Relationship between endometritis and oxidative stress in the follicular fluid and luteal function in the buffalo

In this study, alteration in the follicular fluid composition and luteal function was investigated in the buffalo with endometritis. Genitalia were classified into cytological and purulent endometritis on the basis of polymorphonuclear cell cut off while non‐endometritis served as control (n = 10/group). In the follicular phase, the number of surface follicles was counted, diameter of the largest follicle was measured and the follicular fluid was assayed for total protein, cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oestradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄). The P₄ content of corpus luteum during mid‐luteal phase was estimated by radioimmunoassay. Ovaries from the follicular phase of oestrous cycle showed no significant difference in the total number of surface follicles, size of the largest follicle and volume of follicular fluid in the buffaloes with and without endometritis (p > .05). However, the antral fluid of the largest follicle from the genitalia of buffalo with cytological and purulent endometritis showed a significant decrease in the concentration of total protein, cholesterol, TAC and E₂ and a significant increase in the concentration of MDA and P₄ (p < .05). The results indicated that there is an association between endometritis and decreased ovarian function.     

Dietary effects of poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate on the growth performance,digestive enzyme activity,body composition,mineral uptake and bacterial challenge of rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study investigated the effects of diet supplementation with poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, lipid metabolism, mineral uptake and bacterial challenge of the rainbow trout fry (initial weight: 111.3 ± 13.7 mg) during a 6‐week experimental period. In the experimental set‐up, the commercial diet of rainbow trout fry was replaced with 0.5%, 1% and 2% PHB. The results of our work showed that the replacing of diets with PHB in experimental treatments decreases the weight of rainbow trout fry during the first 2 weeks before significantly increasing final weight at the end of the 6‐week period. PHB also improved digestive enzyme activity in experimental treatments. The highest total protease, pepsin activity and pancreatic enzyme secretion were observed with the 0.5% PHB treatment. A higher concentration of Na and K was observed in the whole body of the fry fed on 1% and 2% PHB‐supplemented diets. Enhanced survival rates occurred in all groups of fry after bath exposure to Yersinia ruckeri compared to rates in those fed the control diet. Our results suggest that the diet supplemented with PHB may improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and the functioning of the immune system. These positive effects could be considered for new applications in aquaculture.     

Andosols developed from non-volcanic materials in Galicia, NW Spain

A set of well-drained soils in Galicia, formed from gabbros, amphibolites and schists, with udic moisture and mesic temperature regimes, are studied. All but one of the surface horizons show an'exchange complex dominated by amorphous material'(ECDAM); consequently, most soils are classified as Andosols (FAO) or as different subgroups of Dystrandepts (Soil Taxonomy). The soils on gabbros and amphibolites frequently have'andic properties'so, following the ICOMAND proposals, five of the 12 soils studied may be characterized as Andisols. Many of the five soils have properties comparable to those of soils from volcanic areas, especially to those called'non-allophanic Andosols', which have an abundance of active-Al, mainly in the form of Al-humus complexes.     

Case Report: Sequelae of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in a Friesian dairy cow

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: A 10-year-old Friesian dairy cow presented with a history of weight loss, decreased milk production and fluid splashing on auscultation of the heart. Previous antibiotic therapy included oxytetracycline, marbofloxacin and penicillin.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Following a failure to respond to treatment, prescribed by the referring veterinarian for respiratory infection and septic arthritis, the cow was referred to Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with suspected pericarditis. Clinical examination identified a predominantly left sided holodiastolic heart murmur with tachycardia and cording of the jugular veins. Cardiac ultrasound showed an enlarged aortic valve with turbulent blood flow and regurgitation, consistent with bacterial endocarditis. Blood culture demonstrated Paenibacillus spp. Due to the severity of the clinical signs and poor prognosis, euthanasia was performed and a post-mortem examination carried out.

DIAGNOSIS: Traumatic reticuloperitonitis with abscessation of the reticulum and rumen wall, which progressed to a bacteraemia and presumptively caused endocarditis, endometritis, septic arthritis, and renal and myocardial infarcts due to emboli from the endocarditis lesions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New Zealand dairy cattle are at risk of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and due to varying presentations diagnosis can be complicated. Subsequent bacteraemia is common and in this case the novel bacterial species Paenibacillus was implicated as a potential pathogen.     

Clinical trial of efficacy of ivermectin pour‐on against gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in silvopasturing horses

The aim of this study was to assess, by a clinical trial, the efficacy of an ivermectin‐based pour‐on treatment against gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in naturally infected horses using 2 groups of mature indigenous Pura Raza Galega grazing mares. Faecal and blood samples were collected individually over a 21 week period. Faeces were analysed by the coprological flotation, sedimentation and migration techniques. Changes in circulating blood cells were monitored over the study period. The administration of the ivermectin suppressed the eggelimination of ascarids and pinworms throughout the study and no strongyle‐eggs were observed in the treatment group between the 3rd and 10th weeks. The numbers of red cells increased significantly after the anthelmintic therapy, and a statistical reduction in circulating leucocytes was recorded. No side effects were observed. The pour‐on ivermectin formulation was highly successful against gastrointestinal nematodes and appears to be a useful therapeutic routine for large groups of horses.     

Evaluation of the sedative and clinical effects of xylazine,detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in miniature donkeys

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the sedative and clinical effects of I/V xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in miniature donkeys.

Methods: Seven clinically healthy, male adult miniature donkeys with a mean age of 6 years and weight of 105?kg, were assigned to five I/V treatments in a randomised, cross-over design. They received either 1.1?mg/kg xylazine, 20?μg/kg detomidine, 10?μg/kg medetomidine, 5?μg/kg dexmedetomidine or saline, with a washout period of ≥7 days. The degree of sedation was scored using a 4-point scale by three observers, and heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature and capillary refill time (CRT) were recorded immediately before and 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after drug administration.

Results: All saline-treated donkeys showed no sedation at any time, whereas the donkeys treated with xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine had mild or moderate sedation between 5 and 60 minutes after treatment, and no sedation after 90 minutes. All animals recovered from sedation without complication within 2 hours. The mean HR and RR of saline-treated donkeys did not change between 0 and 120 minutes after administration, but the mean HR and RR of donkeys treated with xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine declined between 5 and 60 minutes after drug administration. The mean rectal temperature of all treated donkeys did not change between 0 and 120 minutes after administration. The CRT for all donkeys was ≤2 seconds at all times following each treatment.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Administration of xylazine at 1.1?mg/kg, detomidine at 20?μg/kg, medetomidine at 10?μg/kg and dexmedetomidine at 5?μg/kg resulted in similar sedation in miniature donkeys. Therefore any of the studied drugs could be used for sedation in healthy miniature donkeys.