Epidemiology of equine histoplasmosis (epizootic lymphangitis) in carthorses in Ethiopia

A study was conducted between January 2003 and June 2004 on 19,082 carthorses in 28 towns in Ethiopia to investigate the epidemiology of equine histoplasmosis (EH). Clinical and microscopic examinations were used and an overall prevalence of 18.8% (3579/19082) was recorded. Statistically significant (P<0.001) differences was observed in the average prevalence with high, medium, and low prevalence categories. The highest prevalence (39%) was recorded at Mojo while the lowest (0.0%) was recorded at five towns, namely, Agaro, Bokoji, Debre Berhan, Dinsho, and Sagure. The prevalence of EH was not associated (R=0.08, F=0.15, P=0.71) with the mean annual rainfall but was associated (R=0.64, F=11.5, P<0.01) with the average annual temperature. Statistically significant (R=0.57, F=12.34, P<0.01) association was observed between the altitude of the study towns and the prevalence of EH. Moreover, the number of cases of EH increased significantly (R=0.88, F=90.9, P<0.001) with the horse population in the towns. In general, EH was prevalent in hot and humid towns with an altitude ranging from 1500m above sea level (asl) to 2300masl but was nil or low in cold and in dry and windy towns. It was concluded that EH is prevalent in Ethiopia and warrants the initiation of a control strategy.     

Synchronising ovulation in dairy cows with either two treatments of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and one of prostaglandin, or two treatments of prostaglandin

OBJECTIVE: To compare oestrus synchronisation using two treatments of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and one of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PG) with a double prostaglandin synchronisation protocol under southern Australian conditions. DESIGN: A clinical trial. PROCEDURE: Eight hundred and forty, seasonally calving, lactating dairy cows within nine herds in the Tallangatta district of northeast Victoria were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups. The treatment (GnRH) group received gonadotropin-releasing hormone followed by prostaglandin F2 alpha and then a second treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone. These cows were inseminated at a fixed time after the second gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatment. Cows in the control (PG) group received two injections of prostaglandin F2 alpha, 14 days apart, and were inseminated according to detected oestrus. RESULTS: The effect of GnRH treatment on first service conception rate (CRS1) and 30 day pregnancy rate (PR30) varied between herd (P < 0.001 and P < 0.02, respectively). A significant difference in CRS1 between treatment (GnRH) and control (PG) groups existed in pooled data from eight of the nine herds (38.1% vs 65.9%, P < 0.001). A significant difference also existed in PR30 between treatment (GnRH) and control (PG) groups in pooled data from eight of the nine herds (64.1% vs 72.4%, P = 0.03). Pregnancy rates after 56 days of mating for both groups were not significantly different (79.8% vs 84.1%, P = 0.13 for treatment (GnRH) and control (PG) groups, respectively). Submission rates (proportion of cows submitted for insemination) for the treatment (GnRH) groups were 100%. There was significant variation in submission rates in the control (PG) groups. CONCLUSION: The GnRH protocol may be of benefit in herds where a poor response to the double prostaglandin program is anticipated. However, in the majority of herds in this trial, the double prostaglandin program achieved better results with fewer inseminations.     

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal product (P07P) for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of P07P, a product derived from a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, was undertaken in 50 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Owners recorded a daily itch score for 4-14 days before treatment and during treatment. Packets of powder containing P07P or placebo were added to the food once daily for 8 weeks. Dogs were assessed for erythema, surface damage, overall coat condition and seborrhoea by the same investigator, as well as for pruritus and general demeanour, at 0 (visit 2), 28 (visit 3) and 56 (visit 4) days of treatment or at withdrawal. Investigator and owner assessments of response were recorded after 28 and 56 days of treatment or at withdrawal. The predefined primary outcome measure was the owners' assessment of response at the end of treatment. Nine of the 24 dogs (37.5%) in the P07P group but only 3 of the 23 dogs (13%) in the placebo group were considered to have improved, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). There was a significantly higher withdrawal rate due to worsening of condition in the placebo group (P = 0.04). Mean daily itch score in the second 28-day period of the study was significantly higher than baseline in the placebo group (P = 0.01) but not in the P07P group (P = 0.30). Pruritus scores showed a significant deterioration from baseline at the final visit in the placebo group (P = 0.01) but not in the P07P group (P = 1.00). There was a significant difference between the groups in change from baseline in erythema score at visit 3 (P = 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in surface damage, seborrhoea, overall coat condition and general demeanour scores within or between the groups throughout the study. The product was well tolerated with no severe or serious adverse events recorded. P07P may be beneficial as a novel nonsteroidal therapy for the management of dogs with atopic dermatitis.     

