Economic analysis of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus conventional milk replacer to dairy calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine growth, morbidity, and mortality rates in dairy calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer and compare economics of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer in dairy calves. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 438 dairy calves. PROCEDURE: Calves were assigned at 1 to 2 days of age to be fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk or a commercial milk replacer until weaned. Body weight was measured at the time of study enrollment and at the time of weaning, and any medical treatments administered and deaths that occurred prior to weaning were recorded. A partial budget model was developed to examine the economics of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer. RESULTS: Calves fed conventional milk replacer had significantly lower rates of gain (-0.12 kg/d [-0.26 lb/d]), lower weaning weights (-5.6 kg [-12.3 lb]), higher risk for treatment during the summer and winter months (odds ratio [OR], 3.99), and higher risk of death during the winter months (OR, 29.81) than did calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk. The estimated savings of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk, compared with milk replacer, was dollars 0.69/calf per day. The estimated number of calves needed to economically justify the nonsaleable milk pasteurization system was 23 calves/d. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that dairy calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk have a higher growth rate and lower morbidity and mortality rates than do calves fed conventional milk replacer. Feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk could be an economically viable strategy for dairy calf producers.     

Outcome of accelerated radiotherapy alone or accelerated radiotherapy followed by exenteration of the nasal cavity in dogs with intranasal neoplasia: 53 cases (1990-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term results of radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy followed by exenteration of the nasal cavity in dogs with malignant intranasal neoplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 53 dogs with malignant intranasal neoplasia. PROCEDURE: All dogs underwent radiotherapy consisting of administration of 10 fractions of 4.2 Gy each on consecutive weekdays. For dogs in the surgery group (n=13), follow-up computed tomography was performed, and dogs were scheduled for surgery if persistent or recurrent tumor was seen. RESULTS: Perioperative complications for dogs that underwent surgery included hemorrhage requiring transfusion (2 dogs) and subcutaneous emphysema (8). Rhinitis and osteomyelitis-osteonecrosis occurred significantly more frequently in dogs in the radiotherapy and surgery group (9 and 4 dogs, respectively) than in dogs in the radiotherapy-only group (4 and 3 dogs, respectively). Two- and 3-year survival rates were 44% and 24%, respectively, for dogs in the radiotherapy group and 69% and 58%, respectively, for dogs in the surgery group. Overall median survival time for dogs in the radiotherapy and surgery group (477 months) was significantly longer than time for dogs in the radiotherapy-only group (19.7 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that exenteration of the nasal cavity significantly prolongs survival time in dogs with intranasal neoplasia that have undergone radiotherapy. Exenteration after radiotherapy may increase the risk of chronic complications.     

The detection and characterisation of Dichelobacter nodosus from cases of ovine footrot in England and Wales

Footrot, caused by the strictly anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus, is the most common cause of lameness in sheep in Great Britain but problems exist in association with its diagnosis and control. The fastidious nature of D. nodosus means that complex media and several weeks are required for characterisation. An alternative method to simplify and enhance the detection of D. nodosus in clinical samples is therefore highly desirable. In terms of control, anecdotal evidence from the farming community suggests that the commercially available vaccine, based on Australian isolates of D. nodosus, is not widely employed in this country due to its perceived inefficacy. Seven hundred and six isolates, collected from outbreaks in England and Wales, were therefore used to investigate these issues. A 16S rRNA PCR was adapted to detect D. nodosus in clinical material within 1 day of sampling; a 15% increase in detection compared with culture and less than 1% false negatives were achieved. This represents a major advance in the rapid diagnosis of footrot and will be of great value to practitioners and diagnostic laboratories. Bacterial virulence was tested using protease thermostability and zymogram assays, whilst serogrouping was performed by slide agglutination. All isolates demonstrated virulence patterns previously recorded in Australia and all nine serogroups of D. nodosus (A-I) were represented. Serogroup H was predominant. There was, therefore, no evidence for the presence of novel strains of D. nodosus compared with Australia suggesting the need for further investigation into farmers' views on the use of the commercial vaccine in Great Britain.     

Comparative red cell metabolism in the domestic dog and the dingo

A comparative study of the red cell characters, glycolytic enzymes and intermediates was made in the domestic dog and the dingo. No significant differences were found in any of the parameters studied except the enzyme level of NADH-MR which was significantly lower in dingoes (P less than 0.05).     

Tetanus in the Horse: A Review of 20 Cases (1970 to 1990)

The case records of 20 horses with tetanus referred to the Ontario Veterinary College-Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1970 and 1990 were reviewed. The fatality rate was 75%. There was a strong association with previous vaccination and survival ( P = .03). Most of the animals had been injured an average of 9 days (range 2 to 21 days) prior to development of clinical signs. Hyperesthesia and prolapse of the third eyelid were the most common clinical signs. Treatment regimens varied during hospitalization; however, all horses received parenteral penicillin, tranquilizers, tetanus toxoid, and antitoxin. Five of the nonsurviving animals were given intrathecal tetanus antitoxin. One animal had seizures as a complication of intrathecal treatment. The prognosis was best for horses that (1) had been vaccinated prior to the injury, (2) responded to the phenothiazine tranquilizers, and (3) did not rapidly (over 24 to 48 hours) become recumbent. Considering the species susceptibility, potential for contaminated wounds, and the increased survival of vaccinated horses, yearly revaccination is recommended.     

Beitraege zur Kenntnis mexikanischer Drogen,Pflanzen und Nahrungsmittel

Zusammenfassung Es werden die Charakteristiken und die Zusammensetzung des aus den Samen von Trichilia Specos (Napahuitl) gewonnenen Oels bestimmt.cf. Tesis, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 1946.Vorhergehende Mitteilungen erschienen in Ciencia, Mexico.