bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTENSIVE BEEF PRODUCTION FROM SORGHUM GRAIN The Effects of Quality of Roughage, Supplementation with Tallow and Minerals and Level of Dietary Nitrogen
Authors: Gartner R. J. W. , O'Rourke P. K.
Published: March 2008

A 23 factorial design was used to examine the following treatments on the finishing of steers fed diets of 90% sorghum grain and 10% roughage: cottonseed hulls v. lucerne as the roughage component; nil v. 3% tallow; free‐choice supplements of (a) sodium chloride, (b) 50/50 mixture of sodium chloride and rock phosphate, and (c) soil; a decrease in the crude protein level of the diet from 14 to 11% after body weight exceeded 350 kg.

Nine groups, each of 10 Shorthorn steers aged between 12 and 15 months, of an initial mean shrunk liveweight of 215.8 ± SE 0.35 kg were used. Individual steers were slaughtered either at 390 kg liveweight or after 177 days.

The mean growth rate was significantly higher in steers receiving cottonseed hulls than in those fed lucerne (1.27 v. 1.13 kg/day) and was significantly higher in those receiving tallow treatments than in those without tallow (1.28 v. 1.12 kg/day). Steers receiving 14% crude protein throughout showed an increased rate of carcase weight gain of 0.059 kg/day compared with steers receiving 11% from 350 kg body weight. The supplements had no effect on performance.

The overall mean carcase weight gain and dressing percentage were 0.68 kg/day and 59.0%, respectively.

Feed conversion (dry matter) was lower in steers receiving tallow than in those not receiving tallow (5.3 v. 6.3).

Steers fed lucerne exhibited intermittent mild to moderate bloat which did not require treatment.
REGULATORY VETERINARY MEDICINE IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT*
Authors: MULHERN F. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY There is an increasing need for the veterinary profession to meet the new challenges brought about by increased and intensified livestock production. These challenges consist of control and eradication of diseases, the humane treatment of animals and the prevention of transmission of disease from animals or animal products to man.
EUMYCOTIC MYCETOMA DUE TODRECHSLERA ROSTRATAINFECTION IN A COW
Authors: PRITCHARD D. , CHICK B. F. , CONNOLE M. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA case of eumycotic mycetoma with lesions in the skin, nasal cavity and lymph nodes of a cow is reported. The case history, clinical course, macroscopic and microscopic appearance of lesions, and fungal isolation are described.Drechslera rostratawas isolated from pathological tissue and Koch's postulates were satisfied on mouse inoculation. This is the first infection of its type recorded in Australia and features contrasting with cases reported in other countries are discussed.
INFERTILITY IN THE HORSE ASSOCIATED WITH CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES
Authors: Hughes J. P. , Rommershausen‐Smith, A.T
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Reproductive failure was studied in 12 phenotypically normal mares (9 Arabian, 3 Quarter horses, 1 Appaloosa and 1 pony). Karyotyping was performed using lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient procedures, followed by standard culture methods for karyotyping. Nine mares had karyotypes of 63,XO; 1 had 63,XO/64,XX; 1 had 63,XO/64,XY and 1 had 64,XY. All mares had small, firm ovaries that when removed and examined from 4 mares, lacked germ cells and consisted of undifferentiated ovarian stroma.
RENAL COCCIDIOSIS OF THE HORSE ASSOCIATED WITH KLOSSIELLA EQUI
Authors: Lee C. G. , RossB.V.Sc. A. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Klossiella equi in the kidney of a horse is described. Gametocytic and sporogonic stages were observed in the epithelium of the collecting tubules in association with schizonts in the glomeruli and proximal convoluted tubules. The condition was asymptomatic and caused only minor renal damage and inflammation.
PERCUTANEOUS CARDIAC PUNCTURE IN DOMESTIC PIGS
Authors: Calvert, G. D. , Scott, P. J. , Sharpe, D. N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Blood sampling by percutaneous cardiac puncture was carried put in 69 domestic pigs. The procedure was shown to be safe and to produce reproducible data. The technique can be carried out without anaesthesia. Repeated sampling is possible over minutes, hours or days, and a wide range of sample volumes can be achieved by this technique.
THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE AND AN ANTI‐OESTROGEN ON HYPERTROPHY OF BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS OF WETHERS GRAZING OESTROGENIC PASTURES
Authors: Chamley W. A. , Findlay J. K. , Nairns M. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Testosterone implants (70 mg), but not an oral anti‐oestrogen, prevented hypertrophy of the bulbourethral glands of wethers grazing oestrogenic pastures for 16 weeks.
AN OUTBREAK OF ANAL FIBROPAPILLOMATOSIS IN COWS FOLLOWING RECTAL EXAMINATIONS
Authors: Tweddle N. E. , White W. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of fibropapillomatosis following rectal examination for pregnancy and involving the anus and to a lesser extent the rectum in a herd of beef heifers in western Victoria is described.

Almost half the herd were involved at one time; most lesions regressed within the following 16 weeks. Lesions varied from 0.2 mm diameter polyps up to large multiple lesions up to 7 times 5 × 2 cm with a broad base.