Field trial on glucose-induced insulin and metabolite responses in Estonian Holstein and Estonian Red dairy cows in two herds

Background

Insulin secretion and tissue sensitivity to insulin is considered to be one of the factors controlling lipid metabolism post partum. The objective of this study was to compare glucose-induced blood insulin and metabolite responses in Estonian Holstein (EH, n = 14) and Estonian Red (ER, n = 14) cows.

Methods

The study was carried out using the glucose tolerance test (GTT) performed at 31 ± 1.9 days post partum during negative energy balance. Blood samples were obtained at -15, -5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min relative to infusion of 0.15 g/kg BW glucose and analysed for glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Applying the MIXED Procedure with the SAS System the basal concentration of cholesterol, and basal concentration and concentrations at post-infusion time points for other metabolites, area under the curve (AUC) for glucose and insulin, clearance rate (CR) for glucose, and maximum increase from basal concentration for glucose and insulin were compared between breeds.

Results

There was a breed effect on blood NEFA (P < 0.05) and a time effect on all metabolites concentration (P < 0.01). The following differences were observed in EH compared to ER: lower blood insulin concentration 5 min after glucose infusion (P < 0.05), higher glucose concentration 20 (P < 0.01) and 30 min (P < 0.05) after infusion, and higher NEFA concentration before (P < 0.01) and 5 min after infusion (P < 0.05). Blood TG concentration in ER remained stable, while in EH there was a decrease from the basal level to the 40^th min nadir (P < 0.01), followed by an increase to the 60^th min postinfusion (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results imply that glucose-induced changes in insulin concentration and metabolite responses to insulin differ between EH and ER dairy cows.     

Performance of finishing beef steers in response to anabolic implant and zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation

Our objectives were to evaluate the dose/payout pattern of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and estradiol-17β (E(2)) implants and feeding of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers. A randomized complete block design was used with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. British × Continental steers (n = 168; initial BW = 362 kg) were blocked by BW and allotted randomly to 42 pens (7 pens/treatment; 6 pens/block; 4 steers/pen). The main effects of treatment were implant [no implant (NI); Revalor-S (REV-S; 120 mg of TBA + 24 mg of E(2)); and Revalor-XS (REV-X; 200 mg of TBA + 40 mg of E(2))] and ZH (0 or 8.3 mg/kg of DM for 20 d with a 3-d withdrawal before slaughter). Blocks were split into 2 groups, and block groups were fed for either 153 or 174 d. No implant × ZH interactions were noted for cumulative performance data. Overall, shrunk final BW (567, 606, and 624 kg for NI, REV-S, and REV-X, respectively), ADG (1.25, 1.51, and 1.60 kg), and G:F (0.14, 0.16, and 0.17) increased (P < 0.05) as TBA and E(2) dose increased. Implanting increased (P < 0.05) DMI, but DMI did not differ (P > 0.10) between REV-S and REV-X (8.8 for NI vs. 9.4 kg/d for the 2 implants). From d 1 to 112 of the feeding period, implanting increased (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F, but REV-S and REV-X did not differ (P > 0.10). From d 112 to end, ADG increased by 19% (P < 0.05) and G:F was 18% greater (P < 0.05) for REV-X vs. REV-S. Carcass-adjusted final BW (29-kg difference), ADG (0.2-kg/d difference), and G:F (0.02 difference) were increased (P < 0.05) by ZH, but daily DMI was not affected by feeding ZH. Hot carcass weight was increased (P < 0.05) by ZH (19-kg difference) and implant, with REV-X resulting in the greatest response (HCW of 376 for NI vs. 404 and 419 kg for REV-S and REV-X, respectively; P < 0.05). An implant × ZH interaction (P = 0.05) occurred for dressing percent (DP). Without ZH, implanting increased DP, but DP did not differ (P > 0.10) between REV-X and REV-S. With ZH, REV-X increased (1.7%; P < 0.05) DP vs. NI and REV-S. Marbling score, 12th-rib fat, and KPH were not affected (P > 0.10) by implant or ZH. Overall, treatment increased steer performance and HCW in an additive fashion, suggesting different mechanisms of action for ZH and steroidal implants. In addition, a greater dose of TBA + E(2) and extended payout improved steer performance and HCW.     

