Utilization of nitrogen and energy by Holstein steers fed formaldehyde- and formic acid-treated alfalfa or orchardgrass silage at two intakes

Our objective was to measure the utilization of energy (E) and N by Holstein steers when fed alfalfa and orchardgrass silages offered at 65 and 90 g DM/kg live weight (LW).75 daily. Twelve steers adapted to the Beltsville respiration chambers were assigned to three Latin squares with 42-d periods. Steers in one square had permanent catheters in the portal and two mesenteric veins. Energy and N balance were measured during a 7-d collection of feces and urine that included a 3-d measurement of respiratory exchange. Energy and N variables were not different between catheterized and uncatheterized steers. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, neutral detergent solubles and permanganate lignin were higher (P less than .01) and digestibilities of NDF and ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose were lower (P less than .01) for steers consuming alfalfa compared to orchardgrass silage. When fed alfalfa, steers' daily gross energy intake, DE, urine energy, ME, heat production and tissue energy retention were greater (P less than .01) and fecal energy losses were less (P less than .01) than when they were fed orchardgrass. Partial efficiency of ME use for tissue energy (TE) was greater (P less than .01) for steers when fed alfalfa (46.1%) than when fed orchardgrass (35.6%). Apparent ME (kcal/LW.75) required for maintenance of TE was similar for steers when fed alfalfa (133.9) and orchardgrass (131.2) silages. Nitrogen retention (g/d) was 48% greater (P less than .01) for steers when fed alfalfa (30.6) than when fed orchardgrass (20.7). This study demonstrates that steers used ME from alfalfa more efficiently for TE deposition than ME from orchardgrass.     

Udder health implications of premature bovine mammary regression. I. Clinical, subclinical and reducing-sugar changes in milk during 168 hours of suspended milking in mid-lactation

The investigation involved 4 mastitis-free cows, exposed to 168 h of suspended milking to induce prolonged milk stasis and premature mammary regression during mid-lactation. After 48 h the milk stasis elicited mastitis-like changes in the clinical, somatic cell count (SCC), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) characteristics of the udder secretions. Such changes in secretions from non-mastitic regressive mammary glands raise doubts about the present knowledge, definition, and diagnosis of so-called non-specific or aseptic mastitis. Determinations of fluctuating lacteal concentrations of lactose, galactose, mannose and glucose suggest that the secretory epithelium altered its metabolism and integrity in response to the intramammary perturbation by following a certain pattern of regressive adjustments which: (i) were apparently triggered during the initial 24 h of perturbation by disturbed Na-K-ATPase activities, followed by a cascade of changes in ion regulation, carbohydrate metabolism and increased formation of lactic acid as a metabolic end-product; (ii) advanced in a stepwise fashion during 0-24, 24-72 and 72-168 h of perturbation from recognition response to alarm reactions and manifestation of regression respectively; (iii) showed that markedly decreased carbohydrate levels preceded major increases of the SCC, BSA and NAG values; (iv) indicated that after 72 h of milk stasis leucocytic infiltrations sharply increased the SCC to more than 500,000 per ml and accelerated the manifestation of regression. The results of this study imply that extensive premature regression of healthy, and especially, pre-irritated udders could have significant implications for the development of different types of bovine mastitis during lactation and should be further investigated.     

Clinical and subclinical colloid goitre in adult camels (Camelus dromedarius) at Kordofan region of Sudan

Colloid goitre was diagnosed in adult camels in the Kordofan region of the Sudan. The disease is characterized by gross enlargement of the thyroid, histopathological follicular changes, reproductive disorders, low concentrations of circulating thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and normocytic normochromic anaemia. The possible cause of the condition is discussed and iodine supplementation is recommended.     

Clinical use of epidural xylazine in the horse

Xylazine was administered into the epidural space of nine horses to facilitate various perineal manipulations (ie rectovaginal laceration repair, replacement of prolapsed rectum and urethral extension). The resulting caudal analgesia was sufficient for all procedures. The duration of analgesia from a single injection of epidural xylazine (0.17 to 0.22 mg/kg bodyweight) was at least 3.5 h. No horses were ataxic during or after the treatment. This trial demonstrates that xylazine given into the epidural space of horses provides prolonged regional analgesia which is sufficient for clinical use.     

