Practice relevant rapid tests for milk progesterone in cattle compared with a laboratory-connected routine method

Four commercially available semiquantitative milk progesterone tests (Ovucheck-Praxistest: Cambridge Veterinary Science/Smith Kline), Progestassay-Milchprogesteron (Pitman-Moore/Janssen), Reprostrip-Progesteron-Schnelltest (Noctech/Albrecht), Enzygnost-Milchprogesteron (IQ, 'Bio' UK/Hoechst Veterin?r) were examined for their accuracy by using them for the determination of progesterone levels of 64 milk samples, i.e. 1556 single assays. Several test series were performed, using codified samples and changing sequences. Three or four test persons respectively, performed the tests independently and classified the samples semiquantitatively. These test results were then compared to the results acquired by measuring the progesterone levels of the same samples by means of an approved quantitative, labor-bound progesterone test (Hormonost: Biolab). These control tests were performed at a specialized routine labor, by different personnel and at a different location. Lastly, in 48 out of the 64 sampled animals the reproductive status could be evaluated clinically and was taken into account as well. Samples yielding high progesterone levels, i.e. greater than or equal to 9 ng/ml were classified correctly in 84.4 to 96.5% of the cases, whereas samples with low levels (less than or equal to 2.5 ng/ml) were classified correctly in 68.8 to 90.0% of the cases only. Samples ranging between this spectrum (greater than 2.5 less than 9 ng/ml) were classified correctly only in 42.1 to 52.6% of the cases. However, this range appears to be of the most interest for the veterinary practitioner since cows in proestrus or early interestrus tend to have mild progesterone levels within these values. On the other hand, clinical findings are often insufficient for a proper diagnosis just in these animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A new virus disease of watercress in England1

In 1983 plants showing symptoms typical of watercress chlorotic leafspot agent (WCLSA) were found in Kent (GB). Later, plants showing similar symptoms were found in Dorset (1986) and Hampshire (1987), the main watercress-producing regions of England. These plants, unlike those infected with WCLSA, contained virus particles which were isometric with diameters of 37-38 nm. An antiserum to the virus was produced, with a titre in immunodiffusion tests of 1/128 and this gave good results in immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) and ELISA tests on crude plant sap. Purified preparations of the virus reacted positively in ISEM and immunodiffusion tests with an antiserum to watercress yellow spot virus, a partially described virus occurring in France. Tests suggest that the crook root fungus Spongospora subterranea f.sp. nasturtii is probably the vector of this virus but other means of transmission cannot be excluded. Virus incidence within watercress beds varied, with little or no infection in the water inlet region of the bed where there are also low levels of crook root infection, higher levels in the central region and highest levels at the outlet region where crook root infection is also highest.     

Effect of orally administered furazolidone on volume and sperm concentration of dwarf and non-dwarf cock semen

2 groups of 20 cocks each were selected at random from non-dwarf White Leghorn (28 weeks post-hatch) and dwarf Krishna-J (38 weeks post-hatch) genotypes. The treated groups comprised 10 White Leghorn and 10 Krishna-J cocks. The remaining birds served as controls. 8 weeks prior to furazolidone treatment, semen was collected from both control groups at regular 4-day intervals, for 4 weeks. Cocks of the treated groups of both genotypes were administered furazolidone (0.14 g/bird/day) for 7 consecutive days. Semen was collected from all cocks at regular 4-day intervals for 4 weeks. Semen from the cocks of the same group was pooled. The pooled ejaculate volume and sperm density did not differ significantly in the 2 genotypes. The semen output as well as sperm density increased along with progressive attainment of sexual maturity. Furazolidone treatment caused significant reduction in semen volume as well as sperm concentration in either genotype.     

Genetics of Body Color in Tilapia mossambica

Gold, bronze, and black (normal pigmentation) body colors in Tilapia mossambica are controlled by a single autosomal gene with incomplete dominant gene action: GG fish are black gg fish are gold; Gg fish are bronze. Because gold body color is produced by the recessive genotype, it is easy to produce and to maintain a truebreeding population of gold T. mossambica for commercial purposes. If all other colors are culled, the population will breed true, because gold × gold will always produce 100% gold offspring. The G gene will be a valuable genetic marker for many genetic studies, such as the production of gynogenetic T. mossambica .     

Efficacy of nemadectin, a new broad-spectrum endectocide, against natural infections of canine gastrointestinal helminths

Nemadectin, a new broad-spectrum endectocide, was highly efficacious against natural infections of all the major canine gastrointestinal helminths. At single oral dosages of 0.2-0.4 mg kg-1 body weight (BW), a liquid formulation administered in gelatin capsules was 100% effective in eliminating natural infections of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala. Tablets (267 mg) containing 4.6% nemadectin given at a rate of 1/3 tablet per 20 kg BW (0.2 mg nemadectin kg-1) were 100% active against T. canis, A. caninum and U. stenocephala. With both formulations, an increase in the dose rate to 0.6-0.8 mg kg-1 BW resulted in 99-100% elimination of Trichuris vulpis infections. No adverse reactions were observed in any of the treated dogs.