Tub gurnard Chelidonichthys lucerna L.: a new fish species suitable for farming? First answers evaluating the growth of juveniles reared at different stocking densities,welfare and fillet quality

A trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and survival of Chelidonichthys lucerna. A total of 13 352 180‐days old juveniles (5.5 ± 2 g; 5 ± 1 cm) were reared at two different densities (A‐EXP = 68 fish m^?3; B‐FFA = 15 fish m^?3) in eight tanks (four tanks per group) for 360 days. The welfare status and meat quality of fish were evaluated for the A‐EXP and B‐FFA groups in comparison with wild‐caught fishery gurnard (C‐WID). The survival rate was high for both A‐EXP (79%) and B‐FFA (93.5%). B‐FFA fish had the highest specific growth rate (1.16 vs. 1.07; P < 0.05), and were heavier than A‐EXP fish (321 ± 40 g vs .239 ± 44 g; P < 0.01). Rearing conditions did not affect blood metabolites, except for glucose concentrations, which were higher in C‐WID (P < 0.05). The meat quality traits showed that reared groups were fatter (2.8–3.2%) than C‐WID (0.94%); total n‐3 fatty acids (19.02–19.26%) were lower in reared groups than C‐WID (29.99%); and EPA + DHA were similar in all groups (15.1–16.61% vs. 27.99%). Despite the good growth and survival, the final mean weight was below that requested by the market (400–500 g). Future research efforts should focus on reducing the feed conversion rate (3:1).     

冰糖橙果实品质无损伤在线检测分级技术的建立与应用

【目的】冰糖橙果实外观分级与内部品质不一致极大地影响了其市场声誉,建立冰糖橙果实品质分级标准和果实快速规模化无损伤品质检测分级技术,并进行在线应用,为快速分选不同糖酸度冰糖橙产品提供技术支持。【方法】在利用常规果实品质分析方法对主产区的冰糖橙果实进行多年品质分析的基础上,找出果实外观和内在品质的相关性,确定不同果型横径与糖酸度含量的关系,形成冰糖橙果实分级标准。在此基础上,采集710-960 nm波段近红外透射光谱建立果实无损伤检测模型,利用常规品质分析数据对原始光谱反复进行校正并验证,确定无损伤检测的准确性,并在分级线上进行应用;调查统计应用无损伤检测生产线分级后各级冰糖橙的产量、销售单价和销售额。【结果】（1）根据果实横径大小进行初选分级,68-74 mm为大果型,62-67 mm为中果型,56-61 mm为小果型,再按果实的糖度（可溶性固形物Brix度）和酸度不同将冰糖橙划分为4个等级：糖度≥14、酸度≤0.4%为特级果;12≤糖度＜14、酸度≤0.4%为一等果;糖度≥14、0.6%≥酸度＞0.4%为二等果;糖度＜12、酸度≤0.4%为合格果。通过反复矫正,建立了冰糖橙果实品质分级标准。（2）通过多次进行单果糖度和酸度的分析矫正,建立了冰糖橙果实糖度和酸度的检验线。第1次建立的冰糖橙糖度检量线检测范围为10.1-14.9 Brix,再利用常规品质分析验证无损伤检测结果,合格率仅为26%。第2次建立的糖度检量线延长高糖检测范围,为10.1-16.2 Brix,经验证后合格率达90%。第3次建立的糖度检量线扩大低糖检测范围,为9.8-16.2 Brix,经验证后合格率为90%。第1次建立的冰糖橙酸度检量线检测范围为0.1%-1.26%,再利用常规品质分析验证无损伤检测结果,合格率仅为64%。第2次建立的酸度检量线延长高酸检测范围,为0.1%-1.37%,经验证后合格率达94%。第3次建立的酸度检量线继续扩大高酸检测范围,为0.1%-1.53%,经验证后合格率为92%。（3）新建立无损伤糖酸度校正和验证模型,糖度有效检测范围为8.7-15.1 Brix,酸度有效检测范围为0.14%-2.0%,经验证后糖度合格率达到98%,酸度合格率为98%。应用该分级技术,分选速度达到10个冰糖橙/秒,品质分级后最高单价48元/kg,年产量4 500 t,实现产值9 122万元。【结论】研究结果预测糖酸度准确,测量范围全面涵盖冰糖橙商品果的糖酸度,能大批量、快速、高质量和无损伤在线鉴别冰糖橙果实内在品质,结合外观品质分级标准,分选出内外品质均一的产品。     

