Response time of broiler chickens to cimaterol: meat tenderness, muscle composition fiber size, and carcass characteristics.

The response time to cimaterol (CIM), a beta-adrenergic agonist, by broiler chickens for carcass characteristics, muscle composition, muscle fiber size, catheptic enzyme activity, and tenderness was determined. Two trials were conducted in which chickens were fed a control diet (CON) containing 0 ppm of CIM or a diet containing 1 ppm of CIM. Trial 1 consisted of 55, 31-d-old broiler chickens individually fed for up to 48 h. At 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h, five CON and five CIM-fed chickens were killed. Trial 2 consisted of 160, 33-d-old broiler chickens group-fed for up to 14 d. At 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 d, 10 CON and 10 CIM-fed chickens were killed. The breast muscle (BM) and leg muscle (LM) weight, cathepsin B and L activities, DNA, RNA, and protein concentration, and BM shear force value (SFV) were measured in both trials. Thigh muscle (TM) SFV were measured in Trial 2 only. Fiber size of BM was measured (five birds per treatment) at d 2, 6, 10, and 14. In Trial 1, BM weight and SFV were lower in CIM-fed birds at 6 h (P less than .05). In Trial 2 BM SFV were higher at d 8 (P = .06) and d 10 (P less than .05) in CIM-fed chickens. The SFV of CIM-fed chickens were higher at d 4, 8, 10, 12, and 14 (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Epibulbar melanoma in a cat

In a nine-year-old female cat, the diagnostic procedure, therapy and differential diagnoses of a rare, primary, malignant, epibulbar melanoma are presented. Post-operatively no recidivation or metastases occurred within 18 months.     

Microcirculation in the follicles and corpora lutea of the bovine ovary--a corrosion anatomical study

With the help of a new synthetic material follicles and corpora lutea from the ovaries of 80 cows in different stages of the sexual cycle were examined for modifications of their blood vessel architecture. In the theca externa the main artery which runs towards the follicle, separates into arterioles of which capillaries derive in the theca interna, building a basket-like network around the zona granulosa. After ovulation the follicle wall forms characteristic fields. Capillaries grow into the zona granulosa and thus the folds form the lobular structure of the corpus luteum. Capillaries which rise from the ruptured part of the follicle, spread centripetally and together with lutein cells they build up the not lobulated cupola of the corpus luteum. The regression of the corpus luteum starts around the 16th day of the cycle, beginning at the capillary network of the cupola. A contraction of the vessels and a quick decrease of the volume follow.     

Effectiveness of Cabergoline for Termination of Pregnancy in Silver Fox (Vulpes vulpes fulva)

Red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) are a major pest species in Europe and Australia. Traditional methods of control such as hunting or poisoning are no longer sufficient or feasible. As with domestic dogs and cats, prolactin (PRL) in the vixen is an essential luteotropin during the second half of gestation. Hence, PRL inhibitors such as cabergoline have been used to induce abortions. Eighteen mated silver fox vixens (three groups of six foxes each) were treated orally with a placebo of paraffin oil (I), or with 15  μ g/kg cabergoline in feed once (II) or twice (III), on day 30 (I and II) or days 30 and 32 (III) post-coitum. Blood samples were taken prior to and after treatments and concentrations of PRL and progesterone (P₄) were determined. Normal parturitions were observed in five of six, five of six and two of six vixens in groups I, II and III, respectively. In group III plasma concentrations of PRL and P₄ decreased significantly but only temporarily. This drop in hormone concentrations was more pronounced in the vixens that did not carry to term. In conclusion, doses in excess of 15  μ g/kg of cabergoline are likely to prevent the development of fetuses to term in pregnant vixens.     

Persistence and mobility of chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron under different soil and climatic conditions

