Appraisal of the sustainability of dairy goat systems in Southern Spain according to their degree of intensification

This investigation aims to classify, describe and evaluate the sustainability of dairy goat production systems (GPS) in South Spain Sierra de Cadiz. The research took place throughout 25 goat farms during the 2001–2002 campaigns, with the method posed by Masera et al. (1999) [Masera, O., Astier, M., S., López-Ridaura. 1999. Sustentabilidad y manejo de recursos naturales. El marco de evaluación MESMIS (Sustainability and natural resource management. The MESMIS evaluation framework). Mundi-Prensa, S.A., Gira, IE-UNAM, México. 109 pp.] and adapted to animal production systems, as the guideline and framework to evaluate sustainability.

The principal component, namely energy input from grazing (eigenvalue 1.329) which comprises the indicators total area per goat (factorial value 0.664) together with net energy obtained from grazing (factorial value 0.903) allowed to differentiate significantly between semi extensive (SES), semi intensive (SIS) and intensive (IS) goat production systems.

Intensification of the GPS tends to be inefficient, especially in terms of net margin per litre of milk produced (p < 0.05). A higher degree of adaptability of IS (64.8%) derives from a higher investment on new production strategies. Likewise, higher self-management capacity of SES (60.9%) fosters standards of productivity (76.0%) and stability (42.9%). The SIS presented the highest equity values (67.8%).

On the whole, sustainability of GPS tends to decrease as the degree of intensification increases: SES = 57.3%; SIS = 55.7% and IS = 53.1%. The reduction of the dependency on external input alongside with the optimization of natural resources management would surely improve the standard of sustainability.     

Estimation of genetic correlations between racing times recorded at different racing distances by restricted maximum likelihood in Thoroughbred racehorses

SUMMARY: Genetic correlations between racing times on track type (turf and dirt), and at racing distances on turf (1200 m, 1400 m, 1600 m, 1800 m, and/or 2000 m) and dirt (1000 m, 1200 m, 1400 m, 1600 m, 1700 m, and/or 1800 m) tracks, were estimated in Thoroughbred horses. (Co)variance components were estimated using multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML). The data used were collected by the Japan Racing Association from 1992 to 1993. The generation 2 pedigree information was preferable for (co)variance estimates. The genetic correlations between racing times on turf and dirt tracks ranged from 0.69 to 0.31 (average 0.51). The genetic correlations between racing distances ranged from 0.68 to 1.00 (average 0.85) and from 0.53 to 1.00 (average 0.88) on turf and dirt tracks, respectively. These results suggest that the racing time per 100 m can be used for horse genetic evaluation within one track type. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Sch?tzung genetischer Korrelationen zwischen Rennzeiten von Vollblüternüber verschiednen Distanzen mittels restringierter Genetische Korrelationen zwischen Rennzeiten auf Rasen- und Erdbahnen, Renndistanzen auf Rasen- (1200, 1400, 1600, 1800 und 2000 m) und Erdbahnen (1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700 und 2000 m) wurden für Vollblüter gesch?tzt. (Co)Varianzkomponenten wurden mittels Mehr-Merkmal Ableitungsfreier Restringierter Maximum Likelihood (MTDFREML) gesch?tzt. Die Unterlagen wurden von der Japanischen Renn Vereinigung 1992 und 1993 gesammelt. Generation 2 Abstammungsinformation war für die Co-Varianzsch?tzung günstig. Genetische Korrelationen zwischen Rennzeiten auf Rasen und auf Erdbahnen waren zwischen 0.69 und 0.31 (Durchschnitt 0.51), jene zwischen Distanzen zwischen 0.68 und 1.00 (Durchschnitt 0.85) und zwischen 0.53 und 1.00 (Durchschnitt 0.88) auf Rasen und Erdbahnen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, da? Rennzeit per 100 m zur Bewertung der Pferde geeignet ist.     

Influence of Juniper (Juniperus communis) oil on growth performance and meat quality as a natural antioxidant in quail diets

1. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper oil on growth performance and meat quality in quails to determine its use as a safe and natural method to reduce overdependence on the use of antibiotic.