Effect of feedlot management system on response to ractopamine-HCl in yearling steers

Two experiments evaluated the effects of conventional and natural feedlot management systems (MS) on ractopamine-HCl (RAC) response in yearling steers. Feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, skeletal muscle gene expression, and circulating IGF-I concentrations were measured. The conventional system included a combined trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant, Revalor-S (IMP), as well as monensin-tylosin feed additives (IA). Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial and included: 1) natural (NAT): no IMP-no IA, no RAC; 2) natural plus (NAT+): no IMP-no IA, RAC; 3) conventional (CON): IMP-IA, no RAC; and 4) conventional plus (CON+): IMP-IA, RAC. In Exp. 1, one hundred twenty crossbred steers (initial BW = 400 +/- 26 kg) were allotted randomly to treatment in a randomized complete block design (BW was blocking criteria); pen was the experimental unit. In Exp. 2, twenty-four individually fed crossbred steers (initial BW = 452 +/- 25 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design (BW was blocking criteria) and assigned to the same treatments as Exp. 1, with 6 steers/treatment. In Exp. 2, serum was harvested on d 0 and 31 and within the 28-d RAC feeding period, at d 0, 14, and 28. Longissimus biopsy samples were taken on d 0, 14, and 28 of the RAC feeding period for mRNA analysis of beta-adrenergic receptors and steady-state IGF-I mRNA. In Exp. 1, ADG, G:F, final BW, and HCW were greatest for CON+ (P < 0.01). During the final 37 d, RAC increased ADG (P = 0.05) and increased overall G:F (P = 0.02). Marbling score was reduced (P = 0.02), and yield grade was improved with RAC (P = 0.02), but RAC did not affect dressing percentage (P = 0.96) or HCW (P = 0.31). In Exp. 2, MS x RAC interactions were detected in ADG and G:F the last 28 d, overall ADG and overall G:F, final BW, and HCW (P < 0.01). Dressing percentage, yield grade, and marbling score were not altered by MS or RAC (P > 0.10). Circulating IGF-I concentration was increased on d 31 by the conventional MS, and concentration was greater throughout the study than NAT steers (P < 0.01). Circulating IGF-I concentrations were not changed by RAC (P = 0.49). Abundance of beta(1)-AR mRNA tended to increase (P = 0.09) with RAC, but RAC did not affect beta(2)-AR, beta(3)-AR, or IGF-I mRNA (P > 0.40). Management system did not affect beta(1)-AR, beta(2)-AR, beta(3)-AR, or IGF-I mRNA (P > 0.18), yet a trend (P = 0.06) for MS x RAC for beta(2)-AR mRNA was detected. These results indicate that response to RAC is affected by feedlot management practices.     

Correlated response in placental efficiency in swine selected for an index of components of lifter size

The objective of this study was to evaluate correlated response in placental efficiency to selection for components of litter size. Fourteen generations of selection had resulted in a difference between lines of three fully formed piglets at birth. Gilts from a line selected for an index of components of litter size (S, n = 33) and a randomly selected control (C, n = 27) were observed at farrowing. At delivery, the umbilical cord of each piglet was double tagged with identically numbered mouse ear tags to allow the piglet's weight to be matched to the corresponding placental weight. Litter size, placental weight, birth weight, and placental vascularity were recorded. Litter size was higher (12.0 +/- 0.7 vs 7.9 +/- 0.7) in S than in C (P < 0.001). Line differences in placental vascularity were not significant with or without adjustment for litter size (P = 0.45 and 0.39, respectively). Correlated response to selection for components of litter size resulted in a reduced birth weight (S 82.6% of C, P < 0.001) and a reduced placental weight (S 90.9% of C, P = 0.11). After adjusting for litter size, line differences in neither placental weight nor birth weight were significant (P = 0.40 and 0.07, respectively), which indicates that the reduction in birth weight was, for the most part, due to the increase in litter size. The result of the difference in the magnitude of the change for both weights was that placental efficiency, measured as the ratio of birth weight:placental weight was 0.43 higher in C (P = 0.05). Adjustment for litter size increased the difference in placental efficiency to 0.52 (P = 0.02). Since a significant difference in litter size favoring the selected line was observed, we hypothesize that this physiological response was achieved through mechanisms other than improved placental efficiency.     

