Ultrasonographic appearance of bony abnormalities at the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint in geriatric cadaver horses

This article describes the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of bony abnormalities on the dorsal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone of the equine fetlock in cadavers with radiographic signs of osteoarthrosis. After US, computed tomography was undertaken to better characterise the lesions. Twelve fetlock joints were collected and all had more than one bone abnormality on US. Normal subchondral bone appeared on US as a well-defined and regular hyperechoic line with distal acoustic shadowing. Bone abnormalities detected on US included (1) gaps in the proximal subchondral bone filled with material of heterogeneous echogenicity, (2) bone fragments represented as small straight smoothly delineated hyperechoic lines with distal shadowing located superficial to the surface of the adjacent bone, (3) proximal new bone formation visible as mild to severe cortical protrusions, (4) marginal osteophytoses seen as an elevation of the hyperechoic surface of the subchondral bone at the edges of the joint surfaces, (5) indentations in subchondral bone seen as a concave deviation of the hyperechoic line without interruption, (6) focal or diffuse irregularities of the subchondral bone seen as disruptions of the normal smooth bony contours, and (7) focal hyperechoic spikes originating from the subchondral plate and invading the articular cartilage. These findings are discussed.     

Diagnostic value of the neutrophil myeloperoxidase index in horses with systemic inflammation

The myeloperoxidase index (MPXI) was investigated as a diagnostic indicator of systemic inflammation in a retrospective study using data from 859 hospitalised horses. A reference interval of 8.5-10.4 for the MPXI was established. In horses with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), the MPXI was significantly lower than in healthy horses, those with localised inflammation and those with sepsis. The MPXI in horses with sepsis was also significantly lower than in healthy animals and those with localised inflammation. Horses in the SIRS group with leucopenia, white blood cell (WBC) count within the reference interval (WRI) or leucocytosis had significantly lower MPXIs than healthy horses, those with localised inflammation and those with sepsis in the same WBC count subgroups. In horses with sepsis and WBC count WRI, the MPXI was significantly lower than in healthy horses or those with localised inflammation. MPXI is a useful complementary tool to identify horses with systemic inflammation, especially if they have WBC counts WRI.     

Relationship Between Malting Quality Traits and Hordeins as Affected by Timing of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in malting barley is necessary to obtain good yield, but it also influences kernel protein content, which affects malting quality. The negative correlation between kernel protein content and malting extract is due to the hordein proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of N application timing on hordein fractions and how this influences malt quality. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) was used to determine the hordein fractions in the two‐ and six‐row barley parents and their doubled‐haploid progeny, for two seasons for one location, and two locations in the second season. There were no changes in hordein level in response to timing of N application over years and locations. The two‐row parent had the lowest hordein level and the six‐row progeny had the highest. Total hordein content of the two‐row progeny and six‐row parent were similar. The supply of additional N in the form of fertilizer rather than the timing of all N applications influenced the production of all hordein fractions. There were significant correlations between hordein fractions and malting quality that also were reported in other studies. Kernel plumpness showed significant negative correlations with D, C, and B hordeins and total hordein content when half of the fertilizer was applied at planting and the other half at the six‐leaf stage. Absorption showed significant positive correlation with C hordeins and a negative correlation with the B‐to‐C ratio, also when the second half of the N was given at the six‐leaf stage.     

Die invloed van bemesting op die spesiesamestelling en basale bedekking van beweide veld in die Potchefstroom‐omgewing

The impact of fertilization on veld in the Potchefstroom area was investigated. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied annually from 1972/73 until 1981/82. The control plots and the fertilized plots were grazed with year‐old steers. Species composition and basal cover were recorded using the wheelpoint technique. The results clearly indicated the formation of a soil fertility gradient as a result of the fertilization. Although there was a decrease in the ecological status of the fertilized plots, the production and palatability of the sward increased and thus also animal performance.     

Fetal development of the bat Miniopterus schreibersi natalensis

Prenatal development in the fetus of Miniopterus schreibersi natalensis is discussed. Due to the long period of delayed implantation in this subspecies, the age of even the smallest fetuses, where the fore-limb buds just become visible will be around 150 days. The most reliable criterion for age determination proved to be body mass, and all fetal ages were estimated by using the equation t = W^1/3/0,0145 + 144.     

The interaction between plant lectins and the small intestinal epithelium: A primary cause of intestinal disturbance

Summary

The literature concerning the effects of plant lectins on the small intestinal epithelium is reviewed. It appears that after oral intake, intact plant lectins can reach the small intestinal lumen. Their binding to the mucosal surface evokes an increased synthesis of glycoproteins and a degeneration of the intestinal epithelium. The epithelial alterations may result in hyperregenerative villus atrophy and endogenous nitrogen loss. These changes ultimately can lead to less efficient feed conversion, diminished growth, scouring, wasting and death. The possible significance of plant lectins in digestive disturbances in farm animals is suggested.     

Wireworm and Flea Beetle IPM in Potatoes in Canada: Implications for Managing Emergent Problems in Europe

Three species of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) known to cause severe damage to potatoes in Europe and Asia have been introduced to Canada and are now well established as pests in the westernmost province of British Columbia (BC) (Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus) and the eastern provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (A. obscurus, A. lineatus and A. sputator). Conventional insecticide-based efforts to control these invasive pests have had serious environmental impacts, or are failing to prevent severe economic damage from occurring to potatoes in some key potato production areas. Research toward developing an IPM programme for these exotic species has been completed or is underway in Canada, including the following: biological and ecological studies, development of monitoring and risk assessment programmes, and development of insecticidal and alternative control strategies. This research is summarized and implications for wireworm management in Europe are discussed. In addition to wireworms, one of the primary economic insect pests of potatoes in BC is the tuber flea beetle, Epitrix tuberis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The larvae of this beetle feed on developing or mature daughter tubers, producing surface channels or tracks and holes directly into the tuber. In the past, growers would apply 7–10 foliar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides per growing season, which was not always successful in controlling this pest. In the EU, a newly identified flea beetle, Epitrix papa sp. n., as well as the North American species, E. cucumeris, have been identified as attacking potatoes initially in Portugal (2004) and later also in Spain. The potential spread of these emergent pests to various EU and non-EU countries is of concern, and if established would require the development of management strategies. The former development of a highly effective IPM programme developed in BC for E. tuberis is discussed, as is its potential for E. papa and E. cucumeris management in Europe.