Reduction of Salmonella typhimurium concentration in broiler chickens by milk or whey

Whey (5%) in the feed of chicks for the first 10 days of life reduced the mean log10 number of viable S. typhimurium from 5.68 in control chickens to 3.38 in whey-fed chickens. Lactose in drinking water or reconstituted dry milk (5% wt: vol) in drinking water reduced the mean log10 number of S. typhimurium to 2.60 and 2.11, respectively. Milk (5% wt: wt) in feed was not effective in reducing S. typhimurium colonization. The lack of effect of milk in the feed is believed to be because not enough lactose was provided at the 5% (wt: wt) concentration. Lactose in whey or nonfat dried milk offers alternatives to the use of pure lactose in preventing or lowering S. typhimurium numbers in young broiler chickens.     

Changes in hormonal profiles during the estrous cycle in old lactating beef cows

Patterns of concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) during an estrous cycle were compared between 15 lactating beef cows 5 to 7 years of age (young) and 15 cows greater than or equal to 12 years of age (old). Length of estrous cycle did not differ between young and old cows (P = .06). No differences due to age were found for LH. Patterns of concentrations of P4 during the first 15 days of the cycle, of FSH during days 6 through 12 and of E2 during the follicular phase differed with age (P less than .05). An earlier (P less than .025) midcycle elevation of FSH was associated with an earlier rise and greater concentration of E2 (P less than .05) during the follicular phase in old than in young cows. Differences in FSH and P4, although subtle, were consistent with an earlier or more advanced follicular development in old cows, leading to greater secretion of E2 from the preovulatory follicle.     

Survey of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae infection in swine by different methods

Lung and serum samples from pigs that died or were emergency-slaughtered in a pooled, conventional fattening herd were examined to survey Actinobacillus pleuro-pneumoniae infection and to compare the sensitivity of different testing methods. A total of 110 lungs were used for cultural isolation of the agent and direct immunofluorescence (IF) of impression smears. Boiled lung suspensions were tested by coagglutination (Co-A) and agar gel precipitation (AGP). Eighty-seven sera were tested along with lung samples from the same pigs. The lungs yielded a varied bacterial flora most often containing Pasteurella multocida and less frequently Actinomyces (Corynebacterium) pyogenes, E. coli and Salmonella. A. pleuropneumoniae was isolated from 30 lungs: from 22 lungs it grew out in pure culture, from 7 as mixed culture with P. multocida and from 1 as mixed culture with A. pyogenes. The number of positive samples obtained by the different methods was as follows: coagglutination test (with boiled lung suspensions): 63 (57.3%); immunofluorescence: 43 (39.2%); AGP test (with serum): 31 (35.6%); AFP test (with boiled lung suspension): 25 (22.7%). A total of 23 samples (20.7%) were negative by all serological tests and by cultural isolation. Most samples gave positive results by two or more tests while 26 samples only by one test (most often, on 13 occasions, by the Co-A test). The Co-A test detected antigenic components of serotypes that have not been isolated in Hungary so far. This indicates that it is not enough to test one strain from a given lung sample: several colonies must be cultured and serotyped.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Feedlot performance of Tanzanian Shorthorn Zebu finished on local feed resources

A study was conducted in Hanang District to assess potential for on-farm feedlot finishing of Tanzanian Shorthorn Zebu (TSHZ) in dry season using locally available feed resources. A total of 65 (2–3 years old, 150–250 kg LWT) steers were randomly distributed into two dietary treatments in three villages. The steers were finished either in feedlots using compounded diets or under free grazing in accordance with farmers’ practice. Following 90 days of feeding, all steers were slaughtered for detailed carcass and meat quality assessment. Growth performance, carcass and meat quality of experimental animals were assessed to determine feedlot performance of TSHZ. Results show that average daily gain of feedlot-finished animals (620 g/day) was nearly three-fold higher (P = 0.042) than that of grazed steers (223 g/day). Feedlot-finished steers produced 28 kg (P = 0.001) heavier carcasses than grazed ones. Carcasses from feedlot-finished steers cooled slowly as they had higher (P = 0.001) temperatures than that of grazed ones at 45 min (33.1 vs. 30.5 °C) and 6 h (21.0 vs. 19.5 °C) post-mortem. Feedlot-finished steers produced beef with higher (P = 0.003) marbling scores (3.4) than grazed ones (2.4). As a result, beef from the feedlot-finished steers was more tender (P = 0.016) than that from grazed ones, and it required 13 N less force to shear. It is concluded that TSHZ responds positively to improved feeding with significant enhancement on carcass gain and meat quality. Use of diets compounded using agro-processing by-products, instead of whole grain, can lower the cost of finishing TSHZ steers significantly.

     

Impact of housing nursery pigs according to body weight on the onset of feed intake,aggressive behavior,and growth performance

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Housing nursery pigs according to body weight is an observed common practice in production systems and, supposedly, improves growth performance and reduces...     

Productive behavior in growing kid goats and methane production with the inclusion of chokecherry leaf (Prunus salicifolia)

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Currently for the reduction of methane (CH4) emissions are using fodder rich in condensed tannins, however, not yet known exactly how they act in the rumen...     

