Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a rabbit doe (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an infrequent condition of animals characterized by the existence of numerous thin-walled, gas-filled cystic structures within the intestinal wall and adjacent lymph nodes. Microscopically, the cystic structures appear to be dilated lymphatics located in the lamina propria, submucosa, muscularis, subserosa, mesentery, and mesenteric lymph nodes. This report describes a case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a rabbit doe from an organic farm where 20 rabbit does were fed ad libitum with a natural diet consisting of whole barley, pea beans, alfalfa hay, and a pelleted vitamin-mineral blend. A combination of nutritional, bacterial, and other factors are hypothesized as possible predisposing factors in the development of PCI.     

Pathological and aetiological studies of multifocal interstitial nephritis in wasted pigs at slaughter

Multifocal interstitial nephritis in pigs has been associated with several infectious agents. The objective of the present study was to investigate several different potential infectious agents associated with "white-spotted" kidneys in pigs suffering from wasting at slaughter (aged 6-8 months). Twenty-nine case kidneys (with a "white-spotted" gross appearance) classified into 3 macroscopic lesional grades, and 15 control kidneys (lacking gross lesions), were obtained from a pig abattoir. Laboratory analyses to detect potential associations with the aforementioned pathological condition with Leptospira spp., porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and bacteria, were carried out. Microscopically, interstitial nephritis with a lymphofollicular inflammatory pattern (follicular nephritis) was observed in both case and control kidneys, with a higher frequency seen in the former ones. No leptospires were identified, although antibodies to the Pomona and Bratislava serovars were detected. Some pyogenic bacteria were also isolated from both case and control kidneys. PCV2 nucleic acid was only detected in 1 case kidney. PRRSV antigen was not found in any tested sample. Some pigs were tested positive for PPV by serology. Apparently, none of the studied agents were specifically associated as being the potential cause of the renal lesions in the studied wasted pigs. The fact that these chronic lesions may have been the consequence of a previous infection with one of these studied microorganisms, or more, and eventually with other non-tested infectious agents during the growing-finishing period, cannot be ruled out.     

Septicaemia secondary to infection by Corynebacterium macginleyi in an Indian python (Python molurus)

A seven-year-old female Indian python (Python molurus) weighing about 35kg was euthanased after several clinical episodes of stomatitis, pneumonia, ophthalmitis and dystocia over a period of four years. The animal had been maintained in a terrarium in a circus truck at an adequate temperature. During shows, however, the snake was considered to be exposed to stressful conditions for several hours at a time at low temperatures and with noise and bright lights. A post-mortem examination indicated ulcerative stomatitis, osteomyelitis, severe pneumonia and numerous granulomata and multifocal necrosis in stomach and spleen. Corynebacterium macginleyi was isolated in pure culture from the ulcerative stomatitis, and mixed with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from the lungs and spleen. The findings indicated that the snake had died from a septicaemic process caused by C. macginleyi, probably originating from the stomatitis. The role of S. maltophilia as a secondary agent is discussed. The stress of the circus show and poor husbandry may have predisposed the animal to infection and septicaemia. This is the first report of C. macginleyi causing disease in a snake.     

The relationship between infectious and non-infectious herd factors with pneumonia at slaughter and productive parameters in fattening pigs

This paper explores the relationship between infectious and non-infectious herd factors with the occurrence of pneumonia at slaughter and productive parameters in fattening pigs on 39 fattening herds. A questionnaire was used to obtain environmental and management factors (non-infectious factors). Blood samples and lungs were obtained from 35 pigs in each herd at slaughter. Serological testing was performed for antibodies against three respiratory pathogens (infectious factors): porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mh) and Aujeszky's disease Virus-gE protein (ADV-gE). Lung lesion classifications were catarrhal-purulent bronchopneumonia (CPBP), pleuropneumonia (PLP) and pleuritis. A mean lesion value (MLV) was calculated for each lesion. ANOVA and logistic regression assessed statistical associations among MLV, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (dependent variables) with infectious and non-infectious factors (independent variables). Mh vaccination was associated with a significant decrease in CPBP; high Mh seroprevalences was associated with an increased level of CPBP. FCR was negatively related with high seroprevalences for ADV-gE and Mh. No significant associations were seen for ADG.     

