bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding in populations with incomplete pedigrees
Authors: Lutaaya By E. , Misztal I. , Bertrand J. K. , Mabry J. W.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

Inbreeding has detrimental effects on a number of economically important traits. W iggans et al. (1995) estimated inbreeding depression of −29 kg, −1.08 kg and −0.97 kg for each 1% increase of inbreeding for the traits milk, fat and protein yield, respectively, across several dairy cattle breeds. For post‐weaning gain in Hereford cattle, the depression was −0.24 kg (G
engler et al. 1998). For the number of piglets born alive, 21‐day litter weight, and days to 104.5 kg, it was −0.023, −0.052 and 0.21, respectively (C
ulbertson et al. 1998). Inbreeding also adversely impacts reproductive traits, such as delayed puberty, reduced conception rates, higher likelihood of losing established pregnancies, increased mortality of calves and lowered bull fertility (Y
oung et al. 1969).

National genetic evaluations involve animals with incomplete pedigrees. Regular inbreeding algorithms (RA) based on the definition of W right (1922), such as those by Q
uaas (1976), calculate the inbreeding of animals with at least one parent missing as zero. Even if an animal has both parents known, its inbreeding will be underestimated if some of its ancestors are unidentified. If the proportion of missing parents is large, the inbreeding trend in a population could be seriously underestimated. Subsequently, losses from inbreeding would be underestimated, and steps to slow the increase of inbreeding, such as using sires that are less related to the general population or mating less‐related animals (T
oro and P
erez‐E
nciso, 1990; G
rundy et al. 1994; M
euwissen and S
onneson 1998; V
anR
aden and S
mith 1999), may be delayed. In particular, use of a mating system can result in matings adjusted for both inbreeding and dominance (M
isztal et al. 1999).

In populations that use AI substantially, unidentified parents may not differ genetically from identified parents, on average. Therefore the real average inbreeding in animals with unidentified parent(s) may be similar to their contemporaries with both parents known. V anR
aden (1992) proposed an algorithm (VRA), where the inbreeding of animals whose parent(s) are unknown is equal to the mean inbreeding of their contemporaries with known parents. Contemporaries are stratified along unknown parent groups (UPG).

VRA has been applied to a few US dairy breeds (V anR
aden 1992; W
iggans et al. 1995). The calculated inbreeding for the youngest Holstein animals was 3.7% with RA and increased to 4.2% with VRA (V
anR
aden 1992). The increase was small because the number of unidentified animals was small. However, the performance of VRA in recovering inbreeding lost for a range of incomplete pedigrees has not been evaluated. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine average inbreeding coefficients when pedigrees are increasingly more incomplete; (ii) to assess the efficacy of VRA in recovering these inbreeding coefficients; and (iii) to determine the mean inbreeding using the two inbreeding algorithms in a large beef population.
Effect of more stringent convergence criterion of estimated breeding values on response to selection
Authors: Mehrabani‐Yeganeh By H. , Gibson J. P. , Schaeffer L. R.
Published: March 2003

1 Introduction

In the analysis of large amounts of data to obtain BLUP, large sets of mixed model equations must be solved iteratively, which can involve considerable computing time. In real life, solutions are required only periodically for breeders to choose the best individuals, so that computing time is not usually a limiting factor. In simulation studies involving evaluation of individuals by BLUP, many rounds of evaluation are required for each simulated population. Since several or many replicates are usually required to obtain an accurate result from stochastic simulations, computing time can become a limiting factor.  One of the factors that can drastically affect computing time in iterative methods is the criterion for ceasing iteration, or convergence criterion (CC). With iterative methods, a disadvantage can be that the rate of convergence can be slow, or under certain circumstances not converge at all. Nevertheless, when the system converges, the more stringent the CC, the more accurate the solutions. The more stringent the CC the more iterations and hence more computing time is required.  The objectives of this study were to investigate how much response to selection is affected by the stringency of the CC and how much reranking occurs among selected individuals at different levels of the convergence criteria. These explorations provided a profile analysis of the computing time spent for each of the major subroutines in the BBSIM program.
High frequency of M307a mutation at FUT1 locus, causing resistance to oedema disease, in an autochtonous polish pig breed, the zlotnicka spotted
Authors: Klukowska By J. , Urbaniak B. , Świtoński M.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

Oedema disease and post‐weaning diarrhoea (enteric colibacillosis) occur in pigs aged 4–12 weeks, and are responsible for considerable economic losses (B ertschinger et al. 1992). The typical clinical symptoms of oedema disease are neurological signs such as ataxia, convulsions and paralysis. At post‐mortem examination, oedema is typically present at characteristic sites such as eyelids and forehead, stomach wall and mesocolon. The occurrence of these illnesses in the whole population is quite high, about 15%, and the mortality among the sick animals is about 90% (N
ielsen 1986). The disease is associated with the colonization of the small intestine with toxigenic Escherichia coli strains of a limited number of serotypes: O138, O139, O141, O147, O157, O16, O108 (B
ertschinger et al. 1990; W
ittig et al. 1994; R
ippinger et al. 1995). It was revealed that E. coli strain 107/86 (serotype: O139:K12), forms fimbriae which adhere in vitro to cells isolated from small intestine epithelium (B
ertschinger et al. 1990). Genetic studies revealed that susceptibility to colonization by an Escherichia coli strain with fimbriae F18 is controlled by a dominant allele, and the resistance to colonization by a recessive allele (B
ertschinger et al. 1993). The gene locus for E. coli F18 receptor (ECF18R) has been mapped to the porcine chromosome 6 (V&
ouml;
geli et al. 1996). Following this finding, M
eijerink et al. (1997) have cloned the α(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase genes FUT1, FUT2 and the pseudogene FUT2P. Sequencing of the FUT1 gene in swine resistant to adhesion by F18 fimbriated E. coli revealed a transition (G → A) at 307 bp position (M307). Thus, the M307A allele was considered as a good marker for the selection of resistant animals (M
eijerink et al. 1997; V&
ouml;
geli et al. 1997).

