The effectiveness of pyrethroid seed treatments against soil pests of cereals

Results are summarised of tests of seed dressings with synthetic pyrethroids against wheat bulb fly (Delia coarctata) and wireworms (Agriotes spp.).     

VAGINAL PROLAPSE IN A SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SEA LION (NEOPHOCA NOVE HOLLANDIA)

SUMMARY A case of vaginal prolapse in a South Australian Sea Lion is described. Conservative treatment proved unsuccessful, and an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Problems concerning anaesthesia, surgery and post-operative management of this marine species are discussed.     

The microbiology and sensory evaluation of pheasants hung at 5, 10 and 15 degrees C

Pheasants hung for 9 d at 10 °G were found to be more acceptable than those hung for 4 d at 15 °G or for 18 d at 5 °G. The birds stored at 15 °G were tough by comparison with those held for longer at the lower temperatures and the clostridia, including Clostridium welchii, increased considerably in the intestines during the storage period. Microbial growth in the muscle tissue was generally found to occur only in birds in which the gut had been perforated by shot. There is an indication that 9 d at 10 °C produced a more “ gamey “ bird than 18 d at 5 °G or 4 d at 15 °G, but the most “ gamey “ birds, independent of temperature, were those in which the muscle was damaged by shot.     

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF OSTEOMYELITIS IN DOGS AND CATS

Thirty-nine cases of osteomyelitis in dogs and cats were recorded at the Sydney University Veterinary Hospital and Clinic over a three and a half year period. In 36 cases osteomyelitis was established prior to admission. Three cases of osteomyelitis became established from a total of 502 orthopaedic surgery cases seen at the hospital in this period. In the dog the most common source of infection was open reduction of closed fractures, while in the cat, the most common source of infection was an extension from soft tissue infection. More males than females were affected. Ten cases of osteomyelitis were treated successfully, twelve cases required amputation, while euthanasia was performed on thirteen other cases. The problems and principles of treatment of active osteomyelitis as reflected in the treatment of this series of cases have been described.     

Some experiments with different formulations of organophosphorus insecticides as seed dressings to control wheat bulb fly (Leptohylemyia coarctata)

Experiments on the control of wheat bulb fly larvae by seed dressings compared four organophosphorus compounds in standard siliceous earth formulations with special formulations of the same compounds in polyvinyl acetate, polypropylene or wax. The special formulations allowed more insecticide to be placed on the seeds without affecting germination. Counting shoots damaged by wheat bulb fly larvae showed that: siliceous earth formulations of diazinon gave good control which was not improved by special formulations; control with siliceous earth formulations of dimethoate was poor and was improved only little by the special formulations; and control with siliceous earth formulations of parathion and dichlofenthion was moderate and was improved by special formulations, especially polyvinyl acetate and polypropylene. The results suggest that special formulations are of most value with compounds that are moderately effective but where the amount of insecticide in standard seed dressings cannot be increased without damaging the plants.     

The effect of field beans on growth and flavour of broilers

The effects of feeding diets containing 45% field beans (Vicia faba L.) to broilers for up to 9 weeks were studied. Simultaneous chemical and taste panel analyses of muscle samples were carried out. Although small differences were detected by gas chromatography, no differences in flavour were found. This suggests that detailed chromatographic analysis may only be valuable after taste panel evaluation has shown differences in flavour.