Mycobacterial disease in a population of 339 cats in Great Britain: II. Histopathology of 225 cases, and treatment and outcome of 184 cases

This study investigated 339 cases of feline mycobacterial infection, with histopathology findings from 225 cases, and treatment and outcome information from 184 cases. Tissue samples from cats with cutaneous lesions or suspicious masses at exploratory laparotomy were submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for mycobacterial culture over a 4-year period to December 2008. The study reviewed the files for information about histopathology, treatment and outcome, and blindly reviewed histopathological changes (including staining for acid-fast bacteria [AFB]) in a sub-set of 45 cases. When a cat is suspected of having a mycobacterial infection, accurate identification of the species involved helps to determine possible treatment options and prognosis. The study confirmed that histopathology and the presence of AFB are useful tools in the recognition of mycobacterial infection. Unfortunately, they did little to help determine the species of mycobacteria involved. The study identified a group of cats that were negative for AFB at the primary laboratory, but from which mycobacteria could be cultured; commonly Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium microti. The study also identified a group of cats which where culture negative, despite typical signs of mycobacterial infection and positive AFB staining. Many cases responded favourably to treatment (56% of the cases where information was available), and many cats gained complete remission (42%). However, relapses were common (64%) and often followed by pulmonary and/or systemic spread that may have resulted from treatment with short courses of single drugs. This study shows that the diagnosis and treatment of feline mycobacteriosis is complex and challenging.     

Differential acute phase immune responses by Angus and Romosinuano steers following an endotoxin challenge

Our primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate potential genetic differences between two diverse Bos taurus breeds [Angus (AG) and Romosinuano (RO)] in response to an endotoxin challenge. Eighteen steers (n = 9 steers/breed; 299.4 ± 5.2 kg BW) were acclimated to environmentally controlled chambers maintained at thermoneutrality (19.7 °C) and then fitted with indwelling jugular catheters and rectal temperature (RT) recording devices 1 d before the endotoxin challenge. The next day, blood samples were collected at 30-min intervals from −2 to 8 h, and RT was measured continuously at 1-min intervals throughout the study. At time 0, all steers received an intravenous bolus injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2.5 μg/kg BW). Serum samples were stored at −80 °C until analyzed for cortisol, proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ)], and acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A, acid soluble protein, ceruloplasmin, and α-acid glycoprotein). Rectal temperatures increased in both breeds within 1 h after LPS, with RO producing a greater increase in RT than AG steers (P < 0.001). Serum cortisol and TNF-α increased (P < 0.01) in both breeds within 1 h after the LPS challenge. For cortisol, an overall breed effect (P < 0.02) was detected, such that AG steers had a higher cortisol response than RO steers. A breed × time interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for TNF-α, such that the response was delayed and extended in the RO steers compared with the AG steers. At 2 and 2.5 h after LPS, TNF-α concentrations were greater (P < 0.03) in RO steers than in AG steers. For IL-1β, a breed × time interaction (P < 0.04) was also observed. At 3 h after LPS, IL-1β concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in RO steers than in AG steers. Serum IL-6 and IFN-γ increased (P < 0.01) in a similar manner in both groups after the LPS challenge. These data show differences in the innate immune response between two diverse Bos taurus breeds which may provide insight about differences observed in productivity, heat tolerance, disease resistance, and longevity among cattle breeds.     

Effects of a probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain supplemented from birth to weaning on diarrhoea patterns and performance of piglets

This placebo-controlled double-blind study was conducted to evaluate effects of Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663 NCIMB 10415 (EcF) orally given from birth to weaning on diarrhoea and performance of piglets. At the first 3 days postnatum (p.n.), piglets from 54 [verum group (VG)] and 60 [placebo group (PG)] sows got 1 g of a gel directly per mouth by a dosing device. Gel for the VG contained 2.8 x 10(9) colony forming units (CFU) EcF/g. From day 4 p.n. until weaning (24 +/- 3.2 days p.n.) a liquid additive was given that administered twice a day 1.26 x 10(9) CFU EcF to each VG piglet. In case of diarrhoea, an electrolyte solution was used which provided daily 2.9 and 5.8 (week 1 and >or= 2, respectively) x 10(8) CFU EcF per VG piglet. Diarrhoea scores were defined as follows: (i) no diarrhoea; (ii) piglets developed diarrhoea, but were vital and (iii) piglets suffered from diarrhoea and additionally looked pale, developed rough coat, showed slackening of the flank and lethargy. Counts of viable born, stillborn and weaned piglets were normal and not different between groups (p > 0.05). Placebo group vs. VG piglets suffered more frequently from diarrhoea (40.0 vs. 14.8%, p < 0.05). Duration of diarrhoea was not affected by feeding EcF (2.2 +/- 0.81 days, p > 0.05). Diarrhoea score was lower in VG vs. PG (1.2 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.54, p < 0.05) and the daily weight gain (DWG) was higher by 17 g/day (p < 0.05). Results suggest that the daily oral supplementation of EcF from birth to weaning reduces the portion of piglets suffering from diarrhoea. This may improve performance, as the higher DWG indicates. In contrast, no obvious benefit seems to result from an additional supply of EcF via electrolyte solution when diarrhoea is always present.