Note: Release and recovery of parasitoids of the eucalyptus gall wasp<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophelimus maskelli</Emphasis> in Israel

Four parasitoids emerged from leaves galled by the waspOphelimus maskelli (Ashmead) that were collected in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia:Closterocerus chameleon (Girault) and an unidentified Tetrastichinae species (Eulophidae); andStethynium ophelimi Huber andStethynium breviovipositor (Huber (Mymaridae).C. chamaeleon andS. ophelimi were released in eucalyptus plantations infested withO. maskelli in Israel. The recovery of the parasitoids, as well as several aspects of their possible role in control of the galls, were studied. In view of the parasitism of the galler in Wagga Wagga, we suggest that the proportion ofS. ophelimi in the Israeli population ofO. maskelli will increase markedly as soon as the gall wasp population density reaches a very low level.     

The true metabolisable energy content of canola oilcake meal and full-fat canola seed for ostriches (Struthio camelus)

1. The true metabolisable energy (TME) of canola oilcake and full-fat canola seed was determined for ostriches to broaden our knowledge of canola as a potential protein and energy source for ostriches. 2. Both test materials were diluted with a basal diet, fed to ostriches and TME-values estimated by multiple regression analysis. 3. The TME values for canola oilcake meal and full-fat canola seed for ostriches were respectively 13.76 MJ kg(-1) and 22.5 MJ kg(-1). 4. The TME values obtained for these 2 important protein sources will assist in the more accurate formulation of diets for ostriches.     

Factors related to high levels of ostrich chick mortality from hatching to 90 days of age in an intensive rearing system

Ostrich chick mortality was studied in 2522 chicks that were hatched artificially during the 1999/2000 breeding season. High levels of mortality were observed, with 1978 (78.4 %) of these chicks dying before 90 days after hatching. A total of 46.7 % (1,177) of these chicks died before 28 days of age, and a further 30.7% (801) died between 28 and 90 days post-hatching. Chick mortality to 28 days of age could not be conclusively related to sex, day of external pipping or breeder diet. Mortality rates were higher (P< 0.05) at the beginning and end of the breeding season than in the middle months. Differences in mortality levels of chicks incubated in different incubators could be related to the time of the breeding season during which the incubator was mostly used. The regression of chick mortality to 28 days of age on day-old chick mass followed a 2nd-degree polynomial. Chicks with day-old masses below 762.5 g were particularly at risk of dying before 28 days after hatching. Chicks hatching from eggs where excessive water loss to 35 days of incubation (>18%) was recorded were also at risk of succumbing before 28 days of age. Chick mortality percentages for the period from 28 to 90 days of age exceeded 80 % in chicks weighing an average of 1.050 g at 28 days. Mortality percentages declined sharply at higher live masses, to between 20 and 30 % in chicks weighing > or = 1,950 g. This 'core' level of mortality remained throughout, even in the heaviest chicks. It was concluded that the high levels of chick mortality could be related to stress in chicks, resulting from an inability to adapt to the rearing environment. The high subsequent mortality percentages of low live mass chicks that survived to 28 days after hatching could probably be attributed to residual setbacks suffered earlier. Abetter understanding of the underlying principles involved in ostrich chick mortality in intensive rearing environments is required for progress in this field, resulting in more predictable survival rates under these conditions.     

Veterinary herd health and production control on dairy farms II. Index list on milk production and udder health

In a previous paper an introduction was presented to a veterinary herd health and production control program. This program consists of a basic system and a flexible system. The basic system is built up from a standard on-farm and program registration system and from farm visit activities. In the registration system four index lists play a key role. These index lists comprise all relevant farm aspects with regard to the efficiency of milk production, calf production and cow replacement. Problem analysis is performed by means of the flexible system which indicates to what extent action for problem solving is needed.This paper presents index list 1 on milk production performance and udder health. Both aspects are of crucial importance to the economic results achieved on the farm. The index figures in list 1 serve to signalize unwanted situations or problems in relation to the aspects mentioned on the other lists. Index figures are built up from data collected on the farm by both the farmer and the veterinarian, and they serve as the basis for further analysis, solving and prevention of problems.The development, significance and implementation of the index figures in list 1 are presented. Reference values are given where applicable.     

The effects of lameness on reproductive performance, milk production and culling in Dutch dairy farms

A retrospective cohort study design was used to investigate the effect of lameness on reproductive performance on 13 commercial Dutch dairy farms. The data were collected during a routine herd health and production control program.

