bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium Head Blight Reactions and Accumulation of Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Some of its Derivatives in Kernels of Wheat, Triticale and Rye
Authors: Arseniuk E. , Foremska E. , G T. , Óral . , Chełkowski J.
Published: March 2003

Fifty‐three commercially grown cultivars and germplasm lines of winter triticale (n = 18), wheat (n = 13), and rye (n = 5) and spring triticale (n = 8), wheat (n = 7) and rye (n = 2) were inoculated at mid anthesis with a spore suspension consisting of a mixture of Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium graminearum isolates of known toxinogenic activity. Reactions to Fusarium head blight were measured as disease severity, reductions of kernel number/head, kernel weight/head and 1000 kernel weight, number of Fusarium‐damaged kernels and kernel content of deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetyl‐derivatives 3‐AcDON, 15‐AcDON, and moniliformin. None of the cereal genotypes was completely resistant to Fusarium head blight. Wheat suffered from the largest kernel weight reductions, and accumulated the largest amounts of deoxynivalenol (up to 39.5 mg/kg) and 3AcDON (up to 6.0 mg/kg) in kernels. Deoxynivalenol was not detected in grain samples of winter rye cv. Dańkowskie Z?ote, and spring rye cv. Ludowe. 15‐AcDON was only detected in genotypes of triticale, and 3AcDON only in a few genotypes of winter wheat and rye. Moniliformin was detected at low concentrations (up to 0.092 mg/kg) in kernels of some genotypes selected for the mycotoxin analysis. A moderately strong Pearson correlation was found between head blight severity parameters and the accumulation of deoxynivalenol and its derivatives in grain of the cereal genotypes studied. Fusarium head blight severity parameters were correlated with the percentage of Fusarium‐damaged kernels and reductions of yield components. However, some head blight‐susceptible genotypes realized their potential yields, but accumulated high levels of mycotoxins in kernels. Both Fusarium head blight resistant and susceptible genotypes of the three cereal species accumulated deoxynivalenol in kernels. This finding suggests that the system regulating deoxynivalenol accumulation may be independent of Fusarium head blight reaction.
Isolation of Oospores of Sunflower Downy Mildew, Plasmopara halstedii, and Microscopical Studies on Oospore Germination
Authors: Spring O. , Zipper R.
Published: March 2003

A method was elaborated to isolate oospores of Plasmopara halstedii from tissue of its host, Helianthus annuus. Isolated oospores were studied microscopically and germination was documented with respect to the time course and the mode of germination. Formation of primary sporangia was similarly observed in oospores, harvested from 4‐ to 6‐week‐old systemically infected sunflower plants, grown under constant conditions at 16°C, as well as from field plants, harvested late in the season. Pretreatment of oospores with cold temperatures, previously assumed to stimulate the rate and to accelerate the speed of oospore germination, did not result in such effects. Germination usually occurred within 10–30 days of incubation at a highly variable rate of about 1 to 17% (average 6.7%) in deionized water.
Occurrence of Erwinia amylovora on Insects in a Fire Blight Orchard
Authors: Hildebrand M. , Dickler E. , Geider K.
Published: March 2003

In order to screen for natural dissemination of fire blight under field conditions, insects were caught in an experimental orchard and assayed on semi‐selective agar plates and by BIO‐polymerase chain reaction for their contamination with Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of the bacterial disease. The pathogen was detected on 15 out of 348 insects collected (4.3%). The insects contaminated with E. amylovora have different living habits and belong to four different orders (Homoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera) and at least eight insect families (Aphididae, Psyllidae, Coccinellidae, Curculionidae, Ichneumonidae, Formicidae, Apidae, and Muscidae) and to other Brachycera. After contact of insects with E. amylovora, the pathogen could survive at least 5 days in/on the green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) and 12 days on aphids (Aphis pomi).
Virulence Pattern of Venturia inaequalis Field Isolates and Corresponding Differential Resistance in Malus x domestica
Authors: Koch T. , Kellerhals M. , Gessler C.
Published: March 2003

