The intensity of resistance by mature Merino ewes against Haemonchus contortus and Tichostrongylus colubriformis in single-species and combined-species infection

Three-year-old, non-lactating and non-pregnant Merino ewes, raised on pasture under a program of strategic treatment with anthelmintic and found to be extremely resistant to "trickle" infection with Haemonchus contortus, were given single-dose infections with either H. contortus or Trichostrongylus colubriformis or both species together. The purpose was to ascertain the intensity of protective immunity against the 2 parasites in sheep with immunity acquired from a presumably slight exposure to infection. To provide a criterion, some infected ewes were immunosuppressed with corticosteroid, dexamethasone. Untreated ewes were extremely resistant to challenge infection with either 15,000 or 150,000 H. contortus or 15,000 T. colubriformis. Surprisingly, when mixed infection was given, egg counts for H. contortus were significantly elevated compared with infection by that species alone. Antibody to antigens from infective larval and adult H. contortus was measured in serum by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) during the course of infection. Serum titres against larval antigens were significantly depressed when infections with either H. contortus or T. colubriformis were permitted by immunosuppression with dexamethasone, whereas those against adult antigen were depressed when infection with T. colubriformis was permitted.     

The effects of duration and concentration of plasma progesterone on the fertility of post-partum cows treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and intravaginal progesterone

The effects of duration of insertion of progesterone releasing devices (PRIDs) on the concentrations of plasma progesterone (plasma P4) and the relationship of these with fertility were examined respectively in ovariectomised and intact Bos taurus cattle. In experiment 1, ovariectomised cows (n = 14) were treated with PRIDs to produce high and low plasma P4 for 7 or 14 days giving 4 treatment groups designated H7, H14, L7 or L14. Mean plasma P4 in the H14 and L14 groups were 6.6 and 6.0 ng/ml respectively, during the first week and 5.4 and 3.8 ng/ml respectively, during the second. Mean plasma P4 of 6.3 and 4.2 ng/ml were observed in H7 and L7. In experiment 2, suckled cows (n = 171) received the same PRID treatments as cows in experiment 1, plus either 375 or 750 iu pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin, and subsequent calving rates were recorded. These were significantly lower after L7 than the other treatments (12% v 38%, P less than 0.025). These results showed that fertility after oestrus was closely related to plasma P4 observed before oestrus and indicated that treatment with progesterone for as little as 1 week can produce normal fertility providing plasma P4 attain a critical threshold during treatment.     

Effects of suckling on oestradiol benzoate induced LH release in post-partum, ovariectomised cows

Twelve suckling and 12 non-lactating post-partum cows were treated with a progesterone-releasing pessary for 7 or 14 d followed by an injection of 500 micrograms oestradiol benzoate (ODB) 24 h after pessary removal or no injection. Suckling had no significant effect on plasma progesterone concentrations (plasma P4) or plasma luteinising hormone concentrations (plasma LH) during pessary insertion. After pessary removal plasma LH rose in response to ODB. The extent of the rise was similar in suckling and non-lactating cows treated with progesterone for 14 d but was significantly lower in non-lactating than suckling cows (P less than 0.025) treated for 7 d. These findings indicate that suckling increases the responsiveness of plasma LH in post-partum cows following progesterone and oestrogen treatment compared to non-lactating cows and that extended treatment with progesterone can remove this difference.     

Animal health monitoring and surveillance in Switzerland

Switzerland has traditionally used a passive disease reporting system for all notifiable diseases. This type of system is not suitable for the documentation of very low prevalences (freedom from disease), sub-clinical cases and non-notifiable diseases. In order to meet the high international standards for animal health surveillance and to fulfil the general need for sound animal health data, Switzerland has evaluated the feasibility of modern monitoring and surveillance concepts. In general, the principle of active surveillance has been acquired and is now being applied whenever possible. In this paper, several examples of Swiss surveillance systems are presented and discussed. They include systematic testing of random population samples, carcase screening at abattoirs and sentinel herd monitoring.     

Comparative Earth History and Late Permian Mass Extinction

The repeated association during the late Neoproterozoic Era of large carbon-isotopic excursions, continental glaciation, and stratigraphically anomalous carbonate precipitation provides a framework for interpreting the reprise of these conditions on the Late Permian Earth. A paleoceanographic model that was developed to explain these stratigraphically linked phenomena suggests that the overturn of anoxic deep oceans during the Late Permian introduced high concentrations of carbon dioxide into surficial environments. The predicted physiological and climatic consequences for marine and terrestrial organisms are in good accord with the observed timing and selectivity of Late Permian mass extinction.     

The fate of Amazonian forest fragments: A 32-year investigation

We synthesize findings to date from the world’s largest and longest-running experimental study of habitat fragmentation, located in central Amazonia. Over the past 32 years, Amazonian forest fragments ranging from 1 to 100 ha have experienced a wide array of ecological changes. Edge effects have been a dominant driver of fragment dynamics, strongly affecting forest microclimate, tree mortality, carbon storage, fauna, and other aspects of fragment ecology. However, edge-effect intensity varies markedly in space and time, and is influenced by factors such as edge age, the number of nearby edges, and the adjoining matrix of modified vegetation surrounding fragments. In our study area, the matrix has changed markedly over the course of the study (evolving from large cattle pastures to mosaics of abandoned pasture and regrowth forest) and this in turn has strongly influenced fragment dynamics and faunal persistence. Rare weather events, especially windstorms and droughts, have further altered fragment ecology. In general, populations and communities of species in fragments are hyperdynamic relative to nearby intact forest. Some edge and fragment-isolation effects have declined with a partial recovery of secondary forests around fragments, but other changes, such as altered patterns of tree recruitment, are ongoing. Fragments are highly sensitive to external vicissitudes, and even small changes in local land-management practices may drive fragmented ecosystems in markedly different directions. The effects of fragmentation are likely to interact synergistically with other anthropogenic threats such as logging, hunting, and especially fire, creating an even greater peril for the Amazonian biota.     

The Kinetics of Spinning-Disc Atomizers Applied to Seed Treatment Machinery1

Spinning disc-atomizers are widely used in seed-dressing machines. They not only give an initial velocity to the droplet but deliver air as well, consequently the droplet enters a moving medium. Computer analysis shows the influence of this mutual motion in the case of linear, parabolic and hyperbolic air velocity decrease. The moving air exerts a significant effect on the ideal encounter zone of liquid and seed. This effect should be taken into consideration in designing the dressing chamber of seed treatment machinery.     

Chronic vascular catheterisation of the koala and the rabbit

SUMMARY: Vascular access ports were surgically placed, first in rabbits maintained under laboratory conditions, and then in koalas maintained in a wildlife park. The ports remained patent for 9 months in rabbits and for up to 13 months in the koalas and were removed successfully. They allowed collection of blood samples without assistance or disturbance in koalas, and without stress as reflected by plasma cortisol concentration. The use of retention rings on the cannula tubing is recommended.