Study of the soil-plant (carrot)-animal cycle of nutritive and hazardous minerals in a rabbit model.

Carrots were grown on soils polluted by heavy metal salts. Each particular microelement reached a high concentration [molybdenum (Mo) 39.00, cadmium (Cd) 2.30, lead (Pb) 4.01, mercury (Hg) 30.00, and selenium (Se) 36.20 mg/kg dry matter] in the carrot. In a metabolic balance trial conducted with 15 male and 15 female New Zealand White rabbits, the control animals (n = 5) were fed ad libitum with concentrate as basal diet, while the other rabbits received the basal diet and carrots containing the particular microelement. Blood samples were taken to determine the activity of serum enzymes. To investigate the metabolism of Mo, Cd, Pb, Hg and Se, samples were taken from the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, ovaries/testicles, entire digestive tract, adipose tissue, femur, hair, faeces and urine. Carrot had significantly higher digestibility for all nutrients than the rabbit concentrate. Carrot samples of high Pb content had the lowest digestibility of crude protein. The microelements differed in their rate of accumulation in the organs examined: Mo and Cd accumulated in the kidneys, Pb in the kidneys, liver, bones and lungs, Hg in the kidneys and liver, while Se in the liver, kidneys and heart. The proportions of microelements eliminated from the body either via the faeces and urine (Mo 80.18% and Se 47.41%) or via the faeces (Cd 37.86%, Pb 66.39%, Hg 64.65%) were determined. Pathohistological examination revealed that the rate of spermatogenesis was reduced in the Mo, Cd, Pb and Hg groups compared to the control. Lead, Cd and Hg intake resulted in a considerable decrease in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and in an increase of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity because of damages to the kidneys and bones. All experimental treatments decreased the activity of cholinesterase (CHE) because of lesions in the liver.     

Gross Anatomy of the Pancreatic Lobes and Ducts in Six Breeds of Domestic Ducks and Six Species of Wild Ducks in China

A previously unreported pancreatic duct was found by Liu (1989) in Pekin ducks. This duct has now been consistently found in six breeds of domestic ducks and six species of wild ducks in China. For purposes of Nomina Anatomica Avium it is hereby called the ‘first pancreatic duct’(Ducius pancreaticus primus) since it enters the duodenum at or near the flexure where the descending duodenum becomes the ascending duodenum. All other pancreatic ducts enter the duodenum later, closer to where it joins the jejunum. This first pancreatic duct drains the caudal extremity of the dorsal lobe of the pancreas and can be easily exteriorized for experimental purposes. Within the parenchyma of the dorsal lobe of the pancreas this duct communicates with the dorsal pancreatic duct. In the present study of the gross anatomy of the pancreatic lobes of domestic and wild Chinese ducks we describe and illustrate variations in position and number of all biliary and pancreatic ducts.     

Model Optimization of Litter Size and Genetic Analyses of Model Parameters in Sows

According to two properties of the life cycle and to fluctuation with parities, four mathematical models, the Poisson cycle model, the cubic polynomial model, the modified quadratic polynomial model-I and the modified quadratic polynomial model-II, were used to fit the records of litter size in Jiangquhai sows. From the viewpoint of statistics and biological significance, the modified quadratic polynomial model-I was found to be the optimum model. A single trait animal model and DFREML procedures were further used to estimate the heritability values of optimum model parameters. The results show that the heritability values for the coefficients A and B and the heritability value for the acme of the model pure quadric curve are larger than the heritability value for the litter size. This suggests that selection for model parameters may be more effective than direct selection for litter size.     

Macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre-pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features.     

Oral vaccination of chickens with the V4 strain of Newcastle disease virus. Cooked and raw white rice as a vehicle

Summary Uncooked white rice and cooked white rice were tested as vehicles for the V4 strain of oral Newcastle disease vaccine. The results of feeding experiments were evaluated by the measurement of haemagglutination inhibition antibodies against Newcastle disease virus. Little of the virus applied to uncooked white rice could be recovered, even immediately after mixing, whereas when the virus was applied to cooked white rice most of it could be recovered. In 4 separate experiments, chickens failed to respond serologically to vaccine supplied on uncooked white rice. In all of 4 experiments with cooked white rice, there were serological responses in vaccinated chickens, from 45% to 100% of the chickens developing titres sufficiently high to indicate protection against challenge with virulent virus. Development of haemagglutination inhibition antibodies in some control chickens indicated the ability of the vaccine virus for lateral spread or persistence in the environment.

