Naturally monozygotic quadruplets in a Braford cow confirmed by DNA analysis: A case report

Cattle are a monotocous species, despite naturally conceived multiple births are sometimes observed. Although the number of twins has consistently increased, triplet and quadruplet pregnancies represent 0.015% and 0.004% of the total births, respectively. Multiple births are the result of multiple ovulation and/or the spontaneous cleavage of one fertilized oocyte, which is known as monozygotic (MZ) twinning. In cattle, approximately 5% to 14% of all twin births are MZ, and births with more than two MZ calves are extremely rare. Monozygotic animals are genetically identical, and those derived from two or more zygotes are genetically different. Furthermore, the presence of placental vascular anastomosis can result in foetal chimerism. Notwithstanding, animals born as single calves can be chimeras when one of the foetal twins dies undetected in utero. Here, we used DNA testing to study the zygotic condition of an unusual female quadruplet born from a Braford cow bred in a multi-sire natural mating system without hormone stimulation. Two tissues with different embryological origin were sampled to test zygosity and possible chimerism. The results showed an identical genotype, confirming they all originated in an MZ pregnancy and suggesting the lack of chimerism in all animals. The use of MZ twins in breeding and selection systems provides an alternative to the conventional progeny testing. Some works have suggested a genetic background of MZ twins in humans. This female and her daughters could be the founders of a lineage to study the possible inheritance of MZ multiple births in cattle.     

Comparative changes in color features and pigment composition of red wines aged in oak and cherry wood casks

The color features and the evolution of both the monomeric and the derived pigments of red wines aged in oak and cherry 225 L barriques have been investigated during a four months period. For cherry wood, the utilization of 1000 L casks was tested as well. The use of cherry casks resulted in a faster evolution of pigments with a rapid decline of monomeric anthocyanins and a quick augmentation formation of derived and polymeric compounds. At the end of the aging, wines stored in oak and cherry barriques lost, respectively, about 20% and 80% of the initial pigment amount, while in the 1000 L cherry casks, the same compounds diminished by about 60%. Ethyl-bridged adducts and vitisins were the main class of derivatives formed, representing up to 25% of the total pigment amount in the cherry aged samples. Color density augmented in both the oak and cherry wood aged samples, but the latter had the highest values of this parameter. Because of the highly oxidative behavior of the cherry barriques, the use of larger casks (e.g., 1000 L) is proposed in the case of prolonged aging times.     

Mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility to experimental visceral leishmaniosis: BALB/c mouse versus syrian hamster model

ABSTRACT: Several animal models have been established to study visceral leishmaniosis (VL), a worldwide vector-borne disease affecting humans and domestic animals that constitutes a serious public health problem. BALB/c mice and Syrian hamsters are the most widely used experimental models. In this paper, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of these two experimental models and discuss the results obtained using these models in different studies of VL. Studies using the BALB/c mouse model have underscored differences between the liver and spleen in the course of VL, indicating that pathological evaluation of the visceral organs is essential for understanding the immune mechanisms induced by Leishmania infantum infection. The main goal of this review is to collate the relevant literature on Leishmania pathogenesis into a sequence of events, providing a schematic view of the main components of adaptive and innate immunity in the liver and spleen after experimental infection with L. infantum or L. donovani. This review also presents several viewpoints and reflections about some controversial aspects of Leishmania research, including the choice of experimental model, route of administration, inoculum size and the relevance of pathology (intimately linked to parasite persistence): a thorough understanding of which is essential for future VL research and the successful development of efficient control strategies for Leishmania spp.     

Neuromuscular disorders in the cat: clinical approach to weakness

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Weakness is a relatively common clinical presentation in feline medicine and can be caused by primary neuromuscular disease or by diseases of other body systems affecting the neuromuscular system secondarily. Successful work-up relies on a thorough clinical and neurological examination, and logical problem solving, based on an understanding of the underlying neuroanatomical and pathophysiological mechanisms. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Feline neuromuscular diseases can be a diagnostic challenge. On initial inspection, the presenting signs can mimic disorders of other body systems, particularly cardiovascular, pulmonary and orthopaedic disease, or may be confused with systemic illnesses. Additionally, because many different pathologies of the feline neuromuscular system converge to a similar clinical phenotype, further diagnostic steps such as electrodiagnostics, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and muscle and nerve biopsies must be considered even after neuromuscular dysfunction has been identified. AUDIENCE: This review provides a framework for the clinical approach to the weak cat and gives a practical summary of neuromuscular diseases for the general practitioner and specialist alike. EVIDENCE BASE: Many diseases affecting the feline neuromuscular system have been well described in the veterinary literature, mostly based on retrospective case reports and series. The evidence base for the treatment of feline neuromuscular diseases remains very limited.     

