Pronuclear Embryo Yield in Canindé and Saanen Goats for DNA Microinjection

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of donor breed on pronuclear‐stage embryo yield to be used for DNA microinjection in a transgenesis goat program. Twelve Canindé and twelve Saanen goats were heat synchronized using a progestagen‐cloprostenol treatment. Forty‐eight hours before the sponge removal, superovulation was induced with a total administration of 4.4 mg/kg bodyweight NIH‐FSH‐P1, given twice daily in decreasing doses over 3 days. In addition, goats received 100 μg of GnRH and they were hand‐mated at 36 and 48 h after progestagen removal. Embryo recovery was performed by oviduct flushing at 72 h after sponge removal. Embryos were microinjected with a DNA construct and noticeable swelling of the nuclei was the criterion for successful microinjection. The total diameter, cytoplasm diameter, zona pellucida thickness and pronuclei diameter were measured for each microinjected embryo. A higher (p < 0.05) percentage of fertilized ova was observed in Canindé (89.9%) than Saanen (36.2%) goats. In addition, Canindé donors produced a higher percentage of pronuclear embryos when compared with Saanen: 72.5% vs 20.6% (p < 0.05), respectively. Successful microinjection was verified in 96.7% and 73.3% of times in Canindé and Saanen embryos, respectively (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed for all morphometric parameters except for cytoplasm diameter. In conclusion, under our study experimental conditions, Canindé were more efficient than Saanen goats concerning the pronuclear embryo yield and manipulation. The use of Canindé goats in transgenesis programs could be increase the interest in their breeding and could be contribute to saving them from extinction.     

Seed dormancy and germination in the summer annual Galeopsis speciosa

This study examined germination and dormancy in Galeopsis speciosa (Lamiaceae), a common summer annual weed in cold‐temperate areas. Seeds collected in southern Sweden were subjected to several experiments. The seeds were dormant at maturity. Seeds sown outdoors after collection produced a small number of seedlings that emerged early in the spring. After long cold stratification or stratification outdoors over two winters, the maximum germination was 40–50%; germination occurring over a wide range of temperatures. Warm stratification preceding cold stratification had no effect on germination, but repeated warm and cold periods seemed to promote germination. Gibberellic acid (GA) stimulated germination, but full germination was only achieved after more than 2 months of incubation at the most suitable temperature regime tested. Excised embryos grew and developed into normal seedlings. With these results, the species does not fit into the currently used system for seed dormancy classifications. The response to GA and the growth of excised embryos indicate non‐deep or intermediate physiological dormancy, but dormancy alleviation by stratification was not in line with the guiding principles for these classifications. Galeopsis speciosa has a strong dormancy that is sufficiently alleviated during the winter to allow germination of only part of a seed batch each year; hence a stepwise germination pattern occurs over a period of several years.     

Unilateral scrotal pyocele in ram caused by Staphylococcus capitis

A massive unilateral scrotal pyocele caused by Staphylococcus capitis in a 6‐year‐old ram is reported. Ultrasound examination of the right hemiscrotum showed an irregular hyperechoic mass in an anechoic fluid. A dense exudate was collected from the scrotum for microbiological analysis. Grossly, there was an extensive greenish purulent exudate and a completely atrophied right testis. Coagulase‐negative S. capitis was isolated in pure culture. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of genital infection by S. capitis in rams. This microorganism should be included in the differential diagnosis of ovine genital infections.     

Treatment response and long term follow up in nineteen dogs diagnosed with chronic enteropathy in Australia

Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs is common worldwide, but little data is available from Australia. The aim of this study was to describe treatment response and long‐term outcome in a cohort of dogs with CE. Dogs were prospectively enrolled at Murdoch University and the University of Melbourne. After diagnostic investigation to rule out diseases other than CE, dogs underwent sequential therapeutic trials until achieving a clinical response (diet then antibiotics, and finally immunosuppressants). Success was defined as 75% reduction of clinical severity for a minimum of five weeks. A total of 21 dogs were enrolled, and 19 completed the study. One dog was euthanised for lack of response to treatment and one excluded for lack of owner compliance. Most dogs responded to diet (n = 10), followed by antibiotics (n = 7) and immunosuppressants (n = 2). Long‐term remission (median 21.1 months, [3.0‐44.7]) was achieved in eight out of ten dietary responders without additional treatment. In contrast, only two dogs with antibiotic response remained in long‐term remission, of which one needed on‐going antibiotic treatment. Longer term remission was achieved in the two dogs treated with immunosuppressants with on‐going low dose therapy. This study concludes that most dogs referred for CE in Australia respond to dietary treatment (even after previous dietary interventions), and remission is long‐term compared to dogs treated with an antibiotic. Furthermore, the need for long‐term antibiotics in some dogs to maintain response may lead to antibiotic resistance. This study supports adequate dietary trials for CE in dogs, and a need for alternative second‐line treatments.