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Vacunacion Oral De Pollos Con La Cepa V4 Del Virus De La Enfermedad De Newcastle Utilizando Como Vehiculo Arroz Blanco Cocinado Y No Cocinado

Resumen Se utilizo arroz blanco sin cocinar y cocinado como vehículo para la vacuna oral con la cepa V4 de la enfermedad de Newcastle. Los resultados de los experimentos fueron evaluados mediante la determinación de los anticuerpos de inhibición-hemaglutinación contra el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle. Poca cantidad del virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle pudo recuperarse en el arroz crudo, incluso inmediatamente despues de revolverlo, mientras que la mayoría del virus pudo recuperarse del arroz cocinado. En 4 experimentos separados, los pollos no respondieron serológicamente a la vacuna aplicada en arroz blanco crudo. En los 4 experimentos con arroz cocinado, se detectaron respuestas serológicas en los pollos vacunados; 45% a 100% de los pollos desarrollaron títulos suficientes como para resistir la descarga de virus virulento. El desarrollo de anticuerpos de inhibición-hemaglutinación en algunos de los pollos controles indicó la capacidad del virus vacunal para dispersarse lateralmente y persistir en el ambiente.

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Vaccination Par Voie Orale De Poulets Avec La Souche V4 Du Virus De La Maladie De Newcastle Avec Comme Support Du Riz Blanc Cuit Et Du Riz Blanc Cru

Résumé Du riz blanc crû et du riz blanc cuit ont été testés en tant que supports de la souche de virus V4 du vaccin contre la maladie de Newcastle. Les résultats de ces expériences d'alimentation ont été évalués par la mesure des anticorps d'inhibition de l'hémagglutination du virus de la maladie de Newcastle.Seule une petite quantité du virus mélangé dans le riz blanc crû a pu être récupérée même immédiatement après le mélange. Par contre la majeur partie du virus a pu être récupérée lorsqu'il s'agissait du riz blanc cuit.Dans 4 expériences séparées, ils n'y avait pas de réponses sérologiques chez les poulets recevant du vaccin ajouté au riz blanc crû. Dans toutes les 4 expériences avec du riz blanc cuit, les réponses sérologiques ont été positives chez les poulets vaccines, 45p. 100 à 100p. 100 des poulets développant des titres suffisamment élevés pour démontrer une protection contre l'épreuve avec du virus virulent. Le développement des anticorps d'inhibition de l'hémagglutination chez quelques poulets témoins a montré la capacité de diffusion latérale ou la persistance dans l'environnement du virus.

     

Colloid oncotic pressure and total protein changes in horses during anesthesia fluid therapy

It is unknown whether overlapping or sequential use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory (NSAIDs) results in an increased risk for gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the GI effects of various combinations of an injectable NSAID followed by an oral NSAID, a scenario often employed clinically for management of the pre‐ and post‐operative canine patient. Six healthy Walker hounds received four treatment regimens in a randomized, cross‐over design with a 2 week washout period between each treatment week: carprofen (4 mg kg^–1, SQ) followed by placebo (PO, q24 × 4 days); placebo (SQ) followed by deracoxib (3–4 mg kg^–1, PO, q24 × 4 days); carprofen (4 mg kg^–1, SQ) followed by carprofen (4 mg kg^–1, PO, q24 × 4 days); carprofen (4 mg kg^–1, SQ) followed by deracoxib (3–4 mg kg^–1, PO, q24 ×4 days). Weekly bloodwork (CBC, biochemistry panel, fecal evaluation, fecal occult blood) and daily clinical scoring (TPR, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite) were obtained. GI endoscopy was performed on days –2, 1, 2, 5, and 11 days post treatment of each treatment period and lesions scored using a previously reported 6‐point scale. Data was analyzed using a mixed anova for repeated measures. There were no significant differences in clinical or clinicopathologic data between groups. Within the carprofen‐carprofen and carprofen‐deracoxib groups, lesions worsened by Day 5 (1 day after last oral dose) for the fundic and antral regions (p < 0.05). Fundic, antral and lesser curvature lesions improved by Day 5 in the carprofen‐placebo group and lesser curvature lesions improved in the placebo‐deracoxib group (p < 0.05). No significant within‐group differences were noted for the esophagus, cardia or duodenum. The small number of dogs precludes general conclusions about the safety of sequential NSAID use, but these results suggest that a larger scale study is warranted.     

Reproductive seasonality in Saanen goats kept under tropical conditions

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study aimed to verify the reproductive seasonality in Saanen goats from distinct parity orders (nulliparous, primiparous, and pluriparous) throughout an...