Yolk and serum cholesterol and production traits,as affected by incorporatinga supraoptimal amount of copper in the diet of the leghorn hen

1. An experiment was conducted to investigate the possibility of lowering the yolk cholesterol of the egg by supplementing the diet with supraoptimal amounts of copper (50, 150 or 250 mg/kg) as sulphate or acetate. 2. A significant reduction in egg production and a negative effect on food conversion was found when 250 mg/kg of copper was added compared to the control (no added copper). Acetate seemed significantly less harmful in both cases. 3. A significant linear reduction was found in plasma and yolk cholesterol (20% and 14%) and in plasma and yolk triglycerides (24% and 30%) as the dietary copper content was increased from 0 to 250 mg/kg. 4. Regardless of type or quantity of copper, cholesterol and lipids were decreased linearly as birds remained longer on the treatments. A significant interaction between quantity and period showed a greater reduction at a later time. 5. If slightly lower egg production can be accepted, the addition of 250 mg/kg copper might be beneficial in reducing the cholesterol content of the yolk.     

Feline Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in Females <1 Year Old: A Description of Four Cases

Uterine neoplasms of epithelial origin are rare in cats and most often are described in older females. Yet, in less than 2 years, four ovariohysterectomy specimens were submitted from different practices to the Laboratory of Histology and Anatomical Pathology, at UTAD (Vila Real, Portugal), that emitted a diagnosis of feline endometrial adenocarcinoma. Untypically, all the females were aged <1 year old at the surgery. Access to the clinical files was requested to document the clinical features of the four cases, including any complementary data available, to construct the present case reports. The clinical situation developed with discrete signs, but vulvar discharge was present in three cases, ranging from bloody to brownish or colourless, and from purulent to mucous. The females were in dioestrus, although the oestrus remained unperceived in most cases. In this study, the four clinical situations are described and discussed on the basis of available literature, highlighting the aspects that may impair an early diagnosis and that may favour the progression of the disease and also that age should not be an excluding criteria when analysing the differential diagnosis list.     

Rabies virus infection in a pet guinea pig and seven pet rabbits

Raccoon-variant rabies was confirmed in 7 pet rabbits and 1 pet guinea pig in New York State, and postexposure treatment was required in several adults and children. To prevent rabies virus infection, domestic rabbits and pet rodents should be protected from contact with wild animals, including double-cage housing when housed outside. Pet rabbits or rodents with any possible contact with a wild animal, particularly if the rabbit or rodent had wounds of unknown origin, should be quarantined for 6 months for observation, to prevent escape, and to avoid contact with humans, who will require treatment if the rabbit or rodent develops rabies. Bites and scratches to humans from rodents and lagomorphs should be evaluated for potential rabies exposure on an individual basis, with consideration of whether the animal was caged outside or permitted outdoors unsupervised.     

Humic substances: Structure,function and benefits for agroecosystems—a review

The increasing global demand for food production, often causing excessive use of chemical fertilizers, has led to the deterioration of soil health. Immediate action is required to restore soil health in a sustainable manner. This review advocates switching to use of organic matter(manure and compost) that contains vital nutrients for plant growth and helps restore soil health. Humic substances(HSs), derived from degraded plant remains and found ubiquitously in nature,are an important source of o...     

Toxicity in three dogs from accidental oral administration of a topical endectocide containing moxidectin and imidacloprid

Three dogs were presented with a history of oral administration of a topical endectocide containing imidacloprid and moxidectin. They were diagnosed with imidacloprid and moxidectin intoxication, having ingested doses ranging from 7.5 to 1.4 mg/kg of imidacloprid and 1.9 to 2.8 mg/kg of moxidectin. The three dogs were affected to different degrees of severity, but all displayed signs of ataxia, generalised muscle tremors, paresis, hypersalivation and disorientation. Temporary blindness occurred in two cases. The three dogs were tested for the presence of the multi-drug resistance 1 gene deletion, which can cause an increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of moxidectin, and were found to be negative. Treatment included gastrointestinal decontamination, intravenous fluid therapy and benzodiazepines to control muscle tremors. All three dogs made a complete recovery within 48 h of ingestion.     

A CASE ASSESSMENT OF THE MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN HUMAN‐INDUCED LAND DEGRADATION IN NORTHEASTERN KUWAIT

Soil degradation and vegetation deterioration in contrasting areas (open desert versus protected desert) in the northeastern part of Kuwait were investigated, using field measurements, and laboratory methodologies. The average infiltration rate of compacted soils studied was found to be 52 per cent lower than that of the undisturbed soils we investigated. The bulk density of the compacted soils was 19 per cent higher than that of the non‐compacted soils. The average topsoil resistance of severely compacted soils was 13 per cent greater than that of undisturbed soils and is mainly due to overgrazing, and off‐road vehicle use. We found that the overall vegetation cover status of open areas investigated was approximately 70 per cent less than for the protected areas studied. As a consequence of soil compaction and vegetation deterioration, sand deflation processes, and sand movement prevail in open areas. The total average percentages of course grain sizes in unprotected soils and heavily disturbed soils by vehicles (off‐road) are 51 and 103 per cent greater, respectively. The annual rate of sand transport during the last 20 years, from the prevailing wind direction (NW) in the area has increased by 81 per cent. The delicate balance between soil and natural vegetation cover is easily disturbed by off‐road vehicle use associated with overgrazing and recreation activity. A restoration plan is needed in order to reduce land degradation and to allow natural vegetation recovery. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.