The effect of a single intramammary infusion of a biological response modifier in cows at drying off

Biological response modifiers (BRM) are compounds that interact with the immune system to regulate specific aspects of host response. The objective of this study was to describe clinical and morphological changes during involution of bovine mammary gland following a single-dose infusion of a BRM containing lipopolysaccharide and cellular fractions of Escherichia coli incorporated into liposomes. A massive leukocyte response and increased subepithelial stroma infiltration of mononuclear cells, eosinophils and mast cells was observed in BRM-treated quarters compared with untreated controls; however, morphologic parameters assessed at 11 days post infusion were indicative of only slightly accelerated involution compared with untreated controls. In addition, BRM infusion at the end of lactation did not interfere with mammary epithelial cell proliferation and caused only mild systemic effects.     

Milk utilisation patterns in the low-input production systems in South Africa

Understanding the utilisation patterns of milk assists in designing appropriate dairy development schemes in rural communities. The objective of the study was to determine milk utilisation patterns in different smallholder farming systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Data were collected through the administration of recording sheets to 130 randomly selected households in Alice, Fort Beaufort and Queenstown districts. Amounts of milk produced per household ranged from 9 to 21 l per household per day. Milk consumption/household/day was similar among the three districts. Milk consumption in the early lactation doubled the amount consumed in late lactation (P < 0.05). Milk in the communal areas was largely utilised as fresh or sour milk. Fresh milk was mostly used in tea/coffee or to make porridge for children. Sour milk was consumed with thick boiled maize meal. Fort Beaufort (10.2 ± 1.37 l/day) had the highest sour milk sales whilst Queenstown had the highest fresh milk sales (9.7 ± 5.57 l/day). It was concluded that quantities of milk consumed or sold as fresh or sour were generally low and varied across smallholder farming systems.     

Risk factors associated with occurrence of nematodes in free range pigs in Busia District,Kenya

Nematode infections are a serious constraint to pig production, especially where free range pig keeping is practiced. This study investigated the epidemiology of nematodes in free range pigs in Busia District, Kenya. Three hundred and six pigs from 135 farms were sampled for faeces that were analysed for nematode eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces using the McMaster technique. The nematode eggs were also identified to genus and species based on morphology. A questionnaire on risk factors was also administered to the pig owners. The overall prevalence and mean nematode EPG were 84.2% and 2,355, respectively. The nematode eggs were identified as those belonging to Oesophagostomum spp. (75%), Strongyloides ransomi (37%), Ascaris suum (18%), Metastrongylus spp. (11%), Trichuris suis (7%) and Physocephalus sexalatus (3%). The prevalence of nematodes was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the amount of rainfall in the division of the pigs' origin (all nematodes except S. ransomi). The prevalence of nematodes was also associated with the age of the pigs. A lower burden of nematodes was associated (p < 0.05) with a history of deworming (A. suum) and the provision of night housing (S. ransomi and Metastrongylus spp.). In conclusion, this study has provided information on nematode infections and the associated risk factors for free range pigs in Busia District, which can be used when implementing integrated control measures.     

Effect of supplementation of Simada sheep with graded levels of concentrate meal on feed intake,digestibility and body-weight parameters

The experiment consisting of 7 days of digestibility and 90 days of feeding trial was conducted at Wogda (Ethiopia) to determine the effect of supplementation of graded levels of concentrate mix (CM) on feed intake, digestibility, and body weight (BW) change in hay-based feeding of Simada sheep. Twenty-yearling Simada sheep with a mean initial BW of 17.9 ± 0.81 kg (mean ± SD) were used in randomized complete block design arranged into five blocks of four animals. The four dietary treatments that consisted of hay alone (T1), hay +150 g dry matter (DM; T2, low), hay +250 g DM (T3, medium), and hay +350 g DM (T4, high) CM were randomly assigned to each sheep within a block. The CM consisted of wheat bran (WB), noug seed (Guizotia abyssinica) meal and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seed meal at the ratio of (2:1:1), respectively. Supplementation with T2 and T3 increased (P < 0.001) total DM and organic matter intake than the control treatment. Overall, supplementation improved (P < 0.001) crude protein intake, digestibility, feed conversion efficiency, BW gain, and profitability compared to the control, whereas sheep on the high than the low and medium level of supplementation performed better in these parameters among the supplemented treatments. From the results of this study, T4 is recommended as the best level of supplementation since it resulted in better nutrient utilization, animal performance, and profitability.     