Daily treatment of growing foals with equine somatotropin: pathologic and endocrinologic assessments at necropsy and residual effects in live animals

This experiment assessed the effects of 12 mo of daily treatment of young horses with recombinant equine somatotropin (eST) on 1) carcass and internal organ traits at necropsy and 2) residual effects in live horses for 60 d after cessation of treatment. Seven horses received eST daily at 20 microg/kg BW; seven others received vehicle (controls). Four horses from each group were killed at the end of treatment. There were few effects of eST treatment on hematologic assessments or histopathologic evaluations of internal organs. Treatment with eST increased the weights of the right adrenal gland (P = 0.090), left (P = 0.085) and right (P = 0.013) kidneys, liver (P = 0.012), tended to inrease the weights of pancreas (P = 0.082), spleen (P = 0.008), and heart (P = 0.102), and decreased (P = 0.032) somatotropin (ST) content in the adenohypophysis. Loin-eye area at the 10th rib was also greater (P = 0.01) in eST-treated horses than in controls. There was no difference (P > 0.15) between groups in left adrenal, brain, parathyroid glands, or thyroid gland weights or in 10th-rib fat thickness. In the remaining two control and three eST-treated horses (one control horse died), plasma IGF-I concentrations were higher (P = 0.001) in treated animals through d 6 after cessation of treatment and then dropped precipitously. Insulin concentrations in treated animals tended to be elevated (P = 0.08) only on d 0. There was a treatment x day interaction (P = 0.04) for plasma urea nitrogen levels, which increased in treated horses. A decrease (P < 0.05) in BW in the treated animals was observed by 21 d after treatment. There was no difference (P > 0.15) in insulin or glucose response to glucose tolerance tests given on d 0 through 60 after cessation of treatment. Overall ST response to secretagogue was reduced (P < 0.05) in eST-treated horses compared with controls. In summary, long-term treatment of growing horses with eST decreased endogenous ST response to secretagogue and increased plasma IGF-I concentrations and many internal organ weights but had little effect on hematologic or histopathologic characteristics at necropsy. The effects on IGF-I concentrations were lost within 6 d, and BW in treated horses decreased within 3 wk after cessation of treatment.     

能量水平对舍饲育肥牦牛生长性能、屠宰性能、瘤胃发酵参数和瘤胃微生物数量的影响

试验旨在探讨能量水平对舍饲育肥牦牛生长性能、屠宰性能、瘤胃发酵参数和瘤胃微生物数量的影响。选取体况良好、平均体重为（192.66±3.64）kg、3周龄左右的舍饲育肥麦洼公牦牛60头,采用单因素随机区组设计,分为3组,每组20个重复,每个重复1头牦牛。饲喂粗蛋白质（CP）水平为14.81%,增重净能（NE_g）分别为4.17（低能量组,LE）、4.48（中能量组,ME）、4.79（高能量组,HE） MJ/kg的3种日粮。预试期7 d,正试期90 d。结果显示,ME和HE组的平均日增重（ADG）分别为1 099.89和1 019.02 g/d,相对于LE组分别极显著提高了27.26%和17.90%（P < 0.01）,且两组的料重比（F/G）值有显著低于LE组的趋势（P=0.073）,而屠宰率有显著提高的趋势（P=0.092）,但各组的干物质采食量（DMI）和净肉率无显著差异（P > 0.05）;随着日粮能量水平的提高,牦牛瘤胃pH有显著降低的趋势（P=0.064）,且以ME组最低;日粮能量水平的提高,有显著影响瘤胃异丁酸浓度（P=0.063）和乙酸/丙酸（P=0.074）的趋势;ME组的总挥发性脂肪酸（TVFA）和乙酸浓度均显著高于其余两组（P < 0.05）,而戊酸浓度则随日粮能量水平的提高极显著升高（P < 0.01）。提高日粮能量水平有降低瘤胃黄色瘤胃球菌的相对含量的趋势（P=0.068）,但对白色瘤胃球菌和产琥珀酸丝状杆菌没有显著影响（P > 0.05）。在本试验条件下,舍饲育肥牦牛日粮中适宜的NE_g水平为4.48 MJ/kg（日粮DM）。     

