Vascularization of the Ciliary Body and Iridocorneal Angle in the Avian Eye

Most mammals have two different structures in which we found glomerular layers at the same time: the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Both bulbs have the same pattern of organization, but there are some differences: although the size is considerably bigger in MOB than in AOB, probably the most important difference is that the principal cells are not differentiated into mitral and tufted cells in the AOB, and are usually described as mitral/tufted cells. We have previously observed that in some mammals, like pigs and sheep, the AOB reaches maturity before birth, but this is not a rule for other species. Surprisingly, mice need several days of life to achieve full stratification of its cellular components. We have studied the chronology of this process, focusing our attention on the glomerular layer, the last to appear. We concluded that there are two critical periods, between E11.5 and E16.5 (migration phase) and between E17.5 and P3.5–7 (true morphological constitution).     

Profitability of replacing milk with a concentrate for calves of cows requiring calf at foot for milking

Summary During a 90-d study in Mali, West Africa, 18 zebu and zebu by Montbeliard calves, age 50 ± 23 d (youngest pair 3 weeks), weighing 30 ± 7 kg, under farmer management, were used to test the profitability of replacing suckled milk by a maize-groundnut cake-rice bran concentrate fed dry. During the first 45 d period there were no differences in responses of calves receiving concentrate (E) and calves suckling according to the traditional strategy (C). During the second 45 d period, milk offtake was greater for E calves, 2.34 vs. 1.77 l/d; milk suckled was less for E calves, 0.39 vs. 0.95 l/d; and average daily gain was greater for E calves, 442 vs. 139 g/d. Average concentrate consumption was 0.74 kg/d. Concentrate was compounded of locally available byproducts and cost 85 francs/kg. Considering milk sold as the only benefit, net return to unit feed cost for E calves was 1.24 and for C calves 0.81. Adding the value of the weight gain, E calves gave a 1.61 return and C calves gave a 0.98 return.

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Rentabilidad De Remplazar Leche Entera Con Un Concentrado Para Terneros De Vacas Que Requieren La Presencia Del Ternero En El Ordeno

Resumen Durante un estudio de 90 días realizado en Mali, Africa Occidental, 80 Cebú y terneros de cruces de Cebú con Monbeliard, con edades de 50 ± 23 d (el par más joven de 3 semanas), con un peso de 30 ± 7 kg, bajo el manejo tradicional, se utilizaron para explorar la rentabilidad de remplazar la leche con un concentrado con base en maíz-torta de nuez molida y salvado de arroz suministrado en forma seca. Durante los primeros 45 días del experimento no se detectaron diferencias entre grupos. Durante el segundo período de 45 días, en el grupo que recibió concentrado la producción de leche de las madres fue superior 2.34 vs 1.77 l/día; la leche consumida fue menor para el grupo con concentrado 0.39 vs 0.95 l/día; la ganancia de peso diaria fue superior en las que recibieron concentrado 442 vs 139 g/d. El promedio de consumo de concentrado fue 0.74 kg/día. El concentrado se preparó de subproductos locales y costó 85 francos el kilo. Considerando la venta de la leche como único beneficio, el retorno neto por unidad de alimentación para el grupo conconcentrado fue 1.24 y para el grupo sin concentrado 0.81. Añadiendo el valor del peso ganado, los terneros con concentrado dieron un índice de retorno de 1.61 contra 0.98 del grupo sin concentrado.

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Rentabilite Du Remplacement Du Lait Par Un Concentre Pour Les Veaux Dont Les Meres Exigent La Presence Au Moment De La Traite