All commercially important apple cultivars are susceptible in the field to scab caused by Venturia inaequalis. The scope of this study was to investigate variation in virulence in Venturia inaequalis populations towards commercial apple cultivars. For this purpose, primary lesions were sampled in orchards with different varietal compositions and diversities. The virulence pattern of monosporic isolates, obtained by isolation of single conidia, was assessed by cross inoculations of the cv. Ananas Reinette, Boskoop, Glockenapfel, Golden Delicious, Gravenstein, James Grieve, Jonathan, Maigold, Reinette de Champagne, Spartan and Yellow Transparent. All cultivars were susceptible to some isolates and resistant to others. No cultivar behaved the same way, which suggests the presence of differential resistance in each cultivar and corresponding virulence in some isolates. Isolates from a monoculture of Golden Delicious consisted mainly of a pathotype that was virulent to Golden Delicious but not to other cultivars. In the samples from cultivar mixtures, virulence pattern variation was considerable. The results give further evidence of the existence of a large pool of differential and ephemeral resistances in Malus, which were overcome by the local scab populations during co‐evolution.
Evolutionary Relationships of the Dutch Elm Disease Fungus Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi to Other Ophiostoma Species Investigated by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of the rDNA Region
Authors: Pipe N. D. , Brasier C. M. , Buck K. W.
Published: March 2003

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) region were used to assess relationships between the Dutch elm disease fungi Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi and Ophiostoma ulmi, the recently described Himalayan Dutch elm disease pathogen, Ophiostoma himal‐ulmi, the morphologically similar sapstain fungi, Ophiostoma piceae and Ophiostoma quercus, and several Ophiostoma species from hardwood trees, including Ophiostoma stenoceras and Ophiostoma proliferum. A distance matrix and cluster analysis indicated that the rDNA region of O. himal‐ulmi is more closely related to those of O. novo‐ulmi and O. ulmi than to those of O. piceae and O. quercus and is more distantly related to O. stenoceras and the other Ophiostoma species, which formed a separate clade. The rDNA region of O. quercus was found to be at least as closely related to that of O. novo‐ulmi and O. ulmi as it is to that of O. piceae. The implications of these results for the evolution of the Dutch elm disease fungi are discussed.
Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Iranian Strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, the Causal Agent of Citrus bacterial Canker Disease
Authors: Mohammadi M. , Mirzâee M. R. , Rahimian H.
Published: March 2003

Twenty‐four strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), the causal agent of bacterial canker of citrus, isolated from Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and lemon (Citrus limon) in southern Iran, were characterized phenotypically. Strains were all pathogenic on C. aurantifolia. Sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed slight differences in soluble protein profiles among the strains. Based on host range specificity and phenotypic characteristics, representative strains were differentiated into two groups of Asiatic (A) and atypical Asiatic (aA) forms. DNA fingerprinting analysis using EcoRI as the restriction endonuclease showed a negligible difference in restriction pattern between the two groups. On the basis of isozymic analysis, the two groups were distinct with respect to superoxide dismutase (SOD) and esterase (EST) banding patterns. Plasmid DNA profile analysis showed that the bacterial strains were different from each other in terms of plasmid number and molecular weight. Phage typing study revealed that most of group A strains were susceptible to Cp1 and/or Cp2 and some were resistant to both phage types including the strain in aA group. Bacteriocin production test indicated that there was a variation among Xac strains using different indicators for each bacteriocin producer. It is concluded that the Iranian strains of Xac are heterogeneous and constitute a subgroup(s) within the pathotype A.
Electrophoretic Karyotype of the Obligate Biotrophic Parasite Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor.
Authors: Graf H. , Sokolowski F. , Klewer A. , Diederichsen E. , Luerßen H. , Siemens J.
Published: March 2003

Classical genetic analysis is not possible with the protist Plasmodiophora brassicae due to the intracellular life of this obligate biotrophic parasite. An electrophoretic karyotype has been obtained using contour‐clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis to facilitate gene mapping of P. brassicae. Using two different separation conditions 16 chromosomal bands of P. brassicae were distinguished ranging in approximate size from 2.2 Mb to 680 kb. According to this determination of chromosome number and size, the total genome size of P. brassicae was estimated to be 20.3 Mb. The chromosomal bands were further designated by their hybridization pattern with repetitive elements of P. brassicae. The repetitive element H4 (1800 bp) hybridized with 14 chromosomal bands, but the sequence of H4 showed no homology to known centromere or telomere structures and revealed no repetitive motifs.
Natural Occurrence of Pepino mosaic virus in Lycopersicon Species in Central and Southern Peru
Authors: SOLER S. , PROHENS J. , DÍEZ M. J. , NUEZ F.
Published: March 2003

