Influence of Juniper (Juniperus communis) oil on growth performance and meat quality as a natural antioxidant in quail diets

1. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper oil on growth performance and meat quality in quails to determine its use as a safe and natural method to reduce overdependence on the use of antibiotic.

2. A total of 1000 1-d-old Pharaoh (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) quails, including both males and females, were divided into 4 groups containing 250 quails and treated as follows: (1) a control group with 0 mg volatile oil/kg diet; (2) 100 mg/kg juniper oil; (3) 150 mg/kg juniper oil and (4) 200 mg/kg juniper oil. The diets were prepared fresh for each treatment. The experiment was carried out for 42 d.

3. The results of the study showed that supplementation with juniper oil (100 and 150 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in live weight, live weight gain and carcass yields during the growing and finishing periods. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments.

4. The quails given rations containing juniper oil had reduced thiobarbituric acid levels in raw thigh meat samples at different storage times. Juniper oil was found to have significant antioxidant activity and prevented lipid oxidation in stored meat.

5. In conclusion, natural antioxidants such as a juniper oil can be used instead of synthetic antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in animal diets to improve meat product quality and animal performance.     

Use of a staphylococcal vaccine to reduce prevalence of mastitis and lower somatic cell counts in a registered Saanen dairy goat herd

This investigation evaluated the efficacy of a bacterin in reducing the prevalence of staphylococcal mastitis and somatic cell counts (SCC) in a dairy goat herd. Does were vaccinated or left as controls, and the levels of mastitis and SCC monitored over 18 months. Staphylococcus caprae (42.5%), S. xylosus (15.1%), and S. simulans (10.0%) were the predominant causes of intramammary infections (IMI). The infection rate was 1.64 IMI/doe among vaccinates, which tended to be lower (P < 0.12) than controls (2.67 IMI/doe). The spontaneous cure rate of IMI after immunization was 1.28 cures/doe in vaccinates, which was higher than controls (0.6 cures/doe; P < 0.043). Average SCC of milk samples from vaccinates tended to be lower than that of controls (1274 × 10³/ml vs. 1529 × 10³/ml, respectively) (P < 0.10). Results support the continued study of mastitis vaccines for use in managing staphylococcal mastitis and SCC in dairy goats.     

Recurrent rotavirus diarrhoea outbreaks in a stud farm, in Italy

A total of 47 stool samples were collected at the same stud farm from young foals with rotavirus diarrhoea and from their stud mares. Illness involved foals during three consecutive winter seasons. Infection in the farm appeared firstly in January-February 2008. After vanishing in the warm seasons, cases reappeared in March 2009 and 2010. Determination of the rotavirus G- and P-types was carried out using nested RT-PCR in samples collected in 2009 and 2010. A total of 19 of 47 samples resulted positive for rotavirus. The G type was determined in 19/47 samples, whereas the P genotype was determined in 17/47 samples. All equine strains presented a G14 VP7 in combination with a P[12] VP4, suggesting persistence of the same viral strain in the stud farm, during at least two consecutive winter periods. Sequence analysis of the genes encoding the outer capsid rotavirus proteins VP7 and VP4 revealed that the virus had a close relationship between strains recently isolated in the rest of Europe.     

Origin, course and distribution of the hypoglossal nerve in the New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L)

With 8 figures SUMMARY: This study aimed at revealing the origin, course and distribution of the hypoglossal nerve in 20 adult male New Zealand rabbits. In all the animals dissected, the hypoglossal nerve arose from the ventrolateral side of the medulla oblongata with two main roots and gave off a descending branch to the ansa cervicalis before reaching the division of the common carotid artery. This branch was not seen on the right side of only one case. At the lateral aspect of the hyoglossus muscle, the nerve then divided into the lateral and medial main branches, sent branches to the styloglossus, hyoglossus, genioglossus and geniohyoideus muscles and terminated in the intrinsic tongue muscles. A communicating branch was observed between the hypoglossal and accessory nerves in the right side of one animal and between the hypoglossal nerve and the ganglion nodosum in the right retropharyngeal area of another animal. An additional branch was observed innervating the stylohyoideus muscle in one animal only. A lateral lingual-hypoglossal communication was also seen between the lateral branch of the hypoglossal nerve and terminal branches of the lingual nerve.     

Prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle

Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta and S. hominis are apicomplexan parasites that affect cattle worldwide with variable prevalence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle comparing microscopic fresh examination and molecular methods. Blood, myocardium and loin samples were collected in five slaughterhouses from a total of 380 bovines. Origin of animals was representative of the major beef cattle production area of Argentina. Samples were analyzed by fresh microscopical examination, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IFAT and PCR-RFLP. Thin walled sarcocysts corresponding with S. cruzi were found in 99.5% of heart samples. Sarcocysts were detected in 73.1% of loin samples; 71.5% had S. cruzi cysts and 23.1% had thick walled sarcocysts (S. hirsuta or S. hominis). TEM observation revealed the presence of characteristic S. hominis and S. hirsuta cyst walls in 7 and 1 loin samples respectively. Using IFAT, 379/380 animals had titers 25 or higher, showing a full agreement with fresh examination. Amplification products were detected in 35.5% (135/380) of loin samples; however Sarcocystis species could only be determined by RFLP in 29 samples. Agreement between fresh examination and PCR was low (Kappa value=0.262). This is the first report of S. hominis and S. hirsuta in Argentina. Further studies are needed to improve the sensitivity of molecular methods for species identification, especially for differentiation of S. cruzi and S. hirsuta from the zoonotic species S. hominis. The results of the present study and others focusing on sensitivity and specificity of Sarcocystis spp. diagnostic methods should contribute to improve food safety.     

Meniscal translocation and deformation throughout the range of motion of the equine stifle joint: an in vitro cadaveric study

Reason for performing study: By study of the translocation and deformation of equine menisci throughout the range of motion, it may be possible to identify potential mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of injury to the cranial horn of the medial meniscus. Objective: To quantitatively document meniscal translocation and deformation using radiographic and MR imaging, and to evaluate for potential variation between the medial and lateral menisci. Methods: Radiographic markers were embedded in the periphery of the menisci in 6 cadaver stifles. Proximal‐distal radiographs were taken at 15° intervals ranging from full flexion (30°) to full extension (160°). Magnetic resonance imaging sequences of 3 additional cadaver stifles were obtained in axial and sagittal planes at the predetermined stifle angles. Results: A significantly greater overall mean cranial‐caudal translocation (1.6 times) of the lateral meniscus relative to the medial was seen from full extension to full flexion (P = 0.002). The cranial horn of the medial meniscus was the least mobile of the 4 horns, yet a significant cranial displacement relative to the cranial horn of the lateral meniscus was seen in the terminal 10° of extension. MRI images revealed a significantly greater axial compressive strain in the cranial horn of the medial meniscus relative to the cranial horn of the lateral meniscus in the terminal 10° of extension (P = 0.017). Conclusion: The equine menisci exhibit a cranial‐caudal translocation over the tibia throughout the range of motion. While the cranial horn of the medial meniscus is the least mobile of the 4 horns, it undergoes significant cranial translocation and axial compression in the terminal 10° of extension. Potential relevance: Hyperextension of the stifle may place the cranial horn of the medial meniscus at risk of injury and thus explain the higher prevalence of meniscal tears at this location.     

Liposuction for removal of lipomas in 20 dogs

Objectives : To review the success rates for liposuction of lipomas in dogs, report early complications and medium‐term outcomes and formulate recommendations on the most appropriate candidates for liposuction. Methods : Retrospective study of 20 dogs with 76 lipomas diagnosed by cytology, in which dry liposuction was attempted. Case records were reviewed for number and size of the lipomas, efficacy of liposuction, frequency and types of complication and likelihood of recurrence. Results : Liposuction was successful in removing 73 of 76 lipomas (96%). Simple, encapsulated lipomas less than 15 cm in diameter were most easily removed, with minimal risk of complication. Giant lipomas contained fibrous trabeculae that hindered liposuction and resulted in poor fat retrieval. Giant lipomas were also associated with a high risk of bruising, haematoma and seroma, especially when inguinal in location. Regrowth was noted at follow‐up between 9 and 36 months in 28% of lipomas. Clinical Significance : Liposuction may be less invasive and more attractive to owners than conventional surgery for lipomas up to 15 cm in diameter. Liposuction is not recommended for infiltrative or giant inguinal lipomas. Regrowth can be expected in a high proportion of lipomas, which should be considered when choosing liposuction over conventional excision.     

Association of polymorphisms for nuclear receptor coactivator 1 gene with egg production traits in the maternal line of Shaobo hens

1. The objectives of the study were to find polymorphic sites and elucidate the association between SNPs in the nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1) gene and reproductive traits. 2. SNPs were detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. Four SNPs were detected, including T10155007A, T10125838C, G10118492A and G10109315T. Three polymorphisms were associated with total egg production at the age of 300 d and the G10109315T polymorphism was associated with age at first egg. 3. In conclusion, the NCOA1 gene can be used as a molecular marker for reproductive traits in hens.