Common virus infections in cats, before and after being placed in shelters, with emphasis on feline enteric coronavirus

The purpose of this study was to determine the origin and subsequent spread of feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) in cats relinquished to shelters. FCV was isolated from the oral fauces of 11% of healthy cats upon entry, and isolation rates were highest for kittens (33%). FHV shedding was very low (4%) at the time of entry and occurred mainly in juveniles. FECV shedding was also common among newly relinquished cats (33%), especially older kittens and juveniles (90%). The subsequent spread of all three viruses was rapid and efficient in the shelter environment. Fifteen percent of cats were shedding FCV, 52% FHV, and 60% FECV after 1 week. More detailed studies were done with FECV shedding, which could be accurately quantitated. The amounts of FECV shed by infected cats ranged from 10(2)to 10(16)particles/swab of feces. FECV shedding was several logs higher in young kittens with primary infection than adult cats with primary infections. The mean levels of FECV shedding among adults were the same for primary and chronic infections. Although shelters were not the primary source of these viruses for many relinquished cats, factors intrinsic to the shelter environment were critical in amplifying shedding and spread to susceptible individuals. Extrinsic factors were especially important for the spread of FHV and FECV. FHV shedding rates increased from 4% to 50% in 1 week's time. The speed and magnitude of the increase in FHV shedding suggested that there was reactivation of latent infections as well as acquisition of new infections. FECV shedding increased 10 to 1,000,000 fold in 1 week among cats that were already infected at entry, and more than one-half of initially negative cats were shedding FECV a week later. Feline calicivirus infection was the least likely to spread in the shelter. The infection rate only increased from 11 to 15% in 1 week.     

Wild ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus australis</Emphasis>) reproduction in Orbata,a nature reserve in Tunisia

The aim of the current investigation was to determine wild ostrich reproductive behaviour in Orbata Nature Reserve by observing 16 hens and 28 cocks over a seven-year period. Intense laying commenced in January, one month after the cessation of the rainy season, and 92% of the eggs were produced during the dry season (January to May, peaking in March). Over the seven years, 1,322 eggs were laid in 69 nests, which corresponded to an annual average production of 19.2 ± 9.1 eggs/nest and 11.8 eggs/hen. 24 nests (34.78%) were non-brooded, 17 nests (24.64%) were deserted in the course of incubation, and 28 nests (40.58%) possessed hatched eggs. All the non-incubated nests had egg losses equivalent to 46.6 ± 12.6%. Hatchability success of incubated eggs was 41.9 ± 12.0%. Ostriches tended to dig their nests adjacent to the reserve enclosure which had direct access by road and track, the latter subjecting them to human disturbance and predation. The systematic obstruction of these nests stimulated ostriches to build additional nests within the reserve perimeter. The authors discussed the results recorded in an ostrich flock in relation to the environmental factors (climatic factors, food disponibility and predation) and suggested possibilities for improved wildlife management.     

Effects of tea saponins on rumen microbiota,rumen fermentation,methane production and growth performance—a review

Reducing methane emission from ruminant animals has implications not only for global environmental protection but also for efficient animal production. Tea saponins (TS) extracted from seeds, leaves or roots of tea plant are pentacyclic triterpenes. They have a lasting antiprotozoal effect, but little effect on the methanogen population in sheep. There was no significant correlation between the protozoa counts and methanogens. The TS decreased methanogen activity. It seems that TS influenced the activity of the methanogens indirectly via the depressed ciliate protozoal population. The TS addition decreased fungal population in the medium containing rumen liquor in in vitro fermentation, but no such effect was observed in the rumen liquor of sheep fed TS. Tea saponins had a minor effect on the pattern of rumen fermentation and hence on nutrient digestion. When added at 3 g/day in diets, TS could improve daily weight gain and feed efficiency in goats. No positive associative effect existed between TS and disodium fumarate or soybean oil on methane suppression. Inclusion of TS in diets may be an effective way for improving feed efficiency in ruminants.     

Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency in Danish Holstein-Friesian Cattle: I. PCR Screening and Allele Frequency Estimation

Jergensen, C. B., J. S. Agerholm, J. Pedersen and P. D. Thomsen: Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency in Danish Holstein-Friesian Cattle I. PCR screening and allele frequency estimation. Acta vet. Scand. 1993,34,231-236.–A screening program for bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) in Danish Holstein-Friesian cattle has been initiated. During the first months 1611 animals were tested by a PCR based assay. Of these animals 1256, 346, and 8 were assigned normal, BLAD carriers, and BLAD affected animals, respectively One bull, born as a co-twin, showed weak reaction for the BLAD allele on DNA isolated from leukocytes, but a normal genotype on DNA isolated from semen. Chromosome analysis showed that this bull was a blood chimaera. Estimation of the BLAD allele frequency upon the PCR test results showed that around 450 Danish calves born in 1991 might have been affected with the recessive disorder.     

The influence of bedding on the time horses spend recumbent

To determine if bedding has any influence on the time horses spend recumbent, 8 horses kept on straw and 8 kept on wood shavings were observed from 10:00 to 5:30 for two successive nights. Observations were conducted using time-lapse video recordings. Lying down and rising behavior, as well as frequency and duration of bouts spent in lateral and sternal recumbency, was registered. The results showed that horses on straw were lying in lateral recumbency three times longer than horses on shavings (P < .001), whereas the time horses spent in sternal recumbency did not differ. The longest period of noninterrupted lateral recumbency was longer for horses on straw than for those on shavings. Because horses must lie down, preferably in lateral recumbency, to achieve paradoxical sleep, the reduced time spent in lateral recumbency in horses on wood shavings may affect their welfare and performance. Independent of the bedding, we further observed that, as the horses got up from recumbency, most of them made attempts to roll over before rising. This behavior appeared to be caused by some difficulty in rising, possibly due to the box size, and might have a connection with the fact that horses sometimes get stuck against the box wall.

