Reliability of taurine concentrations measured in single urine samples obtained from dogs eight hours after eating

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of taurine concentrations measured in a single urine sample obtained from dogs 8 hours after eating, compared with taurine concentrations measured in 24-hour urine samples. ANIMALS: 18 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURE: After emptying the urinary bladder by transurethral catheterization, dogs were fed a canned maintenance diet. Approximately 8 hours later, urine, plasma, and serum samples were obtained for determination of fractional urinary excretion of taurine and urine taurine-to-creatinine concentration ratios (Utaur:Ucr). Results were compared with 24-hour urinary taurine excretion rate. RESULTS: Unbound and total fractional urinary taurine excretion correlated well with unbound and total 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. However, bound fractional urinary taurine excretion correlated poorly with bound 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. Unbound and total Utaur:Ucr correlated well with unbound and total 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. However, bound Utaur:Ucr correlated poorly with bound 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fractional urinary excretion of unbound and total taurine, and unbound and total Utaur:Ucr are reliable indicators of 24-hour urinary unbound and total taurine excretion in healthy dogs. However, determination of 24-hour urinary taurine excretion is recommended for evaluating urinary bound taurine concentrations of dogs.     

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis isolated from fetuses of infected cows not manifesting signs of the disease.

Fetuses were obtained from 58 cows that were fecal culture-positive for Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, but were not manifesting signs of paratuberculosis. Fetal tissues from 5 of 58 cows were culture-positive for M paratuberculosis. All 5 culture-positive fetuses were from cows that were classified as heavy fecal shedders (5/28; 17.8%). Difference in prevalence of fetal infection between light (less than 70 colonies/tube) and heavy fecal shedders was significant (Fisher's exact test, P less than 0.05). Association was not evident between serologic status of the dam and prevalence of fetal infection. In infected cows without signs of paratuberculosis, fetal infection develops with lower frequency than previously reported for cows with clinical signs of the disease. In this study, fetal infection was found only in cows that were heavy fecal shedders.     

Genotype and treatment biases in estimation of carcass lean of swine.

Carcasses of 181 barrows, representing five genotypes, 1) H x HD, 2) SYN, 3) HD x L[YD], 4) L x YD, and 5) Y x L (H = Hampshire, D = Duroc, SYN = synthetic terminal sire line, L = Landrace, and Y = Yorkshire), and two levels of ractopamine (RAC) treatment (0 and 20 ppm) were completely dissected and the data were used to examine genotype and treatment (RAC) biases in estimation of fat-standardized lean weight and to evaluate accuracies and precisions realized by use of equations based on variables derived from different technologies. Independent variables used to establish regression equations represented technologies of direct carcass measurements, optical probe data, TOBEC (total body electrical conductivity) readings, and dissected (DHMLN) and fat-standardized (FSHMLN) ham lean. Genotype bias existed when any equation from a single technology was used and was minimized by combining FSHMLN with one TOBEC reading, carcass length, and the probe measurement of 10th rib fat depth. Large RAC biases appeared when equations from direct carcass measurements or optical probe data were used and were minimized by an equation using either DHMLN or FSHMLN. A practical equation with relatively high R2 value and small genotype and RAC biases were developed by combining TOBEC readings with direct carcass measurements of 10th rib fat depth and warm carcass weight.     

Immune and bone properties of chicks consuming corn contaminated with a Fusarium that induces dyschondroplasia

A study was conducted to contrast the dyschondroplasia-inducing capability of several species of Fusarium with that of the natural fungi found in poultry diets and litter. Day-old broiler chicks were fed pure corn cultures of specific fungal isolates for 3 weeks. Humoral immunity to sheep red blood cells (SRBC), body weight, valgus and varus leg deformities, incidence of dyschondroplasia, and mechanical properties of the tibiotarsi were examined. F. equiseti #15 was the only fungal isolate to induce dyschondroplasia to any significant degree, which confirmed previous work in Minnesota. This isolate also suppressed growth rate and humoral immunity, although dyschondroplasia sometimes did occur without associated immunosuppression and growth depression. Bone strength of the tibiotarsal diaphysis was normal, and gross lesions of valgus and varus leg deformities did not appear to be related to the incidence of dyschondroplasia in the 3-week-old chicks.     

Depletion of glycogen reserves in fasting broiler chickens

1. Male broiler chickens were killed at various times up to 36 h after withdrawal of food; hepatic and muscle glycogen concentrations and pH were compared with those of control birds given continuous access to food and water. 2. Liver glycogen was reduced to negligible concentrations (less than 1 mg/g) within 6 h of food deprivation and the initial pH was elevated. 3. Withdrawal of food had no effect on glycogen concentrations in the m. pectoralis superficialis (PS) but reduced them in the m. biceps femoris (BF); the reduction was significant after 12 h. Ultimate pH was elevated by fasting in the BF, but not the PS.     

Use of immunosorbent-purified antigens of Fasciola hepatica in enzyme immunoassays

A monoclonal antibody specific for the T1 tegumental antigen of Fasciola hepatica was used as a solid-phase immunosorbent for the purification of T1 antigen from homogenised mature F hepatica. Material fractionated by this technique was successfully used in enzyme-linked immunoassays to detect antibodies to F hepatica in sera from sheep and cattle. Species differences in response to infection by F hepatica were demonstrated.     

Effects of oral powder electrolyte administration on packed cell volume,plasma chemistry parameters,and incidence of colic in horses participating in a 6-day 162-km trail ride

This study evaluated the effects of administering oral powder electrolytes on packed cell volume (PCV), plasma chemistry parameters, and incidence of colic in horses participating on a 6-day 162-km trail ride in which water was not offered ad libitum. Twenty-three horses received grain with powder electrolytes daily while 19 control horses received grain only. Horses were ridden approximately 32 km a day at a walk or trot. Packed cell volume and plasma chemistry parameters were analyzed daily. Episodes of colic were diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian unaware of treatment group allocation. Blood parameters and incidence of colic were compared between treatment groups. Electrolyte administration did not alter PCV or plasma chemistry parameters compared to controls. The incidence of colic was significantly higher in treated horses (P = 0.05). Oral powder electrolytes did not enhance hydration status or electrolyte homeostasis and may be associated with colic in horses participating on long distance trail rides similar to this model.     

Aerosolized Micropolyspora faeni antigen as a cause of pulmonary dysfunction in ponies with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves)

Ponies with recurrent airway obstruction (principal ponies) and their controls were given aerosolized Micropolyspora faeni antigen via endotracheal tube during a period when the principal ponies were in disease remission. In both groups of ponies, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and measured pulmonary function at base line, and 5 hours after aerosol administration of 30 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution or 30 ml of 1% w/v particulate M faeni antigen in 0.9% NaCl solution. In both groups of ponies, aerosolized M faeni antigen increased WBC count, neutrophil numbers, and albumin concentration in BAL fluid, but macrophage numbers decreased. In the principal ponies, BAL mast cell numbers were decreased 5 hours after administration of M faeni antigen. The M faeni antigen had no effect on the mechanical properties of the lungs or on gas exchange in the control ponies, but did increase respiratory frequency minute ventilation and pulmonary resistance, and decreased arterial oxygen tension in the principal ponies. Changes in pulmonary function were apparent only in the principal ponies, which suggests that neutrophils, per se, do not cause pulmonary dysfunction and that M faeni may be one of the etiologic agents involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.