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), a potexvirus first described in 1980 from pepino (Solanum muricatum) plants cultivated in Peru, was isolated from diseased tomato plants in the Netherlands in 1999, and is now the cause of an emerging tomato disease in Europe. In a survey of central and southern Peru, 65 wild and four cultivated populations of Lycopersicon, as well as six populations of other species of Solanaceae, were tested for the presence of PepMV and six other viruses. Of the Lycopersicon population sampled, 23 (35.4%) reacted positively in double antibody sandwich (DAS)‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with antisera to PepMV. DAS‐ELISA tests for PepMV of other solanaceous species were negative, except for one sample of pepino (Solanum muricatum). Mechanical inoculation of susceptible Lycopersicon esculentum cv. NE‐1 plants with crude sap extracts of 20 of these samples confirmed that 15 of them (from the Departments of Apurimac, Arequipa and Moquegua) were infected with PepMV; these inoculated plants were also DAS‐ELISA positive and, in most cases, developed symptoms. Thirteen of the infective extracts were obtained from plants of wild Lycopersicon species (three L. chilense, three L. chmielewskii, two L. parviflorum and five L. peruvianum) and one each from the cultivated species L. esculentum and S. muricatum. The wild Lycopersicon species are newly reported natural hosts of PepMV. Tests for the other six viruses were negative, except that two samples contained Tomato mosaic virus. Thus, PepMV occurs in Lycopersicon species in central and southern Peru, even in isolated wild populations. These results indicate that the virus is not new to the region and has an efficient mechanism of natural transmission.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasma associated with Lethal Yellowing Disease of Coconut Palms in Cuba
Authors: Llauger R. , Becker D. , Cueto J. , Peralta E. , González V. , Rodríguez M. , Rohde W.
Published: March 2003

Lethal Yellowing (LY) disease of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) in Cuba has been reported since the end of the 19th century. In order to ascertain the presence of phytoplasmas associated with this disease, leaf samples were taken from plants showing typical disease symptoms and assayed for the LY agent by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using LY‐specific primers. Selected PCR amplification products were cloned, sequenced and compared to that of a Mexican LY isolate from the Yucatán region. The results obtained confirm the presence of LY phytoplasma in Cuba. Cuban and Mexican isolates show an overall high degree of sequence similarity with occasional point mutations and small deletions or insertions. Based on these identified genetic differences, LY isolates from the Havana and the Yucatán region cluster together and apart from isolates originating at Maisí in eastern Cuba.
Pectic Enzymes Produced In vitro and In vivo by Erwinia spp. Isolated from Carrot and Pepper in Egypt
Authors: El‐Hendawy H. H. , Osman M. E. , Ramadan H. A.
Published: March 2003

Thirty soft‐rot Erwinia strains were isolated from diseased carrot (Daucus carrota) roots and pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits. Pathogenicity tests showed that these strains are able to induce soft‐rot disease symptoms in different vegetable species indicating a wide host range. Although pectin methyl esterase and polygalacturonase activities were not detected in culture supernatants, they were found in extracts of carrot roots and pepper fruits infected with three strains representing three soft‐rot Erwinias. On the other hand, culture supernatants and extracts of infected plant tissues contained pectic lyase activity. The enzyme from either sodium polypectate or pectin medium degraded the former more actively than the latter indicating pectate rather than pectin lyase activity. In contrast, the enzyme produced in infected tissue showed higher activity on pectin than sodium polypectate. Moreover, the enzyme activity on pectin was not reduced in the absence of Ca2+, which might suggest that, in addition to pectate lyases, pectin lyases could be produced in plant tissues by Erwinia species.
Role of Zinc in Rhizobacteria‐Mediated Suppression of Root‐Infecting Fungi and Root‐Knot Nematode
Authors: Siddiqui I. A. , Shaukat S. S. , Hamid M.
Published: March 2003