Effects of ecotrofin™ on milk yield,milk quality and serum biochemistry in lactating goats

A nutritional supplement (Ecotrofin™, by Vetoquinol Italia S.r.l) recommended in ruminants feeding to strengthen the physiological condition and improve digestive performance was tested in 20 pluriparae grazing goats divided in two groups (control and treated) to assess its possible effects on milk yield and quality and to assess eventual adverse effects. Animals from both groups also received 400 g/day of corn meal, and the treated group was supplemented with 20 g/head/day of the nutritional supplement. At the doses suggested by the manufacturer, despite a transient increase after 30 days of supplementation, Ecotrofin™ did not show significant effects on milk yield and, although some changes were found in the fatty acids profile, no significant improvement of MUFA and PUFA, as well as of omega-6:omega-3 ratio and CLA content were seen. Therefore, in our experimental conditions the supplementation of diet with Ecotrofin™ did not appear useful to improve goat's performance. A significant effect on kidney health markers (27 vs. 22.5 for urea and 0.83 vs. 0.76 for creatinine, p < 0.05) suggested a beneficial effect on renal function but, since levels fell in the normal ranges in both groups, such hypothesis would need further studies to be addressed.     

Mapping quantitative resistance to septoria tritici blotch in spelt wheat

The foliar wheat disease septoria tritici blotch can cause significant yield losses. A source of resistance has been mapped on chromosome 7D of spelt wheat, Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (L.) Thell. The microsatellite-based genetic map was constructed from a set of 87 single-chromosome recombinant doubled-haploid lines bred from the cross between the landrace ‘Chinese Spring’ and a ‘Chinese Spring’-based line carrying chromosome 7D from spelt wheat. Two regions of the chromosome were associated with isolate-specific QTL expressed one at the seedling and another at the adult plant stage. The seedling resistance locus QStb.ipk-7D1 was found in the centromeric region of chromosome 7D, which corresponds to the location of the major resistance genes Stb4 originating from bread wheat cultivar ‘Tadinia’ and Stb5 originating from Triticum tauschii. The adult resistance locus QStb.ipk-7D2 was found on the short arm of chromosome 7D in a similar position to the locus Lr34/Yr18 known to be effective against multiple pathogens. Composite interval mapping confirmed QStb.ipk-7D1 and QStb.ipk-7D2 to be two distinct loci.     

Nematicidal efficacy of MCW‐2, a new nematicide of the fluoroalkenyl group,against the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica

BACKGROUND: The small number of available nematicides and restrictions on the use of non‐fumigant nematicides owing to high toxicity to human and non‐target organisms hinder effective nematode control. The nematicidal efficacy of MCW‐2, a new nematicide of the fluoroalkenyl group, was evaluated against the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica (Treub.) Chitwood. RESULTS: MCW‐2 showed irreversible nematicidal activity against second‐stage juveniles of M. javanica in vitro, following exposure for 48 h at concentrations as low as 0.5 mg L^?1, in contrast to fenamiphos or cadusafos. When exposed to MCW‐2 for shorter periods, motile juveniles became immobile with time after rinsing in water. MCW‐2 at 8 mg L^?1 inhibited nematode hatching, which, however, recovered after rinsing in water. In pot and plot experiments, 0.5 mg MCW‐2 L^?1 soil and 2 kg MCW‐2 ha^?1, respectively, controlled M. javanica similarly to or better than fenamiphos or cadusafos at the same concentrations or at their recommended doses. In the soil, the nematicidal activity of MCW‐2 was less persistent than that of fenamiphos. CONCLUSION: MCW‐2 has potential to be used as a new non‐fumigant nematicide that probably has a novel mode of action. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mentor pollen effect on the in-vivo germination of self-incompatible apple pollen

Investigations were carried out to ascertain to what extent “mentor pollen” can influence the performance of self pollen in apple styles. Self-incompatible ‘Starkrimson’ flowers on branches, placed at room temperature or in a growth chamber, were (1) self-pollinated, (2) cross-pollinated with compatible untreated or (3) irradiated (150 krad) ‘Golden Delicious’ pollen, or (4) pollinated with a mixture (2:1 w/w) of irradiated (mentor) pollen and self pollen. After 18 h, nearly the same proportion (> 90%) of the self-incompatible pollen had germinated on the stigma and penetrated the apical part of the style as compatible pollen. However, subsequent growth of the self-pollen tubes was inhibited. After 48 h, less than 1% had reached the stylar base as compared with 21–24% of the compatible pollen tubes. Irradiation strongly impaired pollen vitality: only 1% of the tubes had reached the base of the style after 48 h. The mixture of the irradiated mentor pollen and self pollen performed better. In this case, 6.4–9.9% of the tubes was observed in the basal part of the style, inferring that tube growth of the self pollen was significantly promoted by the mentor pollen.