Dose response in growth of pigs injected daily with porcine somatotropin from 57 to 103 kilograms

Exogenous administration of porcine somatotropin (PST) has been shown to promote growth in the pig; however, dose-response relationships and interactions with PST source and sex for animals taken to market weight have not been established clearly. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between dosage of pituitary-derived and recombinantly manufactured PST (pPST and rPST) and growth (ADG), structural soundness, gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) and average daily feed intake (ADF). Crossbred barrows (n = 113) and gilts (n = 97) were injected with either saline, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 or 9.0 mg/d of pPST or rPST from 57 +/- .3 to 103.5 +/- .7 kg live weight. Pigs were housed five per pen and had ad libitum access to an 18% crude protein diet for the duration of the experiment. Response curves for pPST and rPST did not differ (P greater than .20) for ADG, soundness score or ADF. Although regression coefficients for response of G/F to pPST and rPST differed (P = .05), pairwise comparisons of treatment means did not (P greater than .10). Response curves for barrows and gilts did not differ for ADG or soundness (P greater than .05). Averaged over PST source and sex, quadratic dose-responses were detected for ADG, G/F and ADF (P less than .01), but PST had no effect on soundness (P greater than .25). Exponential regression models best described the dose-response relationships, and 6.0 mg.pig-1.d-1 was predicted to result in 95% of maximal achievable response for days to 103.5 kg and G/F. At this dose, pigs were predicted to grow .15 kg/d (20%) faster during the treatment period, reach slaughter weight 11.6 d earlier, consume .56 kg/d (19%) less feed, and have a G/F .095 (36%) greater than controls.     

The effects of four acidifying sprays,vinegar, and water on canine cutaneous pH levels

This study determined the extent and duration of cutaneous acidification caused by a single application of four acidifying sprays, vinegar, and water. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the six sprays (F = 15.3; P < or = 0.001). Linear contrast tests showed that the effects of the acidifying sprays were significantly different from vinegar and water (F = 6.0; P < or = 0.001), and vinegar was significantly different from water (F = 13.8; P < or = 0.001). The acidifying sprays decreased cutaneous pH to < 6.0 for a mean range of 50 to 65 hours, while vinegar did so for a mean of 12 hours.     

地锦草水提物在IPEC-J2细胞中的抗炎与抗氧化作用

【目的】为了揭示地锦草(EH)在猪小肠上皮细胞(IPEC-J2)中的抗炎和抗氧化作用。【方法】利用不同浓度EH水提物(0、5、10、50、125、200μg/mL)处理IPEC-J2细胞12 h,通过CCK-8法检测IPEC-J2细胞活力,确定EH处理细胞的最佳浓度。将IPEC-J2细胞随机分为对照组(CT)、脂多糖(LPS)组(LPS)、EH+LPS组(ELP),每组3个重复。CT组细胞正常培养不做任何处理,LPS组细胞用5μg/mL LPS处理,ELP组细胞用5μg/mL LPS和最佳浓度EH共处理,各组细胞均处理12 h后,收集细胞和上清。利用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测细胞中白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、kelch样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白1(Keap1)、核因子E2相关因子(Nrf2)、血红素加氧酶1(HO-1)mRNA表达;ELISA法检测上清液中丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的含量,化学荧光法检测上清液中活性氧(ROS)水平。【结果】与0μg/mL EH组相比,5、50μg/mL EH组IPEC-J2细胞...     

Oral ketoprofen is effective in the treatment of non-infectious lameness in sows

The efficacy of ketoprofen in the treatment of non-infectious lameness in sows was examined in a double-blinded study. Two dose rates of oral ketoprofen were compared to placebo treatment over five consecutive days. Lameness was assessed with a five-grade scoring system prior to and on the last day of the treatment. The rate of treatment success was 54.3% for the ketoprofen 4mg/kg group (n=46), 53.2% for the ketoprofen 2mg/kg group (n=47) and 20.8% for the pigs in the placebo group (n=48). The difference between both ketoprofen groups and the placebo group was significant (P=0.001), but there was no difference between the two ketoprofen groups (P=0.78). Oral ketoprofen was well tolerated and no adverse events were observed. As lameness is a very common problem in sows, oral ketoprofen appeared to be a practical way to alleviate pain and improve the welfare of sows.     

