Fit of Wood's function to daily milk records and estimation of environmental and additive and non-additive genetic effects on lactation curve and lactation parameters of crossbred dual purpose cattle

The objectives of this study were to estimate the environmental and additive and non-additive genetic effects on lactation curve and lactation parameters of crosses of Holstein (H), Brahman (B) and Brown Swiss (BS) in Olancho region in Honduras. The data consisted of 54,517 milk yield records from 192 dual-purpose crossbred cows lactating from 2000 to 2005 at the Universidad Nacional de Agricultura de Honduras (UNA). The lactation curve and lactation parameters of interest were the scaling factor to represent yield at the beginning of lactation (a), the factor associated with the inclining (b) and declining (c) slopes of the lactation curves, and the milk yield at initial day of lactation (MY₂₀), peak milk yield (MY_max), day at peak milk yield (t_max), and the total milk yield (TM) per lactation, respectively. The incomplete gamma function (Wood function) was used to estimate lactation curve and lactation parameters from daily milk records of H × B, H × BS and BS × B crossbred cows. The environmental, additive and non-additive genetic effects on lactation curve and lactation parameters were estimated using Dickerson and Kinghorn models. The coefficients of determination of fitness of Wood's function (R²) ranged from 80% to 97% with an average of 93%. The lactation curve of the crossbred cows was similar to those reported for dairy cows grazing in the tropics. Lactation parameters such as MY_max, t_max and TM were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by environmental sources of variation suggesting the necessity of differential management strategies. The moderate to large positive phenotypic correlation of MY_max and TM indicate that one of the milk yield parameters could be used as a selection criterion to improve either one or both traits. Despite the fact that both genetic models showed similar patterns, the absolute value of the parameters varied. For both models, individual additive genetic breed effect for H breed were significant (P < 0.05) and contributed more to TM than the BS breed. In the Dickerson model, highly positive significant (P < 0.01) effect on TM for H×BS and BS×B crosses was found. The Kinghorn model did not show significant effects of dominance on this parameter. The estimate of recombination effect for all crosses involving B breed were negative and significant (P < 0.05) for positive correlated lactation curve parameters. Although the inclusion of non-additive effects on crossbreeding genetic effects were not all significant for lactation curve and lactation parameters, non-additive effects should be taken into account to improve the Honduran dairy cattle production management.     

The Andean hog-nosed skunk Conepatus chinga Molina, 1782 as a new definitive host for Spirometra erinacei Faust, Campbell & Kellog, 1929

This report describes the finding of Spirometra erinacei Faust, Campbell & Kellog, 1929 (Cestoda, Diphyllobothridae) infecting the small intestine of two Andean hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus chinga Molina, 1782), collected from the locality “Abra La Raya”, at Cusco, Peru. Four cestodes were studied and identified as S. erinacei. This is the first report showing that the Andean hog-nosed skunk is one of the natural hosts for this parasite.     

Expression of MHC-I and -II in Uterine Tissue from Early Pregnant Bitches

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and -II in uterine tissues from pregnant and non-pregnant bitches, taken at different time periods after mating. The pregnant bitches were ovariohysterectomized during the pre-implantation (group 1, n = 4), implantation (group 2, n = 7) and placentation stage (group 3, n = 7). Non-pregnant animals in diestrus served as controls (group 4, n = 7). The expression of MHC- I and -II in salpinx, apex, middle horn, corpus uteri and at implantation sites was investigated by immunohistochemistry as well as qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR; MHC-I mRNA was detected in all tissues and with quantitative RT-PCR, and no significant changes were detected until placentation. Immunohistologically, at the apex and corpus site, the average number of MHC-II positive cells increased from the pre-implantation to the post-implantation stage (apex: 1.54 ± 1.21 to 3.82 ± 2.93; corpus: 1.62 ± 1.9 to 5.04 ± 4.95; p < 0.05). The greatest numbers of MHC-II positive cells were observed at placentation sites (6.64 ± 5.9). In parallel, a marked increase in the relative mRNA expression of MHC-II in uterine tissues was assessed from the pre-implantation to the placentation stage (relative to Glycerinaldehyd-3-phosphate-Dehydrogenase (GAPDH): 6.9 ± 9.5, 8.4 ± 5.8, p > 0.05). Immunohistologically, in the salpinx, significantly greater numbers of MHC-II positive cells were found in the tissues of pregnant animals than in the control group (p < 0.05). It is proposed that the increase in MHC-II is pregnancy-related, even though the impact on maintenance of canine pregnancy is still unclear.     

Unusually rapid growth and adult stature in an American hairless terrier puppy

A puppy was evaluated for rapid growth and large stature. Extensive diagnostic evaluation suggested a growth hormone independent disorder. As the sole detected abnormality was elevated leptin concentration, an obesity syndrome causing leptin resistance was speculated to explain the puppy's condition but was not confirmed. Except for large body size, the puppy remained clinically normal.     

Barbiturate intoxication in two dogs confirmed by toxicological urinalysis

Two dogs were presented within 24 hours to the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover for investigation of the sudden onset of neurological abnormalities following a walk in the same park. One dog was observed ingesting a piece of meat. Analysis of urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from each of the dogs identified the presence of barbiturates. Both dogs recovered with supportive treatment. This is the first report to describe the use of toxicological urinalysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of barbiturate intoxication in dogs.     

Prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy and other myopathies in two equine populations in the United Kingdom

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (EPSM) in two populations of horses in the UK. Biopsy specimens from 94 horses presented to an abattoir (population 1), and 46 horses with neuromuscular disorders presented to a university referral hospital (population 2) were obtained over a period of 4 years. Histological sections were examined by a veterinary pathologist for lesions including abnormal polysaccharide inclusions in myofibres.In population 1, a diagnosis of EPSM was made in 8% and non-specific myopathy in 33% of horses. In population 2, a diagnosis of EPSM was made in 22%, equine motor neurone disease (EMND) in 15% and non-specific myopathy in 37%. Within each population there was no difference in age, sex or breed distribution and muscle disease diagnosis. However, populations differed from each other in age and breed distributions and muscle disease diagnosis. EPSM was found in draft, Warmblood and related breeds and was diagnosed for the first time in cob-types. EMND was reported in 7/46 horses presented for neuromuscular disease and weakness, representing an important diagnosis in the UK. This study showed a high prevalence of EPSM and other myopathies in typical breeds of horses in the UK.     

SYSTEMATIC TESTING OF QUALITY IN GRASS VARIETIES

The degree of precision obtained In the quality testing of grass varieties under two systems of management was examined (1) in a single cut, (2) under a system of proportionate bulking of produce from individual cuts during a season, and (3) after pooling two seasons' data from two centres.
Crude protein, crude fibre, soluble carbohydrate, and in vitro digestible dry matter were determined. The components of variance were analysed and in the data from single cuts varietal differences in digestibility of 2.10 were significant (P=0.05). Using data from two seasons at two centres, a high degree of precision was obtained for all attributes in a grazing management system and varietal differences in digestibility of 1.25% were significant.
Variation due to location and season was greater in hay cuts taken 10 days after ear emergence. In both systems varieties differed more in soluble carbohydrate content than in the other chemical components.     

Dietary supplementation with sodium bicarbonate improves calcium absorption and eggshell quality of laying hens during peak production

1. The advantage of supplemental sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) on eggshell quality in laying hens changes with age. Besides increasing calcium (Ca) secretion in the eggshell gland, it may improve Ca absorption in the intestine or kidney.

2. Hy-Line Brown layers (n = 384), 25 weeks of age, were allocated to two treatment groups in two experiments, each of which included 4 replicates of 24 hens. Hens were fed a basal diet (control) or the basal diet containing 3 g NaHCO₃ g/kg for 50 or 20 weeks in Experiment 1 or 2, respectively. A 24-h continuous lighting regimen was used to allow hens to consume the dietary supplements during the period of active eggshell formation.

3. In Experiment 1, particularly from 25 to 50 weeks of age, and in Experiment 2, NaHCO₃ supplementation favoured hen-d egg production at the expense of lower egg weight. The increased eggshell thickness should have nothing to do with the additional eggshell formation, because of the unchanged egg mass and daily eggshell calcification.

4. At 35 weeks of age in both experiments, NaHCO₃ supplementation increased duodenal expression of calbindin-d28k (CaBP-D28k) protein, contributing to higher Ca retention and balance.

5. From 50 to 75 weeks of age in Experiment 1, the hens had little response to NaHCO₃ supplementation and showed a negative trend on eggshell thickness and strength.

6. It is concluded that dietary supplementation with 3 g NaHCO₃ g/kg improves Ca absorption and eggshell quality of laying hens during the peak but not late production period, with the introduction of continuous lighting.

     

Strategies to reduce feedlot cattle heat stress: effects on tympanic temperature

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different management strategies on body temperature of feedlot steers finished in the summer months. In Exp. 1, 24 crossbred steers were chosen to assess the effect of altered feed intake and feeding time on tympanic temperature (TT) response. Managed feeding (MF) treatments were applied for 22 d only and provided 1) ad libitum access to feed at 0800 (ADLIB), 2) feed at 1600 with amount adjusted so that no feed was available at 0800 (BKMGT), 3) feed at 1600 at 85% of predicted ad libitum levels (LIMFD). During heat stress conditions on d 20 to 22 of MF, LIMFD and BKMGT had lower (P < 0.05) TT than ADLIB from 2100 through 2400. A carryover effect of limit-feeding was evident during a severe heat episode (d 36 to 38) with LIMFD steers having lower (P < 0.05) TT than ADLIB. In Exp. 2, TT were obtained from 24 crossbred steers assigned to three treatments, consisting of no water application (CON), water applied to feedlot mound surfaces from 1000 to 1200 (AM) or 1400 to 1600 (PM). From 2200 to 0900 and 1200 to 1400, steers assigned to morning sprinkling treatment had lower (P < 0.05) TT than steers assigned to afternoon sprinkling treatment. In Exp. 3, 24 steers were utilized in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with factors of feeding time [0800 (AMF) and 1400 (PMF)] and sprinkling (WET and DRY). Tympanic temperatures were monitored under hot environmental conditions on d 30 to 32 and 61 to 62. A feeding time x sprinkling interaction (P < 0.001) was evident on d 30 to 32, although AMF/DRY steers had the highest (P < 0.05) TT. On d 61 to 62, TT of PMF steers was higher (P < 0.05) than AMF between 1500 to 1800. Use of sprinklers can effectively reduce TT of feedlot cattle, whereas shifting to an afternoon vs morning feeding time was most beneficial when bunks were empty several hours prior to feeding.