The cumulative 100-DIM (days in milkl) production in the previous lactation of lame cows was higher and the culling rate lower than that of the controls. The 100- and 270-DIM production of the cows with a sole ulcer was higher than that of the control cows. There was no difference in 100- and 270-DIM production between cows with a lameness diagnosis other than sole ulcer and the controls.

Lameness prolonged the interval from calving to first service and the interval from first service to conception. The pregnancy rate at first service was not affected by lameness.     

Veterinary herd health and production service on dairy farms V. Index list on metabolic/nutritional diseases,body condition score and ration composition

The Herd Health and Production Service program for use in veterinary dairy practice, introduced here, is comprised of a basic system and a flexible system. The basic system is a uniform system of data recording, standard veterinary activities and problem detection. In this system 4 index lists play a key role. These 4 lists consist of the parameters or index figures which are relevant to the efficiency of milk production, calf production and cow replacement. Data on milk production, health status and reproduction of both the herd and individual cows are collected by the farmer and the veterinarian, and translated into index figures.This paper introduces List “4” with index figures for the control of nutritional disorders, body condition and ration formulation. The index figures aid in the detection of unsatisfactory situations at early stages. They form the basis for further analysis, remedial action and prevention of problems. The development, significance and implementation of the index figures are presented. Relationships with index figures from other lists are shown. Objectives and reference values for monitoring nutritional efficiency are given where applicable.     

Productive performance and reproductive characteristics of Morada Nova male lambs fed with high-energy diet

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Morada Nova breed sheep are without wool, tropicalized, small-sized animals, known for their high-quality meat and skin. Their body development naturally...     

Colour‐Doppler ultrasound imaging as a laparoscopy substitute to count corpora lutea in superovulated sheep

This study evaluated colour‐Doppler ultrasound imaging (UI) as a substitute for laparoscopy to count the corpora lutea (CL) in superovulated sheep. Twenty‐five Santa Ines ewes were superovulated three times at 21‐day intervals. Corpora lutea were counted by colour‐Doppler UI (CL_DOPPLER) 6 days after each superovulation and confirmed by laparoscopy (CL_LAP) 12 hr later. The mean number of CL was similar for both techniques (2.1 ± 2.5 vs. 2.1 ± 2.7 for CL_DOPPLER and CL_LAP, respectively) with a significant positive correlation (r = .94; r²=.89). Colour‐Doppler UI effectively evaluated the ovarian response in superovulated ewes and efficiently identified animals that did not respond to superovulation.     

Correlation between production performance and feeding behavior of steers on pasture during the rainy-dry transition period

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between production performance and feeding behavior of steers reared on pasture during the rainy-dry transition period. Twenty-two ½ Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers at an average age of 10 months and with an average initial body weight of 234.5 ± 16.0 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with two types of supplementation and eleven replications. Pearson’s linear correlation analysis was performed between behavioral variables and weight gain and feed conversion. Correlation coefficients were tested by the t test. The time expended feeding at the trough was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with average daily gain (ADG) and with the number of periods of permanence at the trough. Bite rate and the number of bites per day were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with ADG and negatively (P < 0.05) with feed conversion, unlike the number of bites per swallow, which was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with ADG. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between feed efficiency in dry matter and neutral detergent fiber and ADG. Feeding behavior characteristics have little association with the production performance of cattle on pasture receiving mineral or energy-protein supplementation.     

Transrectal ultrasound evaluation in tropical dairy goats: an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders

In Brazil, great milk productivity was achieved after the implementation of a genetic improvement program. However, reproductive efficiency is still far from optimal, possibly due to the high number of undiagnosed disorders that may affect fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrences of the main reproductive disorders in dairy goats in southeastern Brazil. Data were collected between January 2015 and May 2017 from 23 commercial herds of different breeds, with goats ranging from 8 months to 12 years of age. Transrectal ultrasound exams were performed in 2680 goats. A total of 14.8% of the does showed a disorder in the reproductive tract: hydrometra (10.0%), ovarian follicular cysts (2.3%), gestational loss (1.5%), and hydrosalpinx (1.1%). This was the first study evaluating reproductive disorders in live animals that used a high number of Brazilian dairy goats. Considering that all these diseases affect fertility to different degrees, the performance of transrectal ultrasonography exams twice a year is strongly suggested, in order to guide precocious treatment or discard the animal as soon as possible, thus reducing economic losses in dairy goat farming.