The presence of lesions did not affect the body condition or health of the animals.
NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION OF HORSES
Authors: Farrell R. K. , Hilbert B. J.
Published: March 2008

Methods of equine identification including signalment, blood typlng, tattooing and freeze marking are discussed. A new system of individually identifying horses with an unalterable freeze mark is proposed. Unalterable numerical and alphabetical symbols have been developed to apply a registration number to the animal.
THE EFFECT OF DERMALLY APPLIED LEVAMISOLE AGAINST THE PARASITIC NEMATODES OF CATTLE
Authors: Curr C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A series of trials to establish the anthelmintic efficiency of levamisole, when applied dermally to calves, is described. The levamisole base was formulated in a suitable solvent system at 100 g/ and applied dermally at a dose rate of 8 mg base/kg. This gave efficiencies of 97.1–100%, 88.5–100%, 100%, 98.7–100% and 89.2–100% against adult Haemonchus placei, Ostertagia spp, Cooperia spp, Oesophagostomum radiatum and Trichostrongylus axei, respectively. Activity against the immature stages of H. placei was recorded as 100%, and against immature Cooperia spp the range was 96.3–100%. Extremely variable results were obtained against immature Ostertagia spp, efficiency ranging from 0% to 100%. Efficiency against adult Dictyocaulus viviparus was in the range of 84–100%. The potential advantage of a dermally applied anthelmintic is discussed.
PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS IN THE SOW BY RECTAL EXAMINATION
Authors: Cameron R. D. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A detailed description is given of the reproductive tract of the sow as felt by rectal examination. Rectal examination was found to have a 94.3% accuracy in determining pregnancy when carried out between 30 and 60 days gestation. Rectal examination was also found to be a sultable method of detecting the onset of oestrus in the sow. The advantages of using rectal examination as a routine procedure to determine pregnancy in commercial sow herds are presented.
SYNCHRONISATION OF OESTRUS IN BEEF CATTLE ARTIFICIAL BREEDING PROGRAMS USING PROSTAGLANDIN F2α
Authors: DONALDSON L. E.
Published: March 2008

PGF2α either as a subcutaneous injection (8 or 10 mg) or intrauterine infusion (dose 5 mg) successfully synchronised oestrus in beef cattle AI programs. The beef cattle programs were managed by 1 of the following 2 systems.

Two 10‐day insemination periods, 1 for the first and the second for the repeat inseminations. Oestrus was detected and oestrus cows inseminated for the first 4 days of the first period. On the fifth day all cows not inseminated were treated with PGF2α. The treated cattle came into oestrus and were inseminated over the following 2 to 5 days.

Two PGF2α treatments 10 days apart followed by two 4‐day insemination periods. During the first 4‐day period, cows exhibiting synchronised oestrus were inseminated. Cows returning to oestrus were inseminated during the second 4‐day period, about 18 days after the first period.

Synchronisation of oestrus was not sharp, oestrus being distributed over 7 days, with the majority of cows being in oestrus on the third (42.3%) and fourth (22.4%) days. The route of administration of PGF2α (injection or infusion) did not effect oestrus synchronisation. PGF2α by either route of administration did not effect the fertility of cows inseminated at either the synchronised or subsequent oestrus.

Pregnancy rates at the synchronised oestrus were higher when cows were inseminated after detection of oestrus than when they were inseminated without reference to oestrus at a fixed time 3 days after PGF2α treatment (mass injection).

Oestrus synchronisation greatly reduced the input of time, labour and feed required during the total program. However, oestrus synchronisation did not alter the overall efficiency of artificial breeding programs measured in terms of the proportion of cattle entering a program that were inseminated and became pregnant.

The main problem encountered was drug wastage through unknowingly treating cows and heifers that were not cycling.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF HERPES VIRUS FROM TURKEYS
Authors: Prasad L. B. M. , Spradbrow P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Turkey herpesvirus (HVT) was isolated from the kidneys of 6 of 8 turkey poults from two flocks. The isolates were identified by syncytial‐type of cytopathology, inhibition of plaque formation by 5‐bromodeoxyuridine, formation of Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions in cell cultures, and presence of herpes‐type virions in negatively stained preparations and thin sections of infected cell cultures. One of these isolates inoculated into chickens proved apathogenic over an observation period of 10 weeks.

Indirect immunofluorescence and serum neutralisation tests revealed serological relationship between these isolates and the strain NSW 1/70 of HVT. Staining of HVT‐infected cell culture by Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) antiserum showed intranuclear fluorescence but attempts to prepare HVT precipitating antigen or to demonstrate cross‐precipitation between HVT and MDHV were unsuccessful.
THE ANTHELMINTIC EFFICACY OF NON‐BENZIMIDAZOLE ANTHELMINTICS AGAINST BENZIMIDAZOLE RESISTANT STRAINS OF HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS AND TRICHOSTRONGYLUS COLUBRIFORMIS IN SHEEP
Authors: Campbell N. J. , Hall C. A. , Kelly J. D. , Martin I. C. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The anthelmintic efficacy of 6 non‐benzimidazole compounds and thiabendazole against standardised, benzimidazole resistant strains of H. contortus and T. colubriformis in sheep was determined using a controlled test. All compounds were administered intraruminally at their recommended therapeutic dose rates and 4 of the compounds were also assessed at half their recommended therapeutic dose rates.

Levimisole at a dose of 6.4 mg/kg body weight, morantl at 4.4 ***mq/kq and 8.8 ***mq/kq. naphthalophos at 6.25 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg, rafoxanide at 7.5 mg/kg and phenothiazine at 530 mg/kg were 98% or more effective in removing adult infections of benzimidazole resistant H. contortus. Rafoxanide at 3.75 mg/kg, phenothiazine at 265 mg/kg and carbon tetrachloride at 0.25 ml/kg were less effective, removing 80%, 73% and 72% respectively of the ben‐zimidazole resistant H. contortus worm burdens.

