Effects of complex vertebral malformation on fertility in Swedish holstein cattle

Complex vertebral malformation (CVM) is an autosomal recessive inherited defect in the Holstein breed. It causes intra-uterine mortality through the entire gestation period leading to repeat breeding and involuntary culling of cows and thereby economic losses. The defect was first reported in Denmark in 1999 and a direct DNA test for the defect has been available since February 2001. The aim of this study was to investigate if Holstein bulls heterozygous for the CVM gene had reduced reproductive performance, measured as non-return rate (NRR) and in a daughter fertility index. All genotyped Swedish Holstein bulls born between 1995 and 1999 were included. Altogether 228 bulls were analysed, of which 53 bulls, i.e. 23%, were confirmed CVM carriers. A statistically significant difference between carriers and non-carriers in the relative breeding value for NRR was observed for 168 days NRR (101.1+/-0.9 vs. 103.1+/-0.6, p<0.05). There was no difference for 28 days NRR whereas the difference approached significance for 56 days NRR. No significant effect of the paternal CVM genotype on the daughter fertility index was shown probably due to the complexity of traits this index is composed of. In conclusion, the study showed that carriers of the CVM defect have an inferior NRR compared with non-carriers.     

Thyroid enlargement and its relationship to clinicopathological parameters and T(4) status in suspected hyperthyroid cats

To relate thyroid size to routine blood parameters and T(4) status the ventral neck of 161 cats with clinical signs consistent with hyperthyroidism was examined by two independent observers using a semi-quantitative palpation system. Thyroid gland size of each side was scored from 0 (non-palpable) to a maximum of 6 (>25 mm). In 127 of the 161 cats, at least one thyroid gland was palpable. The palpation score was significantly correlated with the T(4) concentration. The 17 hyperthyroid cats had significantly higher palpation scores than the 110 euthyroid cats. Euthyroid animals with a palpation score >or=3 were significantly older, had higher body weights, lower alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphate, and urine specific gravity, but higher lipase and creatinine concentrations than hyperthyroid cats. Our study demonstrates that although no reliable conclusion on the functional status of the thyroid can be drawn based on its size the likelihood of hyperthyroidism increases with increasing size of the gland.     

The Alliance for Freshwater Life: A global call to unite efforts for freshwater biodiversity science and conservation

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Prof. Dr. SC. Gisela Höflich zum 65 geburtstag

Auch die K‐Werte im Unterboden sind primär durch den unterschiedlichen Tongehalt der Versuchsböden determiniert. Durch differenzierte K‐Düngung verursachte negative bzw. positive K‐Bilanzen führen im Unterboden zu geringeren Veränderungen der K‐Werte als im Oberboden: Der K_t‐Gehalt wird durch K‐Düngung im Mittel der drei Dauerversuche gegenüber K‐Mangel in der Krume um 36 mg/100 g, im Unterboden um 14 mg/100 g erhöht. Dieser Unterschied widerspiegelt sich in allen anderen Werten des K‐Status (K_HCI, K_e, K_w, K_DL) und der K‐Dynamik (K‐Sorption, K‐Desorption, K‐Fixierung). Die relative Veränderung der K‐Kennwerte nimmt mit steigendem Tongehalt ab und ist am deutlichsten bei verschiedenen Werten des labilen Kaliums. Das Verhältnis des K_DL zur Summe des wasserlöslichen plus austauschbaren Kaliums beträgt im Unterboden der K‐Mangelvarianten 34% in Lauchstädt, 56% in Halle und 136% in Thyrow; die entsprechenden Werte in den Volldüngungsvarianten betragen 40, 61 und 200%.     

Einfluss unterschiedlicher ct‐gehalte von Böden des thyrower bodenfruchtbarkeitsversuches auf Ertrag sowie boden‐ und düngerstickstoffaufnahme im gefässversuch

In einem dreijährigen Gefäßversuch wurde der Einfluß unterschiedlicher C‐Gehalte von Böden aus dem “Thyrower Bodenfruchtbarkeitsversuch”; auf den Ertrag von Roggen und Ölrettich sowie deren Boden‐ und Düngerstickstoffaufnahme geprüft. Bei Roggen führte höherer Humusgehalt nur bei Unterlassung einer mineralischen Stickstoffdüngung zu höheren Erträgen, beim nachgebauten Ölrettich auch in der gedüngten Variante. Eine bessere Ausnutzung des Düngerstickstoffs bei höherem Humusgehalt und eine Mehrmobilisation von Bodenstickstoff durch mineralische Stickstoffdüngung konnte nicht festgestellt werden. Von dem nach Versuchsabschluß im Boden verbleibenden Düngerstickstoff wurden zwischen 70 ... 90 % als Bestandteil von Humusfraktionen ermittelt.     

