The effect of pre‐industrial charcoal kilns on chemical properties of forest soil of Wallonia,Belgium

In Wallonia, Belgium, intensive in situ charcoal production that was linked closely to pre‐industrial smelting and steel‐making affected a large part of the forested area in the late eighteenth century. Charcoal kiln relics can be detected under forest as domes of about 10 m in diameter, with the topsoil greatly enriched with charcoal residues. We sampled 19 charcoal kiln sites and the adjacent reference soil by soil horizon on four different soil types (Arenosols, Luvisols, Cambisols and Podzols). Data were analysed with linear mixed models to assess the effect of the charcoal kiln site on soil properties in relation to depth and soil conditions. We also addressed the evolution of soil properties over time by a comparison of the soil characteristics at a currently active kiln site. The charcoal‐rich topsoil has a larger C:N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CEC) per unit of organic carbon than the reference soil. The largest CECs per unit of carbon were observed on soil with coarser textures. On acidic soil, the increase in base saturation in the subsoil reflects the past liming effect of ash produced by wood charring, whereas the topsoil is re‐acidified. The acidity of carbonate‐rich Cambisols, however, is not reduced. Regardless of soil type, the kiln topsoil is greatly depleted in exchangeable K⁺ and available P, which may be attributed to the small affinity of the exchange complex of charcoal for K⁺ and a decrease in P availability with time. Therefore, we recommend further research on the long‐term effects of biochar on the dynamics of plant nutrients.     

The use of tramadol in a Labrador retriever presenting with self-mutilation of the tail

A 30-month-old Labrador retriever bitch with a history of atopy was presented for acute-onset tail biting that was leading to self-mutilation. The problem began 8 months before consultation and was resolved after 2 months, but it recurred 3 months later and continued for 3 months until the time of consultation. The current episode was difficult to interrupt and was being controlled through the use of an Elizabethan collar. There had been no history of injury to the tail. On examination of the tail, an irregularity was palpated approximately midway on the dorsal surface. Radiographs of the tail showed soft-tissue swelling cranially and presence of an ossicle between the mid-caudal vertebrae. Mutilation stopped with administration of tramadol and paracetamol and started again when the medication was discontinued. No behavior modification was implemented. Although there is a possibility that the tramadol was treating a psychogenically driven self-mutilation behavior, it is more likely that pain was the initiating cause for the behavior. This case report highlights the importance of careful medical evaluation of suspected behavioral problems and discusses the possible use of tramadol in self-mutilation.     

Comparative study of various Chlamydia strains--preliminary study (author's transl)]

The chlamydia order comprises two species (Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci) which are the only ones which can be rigorously differentiated with experimental criteria. However, the clinical study of chlamydia demonstrates the existence of various syndromes due to pathogenic agents. Some observations also seem to indicate the possibility of antigenic differences between isolated strains, during abortions, among small ruminants.We have entered upon a comparative study of various Chlamydia psittaci strains in order to look for objective criteria of differentiation of the strains extracted from small ruminants from those which were isolated from other animal species. Chlamydia taken from samples of ovine and caprine origin by direct isolation on embryonated egg or on cellular cultures were also compared by the following methods: seroneutralization on embryonated eggs and on cell cultures, characteristics of the plaques on cell cultures, crossed-immunofluorescence, toxic effects, lethal action on the foetus of the pregnant mouse, crossed-immunoelectrophoresis by agar gel (simple or double quantitative diffusion), electrophoresis by polyacrylamide gel.The use of those numerous techniques has enabled us to observe significant differences between those strains. However, it is not yet possible to propose a classification defining several groups. The specificity of these differences, especially between ovine and caprine strains, should become clear through the studies now in progress: in particular through the method using the interference of specific antigens compared on the one hand by serioimmunologic methods and, on the other hand, by tests setting an immunity to cellular mediation into action.     

Time budget and colour preferences (with specific reference to feeding) of ostrich (struthio camelus) chicks in captivity

1. Time budget analysis of the typical behaviours of young ostrich chicks showed that chicks spent over 50% of their time foraging and walking.

2. Food presented in bowls was largely ignored whereas food scattered on the floor was readily taken.

3. A colour preference test showed that green was the preferred colour.

3 Reprint requests to Dr Deeming at Hangland Farm Ostriches Ltd, Upper Wardington, Banbury, Oxon OX 17 1SU, England     

Evaluation of finishing performance,carcass characteristics,acid-resistant E. coli and total coliforms from steers fed combinations of wet corn gluten feed and steam-flaked corn

Crossbred beef steers (n = 615) were used in a 152-d experiment to compare steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets containing 0, 30, or 60% wet corn gluten feed (WCGF). On d 114 to 118, ruminal and fecal samples were collected from 180 steers and analyzed for pH, VFA, and total and acid-resistant Escherichia coli and coliforms. Acid resistance of E. coli and coliform populations was determined by exposure of the samples for 1 h in pH 2, 4, and 7 citric acid/sodium phosphate buffers. Increasing levels of WCGF linearly decreased total ruminal VFA (P = 0.01) and total fecal VFA (P = 0.06), but linearly increased ruminal and fecal acetate:propionate (P < 0.01) ratio and ruminal and fecal pH (P < 0.05). Feeding increasing WCGF levels resulted in a quadratic response (P < 0.05) with respect to numbers of ruminal E. coli and total coliform populations resistant to pH 4 exposure. Steers fed 30% WCGF had higher (0.7 log units) ruminal E. coli and total coliforms after exposure at pH 4 compared to steers fed 0 or 60% WCGF. Populations of E. coli and total coliforms at pH 2 and 7 were similar for all dietary treatments. Dietary WCGF linearly increased DMI (P = 0.07) and liver abscesses (P = 0.03) and linearly decreased dietary NEg (P = 0.02). Average daily gain and feed efficiencies were greatest when steers were offered 30% WCGF (quadratic, P < 0.05). Dietary manipulations that reduce acid concentrations may not correspond to changes in acid resistance of E. coli and total coliform populations detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of cattle. Moderate levels of WCGF complement SFC finishing diets.     

Comparison of three intraoperative patient warming systems

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of three patient warming devices (i.e., circulating water blanket, forced-air, and warming panels) used either alone or in combination on patients undergoing surgeries lasting >60 min. In total, 238 dogs were included and divided into either the celiotomy or nonceliotomy group. Dogs in each group were further divided into one of three subgroups. Dogs in subgroup 1 (n=39) were placed on a circulating water blanket with a forced-air warming blanket placed over the trunk. Subgroup 2 dogs (n=40) were placed on a forced-air warming blanket only. Subgroup 3 dogs (n=40) were placed on warming panels. Significant temperature drops occurred from time of induction (38.1°C±0.64°C) to the start of surgical procedures (36.7°C±0.95°C). Although body temperature was maintained once the warming units were started in all groups, there were significant differences in temperatures for the type of surgical procedures (i.e., celiotomies versus nonceliotomies) performed over time except for subgroup 3. The warming panels and forced-air devices were equally effective in preserving body temperature in anesthetized patients.