Computing inbreeding coefficients and the inverse numerator relationship matrix in large populations of honey bees

The inbreeding coefficients are considered in breeding decisions, and the inverse numerator relationship matrix A ^?1 is a prerequisite for breeding value estimation. Polyandry and haploid males are among the specifics of relationships between honey bees. Brascamp and Bijma (2014) averaged out the manifold possible relationships among honey bees that appear to have the same parents in a pedigree and assigned a single entry in A to animals that behave as a unit, for example, the workers of a hive. Their methods of calculation connected full‐sibs in the variance matrix of the Mendelian sampling terms D , via nonzero off‐diagonal elements. This impedes the inversion of A and the closely connected calculation of inbreeding coefficients, because efficient algorithms for this task take D to be a diagonal matrix. Memory limitations necessitate their use for large data sets. We adapted the quickest of them to the block diagonal matrix D , that is postulated for the honey bee. To our knowledge, the presented algorithm is the first one that facilitates the method of Brascamp and Bijma (2014) on large data sets.     

保定地区几个早熟苹果品种(系)生长观察

为筛选适宜保定地区栽植的早熟苹果品种,以嫁接在SH40中间砧上的不同早熟苹果品种(系)为试材,测定了不同品种(系)早熟苹果树体生长发育指标和果实品质。结果表明:除嘎啦早熟变异外,其他供试品种(系)树体生长较好,3年生时Xu2-7、Xu3-2树高330.0~352.5 cm,4年生时为394.0~417.5 cm,Xu3-2、藤牧1号、信浓红4年生为336.5~381.0 cm。4年生时,干径以Xu2-5最大;短枝、中枝、叶丛枝均以Xu2-5最多,长枝以Xu2-7最多,总枝量以Xu2-5最多;藤牧1号短枝所占比例最高(57.4%)。应用模糊综合评判法得出Xu2-5、Xu2-7、信浓红、藤牧1号果实品质较高。     

玉米青贮与花生秧配比对奶牛瘤胃中花生秧降解特性的影响

本试验旨在研究玉米青贮与花生秧配比对奶牛瘤胃中花生秧降解特性的影响。选择4头体重、生理状态、生产性能相近,装有永久瘤胃瘘管的中国荷斯坦奶牛,分别饲喂含有玉米青贮与花生秧不同配比的全混合日粮(TMR),3种TMR中玉米青贮与花生秧的干物质(DM)配比分别为3.9∶1.0(A组)、1.2∶1.0(B组)、0.4∶1.0(C组)。试验分3期进行,依次进行A、B、C组试验。每期预试15 d,采样期4 d;共57 d。采用尼龙袋瘤胃降解技术测定花生秧在奶牛瘤胃中DM、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的72 h瘤胃降解率,并求得目标养分的动态降解参数及有效降解率。结果表明:1)花生秧的DM在瘤胃中有效降解率为56.49%~59.62%,CP为40.45%~47.36%,NDF为33.26%~35.20%,ADF为36.31%~37.45%。2)B组DM的有效降解率显著高于C组(P0.05),极显著高于A组(P0.01);B、C组的CP有效降解率显著高于A组(P0.05)。3)B、C组的NDF快速降解部分含量显著高于A组(P0.05);3种TMR对花生秧粗NDF和ADF有效降解率无显著影响(P0.05)。由此可见,花生秧具有较高的饲用价值。本试验条件下,玉米青贮与花生秧DM配比为1.2∶1.0时,可有效提高花生秧DM和CP的瘤胃降解率。     

产前和产后香味剂印迹训练对仔猪断奶后采食偏好的影响及其机理

仔猪断奶后受到心理、营养、环境等多方面的刺激,导致应激反应,影响仔猪的采食量。固体饲粮代替母乳是最大的应激源,通过在母猪饲粮中添加香味剂对仔猪产前和产后进行香味剂印迹训练,使仔猪逐渐喜欢这种气味,降低其对添加相同香味剂饲粮的应激反应,并对有相同气味的饲粮有采食偏好,从而提高仔猪的采食量。本文对产前和产后香味剂印迹训练对仔猪断奶后采食偏好的影响及其机理进行综述,为养猪业相关试验研究提供理论依据。     

Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis by nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling of cefquinome in nonpregnant,pregnant, and lactating goats after intravenous and intramuscular administration

Cefquinome is a fourth‐generation cephalosporin that is used empirically in goats. Different physiologic factors like pregnancy or lactation could determine the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs in the organism. The objectives of this study are to (a) compare the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome after intravenous and intramuscular administration in adult nonpregnant (n = 6), pregnant (n = 6), and lactating goats (n = 6), at a dose of 2 mg/kg, with rich sampling by nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling, (b) conduct a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis to evaluate the efficacy of the recommended posology in goats with different physiological states, and (c) determine the optimal posology that achieve a PTA value ≥ 90%, taking into account a T > MIC ≥ 60% of a MIC value ≤ 0.25 µg/ml, in the different subpopulations of goats for both routes. Gestation significantly increased Ka and V1, while reduced F0, Cl, and Q. On the other hand, lactation significantly increased V1 and reduced Tk0. Cefquinome concentrations achieved in placental cotyledon, amniotic fluid, and fetal serum indicate a minimal penetration across the placental barrier. Moreover, milk penetration of cefquinome was minimal. The total body clearance of cefquinome for goats was 0.29 L kg^?1 hr^?1, that is apparently higher than the reported for cows (0.13 L kg^?1 hr^?1) and pigs (0.16 L kg^?1 hr^?1). So, the optimal dose regimen for cefquinome after intravenous and intramuscular administration required higher dose and frequency of administration compared with recommendations for cows or pigs. Therefore, 2 mg kg^?1 8 hr^?1 and 5 mg kg^?1 12 hr^?1 could be used for IV and IM routes, respectively, for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by P. multocida and M. haemolytica, but only 5 mg kg^?1 12 hr^?1 by both routes should be recommended for Escherichia coli infections.     

The effect of photoperiod and melatonin on plasma prolactin concentrations in female guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in captivity

The present study examined the effects of different photoperiods and melatonin treatment on plasma prolactin concentrations in guanacos, a South American camelid, in captivity. Fourteen adult female guanacos, not gestating or lactating and isolated from males, were studied. The control group was exposed to natural daylight, during short days (N = 7, 10L:14D) and long days (N = 7, 16L:8D). The treatment group (N = 7, 10L:14D) received melatonin implants every 23 days for 6 weeks during long days. Blood samples were taken at intervals of 1 week for 3 weeks, starting the third week of treatment. Prolactin concentrations were measured using competitive ELISA. Plasma concentrations of prolactin in non-lactating female guanacos have seasonal changes, with a higher concentration (p < .001) in short days (3.50 ± 2.24 ng/ml) than long days (1.10 ± 0.91 ng/ml). Melatonin treatment significantly decreases (p < .05) plasma concentrations of prolactin on the 21st day after the treatment. These findings are the first report of an endogenous circannual rhythm of plasma prolactin concentration and the action of melatonin treatment on prolactin secretion in this wild camelid.     

Ultrasound-guided modified subcostal transversus abdominis plane block and influence of recumbency position on dye spread in equine cadavers

ObjectiveTo describe and evaluate an ultrasound-guided modified subcostal approach for the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in horse cadavers in lateral or dorsal recumbency.Study designProspective, experimental cadaveric study.AnimalsStudy of one preserved foal and eight fresh adult horse cadavers.MethodsThe lateral and ventral abdominal wall of a preserved cadaver was dissected to identify the muscles and nerves. A unilateral standard TAP block technique was performed (60 mL of methylene blue dye–bupivacaine) on a fresh cadaver in right lateral recumbency. A modified subcostal technique was performed on the opposite side using a linear ultrasound transducer and in-plane approach. Injection points (two 30 mL dye) were at the level of the TAP (between the rectus abdominis and transversus abdominis muscles and ventral to the cutaneous trunci muscle) perpendicular to: 1) the mid-point between the xiphoid cartilage and umbilical scar; and 2) at a point between the caudal and middle thirds of the abdomen measured from the first injection point to the umbilical scar. The modified subcostal approach was performed in seven additional cadavers in both hemiabdomens, with three cadavers in lateral and four cadavers in dorsal recumbency. Ultrasound guidance was used with all injections.ResultsThe standard approach stained the sixteenth to eighteenth thoracic nerves (T16–T18). The modified subcostal approach performed in lateral recumbency provided greater spread (T9–T17) than dorsal recumbency (T12–T18) (p = 0.016).Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe modified subcostal TAP approach resulted in extensive staining exceeding the standard approach. The nerves stained are consistent with production of ventral abdominal wall anesthesia in horses. Clinical studies are needed to verify these findings.     

