Ulcerative enterocolitis in two goats associated with enterotoxin- and beta2 toxin-positive Clostridium perfringens type D

Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in sheep is believed to result from the action of epsilon toxin (ETX). However, the sole role of ETX in the intestinal changes of the acute and chronic forms of enterotoxemia in goats remains controversial, and the synergistic action of other C. perfringens toxins has been suggested previously. The current study examined 2 goats that were found dead without premonitory clinical signs. Gross lesions at necropsy consisted of multifocal fibrinonecrotic enterocolitis, edematous lungs, and excess pleural fluid. Histologically, there were multifocal fibrinonecrotic and ulcerative ileitis and colitis, edema of the colonic serosa, and proteinaceous interstitial edema of the lungs. Clostridium perfringens type D carrying the genes for enterotoxin (CPE) and beta2 toxin (CPB2) was cultured from intestinal content and feces of 1 of 2 goats, while C. perfringens type D CPB2-positive was isolated from the other animal. When multiple colonies of the primary isolations from both animals were tested by Western blot, most of the isolates expressed CPB2, and only a few isolates from the first case expressed CPE. Alpha toxin and ETX were detected in ileal and colonic contents and feces of both animals by antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CPB2, but not CPE, was identified in the small and large intestines of both goats by immunohistochemistry. These findings indicate that CPB2 may have contributed to the necrotic changes observed in the intestine, possibly assisting ETX transit across the intestinal mucosa.     

Behaviour and reproductive performance of Nigerian native chickens subjected to different mating ratios for a short term

To date, there is no reported standard mating ratio for Nigerian native chickens despite their large population in the country. This study investigated the effect of mating ratio on behaviour, semen quality and level of stress. Sixty-three (9 cocks and 54 hens) sexually matured birds were randomly assigned to three mating ratios (MR) of 1 cock to 3 hens (1C:3H), 1 cock to 6 hens (1C:6H) and 1 cock to 9 hens (1C:9H), and each MR was replicated three times. Each cock spent 2 weeks in a particular MR before it was moved to another. By the 6th week, all cocks had experienced the three mating ratios. Behaviour of the hens and sexual behaviour of the cocks were observed in the morning and evening, respectively, for 6 weeks. At the end of 2nd week in each MR, semen samples were collected and evaluated for motility, morphology, liveability and concentration, and blood samples were also taken from the cocks to determine the heterophil/lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, an indicator of stress. There was also no significant effect of mating ratio on the fertility of eggs and hatchability of the chicks. The number of hen–hen aggression instances, frequency of visits to the nest box and duration of nesting was not influenced by the mating ratio. However, the duration of nest seeking was higher at 1C:3H and lower at 1C:9H. A mating ratio of 1C:9H is therefore recommended for farmers interested in raising Nigerian native chickens.     

Physiological adaptation to the humid tropics with special reference to the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat

West African Dwarf (WAD) goats are widely distributed in the subhumid and humid zones of Africa but are particularly associated with less favourable environments. Adaptive features such as feeding behaviour, efficiency of feed use and disease tolerance enable WAD goats to thrive on natural resources left untouched by other domestic ruminants. In marginal environments this goat remains the only domestic species that is able to survive. Among its physiological features small body size and low metabolic requirements are important traits that enable the animal to minimize its requirements in area or season where food sources are limited in quality and quantity. Specialized feeding behaviour and an efficient digestive system enable the animal to maximize food intake. Coat colour plays an important role in the evolved adaptation of this goat type. Reproductive fitness as manifested by prolific breeding is a major factor of adaptation. Defence mechanisms against infectious agents enable this type to thrive well in the hot humid tropics. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of these physiological functions of WAD goat are discussed. An understanding of these mechanisms could result in the development of improved techniques for enhancing goat productivity in humid environments.     

Effect of herbicide applications on legume-rhizobium symbiosis

The effect of the application of three herbicide formulations namely: Preforan (2,4-dinitro-4-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl ether), Dacthal (dimethyl 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterepthalate) and Dual (2,ethyl-6-methyl-N-(2-methoxy-1-ethyl-a-chloro-acetanilide)) on legume-Rhizobium symbiosis was evaluated by incorporating these herbicide formulations into plate agar cultures of two Rhizobium strains and into soil carrying cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). Results indicated that Dual is bactericidal — giving the lowest mean cell count for strain TAL 385 in agar culture, 3.04 × 106 compared to 3.51 and 3.43 × 106 for Dacthal and Preforan respectively. In the soil system, while the highest rate of Dacthal and Preforan merely decreased nodulation, Dual highest rate completely killed the plants within 14 days after planting. The rate of herbicide application and the herbicide type were both important factors which affected vital parameters of the legume — Rhizobium symbiosis in soil culture.     

