Microsatellite variation between an African and five European taurine breeds results in a geographical phylogenetic tree with a bison outgroup

Genetic variation is being used extensively for individual identification and linkage analysis, and may be useful for interpopulation studies. Previously, blood groups and biochemical variants in blood cell and serum proteins have been used to study (evolutionary) relationships in mammals. But genetic divergence and gene flow among closely related populations are difficult to measure with these classical markers because their mutation rate is so low that new mutations have not had sufficient time to appear and become fixed. So they have a small number of alleles and a relatively low level of heterozygosity. These markers are now replaced by DNA markers, mostly microsatellites. These microsatellite loci are useful genetic markers at which alleles differ in length due to differences in the number of short sequence motifs arranged adjacent to one another. They are abundantly distributed throughout the mammalian genome. They have a large number of alleles, a high level of heterozygosity and are inherited in true Mendelian fashion. These characteristics make them valuable for parentage control, linkage analysis, genome mapping and phylogenetic studies. In terrestrial vertebrates with limited mobility, genetic differentiation often increases with the distance between populations or corresponds to the extent of geographic and habitat barriers (R oy et al. 1994). Investigations of short tandem repeats yield a considerable volume of genetic data regarding the similarities and divergence times of different cattle populations. Microsatellite markers are suitable for the estimation of these parameters as they are not generally subject to direct selection and environmental influences. Computation of genetic distances based on data from several loci can be used to evaluate the taxonomic relationship between populations. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative genetic variability between Belgian cattle breeds and to reconstruct the evolutionary relationship among them, also using two small genetically isolated cattle-like populations.     

Investigation of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in Namibia in 2018

Between July and August 2018, two outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis caused the death of over 116,000 commercial poultry (layers and broilers) near the city of Windhoek, Namibia. A third outbreak occurred in September 2018 in the north of the country approximately 800 km from the original outbreaks. Sample collection and molecular epidemiological analyses revealed that the outbreaks were most likely caused by poor vaccination practices leading to the reversion to virulence of an ILT vaccine strain. The analyses also indicate that inaccurate declarations were made by one of the farms involved and that illegal movement of animals most likely occurred.

     

Gastrointestinal food allergy and its role in large domestic animals

The significance of food allergy as a primary cause for gastrointestinal disturbances in domestic animals, especially calves and piglets, is discussed. The immunological backgrounds and pathogenesis are described in some detail. The clinical and pathological manifestations in animals are related to those in man. Diagnostic possibilities, therapy and prevention, as far as known in animals, are mentioned and, based on human experiences, further extensions are proposed.     

Schistosoma mattheei--an ovum containing twin miracidia

A large Schistosoma mettheei ovum containing two miracidia was recovered from a squash preparation of the liver of an experimentally infected hamster. When observed, the miracidia were motile and facing in opposite directions.     

A mechanistic model for predicting the nutrient requirements and feed biological values for sheep

The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), a mechanistic model that predicts nutrient requirements and biological values of feeds for cattle, was modified for use with sheep. Published equations were added for predicting the energy and protein requirements of sheep, with a special emphasis on dairy sheep, whose specific needs are not considered by most sheep-feeding systems. The CNCPS for cattle equations that are used to predict the supply of nutrients from each feed were modified to include new solid and liquid ruminal passage rates for sheep, and revised equations were inserted to predict metabolic fecal N. Equations were added to predict fluxes in body energy and protein reserves from BW and condition score. When evaluated with data from seven published studies (19 treatments), for which the CNCPS for sheep predicted positive ruminal N balance, the CNCPS for sheep predicted OM digestibility, which is used to predict feed ME values, with no mean bias (1.1 g/100 g of OM; P > 0.10) and a low root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE; 3.6 g/100 g of OM). Crude protein digestibility, which is used to predict N excretion, was evaluated with eight published studies (23 treatments). The model predicted CP digestibility with no mean bias (-1.9 g/100 g of CP; P > 0.10) but with a large RMSPE (7.2 g/100 g of CP). Evaluation with a data set of published studies in which the CNCPS for sheep predicted negative ruminal N balance indicated that the model tended to underpredict OM digestibility (mean bias of -3.3 g/100 g of OM, P > 0.10; RMSPE = 6.5 g/100 g of OM; n = 12) and to overpredict CP digestibility (mean bias of 2.7 g/100 g of CP, P > 0.10; RMSPE = 12.8 g/100 g of CP; n = 7). The ability of the CNCPS for sheep to predict gains and losses in shrunk BW was evaluated using data from six studies with adult sheep (13 treatments with lactating ewes and 16 with dry ewes). It accurately predicted variations in shrunk BW when diets had positive N balance (mean bias of 5.8 g/d; P > 0.10; RMSPE of 30.0 g/d; n = 15), whereas it markedly overpredicted the variations in shrunk BW when ruminal balance was negative (mean bias of 53.4 g/d, P < 0.05; RMSPE = 84.1 g/d; n = 14). These evaluations indicated that the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System for Sheep can be used to predict energy and protein requirements, feed biological values, and BW gains and losses in adult sheep.     

Retrospective study of owners' perception on home monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic dogs and cats

Home monitoring of blood glucose (HMBG) concentrations has been recommended in the monitoring of human diabetics for 3 decades. During the last number of years, it also gained popularity in long-term follow-up of diabetic cats and dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the practical feasibility of and identify the major problems encountered with HMBG in diabetic pets. A standard questionnaire was filled in by owners of 9 diabetic pets monitored with HMBG. The need for more than 1 puncture to obtain a blood drop, the creation of a sufficient blood drop, the need for assistance in restraining the pet, and the resistance of the pet were the most frequently encountered problems during HMBG. The major obstacles for the owners to start with HMBG were also identified. In conclusion, HMBG is a practical and simple technique for most owners and, overall, owners were satisfied.     

以食品安全为饲料目标

(接《新饲料》第10期第14页)2针对食品安全进行饲料的营养调控2.1霉菌毒素的控制霉菌毒素是最重要的饲料污染物之一,并且会给动物以及公众健康带来严重影响。霉菌毒素有多种危     

Entropion,Corneal Ulcer and Corneal Haemorrhages in a One‐Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

An unusual case of entropion, corneal ulcer and corneal haemorrhages in a one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedaries) is described. The most prominent clinical findings were entropion of both eyelids, severe blephrospasm, epiphora, conjunctivitis, conjunctival oedema, mucopurulent conjunctival discharges, hyperaemia, lacrimation and photophobia. Corneal ulcers and corneal haemorrhages were also observed.