The thermal antinociceptive effects of a high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine alone or followed by hydromorphone in conscious cats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the thermal antinociceptive effects of a high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine alone or followed by hydromorphone in conscious cats.Study designRandomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study design.AnimalsA total of six purpose-bred, adult female ovariohysterectomized Domestic Short Hair cats.MethodsCats were allocated into three treatments each consisting of two injections, subcutaneous then intravenous (IV) administration, 2 hours apart: treatment SS, two injections of 0.9% saline; treatment BS, buprenorphine (0.24 mg kg^–1, 1.8 mg mL^–1) and saline; and treatment BH, buprenorphine (0.24 mg kg^–1) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg kg^–1). Skin temperature (ST) and thermal threshold (TT) were recorded before (baseline) and for 24 hours following first injection. TT data were analyzed using mixed linear models and a Benjamini–Hochberg sequential adjustment procedure (p < 0.05).ResultsThere were no significant differences among treatments for baseline ST and TT values, treatment SS over time and between treatments BS and BH. Compared with baseline, TT was significantly increased at all time points in treatments BH and BS except at 2 hours in treatment BS. TT was significantly higher than SS at 3–18 hours and 4–12 hours for treatments BS and BH, respectively. Maximal increases in TT were 47.5 °C at 2 hours, 53.9 °C at 3 hours and 52.4 °C at 6 hours in treatments SS, BS and BH, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAdministration of IV hydromorphone following high-concentration buprenorphine provided no additional antinociception and decreased the duration of effect when compared with high-concentration buprenorphine alone. Alternative analgesics should be considered if additional analgesia is required after administration of high-concentration buprenorphine.     

Questionnaire on the process of recovering horses from general anesthesia and associated personnel injury in equine practice

ObjectiveTo collect data about the current practice of recovering horses from general anesthesia and recovery personnel safety.Study designOnline survey.MethodsAn online questionnaire, including questions on general demographic data, recovery drugs, modality and characteristics of equine recovery and morbidity and mortality, was designed and distributed via e-mail to equine practitioners worldwide.ResultsPractitioners from 22 countries completed 373 questionnaires; 53% of the participants were board-certified equine surgeons, and the remainder were board-certified anesthesiologists (18%), large animal residents (8%), general practitioners (7%), large animal interns (6%), anesthesia residents (4.5%) and veterinary technicians (1.6%). Respondents were employed by academia (58%) or private practice (42%). Of the respondents employed at a university, 93% had a board-certified anesthesiologist on staff compared with 7% of respondents employed at a private practice. Most of the respondents assist horses during recovery, with 23% assisting every recovery and 44% assisting recovery in the majority of cases. Reasons for choosing to assist horses during recovery were: orthopedic procedures (57%), neurological deficits (49%), bad health (47%), history of poor recovery (44%), foals (42%), draft breeds (30%), magnetic resonance imaging (17%) and computed tomography (16%). Unacceptable recoveries were reported by 77% of participants. Commonly reported complications during recovery with any method were: orthopedic injury (66%), myopathy (54%), skin abrasion (53%) and airway obstruction (37%). The incidences of unacceptable quality of recovery (p = 0.09) or personnel injury (p = 0.56) were not different between assisted and nonassisted recoveries; however, more equine fatalities were reported for assisted recoveries (p < 0.006). Practitioners in academia reported more unacceptable recoveries (p < 0.0007) and personnel injuries (p < 0.002) compared with those in private practice.ConclusionsThe method of recovery differs among hospitals. Recovery personnel injuries associated with assisting horses during recovery are an important and previously unreported finding.