The main purpose of this paper was the recognition of the mutation in four Polish pig breeds, namely Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Zlotnicka White and autochtonous Zlotnicka Spotted.
Porcine ESTs detected by differential display representing possible candidates for the trait ‘eye muscle area’
Authors: Ponsuksili By S. , Wimmers K. , Schmoll F. , Robic A. , Schellander K.
Published: March 2003

In order to identify ESTs which represent possible candidates for carcass traits in pigs, the differential display approach was used. F2 animals of a resource population and pure‐bred German Landrace (DL) pigs were selected for the trait ‘eye muscle area’ in order to build up groups of three high and three low performing individuals within each population. To increase the probability that differentially expressed DNA fragments were not found due to the genetic background but due to differences in a few genes affecting the trait of interest, siblings were included in the high and in the low performing groups. RNA was isolated from M. longissimus dorsi and four ‘intra‐litter constrasting pools’ were prepared: high performing F2, low performing F2, high performing DL and low performing DL. Differential display banding patterns were produced using (d)T11VA (V:A,C,G) and 20 arbitrary primers. Comparing the banding patterns of the four RNA pools revealed 27 nonshared bands. Here we report on the analysis of seven of these bands, including sequencing, search for homology and mapping using a somatic cell hybrid panel. Two clones showed high homology to known genes, two were homologous to an EST and a SINE sequence. Three clones did not show any homology. Differential expression was tested by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and could be confirmed for six clones.
Risk ratio as parameter for the genetic characterization of complex binary traits in cattle. A simulation study under various genetic models using halfsib families
Authors: Thaler‐Neto A. , Fries R. , Thaller G.
Published: March 2003

The risk ratio (λR) is defined as ‘the recurrence risk for a relative of an affected individual divided by the prevalence in the general population’ and is considered as the most important parameter when designing mapping experiments for diseases in humans. In this paper, the risk ratio was introduced as a parameter to genetically characterize complex binary traits such as mastitis in cattle. Simulations were applied to evaluate the properties of λR under different genetic models (monogenic, digenic, polygenic and mixed models) and in dependency of their parameters for a design consisting of unbalanced halfsib families typically found in dairy cattle. Population prevalences of the simulated data ranged from 5 to 40% and λR was estimated on a phenotypic level. In the discrete loci models complexity of the traits was introduced through different levels of penetrance and the proportions of phenocopies within each genetic background. The risk ratio and the power to reject the null hypothesis of independent halfsibs (λR=1) were influenced by the prevalence in all genetic models chosen. Absolute values for λR were higher for lower prevalences, for example, λR=2.77 and 1.62 for a pure monogenic recessive model with 5 and 20% prevalence, respectively, whereas the power decreases in the case of lower prevalences. For all the prevalences investigated, higher risk ratios were found for discrete loci models compared with the polygenic models, with higher values for the monogenic relative to the digenic models in general. For the mixed models, λR was intermediate between the polygenic and discrete loci models. Genes with dominant relative to recessive inheritance for susceptibility caused higher risk ratios in monogenic and mixed models, for example, λR=5.16 and 2.77 for a pure monogenic model with 5% prevalence. In the discrete loci models, λR decreased with lower penetrance and a higher proportion of phenocopies. Risk ratios increased with the heritability in the polygenic and in addition with the effect of the major gene in mixed models. Consistent patterns of risk ratios were observed under the analysed genetic models and parameters, which indicate that the risk ratio is a parameter well suited to genetically characterize binary traits in unbalanced halfsib families.
Assessment of carcass composition based on ultrasonic measurements and EUROP conformation class of live lambs
Authors: Puntila M‐L. , Mäki K. , Rintala O.
Published: March 2003

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of ultrasound muscle (UMD) and fat depth (UFD) measurements as well as live EUROP conformation class (LEUROP) in predicting carcass composition and conformation in lambs. Measurements of 5993 lambs were analysed applying a multi‐trait animal model and the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method to obtain variance components for scanning live weight (SLW), UMD, UFD and LEUROP. The data were field records of Finnsheep and a small number of lambs from other breeds, from over 30 flocks between 1997 and 1999. The lambs were measured close to 120 days of age. Scanning was behind the last rib and at the third lumbar vertebra. Just before slaughter, scanning was repeated with a subset of lambs, whose half carcasses (n = 224) were dissected for lean, fat and bone. The UMD (third lumbar) and SLW together accounted for 51% of the variance in lean weight in the model in Finnsheep. The UFD alone explained 21% of the variance in lean percentage, UMD was a better predictor for carcass conformation than LEUROP. The estimates of heritability for SLW, UMD, UFD and LEUROP were 0.44, 0.46, 0.39 and 0.27 (with standard errors of 0.03 each), respectively. High positive genetic correlations, ranging from 0.49 to 0.69, were obtained between the four traits. Selection for UMD has resulted in genetic improvement of 0.06 mm/year (1%) in a Finnsheep nucleus flock. Conformation score of live animals could be considered to be included in the breeding programme if uniformity of assessment is assured by continued training.
Candidate genes for growth traits in beef cattle crosses Bos taurus × Bos indicus
Authors: Tambasco D. D. , Paz C. C. P. , Tambasco‐Studart M. , Pereira A. P. , Alencar M. M. , Freitas A. R. , Coutinho L. L. , Packer I. U. , Regitano L. C. A.
Published: March 2003