Against the benzimidazole resistant T. colubriformis levamisole at 6.4 mg/kg, and morantel at 4.4 mg/kg and 8.8 mg/kg removed 99%, 68% and 86% respectively of the adult infections. All other anthelmintics had little or no efficacy at the dose rates tested. Thiaben‐dazole at 44 mg/kg had no significant effect against these strains of H. contortus and T. colubriformis.

Several non‐benzimidazole anthelmintics have shown high efficacy in this experiment and should be suitable for treating infections with benzimidazole resistant H. contortus. Of the anthelmintics tested, only levamisole and morantel show high efficacy against benzimidazole resistant T. colubriformis.
LAPAROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACTS OF GILTS USING A SPECIAL CRATE
Authors: Paterson A. M. , Oldham C. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A crate for restraining gilts for routine laparoscopic examination of the reproductive tract is described, together with the techniques employed in anaesthesia and laparoscopy. The procedure is efficient, allowing two operators to examine 4–5 gilts per hour.
THE EFFICIENCY OF CYPERMETHRIN (NRDC 149) FOR THE TREATMENT AND ERADICATION OF THE SHEEP LOUSE DAMALINIA OVIS
Authors: Hall C. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A synthetic pyrethroid, cypermethrin (NRDC 149), showed activity in killing lice (Damalinia ovis) in the fleece of sheep at concentrations as low as 1 ppm in a dip. In addition concentrations of 5 and 10 ppm showed a persistent effect and prevented reinfestation from contact challenge sheep for 7 and 19 weeks respectively.
BOVINE ONCHOCERCIASIS: ASPECTS OF CARCASE INFECTION
Authors: Ottley M. L. , Moorhouse D. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The distribution of the three known species of Onchocerca in Australian cattle is described. O. gutturosa was found in the ligamentum nuchae, on the scapular cartilage and in the hip, stifle and shoulder regions. Nodules of O. gibsoni were found in the brisket***, stifle and hip regions, while O. lienalis occurred along the gastrosplenic ligament and above the xiphisternum. O. gutturosa is potentially the most important species to the meat industry since it is widely distributed in the carcase and is easily missed during inspection. Trimming procedures which could be used to ensure removal of known sites of infection are outlined.
REVERSE PHASE PASSIVE HAEMAGGLUTINATION AND SINGLE RADIAL IMMUNODIFFUSION TO DETECT EPSILON ANTIGEN OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS TYPE D
Authors: BEH K. J. , Buttery S.H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two in vitro immunological assays were developed for detection of the epsilon (∈) antigen of Cl. perfringens type D. It was found that the reverse phase passive haemagglutination assay (RPHA) was able to detect concentrations of ∈‐antigen as low as 6 times 10‐7 mg/ml whereas the single radial immunodiffusion technique (SRID) was capable of detecting concentrations of ∈‐antigen above 0.01 mg/ml.

When applied to gut contents from freshly dead infected sheep the RPHA test was found to be more sensitive than the mouse toxicity assay in detecting the presence of ∈‐antigen. However, very low titres were detected in gut contents from normal sheep which meant that in a diagnostic situation interpretation of RPHA titres would be difficult.

No ∈‐antigen was detected by SRID in gut contents from normal sheep or in gut contents from freshly dead infected sheep. The SRID assay could detect ∈‐antigen in gut contents from infected sheep allowed to decompose for 20 h post‐mortem.
BLOOD GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN HORSES IN RELATION TO MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AND SELENIUM NUTRITION
Authors: Caple I. W. , Edwards S. J. A. , Forsyth W. M. , Whiteley Pam , Selth R. H. , Fulton L. J.
Published: March 2008

The activity of glutathione peroxidase, a selenium containing enzyme, was measured in the blood of horses to determine its usefulness as an indicator of selenium status. In 15 horses the enzyme activity was positively related to the blood selenium concentration (P<.001, r ‐ 0.98) over the range of enzyme activities of 8.2 to 140 units (μmoles NADP‐oxidised/min/gHb) and selenium concentrations of 0.24 to 2.74 μmol/k1.

In a group of 8 horses which 2 foals had died with lesions of muscular dystrophy the enzyme activity increased from a mean of 11.8 units before treatment with selenium to 34.5 units after 2 intravenous injections of sodium selenite given one month apart. Another group of 8 horses grazing paddocks adjacent to this affected group did not receive any selenium treatment and had a mean enzyme activity of 11.9 units.

Blood glutathione peroxidase activity was measured in 50 pasture‐fed horses and 180 stallfed horses. The range of activities found (7 to 158 units) indicated that selenium intake in horses varied widely between localities. All pasture‐fed horses grazing areas where muscular dystrophy had occurred in foals had low activities (less than 20 units). In stall‐fed horses the enzyme activity was influenced by selenium treatment, and horses which had been treated usually had higher activities than horses in the same stable with no history of selenium treatment. It was concluded that blood glutathione peroxidase is a suitable indicator of selenium status in horses.
HAEMOLYTIC DISEASE IN NEW BORN CALVES
Authors: Dowsett K. F. , Dimmock Corinne K. , Hill M. W. M.
Published: March 2008

Neonatal haemolytic disease was diagnosed in a Bos indicus cross bred beef herd in south‐east Queensland. The evidence suggested that this was due to B. argentina vaccination for babesiosis while non‐pregnant or less than one month pregnant. The cows received 5 or 6 vaccinations during their breeding life, which indicated that antibody levels can persist for long periods. The autopsy, histopathological and haematological findings indicated that the mechanism was disseminated intra‐vascular coagulation which occurred in calves dying within 24 hours of birth. This resulted in fibrin deposition in pulmonary capillaries and severe pulmonary oedema.
THE PATHOGENESIS OF INFECTIOUS AVIAN ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
Authors: Westbury H. A. , Sinkovic B.
Published: March 2008

The age of the chicken at the time of infection with infectious avian encephalomyelitis virus (IAEV) and the route of the administration of the virus had a marked effect on the development of the clinical disease. Chickens given the virus by intramuscular, intraperitoneal and oral routes exhibited a decreased susceptibility to development of clinical disease with increasing age. Irrespective of age, chickens were consistently susceptible to intracerebral inoculation of IAEV.

