Cobalt deficiency in sheep and diagnostic reference ranges

Abstract

Extract

In the last 2 years, two papers have been published suggesting that current New Zealand reference criteria for diagnosing cobalt deficiency should be reviewed (Grace et al 2003), and they are conservatively high and lead to the over-diagnosis of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and ill-thriftiness in sheep (Gruner et al 2004). The comments refer to reference ranges cited by animal health diagnostic laboratories. These reference ranges were derived from the paper by Clark et al (1989 Clark, RG, Wright, DF, Millar, KR and Rowland, JD. 1989. Reference curves to diagnose cobalt deficiency in sheep using liver and serum vitamin B₁₂ levels.. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 37: 7–11. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), which reviewed data from published and unpublished weight gain response trials preceding that date. The review included all published trials in New Zealand and as many unpublished trials that the authors could obtain. They involved serum vitamin B12 data from 54 trials and liver vitamin B₁₂ data from 21 trials. It was stated that more data from trials conducted in autumn were required to reliably determine an autumn response curve. In addition, it was envisaged that as other trial data became available the reference curves could be upgraded (Clark et al 1985 Clark, RG, Wright, DF and Millar, KR. 1985. A proposed new approach and protocol to defining mineral deficiencies using reference curves. Cobalt deficiency in young sheep is used as a model.. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 33: 1–5. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).     

Procedure for Maximizing Oocyte Harvest for In Vitro Embryo Production in Small Ruminants

Possible effects of repeated hormonal treatments and laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) on the efficiency of oocyte recovery rate and quality were determined in sheep and goats. In six adult Merino sheep and five Criolla goats, ovarian status was synchronized by a prostaglandin F(2 alpha) analogue and the insertion of an intravaginal sponge 48 h later. Follicle development was stimulated by a single dose of FSH (60 mg NIH-FSH-P1) plus a single dose of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG; 300 UI). The first FSH/eCG doses were administered 48 h after the sponge insertion, being repeated every 4 days to complete a total of four treatments in sheep and three in goats. Follicles in both ovaries were categorized according to their diameter and follicular fluid was aspirated under laparoscopic observation without a vacuum pump. In sheep, during a 12-day-period, a total of 347 follicles were aspirated with a recovery rate of 46.9%. In goats, during an 8-day-period, 219 follicles were aspirated with a recovery rate of 45.6%. In both species, there were no significant differences in the number of aspirated follicles, oocyte recovery rate and good quality oocyte recovery rate. However, in sheep the oocyte recovery rate was higher for large follicles, whereas in goats no such effect was detected. In summary, current results indicate that retrieval of oocytes can be maximized, without affecting oocyte quality, by repeating 'oneshot' FSH/eCG regimes and LOPUs at intervals as short as 4 days.     

Salmonella monitoring programs in Australian feed mills: a retrospective analysis

The availability of safe, commercially prepared stock feed for production animals is an important step in ensuring animal health and welfare and the safety of food animal products for human consumption. Animal feed quality assurance programs include microbiological monitoring of raw materials, mill equipment and finished feed. Over a period of 16 years, 23,963 samples for Salmonella culture and serotyping were collected from 22 stock feed mills. A multivariable generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to identify mill and sample type factors that increase the odds of detecting Salmonella. The odds of detecting a Salmonella positive sample was greatest in samples from raw materials and in mills that processed restricted animal material (RAM). The percentage of positive samples ranged from 7.2% in 2003 to 2.8% in 2017. Of the 1,069 positive samples, 976 were serotyped with 61 different Salmonella serotypes isolated. The serotype most frequently isolated from raw materials was S. Agona, (n = 108) whilst S. Anatum was the serotype most frequently isolated from equipment and finished feed (n = 156). The diversity of Salmonella serotypes differed between mills and different stages of the production line. Microbiological monitoring in the commercial preparation of animal feed in Australian stock feed mills guides the implementation of quality control measures and risk mitigation strategies thereby reducing the prevalence and diversity of potentially zoonotic bacteria such as Salmonella, enhancing food safety for both animal and consumer.     

Killer whale predation on sea otters linking oceanic and nearshore ecosystems

After nearly a century of recovery from overhunting, sea otter populations are in abrupt decline over large areas of western Alaska. Increased killer whale predation is the likely cause of these declines. Elevated sea urchin density and the consequent deforestation of kelp beds in the nearshore community demonstrate that the otter's keystone role has been reduced or eliminated. This chain of interactions was probably initiated by anthropogenic changes in the offshore oceanic ecosystem.     

A new ornithological record,Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi Swinhoe,1863,from Xinjiang

On 15 September,2010,a Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi Swinhoe was found in the Hami prefecture(41°13’N and 93°29’E,1,143 m a.s.l.),Xinjiang,during the period of a comprehensive scientific survey in Lop Nur region.The bird,which was photographed,is a new avian record for Xinjiang.The pipit reproduces in northern Eurasia,mainly in wide meadows and low hills,and can be found in open forests and nearby residential areas in the process of on migration.The species is an insectivore and is a rare migrant or vagrant in Xinjiang.The geographical distribution,character,habitat,ecological habit and subspecies of the Pechora Pipit were discussed in this paper.     

高效液相色谱仪期间核查方法研究

高效液相色谱仪做为强制检定仪器除按规定定期送法定检定机构进行检定外,在两次检定周期之间还需对使用频率高的仪器进行期间核查以维持设备校准状态的可信度.本文简述了期间核查的项目和方法,包括外观检查、输液系统检查、色谱柱和检测器性能检查及做好检查和处理结果的记录.     

中西医结合治疗羊传染性脓疱

2004年10月27日,我县王甫乡一养羊户的羊只发生以唇部皮肤呈菜花样增生、出血、溃烂为特征的疫病,畜主称之为"烂嘴病",该病传播快,发病率高,给养羊户造成严重的经济损失.笔者根据流行病学调查、临床症状诊断为羊传染性脓疱,采用中西医结合治疗,收到了较好的疗效.