Candidate gene strategy has been proposed to direct the search for quantitative trait loci, and polymorphisms at these loci have been associated with several production traits in bovine. A total of 211 animals resulting from crosses between Nelore females with sires from either Aberdeen Angus, Canchim and Simmental breeds were analyzed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the κ‐casein, β‐lactoglobulin (LGB) and growth hormone GH genes. Average daily gain from birth to weaning (GBW) and from weaning to yearling (GWY) were analyzed by a statistical model comprising RFLP genotypes and their interaction effects. Significant effects (p < 0.05) of growth hormone (GH) and of the interaction β‐lactoglobulin × GH were verified for the GWY. Animals with LL genotypes for GH had higher GBW than LV animals but lower GWY (p < 0.05).
Zum Einfluss des Reifestadiums von Maispflanzen und des Einsatzes von Milchsäurebakterien bei ihrer Einsilierung auf die Nährstoffumsetzungen im Verdauungstrakt von Milchkühen
Authors: Jochmann . von K. , Lebzien P. , Daenicke R. , Flachowsky G.
Published: March 2003

Einleitung

Der Einsatz qualitativ hochwertiger Grundfuttermittel ist eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für eine bedarfsgerechte Nährstoffversorgung hochleistender Milchkühe. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist hierbei Maissilage. Da diese einen relativ hohen Gehalt an Stärke aufweist, die zudem im Vergleich zu anderen Getreidestärken nur in geringerem Umfang im Pansen abgebaut wird (C hase 1993; H
untington 1997; L
oose et al. 1998), kann durch sie die Menge an Stärke, die das Duodenum erreicht, gesteigert und somit die Energieversorgung aus dem Grundfutter deutlich erhöht werden. Bisher ist jedoch weitgehend unklar, inwiefern die Maisreife und die damit verbundenen Änderungen im Stärke‐ und Rohfasergehalt der Maispflanze auch die ruminale Abbaubarkeit der Stärke und somit die postruminale Stärkeanflutung am Duodenum beeinflussen. Ebenso sind die Ergebnisse aus den bisher noch wenigen Untersuchungen zum Einfluß einer Beimpfung von Maispflanzen mit Milchsäurebakterien (MSB) vor der Silierung noch recht widersprüchlich. So beobachteten zum Beispiel C
leale et al. (1990) eine um 5,2%‐Punkte verbesserte Verdaulichkeit der organischen Substanz, wenn die Maispflanzen vor der Einsilierung beimpft worden waren gegenüber der unbeimpften Variante. L
eahy et al. (1988) konnten dagegen keine Effekte einer MSB‐Beimpfung auf den Futterwert von Maissilage feststellen. Deshalb sollte es das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit sein zu ermitteln, welchen Einfluß zum einen der Reifegrad der Maispflanzen und zum anderen die Beimpfung des Siliergutes mit lebenden Milchsäurebakterien auf den Futterwert der hieraus hergestellten Maissilage haben. Hierzu wurde in den durchgeführten Untersuchungen der Einfluß der Silagen auf pansenphysiologische Kenndaten, den ruminalen Stärke‐ und Rohfaserabbau, die postruminale Nährstoffanflutung sowie die Rohnährstoffverdaulichkeit bestimmt.
Zur energetischen Bewertung von Nichtstärke‐Polysacchariden beim Geflügel
Authors: Kirchgessner Von M. , Eder K. , Müller H. L. , Jamroz D.
Published: March 2003

Der tierische Organismus verfügt über keine Verdauungsenzyme, um Polysaccharide mit β‐glykosidischer Bindung zu hydrolysieren. Deshalb gelten Nichtstärke‐Polysaccharide (NSP) als intestinal unverdaulich und können im tierischen Organismus lediglich durch mikrobielle Aktivität hydrolysiert und damit über die Bildung flächtiger Fettsäuren für das Tier nutzbar gemacht werden. Entscheidend für die energetische Ausbeute ist vor allem der Ort und das Ausmaβ der mikrobiellen Aktivität. Während beim Wiederkäuer das Verdauungssystem primär auf die mikrobielle Zerlegung des Futters ausgerichtet ist, ist die energetische Verwertbarkeit von NSP beim Schwein begrenzt (z.B. Müller und Kirchgessner 1983a; Kirchgessner und Müller 1991). In der Geflügelernährung werden faserarme Mischfutter eingesetzt, so daβ NSP bislang in der energetischen Bewertung von Futtermischungen, z.B. bei der Energieberechnung durch die WPSA‐Formel nicht berücksichtigt werden. Vorangegangene Untersuchungen (JAMROZ et al. 1998a,b) zeigten allerdings, daβ NSP beim Geflügel etwa zur Hälfte durch Mikroorganismen abgebaut und in flächtige Fettsäuren überführt werden. Die vorliegende Arbeit verfolgte das Ziel, aus Messungen der Verdaulichkeit von NSP sowie der Bildung flächtiger Fettsäuren den energetischen Nutzen von NSP beim Geflügel abzuschätzen. Die Untersuchungen schlossen dabei drei verschiedene Spezies ein, nämlich Hähnchen, Enten und Gänse.
Untersuchungen zum Einfluß einer Xylanaseergänzung in Legehennenrationen auf Weizenbasis 1. Mitteilung: Auswirkungen auf die praecaecale und faecale Nährstoffverdaulichkeit sowie Umsetzbare Energie
Authors: Oloffs K. , Samli E. , Jeroch H.
Published: March 2003