Chickens infected with the virus at 1‐, 7‐ and 14‐days of age developed lower neutralising antibody titres to IAEV than chickens infected at 21 and 28 days. A relationship between the ability to produce specific neutralising antibody to IAEV and susceptibility to the development of clinical disease is discussed.
THE PATHOGENESIS OF INFECTIOUS AVIAN ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
Authors: Westbury H. A. , Sinkovic B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An association was demonstrated between the development of clinical infectious avian encephalomyelitis (IAE), the persistence and titre of infectious avian encephalomyelitis virus (IAEV) in the brain of the chicken, the duration of detectable viraemia and the age of the chicken at the time of infection with the virus. The older the chicken at the time of infection the milder the disease, the lower the virus titre in the brain and the shorter the period of viraemia. IAEV serum neutralising antibody was produced earlier after infection in older chickens, and its detection was associated with decreasing virus litres in the brain and the cessation of detectable viraemia.

Treatment of chickens with testosterone in ova, to inhibit the development of antibody synthesis, prevented the onset of age‐associated resistance and testosterone treated birds were as susceptible to clinical IAE as baby chickens.

The results suggested that the ability to produce IAEV serum neutralising antibody was an important component of age‐associated resistance to IAE.
METABOLIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ‘DOWNER’ CONDITION IN DAIRY COWS AT ABATTOIRS
Authors: Warnock J. P. , Caple I. W. , Halpin C. G. , McQueen C. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Culled dairy cows were studied during starvation prior to slaughter to determine the metabolic changes related to the development of the ‘downer’ condition. Of 200 apparently normal cows, 23% had hypocalcaemia, 33.5% had hypomagnesemia and 12.5% had both on arrival at the abattoir. Cows which became ‘downers’ had significantly lower serum calcium concentrations, were in better body condition, were at a later stage of pregnancy, and their carcases had a significantly higher ultimate pH of M. longissimus dorsi than ambulant cows.

In cows more than 6 months pregnant serum calcium concentration decreased markedly during the 2 days after arrival at the abattoir, but then increased and was similar to that of non‐pregnant cows and cows less than 6 months pregnant after 3 days. Some cows were unable to make this adjustment and usually became ‘downers’ within 3 days of arrival at the abattoir. Measurements of the ultimate pH of samples of M. longissimus dorsi of carcases of cows starved for 7 days before slaughter showed that cows more than 6 months pregnant had significantly higher values than non‐pregnant cows.

It was concluded that the metabolic changes could be minimised and the incidence of ‘downers’ reduced by avoiding prolonged periods of starvation. Losses may be reduced by preferential slaughter of cows late in pregnancy, and by parenteral treatment of affected cows in the initial stages of the ‘downer’ condition.
THE EFFECT OF ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT OF MAIDEN EWES IN THE PERIPARTURIENT PERIOD ON PASTURE CONTAMINATION AND PRODUCTION OF PRIME LAMBS
Authors: Darvill F. M. , Arundel J. H. , Brown P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A replicated experiment using first cross Border Leicester/Merino maiden ewes set stocked at the rate of 9.9 per hectare was conducted to examine the effects of treatment of the ewes in the periparturient period (PPP) and treatment of lambs at about 12 weeks of age on the production of prime lambs. All treatments given were thiabendazole.

Four groups each of 100 ewes (4 replicates × 25) were treated either pre‐lambing, 2 weeks before lambing commenced and again post‐lambing, 8 weeks later when lambing was almost complete (DD), pre‐lambing only (DO), post‐lambing only (OD) or not treated during the lambing period (OO). Lambing commenced 24 July 1972 with the bulk of lambing (98%) occuring within the first 4 weeks of a 6 weeks lambing period.

The effectiveness of the drenching regimes was judged by observing bodyweight gains per day during four overlapping intervals between birth and 18 weeks of age. The bodyweight gain of lambs up to 18 weeks and the number of lambs exceeding a target weight of 33 kg at 18 weeks of age were considered to be critical measurements of production efficiency. Significant bodyweight differences were observed within 30 days from birth, favouring DD and DO over OD and OO lambs (p < 0.01). These differences continued until 12 weeks of age at a reduced level of significance (p < 0.05). By 18 weeks of age the results favoured DD over DO (p <0.05) over both OD and OO lambs (p < 0.05). Further differences were created by the treatment of lambs at 12 weeks of age (p < 0.01). At no time during the entire experiment were any significant differences observed between OD and OO lambs.

The periparturient rise (PPR) in faecal nematode egg output was monitored throughout the experiment. Anthelmintic treatment of the ewes in the PPP did not eliminate the PPR but did affect the onset, magnitude and duration of the PPR which was either delayed by the prelambing treatment or truncated by the post‐lambing treatment; treatments both before and after lambing delayed and depressed the PPR and reduced total pasture contamination by 29%.

An effect on bodyweight of ewes was also observed with ewes being treated pre‐lambing (Groups DD, DO) being significantly heavier at 18 weeks post‐lambing than OD and OO ewes (p < 0.05).