Arterial thromboembolism in cats: acute crisis in 127 cases (1992-2001) and long-term management with low-dose aspirin in 24 cases

Records of 127 cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) were reviewed. Abyssinian, Birman, Ragdoll, and male cats were overrepresented. Tachypnea (91%), hypothermia (66%), and absent limb motor function (66%) were common. Of 90 cats with diagnostics performed, underlying diseases were hyperthyroidism (12), cardiomyopathy (dilated [8], unclassified [33], hypertrophic obstructive [5], hypertrophic [19]), neoplasia (6), other (4), and none (3). Common abnormalities were left atrial enlargement (93%), congestive heart failure (CHF, 44%), and arrhythmias (44%). Of cats without CHF, 89% were tachypneic. Common biochemical abnormalities were hyperglycemia, azotemia, and abnormally high serum concentrations of muscle enzymes. Of 87 cats treated for acute limb ATE, 39 (45%) survived to be discharged. Significant differences were found between survivors and nonsurvivors for temperature (P < .00001), heart rate (P = .038), serum phosphorus concentration (P = .024), motor function (P = .008), and number of limbs affected (P = .001). No significant difference was found between survivors and nonsurvivors when compared by age, respiratory rate, other biochemical analytes, or concurrent CHE A logistic regression model based on rectal temperature predicted a 50% probability of survival at 98.9 degrees F (37.2 degrees C). Median survival time (MST) for discharged cats was 117 days. Eleven cats had ATE recurrences, and 5 cats developed limb problems. Cats with CHF (MST: 77 days) had significantly shorter survival than cats without CHF (MST: 223 days; P = .016). No significant difference was found in survival or recurrence rate between cats receiving high-dose aspirin (> or = 40 mg/cat q72h) and cats receiving low-dose aspirin (5 mg/cat q72h). Adverse effects were less frequent and milder for the lower dosage.     

Effects of Energy Level on Growth Performance,Slaughter Performance,Ruminal Fermentation Parameters and Rumen Microorganisms Number in House-fed Yaks

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of energy level on growth performance,slaughter performance,ruminal fermentation parameters and the number of several rumen microorganisms in house-fed yaks. Single factor randomized block design was adopted in this study,and sixty healthy 3-year-old Maiwa yaks with an average body weight of (192.66±3.64) kg were randomly divided into 3 groups with 20 replicates per group and 1 yak per replicate. Diets for all groups had the same crude protein content (14.81%) and different net energy levels for gain (NE_g) with 4.17(LE),4.48(ME) and 4.79(HE) MJ/kg,respectively. The experiment was lasted for 97 days (7-day pretrial period and 90-day feeding trial). The results showed that compared with LE group,average daily gain (ADG) of ME (1 099.89 g/d) and HE (1 019.02 g/d) were increased by 27.26%(P < 0.01) and 17.90%(P < 0.01),respectively,the F/G trended to be significantly decreased (P=0.073) and slaughter rate trended to be significantly increased (P=0.092) than that of LE group. However,no significant difference was found on the dry matter intake (DMI) and net meat percentage among all treatment groups (P > 0.05).With the increase of diet energy level, pH in yak rumen tended to decrease significantly (P=0.064), and that of ME group was the lowest.The increase of diet energy level tended to significantly affect the isobutyric acid concentration (P=0.063) and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (P=0.074).Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and acetic acid concentration of ME group were significantly higher than the other two groups (P < 0.05),of which the valeric acid concentration was extremely significantly increased with the increase of the diet energy level (P < 0.01).Increasing dietary energy level had a trend to decrease the relative content of R.flavefaciens,but there was no significant effects on the relative content of R.albus and F.succinogenes (P > 0.05). In conclusion,we recommend 4.48 MJ/kg (DM basis) as a diet appropriate NE_g level for the barn feeding of fattening yak under this experimental condition.     