Investigations of the influence of a xylanase‐containing enzyme preparation on precaecal and faecal digestibility as well as metabolizable energy of laying hens fed on wheat‐rich rations

The influence of an enzyme additive containing xylanase on precaecal and faecal digestibility as well as on metabolizable energy were tested in laying hens fed with wheat‐rich rations. Eight diets were tested in groups of five hens and the balance was carried out in the 32th week of life. Two species of wheat with different viscosity were used. With regard to precaecal digestibility of crude protein and crude fat no significance difference could be seen between the eight test variations. A positive influence on the digestibility of crude fat could be observed in all variants which was statistically significant in some groups. Control groups fed wheat Alidos showed a significant difference in the content of AMEN. A 7.6% increase from 12.44 to 13.39 MJ/kg DM resulted from the application of the enzyme supplement. All measured viscosities (jejunum, ileum, excrements) were distinctly reduced by the xylanase additive.
Leptin, body fat content and energy expenditure in intact and gonadectomized adult cats: a preliminary study
Authors: Martin L. , Siliart B. , Dumon H. , Backus R. , Biourge V. , Nguyen P.
Published: March 2003

The present study was conducted to assess the body composition, leptin, and energy expenditure changes following gonadectomy in cats. Twenty‐one females (12 intact and nine spayed) and 21 males (11 intact and 10 castrated) were used. Body weight was recorded. Serum plasma leptin was measured by radioimmunoassay and body composition and energy expenditure were assessed after injection of doubly labelled water. These results confirmed the gain in body weight and body fat following neutering and demonstrated a strong linear relationship between body fat and serum level of leptin. Energy expenditure decreased in castrated cats in comparison with intact ones. This study underlined the effect of gonadectomy as a major factor of obesity in cats and showed that the increase in circulating leptin reflected the amount of body fat. The present results provide further evidence that the regimen of gonadectomized cats should be carefully controlled to avoid excessive weight gain.
The distribution and abundance of Delphacidae (Homoptera) in central Argentina
Authors: Grilli M. P. , Gorla D. E.
Published: March 2003

A 3‐year field study has been carried out on the distribution and abundance of Delphacidae in central Argentina. Insects were collected along a 300 km transect of seven equally spaced sampling sites. At each sampling station there was one sticky trap 6 m above the ground and five sticky traps 1.5 m above the ground. The sampling frequency was every 6 to 15 days during the spring and summer months and monthly during the rest of the year. Delphacodes kuscheli (vector of a local strain of the maize rough dwarf virus, MRDV‐RC), Delphacodes haywardi, Delphacodes balboae, Toya spp., Dicranotropis nigricula and Sogatella kolophon meridiana were collected. Among them, D. kuscheli and Toya spp. comprised 67 and 26% of all the delphacid captured. Delphacodes kuscheli showed a geographical gradient in abundance, coincident with the land management gradient which showed a very heterogeneous landscape (in terms of crop species and land management) dedicated to grain production in the north‐eastern part of the study area and a less heterogeneous landscape dedicated to cattle breeding (with large extensions covered with pastures where D. kuscheli reproduces and overwinters) in the south‐west. Delphacodes kuscheli showed a high dispersal ability and synchronic dynamics, whereas Toya spp. showed a lower dispersal ability with less synchronic dynamics. The implications for the MRDV‐RC transmission is discussed.
Freeze–thawing method: a bleeding method from lepidopteran larvae utilizing a spontaneous insect body contraction after a freezing‐thawing treatment
Authors: Arakawa T. , Tomita S. , Miyazawa M. , Kiuchi M. , Kato M.
Published: March 2003

Insect haemolymph contains growth promotor(s) for cultured insect cells and is frequently used as an additive to the culture media. Insect haemolymph serves as a pool of a protein product produced by a virus vector–insect host system. Haemolymph collection is an essential step in the above process, which should limit the scale and cost of their performance. In the present study, a simple procedure for bleeding from lepidopteran larvae, Bombyx mori, has been developed which utilized a spontaneous contraction of the insect body after a freezing–thawing treatment. In the case of fifth‐instar B. mori, 60 to 80% of the total haemolymph was collected by this method. The authors applied the method to a haemolymph collection from frozen larvae stored at −80°C for longer than 1 month. Preservability of the frozen larvae enabled the development of a system dealing with a huge bulk of insects. The bleeding method was effective under cooled condition at 0°C or 4°C, which was desired for protein handling. Development of a large system would result in a cost reduction for the insect haemolymph products such as insect cell‐culture additive. Furthermore, the above bleeding method was applied to the nuclear polyhedrosis virus‐infected B. mori larvae and up to 80% of the total haemolymph was collected from the virus‐infected larvae. It suggests the bleeding method as an effective means of haemolymph collection in the protein productive system using a virus vector and its insect host.
The abiotic stress as a factor responsible for gypsy moth outbreaks
Authors: Koltunov E. V. , Andreeva E. M.
Published: March 2003

The close quantitative interrelation between the reaction of birch to abiotic stress (spring–summer droughts) (the degree to which the yearly radial increment of trees decreases) and entomoresistance has been established. Tree stands that were heavily defoliated by gypsy moth showed a much stronger reaction to the droughts which preceded the outbreaks by the decrease in their radial increment than those weakly defoliated by this phytophagous insect. The reaction of trees to the abiotic stress is regarded as the key factor that controls the drop in their entomoresistance during outbreaks of gypsy moth in woods damaged by anthropogenic effects.
Variation in the suitability of Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) to feeding by three pine defoliators, Panolis flammea, Neodiprion sertifer and Zeiraphera diniana
Authors: Trewhella K. E. , Leather S. R. , Day K. R.
Published: March 2003