The observed effects on lamb production have been attributed in the main to an apparent, though not specifically measured, effect on lactation in those ewes being treated pre‐lambing. The effect of delayed (Groups DD, DO) and/or reduced (Group DD) pasture contamination was considered to be additive to the earlier lactation response. Treatment of lambs at 12 weeks did not obscure these responses.
A PHONOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF EQUINE HEART SOUNDS
Authors: Vanselow B. , McCarthy M. , Gay C. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The occurrence and timing of heart sounds were examined from phonocardiograms taken from the mitral, aortic and tricupsid recording areas in each of 18 horses. 10 sound events could be identified with each cardiac cycle. Atrial contraction produced up to 3 sound events. The first heart sound consisted of 4 components whereas the second sound was single. Two sound events were associated with the 3rd heart sound in early diastole. The occurrence of third and fourth heart sound components varied between horses and between recording areas. The mitral recording area was considered most satisfactory for routine phonocardiographic studies in horses.
OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS IN THE DOG
Authors: Robins G. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The diagnosis, aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment of osteochondritis dissecana in the shoulder, elbow, stifle and hock joints of the dog is reviewed. A technique of surgically exploring the shoulder joint with minimal exposure is described. Recommendations for preventing the development of osteochondritis dissecans are made.
A CELL CULTURE VACCINE AGAINST BOVINE EPHEMERAL FEVER
Authors: Tzipori S. , Spradbrow P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A vaccine was prepared from cell culture fluids harvested from the twelfth passage of the 919 strain of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) virus in Vero cell cultures. Cattle were vaccinated subcutaneously with various combinations of strain 919 virus and adjuvants. Neutralising antibodies were assayed at various times after vaccination and some cattle were challenged by intravenous inoculation with the virulent 417WBC strain of BEF virus.

Strain 919 virus of the third and twelfth passage levels in Vero cells produced neither fever, clinical illness nor detectable viraemia in 5 calves inoculated intravenously. Nor could viraemia be detected in 5 heifers receiving vaccine subcutaneously.

When the vaccine was administered mixed with aluminium hydroxide adjuvant, the production of neutralising antibodies increased with an increase in the volume of vaccine from 2.5 ml to 10 ml and the response to 2 injections was significantly better than the response to a single injection. The neutralising antibody response was decreased when vaccine was diluted in phosphate buffered saline.

The neutralising antibody response following 2 subcutaneous vaccinations with strain 919 virus mixed with aluminium hydroxide adjuvant was higher than that following intravenous inoculation with virulent virus. The vaccine‐induced antibodies persisted for at least 12 months, and revaccination at this time led to an increase in the titre of neutralising antibody.

Antibodies induced by a single subcutaneous administration of strain 919 virus mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant persisted for at least 40 weeks; those induced by vaccine containing Freund's incomplete adjuvant had virtually disappeared within 16 weeks. All these calves responded to vaccination with aluminium hydroxide‐containing vaccine with increases in levels of neutralising antibodies.

Of 26 vaccinated calves challenged with virulent BEF virus, 24 remained clinically normal. Two developed brief periods of pyrexia on the seventh day after challenge, but no other clinical signs. One of these calves had a viraemia that was demonstrated only by intravenous inoculation of a susceptible calf. The remaining calf had no detectable viraemia. All of 7 unvaccinated calves developed severe clinical BEF within 5 days of challenge.

No disease attributable to the 919 virus occurred in 24 vaccinated pregnant heifers or their newborn calves.
BREED DIFFERENCES IN THE RESPONSE OF YOUNG BEEF BULLS TO ELECTRO‐EJACULATION
Authors: Chenoweth P. J. , Osborne H. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 702 electro‐ejaculation attempts are recorded on young (16 to 31 months) beef bulls of 3 breeds and 3 breed crosses (Brahman cross 100, Africander cross 93, Shorthorn cross 109, Brahman 81, Africander 89, and Hereford 230. Four hundred and forty of these attempts were conducted on bulls of the first 5 of these breeds which had been reared under similar conditions on the same property. The machine employed was a Watson Transtimulator, powered by a 12‐volt automobile battery, and connected to a 6.25 cm diameter bipolar ring electrode probe, 37.5 cm in length.

The voltages at which the sperm free (sample A) and sperm rich (sample B) samples were initiated were 4.8 ± .2 and 7.7 ± .2 volts respectively. No breed differences occurred. Breed differences occurred in the proportion of bulls showing a severe reaction to the electricity (P < 0.001) with the Africander (32.6% P < 0.001) and Ax (28.0% P < 0.01) having the highest proportions of severe reactions. These 2 breed groups also had the highest proportions of electro‐ejaculation failures (respectively, 23.6% P < 0.05 and 19.4% n.s.). Overall, bulls of Bos indicus derivation did not differ from those of Bos taurus derivation in electro‐ejaculation failures.

During stimulation, erection was achieved by 19.8% of bulls and failure to collect an assessable ejaculate occurred in 15%. No breed differences occurred in either category. Collapse during stimulation occurred in 5.3% of electro‐ejaculation attempts (overall P < 0.05) with the SH breed group having highest representation (12.8% P < 0.001).
GRANULOMATOUS AND NEOPLASTIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN OF HORSES
Authors: Murray Denise R. , Ladds P. W. , Campbell R. S. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Lesions encountered in a clinicopathological study of cutaneous lesions resembling ‘swamp cancer’ from horses in North Queensland included 37 cases of subcutaneous phycomycosis, 5 of which were also infected with Habronema sp larvae. In addition 9 cases of primary cutaneous habronemiasis, 58 sarcoids, 12 fibromas, 8 fibrosarcomas, 10 squamous cell carcinomas, 4 haemangiomas, 3 melanomas, 1 papilloma, 1 palpebral adenocarcinoma and 7 cases of simple granulation were diagnosed.