Neonatal piglet traits of importance for survival in crates and indoor pens

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate whether the same piglet traits contributed to the same causes of neonatal piglet mortality in crates (CT) and pens (PN). Gilts originating from 2 distinct genetic groups that differed in breeding value for piglet survival rate at d 5 (SR5) were used. These were distributed to farrow in either PN or CT as follows: high-SR5 and CT (n = 30); low-SR5 and CT (n = 27); high-SR5 and PN (n = 22); and low-SR5 and PN (n = 24). Data on individual piglets were collected at birth, including interbirth interval; birth order; birth weight; rectal temperature at birth, 2 h after birth, and 24 h after birth; cordal plasma lactate; and latency to first suckle. Based on autopsy, causes of mortality were divided into stillborn, bitten to death, starvation, crushed, disease, and other causes. Potential risk factors of dying were estimated using a GLM with a logit link function. No significant effect (NS) of housing was observed on the odds of a piglet being stillborn (F(1,73) = 0.1, NS), being crushed (F(1,53) = 1.4, NS), or dying of starvation (F(1,53) = 0.3, NS). No significant differences were observed between the 2 genetic groups for any category of mortality. Piglet traits for pre- and postnatal survival were the same for CT and PN. The odds of being stillborn were increased in piglets born late in the birth order (F(1,1061) = 33.5, P < 0.0001), after a long interbirth interval (F(1,1061) = 19.2, P < 0.0001), and with a lighter birth weight (F(1,1061) = 9.2, P = 0.003). The lighter the birth weight of the piglets, the greater were the odds of being crushed (F(1,1050) = 18, P < 0.0001) and dying of starvation (F(1,1050) = 19, P < 0.0001). The lower the rectal temperature 2 h after birth, the greater were the odds of being crushed (F(1,1050) = 4.6, P = 0.03), starving (F(1,1050) = 16.6, P < 0.0001), or dying of diseases (F(1,1050) = 4.9, P = 0.03). Increased cordal plasma lactate increased the odds of dying from starvation (F(1,1050) = 18, P < 0.0001). In both CT and PN, the birth weight, body temperature 2 h after birth, and birth process were important traits related to crushing, starvation, and disease. Neither housing nor breeding value influenced mortality or traits of importance for the inborn viability of piglets. The results emphasize that the microclimate in the PN for newborn piglets and its heat-preserving properties are more important for survival than whether the sow is crated or penned.     

A comparative efficacy trial between cefuroxime and cloxacillin as intramammary treatments for clinical mastitis in lactating cows on commercial dairy farms

AIMS: To assess the efficacy of a commercial intramammary preparation containing cefuroxime as a treatment for clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows. METHODS: Clinical mastitis cases (n=440) were identified during early to mid lactation on 36 seasonally-calving commercial dairy herds in south-western Victoria, Australia, that ranged in size from 140 to 550 cows. A milk sample for bacterial culture was collected from each affected quarter prior to treatment. Cases were treated using a commercial intramammary antibiotic product containing either 250 mg cefuroxime or 200 mg cloxacillin, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and the recommended milk with-holding period was observed. The assessment of clinical cure of each case was made by the farm owner/manager at the end of the milk with-holding period. Post-treatment milk samples were taken from clinically cured quarters at each of three consecutive milkings, commencing 7 days after the end of the milk with-holding period and submitted for bacterial culture. RESULTS: Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 252/416 (60.6%) pre-treatment milk samples submitted from eligible cases. Streptococcus uberis was the most frequent isolate, being cultured from 31.7% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 18.3% of pre-treatment samples, and Esherichia coli from 7.0%. The clinical cure rate for all eligible cases was 81.7%. There was no significant difference in clinical cure rates between cases treated with cefuroxime (186/225=82.7%) and cases treated with cloxacillin (154/191=80.6%). The trial had 80% power to detect a significant difference if the actual cure rates differed by at least 12.6%. There was a superior clinical response rate (p=0.04) for mastitis cases from which E. coli was isolated that were treated with cefuroxime (18/19=95%) compared with cloxacillin 6/10=60%), but case numbers were low (n=29). The overall bacteriological cure rate for the trial was 70% (69/98 cases assessed). There was no significant difference (p=0.27) in bacteriological cure rate between cases treated with cefuroxime (42/56=75%) and cases treated with cloxacillin (27/42=64%). CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrated that cefuroxime was an effective intramammary treatment for clinical mastitis and had similar clinical and bacteriological cure rates to cloxacillin, an accepted industry-standard product. Activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was demonstrated for cefuroxime which, along with the economic benefits of less discarded milk compared with other antibiotic preparations, indicated that cefuroxime is likely to be an appropriate intramammary antibiotic for the treatment of clinical mastitis in commercial dairy herds during early to mid lactation in Victoria, Australia.     

Use of progesterone in microspheres for maintenance of pregnancy in mares.