Immunolocalization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptors (IGF-IR) in the equine epididymis

Insulin-like growth factor plays a paracrine/autocrine role in regulating testicular function in the stallion, but its presence in the equine epididymis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) are localized in the caput, corpus, and cauda of the epididymis in an age-dependent manner. Immediately after castration, epididymal tissue was fixed, paraffin-embedded, and processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot was also performed using equine epididymal extracts to verify the specificity of the antibodies against IGF-I and IGF-IR. Immunolabeling of IGF-I was observed in the cytoplasm of principal and basal cells in the caput, corpus, and cauda at the pre-pubertal (3–7 months), pubertal (12–18 months), post-pubertal (2–4 years), and adult stages (4.5–8 years). Immunolabeling of IGF-IR was observed in the cytoplasm of principal cells in all regions of the epididymis in each age group. Immunolabeling of IGF-IR was also detected in the cytoplasm of basal cells from animals of all ages. Bands observed by Western blot corresponded to the molecular weights of IGF-I and IGF-IR, ~23 kDa and 95 kDa, respectively. These results suggest that IGF-I might function as an autocrine and/or paracrine factor during the development, maintenance and/or secretions of the stallion epididymis.     

Accumulation of copper in Clarias anguillaris L. and Oreochromis niloticus L.

Clarias anguillaris and Oreochromis niloticus were each exposed to solutions of Analar grade Cu sulphate in static bioassays at a temperature range of 20 to 23.5°C and CaCO₃ hardness of 30 to 44 mg L^?1. Copper accumulation was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The Cu residues in Clarias anguillaris exposed to 0.027, 0.055, and 0.11 mg Cu L^?1. for 8 weeks were 15.7, 21.8, and 31.17 mg g^?1 dry weight, respectively. Oreochromis niloticus exposed to 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg Cu L^?1. accumulated 34.69, 36.09, and 81.03 mg g^?1 dry weight, respectively, over the 8-week period of exposure. The lowest and highest bioconcentration factors (BCF) were 117 and 581 for Clarias anguillaris and, 176 and 694 for Oreochromis niloticus. Copper concentrations in tissues of both species were directly related to the exposure concentrations and the duration of exposure. Increased accumulation towards the last 2 weeks of exposure may be due to impaired capacity of elimination or poor nutritional status.     

Effect of Biochemical and Physiological Response to Salt Stress in Camelina sativa

Camelina sativa is a promising low-input, high yielding biodiesel crop that can be suitable to grow on marginal lands and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of the study was to compare the rate of growth in different varieties of C. sativa in response to salt stress. Three biological replicates were collected from three varieties of C. sativa grown in vitro in a controlled growth room. The Blaine Creek, Cheyenne and Suneson varieties of C. sativa were analyzed for their physiological and biochemical response to salt stress using the following criteria: germination rates, measurement of length, dry weights, fresh weights, and stomatal size. The biochemical measurements focused on proline, chlorophyll, and flow cytometry analysis. Blaine Creek’s growth during salt stress was overall the most affected, while Suneson and Cheyenne generated higher amounts of biomass, thus indicating that C. sativa can be grown on saline soils.     

Distribution and characterization of Pratylenchus bolivianus (Nematoda,Pratylenchidae) on rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea from South Africa

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Pratylenchus bolivianus (Nematoda, Pratylenchidae) an important parasitic lesion nematode of ornamental and crop plants was found in association with...     

Comparative effect of slow and rapid freezing on sperm functional attributes and oxidative stress parameters of goat spermatozoa cryopreserved with tiger nut milk extender

Comparative effect of slow and rapid freezing on sperm functional attributes and oxidative stress parameters of goat spermatozoa cryopreserved with tiger nut milk (TNM) extender was examined in this study. Pooled semen samples obtained from West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks were diluted with Tris‐based extenders containing different levels of TNM (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ml/100 ml extender). The diluted semen samples were subjected to slow and rapid freezing for a period of 7 days and thereafter evaluated for sperm functional attributes (percentage motility, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, abnormality and livability) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA] concentration and acrosin activity) parameters. Results showed that higher (p < 0.05) motility, livability, membrane and acrosome integrities in semen cryopreserved with slow freezing compared to rapid freezing. These parameters (motility, livability and membrane integrity) were higher (p < 0.05) in semen cryopreserved with 15% TNM in both slow and rapid freezing protocols. The results revealed that semen cryopreserved in slow freezing had lower (p < 0.05) abnormality compared to rapid freezing. Acrosin activity was higher in slow freezing compared to rapid freezing. Acrosin activity was higher at 15% TNM in both slow and rapid freezing. Lower (p < 0.05) MDA concentration was observed in semen cryopreserved using slow freezing compared to rapid freezing. The findings revealed improved post‐thaw sperm functional attributes and oxidative stress parameters of WAD goat spermatozoa cryopreserved with 15% TNM using slow freezing.