Development of treated targets for controlling stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

Electrocution techniques were used to determine if treated targets similar to those used for tsetse control could be developed for stable fly control. In a series of two experiments, a half blue and half black (UK) 1 m2 target constructed of trigger cotton poplin was determined to be acceptable for development studies. In the first experiment, an average of 350 stable flies per hour (maximum 794 flies in 1 h) was collected using the UK target. A time-delayed circuit trial using untreated UK targets demonstrated that stable flies remained on or around the targets for at least 30 s. Two experiments were conducted with time-delayed circuits and UK targets treated with 0.1% lambda-cyhalothrin. In the first experiment, the number of flies collected using the 30 s on/off treated target treatment was not different from the number of flies collected using the other treatments. In the second experiment, the number of flies collected using the 30 s on/off treated target treatment was not different than the untreated target continuous or 30 s on/off treatments, but was significantly lower than the treated target continuous treatment. The number of flies collected with UK trigger targets was significantly higher than that for alsynite cylinder traps in two experiments. The mean number of flies collected during 22 1h assays using targets was 6.1-fold higher than that for alsynite traps, and the mean number of flies collected during 40 3 h using the targets also was 6.1-fold higher than that for alsynite traps. The results of this study indicate that treated cloth targets may be a viable addition for stable fly control programs.     

Seatbelt use during tractor overturns

In 2002, the Kentucky Farm Tractor Overturn Survey was administered, in which 6,063 randomly selected farm operators responded to questions that addressed the presence and use of seatbelts in the event of a tractor overturn. Data were analyzed to determine the proportion of seatbelt presence and use on tractors that overturned differentiated by whether they were equipped or not equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). In 537 overturns reported for which the ROPS status was known, 92 involved ROPS-equipped tractors, of which 60 had a functioning seatbelt, and 19 operators of these tractors used the seatbelt that was present during the overturn. However, of the 445 overturns of non-ROPS tractors, eight had a functioning seatbelt, and three of these operators wore the seatbelt. Two of the three operators that wore seatbelts on non-ROPS tractors suffered a permanent disability. In contrast, of the 19 operators who wore a seatbelt on ROPS-equipped tractors, 18 experienced no or minor injuries, and one required outpatient care. Seatbelts are known to save lives but are a secondary safety device to ROPS, for ROPS alone saves lives and is a necessary pre-condition for seatbelt presence and use.     

Pharmacokinetics of pentoxifylline and its 5-hydroxyhexyl metabolite after oral and intravenous administration of pentoxifylline to healthy adult horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum pharmacokinetics of pentoxifylline and its 5-hydroxyhexyl metabolite in horses after administration of a single IV dose and after single and multiple oral doses. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES: A crossover study design was used with a washout period of 6 days between treatments. Treatments were IV administration of a single dose of pentoxifylline (8.5 mg/kg) and oral administration of generic sustained-release pentoxifylline (10 mg/kg, q 12 h, for 8 days). Blood samples were collected 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 20, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after IV administration. For oral administration, blood samples were collected 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after the first dose and 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the last dose. RESULTS: Elimination of pentoxifylline was rapid after IV administration. After oral administration, pentoxifylline was rapidly absorbed and variably eliminated. Higher serum concentrations of pentoxifylline and apparent bioavailability were observed after oral administration of the first dose, compared with values after administration of the last dose on day 8 of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, oral administration of 10 mg of pentoxifylline/kg results in serum concentrations equivalent to those observed for therapeutic doses of pentoxifylline in humans. Twice daily administration appears to be appropriate. However, serum concentrations of pentoxifylline appear to decrease with repeated dosing; thus, practitioners may consider increasing the dosage if clinical response diminishes with repeated administration.     

Risk factors associated with renal insufficiency in horses with primary gastrointestinal disease: 26 cases (2000-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with renal insufficiency in colic- or colitis-affected horses with high serum creatinine (SCr) concentrations evaluated at a referral hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 167 colic- or colitis-affected horses (88 represented a random sample [hospital population], and 79 had high SCr concentration at initial evaluation [study population]). PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed. Data collected included signalment; physical examination, clinicopathologic, and diagnostic findings; and outcome. The study population was categorized on the basis of whether SCr concentration did (AR group; n = 53) or did not (PA group; 26) normalize within 72 hours of fluid therapy. Characteristics of the study and hospital populations were compared. RESULTS: Males and Quarter Horses were significantly overrepresented in the study population. Compared with the hospital population, study-population horses were significantly more likely to have colitis, gastric reflux, and diarrhea at initial evaluation. Initial mean SCr concentration in the PA group was significantly higher than the AR group; identification of gastric reflux, abnormal rectal examination findings, and hypochloremia were significantly associated with persistent azotemia after 72 hours of fluid therapy. Compared with the AR group, PA group horses were 3 times as likely to die or be euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In colic- or colitis-affected horses, factors associated with renal insufficiency included gastric reflux, abnormal rectal examination findings, or hypochloremia initially; prognosis for horses in which azotemia resolves within 72 hours of treatment appears to be better than for horses with persistent azotemia.     