Infrared spectroscopy of comet 81P/Wild 2 samples returned by Stardust

Infrared spectra of material captured from comet 81P/Wild 2 by the Stardust spacecraft reveal indigenous aliphatic hydrocarbons similar to those in interplanetary dust particles thought to be derived from comets, but with longer chain lengths than those observed in the diffuse interstellar medium. Similarly, the Stardust samples contain abundant amorphous silicates in addition to crystalline silicates such as olivine and pyroxene. The presence of crystalline silicates in Wild 2 is consistent with mixing of solar system and interstellar matter. No hydrous silicates or carbonate minerals were detected, which suggests a lack of aqueous processing of Wild 2 dust.     

Identification of mycobacterial infections in wild boars in Northern Sardinia, Italy

During a six-month period a region of Northern Sardinia was monitored to check the presence of mycobacterial infections in wild boars. Forty-eight serum and 229 biopsy samples were collected from different animals and examined by both traditional diagnostic techniques (culture, bacterioscopic and molecular tests) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The latter was used to determine the antibody response against both methylated and nonmethylated Heparin-Binding Haemagglutinin (HBHA) protein. Nine mycobacterial strains were isolated: three M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map), three M. avium, one M. interjectum and two M. scrofulaceum strains. By PCR, only one animal was positive for M. bovis, whereas 10 animals were positive for Map. Out of the 48 sera tested, 19 showed a good humoral response to methylated HBHA and 17 to nonmethylated HBHA. Our data provide new information on the prevalence of mycobacterial infection among wild boars in Northern Sardinia and suggest that a more effective program should be developed to monitor mycobacterial infections in the wild animal population.     

Pharmacokinetics of levosulpiride after single‐dose administration in goats (Capra hircus) by different routes of administration

Levosulpiride (LSP) is the l‐enantiomer of sulpiride, and LSP recently replacing sulpiride in several EU countries. Several studies about LSP in humans are present in the literature, but neither pharmacodynamic nor pharmacokinetic data of LSP is present for veterinary species. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of LSP after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and oral (PO) administration in goats. Animals (n = 6) were treated with 50 mg LSP by IV, IM, and PO routes according to a randomized cross‐over design (3 × 3 Latin‐square). Blood samples were collected prior and up to 24 hr after LSP administration and quantified using a validated HPLC method with fluorescence detection. IV and IM administration gave similar concentration versus time curve profiles. The IM mean bioavailability was 66.97%. After PO administration, the drug plasma concentrations were detectable only in the time range 1.5–4 hr, and the bioavailability (4.73%) was low. When the AUC was related to the administered dose in mg/kg, there was a good correlation in the IV and IM groups, but very low correlation for the PO route. In conclusion, the IM and IV administrations result in very similar plasma concentrations. Oral dosing of LSP in goats is probably not viable as its oral bioavailability was very low.     

Effects of milk feeding, frequency and concentration on weaning and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calf growth, health and behaviour

Growth, weight at birth and daily weight gain (DWG) on 12 water buffalo calves, starting from 6 days of age until completion of weaning, was investigated in this study. Different feeding regimens were given to two groups of animals with regard to daily milk replacer: (1) group 1 (G1) received a double concentration in single administration; whereas (2) group 2 (G2) received the same amount of milk replacer split twice daily. Blood samples were collected from each calf on days 6, 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate acute phase proteins (haptoglobin), bactericide activity, lysozime, total protein content and biochemical parameters. No differences were observed between the two groups in terms of dry matter intake, feed efficiency and live body weight at the end of the study. Interestingly, a significantly (P?<?0.05) reduced DWG was observed earlier in G1 (day 45) than in G2 (day 60). Gastrointestinal disorders were not recorded throughout the experimental period, and no significant differences were recorded between the two groups for all considered parameters. This study confirms the possibility of utilising one daily administration of milk replacer in water buffalo calf during weaning. This new approach facilitates calves management, without interfering with calves growing performances.     