The persistence and mobility of chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron were studied in Italy at four field locations. Chlorsulfuron was applied pre-emer-gence to wheat at 15 and 30 g a.i. ha^?1 in the autumn of 1986 and metsulfuron early post-emergence at 8 g a.i. ha^?1 in the spring of 1987. Soil samples were taken periodically at each location for 1 year. Trials were conducted until 1989 at three locations. After the wheat harvest in 1989, chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron residues in the soil were measured by bioassay in plots that had been treated annually for 3 years and also in plots that had received single treatments. Chlorsulfuron at both application rates dissipated to levels below 0.3 g a.i. ha^?1 over 12 months at three locations while, at the fourth, which received only 250 mm rain during the study, significant levels of residues were still present after 15 months. The degradation of chlorsulfuron applied at 30 g a.i. ha^?1 followed first-order kinetics, with half-lives of 149, 70, 59 and 51 days at the four locations. Chlorsulfuron mobility was high at three locations while, in the silty clay soil of the fourth, the herbicide was confined to the upper 30 cm, despite the high rainfall. Metsulfuron applied in spring was detected only in the first soil sample collection. It was present in all sampled layers at one location but, in the others, was confined to the surface layer. There was no evidence of herbicide accumulation in the soil with repeated applications. Persistance et mobilité du chlorsulfuron et du met-sulfuron dans différents sols et sous différentes conditions climatiques La persistance et la mobilité du chorsulfuron et du metsulfuron au champ ont étéétudiées en Italie sur quatre sites. Le chlorsulfuron était appliqué en pré-levée sur le blé aux doses de matière active (m.a.) 15 et 30 g ha^?1à l'automne 1986 et le metsulfuron en post-levée précoce à la dose 8 g m.a. ha^?1 au printemps 1987. Des échantillons de sol étaient prélevés périodiquement sur chaque site pendant 1 an. Les essais ont été conduits jusqu'en 1989 sur trois des sites. En 1989, après la récolte du blé. les résidus de chlorsulfuron et de metsulfuron dans le sol ont été mesurés par des essais biologiques dans des parcelles qui avaient été traitées chaque année pendant 3 ans, ainsi que dans des parcelles qui n'avaient reçu qu'un seul traitement. Le chlorsulfuron aux deux doses disparaissait jusqu'à des niveaux inférieurs à 0.3 g m.a. ha^?1 en 12 mois sur trois des sites, alors que sur le quatrième, qui n'a reçu que 250 mm de précipitations pendant l'étude, des résidus étaient présents en quantité significative après 15 mois. La dégradation du chlorsulfuron appliquéà la dose 30 g m.a. ha^?1 suivait une cinétique du premier ordre, avec des demi-vies 149, 70, 59 et 51 j sur les quatre sites. La mobilité du chlorsulfuron était élevée sur trois des sites alors que sur le quatrième oú le sol était une argile limoneuse, l'herbicide était confiné aux 30 cm superficiels en dépit de précipitations élevées. Le metsulfuron appliqué au printemps n'était détecté que dans le premier prélèvement. Sur un des sites, il était présent dans toutes les couches, mais était confinéà la couche superficielle sur les autres sites. Après des applications répétées, aucune accumulation d'herbicide n'était observée dans le sol. Persistenz und Mobilität von Chlorsulfuron und Metsulfuron in verschiedenen Böden und bei unterschiedlicher Witterung Die Persistenz und Mobilität von Chlorsulfuron und Metsulfuron wurden in Italien an 4 Standorten unter Freilandbedingungen untersucht. Chlorsulfuron wurde im Herbst 1986 bei Weizen im Vorauflauf mit 15 und 30 g AS ha^?1 und Metsulfuron im Frühjahr 1987 im frühen Nachauflauf mit 8 g AS ha^?1 angewandt. Von jeder Versuchsfläche wurden über einen Zeitraum von 1 Jahr periodisch Bodenproben entnommen. Die Versuche wurden an 3 Standorten bis 1989 durchgeführt. Nach der Weizenernte 1989 wurden mit Biotests die Rückstände von Chlorsulfuron und Metsulfuron in den Böden mit jährlicher (über 3 Jahre) sowie mit einmaliger Behandlung bestimmt. Die Chlorsulfuron-Rückstände nahmen an 3 Standorten bei beiden Aufwandmengen nach 12 Monaten auf 0,3 g AS ha^?1 ab. Am 4. Standort, wo während der Untersuchung nur 250 mm Niederschlag gefallen waren, wurden nach 15 Monaten noch signifikante Rückstände gefunden. Der Abbau von Chlorsulfuron folgte an allen Standorten bei einer Aufwandmenge von 30 g AS ha^?1 einer Kinetik erster Ordnung mit Halbwertszeiten von 149, 70, 59 und 51 Tagen. Die Mobilität von Chlorsulfuron war an 3 Standorten hoch, während es in dem schluffigen Tonboden des 4. Standortes trotz hohen Niederschlags in den oberen 30 cm verblieb. Das im Frühjahr ausgebrachte Metsulfuron wurde nur in der 1. Bodenprobenserie gefunden. An einem Standort lagen in allen beprobten Bodenschichten Rückstände vor, doch sonst waren sie auf die oberste Bodenschicht beschränkt. Bei wiederholter Anwendung konnte keine Herbizidakkumulation im Boden festgestellt werden.     