Influence of foetal calf serum supplementation during in vitro embryo culture in Iberian red deer

Nowadays, the use of foetal calf serum (FCS) during in vitro embryo culture is very controversial. Whilst some authors have encouraged its use, others reject it because of its harmful effects. Although in vitro embryo production in red deer is a promising assisted reproductive technique, it is still in its infancy and a great effort is needed to update the protocols used. The aim of this study was to assess whether FCS supplementation in red deer embryo culture medium is necessary to produce blastocyst and, if so, when is the best time to add it in terms of blastocyst production and quality. In vitro blastocysts were cultured with FCS added at 24, 48 or 96 hours post‐insemination (hpi). In addition, a treatment without FCS was used as control. Six hundred and ninety‐four cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected for in vitro fertilization. Cleavage rate was examined at 48 hpi, and blastocyst yield was recorded on days 6, 7 and 8. FCS had no influence on cleavage and blastocyst rate for any of the treatments studied. However, the number of cells was higher (p = .025) in those blastocysts cultured with FCS from 48 hpi compared with FCS‐free culture media (93.88 ± 7.76 vs. 54.11 ± 8.36). In conclusion, the addition of FCS to the embryo culture medium at 48 hpi improves the quality of red deer blastocyst, although it does not affect the percentage of embryos obtained.     

P‐84 Experimental study of orange phototoxicity in sheep

We have evaluated the possible phototoxicity of an orange‐based diet on sheep in a controlled environment. The phototoxic effect of psoralens, potent phototoxic furocoumarins, contained in oranges could be manifested either as a perioral contact phototoxicity or as a postingestion phototoxic effect. This research has especial relevance in the region of Valencia, Spain, where sheep are occasionally fed large quantities of these agricultural by‐products and where sunlight is constant year‐round. Ewes were randomly allocated to two groups, one to be fed a maintenance diet (n = 9), and the other to receive, after a brief adaptation period, solely oranges (n = 6). The ewes were placed in an external enclosure and fed this diet for 2 months. At approximately 3‐week intervals, the ewes were subjected to thorough clinical and dermatological examination. Skin biopsies were obtained on two different occasions. All procedures were carried out under the guidelines of the local ethics committee. The sheep on the orange diet showed weight loss and a debilitated condition. However, during the study, no clinical or pathological signs of oral or systemic photodermatitis were observed. Funding: Self‐funded.     

"Nuage" in the Primordial Germ Cells of the Chick Embryo

The primordial germ cells (PGC) of the chick embryo in stage 4 of Hamburger /Hamilton (1951) have cytoplasmic formations similar in shape, texture, aggregation and relations with other cell components to the germinal plasm and “nuage” described in other species. The observation of this material in the earliest period of differentiation of PGC suggest that this substance plays an essential role in the determination of the germinal line in birds. The observation of “nuage” material in the PGC of the chick embryo adds evidence for this formation in germ cells.     

Quality parameters and adaptation of Muscidifurax raptorellus (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) against dipteran pests harmful to livestock and cultivated plants

Abstract

Muscidifurax raptorellus is a parasitoid wasp which is commonly used in the biological control of harmful dipterans in stables. In this study, the adaptation of M. raptorellus to different species of dipteran hosts—detrimental to both agriculture (Diptera: Tephritidae) and livestock (Diptera: Muscidae)—as well as several quality parameters of this commercial parasitoid was assessed under laboratory conditions. Our results showed a higherparasitism rate of M. raptorellus onmuscidthan ontephritid hosts and a significant effect of the natal host on M. raptorellus female longevity and fertility; however, despite this and the innate preference formuscid hosts, M. raptorellus showed similar fecundity, fertility and sex ratios when reared on pupae of Ceratitis capitata and on muscidpupae. Furthermore, both fertility and the sex ratio of commercially available M. raptorellus individuals showed values within an acceptable range of quality. Our results suggest that M. raptorellus could be recommended as a natural enemy in biological control programmes against dipteran pests harmful both to livestock and cultivated plants.     

Novel inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain: oximes and pyrrolines isolated from Penicillium brevicompactum and synthetic analogues

The capacity of inhibition of the mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain of brevioxime 5a, a natural insecticide compound isolated from Penicillium brevicompactum culture broth, and another 15 analogue compounds, other oximes 5b and 5c; two diastereomeric pyrrolidines 1c' and 1c' '; five pyrrolines 3c', 3c' ' (diastereomers between them), 3a, 3b, and 6; two oxazines 4c' and 4c' ' (also diastereomers between them); and four pyrrol derivatives 7-10, are analyzed in this paper. Compounds 3b, 3c', 3c' ', 4c', 4c' ', 5b, 5c, 6, and 10 were found to be inhibitors of the integrated electron transfer chain (NADH oxidase activity) in beef heart submitochondrial particles (SMP), establishing that all of them except compound 3b and 6 only affected to complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The most potent product was 5b, with an IC50 of 0.27 microM, similar to the IC50 values of other known complex I inhibitors. The diastereomeric pairs 1c'/1c' ', 3c'/3c' ', 4c'/4c' ', and 5c have not been previously described. Chemical characterization, on the basis of spectral data, is also shown.