Digestibility of fiber components and reproductive performance of sows fed high levels of alfalfa meal

Two experiments were conducted with second-parity sows fed either 5 or 50% alfalfa meal diets (Exp. 1) or 5, 50 or 95% alfalfa meal diets (Exp. 2) beginning 30 d after breeding and continuing through lactation, 21 d postpartum. Diets in both experiments were calculated to be equal in crude protein, but different in metabolizable energy content. Feed intake was restricted to 2 kg/d during gestation and ad libitum during lactation. Sows were tethered in metabolism crates 45 d after breeding. Total feces were collected during two 5-d collection periods, 60 and 100 d after breeding. Digestibilities of dry matter, fiber components (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose and cellulose), protein and energy were determined in both experiments for all diets and periods of gestation. In both experiments, there was a reduction (P less than .05) in digestibility of dry matter, fiber components, protein and energy with increasing fiber levels for both periods of gestation. In Exp. 1, the decrease in digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose and energy was greater at 100 d gestation than at 60 d in sows fed 50% alfalfa. In Exp. 2, 50 and 95% dietary alfalfa reduced 60-d digestibilities of dry matter, all fiber constituents, energy and protein; these digestibilities were further reduced (P less than .05) at 100 d of gestation. In Exp. 1, weight gains of sows fed 5 and 50% alfalfa diets from breeding to 109 d gestation, were 42 and 18 kg/sow (5 greater than 50% level, P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Suppressor activity of bovine Fc gamma positive cells during a persistent infection with Mycobacterium avium

The cell mediated immune response (CMI) was measured in calves after experimental infection with Mycobacterium avium. Using the tuberculin skin test a CMI response could be measured from four to 14 weeks after infection, and with a lymphocyte stimulation (LS) test from six to 40 weeks. One year after infection no CMI response was detected by either of the tests, in spite of the fact that in such calves M avium bacteria could be found in the intestinal lymph nodes at autopsy. After removal of mononuclear cells bearing receptors for the Fc part of IgG, the peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from a calf infected one year earlier responded to M avium pure protein derivative in the LS test in contrast to lymphocytes obtained from uninfected calves.     

Pemphigus foliaceus of the footpads in three dogs

Severe hyperkeratinization and villous hypertrophy of the footpads were seen in 3 middle-aged dogs. Peeling, fissuring, swelling, and ulcerations were noted on the margins of severely affected pads. Pain was evident in palpation and ambulation. Lesions were compatible with the traditional diagnosis of "hard pad disease". Histopathologic findings were diagnostic for canine pemphigus foliaceus in all 3 dogs, and direct immunofluorescence in an intercellular pattern was seen in both dogs that were tested. All 3 dogs responded to immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids.     

Organic matrix morphology and distribution in the palisade layer of eggshells sampled at selected periods during lay

1. 1 cm2 pieces of eggshells from a commercial battery flock were plasma etched to remove the outer shell membranes. 2. They were decalcified using EDTA (200 g/l, pH 6.9 to 7.0) in paraformaldehyde (20 g/l) and 25% gluteraldehyde (20 ml in 0.98 l) in phosphate buffer, then prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. 3. Light microscopy revealed a differential distribution of matrix material within all 3 regions of the palisade layer at the beginning of lay. 4. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a more even distribution of matrix at the beginning of lay, although morphological differences were observed. At the end of lay all 3 regions showed an increase in % matrix and vesicles/10 cm2 of micrograph compared to the middle and beginning of lay periods. 5. It is hypothesised that matrix vesicles are involved in the regulation of the physiochemical environment within the forming eggshell and that the decline in shell quality associated with the end of lay is related to a concomitant change in matrix quality.     

Nitrous oxide by itself is insufficient to relieve pain due to castration in piglets

Surgical castration is performed on most male piglets in the United States. However, castration is painful and analgesics have been considered to relieve pain. Inhalant gases with analgesic properties allow for a fast induction, have short-term and reversible effects, and are a needle-free option. Nitrous oxide (N(2)O; "laughing gas") has been widely used in human surgery and dental offices as an analgesic, sedative, and anxiolytic drug, yet N(2)O has not been thoroughly investigated for use in farm animals. We hypothesized that the analgesic effect of N(2)O could reduce the pain experienced by piglets during or immediately after castration. Twenty-four male piglets, from 12 litters, were castrated at 3 d of age. One piglet received N(2)O and a littermate received air as a control. After 150 s of exposure to the gas, castration was performed while the piglet remained exposed to the gas. Agitation scores and total vocalization length were recorded during castration. Behavioral observations were continued for 3 d postcastration by using a 5-min scan-sampling method for 4 h the first morning and for 2-h periods in the morning and afternoon of each day thereafter. Body weight gain was measured on the day before castration, at 3 d postcastration, and at weaning. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in SAS (Cary, NC). Nitrous oxide successfully induced anesthesia in all N(2)O piglets, as validated by a skin pinch test and the loss of the palpebral reflex. Total vocalization length was shorter in piglets receiving N(2)O during the induction phase (P = 0.003) but was not different during castration itself because piglets receiving N(2)O awoke and vocalized as much as control piglets (P = 0.87). Agitation scores during the whole procedure were reduced in piglets receiving N(2)O in both frequency (P = 0.005) and intensity (P = 0.026). For 2 h after castration, piglets receiving N(2)O displayed less huddling behavior than did control piglets (P = 0.01). Over the 3 d, piglets receiving N(2)O performed more tail wagging (P = 0.02) and tended to show fewer sleep spasms (P = 0.06) than did control piglets. Piglets given N(2)O tended to have a reduced growth rate compared with control piglets at 3 d postcastration and at weaning (P = 0.05 and P = 0.06, respectively). Nitrous oxide was effective in inducing anesthesia in neonatal piglets during handling. Nonetheless, its analgesic effects appeared insufficient in preventing castration-induced pain.     

Anatomy of the collateral ligaments of the feline elbow joint: functional implications

Cats show a higher capability to supinate their forearms than dogs. This suggests a special arrangement of the collateral ligaments of the feline elbow joint. Therefore, the course of the ligaments was examined in 13 adult cats. The size of the ligaments was measured, and effects of passive joint movements were studied. Ligaments of five additional cats were examined histologically. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) had a superficial and deep part, both originating from the humerus. The free humeral portion of the LCL was short and contained fibrous cartilage. Fibre bundles of the deep part inserted into the annular ligament, while the remaining deep fibres and the superficial part inserted with a long antebrachial portion on the radius. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) originated from the humeral epicondyle and divided into cranial and caudal parts. The caudal part inserted medioproximally on the ulna, while the cranial part attached primarily with a long thin part to the caudal aspect of the radius. During supination, the MCL loosened thus allowing medial widening of the joint space, up to 2 mm. A specific feature of the feline elbow is the long thin part of the MCL. Its course through a special furrow distal to the medial coronoid causes the tightening of the feline MCL during pronation. Apart from that, the feline collateral ligaments combine the features of both human and canine cubital anatomy. This explains the range of supination in cats, which is intermediate between humans and dogs.