Pregnancy Rate in Zebu Cows with Two Different Postpartum Intervals Exposed to a Two-Bull Rotational System

In order to evaluate the reproductive effect of a rotational breeding system, the pregnancy rate of 69 Zebu cows was assessed, 32 late postpartum (211±93 days postpartum, LP) and 37 early postpartum (averaging 63±8 days after calving, EP). In the LP group, 60% (19/32) were cycling before exposure to the bulls but only 38% (14/37) in the EP group. The two groups were dissimilar from the start (p<0.05). The cows were exposed in a rotational breeding system, with six Brahman bulls with previous sexual experience paired off in three groups (A–B, C–D and E–F). The cows were exposed to each pair of bulls for a period of 3 weeks, with one week in between each period, when the females were without the presence of a male. In the LP group, the pair of bulls A–B obtained a pregnancy rate of 72% (23/32), whereas for bulls C–D the pregnancy rate was 33% (3/9) and for bulls E–F the pregnancy rate was 67% (4/6). In contrast, for the EP cows, bulls A–B obtained a pregnancy rate of 32% (12/37), bulls C–D a pregnancy rate of 67% (12/18) and for bulls E–F a pregnancy rate of 55% (6/11). The percentage pregnancy obtained using the pair of bulls A–B differed (p<0.05) between LP and EP, whereas for bulls C–D and E–F it was similar. The pregnancy rate was different (p<0.05) in the first 3 weeks of mating for the LP group, the highest number of cows becoming pregnant during the first 3 weeks of the study. In contrast, the highest number of pregnancies in EP occurred evenly during the last 6 weeks. This study suggests that the reproductive performance of pairs of bulls in a 9-week rotational programme with the overall pregnancy rate is similar (94% in the LP and 81% in the EP). However, the time taken for the females to become pregnant, and hence the performance of the bulls, is related to the average number of days postpartum for the cows.     

Influence of animal age on body concentrations of minerals in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Mathematical modelling of the relationships between mineral inputs and outputs would enable the prediction of mineral requirements of poultry under a wide range of conditions. To establish the feasibility of possible modelling of mineral requirements, the current study aimed to describe the individual mineral concentrations of whole bodies of quail over the life cycle from hatching to 70 days of age. Quail were reared indoors without any restrictions that could limit growth. Sampling of birds (n = 6–18) was carried out at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 35, 49 and 70 days after hatching. Freeze‐dried samples of whole bodies (digestive contents removed) were analysed for ash, and macrominerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium) and microminerals (copper, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium, zinc). Ash concentration followed a curvilinear trend, with a maximum of 101.7 g/kg dry matter at 32.77 days. Individual mineral concentrations, expressed as a proportion of ash, were fluctuating over time, with the most prominent changes at 3 days and again at either 14 or 21 days. Dissimilar patterns in individual mineral concentrations resulted that ratios between minerals followed inconsistent patterns over time. Although mineral contents in absolute quantities can be described through modelling over the entire life cycle of the bird, it can be concluded that variable concentrations of individual minerals could complicate further model development.     

Marketing of meat sheep with intensive finishing in southern state of Mexico

The objective of the present study was to quantify the marketing margins of cold sheep carcass and barbacoa meat in the southern state of Mexico. Data were obtained from the production chain links (production, industrialization, and marketing) where the marketing margins were calculated along with the benefit/cost (B/C) ratio. In the absolute marketing margin of the final consumer price per kilogram of carcass meat, the producer obtained US$2.7/kg (47 %) of the utilities, while the intermediaries obtained US$3.1/kg (53 %). Considering the final cooked product in barbacoa (typical dish), the margin was US$6.3/kg (29 %) for the producer and US$15.2/kg (71 %) for the intermediaries. The B/C ratio was 1.0, 1.1, 2, and 1.3 for the producer, stocker, butcher, and barbacoa seller, respectively. It is concluded that the best marketing channel for the producer was the producer-stocker-processor (butcher and barbacoa seller). The highest marketing margin was for the intermediaries followed by the producer. The order of importance of the B/C kilogram ratio of meat was for the butcher first, then barbacoa seller, and lastly stocker and producer.     

Piroplasma infection in dogs in northern Spain

Babesiosis is a world-wide zoonosis caused by tick-borne hematozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Canine Babesidae have historically been classified as "large Babesia" (Babesia canis) and "small Babesia" (Babesia gibsoni) based on the size of their intraerythrocytic forms. Genetic sequencing technology using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has allowed further subdivision. B. gibsoni has three strains: "Asia", "California" and a recently identified small babesial-like parasite, Theileria annae. This newly recognised piroplasm appears to be hyperendemic in northwest Spain. In order to provide some insight into the situation, all the cases diagnosed in our laboratory (NW of Spain) during 2003 were evaluated. Our study (62 samples) shows the existence of a piroplasm morphologically different from B. canis and similar to B. gibsoni, which is genetically related to T. annae. Severe regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia are almost constant characteristics of infection with T. annae in dogs. In many cases azotemia is found. Abnormally high serum concentrations of urea and creatinin, together with elevated concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, proteinuria, high protein/creatinin and presence of hyaline and granular casts in the microscopic examination of urine sediment suggest a glomerular component to the disease. We conclude that observational research and clinical trials should be conducted in order to improve our understanding of this emerging disease in order to provide some insight into the best therapeutic practices.     