The vitamin A requirement and the vitamin A status of growing cattle. 1. Studies of calves

Five experiments with 18 to 36 male calves each of the black and white dairy cattle breed (age: 14-21 days, initial live weight: approximately 45 kg per animal) were carried out in order to investigate the influence of various vitamin A supply (0-80,000 IU per 100 kg LW and day) on dry matter intake and weight gain as well as the vitamin A status of liver and blood plasma over 84 days. The calves consumed a diet free of carotene and vitamin A consisting of milk replacer, concentrate and chopped wheat straw. The calves were fed in three experiments for a longer time in order to observe the further vitamin A depletion. Nine animals consumed an unsupplemented ration, nine other one got 10,000 IU vitamin A per 100 kg LW and day. Biopsies of liver and plasma samples were taken from 4 animals per group every four weeks. The various vitamin A supplementation did not significantly influence the dry matter intake (Mean: 1.67; 1.48 to 1.80 kg DM per animal and day) and the weight gain of calves (Mean: 702, 599 to 770 g per animal and day). First vitamin A deficiency symptoms (reduced feed intake, decreased weight gain, diarrhoea etc.) were observed in animals of unsupplemented group after 100 days of experiments. After 84 days the vitamin A concentration of liver of animals of unsupplemented groups decreased to 1.3-32.2% compared with the begin of experiments (60.6-155.7 mumol/kg fresh matter). Up to 51% of initial concentration were found when 10,000 IU vitamin A per 100 kg LW and day were fed. About 25,000 IU vitamin A per 100 kg LW and day were required in order to keep the initial level of vitamin A concentration of liver. The plasma vitamin A concentration is unsuitable for estimation of vitamin A status of calves. The concentration of vitamin A of liver and plasma amounted to 114 mumol per kg and 0.25 mumol per litre at the begin of experiments. The vitamin A concentration of liver of unsupplemented group decreased to 20 mumol per kg, that of plasma increased to 0.28 mumol per 1 at the end. A strong vitamin A deficiency (liver concentration: less than 10 mumol/kg) may cause a decrease of vitamin A concentration of blood.     

Anatomy of the laryngeal and adjacent regions as perceived by palpation of clinically normal standing horses

The anatomy of each feature and structure of the laryngeal and adjacent regions, as perceived by palpation, is described for clinically normal standing horses. Visible skin contours produced by some of the superficial structures are also described. Concurrent dissection was performed on fresh cadavers to confirm initial findings. The procedure of systematic palpation in relation to clinical diagnosis and surgical procedure is discussed.     

Determination of a sedative dose and influence of midazolam on cardiopulmonary function in Canada geese

Midazolam HCl (1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg of body weight) was administered IM to 6 Canada geese to determine a sedative dose that would allow positioning for radiologic examination. The effects of both test doses on cardiopulmonary function were evaluated at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after drug administration and were compared with 2 end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (1.5 and 2.5%). The 2.0 mg/kg dosage induced moderate sedation at 15 and 20 minutes; sedation was adequate for positioning the geese. Sedation induced by the 1.0 mg/kg dosage was inadequate. The effects of both test doses on blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature were not significantly different from each other and from baseline data. Respiratory rate increased significantly (P less than 0.05) at 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes with the 2.0 mg/kg dosage, and at 15 and 20 minutes with the 1.0 mg/kg dosage. Blood pressure and respiratory rate were significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased with isoflurane when compared with baseline data and the midazolam test doses. The results of this study indicate that midazolam at a dosage of 2.0 mg/kg induces adequate sedation with minimal cardiopulmonary changes, and, as an alternative to general anesthesia with isoflurane, provides a satisfactory level of restraint for radiography.     

Prevalence and geographic distribution of Fanconi syndrome in Basenjis in the United States

A survey was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of Fanconi syndrome in Basenjis and to determine in which geographic regions the greatest number of affected dogs resided. A thousand questionnaires were distributed nationally, and 624 (62%) were returned. Through this survey, prevalence, geographic distribution, and breeder involvement were successfully correlated with the overall association of the disease with the Basenji breed. Ten percent (96/959) of all Basenjis involved in the survey had Fanconi syndrome. Half (50%; 48/96) of the Basenjis affected were between 4 and 8 years old. Seventy-six percent (44/58) of owners of Basenjis with Fanconi syndrome were breeding their dogs, and 93% (52/56) had owned other Basenjis before the survey was conducted. Females outnumbered males (3:1) in frequency of the disease. This ratio reflected the higher breeder participation in the survey, rather than being a true gender predilection for the disease.