2. A total of 1000 1-d-old Pharaoh (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) quails, including both males and females, were divided into 4 groups containing 250 quails and treated as follows: (1) a control group with 0 mg volatile oil/kg diet; (2) 100 mg/kg juniper oil; (3) 150 mg/kg juniper oil and (4) 200 mg/kg juniper oil. The diets were prepared fresh for each treatment. The experiment was carried out for 42 d.

3. The results of the study showed that supplementation with juniper oil (100 and 150 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in live weight, live weight gain and carcass yields during the growing and finishing periods. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments.

4. The quails given rations containing juniper oil had reduced thiobarbituric acid levels in raw thigh meat samples at different storage times. Juniper oil was found to have significant antioxidant activity and prevented lipid oxidation in stored meat.

5. In conclusion, natural antioxidants such as a juniper oil can be used instead of synthetic antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in animal diets to improve meat product quality and animal performance.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of valnemulin in broiler chickens

Wang, R., Yuan, L.G., He, L.M., Zhu, L.X., Luo, X.Y., Zhang, C.Y., Yu, J.J., Fang, B.H., Liu, Y.H. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of valnemulin in broiler chickens. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 34 , 247–251. The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of valnemulin in broiler chickens after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral administrations of 10 mg/kg body weight (bw). Plasma samples were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). Pharmacokinetic characterization was performed by non‐compartmental analysis using WinNonlin program. After intravenous administration, distribution was wide with the volume of distribution based on terminal phase(V_z) of 4.27 ± 0.99 L /kg. Mean valnemulin t_1/2β(h), Cl_β(L /h /kg), V_ss (L /kg) and AUC_(0–∞)(μg·h /mL) values were 2.85, 0.99, 2.72 and 10.34, respectively. After intramuscular administration, valnemulin was rapidly absorbed with a C_max of 2.2 μg/mL achieved at 0.43 h (t_max), and the absolute bioavailability (F) was 88.81%; and for the oral route the same parameters were 0.66 ± 0.15 μg/mL, 1.54 ± 0.27 h and 74.42%. A multiple‐peak phenomenon was present after oral administration. The plasma profile of valnemulin exhibited a secondary peak during 2–6 h and a tertiary peak at 32 h. The favorable PK behavior, such as the wide distribution, slow elimination and acceptable bioavailability indicated that it is likely to be effective in chickens.     

Association of polymorphisms for nuclear receptor coactivator 1 gene with egg production traits in the maternal line of Shaobo hens

1. The objectives of the study were to find polymorphic sites and elucidate the association between SNPs in the nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1) gene and reproductive traits. 2. SNPs were detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. Four SNPs were detected, including T10155007A, T10125838C, G10118492A and G10109315T. Three polymorphisms were associated with total egg production at the age of 300 d and the G10109315T polymorphism was associated with age at first egg. 3. In conclusion, the NCOA1 gene can be used as a molecular marker for reproductive traits in hens.     

Alteration in blood gases in cats naturally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Four cats were presented with respiratory signs and first-stage larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in faecal samples. Anthelmintic treatment was given to the infected cats and venous blood gases were analysed during the treatment period. Blood gas analysis suggested hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis in infected cats. Hypoventilation may be the result of airway obstruction by adults and larvae in respiratory bronchioles and the alveolar canals. The blood gas values had returned close to the physiological range by two months after treatment. Assessment of respiratory acidosis may aid development of additional treatment methods in cats infected with A. abstrusus.     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brucella</Emphasis> antibodies in camels in Katsina State,Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the status of Brucella infection in one-humped (Dromedary) camels in the North and Central senatorial districts of Katsina State, Nigeria. Nine hundred and eighty serum samples from live and slaughtered camels were tested. Modified Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, (EDTA) were used as screening and standard tests, respectively. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies were 110 (11.2%) and 103 (10.5%) for RBPT and SAT, respectively. Of the 472 and 508 serum samples tested from the herds and abattoirs, respectively, 63 (13.3%) and 47 (9.3%) were positive by RBPT while 62 (13.1%) and 41 (8.1%) were positive by SAT, respectively. Based on the results, it was concluded that Brucella antibodies were present in camels in the study area. Poor management practices and mixing of camels with other species of livestock as well as unrestricted movement of camels were proposed to be the reasons for the prevalence of the disease in the study area. In view of the public health importance of the disease, it is recommended that there is the need to develop a strategic plan to decrease spread of brucellosis in the study area.