A series of experiments were carried out on Pinus contorta Dougl. in Scotland to establish if there were any inter‐provenance differences in suitability to three major forest pests: the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (D and S) (Lep., Noctuidae), the European pine sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer(Geoff.) (Hym., Diprionidae), and the larch bud moth Zeiraphera diniana Guennée (Lep., Tortricidae). There were significant differences in the survival, weight, and development time of P. flammea on different provenances of seedling logepole pine. Southern interior lodgepole pine (ILP) proved to be the most resistant provenance. Larvae performed significantly better on Alaskan lodgepole pine (ALP) and Skeena River lodgepole pine (ELP). Panolis flammea larvae showed significant feeding preference for certain provenances of mature lodgepole pine, with ILP being preferred to ALP, north coastal lodgepole pine, and Scots pine. There were significant differences in the mean relative growth rate of N. sertifer on different provenances of seedling and mature trees. ALP was the most resistant provenance among seedling trees, but the least resistant among mature trees. There were also significant differences in survival on foliage from mature provenances. There were no significant differences in survival of second instar Z. diniana on different provenances of mature lodgepole pine.
Significance of parasitoids in the reduction of oak bark beetle Scolytus intricatus Ratzeburg (Col., Scolytidae) in Serbia
Authors: Marković Č. , Stojanović A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: 
As the vector of vascular fungi of the genus Ophiostoma the oak bark beetle, Scolytus intricatus, is one of the significant links in the chain of agents of oak forest decline in Serbia. It is known that the adults of this bark beetle, which develop under the bark of the trees infected by fungi of the genus Ophiostoma, transport the spores of these fungi. During the maturation feeding, the spores are transmitted to healthy tree crowns, where they germinate and cause infection. In period 1992–96 at 27 localities in Serbia, the significance of parasitoids in the reduction of this bark beetle was examined, as the intensity of spore transmission depends upon the number of oak bark beetle adults in nature. In the research of parasitoids of S. intricatus 20 species were identified in five families of Hymenoptera: Braconidae (six species), Eurytomidae (one), Pteromalidae (10), Eupelmidae (one) and Eulophidae (two). Among these parasitoids the greatest influence on the abundance of oak bark beetle was the species Ecphylus silesiacus. It was identified in 90.91% of study samples, its domination was 39.15% and the percentage of oak bark beetle parasitism was 5.66%. In addition, the species Entendon ergias, Dendrosoter protuberans and Cheiropachus quadrum were significant in reduction of S. intricatus. The average percentage of parasitism of oak bark beetle by E. ergias was 2.74%, by D. protuberans it was 2.63% and by Ch. quadrum 1.63%. The significance of other parasitoids in the reduction of oak bark beetles was low. In the study period the total parasitism of oak bark beetle varied between a minimum of 8.64% in 1992 and a maximum of 19.64% in 1996. The average for the whole study period was 14.49%.
Bioecological characteristics of Bassus tumidulus (Nees) (Hym., Braconidae), a parasitoid of the poplar twig borer, Gypsonoma aceriana (Dup.) (Lep., Tortricidae) in Bulgaria
Authors: Georgiev G. , Delkov A.
Published: March 2003

Main aspects of biology and ecology of Bassus tumidulus (Nees), a parasitoid of Gypsonoma aceriana (Dup.), were studied during the period 1989–2000. Poplar tender shoots with G. aceriana larvae were collected at four localities in Bulgaria (Sofia, Svoge, Vardim and Pazardzhik) and examined in laboratory conditions. B. tumidulus was recovered in the Sofia and Svoge localities. It is a solitary internal parasitoid that attacks young larvae of G. aceriana (first–second instars) and kills host pre‐pupae. It develops two generations and overwinters as a larva in the host. Adult emergence of both overwintering and summer generation of B. tumidulus coincides with adult emergence of the host. In 1997, the first generation emergence of B. tumidulus was in relatively good synchrony with the first larval population of G. aceriana. However, the second generation B. tumidulus was not very well synchronized with the life cycle of G. aceriana because adult parasitoids appeared mostly in the beginning of the host larval population. The average mortality of G. aceriana, caused by this parasitoid in 1997 in Sofia, was 15.7 and 23.3% for the overwintering and summer generation, respectively. The highest level of parasitism by B. tumidulus, observed in individual study, was 61.5%, occurring during the summer generation in 1997.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies to Barley Mild Mosaic Virus and Their Use for Strain Differentiation
Authors: Hariri D.
Published: March 2003

A panel of five stable hybridoma cell lines secreting mono‐ clonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced using a French mechanically transmitted isolate of barley mild mosaic virus (BaMMV‐MF) as antigen. All mAbs reacted with BaMMV‐MF in two enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) formats: triple antibody sandwich (TAS)‐ELISA and antigen‐coated plate (ACP)‐ELISA. These mAbs recognized epitopes, present on both degraded virions and intact particles. Four mAbs (5C8, 1D5, 1B12, 1A12) belong to the immunoglobulin (Ig)G class and one mAb (3A9) represents an IgM. The five mAbs were compared in TAS‐ and ACP‐ELISA for reactivity with numerous French isolates. These isolates were detected in TAS‐ and ACP‐ELISA with four mAbs (5C8, 1D5, 1B12, 3A9). In both ELISA systems the mAb 1A12 recognized only an epitope specific for BaMMV‐MF. All mAbs, except 1A12 recognized also the German (BaMMV‐MG), Italian (BaMMV‐I) and Japanese (BaMMV‐Ka1) isolates in both TAS‐ and ACP‐ELISA. The Japanese isolate (BaMMV‐Na1) only reacted with two mAbs (1D5, 5C8) in TAS‐ELISA. Only one mAb (3A9) reacted with BaMMV‐MF, BaMMV‐PF, BaMMV‐I,BaMMV‐MG and BaMMV‐Ka1 in Western blot. These mAbs make it possible to distingish between the three BaMMV serotypes.
Production and Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Detection of Pythium sulcatum in Soil
Authors: KAGEYAMA K. , KOBAYASHI M. , TOMITA M. , KUBOTA N. , SUGA H. , HYAKUMACHI M.
Published: March 2003

