. The findings of the present experiment revealed immunosuppressive effects of T-2 toxin and aggravated the pathology and pathogenesis of IBV infection.     

Haematology and behaviour of pullets transported by road and administered with ascorbic acid during the hot-dry season

The effects of ascorbic acid (AA) on pullets transported by road for 6h during the hot-dry season were investigated. Forty Shika Brown pullets administered orally with AA just before transportation served as experimental, while another 40 pullets given sterile water only served as control. Blood samples analyzed before and after transportation in control pullets showed a decrease (P<0.05) in packed cell volume and haemoglobin values, and a significant (P<0.05) increase in the values of heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, total protein and basophil counts post-transportation. In experimental pullets, the post-transportation values were not different (P>0.05) from those obtained pre-transportation. The result showed that the transportation was stressful in control pullets. The behavioural activities of the pullets' post-transportation period indicated that AA facilitated the transition of the state of depression that followed excitation back to excitation immediately after transportation. In conclusion, AA administration ameliorated the adverse effect of road transportation stress during the hot-dry season.