Ultrasound during mid‐gestation: Agreement with physical foetal and placental measurements and use in predicting gestational age in sheep

To determine the effects of poor maternal nutrition and litter size on foetal growth during mid‐gestation, pregnant ewes (n = 82) were fed 100%, 60% or 140% of NRC TDN beginning at day 30.2 ± 0.2 of gestation. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed weekly between day 46.0 ± 0.4 and 86.0 ± 0.7 to monitor foetal heart width (HW), umbilical diameter (UMB), rib width (RW) and placentome outer (OD) and inner diameter (ID). Data were analysed with repeated‐measures using the mixed procedure for effects of maternal diet, litter size and gestation, and equations predictive of gestational age were generated using the regression procedure. To determine the agreement of ultrasound measurement and actual size, ewes (n = 20–21) were euthanized at day 45 or 90 to obtain corresponding postmortem measurements for Bland–Altman analysis. The HW, UMB and placentome OD and ID increased with gestation (p < .0001) but were unaffected by maternal diet or litter size (p ≥ .12). Ultrasound underestimated postmortem measurements of HW (14.8%), UMB (7.3%), placentome OD (4.5%) and ID (37.3%) at day 90 of gestation. Ultrasound underestimated RW at day 45 (7.7%) but overestimated RW (23.8%) at day 90, indicating inconsistent bias when reporting RW by ultrasound. Combining the HW, UMB, RW and placentome OD generated the strongest equation predictive of gestational age (R² = .91). These findings indicate that during mid‐gestation, maternal diet or litter size did not affect HW, UMB or placentome diameters and these factors can be used to estimate gestational age.     

Effect of testicular tissue lysate on developmental competence of porcine oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of testicular tissue lysate (TTL) on developmental competence of germinal vesicle (GV) stage porcine oocytes. Two types of TTL were prepared through repeated freeze–thaw in liquid nitrogen, one from whole testicular tissue (wTTL) and other from either of four different sections of testes, namely just beneath the tunica albuginea (TA), from the transitional area between the seminiferous cord/tubules and the mediastinum testis (TR) and from the intermediate area (parenchymal tissue origin) and CE (cauda epididymis origin). The whole or section‐wise TTL treatments were given for 44 hr during in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocyte maturation was done in either of the two media, namely defined (high‐performance basic medium for porcine oocyte maturation, commercially available) and serum containing (TCM199). After maturation, oocytes were co‐incubated with fresh spermatozoa for 6 hr and then transferred to embryo culture media. Treatment of GV stage oocytes with wTTL (1 mg/ml) increased the cleavage and morula percentage rate (69.23 ± 6.23 and 48.15 ± 6.77, respectively) than that of their control (58.33 ± 8.08 and 32.54 ± 5.53, respectively) in defined media, and in serum‐containing media, cleavage and morula percentage rate were almost equal in both treatment (54.56 ± 7.79 and 34.70 ± 6.78, respectively) and control (59.52 ± 8.21 and 38.52 ± 6.54, respectively). However, effect of wTTL was not significant. In case of section‐wise TTL supplements, TR section significantly (p < .01) improved cleavage and morula rate (58.43 ± 7.98 and 36.14 ± 6.89, respectively) followed by TA. In conclusion, present study indicates that IVM, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of embryo are improved in the presence of TTL, particularly its TR section. Further study is expected to reveal the principal components of TTL which may prove useful for IVM.     

Brucella suis in three dogs: presentation,diagnosis and clinical management

Brucella suis is an emerging, zoonotic disease predominantly affecting dogs and humans that engage in feral pig hunting in Australia and other countries. Although B. suis infection in dogs shares some clinical similarities to the host-adapted species (B. canis), B. suis remains an incompletely understood pathogen in dogs with limited published data on its pathogenesis and clinical features. This case series describes the presentations, diagnosis, and clinical management of B. suis infection in three dogs: (1) a bitch with dystocia, abortion and mastitis; (2) an entire male dog with septic arthritis and presumptive osteomyelitis; and (3) a castrated male dog with lymphadenitis. Unique features of these cases are reported including the first documented detection of B. suis from milk and isolation from lymph nodes of canine patients, as well as the follow-up of pups born to a B. suis-infected bitch. Consistent with previous reports, all three dogs showed a favourable clinical response to combination antibiotic therapy with rifampicin and doxycycline. Individually tailored drug regimens were required based on the clinical presentation and other factors, including owner expectations and compliance with therapy as well as a zoonotic risk assessment (generally considered low, except around time of whelping). The authors include their recommendations for the clinical management of dogs that are at-risk or seropositive for B. suis with or without clinical signs or laboratory-confirmed infection.     

Cold‐pressed rapeseed cake as a component of the diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): effects on growth,nutrient utilization,body composition and meat quality

The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of inclusion of cold‐pressed rapeseed cake (CPRC) in diets for common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Four isonitrogenous (322 g kg^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic diets (17.5 MJ kg^?1) with four levels of CPRC incorporation 0, 110, 220 and 330 g kg^?1 (treatments RC0, RC11, RC22 and RC33, respectively) were evaluated in a 50‐day growth test with common carp of 500 g initial weight. Statistically significant higher final weights (1215–1243 g) were obtained in fish fed diets including CPRC. Fish growth rates were nearly identical in all treatments (specific growth rate of 1.7–1.8% day^?1). Similar results were obtained in respect of feeding coefficients (FCR) that ranged from 1.6 to 1.8. Crude protein and ash concentration in fish bodies did not change. Statistically significant decreases in moisture content were found in carp in groups RC22 and RC33. Statistically significant increase of crude lipid in fish bodies were found in groups RC22 and RC33. The slaughter traits and meat quality analysis of carp did not show significant differences. We conclude that it is possible to include up to 330 g kg^?1 of CPRC in diets of 2‐year‐old common carp without significant effects on growth and food utilization.     