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were raised against surface antigens from Pythium sulcatum. The immunogens were prepared from salt extractable cell wall protein to produce monoclonal antibodies. The MAbs showed high specificity to seven P. sulcatum isolates among 26 species of soil‐borne fungi. Weak cross‐reactivities were observed with Pythium aristosporum, Pythium myriotylum, and Pythium zingiberum in indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), but no reaction was obtained in Western blot analysis. The MAbs recognized glycoproteins in cell wall. Pythium sulcatum was detected in naturally infected carrot tissues and soil using indirect competition ELISA.
Intrauterine Infection with Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus on Alpine Communal Pastures in Switzerland
Authors: Braun U. , Schönmann M. , Ehrensperger F. , Hilbe M. , Strasser M.
Published: March 2003

This study involved 13 calves, one to 50 days of age, born to first calf heifers that had been pastured on one of seven alpine communal pastures in the canton of St. Gallen during the summer of 1995. Of a total of 993 cattle pastured, 61 were pregnant heifers that were negative for bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) antigen and for BVD antibodies at the start of pasturing. Seroconversion occurred in 26 of these pregnant heifers during the pasture period. Blood samples and skin biopsy specimens of calves born to 13 of these were examined for BVD antigen by antigen‐ELISA and by an immunohistochemical technique, respectively. Blood samples were positive for BVD antigen in four calves, questionable in one calf, negative in seven and missing in one prematurely born calf. The four calves that were positive for BVD antigen in the blood were also positive in skin biopsies. Of the seven calves with a negative or missing blood test, six had positive and two had negative skin samples. Based on the combined results of blood and skin testing, 11 of 13 calves were positive for BVD antigen.

Of the 11 infected calves, six were normal at birth, four were smaller than normal and one was premature and weak and was euthanized on humane grounds. Of the four small calves, two developed diarrhoea and died within the first month of life. The two calves that were negative for BVD antigen were clinically normal.

The results of this study not only demonstrate the occurrence of in‐utero infection with BVD virus, but also stress the importance of alpine communal pasturing in the spread of BVD virus. Because the prevention of infection with BVD virus on communal pastures does not seem feasible, it is recommended that all calves born to cows from such pastures be tested for BVD antigen.
A Case of Narcolepsy‐Cataplexy Associated with Distemper Encephalitis
Authors: Cantile C. , Baroni M. , Arispici M.
Published: March 2003

Narcolepsy associated with localized brain lesions is described in a 10‐month‐old Argentine Dogo. Neurological examination and MRI study suggested an inflammatory lesion of the left frontal lobe. Post‐mortem examination revealed diffuse encephalitis in the forebrain and marked necrotic lesions in the ventral pontine area. Immunohistochemistry for distemper virus antigen showed positive staining of the cytoplasm of many neurones of the pons and cerebral cortex. The pathological pattern was suggestive of post‐vaccinal distemper encephalitis and the localization of the lesions was consistent with the neurological syndrome shown by the animal. At any event, the possibility of coincidental findings of distemper encephalitis and idiopathic narcolepsy must be accounted for.
Relationships Amongst Liver Bile Salt Clearance, Bile Secretion and Infusion of Lipids in Calves
Authors: Bobowiec R. , Kosior‐Korzecka U.
Published: March 2003

In order to study the influence of portal lipid loading on the extraction rate of bile salts by the liver, four cholecystectomized calves (mean body weight 103 kg) were fitted with permanent cannulae to the common bile duct, duodenum and portal vein. A venflon catheter was also set up in the jugular vein to collect blood for analysis of fatty acids (FA) and bile salts (PBS) in plasma. The experiments were divided into two parts. In the first part sodium taurocholate (TCHNa) was infused for at least 2 h at a rate of 25 μmol/min into the duodenum to stabilize the bile flow and bile salt output in bile and the concentration in plasma. In the second part, as well as TCHNa, Intralipid (Itlp) (infusible 10 % of lipid compounds) was also infused into the portal vein. Itlp was infused for 40 min, starting at a rate of 3 ml/min at the beginning of the 3rd hour of TCHNa infusion followed by a rate of 6 ml/min at the beginning of the 4th hour of TCHNa infusion. During TCHNa infusion the plasma bile salt concentrations were in the range 15.69– 20.21 μmol/l, similar to that of the pre‐infusion period. Introduction of Itlp to the infusion of TCHNa resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase of PBS, about 2 times higher at an Itlp infusion rate of 3 ml/min, and 3 times higher (62.82 ± 16.42 μmol/l) at 6 ml/min. Under Itlp infusion, all common plasma FA increased, but the largest increases were in levels of linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids. During TCHNa infusion, the bile flow and the content of bile salts in bile did not change. The infusion of TCHNa with Itlp at the rate of 6 ml/min caused a 2‐fold decrease both of the bile flow and of the output of bile salts from 18.58 ± 3.04 μl/min/kg and from 0.58 ± 0.07 μmol/min/kg observed at the beginning of both infusions to 9.51 ± 2.95 μl/min/kg and 0.28 ± 0.05 μmol/min/kg, respectively, at the end of the collecting period. When only TCHNa was infused, almost all of it was secreted to the bile, while with the additional infusion of Itlp only about half of the infused TCHNa was secreted to the bile. These results indicate that the extraction rate of PBS by the liver is decreased by loading of the portal blood by lipids, allowing more bile salts to escape into the systemic circulation, and thus reducing bile production.
Urinary Retention in Two Male Dromedaries due to Silica Uroliths
Authors: Gutierrez C. , Padrón M. , Bańares A. , Palacios M. P.
Published: March 2003