Subcutaneous phycomycosis resulted in the most extensive lesions. These were rapidly growing and provided the poorest prognosis of all conditions studied. The incidence of phycomycosis in north Queensland was high in comparison to more temperate areas and appeared to be related to the wetter seasons. Young horses were more commonly affected.

A fungus isolated from 3 phycomycotic lesions was tentatively identified as Hyphomyces destruens as no sporulation was observed.
THE EFFECT OF ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT AND OTHER MANAGEMENT FACTORS ON THE INCIDENCE OF BREECH STRIKE IN MERINO SHEEP
Authors: Watts J. E. , Dash K. M. , Lisle K. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Repeated scouring and soiling of the breech region with faeces rendered mulesed, Merino sheep susceptible to breech strike. Anthelmintic treatment of ewes before and after lambing and of lambs 6 to 8 weeks old reduced intestinal trichostrongylosis, scouring and consequent breech strike. Wether lambs tended to be more susceptible than ewe lambs and sheep grazing long pastures were struck more frequently than those on short pastures.
INHERITED PYRUVATE KINASE DEFICIENCY AND NORMAL HAEMATOLOGIC VALUES IN AUSTRALIAN BASENJI DOGS
Authors: Hogg G. G. , Horton B. J. , Brown Helen
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY We have carried out a survey to determine the prevalence of carriers of pyruvate kinase deficiency haemolytic anaemia in Basenjis in Victoria. Of 186 dogs tested, 20 were found to be carriers for pyruvate kinase deficiency, a prevalence similar to that reported overseas. Of the 20 carriers found, 17 were born in Australia and were traced directly to 1 of the 3 imported carriers. Despite the relatively high frequency of carriers, no mating of 2 carriers has yet been detected and no dogs with haemolytic anaemia have been observed. The inheritance of the pyruvate kinase deficiency has been traced through up to 5 generations of dogs in Australia and is consistent with co‐dominance for pyruvate kinase activity and with an autosomal recessive gene for haemolytic anemia.
EVALUATION OF TESTS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF LEAD EXPOSURE IN SHEEP
Authors: Rolton Christine E. , Horton B. J. , Pass D. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Several laboratory tests that are currently used for the diagnosis of lead poisoning in man were evaluated for the detection of lead poisoning in sheep given 3 or 10 mg Pb/kg body weight/day for 7 weeks. Urinary porphyrins and basophilic stippling of erythrocytes were not sensitive indicators of lead poisoning in sheep, while urinary lead and urinary ∂‐aminolevulinic acid concentrations were too variable to have diagnostic value. However, erythrocyte ∂‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase was strongly inhibited by exposure to relatively low doses of lead, while blood lead concentrations gave an indication of the level of exposure to lead poisoning.
GUTTURAL POUCH MYCOSIS IN TWO HORSES
Authors: Rawlinson R. J. , Jones R. T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The history and clinical findings of 2 horses with guttural pouch mycosis referred to us are described.

The salient features of the history and clinical signs common to both cases were profuse spontaneous nasal haemorrhage, partial pharyngeal paralysis; subsequently bilateral nasal discharge containing food material, inability to drink and parotid pain became evident.

One case made a gradual recovery with conservative medical treatment while the second case was destroyed and submitted for post‐mortem, histopathological and microbiological examination. This examination failed to establish the initiating cause of the lesion but later stages were clearly associated with an invasive septate fungus morphologically resembling Aspergillus.
A HEALTH PROGRAM FOR COMMERCIAL DAIRY HERDS
Authors: Blood D. C. , Morris R. S. , Williamson N. B. , Cannon C. M. , Cannon R. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A health program for dairy herds is defined as a planned and coordinated approach to achieving and maintaining optimal health and productive efficiency of livestock. A program is described, which has been developed over a period of eight years to fulfill this definition in providing veterinary services to participating herds did not satisfactorily achieve the stated aim and therefore an alternative approach was developed. This approach is centred around the concept of performance targets, and each herd is monitored closely by means of a computer‐based health and productivity monitoring system in order to detect deviation from target performance. When such deviations occur, the monitoring system is used to diagnose the nature of the problem. The detailed targets adopted in this study are described and the examinations which are undertaken on cattle are outlined. These examinations are aimed at correcting problems, or at confirming satisfactory performance. Further details of the findings of the study are outlined in following papers.
SEROLOGICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN HISTOPHILUS OVIS, ACTINOBACILLUS SEMINIS AND BRUCELLA OVIS
Authors: Rahaley R. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The serological relationships between 4 strains of Histophilus ovis, the neotype strain of Actinobacillus seminis and Brucella ovis were examined using a cross‐absorption complement‐fixation technique.

It was found that the 4 strains of H. ovis were serologically homologous and that an incomplete relationship existed between these organisms and A. seminis. Anteriserums prepared against one strain of H. ovis and the strain of A. seminis gave a weak, apparently nonspecific cross‐reaction with Br. ovis antigen.

The practical significance of these results is discussed.
NEONATAL LAMB LOSSES DUE TO FERAL PIG PREDATION
Authors: Plant J. W. , Marchant R. , Mitchell T. D. , Giles J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An investigation into causes of low lamb marking percentages was made on a property in north‐west New South Wales from 1971 to 1975. Investigations revealed that from 11 to 70% of the ewes in lamb were losing all their lambs. Observations suggested that feral pig predation was a factor in the perinatal loss.