Résumé En vue d'une étude durée de 90 jours réalisée au Mali (Afrique de l'Ouest) les auteurs ont utilisé 18 veaux zébu et zébu × Montbéliard agés de 50 ± 23 jours (plus jeune couple agé de 3 semaines), pesant 30 ± 7 kg et élevés en milieu fermier.Son objet était de vérifier si le remplacement du lait tété par un concentré distribué sec, à base de son de riz, de maïs et de tourteaux d'arachide était rentable.Pendant la première période de 45 jours, il n'y a eu aucune différence entre les veaux recevant le concentré (groupe E) et ceux bénéficiant de la tétée selon le mode traditionnel (groupe C). Pendant la deuxième periode (45 j), la traite était plus importante pour le groupe E, avec 2,34 litres/jour contre 1,77 (groupe C). La quantité de lait tétée était moindre pour la groupe E, 0,39 contre 0,95 litre/jour et le gain moyen quotidien était plus élevé pour les veaux du groupe E avec 442 g/jour contre 139 g/jour.La consommation moyenne de concentré était de 0,74 kg/jour. Sa composition a été réalisée à partir de sous-produits disponibles localement et son coût était de 85 F CFA le kg. En considérant que le lait vendu représantait le seul bénéfice, le profit net par unité de coût de la nourriture pour le groupe E était de 1,24 contre 0,81 pour le groupe C. Si on l'ajoute au gain de poids, le groupe E à réalisé un profit de 1,61 comtre 0,98 pour le groupe C.

     

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI in a juvenile miniature schnauzer dog with concurrent hypertriglyceridemia,necrotizing pancreatitis,and diabetic ketoacidosis

A 7-month-old, neutered male miniature schnauzer dog with a history of cryptorchidism and umbilical hernia was referred for diabetic ketoacidosis. Clinical evaluation revealed stunted growth, skeletal abnormalities, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Further testing was diagnostic for mucopolysaccharidosis type VI causing the stunted growth and skeletal deformities, but no connection between mucopolysaccharidosis type VI, hypertriglyceridemia, and pancreatic diseases was found.     

The Role of Hypothyroidism in the Etiology and Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Background

Hypothyroidism and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are both common diseases in Doberman Pinschers. A possible influence of hypothyroidism on the etiology and progression of DCM is controversial.

Objectives

Evaluation of the role of hypothyroidism in etiology and progression of DCM.

Animals

A total of 175 Doberman Pinschers.

Methods

In this longitudinal prospective study, echocardiography and 24‐hour ambulatory ECG recordings were performed in all dogs as screening tests for DCM. Total thyroxine (TT₄) and thyroid ultrasonography served as initial screening tests for hypothyroidism and low TT₄ values were followed up by a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test or free total thyroxine (fT ₄)/cTSH measurements. Additionally, a follow‐up study of dogs affected by both DCM and hypothyroidism under optimal treatment for hypothyroidism was conducted.

Results

A total of 107 dogs were healthy, 45 dogs had DCM, 11 hypothyroidism, and 12 dogs had both DCM and hypothyroidism. TT ₄ values as well as the thyroid volumes were equivalent in the healthy dogs and in those with DCM. Neither ventricular premature complexes nor echocardiographic parameters differed between healthy and hypothyroid dogs. Dogs with DCM had a 2.26‐fold (CI_0.95 = 1.1–4.8) higher risk of also being affected by hypothyroidism. Despite optimal thyroid treatment of dogs with hypothyroidism and DCM, there was a progression of the heart disease.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study did not confirm a role of hypothyroidism in the etiology or progression of DCM. Treatment of hypothyroidism did not improve the clinical outcome.     

How Structures in Bovine Hoof Epidermis are Influenced by Nutritional Factors

The structure of the hoof epidermis is the link between nutrition and horn quality. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship of single structures in the process of keratinization and cornification of bovine hoof epidermis to certain nutritional factors such as lipids, minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, we wanted to show the structural changes in the dyskeratotic epidermis caused by an insufficient supply of keratinizing epidermal cells. For our study we used samples of hoof epidermis from 25 dual-purpose dairy cattle, with ages ranging between 2.5 and 4 years. We also obtained a complete set of hooves from a biotin-deficient calf. All samples were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy, using routine methods as well as histochemical and enzyme-histochemical techniques. We focused on epidermal structures that have a major influence on horn quality and are known to be related to single nutritional factors. The strength of the keratin filament bundles is determined by their cross-linking via sulphur-containing amino acids. Essential fatty acids are required for the synthesis of an intercellular cementing substance connecting the horn cells and establishing a permeability barrier in the stratum corneum. Minerals, in particular calcium, are essential for activation of enzymes that are a prerequisite for physiological keratinization and cornification. Furthermore, vitamins such as biotin are essential in the metabolism of the keratinizing epidermal cells.