Indices of renal function: reference values in normal horses

Urine and blood samples were taken at the same time from normal adult horses presented for routine investigations to establish reference values for a variety of parameters reported to be useful in the clinical evaluation of renal function. Blood biochemical values were consistent with previous studies and had well-defined normal ranges. Parameters representing urine concentration and electrolyte excretion however, varied widely reflecting the ability of the healthy kidney to change the composition of urine in response to differences in environment and management. Percent creatinine clearance ratios for potassium in particular were lower than those reported in normal horses in previous studies. Rational interpretation of these latter measurements should accept a wide range of normal values and management conditions must be considered in this interpretation.     

Indices of renal function: values in eight normal foals from birth to 56 days

A series of blood and urine samples was collected from each of eight normal foals between birth and eight weeks. Blood chemistry relating to renal function was evaluated as well as physical and chemical characteristics of urine. During the first 4d of life it was impractical to suggest meaningful normal values due to wide variation among foals and with time. Serum urea and plasma creatinine fell markedly to levels less than those previously reported for normal adult horses, while urine, mildly hypersthenuric at birth, rapidly became hyposthenuric. There was also a marked proteinuria during the first 48h. After 4d clinicopathological values stabilised. Urea and creatinine remained at subadult levels and hyposthenuria was maintained. While there was some variation with time, generally the urinary activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) was greater in foals than in adults; plasma potassium, the creatinine clearance ratio of potassium (% Cr K), serum inorganic phosphate and the creatinine clearance ratio of phosphate (% Cr PO4) were greater than in adults while plasma chloride and the creatinine clearance ratio of chloride (% Cr Cl) were lower in foals than in adults. Urinary pH was acidic and epithelial cells and calcium oxalate crystals more prevalent in the urine of foals than in that of adults. The information presented here will be useful in the diagnosis and management of renal disease and azotaemia in foals.     

Towards a Framework of Understanding for the Integration of Forestry with Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domestica) and European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) Husbandry in the United Kingdom

Examples of land use systems integrating domestic pigs or wildboar with trees can be observed throughout the world, whereunderlying motivations include opportunistic resource use, tradition,product orientation and service functions. Although there isconsiderable interest in such agroforestry systems in the UK,this is yet to be reflected in widespread practical application,and there is little research available on their biology andperformance. Potential interactions between the two componentsinclude microclimatic implications for pig health and productivity;changes to animal behaviour and welfare; tree damage; provisionof natural fodder; changes to soil and surface vegetation communities;changes to scavenger, predator and disease vector populations;changes in soil structure and quality, and technical consequencesfor forest and pig management. These interactions have implicationsfor the design and performance of enterprises. Promising systemsinclude extensive wild boar husbandry in natural broadleavedwoodland, the use of forest margins or glades to give partialcover of pig pasture, and the use of small pig herds as supplementarysilvicultural tools for ground preparation, weeding, cleaningand pest control.