Density Dependent Grazing In Estuarine Water Quality Models

The objective of this study is to examine the influence different zooplankon grazing rate relationships have on water quality eutrophication model results in a tidal estuary. The water quality model being used includes phytoplankton and both dissolved and particulate constituents as state variables. It includes zooplankton grazing of the phytoplankton, where excretions from the latter increase the particulate constituents. The phytoplankton and particulate constituents also undergo settling. When applied to an existing estuary, the model results are different for a first order zooplankton grazing rate formulation than for a second order zooplankton grazing rate formulation.Constituents enter the estuary as wastewater discharges, freshwater river inflows, exchanges between the sediment and water interface, and exchange across the tidal boundary. The water quality model is coupled with a three-dimensional time varying hydrodynamic and transport model that allows accurate computation of the tidal velocity field transporting the constituents from their sources throughout the estuary. Comparisons of model results between the first order and the second order density dependent zooplankton grazing relationships allow determining which of the two processes best describe water quality behavior for the estuary being examined. The second order density dependent zooplankton grazing relationship performs best in application.     

Veterinary medical education for modern food systems: past, present, and brainstorming a future

Concepts presented here were derived from breakout sessions constituted by the 90 attendees of the Veterinary Medical Education for Modern Food Systems symposium, held in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, in October 2005. The attendees were food-animal educators, veterinary faculty, college deans and administrators, and veterinarians employed in government, industry, and private practice. Discussions at these breakout sessions focused on four primary areas: (1) determining the data needed to document the current demand for food-supply veterinarians (FSVs); (2) defining the information/skills/abilities needed within veterinary school curricula to address the current demands on FSVs; (3) outlining pre-DVM educational requirements needed to support FSVs; and (4) considering the role of post-DVM programs in meeting the demand for FSVs.     

Monochorial diamniotic dizygotic twins in a German Shepherd Dog: A case report

Case report: A 6.5‐year‐old clinically healthy German Shepherd Dog with regular oestrous cycles of 6 months was presented for pregnancy diagnosis on day 38 after ovulation (p.ov.). Ultrasonography revealed three individual placental sites in progressed resorption and two vital adequately developed foetuses sharing a joint placenta. On days 41 and 48 p.ov., sonographic signs indicated normal development of both foetuses, but on day 52 p.ov., both foetuses were found to be dead. A caesarean section was performed the same day. Examination of the removed uterus confirmed the diagnosis of a “twin” pregnancy with two foetuses sharing the same placental site but separate amniotic membranes. One foetus showed generalized oedema (anasarca). Bacterial culture of swabs taken from inside the placental cavity was negative. At histological examination of the uterus, no signs of inflammation were found. Serum relaxin concentrations (day 38, 41, 48 and 52. p.ov.) were consistent with those of bitches with normal pregnancies. Cytogenetic analysis of the two foetuses revealed dizygotic twins, one male and one female according to SRY‐PCR. By genotyping 17 high‐polymorphic canine microsatellites, it could be demonstrated that the two foetuses developed from two different oocytes.     

The critical need for federal legislation to provide for the expansion of the veterinary workforce

American veterinary medical education stands at a crucial point. To maintain the status quo and to meet ever-increasing societal needs within the United States and globally, it is essential that the veterinary medical profession expand its horizons and capabilities. If it does not, it will lose its current status. The profession faces a crucial shortage in the workforce it needs both to continue to perform its current functions and, more importantly, to meet its growing responsibilities. This is not a new situation, and the profession can learn from its past successes and failures. Action is necessary. The profession has the capability and expertise to meet these challenges, but it must activate these skills in order to succeed.