In 1975, 2 groups of ewes were placed in adjoining paddocks prior to lambing. Feral pigs were excluded from one paddock for most of lambing by means of an electric fence. In this paddock, 117% of lambs were marked compared with 80% in the adjoining paddock. It was estimated that in 1975 over 600 lambs were killed by feral pigs from 1,422 ewes lambing in paddocks with feral pigs.

The problems involved in the diagnosis of feral pig predation are discussed.
KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA IN DOGS ASSOCIATED WITH SULPHONAMIDE ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Slatter D. H. , Blogg J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: This report describes the clinical characteristics of 14 cases of sulphonamide‐induced keratoconjuctivitis sicca in dogs. Two drugs, sulphadiazine and salicylazosulphapyridine, were associated with the disease. It is recommended that Schirmer Tear Test be performed regularly when sulphonamides are administered long term to dogs. The hypothesis that a nitrogen‐containing pyridine ring is responsible for the lacrimotoxic effect is advanced.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND GROSS PATHOLOGICAL STUDIES OFONCHOCERCA GIBSONIINFECTION IN CATTLE
Authors: Ladds P.W. , Nitisuwirjo S. , Goddard M.E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA total of 5712 cattle from 62 properties or localities in northern, central and eastern Australia were examined at abattoirs, and the presence ofOnchocerca gibsoniinfection was related to region, season when slaughtered, and breed, sex and age of slaughtered cattle. Additionally, these features were also related to nodule characteristics determined from macroscopic examination of all nodules in single (left or right) briskets from 1287 infected cattle selected at random from those examined in abattoirs.

Infection rate was 86% and number of nodules per brisket was 3.7 ± 4.1 (Mean ± Standard Deviation). When adjusted for other variables infection rates varied from 18% in central New South Wales to a maximum of 96% in north western Queensland. Number of nodules per brisket in cattle from north western Queensland was 9 times greater than in cattle from central New South Wales.

Most nodules (70%) were 1–2 cm in diameter and weighed less than 2 g. The occurrence of changes such as calcification and caseation indicated that 20–30% of nodules studied were undergoing advanced degeneration or resolution.

More nodules were detected in autumn than during winter or spring and the proportions of nodules which were hard on palpation, or had thick capsules, both increased during the autumn‐spring interval.

Although inconclusive, breed differences observed suggested thatBos indicusandB. indicuscrossbreds had slightly greater resistance toO. gibsoniinfection than cattle of British breed.

Infection rate and number of nodules per brisket were greater in bulls than in cows or steers but weight of nodules in steers was greater than in other groups.

Percentage of animals infected, and nodule prevalence both increased with increasing age but annual increase in nodule prevalence was less in cattle over 5 years than in younger ones, suggesting development of some immunity in mature cattle.
VACCINATION AGAINST EXPERIMENTAL STAPHYLOCOCCOSIS IN SHEEP ‐ OBSERVATIONS ON BACTERIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY FOLLOWING CHALLENGE
Authors: Watson D.L. , Campbell R.S.F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sheep were vaccinated with a killed Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (2 doses) which had been cultured in vitro (Group 1), a killed S. aureus vaccine (2 doses) cultured in vivo (Group 2) or a single dose of a live vaccine (Group 3). Other sheep were used as non‐vaccinated controls. All sheep were challenged by intravenous injection of 2.6 times 1011 washed, viable S. aureus organisms, the vaccinated animals being given the challenge inoculum at various intervals after vaccination. The control sheep survived for 29h (mean) after challenge. Animals given killed vaccines survived longer, (particularly Group 2) if challenged less than 40 days post‐vaccination, compared with those challenged more than 40 days post‐vaccination. Animals in Group 3 survived longer if challenged after 40 days post‐vaccination than those in Groups 1 or 2. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups for numbers of S. aureus recovered from blood in the 3h period following challenge. Histological and bacteriological evidence showed that the kidneys were more severely affected by the challenge inoculum than heart, spleen, liver or lungs. The kidneys showed both toxigenic and lymphoreticular reactions and large numbers of staphylococci were recovered more reliably from kidneys than other organs.
TOXOPLASMOSIS AS A CAUSE OF PERINATAL DEATH IN GOATS
Authors: Munday B.L. , Mason R.W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Lesions typical of congenital toxoplasmosis were found in 5 aborted and stillborn kids. Serological findings in 2 of these kids and all their dams supported the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. In addition, Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from twin kids.
COPPER ADMINISTRATION TO YOUNG CALVES: ORAL DOSING WITH COPPER OXIDE COMPARED WITH SUBCUTANEOUS COPPER GLYCINATE INJECTION
Authors: Deland M. P. B. , Cunningham P. , Milne M. L. , Dewey D. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Calves were dosed with 50 g of copper oxide granules orally or given 120 mg copper glycinate subcutaneously. There was no significant difference between the weights of calves given either treatment during the trial. However, the copper oxide treatment resulted in sustained higher concentration of plasma copper and higher liver reserves than the glycinate treatment.
ATYPICAL PORCINE ENTEROVIRUS ENCEPHALOMYELITIS: POSSIBLE INTERRACTION BETWEEN ENTEROVIRUSES AND ARSENICALS
Authors: Pass D. A. , Forman A. J. , Connaughton I. D. , Gillick J. C. , Cutler R. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Porcine enteroviruses were isolated from weaner pigs that had nervous signs and mild non‐suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis and ganglioneuritis. The clinical signs and lesions were not typical of enterovirus infection and it is believed that an organic arsenical present in feed enhanced pathogenicity of enteroviruses. Severe non‐suppurative polioencephalomyelitis and ganglioneuritis were produced in gnotobiotic pigs by oral inoculation of the viruses.
AN OUTBREAK OF DISEASE IN PIGEONS ASSOCIATED WITH A HERPESVIRUS
Authors: Callinan R. B. , Kefford B. , Borland R. , Garrett R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of disease in young pigeons associated with a herpesvirus is reported. The clinical history, macroscopic and microscopic appearance of lesions and virus isolation are described. Most affected birds showed lesions in the upper alimentary tract epithelium as well as in skin, nasal mucosa and salivary glands. Lesions in liver, spleen and pancreas were uncommon. A herpesvirus capable of producing CPE on tissue culture and lesions on chorioallantoic membrane of developing chicken embryos was isolated and described. Inoculation of experimental pigeons with the virus failed to reproduce the disease.
PNEUMONIA ASSOCIATED WITH BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA IN CAPTIVE KOALAS
Authors: McKenzie R.A. , Wood A.D. , Blackall P.J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from 12 cases of purulent bronchopneumonia from a captive koala colony near Brisbane, Queensland. An initial epizootic in March 1967 causing 13% mortality was followed by annual outbreaks causing 2% mortality usually in newly weaned and aged koalas in late winter to early spring. High population density and a low plane of nutrition in winter were thought to predispose to the occurrence of the disease.
MELIOIDOSIS IN WALLABIES
Authors: Saroja S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This paper records 2 fatal cases of melioidosis in wallabies from Australia maintained in the Botanical Gardens, Penang, for about 3 months. The nature of lesions described is different from that described by various workers.
BRUCELLA SUIS INFECTION IN PREGNANT CATTLE
Authors: Norton J. H. , Thomas Annette D.
Published: March 2008