Abnormal sebaceous gland differentiation in 10 kittens ('sebaceous gland dysplasia') associated with generalized hypotrichosis and scaling

A rare congenital dermatosis, characterized by progressive hypotrichosis with variable scaling and crusting, occurred in 10 short-haired kittens in North America and Europe. Lesions appeared at between 4 and 12 weeks of age, commencing on the head and becoming generalized. The tail was spared in two kittens. Generalized scaling was mild to moderate, often with prominent follicular casts. Periocular, perioral, pinnal and ear canal crusting was occasionally severe. The skin was thick and wrinkled in two kittens. Histologically, the main lesion was abnormal sebaceous gland morphology. Instead of regular differentiation from basal cells to mature sebocytes, the glands were composed of a haphazard collection of undifferentiated basaloid cells, some partly vacuolated and a few containing eosinophilic globules. Mitotic figures and apoptotic cells were present in an irregularly thickened follicular isthmus. Lymphocytic mural folliculitis and mild sebaceous adenitis were rare. Orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and follicular casts were present. Hair follicles were of normal density and were mostly in anagen, but some contained malacic hair shafts. Perforating folliculitis, leading to dermal trichogranuloma formation, occurred occasionally. Further biopsy samples taken at 2 years and at 3 and 4 years, respectively, from two kittens revealed similar but often more severe sebaceous gland lesions. Hair follicles were smaller, with many in telogen. The young age of onset suggests a genetic defect interfering with sebaceous and, possibly, follicular development. These lesions are discussed with reference to studies of mouse mutants in which genetic defects in sebaceous differentiation cause a similar phenotype of hyperkeratosis and progressive alopecia.     

Expression of late viral proteins is restricted in nasal mucosal leucocytes but not in epithelial cells during early-stage equine herpes virus-1 infection

Equine herpes virus (EHV)-1 replicates in the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract and reaches the lamina propria and bloodstream in infected mononuclear cells. This study evaluated expression of the late viral proteins gB, gC, gD and gM in respiratory epithelial and mononuclear cells using: (1) epithelial-like rabbit kidney cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with EHV-1 in vitro; (2) an equine ex vivo nasal explant system; and (3) nasal mucosa tissue of ponies infected in vivo. The viral proteins were expressed in all late-infected epithelial cells, whereas expression was not observed in infected leucocytes where proteins gB and gM were expressed in 60-90%, and proteins gC and gD in only 20% of infected cells, respectively. The results indicate that expression of these viral proteins during early-stage EHV-1 infection is highly dependent on the cell type infected.     

Analysis and management of stand dynamics of Vietnamese dipterocarp forests by applying a dynamic growth model

Context

The dipterocarp forests in the Central Highland of Vietnam are threatened by overharvesting. In addition, wildfires frequently affect their dynamics. Sustainable management of this unique forest type is of important concern.

Aims

This study aims at providing a first set of operational information for forest management with a model-based approach. Specifically, we (a) evaluate selected cutting regimes with focus on maximum sustainable yield, (b) explore transformation times from a given to a desired forest state, and (c) preliminarily assess wildfire effects on yield.

Methods

A size class model was developed as a tool to address these issues. Various diameter distributions defined by the q factor concept were used as possible desired equilibrium states to be assessed.

Results

Maximum yields were estimated between 3.9 and 2.7?m³?ha^?1?year^?1, depending on site quality. Based on data from overharvested stands, time for reaching desired equilibria ranged between 20 and 60?years. In stands with frequent severe wildfires, the long-term yield may decrease by 40%.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the model being an effective tool for simulating effects of treatment alternatives. We conclude that, despite a poor information basis, it is necessary to develop and refine such models for supporting sustainable forest management in Vietnam.