In vitro maturation of class I oocytes of bovine during different tropical seasons

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The aims of this study were to determine the effects of seasonality on yields and quality of bovine abattoir-derived oocytes and their in vitro maturation...     

Observations on the development of tick-transmitted Theileria buffeli (syn T orientalis?) in cattle

The development and morphology of Australian Theileria buffeli in cattle were studied after infection had been experimentally transmitted by the tick, Haemophysalis humerosa. Macroschizonts of T buffeli were demonstrated in Giemsa's stained lymph node preparations for between six and 20 days following tick infestation. The presence of schizonts was confirmed by immunofluorescence with sera from known infected animals. Microschizonts were seen infrequently. The schizonts and piroplasms of T buffeli are morphologically similar to those of T orientalis.     

Stillbirth/perinatal weak calf syndrome in dairy heifers: results of a pilot study

A pilot study of 10 Dutch dairy herds was performed to investigate possible causes of stillbirth/perinatal weak calf syndrome in heifers. Possible causes and advice for further investigations on farms affected by this syndrome are discussed based on the results of investigations of blood and urine from pregnant young stock, postmortem examination of still-born calves, and a questionnaire held among farmers. Infections with Neospora caninum, Salmonella spp. or Leptospira hardjo, or a deficiency of iodine could be excluded.     

Thermo-stability of the oral rabies virus vaccines SAD B19 and SAD P5/88

The thermo-stability of two widely used oral rabies vaccine viruses, SAD B19 and SAD P5/88, was examined under various laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, both vaccine viruses were kept at 35 degrees C and titrated after 3 days. The titer of both vaccine viruses was also determined after 4 and 7 days when stored at 20 degrees C. Furthermore, vaccine baits were placed in three different micro-environments during two successive 21-day observation periods (11.9.01-2.10.01 and 2.10.01-23.10.01); (i) wooded area--location A, (ii) grassy meadow--location B, and (iii) barren soil--location C. Baits were re-collected 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21 days after distribution and the vaccine virus was subsequently titrated. The temperature stress for the vaccine baits was highest at location C, followed by location B and the lowest at location A. The vaccine baits were exposed to higher temperatures and higher temperature fluctuations at location B and C during trial I than during trial II. However, for both vaccines the loss of titer was more pronounced during trial II than during trial I. It is therefore suggested that under the given climatic conditions, the stability of the virus was hardly influenced by the temperatures and temperature fluctuations.     

Seasonal abundance of carrion-frequenting blow-flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Kruger National Park

Monthly population fluctuations of carrion-frequenting blow-flies over a 24-month period were monitored using 2 carrion-baited traps in the southern Kruger National Park (KNP) and 3 in the northern KNP. All species displayed a clear seasonality. Chrysomyia marginalis and Chrysomyia albiceps were by far the most abundant. C. marginalis attained maximum abundance between November and March, with relatively low numbers present between May and September. C. albiceps maintained high population numbers between January and March in the northern KNP, with minimum numbers between May and August. In the southern KNP, C. albiceps became abundant from November to February, with low population levels between April and September. Although present only in relative low numbers, populations of Lucilia cuprina showed a clear increase in winter. Chrysomyia chloropyga, Chrysomyia putoria and Chrysomyia bezziana were trapped in significant numbers in the southern KNP, the latter 2 species reaching relative abundance in the warmer months, whereas C. chloropyga increased in cooler months from June to September. Graphic illustrations of monthly abundance are provided for all species.     

Effects of soil mechanical treatments combined with bramble and bracken control on the restoration of degraded understory in an ancient beech forest

This paper describes the ground floor vegetation that developed four years after tillage implements in an ancient beech forest in central Belgium. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to explore whether tillage has a lasting effect on soil compaction and soil moisture as well as on vegetation characteristics; and (2) to analyse whether two distinct tillage treatments (rotary plough vs. disc plough), combined with vegetation control when necessary, have the same effect on soil compaction, soil moisture and plant establishment. Of the 29 species recorded, 15 showed a significant recovery after soil loosening in the studied forest area. Interestingly, different tillage treatments did not have the same influence on plant establishment. Treatment effects on soil structure and/or moisture status can be considered as causing the observed growth response.