Influence of Routing Treatments on Cows' Visits to an Automatic Milking System,their Time Budget and Other Behaviour

Four cow routing treatments related to fully automatic milking were compared consecutively in one group of 24 Holstein Friesian cows. The objective of the experiment was to investigate how cow traffic towards the automatic milking system (AMS) should be routed and whether a preselection or a waiting area in front of the AMS should be used. The treatments were (1) free routing with selection of cows in the AMS (FREE); (2) free routing with a preselection system in front of the AMS (FREE_SS); (3) free routing with a preselection system and a waiting area in front of the AMS (FREE_WA); and (4) one-way gates resulting in forced routing with preselection and a waiting area in front of the AMS (FORCED_WA). Evaluation of the treatments revealed that FREE may be questionable with regard to the cows' visiting frequency to the AMS and that the use of a waiting area in combination with free routing (FREE_WA) may slow down the passing through the AMS. FORCED_WA may be the best option in relation to the cows' use of the AMS, but this traffic system seems to postpone or even thwart the feeding. The treatment that appears to give the best results is FREE_SS. The type of AMS visit appeared to have a marked influence on the cows' subsequent behaviour. Cows returned to the AMS sooner after non-milking visits and failed attachments (P<0.01). This increases the occupation rate of the AMS and may induce some extra unrest in the herd.     

Measurement of enteric methane from ruminants using a hand-held laser methane detector

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of the proprietary laser methane detector (LMD) in enteric methane monitoring from individual dairy cows and sheep. Three experiments were carried out. First, the relationship between LMD and indirect open-circuit respiration calorimetric chamber measurements was tested. Sensitivity and specificity for cows were 95.4% and 96.5%. For sheep, sensitivity was 93.8% and specificity was 78.7%. Second, the effect of cow's activity on enteric methane emissions was investigated. During drinking and feeding, cows produced significantly more (p<0.001) methane emissions than when idle. Third, effect of different micrometeorological factors on LMD measurements under outdoor grazing conditions was investigated. Wind speed, relative humidity, pressure and wind direction relative to methane point-source had significant effect on methane measurements (p<0.001) under outdoor conditions. With further validation, the LMD has potential to provide reliable estimates from ruminants and hence provide a useful technique for on-farm monitoring and decision support for greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.     

Hookworm dermatitis due to Uncinaria stenocephala in a dog from Saskatchewan

Uncinaria stenocephala hookworm dermatitis (uncinariosis) was diagnosed on fecal examination and macerated skin biopsy in a 1.5-year-old greyhound dog from Saskatchewan. This is the first reported case in Canada. Treatment with moxidectin cleared gastrointestinal and dermal infections.     

A miniature lighted stylet for fast oral endotracheal intubation in rabbits

Efficient oral endotracheal intubation of laboratory animals is a challenging technique in veterinary research. This study introduces a miniaturized lighted stylet for rabbit intubation. An experiment with repeated measures on two factors was used to assess the feasibility and efficacy of this method. The first factor compared stylet intubation vs. laryngoscopic intubation. The second compared three practitioners, one with prior experience and two without. Success rates on the initial attempt were not statistically different (χ² = 2.46, P = 0.12). The time difference between methods was significant (F = 41.007, P < 0.001), although the effect of practitioners was not (F = 1.038, P = 0.365). The mean ± SD of the intubation time, combining results from the three practitioners, was 20.34 ± 17.15 s for the stylet method and 57.58 ± 64.21 s for the laryngoscopic method. The results of this study demonstrate that lighted stylet intubation is efficient, robust, and independent of practitioner experience.     