Six pregnant, Bos taurus cows with stages of gestation ranging from 11 to 33 weeks were each inoculated into the right conjunctival sac with 0.2 ml of a smooth culture of Brucella suis type I containing 27 times 106 viable organisms. The 6 cows produced 7 calves of which one single calf and one twin calf were stillborn, the cause of which was not determined. Br. suis was not isolated from any of the cows or calves using either special media or guinea pig inoculation. No abnormality was found in any of the cows or calves at autopsy. Microscopic examination of placentas and tissues from stillborn calves revealed no abnormality. Serologically, 2 weeks after inoculation all 6 cows had positive reactions to the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and serum agglutination (SAT) titres of 25 iu to 116 iu. However, these reactions disappeared within 11 weeks. Only 2 cows had a complement fixation (CFT) titre which lasted a maximum of 5 weeks and reached a titre of 4/4.

Following the anamnestic use of Br. abortus strain 45/20 vaccine on 3 of the cows, positive RBT reactions, SAT titres of 33 iu, 29 iu and 58 iu and CFT titres of 4/16, 1/8 and 3/8 respectively were recorded 6 weeks after vaccination.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEVAMISOLE HYDROCHLORIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF ADULT DIROFILARIA IMMITIS
Authors: Atwell R. B. , CarlisLe C. , Robinson S.
Published: March 2008

Dogs infected with D. immitis were treated with oral levamisole hydrochloride at various dose rates over different durations. Clinical toxicity, haematological and biochemical parameters, body weight and food intake were recorded and filarial mortality estimated at autopsy. All filariae were dead in dogs treated at 10 mg/kg body weight twice daily (12 hourly) for 14 days, with minimal clinical toxicity being seen during the treatment period.
EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF METHIDATHION APPLIED AS A POUR‐ON SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE FOR CONTROL OF CATTLE LICE
Authors: Hart R. J. , Cavey W. A. , Moore B. , Strong M. B.
Published: March 2008

Methidathion applied to cattle as a pour‐on insecticide for control of lice (predominantly Linognathus vituli, but also Haematopinus eurysternus and Damalinia bovis) caused a reduction in the lice population of approximately 98% to 99% in laboratory trials at the minimum recommended dose of 4 mg/kg and a 98.8% to 100% efficiency was achieved in field trials.

In a comparative efficiency trial in the laboratory methidathion at 3.5 to 5 mg/kg reduced the lice population by 97.8% to 99%, fenthion by 98.5% at 4.5 mg/kg and famphur by 99.7% at 16.5 mg/kg.

Methidathion was tolerated by calves aged 15 to 20 weeks at dose rates up to 40 mg/kg indicating an approximate 7 fold safety margin, but 1 of 4 calves treated at 50 mg/kg died following treatment.

Treatment with fenthion at 50 mg/kg, 7.4 times the average recommended rate, famphur at 75 mg/kg, 3 times the average rate and chlorpyrifos at 85 mg/kg, 5 times average rate, caused reductions in whole blood cholinesterase activity of 52%, 27% and 47% respectively which were similar to the reductions in cholinesterase activity found in calves treated with methidathion at similar levels above the recommended commercial dose rates. It was found that 2 day old calves were more sensitive to treatment with methidathion than calves 9 or 16 days old.

A further 11,900 cattle of varying age, breed and sex were treated with methidathion under field conditions at the recommended rate of 4 to 8 mg/kg, and 534 cattle were treated at 24 mg/kg without any signs of toxicity.
A COMPARISON OF URINARY SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND OSMOLALITY IN SHEEP
Authors: English P. B. , Hogan A. E.
Published: March 2008

Urinary specific gravity and osmolality were determined on urine samples collected from three categories of sheep—animals that were normal, in diuresis or had nephron numbers reduced surgically. Values for specific gravity and osmolality were compared and regression coefficients calculated for each category of sheep. In this study, specific gravity was found to be a relatively reliable indicator of osmolality, the correlation being highest in the urine from the sheep with reduced nephron numbers.