Classification of Bacteroides nodosus by agglutination tests

One thousand two hundred and sixty seven isolates of Bacteroides nodosus from 292 sheep in 58 flocks were examined. Of these, 1260 could be classified by slide agglutination into 8 serogroups designated A to H. Up to 6 serogroups were detected in individual flocks, with up to 4 serogroups being detected in a single foot. Of the 292 sheep examined, 38 (13%) carried mixed serogroup infections. Determination of the range of serological types infecting a flock frequently required the examination of a number of isolates from each of a number of sheep. Cross-tube agglutination tests carried out on 44 isolates and their antiserums indicated that members of some serogroups could be divisible into subgroups or serotypes. These results suggested that 16 or more serotypes of B. nodosus might exist. The nature of the antigens responsible for both slide and tube agglutination reactions needs to be determined.     

Ergot from meadow grass in Norway--chemical composition and toxicological effects in sheep

A sample of ergot from meadow grass collected in the south-western part of Norway was examined for alkaloids and dosed orally to four lambs about 10 months old. Sclerotia were dosed at a rate of 0.12-0.75 g per kg body weight per day for 4-27 days. The concentration of total alkaloids in the sclerotia was estimated to be about 0.4%. Ergosine, ergocristine, ergotamine and the three corresponding isomers were identified by thin-layer chromatography. Of the total alkaloids, ergosine and ergocristine constituted 35% each, ergotamine 15% and the isomers 5% each. Three lambs dosed outdoors in cold and wet weather all became ill, with anorexia and increased pulse rate. No symptoms nor post mortem lesions were seen in the single lamb kept indoors. On post mortem examination of the three lambs showing symptoms, hyperemic mucosae, haemorrhages, erosions and necroses in the digestive tract, most pronounced in abomasum and cecum, were demonstrated. In two lambs, slight oedema was found distally in some of the limbs and tail, but no sign of gangrene was observed.     

Effect of sodium hydroxide treatment on rate of passage and rate of ruminal fiber digestion

Ruminally fistulated lambs were used to measure the effect of sodium hydroxide treatment on rate of passage and rate of ruminal fiber digestion. Corncobs were raised to 60% moisture and treated to a final concentration of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% NaOH on a dry matter basis. The diets fed contained 80% cobs and 20% supplement, giving a complete mixed diet containing 0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0% NaOH (dry basis). Chromic oxide was used as an external marker, and rumen samples were collected at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hr post-dosing. As level of NaOH treatment increased, rate of passage increased linearly (P less than .05). Mean ruminal retention time decreased from 32.4 hr for the control diet to 20.7 hr for the 8% NaOH diet. When rate of passage was regressed against NaOH level, the slope of the line was .142%/hr per unit NaOH, with r2 = .733. In another trial, sodium concentrations equal to the 4% NaOH diet were obtained by the addition of 7.3% NaCl to the basal diet. Rates of passage for lambs fed the diet containing NaCl were faster (P less than .05) than for lambs fed the control diet but slower (P less than .05) than for lambs on the 4% NaOH diet. These data suggest that both sodium intake and NaOH treatment affect rate of passage and are additive. Nylon bags containing .15 g cotton were used to measure the rate of ruminal fiber digestion in lambs fed the five NaOH-treated diets. Bags were removed from the rumen after 12, 24, 36 and 48 hr, and the loss in weight were used to estimate ruminal digestion. As level of NaOH increased, the rate of ruminal cotton digestion decreased linearly (P less than .05). When rate of cotton digestion was regressed against NaOH level, the slope of the line was -.488%/hr per unit NaOH, with r2 = .934.