Fasting heat production of Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats measured using open‐circuit facemask respirometry

This study aimed to establish the heat production (HP) of Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats at absorptive (feeding) and at post‐absorptive (fasting) statuses to determine the adequate period of fasting required for the measurement of basal metabolism. Gas exchange was recorded via open‐circuit facemask respirometry. Six non‐lactating and non‐pregnant goats of each breed, Saanen (49.2 ± 3.2 kg of body weight, BW) and Anglo Nubian (64.0 ± 3.0 kg BW), were placed in individual pens with ad libitum access to the same total mixed ration. After a 3‐day feeding period, the animals were subjected to fasting (no feed), and the gas exchange measurement was performed for 30 min at 0, 12, 20, 36, 44, 60 and 68 h after fasting. The daily HP of the Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats averaged 557.4 ± 38.7 and 357.1 ± 35.3 kJ/kg^0.75 BW day respectively. During fasting, the methane production decreased exponentially in both breeds, and the critical time when methane production was statistically equal to zero was at 31 h of fasting for the Saanen goats and at 40 h for the Anglo Nubian goats. The daily HP and respiratory exchange rate during fasting decreased up to 60 h. Taken together, our results suggest that the ideal period to measure fasting heat production (FHP) for goats fed at maintenance levels should be between 40 h and 60 h of fasting. Consequently, the daily FHP, after 60 h of fasting, of Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats was 183.3 ± 16.3 and 211.1 ± 11.5 kJ/kg^0.75 BW day respectively. The results presented herein are relevant for future studies of energy metabolism in goats.     

Genetic evaluation of IS900 partial sequence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Brazilian isolates from bovine milk

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis. Insertion sequence IS900 is used for the identification of MAP. The objective of this study was to verify the genetic conservation of IS900 sequences in raw milk samples. To evaluate genetic conservation, 206 quarter milk samples and 16 bulk-tank milk samples were collected. DNA extraction and IS900 PCR were performed in all samples. Six samples amplified the expected fragment. To confirm the identity of the amplified fragments, PCR products were cloned and sequenced. The resulting sequences were compared with other MAP sequences from GenBank, and it was possible to identify eight polymorphic regions and to form five distinct haplotypes. The number of mutations in each haplotype was verified. IS900 sequence is a very well-conserved sequence that could be used as tool for the molecular detection of this agent and epidemiological purposes. The results showed the first genetic analysis on Brazilian isolates of MAP.     

Vaccinia viruses isolated from skin infection in horses produced cutaneous and systemic disease in experimentally infected rabbits

The susceptibility of rabbits to two isolates of Vaccinia virus (VACV) recovered from cutaneous disease in horses in Southern Brazil was investigated. Rabbits were inoculated in the ear skin with both VACV isolates, either in single or mixed infection. All inoculated animals presented local skin lesions characterized by hyperaemia, papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers. Infectious virus was detected in the lungs and intestine of rabbits that died during acute disease. Histological examination of the skin revealed changes characteristic of those associated with members of the genus Orthopoxvirus. These results demonstrate that rabbits develop skin disease accompanied by systemic signs upon intradermal inoculation of these two equine VACV isolates, either alone or in combination, opening the way for using rabbits to study selected aspects of the biology and pathogenesis of VACV infection.     

Pato Branco河的浊度、土地利用、周围林木和地形评价

ＰａｔｏＢｒａｎｃｏ河是ＰａｔｏＢｒａｎｃｏ城饮用水的来源。为提高ＰａｔｏＢｒａｎｃｏ河饮用水质量 ,特在 1 998、1 999和 2 0 0 0年间实施了这个项目。所采用的方法学是环境诊断 ,是通过对Ｍａｎａｎ ｃｉａｌ河的水样进行采集和分析来实现的。环境诊断先收集关于地形     

Determination of dithiocarbamate fungicide residues in food by a spectrophotometric method using a vertical disulfide reaction system

Dithiocarbamates are a class of fungicides extensively used in many crops worldwide. The current residue definition of dithiocarbamates in food for compliance with maximum residue limits, at national and international levels, is total residues arising from the use of any or each dithiocarbamate fungicide, determined as CS(2). The analytical method most frequently used to analyze dithiocarbamate residues in food for monitoring purposes was proposed more than 30 years ago. In this method, total dithiocarbamates are decomposed to CS(2), which is purified and reacted with a cupric reagent. The yellow complex formed is quantified by spectrophotometry. In this paper, a new reaction system for the purification and complexation of CS(2) is proposed. The new system is less fragile than the traditional design, is easier to assemble, and allows for a higher sample throughput, in addition to being of low cost. Recovery of added mancozeb, thiram, or ziram (0.15-8.0 mg/kg) in rice, beans, apple, banana, orange, papaya, tomato, cucumber, and potato ranged from 82 to 120%, with relative standard deviations from 0 to 10% (n = 3 or 5). Analysis of apple, tomato, and papaya samples with field-incurred dithiocarbamate residues showed comparable results using both the traditional and the new reaction systems.     

Improving the collection and germination of West African <Emphasis Type="Italic">Garcinia kola</Emphasis> Heckel seeds

Garcinia kola is highly used as chew-stick for dental care in West Africa, but it is nearly commercially extinct in nature. To help find methods to increase rate and percentage of germination, we investigated its seed germination responses by using several collections and pre-treatments. Seeds processed from 6-week old green fruits did not germinate, whilst those of 10-week old partly-mature, at the intermediate stage through full development, germinated 46%. Seeds from orange mature fruits reached maximum 54–62% germination. Radicles emerged 6 weeks after sowing and normal germination with emergence of the primary single shoot growth occurred after 12 weeks. There was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) between germination responses of seeds from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Seeds did not germinate when dried to below ca. 30% MC. De-coating seeds or soaking intact seeds in a 70% ethanol solution increased germination to 82–92%, and also increased germination rate; however germination was not uniform. Because difficulties in germinating these seeds stem from the physical presence of the seed coats and the slow growth of the embryos contained therein, we recommend that fresh seeds from mature fruits be de-coated and immediately sown in preferably, an aerated medium (e.g., sawdust) for cultivation.     

Meta-analysis of the prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine neosporosis

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Neospora caninum is one of the main infectious agents that cause reproductive disorders in cattle. However, knowledge about the prevalence and causal factors...