Effect of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on Japanese quail growth, egg production and plasma metabolites

1. Birds have been proposed as a suitable model for studies on ageing because of their long life in comparison with similar-sized mammals. However, some weak fliers, such as Galliformes, are the exception to this rule. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the treatment with rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis), a natural source of flavonoid antioxidants and compounds with phyto-oestrogenic activity, on postnatal development and egg production of aged Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). 2. Substitution of drinking water with traditional rooibos tea or diet supplementation with ground rooibos tea affected body weight of Japanese quail up to 100 d of age. The body weight of males drinking rooibos tea or eating rooibos-supplemented food decreased significantly. There was a trend toward increased body weight of tea drinking females and a significant increase in the body weight of hens fed the rooibos-supplemented diet. Although rooibos treatment did not significantly increase egg production in young hens, the decrease in egg production of rooibos-treated aged hens (360 d of age) was significantly reduced, regardless of the egg production levels (high - 80%; low - 20%) before the treatment. 3. The results suggest that treatment with rooibos tea positively affected body weight and egg production in quail hens and prolonged the productive period of aged animals. Further studies would be needed to address the question whether these effects are due to the antioxidant or phyto-oestrogenic activities of rooibos.     

Physiological and biochemical parameters in response to electroejaculation in adult and yearling anesthetized pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) males

The aim of this study was to characterize changes in physiological and biochemical parameters during electroejaculation (EE) under general anaesthesia in adult and yearling pampas deer males (Ozotoceros bezoarticus). The relation between heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate and oximetry with EE voltages was studied. The changes in cortisol, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and rectal temperature were determined before and after electroejaculation (BEE and AEE). Heart rate and pulse rate values increased during EE, with a greater increase in heart rate in adults (p < 0.01). Respiratory rate and SpO₂ were not affected by EE or category. The rectal temperature decreased in adults and yearlings during EE (p = 0.0001). Alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations increased AEE (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase concentrations were greater in young than in adult males (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the EE under general anaesthesia in the pampas deer provoked increases in heart and pulse rates, as well as in creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, and a decrease in rectal temperature in both categories. Oximetry values were especially low during the procedure. Heart rate increase was greater in adult males, and alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase concentrations were greater in yearlings.     

Effect of spineless cactus intake (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Opuntia ficus-indica</Emphasis>) on blood glucose levels in lactating sows and its impact on feed intake,body weight loss,and weaning-estrus interval

The effect of spineless cactus intake (Opuntia ficus-indica) on blood glucose (BG) levels in lactating sows and its impact on daily and total feed intake (dFI^?1 and TFI, respectively), body weight loss (BWL), and weaning-estrus interval length (WEI) were evaluated. Thirty-four hybrid (Yorkshire × Landrace × Pietrain) sows in lactation phase were used. Sows were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 17) where they received commercial feed and G2 (n = 17) provided with commercial feed plus an average of 2.0 ± 0.5 kg spineless cactus, based on a sow’s body weight. The variables evaluated were BG, dFI^?1, TFI, BWL, and WEI. Statistical analysis was performed by using a fixed and mixed model methodology, under a repeated measurements experiment. Group effects were found on all analyzed variables (P < 0.05). The BG was lower in G2 (55.2 and 64.5 mg/dL pre- and post-prandial, respectively), compared to that in G1 (70.9 and 80.1 mg/dL pre- and post-prandial, respectively) (P < 0.05). G2 showed better performance than G1 for dFI^?1, BWL, and WEI (P < 0.05) whose averages were 5.5 ± 1.8 kg, 7.4 ± 4.5%, and 5.3 ± 1.2 days, respectively. Averages for these variables in G1 were 4.7 ± 1.5 kg, 16.8 ± 4.6%, and 6.1 ± 1.6 days, respectively. Intake of spineless cactus reduced BG levels in lactating sows, generating greater dFI^?1, lower BWL at the end of lactation, and a lower WEI.     

Morphological study of Socorro Island Merino sheep and its crosses with hair breeds

Tropical Animal Health and Production - A study was conducted with the objective to characterize the morphology of Socorro Island Merino sheep. A total of 67 sheep, 62 females, 26 purebred and 36...     

Genetic typing of classical swine fever virus

Three regions of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) genome that have been widely sequenced were compared with respect to their ability to discriminate between isolates and to segregate viruses into genetic groups. Sequence data-sets were assembled for 55 CSFVs comprising 150 nucleotides of the 5' non-translated region, 190 nucleotides of the E2 envelope glycoprotein gene and 409 nucleotides of the NS5B polymerase gene. Phylogenetic analysis of each data-set revealed similar groups and subgroups. For closely related viruses, the more variable or larger data-sets gave better discrimination, and the most reliable classification was obtained with sequence data from the NS5B region. No evidence was found for intertypic recombination between CSFVs. A larger data-set was also analysed comprising 190 nucleotides of E2 sequence from 100 CSFVs from different parts of the world, in order to assess the extent and global distribution of CSFV diversity. Additional groups of CSFV are evident from Asia and the nomenclature of Lowings et al. (1996) [Lowings, P., Ibata, G., Needham, J., Paton, D., 1996. J. Gen. Virol. 77, 1311-1321] needs to be updated to accommodate these. A tentative assignment, adapting rather than overturning the previous nomenclature divides CSF viruses into three groups with three or four subgroups: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3; 2.1, 2.2, 2.3; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4. The expanding data-base of CSFV sequences should improve the prospects of disease tracing in the future, and provide a basis for a standardised approach to ensure that results from different laboratories are comparable.