Characteristics of Rice Cultivars with Implications for Crawfish Double Cropping1

Twenty-five domestic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars were evaluated in a simulated rice/crawfish double cropping system in southwest Louisiana during 1983 and 1984. Wide variation was observed among cultivars in parameters believed to be important for maximizing productivity in such a system. Mean maturity ranged from 99 (Labelle) to 118 days (Starbonnet), while height ranged from 76 (Bellemont) to 130 cm (Della, Nato). Significant differences in grain yield response were observed, with yields ranging from 4,101 (Bluebelle) to 6,665 kg/hectare (Newbonnet). Straw dry matter production varied greatly, from 3,831 (Bellemont) to 9,170 kg/hectare (Della), and was positively correlated with plant height (r = 0.64; P = 0.0001). Ratoon biomass production was negatively correlated with both grain yield (r = -0.39; P = 0.0001) and maturity group (r = -0.69; P = 0.0001). Plant senescence at grain maturity also varied greatly and appears to be a factor in post-harvest ratoon capability. Early or very early maturing cultivars with both proven grain production and good ratooning capability appear best suited. Cultivar selection should be based upon individual farm situations and currently employed agronomic practices.     

Effect of a new pelleting process on the level of contamination of poultry mash by Escherichia coli and Salmonella

The efficacy of a new pelleting process in eliminating naturally occurring Escherichia coli and salmonella from poultry mash was assessed by comparing the microbial load in raw and processed mash. Instead of using steam produced in a boiler, the new process conditioned mash in an Original Vertical Conditioner with steam and other hot gases generated by direct combustion in a Vaporator. E. coli was isolated from 72-100% of samples of raw mash in all trials, and the mean number of colony-forming units of E. coli/g of samples was 6.8 +/- 4.0 X 10(4). Salmonellae (S. senftenberg, S. bredeney, and S. mbandaka) were isolated from 5-10% of samples of raw mash utilized in three of the seven trials. Within limitations of the sampling and analytical tests utilized, the new pelleting process eliminated salmonella from all mash in which the organism was known to be present but eliminated E. coli in only three trials. The process appeared to be 100% effective against both organisms when mash entering the pellet mill from the conditioner had a temperature of 85.7 C and a moisture content of 14.5% and had been retained and treated with steam and hot gases for 4.1 minutes.     

The detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus using modified culture media

Studies have been completed for the detection of Vibrio(V.) parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus in Baltic Sea fish. The author had prepared for that purpose a liquid culturing medium and a solid substrate. The percentage of positive findings is remarkable. The results so far recorded should be a good reason for further studies.     

Pharmacologic effects and detection methods of methylated analogs of fentanyl in horses

Pharmacologic effects of alpha-methylfentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl, analogs of fentanyl, were investigated in mares. The ability of an 125I-labeled fentanyl radioimmunoassay (125I-RIA) to detect these methylated fentanyl analogs in individual and pooled urine samples from horses was evaluated. Also, the ability of 7 fentanyl antibodies to react with fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives (sufentanil, alfentanil, and carfentanil) was investigated. Mares were studied in a locomotor test to determine the amount of stimulation methylated fentanyl analogs might induce. Two mares each were given alpha-methylfentanyl at 1, 2, 4, 8, or 13 micrograms/kg of body weight, IV, or 3-methylfentanyl at 0.4, 0.7, or 1 microgram/kg IV. The cross-reactivity of sufentanil, alfentanil, carfentanil, alpha-methylfentanyl, and 3-methylfentanyl with 7 fentanyl antibodies was studied, using the 125I-RIA. All fentanyl analogs, with the exception of alfentanil, cross-reacted well with a C1 antibody raised to fentanyl. Less satisfactory cross-reactivity was determined with 6 other antibodies raised to fentanyl derivatives. When the C1 antibody was combined with an iodinated analog to fentanyl, good detectability of alpha-methylfentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl, in terms of fentanyl equivalents, was obtained from urine samples of dosed mares. The ability of the 125I-RIA to detect methylated fentanyl analogs in forensic urine samples pooled in groups of up to 20 samples was evaluated. When these methylated analogs were administered to mares in doses that induced measurable locomotor stimulation, the analog's presence was readily detected in individual or pooled samples.     

Infectious diseases of New-World camelids (NWC)

Although there are notable infectious conditions that are capable of producing clinical disease in the NWC, overall, these species are quite healthy. Of the bacterial diseases, enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D would be deemed the most significant in North America, while type A also would be regarded as important in South America. Other important bacterial infections of potential concern are tuberculosis, Johne's disease, anthrax, malignant edema, actinomycosis, tetanus, and the South American condition referred to as alpaca fever, which, to date, has not been observed in North America. Fungal infections include classical ringworm, principally caused by Trichophyton spp., and the cases of coccidioidomycosis that are associated with the arid desert lands of the southwestern United States. Most notable of naturally occurring viral infections in the NWC would be rabies, ecthyma, and a recently described blindness neuropathy that has been associated with the equine herpesvirus I. NWC can be infected experimentally with agents causing hoof-and-mouth disease and vesicular stomatitis, but naturally occurring cases do not seem to occur. Serological evidence of exposure to many viral agents, including blue tongue, parainfluenza 3, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine herpesvirus I, bovine viral diarrhea, influenza A, and rotavirus, has been demonstrated; however, no clinical disease associated with these agents, as yet, is apparent.