B-mode ultrasound examination of canine mammary gland neoplastic lesions of small size (diameter &lt; 2 cm)

Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for the evaluation of neoplastic lesions in the dog and there is a growing interest in the use of this technique for the stadiation of canine mammary tumours. An accurate assessment of small sized nodules facilitates the stadiation of the mammary lesions and helps the clinician in the choice of the most indicated surgical therapy. The aim of this study was to identify those ultrasound criteria that may be useful in discriminating between benign and malignant lesions of small size (diameter smaller than 2 cm). Sixty-two nodules, < 2 cm in larger diameter, belonging to thirty-five bitches presented between January 2012 and February 2014 were evaluated. Tumours were observed by conventional ultrasound and assessed for: shape (regular-irregular), limit (defined-ill-defined), margins (regular-irregular), echogenicity (hypoechoic-isoechoic-hyperecoic), echotexture (homogeneus-heterogeneus), presence of hyperecoic halo, distal acoustic enhancement or shadowing and surrounding tissue alterations. Among the alterations in surrounding tissues, the disruption of the glandular tissue and the increase in echogenicity of the peritumoral tissues were assessed. Thereafter, bitches were subjected to mastectomy and nodules were evaluated histologically. None of the ultasound criteria considered in the current study showed a statistically significant relation with malignancy, except for the presence of alterations in the tissue surrounding the nodules. According to our results, this characteristic may indicate malignancy, however its subjectivity may affect the applicability in clinical practice. In conclusions, conventional ultrasound in bitches had a limited ability in discriminating benign and malignant mammary gland neoplastic lesions of small size (diameter?<?2 cm).     

Computed tomographic and radiographic morphometric study of cardiac and coelomic dimensions in captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva,Linnaeus, 1758) with varying body condition scores

This study aimed to assess radiographic and tomographic cardiac parameters, including width and length of the heart, and the ratio of heart width to coelom width of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five captive birds were included in the study and were allocated into one of three groups according to their respective body condition score: lean, ideal and obese. No differences were observed among the groups with regard to radiographic and tomographic measurements. Computed tomography enabled better identification of the structures of the cardiovascular system without interference from the overlying structures of the celomatic cavity observed in radiographic images. However, radiographic examinations should still be considered the standard screening method to identify cardiac alterations, such as increased or reduced organ dimensions. Standardizing the techniques and measurements performed in this study may serve as a basis for further research in the field.     

Occurrence of fatal canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in Italy

A total of 469 fecal samples were collected from American minks (Mustela vison) on a farm in Hebei Province in China and examined for Cryptosporidium by Sheather's sugar flotation technique and 8 Cryptosporidim isolates were obtained. The partial 18S rRNA, 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) and actin genes of six isolates were sequenced. Sequence data were analyzed together with known Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes. Results of this multi-locus genetic characterization indicated that the six Cryptosporidium isolates in this study shared the same sequences of the genes studied and were different from known Cryptosporidium species and genotypes. The closest relative was Cryptosporidium ferret genotype with 7, 22, 2 and 2 nucleotide differences in the 18S rRNA, HSP70, COWP and actin genes, respectively. The homology to ferret genotype at the 18S rRNA locus was 99.1%, which is comparable to that between C. parvum and C. hominis (99.2%), or between C. muris and C. andersoni (99.4%). Therefore, the Cryptosporidium in minks in this study is considered a new genotype, the Cryptosporidium mink genotype.