Two cases of urinary retention in male dromedaries due to silica uroliths are presented. The animals were urethrostomized and one dromedary was euthanized 7 months later due to urethrostomy obstruction. The estimated daily intake of silica was 84.44 g. Silica, calcium, phosphorus and pH in urine were determined in healthy animals from the same farms, and the following values were obtained: 174.78 ± 3.46 mg/l (silica), 41.48 ± 4.82 mg/l (calcium), 20.4 ± 3.6 mg/l (phosphorus) and pH 8.2, respectively. Possible causes of urolithiasis were the early castration of the animals and the fact that salt was not added to the diet. To our knowledge, this is the first description of silica urolithiasis in the dromedary camel.
Effects of Dietary Substitution with Raw and Heat‐Treated Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on Intestinal Transport and Pancreatic Enzymes in the Pig
Authors: Erlwanger K. H. , Unmack M. A. , Grøndahl M. L. , Pierzynowski S. G. , AalbeK B. , Dantzer V. , Skadhauge E.
Published: March 2003

Tropical grain legumes represent potentially important feed for farm animals. However, diarrhoea and poor growth performance have been reported, due to the various anti‐nutritional factors they contain. This study addressed in particular whether dietary cowpea impaired the growth of pigs, whether the small intestinal Na+/d‐glucose coabsorptive transport capacity was decreased, whether the Cl− secretory capacity was increased, and, finally, whether these parameters were affected by heat treatment of cowpea.

Pigs, 4 weeks old, were fed for 3 weeks with one of three diets: (i) standard soy, (ii) 75 % of soy substituted with raw cowpea, or (iii) 75 % of soy substituted with heat‐treated cowpea. The absorptive and secretory capacities of the jejunum and ileum were measured with the Ussing chamber technique. Weight gain, feed intake, pancreatic protein and enzyme concentrations and levels of the blood hormones glucagon and cholecystokinin were also measured.

The Na+ transport capacity was measured as the increase in short‐circuit current (ISC) when
d‐glucose was added to the luminal side in the Ussing chambers. ISC was significantly higher in the jejunum from raw cowpea‐fed pigs than in the jejunum from standard soy‐fed pigs, with no difference between the two cowpea‐fed groups. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline was subsequently added bilaterally, and the increase in ISC indicated the cAMP‐dependent Cl− secretory capacity. In the jejunum this was significantly higher in raw and heat‐treated cowpea‐fed pigs than in standard soy‐fed pigs. In contrast, there were no differences in the ileal transport capacities. There were no differences in the pancreatic protein and trypsin concentrations or the blood hormones, but the raw cowpea‐fed pigs had significantly lower pancreatic amylase than standard soy‐fed pigs. Weight gain and feed intake were lowest in the cowpea‐fed groups, with no significant difference between the two groups.

In conclusion, the hypothesis of impaired small intestinal absorption of d‐glucose and Na+ as causing malabsorption, and therefore impaired growth, during cowpea substitution in the feed may be firmly rejected. The increased Cl− secretory capacity, although moderate, may contribute to the higher incidence of post‐weaning diarrhoea in cowpea‐fed pigs, as observed in other studies. Additionally, the decreased food intake, feed conversion and weight gain were unaffected by heat treatment, further suggesting involvement of heat‐stable anti‐nutritional factors.
The Effect of Acute Restraint Stress on Regional Brain Neurotransmitter Levels in Stress‐Susceptible Pietrain Pigs
Authors: Piekarzewska A. B. , Rosochacki S. J. , Sender G.
Published: March 2003

Concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A), dopamine (DA), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), the DA metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) and the main 5‐HT metabolite 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA) were measured using HPLC in 16 brain areas of control and immobilized Pietrain pigs. The animals were immobilized for 15, 30 and 60 min in the prone position. Control pigs showed patterns of regional distribution of brain monoamines similar to those described for rats, dogs and Duroc pigs. However, the absolute values of NA and A in the hypothalamus and preoptic area were much higher than those in rats and dogs, but similar to those in Duroc pigs. The concentrations of dopamine and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA were highest in the caudate nucleus, the nucleus accumbens, the olfactory tubercle and the ventral tegmental area. The distributions of serotonin and its metabolite 5‐HIAA were similar in all examined structures. DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA ratios were higher in the cornu ammonis, the hippocampus posterior and the raphe nuclei than in other structures, which suggests brain structure‐related differences in dopamine turnover. The greatest decreases in NA and A content were observed in the hypothalamus, the preoptic area and the olfactory tuberculum during the first 30 min of immobilization stress. 5‐HT turnover was increased in the raphe nuclei, while DA turnover was affected in the raphe nuclei, the septum, the substantia nigra and the olfactory tubercle. We suggest that acute immobilization stress caused differences in regional patterns of brain biogenic amines, thereby maintaining adequate transmitter levels during stress in stress‐susceptible pigs.
Histamine in Lambs with Abomasal Bloat, Haemorrhage and Ulcers
Authors: Vatn S. , Sjaastad Ø. V. , Ulvund M. J.
Published: March 2003

