Effects of monensin on Mg, Ca, P and Zn metabolism and tissue concentrations in lambs

A study consisting of two trials was conducted to determine the effects of monensin on the apparent absorption and retention of magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) and to determine mineral changes in tissue and ruminal fluid. Eight lambs (39 kg) were used in trial 1, and 10 lambs (37 kg) were used in trial 2. Animals were blocked by weight and fed a high concentrate diet with or without 20 mg/kg monensin. Trials began with a dietary adjustment period lasting 18 d in trial 1 and 21 d in trial 2. Animals were then placed in metabolism stalls for a 10-d stall adjustment period followed by a 12-d collection period. Collections to determine mineral balance were made during the first 10 d of the collection period. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were taken on d 11 of the collection period. Lambs were slaughtered on d 12 of the collection period and tissue samples were collected. Monensin supplementation increased (P less than .05) Mg retention 42.0%. Urinary Ca excretion decreased (P less than .05) 60.0% when monensin was fed. Monensin supplementation decreased (P less than .05) liver Ca and bone Ca, 45.5 and 2.9%, respectively. Apparent P digestibility increased (P less than .05) 40.0% and P retention increased (P less than .10) 26.8% due to monensin supplementation. Both apparent absorption and retention of Zn increased (P less than .01) 50.0 and 45.0%, respectively, with monensin supplementation. Ruminal fluid Zn concentrations decreased (P less than .05) 33.0% with the addition of monensin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Recent advances in filtered-air positive-pressure (FAPP) housing for the production of disease-free chickens

Design and performance information on a filtered-air positive-pressure (FAPP) housing system for disease-free poultry flocks is presented. The system includes many special features that result in excellent biological security, easy cleanup and maintenance, efficient control of environment, and a centralized alarm in the event of problems. The system has now housed eight flocks without any major problems. Based on its performance thus far, it should be useful as a reliable housing system for disease-free poultry.     

Contribution of propylene glycol-induced Heinz body formation to anemia in cats

Propylene glycol (PG) is a common preservative and source of synthetic carbohydrates in soft-moist pet foods. Propylene glycol was fed to cats for 5 weeks at concentrations found in commercial diets (1.6 g/kg of body weight; 12% of diet on a dry-weight basis) and for 3 weeks at concentrations exceeding usual intake (8 g/kg; 41% of diet). There was a dose-dependent increase in Heinz body percentage to 28% in cats fed the low dose of PG and to 92% in cats fed the high dose. Erythrocyte half-life, measured using [14C]-cyanate hemoglobin (Hb), decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) by 18.8% and 60% in cats fed the low and high PG doses, respectively. The PCV in cats fed the low dose was unaffected, whereas cats fed the high dose had a mean (+/- SEM) decrease in PCV from 33.5 +/- 1.05% to 26.3 +/- 1.45%, accompanied by punctate reticulocytosis and bone marrow erythroid hyperplasia. A dose-dependent increase in iron pigment was found in the liver and spleen of all cats. In cats fed the low dose of PG, erythrocyte reduced glutathione concentration actually increased from 7.02 +/- 0.56 to 9.74 +/- 0.69 mumol/g of Hb, but decreased to 2.96 +/- 0.27 mumol/g of Hb in cats fed the high dose. There was no significant increase in methemoglobin concentration. These results indicated that PG cannot be considered innocuous even at concentrations consumed by cats eating commercial diets. Heinz body-induced acceleration of RBC destruction develops in a dose-dependent manner, so that cats with greater food intake, ie, lactating queens and nursing kittens, are at greater risk for development of PG-induced Heinz body hemolytic anemia.     

Gastroesophageal reflux and hiatus hernia associated with laryngeal paralysis in a dog

Gastro-oesophageal reflux together with sliding hiatus hernia is reported in a dog, associated with laryngeal paralysis. Diagnosis was made following endoscopy and fluoroscopy. Surgical treatment of the laryngeal paralysis resulted in complete remission of clinical signs.     

The effect of Harderian adenectomy on the antibody response in chickens

Intact chicks and those that had their glands of Harder (GH) removed (GHx) at 1 day of age were studied for their response to optically or intraperitoneally (IP) applied antigens. Following exposure of the chicks to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), killed Brucella abortus, or bovine serum albumin (BSA), serum and tear samples were collected and assayed for antibodies. Of the two sources of antibodies, the serum generally had higher levels than did the tears. The only exception to this occurred in the intact chicks inoculated by the eye, in which serum and tear levels were equivalent. With SRBCs, no difference could be detected between the two routes of inoculation. However, IP inoculation produced higher levels of antibody in the serum of intact and GHx chicks inoculated with B. abortus or BSA and in the tears of the GHx chicks exposed to B. abortus. Removal of the GH resulted in a consistent decrease in antibody levels in the tears, regardless of the route of exposure. Although this effect was noted with all three antigens, it was more pronounced in the trials using B. abortus and BSA. This finding is discussed in terms of describing the importance of the GH as a source of antibodies to optically applied antigens, and its importance as a route of circulating antibody egress. Furthermore, the feasibility of using the antibody response in tears to a test antigen is discussed as a means of measuring the immune status of a functioning GH.