A study of periodontal disease in sheep over a twelve month period

Sheep affected by broken mouth periodontal disease (P.D.) were examined over a twelve month period for different clinical parameters. It is suggested that P.D. in sheep is an episodic phenomenon similar to human P.D., and that only a few animals with signs of P.D. may undergo clinically significant destruction over a yearly period. No single parameter could reliably predict future deterioration in other parameters.     

Blood thiamine levels in normal cattle and sheep at pasture

Analysis of whole blood samples from 174 cattle and, 174 sheep from 3 geographical regions of New Zealand over a 10 month period showed a mean (range) thiamine level of 122 nmol/l (71-237 nmol/l) for cattle and 118 nmol/l (67-227 nmol/l) for sheep. Regional and seasonal differences were noted with levels tending to rise over the summer period. A reference range of 75-185 nmol/l is proposed for both cattle and sheep to cover these variations. Levels below 50 nmol/l are considered indicative of deficiency.     

Inactivation of sclerotia of Rhizoctonia solani on potato tubers by Verticillium biguttatum,a soil-borne mycoparasite

Experiments in the laboratory and on farms with potato tubers in storage are described in which sclerotia ofRhizoctonia solani were inactivated after inoculation of infected tubers with a suspension of conidia and hyphal fragments ofVerticillium biguttatum. Sclerotia on freshly harvested tubers can be killed in a period of six to eight weeks, provided that (1) a direct contact between sclerotia and conidia ofV. biguttatum is obtained, (2) the temperature during the storage period is at least 15 °C, but preferably closer to 20 °C during the first weeks, and (3) the relative humidity of the air between the tubers is at least 99%. Seed tubers are only certified as export quality if the infection withR. solani, visible as sclerotia on the tubers, is assessed as below a specified incidence. To restore the economical value of tubers with many sclerotia, living sclerotia can be inactivated byV. biguttatum. However, also dead sclerotia have to be removed, as dead and living sclerotia cannot be distinguished visually by inspectors. A satisfactory way to remove dead sclerotia from tubers has not yet been found.