Evaluation of Meat and Bone Meal in Practical Diets Fed to Juvenile Hybrid Striped Bass Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis

Juvenile hybrid striped bass ( Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis ) were fed one of eight diets to evaluate meat and bone meal as a source of crude protein and essential amino acids. Diets contained either 0, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45% meat and bone meal substituted for an isonitrogenous amount of soybean meal and fish meal. All diets were fed for 7 wk, followed by a 2-wk digestibility trial. Mean consumption, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by addition of meat and bone meal into diets. Intraperitoneal and liver lipid concentrations were not significantly affected by meat and bone meal. Fillet proximate composition was not significantly different among treatments. Apparent crude protein, phosphorus, and amino acid availabilities were significantly lower in fish fed 45% meat and bone meal compared to fish fed 30% and lower concentrations and generally lower in fish fed greater than 30% meat and bone meal. Based on these data, it appears meat and bone meal can be used as the primary source of crude protein and essential amino acids in practical growout diets for hybrid striped bass, comprising as much as 45% of the diet. Nutrient availability values were lower in fish fed greater than 30% meat and bone meal and may restrict usage in some applications.     

Survey of cattle in northeast Colorado for evidence of chronic wasting disease: geographical and high-risk targeted sample.

A geographically targeted survey of potentially high-risk, adult cattle in chronic wasting disease (CWD)-endemic areas in Colorado was initiated to assess the possibility of the spread of CWD from deer to cattle under natural conditions. Surveyed cattle were sympatric with free-roaming deer in geographically defined areas where CWD occurs and where CWD prevalence has been estimated. To qualify for inclusion in the survey, cattle had to be at least 4 years old and had to have spent a minimum of 4 years in surveyed areas. Brains from culled cattle were examined microscopically and immunohistochemically for tissue alterations indicative of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Two hundred sixty-two brains were suitable for evaluation and were found to lack changes indicative of a TSE infection. Prion deposition was not demonstrable using a method involving formic acid and proteinase-K treatment before application of monoclonal antibody to bovine prion protein (F99/97.6.1). Some incidental neuropathologic changes unrelated to those of TSEs were detected. Findings from this study suggest that large-scale spread of CWD from deer to cattle under natural range conditions in CWD-endemic areas of northeast Colorado is unlikely.     

Myiasis in two box turtles.

Two eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) were treated for myiasis caused by Sarcophaga cistudinis. The tortoises were examined because of swellings of the proximal cervical regions. Both fully recovered following surgical removal of multiple larvae.     

Acute myopathy in horses at grass in east and south east Scotland

A myopathy of horses at grass in east and south east Scotland was recognised in the autumn and winter of 1984 and the spring of 1985. The clinical signs resembled those of paralytic myoglobinuria. Grossly increased creatine kinase activities and the passage of dark brown urine were consistent features. However, the horses were not in training, most of them died and the muscles affected were those of posture and respiration rather than movement. The condition may be unrelated to nutritional myopathy because all the cases had adequate levels of alpha-tocopherol although their selenium status varied from normal to deficient. The clinical and pathological findings in 12 cases are presented and the differential diagnosis and possible aetiologies discussed.     

Biochemical and haematological effects of phenylbutazone in horses

Five matched pairs of horses were used to investigate the effects of phenylbutazone on a range of physiological, biochemical and haematological variables. The drug was given by mouth daily for 15 consecutive days at the manufacturer's recommended dose rates to one group of horses (Group A); the second group (Group B) received equivalent doses of a placebo. For some of the measured parameters, significant changes were recorded in both groups, indicating background instability. Significant decreases in serum total protein, albumin, plasma pH, viscosity and magnesium, and an increase in albumin: globulin ratio occurred in Group A, but not in Group B. These changes were, therefore, attributed to phenylbutazone or its metabolites. Toxicologically, the change in pH is probably unimportant but the decrease in protein concentration may have resulted from a protein losing enteropathy and/or from decreased synthesis in the liver. In one animal which received phenylbutazone, clinical signs of toxicity (lethargy, inappetence, oedema) were observed and evidence of hepatotoxicity and haematological changes were also noted in this horse. It is concluded that recommended dose rates of phenylbutazone should never be exceeded and that the period for which the highest dose (4.4 mg/kg body weight twice daily for four days) is administered should be reduced. In clinical cases, where phenylbutazone toxicity is suspected, measurement of serum or plasma protein concentration might provide an indication of the need to reduce dose levels or stop therapy.