舒泰对野生猕猴麻醉效果的观察

利用舒泰50(替来它明和唑拉西泮合剂)对36只野生猕猴按(5.79±1.28)mg/kg的剂量肌肉注射进行麻醉,麻醉期间对镇痛、镇静、肌松、呼吸、心率、血压、体温及血氧饱和度等指标进行监测.结果显示:舒泰对猕猴的诱导期为(2.72±1.72)min,平均诱导效果判定为"极好",麻醉期间体温为(38.74±0.46)℃,...     

不同湿度和氨水平对肉仔鸡抗氧化性能及肉品质的影响

本研究旨在探讨鸡舍内不同湿度和氨浓度对肉仔鸡机体抗氧化性能和肉品质的影响.试验选用健康、体质量相近的21日龄AA雄性肉仔鸡192只,随机分为2组.一组为高氨组(暴露于70 mg·kg-1氨气,H),另一组是低氨组(暴露于30 mg·kg-1氨气,L).其中每一组的一半分别置于60％湿度(对照组,C),另一半置于35％湿度(处理组,T),这样组成4个试验组,对照1:60％湿度+30 mg·kg-1氨水平组(C+L)、对照2:60%湿度+70 mg·kg-1氨水平组(C+H)、处理1:35％湿度+30 mg·kg-1氨水平组(T+L),以及处理2:35％湿度+70 mg· kg-1氨水平组(T+H),试验期21 d.试验结束时测定肉仔鸡生产性能,血液及肌肉抗氧化性能和肉品质相关指标.试验结果表明,高氨(70 mg· kg-1)水平显著降低肉仔鸡结束体质量,平均日采食量,日增体质量,血液及肌肉中总抗氧化力及肉仔鸡宰后45 min时的胸肌a*值(P＜0.05);增加了胸肌存放5d时硫代巴比妥酸反应物水平(TBARS)含量,胸肌滴水损失率,宰后45 min时的胸肌b*值(P＜0.05)和L*值(P=0.054)及肌肉剪切力(P=0.075).低湿(35％相对湿度)处理降低了肉仔鸡试验结束体质量(P＜0.05),平均日采食量(P＜0.05)及平均日增体质量(P=0.072),胸肌中超氧化物歧化酶及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性(P＜0.05)及宰后45 min时的胸肌L*值(P=0.053);增加了肌肉剪切力(P=0.057)和胸肌存放5及7d时的TBARS含量(P＜0.05).与低氨对照组(C+L)相比,高氨低湿组处理组(T+H)肉仔鸡的试验结束体质量、平均日采食量、平均日增体质量、血清总抗氧化力、胸肌中总超氧化物歧化酶及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性,胸肌宰后45 min a*值均显著降低(P＜0.05),而宰后5及7d肌肉中TBARS含量、肌肉中滴水损失及肌肉剪切力均显著提高(P＜0.05).本研究结果揭示肉仔鸡舍内高氨(70 mg·kg-1)及低湿度均显著降低了肉仔鸡生产性能、机体抗氧化能力及肌肉品质,且低湿度环境加剧了高氨的不良影响.     

苜蓿抗寒性研究进展

在国内外大量研究成果的基础上,对苜蓿经过低温胁迫后的形态、生理生化方面的变化,苜蓿秋眠性与抗寒性的关系,现代生物技术以及辐射诱变和太空搭载在苜蓿抗寒育种中的应用进行了系统阐述,讨论了当前苜蓿抗寒性研究工作中存在的不足,并对未来的研究重点进行了展望。     