江西地区鸭疫里氏杆菌的鉴定及药敏试验

从江西部分地区的25份临床疑似鸭疫里氏杆菌(RA)病例中分离到19株RA。生化特性测定结果表明,19个RA菌株的过氧化氢酶、尿素酶均为阳性,除1株发酵葡萄糖、1株发酵麦芽糖外均不发酵各种糖类,5个RA菌株能液化明胶,15个RA菌株氧化酶阳性,不产生H2S,不还原硝酸盐,吲哚试验、MR试验、VP试验均阴性;80%的菌株对头孢曲松、头孢哌酮、头孢唑啉、罗红霉素等高度敏感,而对阿米卡星、庆大霉素、复方新诺明、卡那霉素、青霉素等耐药。     

Radiographic and scintigraphic evaluation of spondylosis in the equine thoracolumbar spine: A retrospective study

Reasons for performing study: Clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic signs associated with spondylosis of the equine thoracolumbar spine have been poorly documented. Objectives: To establish an objective radiographic and scintigraphic grading system for spondylosis lesions; to estimate the prevalence of spondylosis in a population of horses with back pain; and to compare the results of radiography and scintigraphy Methods: Radiographic images of the thoracolumbar spine from 670 horses with clinical signs of back pain were graded. Scintigraphic images from horses with spondylosis lesions underwent subjective and objective analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy for detection of spondylosis relative to radiography for identification of spondylosis were calculated, and Chi‐squared analysis was performed to test for an association between location and severity of lesions. Results: Twenty‐three of 670 horses (3.4%) with back pain had radiographic evidence of spondylosis. Of these horses, 14 (61%) had more than one lesion and 44% (n = 22) of lesions occurred between T11‐T13 vertebral bodies. Only 33% (n = 28) of locations with radiographic changes had increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Conclusion: Spondylosis occurs at a low prevalence in horses with back pain. It may be present alone or in association with other osseous abnormalities. The clinical significance of spondylosis needs further investigation. Potential relevance: Spondylosis is uncommon but may be a contributor to back pain in the horse.     

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with pancreatic β cell dysfunction in 3 horses confirmed with minimal model analysis

Reasons for performing study: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is diagnosed rarely in equine practice although it may be under‐recognised. A greater awareness of the condition and therapeutic considerations would be to the benefit of such cases presenting in practice. More investigation into the pharmacological management of these cases is needed. Objectives: Three cases of diabetes mellitus were investigated using a specific test for insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β cell function in order to define accurately and characterise the existence of T2DM in all 3 subjects. Methods: The insulin‐modified frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test was performed in each case and the data so obtained were subject to minimal model analysis of insulin‐glucose dynamics. Cases were then monitored following treatment using a combination of dietary modification, metformin, glibenclamide and pergolide. Results: Marked insulin resistance was identified in each case and, furthermore, severe pancreatic β cell dysfunction was present therefore classifying each case as end stage T2DM. Treatment was nevertheless associated with restoration of normoglycaemia in all cases. Conclusions: T2DM in horses may be more common than generally considered. In some cases individuals may respond to therapy aimed at restoring insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function. Drugs used in other species for the treatment of T2DM have not yet been adequately tested in horses. Potential relevance: T2DM should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in mature to elderly horses and ponies suffering from weight loss, polydipsia and polyuria. Clinicians should be encouraged to offer treatment and management advice when such cases are encountered.     

Influence of Juniper (Juniperus communis) oil on growth performance and meat quality as a natural antioxidant in quail diets

1. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper oil on growth performance and meat quality in quails to determine its use as a safe and natural method to reduce overdependence on the use of antibiotic.

2. A total of 1000 1-d-old Pharaoh (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) quails, including both males and females, were divided into 4 groups containing 250 quails and treated as follows: (1) a control group with 0 mg volatile oil/kg diet; (2) 100 mg/kg juniper oil; (3) 150 mg/kg juniper oil and (4) 200 mg/kg juniper oil. The diets were prepared fresh for each treatment. The experiment was carried out for 42 d.

3. The results of the study showed that supplementation with juniper oil (100 and 150 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in live weight, live weight gain and carcass yields during the growing and finishing periods. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments.

4. The quails given rations containing juniper oil had reduced thiobarbituric acid levels in raw thigh meat samples at different storage times. Juniper oil was found to have significant antioxidant activity and prevented lipid oxidation in stored meat.

5. In conclusion, natural antioxidants such as a juniper oil can be used instead of synthetic antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in animal diets to improve meat product quality and animal performance.