Administration of progesterone in poly(d-,l-lactide) microspheres was used to maintain pregnancy in mares after luteolysis was induced by treatment with prostaglandin F2 alpha at day 14 of pregnancy. Mares were given vehicle only (control, n = 6) or 0.75 g (n = 7), 1.5 g (n = 8), or 2.25 g (n = 5) of microencapsulated progesterone at days 12 and 22 of pregnancy. Serum progesterone concentrations were determined daily, and pregnancy was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography on alternate days. Significantly (P less than 0.05) more mares given 1.5 or 2.25 g of progesterone (6 of 8 and 4 of 5 mares, respectively), but not those given 0.75 g (3 of 7 mares), maintained pregnancy through day 32, compared with control mares (0 of 6). Progesterone concentrations decreased significantly (P less than 0.025) in all groups after administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha at day 14, and significant (P less than 0.05) effects of time and treatment on progesterone concentrations were found between days 12 and 22, and 22 and 32. Although treatment with 1.5-g and 2.25-g doses of microencapsulated progesterone improved maintenance of pregnancy, compared with that of vehicle-treated controls, administration of 2.25 g of microencapsulated progesterone appeared to be most efficacious in maintenance of pregnancy during the study interval.     

Multi-centre assessment of mycotic rhinosinusitis in dogs: a retrospective study of initial treatment success (1998 to 2008)

Objectives : To retrospectively review the first treatment response of dogs with mycotic rhinosinusitis to commonly utilised treatment techniques. Methods : Medical records of dogs treated for mycotic rhinosinusitis were obtained retrospectively via a manual review of the clinical databases of six veterinary referral centres for the period of January 1998 to June 2008, and first treatment outcome was evaluated. Historical and clinicopathological findings were also reviewed to evaluate their impact on treatment success or failure. Results : There was no significant difference in first treatment outcome between treatment groups (P=0·21). When all topical treatments were considered together (n=85), 39 dogs (45·8%) had a successful first treatment. Initial treatment success was associated with a younger age (56·3 versus 75·8 months; P=0·02) and was 2·7 times more likely in dogs with unilateral disease, although this was not significant (P=0·07). Adjunctive therapy with systemic antifungal agents was associated with treatment failure (PÄ0·01). Fifty-nine dogs (69·4%) responded successfully following multiple treatments. Clinical Significance : Treatment of mycotic rhinosinusitis remains challenging, and multiple treatments are frequently required for adequate treatment. Reasons for first treatment failure are likely multifactorial in origin, making it difficult to predict those dogs that are likely to have a superior prognosis, regardless of the treatment type used.     

大河乌猪血浆胆固醇脂转移蛋白基因多态性与 生产性能的相关性分析

试验应用PCR-RFLP技术对云南培育品种大河乌猪4代(F4)、5代(F5)和6代(F6))共334头个体的血浆胆固醇脂转移蛋白(cholesteryl ester transfer protein,CETP)基因内含子1436 bp进行扩增,用限制性内切酶AvaⅡ对其酶切可得到3种基因型:BB、Bb和bb,F4、F5、F6都以b等位基因为优势等位基因,其等位基因频率分别为0.5821、0.6042和0.6885。取不同基因型纯合子样品进行测序,共发现7个单核苷酸多态位点(SNPs),其有3个为转换,4个突变为颠换,多态位点分别位于19、69、132、175、203、224、234 bp处。应用最小二乘分析不同基因型和不同性别的基因型对生长性状(初生重、45日龄重、4月龄体重、6月龄体重、体高、体长、管围、背膘厚)的影响。结果显示,F4代Bb和bb基因型个体体长显著高于BB基因型(P＜0.05);bb基因型6月龄管围显著高于BB基因型(P＜0.05),与Bb基因型个体间差异不显著(P＞0.05);F5代Bb和bb基因型个体初生重显著高于BB基因型(P＜0.05),两者之间差异不显著(P＞0.05);F6代bb基因型个体初生重、45日龄重显著高于BB基因型(P＜0.05),与Bb基因型个体间差异不显著(P＞0.05);其余性状不同基因型间无显著差异(P＞0.05)。另外,bb基因型雄性和雌性个体在初生重都存在显著差异(P＜0.05)。研究结果提示,CETP基因对猪生长性状(特别是初生重)存在一定影响;选择带有b等位基因的个体有望提高猪体质量相关的生长性状,该SNP可能是改良猪生长速度性状的重要分子标记位点。