Supernova 1987A: Notes from All Over

As Supernova 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud continues on its inexorable course-it has currently reached magnitude 3.3, with perhaps another magnitude of brightening to go in the next few months before it begins its long, slow fade into oblivion-astronomers are following its every step with avid interest. Some recent developments:     

Citrullinaemia in Friesian calves

Six Friesian calves from a pedigree herd died or were killed within 1 week of birth because of progressive central nervous disease in which the only consistent lesion was cerebral oedema. The cause was citrullinaemia, resulting from an autosomally inherited dysfunction of the urea cycle enzyme arginosuccinate synthetase. Citrullinaemia was diagnosed by demonstrating markedly elevated concentrations of citrulline in the blood of one calf and in the cerebral spinal fluid of another. One of two sires used in the herd was a heterozygous carrier of the disease. Heterozygocity was demonstrated using a polymerase chain reaction/restriction endonuclease test designed to detect the genetic mutation that causes citrullinaemia in cattle.     

The Management of Prostaglandin-controlled Breeding Programs in Beef Cattle - A Five Year Study

A herd of 180 beef cows was synchronized with prostaglandin and bred by artifical insemination for five successive years. Factors influencing the success or failure of estrus synchronizing programs were identified, including the management of nutrition, postpartum interval, cow age and artificial insemination technology. Specific recommendations on the management of prostaglandin-controlled breeding programs resulted in improving the pregnancy rates from 33% in year 1 to 67% in year 5. Improved management and close veterinary supervision were shown to improve the success of an estrus synchronization program.