History of atmospheric lead deposition since 12,370 (14)C yr BP from a peat bog, jura mountains, switzerland

A continuous record of atmospheric lead since 12,370 carbon-14 years before the present (14C yr BP) is preserved in a Swiss peat bog. Enhanced fluxes caused by climate changes reached their maxima 10, 590 (14)C yr BP (Younger Dryas) and 8230 (14)C yr BP. Soil erosion caused by forest clearing and agricultural tillage increased lead deposition after 5320 (14)C yr BP. Increasing lead/scandium and decreasing lead-206/lead-207 beginning 3000 (14)C yr BP indicate the beginning of lead pollution from mining and smelting, and anthropogenic sources have dominated lead emissions ever since. The greatest lead flux (15.7 milligrams per square meter per year in A.D. 1979) was 1570 times the natural, background value (0.01 milligram per square meter per year from 8030 to 5320 (14)C yr BP).     

Clearance of para-aminohippuric acid in wethers consuming locoweed

AIM: To validate the use of para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) as a marker for measuring blood flow in wethers consuming a mixed diet of locoweed and blue grama hay.

METHODS: Fourteen sheep, stratified by bodyweight (BW), were assigned to one of three treatments: 0.8 mg swainsonine (SW)/kg BW (HI), 0.2 mg SW/kg BW (LO), and no SW (Control). Sheep were fed various ratios of locoweed and blue grama hay to deliver SW treatments, for 28 days prior to infusion of PAH. Concentrations of SW and activities of alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were measured to confirm exposure to SW and subclinical intoxication. A single 20-ml injection of 5% PAH was delivered into the jugular vein after subclinical intoxication had been achieved. Blood samples were collected and serum analysed for PAH immediately prior to injection, then every 5 min from 5–30 min, and every 10 min from 30–60 min, following injection of PAH.

RESULTS: Effective delivery of SW was evident from the greater concentrations of SW measured in the serum of HI compared with LO animals (p<0.05). No significant differences were detected in the rate of elimination (range 0.097–0.108 L/min), elimination half-life (range 6.62–7.24 min), apparent volume of distribution for the central compartment (range 7.14–9.72 L), and clearance (range 0.73–0.92 L/min) of PAH, between treatments.

CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical intoxication with SW did not affect the pharmacokinetics of PAH. Thus, use of downstream dilution of PAH is a valid method to determine the rate of blood flow in nutrient flux experiments that involve consumption of locoweed.     

The future of marine citizenship is now: Cetacean conservation in the eyes of young Spanish citizens

1. The number of young conservationist movements is increasing worldwide, as new generations become more aware of the environmental problems that are having an impact on the planet. Consequently, young people appear to play a fundamental role in developing successful conservation strategies.
2. This research examines young citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation in coastal and non-coastal regions of Spain, and assesses the influence of whaling tradition.
3. A total of 902 anonymous surveys were conducted with students between 14 and 16 years old at 10 high schools located in nine different study areas, six located along the Cantabrian coast (Southern Bay of Biscay) and three located in inland regions of Spain.
4. In general, results showed low levels of knowledge about cetaceans and whaling among young people, but high concern about cetacean conservation. As it was expected, knowledge about the history of whaling was higher in participants from areas with than without a whaling tradition. However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding attitudes towards cetaceans between these two groups.
5. Significant differences were detected between genders with respect to cetacean conservation and engagement. Females showed more positive attitudes towards cetaceans when compared with their male counterparts.
6. A correlation between knowledge and positive attitudes regarding whales and dolphins was found in areas located along the Cantabrian coast, and a correlation between positive attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation was observed in all study areas.
7. Although the majority of participants showed strong support for the protection of whales and dolphins, less than two-thirds stated that they were willing to engage in cetacean conservation.
8. The results of this study may contribute to the implementation of improved marine education programmes. These programmes should not only raise awareness of the marine environment, but also promote pro-environmental behaviour and engagement in the protection of the ocean.

     

Are Pharmacological Interventions Between Conception and Birth Effective in Improving Reproductive Outcomes in North American Swine?

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of using pharmacological compounds on reproductive outcomes, particularly litter size, in North American swine. While the opportunity to improve reproduction in North American pigs exists, numerous hurdles need to be overcome in order to achieve measureable results. In the swine industry, the majority of piglet losses are incurred during pregnancy and around farrowing. Over the last 20 years, a reduction in losses has been achieved through genetic selection and nutritional management; however, these topics are the focus of other reviews. This review will evaluate attempts to improve litter size by reducing losses at various stages of the reproductive process, from the time of conception to the time of farrowing, using pharmacological compounds. Generally, these compounds are used to either alter physiological processes related to fertilization, embryonic attachment or uterine capacity, etc., or to facilitate management aspects of the breeding females such as inducing parturition. Although some of the pharmacological agents reviewed here show some positive effects on improving reproductive parameters, the inconsistent results and associated risks usually outweigh the benefits gained. Thus, at the present time, the use of pharmacological agents to enhance reproduction in North American swine may only be recommended for herds with low fertility and presents an avenue of research that could be further explored.