The median concentration of histamine in abomasal fluid of lambs with abomasal haemorrhage and/or ulcers (group 2) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the concentrations in lambs presenting abomasal bloat (group 1) and in the healthy and the diseased controls. In group 2, there was also a strong correlation (R2 = 0.81) between the histamine concentrations in abomasal tissue and abomasal fluid, although the median value of histamine in the abomasal tissue was not statistically higher in this group than in the others. The urine of lambs in group 2 also had numerically higher median concentration of histamine than the other groups. Five out of eight tested strains of Lactobacillus spp. and one out of two strains of Clostridium sordellii, isolated from abomasal contents of lambs with abomasal disease, were strong producers of histamine. Bacterial production is one possible source for the increased histamine concentrations in lambs suffering from abomasal haemorrhage and/or ulcers.
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Ultrasound Therapy on the Healing of Surgically Severed Achilles Tendons in Five Dogs
Authors: SAINI N. S. , ROY K. S. , BANSAL P. S. , SINGH B. , SIMRAN P. S.
Published: March 2003

This study was conducted on the left Achilles tendon in five clinically normal dogs. The Achilles tendon was surgically exposed and severed 3–4 cm proximal to the point of its insertion. Tenorrhaphy was undertaken by the application of three sutures on the various tendon units of the Achilles tendon using single locking‐loop sutures with polyamide no. 1‐0. The superficial digital flexor tendon was sutured with catgut using two horizontal mattress sutures. No ultrasound therapy was used in the animals of group I (control). Ultrasound therapy was given to the animals of group II (treated) starting from the third day post‐operatively at 0.5 W/cm2for 10 min daily for 10 days. A cortical screw was used for immobilization of the tibiotarsal joint which was removed 4 weeks after tenorrhaphy. Post‐operatively, healing of the Achilles tendon was monitored using clinical observations, ultrasonography, gross and histomorphological observations at various intervals up to 120 days in both groups. Clinically, the dogs showed significant lameness for the first 4–5 days, which disappeared earlier in the ultrasound‐treated (group II) animals than the controls (group I). Extension and flexion of the hock joint were found to be near normal at 6 weeks after the repair of the Achilles tendon. Ultrasonography showed anechoic to hypo‐echoic echo‐texture on days 3 and 7 after repair. By day 40, the echo‐texture started to improve to hypo‐echoic in group II, but in group I anechoic areas were still observed. However, the tendon showed near normal mottled hypo‐ to hyper‐echoic texture in both groups by day 120. Gross observations suggested that the Achilles tendon in group II showed comparatively fewer adhesions than in group I animals. Histologically, in group II (treated), on day 40, the union was comparatively better without any inflammatory reaction. Bundle formation had begun in the ultrasound‐treated animals which was not observed in the control animals. By day 90, more compact parallel bundle formation had taken place with minimum cellularity. Bundle formation was in its advanced stage in the treated animals. By day 120, the tendon tissue was comparatively acellular and looking like a normal tendon. The use of the cortical screw provided good immobilization and ultrasound therapy at 0.5 W/cm2enhanced the Achilles tendon healing in dogs.
An Evaluation of Immunofluorescence and PCR. Methods for Detection of Rabies in Archival Carnoy‐Fixed, Paraffin‐Embedded Brain Tissue*
Authors: Kulonen K. , Fekadu M. , Whitfield S. , Warner C. K.
Published: March 2003

Direct immunofluorescence and PCR detection methods were compared for sensitivity in evaluating the rabies status of archival specimens of Carnoy‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded brain tissue. The material consisted of 23 samples obtained during a rabies outbreak in Finland in 1988, and one sample isolated from a bat researcher who died of rabies in Finland in 1985. These results were compared with the original diagnoses performed on the fresh tissues. The immunofluorescence assay detected 100% (12/12) of the rabies‐positive archival cases. A PCR assay designed to detect a 139‐bp target near the 5′ end of the rabies nucleoprotein gene also detected 100% (12/12) of the samples identified as positive in the fresh tissue specimens. A PCR assay designed to detect a 304‐bp target spanning the 139‐bp target of the first assay detected only 67% (8/12) of the original cases. No false positives were recorded. Both immunofluorescence detection of antigen and PCR detection of a short region of the nucleoprotein gene are useful in determining the rabies status of fixed, paraffin‐embedded (archival) material.
Comparison of Restriction Pattern Polymorphism of Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma bovis by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Tola S. , Idini G. , Rocchigiani A. M. , Manunta D. , Angioi P. P. , Rocca S. , Cocco M. , Leori G.
Published: March 2003

Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma bovis are closely related species in phylogenetic terms. Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) of SmaI, EclXI, Bsi WI, MluI, BssHII, SalI, XhoI, NruI and ApaI digested DNAs were used to analyse and to compare restriction fragment length polymorphism between M. agalactiae and M. bovis and to estimate their genome sizes. SmaI, EclXI and Bsi WI enzymes cleaved DNAs of both microrganisms. MluI, BssHII, SalI, XhoI and NruI digested only M. agalactiae DNA whereas ApaI cut only M. bovis DNA. The total DNA length was established to be 945 ±  8.4 Kb for M. agalactiae and 961 ± 18.9 Kb for M. bovis.