Oviductal Fluid Proteins Associated with the Bovine Zona Pellucida and the Effect on In Vitro Sperm–Egg Binding,Fertilization and Embryo Development

Studies have demonstrated that oviductal fluid (ODF) proteins associate with eggs of numerous species including the bovine. In this study, the association of three ODF proteins, the bovine oestrus‐associated protein, osteopontin (OPN), lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS), with the bovine zona pellucida (ZP) was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The biological function of ODF derived egg‐associated OPN and L‐PGDS in sperm binding, fertilization and embryonic development was also explored. In vitro matured bovine oocytes were pre‐incubated with ODF collected by cannula from cows in oestrus, or ODF with antibodies to OPN, L‐PGDS and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Following incubation, oocytes were inseminated with 1 × 10⁵ frozen‐thawed spermatozoa, and they were evaluated for sperm binding, fertilization and embryonic development in vitro. Pre‐treatment of ODF with antibodies to all of proteins reduced sperm binding to the ZP and fertilization in vitro. Cleavage rates were not significantly different among incubations, but rates of embryo development were significantly decreased. We conclude that antibodies to OPN, L‐PGDS and BSA react with oocytes incubated with ODF and inhibit sperm binding, fertilization and embryonic development in vitro, suggesting a potential role of these proteins in these events.     

High-Power Infrared (8-Micrometer Wavelength) Superlattice Lasers

A quantum-cascade long-wavelength infrared laser based on superlattice active regions has been demonstrated. In this source, electrons injected by tunneling emit photons corresponding to the energy gap (minigap) between two superlattice conduction bands (minibands). A distinctive design feature is the high oscillator strength of the optical transition. Pulsed operation at a wavelength of about 8 micrometers with peak powers ranging from approximately 0.80 watt at 80 kelvin to 0.2 watt at 200 kelvin has been demonstrated in a superlattice with 1-nanometer-thick AlInAs barriers and 4.3-nanometer-thick GaInAs quantum wells grown by molecular beam epitaxy. These results demonstrate the potential of strongly coupled superlattices as infrared laser materials for high-power sources in which the wavelength can be tailored by design.     

Equine neonatal septicaemia: 24 cases

Equine neonatal septicaemia was confirmed in 24 foals hospitalised at the Rural Veterinary Centre between 1989 and 1992 with suspected septicaemia. Septicaemia was confirmed by culture of bacteria from blood of live foals and tissues obtained at necropsy of foals that died or were euthanased. Pathogenic bacteria isolated were predominantly Enterobacteriaceae (including Escherichia coli and Salmonella serovars) and Actinobacillus equuli. Clinical manifestations of septicaemia included signs of depression, dehydration, abnormalities in body temperature and manifestations of localised infection including diarrhoea, pneumonia, and septic arthritis. Most common haemato-logical abnormalities were neutropenia and increase of circulating band neutrophils. Survival rate of foals with confirmed septicaemia was 70.8%. Survival was found to be less likely in the presence of pneumonia, severe signs of depression, marked haematological changes or septic arthritis at the time of admission. Seven foals were confirmed to have septic arthritis without concurrent septicaemia. Of these, 4 had multiple joint involvement. Bacteria isolated from infected joints were predominantly Salmonella serovars. Four foals with septic arthritis failed to survive, due to multiple joint infection, which was unresponsive to treatment. The clinical and haematological abnormalities present in foals with confirmed septicaemia and septic arthritis were consistent with those observed in other studies. The bacterial isolates from foals with confirmed septicaemia were similar to those isolated in other studies. In contrast, the bacteria isolated from foals with septic arthritis without concurrent septicaemia were different from other studies.     

Last occurrence and survival during winter of the arbovirus vector Culicoides brevitarsis at the southern limits of its distribution

SUMMARY: Linear regression analysis was used to describe the decline in numbers of Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer into winter with monthly maximum, average and minimum temperatures at the southern limits to its distribution in New South Wales. From this, low temperature thresholds were derived when C brevitarsis would be absent from the field. The low minimum threshold ± 2 SE (95% Confidence Interval) of 8.1 ± 0.3°C was used with historical temperature data to estimate the last month that the species should occur (March to June) and the mean number of months (2 to 6.5) below the threshold at 17 selected sites. Probability for survival during winter at these sites was estimated from years when the number of consecutive months below the threshold was ≤ 2 months. This varied from zero to 51% depending on the location of the site. Last occurrence was 0.7 months later on average and absolute probabilities for survival ranged from zero to 100% when the temperatures were increased by an arbitrary 2°C.     

Anthelmintic resistance in Australian sheep nematode populations

SUMMARY The resistance status of gastro–intestinal nematodes to anthelmintics was evaluated on 881 sheep farms throughout Australia during 1991–92. Resistance was shown to be widespread. Overall, 85% of farms had sheep infected with nematodes resistant to benzimidazole, 65% to levamisole and 34% to combination (benzimidazole + levamisole) products. Resistance to ivermectin was not detcted. On only 9% of farms did all anthelmintic groups reduce egg counts by greater than or equal to 95%. The culture of faeces from untreated sheep showed Telodorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus spp, Chabertia ovina and Haemonchus contortus to be the principal species. The nature and prevalence of resistance was not significantly correlated with stocking rate. However, resistance to combination products was almost twice as prevalent on farms in areas with an average annual rainfall of greater than 500 mm.     

后备小母牛限饲的可行性

<正>因为要在佛罗里达反刍动物营养讨论会上做一个题为《小母牛限饲方案》的报告,笔者查阅了大量的相关文献,对此有了较深的认识,本文是该报告的梗概。过去的40年里,生长小母牛的饲养方案经历了多个阶段