Cardiovascular effects of sevoflurane in Holstein calves

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of sevoflurane in calves. Study design Prospective experimental study. Animals Six, healthy, 8–12‐week‐old Holstein calves weighing 80 ± 4.5 (mean ± SEM) kg were studied. Methods Anesthesia was induced by face‐mask administration of 7% sevoflurane in O₂. Calves tracheae were intubated, placed in right lateral recumbency, and maintained with 3.7% end‐tidal concentration sevoflurane for 30 minutes to allow catheterization of the auricular artery and placement of a Swan‐Ganz thermodilution catheter into the pulmonary artery. After instrumentation, administration of sevoflurane was temporarily discontinued until mean arterial pressure was > 100 mm Hg. Baseline values were recorded and the vaporizer output increased to administer 3.7% end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration. Ventilation was controlled to maintain normocapnia. The following were recorded at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 minutes after collection of baseline data and expressed as the mean value (± SEM): direct systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures; cardiac output; mean pulmonary arterial pressure; pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure, heart rate; and pulmonary arterial temperature. Cardiac index and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance values were calculated using standard formulae. Arterial blood gases were analyzed at baseline, and at 15 and 45 minutes. Differences from baseline values were determined using one‐way analysis of variance for repeated measures with post‐hoc differences between mean values identified using Dunnet's test (p < 0.05). Results Mean time from beginning sevoflurane administration to intubation of the trachea was 224 ± 9 seconds. The mean end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration at baseline was 0.7 (± 0.11)%. Sevoflurane anesthesia was associated with decreased arterial blood pressure at all sampling times. Mean arterial blood pressure decreased from a baseline value of 112 ± 7 mm Hg to a minimum value of 88 ± 4 mm Hg at 5 minutes. Compared with baseline, arterial pH was decreased at 15 minutes. Pulmonary arterial blood temperature was decreased at 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Arterial CO₂ tension increased from a baseline value of 43 ± 3 to 54 ± 4 mm Hg (5.7 ± 0.4 to 7.2 ± 0.3 kPa) at 15 minutes. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was increased at 30 and 45 minutes. Pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure increased from a baseline value of 18 ± 2 to 23 ± 2 mm Hg at 45 minutes. There were no significant changes in other measured variables. All calves recovered from anesthesia uneventfully. Conclusion We conclude that sevoflurane for induction and maintenance of anesthesia was effective and reliable in these calves and that neither hypotension nor decreased cardiac output was a clinical concern. Clinical relevance Use of sevoflurane for mask induction and maintenance of anesthesia in young calves is a suitable alternative to injectable and other inhalant anesthetics.     

Adaptation of thermal threshold analgesiometry for NSAIDs in cats: effects of ketoprofen

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to provide analgesia in clinical veterinary medicine, but there are few objective data evaluating this effect under controlled conditions in cats. Analgesia is more difficult to detect with acute analgesiometry after NSAIDs than after opioids. This investigation aimed to adapt the feline thermal analgesiometry method previously employed with opioids ( Dixon et al. 2002 ) for use with NSAIDs. Ketoprofen, a COX1 inhibitor licensed for cats was chosen. Six cats (2 neutered, four entire females, weighing 2.2–5.4 kg) were studied in two blinded randomized crossover trials each at least 2 weeks apart. Thermal thresholds (TT) were measured using the thermal threshold‐testing device previously developed for cats. A heater element and temperature sensor in a small probe were held at constant pressure against the cats' shaved thorax with an elasticized band. Skin temperature was recorded before each test, then the heater activated. When the cat responded by flinching, turning or jumping the heater was turned off and the temperature recorded. In the first study TT were measured following subcutaneous (SC) injection of ketoprofen (2 mg kg^?1) or a similar volume of saline. In the second study, prior to TT, and under isoflurane restraint, a mild inflammatory focus was produced at the probe site by five SC injections of 5 mg kaolin in 0.1 mL saline at each corner and in the center of a 1.5‐cm square. Saline or ketoprofen as in the first study were injected at the same time. Three baseline temperatures were recorded before any injections were given. Thermal thresholds were measured at 1 and 2 hours and then two‐hourly for 24 hours. Data were analysed using anova . Baseline skin temperature increased (37.3 ± 0.5–38.1 ± 0.8 °C) 24 hours after saline injection in study 2 (p < 0.05) but did not change after any other treatment. Thermal thresholds decreased (40.0 ± 1.3 to 39.1 ± 0.4 °C) 16 hours after ketoprofen in study 1 (p < 0.05) and increased (41.6 ± 1.5–44.8 ± 6.1 °C) 16–24 hours after ketoprofen in study 2 (p < 0.05), with no significant changes after saline. No obvious increase in sensitivity to thermal stimulation after kaolin injection was detected although obvious inflammation was present for up to 36 hours and the cats responded to digital pressure at the treated site. The method detected some effects of a COX1 selective NSAID and may be suitable for future NSAID studies in cats. However, a pressure stimulus ( Dixon et al. 2000) may prove better than thermal, and it requires investigation.