Introduction

Many riding horses spend the majority of their life in an artificial environment. Horse owners keep their horses under certain conditions because of tradition, because they want to make the horse feel comfortable from a human point of view, or to reduce the amount of work involved in horse husbandry. Often the choice of bedding substrate is made from a subjective point of view without assessing both short-term and long-term effects of the bedding. Part of the reason is that only few studies have analyzed horses' preferences for different bedding substrates and their effect on the time horses spend recumbent. In one study comparing straw and wood shavings, no significant preference was found.[1] In another study comparing plastic, wheat straw, and wood shavings, the time horses spent standing, sleeping, or lying down was not affected significantly by the bedding substrates. [2] Mills et al [3] found that horses, given a choice between straw and wood shavings, spent significantly more time on straw. Whereas the substrates had no significant effect on behaviors such as eating, lying, and standing alert, horses spent more time performing bedding-directed behaviors on straw but more time dozing on shavings. Finally, it has been reported that the use of nonstraw bedding may increase the risk of abnormal behaviors such as weaving. [4]As far as bedding properties are concerned, Airaksinen et al[5] concluded that air quality in the stable and utilization of manure can be improved by selecting a good bedding material. According to Reed and Redhead, [6] both straw and shavings are economical and easy to obtain, and they make a bright, comfortable bed. Straw bales are convenient to store, but may be eaten by the horse, are labor intensive, and may be dusty or contain fungal spores. Wood shavings are not eaten by the horse and are good for respiratory problems but need to be kept very clean because they are porous. In addition, they are not as warm as straw because they do not trap air the way straw does.Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies in cats have demonstrated that sleep can be divided into two stages of differing electrocorticographic (EcoG) patterns, ie, slow-wave-sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS).[7] During PS, bursts of rapid eye movements (REM) can be seen at irregular intervals. [8] In humans, dreaming occurs during this stage. [9 and 10] Horses are able to sleep while standing, [11] but in this position they only go into SWS. [14, 15 and 16] During PS there is a complete abolition of muscular tone of antigravity muscles and of neck muscles, as shown in cats. [17] In horses, there is a gradual loss of muscular tone until the middle of the recorded SWS period, whence it decreases to a negligible amount during PS. [15] Consequently, muscular tone disappears entirely at the onset of PS. [18] Horses are unable to complete a sleeping cycle without lying down to enter PS. [8, 19 and 20] They normally fall asleep while standing and, when they feel confident about their environment, lie down in sternocostal recumbency. [8] Thereafter, they proceed to lateral recumbency and enter PS. [14 and 19] Dallaire and Ruckebusch [18] demonstrated that the SWS state was infrequent in the standing animal and most often occurred during sternocostal recumbency with the head resting or not on the ground. PS occurred in both sternocostal and lateral recumbency, although the animal frequently had to readjust its position into sternocostal recumbency due to the disappearance of neck muscular tone.The sleep pattern of horses depends on many circumstances, such as age,[21, 22 and 23] diet, [16] and familiarity with the environment. When horses are put outdoors it may take some days before they lie down. If one horse that is familiar with the environment lies down, the others usually follow. [8 and 13] Dallaire and Ruckebusch [16] subjected three horses to a four-day period of perceptual (visual and auditive) deprivation. After this period total sleep time increased due to an augmentation of both SWS and PS. Finally, there is large individual variation between horses in the time they spend recumbent and sleeping. [15]Horses spend 11% to 20% of the total time in recumbency.[11 and 15] Lateral recumbency represents about 20% of total recumbency time, and uninterrupted periods of lateral recumbency vary from 1 to 13 minutes (mean, 4.6 min). [14 and 16] Steinhart [11] found that the mean length of uninterrupted lateral recumbency periods was 23 minutes, the longest period being one hour. Total sleeping time in the stabled horse averages 3 to 5 hours per day or 15% of the total time. [8, 13 and 16] Keiper and Keenan [24] found similar time budgets in feral horses that were recumbent approximately 26% of the night. PS is about 17% to 25% of total sleeping time, and the mean length of a single PS period is 4 to 4.8 minutes. [13 and 18]In stabled horses sleep is mainly nocturnal and occurs during three to seven periods during the night.[8, 13 and 16] Ruckebusch [13] observed that neither sleep nor recumbency occurred during daytime in three ponies observed for a month and, in another experiment conducted on horses, PS occurred only during nighttime. [15] A group of ponies observed for more than a month between 8:45 and 4:45 spent only 1% of the daytime recumbent.[25] The maximum concentration of sleep occurs from 12:00 to 4:00 .[8, 16, 18 and 24]The purpose of this study was to examine two groups of horses in a familiar environment, one group kept on a bedding consisting of straw, and the other kept on wood shavings, and to determine if there was any difference between the two groups in the time they spend recumbent.

Materials and methods

Housing. The study was conducted in one of the biggest riding clubs in Denmark, housing about 150 horses. The 18 horses used in the study stood in three different parts of the stable. They were all stabled in boxes measuring 3 × 3 m and subjected to the same feeding and management routine. They were unable to see their next-door neighbor because of a tall wooden board, but they were able to see the horses stabled on the opposite side of the corridor through bars. Nine horses were stabled on wheat straw (15 cm long, dry matter content 87-88%) and nine on oven-dried wood shavings (80% spruce and 20% pine, dry matter content 82%).Animals. All horses used in the study were privately owned. They had been kept in the boxes in which they were observed a minimum of three weeks. Three of the horses were mares and 15 were geldings. Most of them were Danish Warmblood used for dressage riding. Their ages ranged from 5 to 18 years (mean, 10.6 y) and their height ranged from 1.60 to 1.76 m (mean, 1.68 m). All horses wore a blanket. Age and sex distribution between the two groups is shown in Table 1.