Understanding the environmental factors that influence the rhizosphere and inner root colonization of the disease‐suppressive strains of fluorescent pseudomonads is an essential step towards improving the level and reliability of their biocontrol activity. Soil amendment with Zn at 0.8 or 1.6 mg/kg of soil alone or in combination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa IE‐6S+significantly reduced nematode penetration in tomato roots. Zn applied alone did not reduce root infection caused by Macrophomina phaseolina or Fusarium solani but did reduce when used in combination with IE‐6S+. Soil amendment with Zn at 0.8 or 1.6 mg/kg of soil alone or in conjunction with IE‐6S+ markedly suppressed Rhizoctonia solani infection. Plant height, fresh weight of shoot and protein contents of the leaves substantially improved when used with Zn, however, plants growing in the soil treated with 1.6 mg/kg of Zn in the absence of IE‐6S+ not only reduced plant growth but also showed necrotic symptoms on the leaves. Zn application in the soil decreased populations of IE‐6S+ both in the rhizosphere and root. A positive correlation between bacterial rhizosphere and inner root colonization was also observed. With an increase in nematode densities in the soil, nematode penetration and subsequent galling due to Meloidogyne javanica increased. Regardless of the nematode densities, Zn applied alone or in combination with IE‐6S+ caused marked suppression of M. javanica. At all the population densities of M. javanica, Zn enhanced the efficacy of IE‐6S+ to reduce nematode invasion and subsequent gall development. IE‐6S+ caused significant suppression of soil‐borne root‐infecting fungi both in Zn‐sufficient and Zn‐deficient soil although this suppressive effect accentuated in Zn‐sufficient soils. In the absence of IE‐6S+ and/or Zn, increased nematode densities in the soil significantly reduced plant height, fresh weight of shoot and protein contents of the shoots. With an increase in nematode densities, populations of IE‐6S+ in the rhizosphere and root increased regardless of the Zn application. However, Zn‐deficient soils supported larger populations of IE‐6S+ compared with those of Zn‐sufficient soils.
Effect of Planting Date on Fusarium spp. and Diaporthe/Phomopsis Complex Incidence and its Relationship with Soya Bean Seed Quality
Authors: Meriles J. M. , Giorda L. M. , Maestri D. M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Fifteen soya bean genotypes from maturity groups IV, V and VI were planted on three dates at Manfredi Experimental Station – INTA, Córdoba Province, Argentina. Seeds were harvested at maturity and evaluated for seed infection by Fusarium spp. and Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex, and for physical and chemical parameters. There was a significant negative correlation between planting date (PD) and fungal incidence (P=0.05). A higher percentage of fungal incidence at earlier PD was consistent with lower seed weight and volume, higher oil content and no change in protein content. The highest values of fungal incidence were associated with increased oleic acid and decreased linoleic and linolenic acid contents. These results suggest that planting late maturity cultivars or delaying the planting of early and mid‐season cultivars may reduce seed infection by Fusarium spp. and Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex.
Effect of Antibiotics on the Symptoms of Stunting Disease of Magnolia liliiflora Plants
Authors: Kamińska M. , Śliwa H.
Published: March 2003

Treatment of diseased magnolia plants with Oxytetracycline, Baytril or Tylan did not reduce the number of symptomatic plants, but promoted shoot growth, development of symptomless leaves and flower buds. The most efficient were 500 ppm Baytril, 200 ppm Tylan and 500 or 1000 ppm Oxytetracycline. Lower concentrations of Baytril and Oxytetracycline were less effective and higher concentrations of Tylan decreased the growth of magnolia shoots. All the tested antibiotic treated and untreated magnolias were shown by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) to contain the AY (16SrI) phytoplasma and two also to contain a phytoplasma related to apple proliferation phytoplasma group (16SrX). The results indicate that Magnolia is a natural host of phytoplasmas belonging to the aster yellows and apple proliferation phytoplasma groups, and support the suggestion that phytoplasmas are the cause of magnolia stunting disease.
Phylogenetic Relationships Among Colletotrichum Pathogens of Strawberry and Design of PCR Primers for their Identification
Authors: Martinez‐Culebras P. V. , Querol A. , Suarez‐Fernandez M. B. , Garcia‐Lopez M. D. , Barrio E.
Published: March 2003

Isolates of Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides pathogenic to strawberry plants were examined by sequence analysis of the 5.8S‐ITS region. Phylogenetic relationships among isolates of Colletotrichum are, for the most part, congruent with the molecular groups established in earlier works. 5.8S‐ITS sequence analysis showed a high level of genetic divergence within C. acutatum. Isolates of this species clustered into two very distinct clusters with further subdivision. The divergences between C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides were too low to distinguish them as separate species. On the basis of the sequence data, specific primers were designed both to identify isolates belonging to the genus Colletotrichum, and to distinguish isolates of the species C. acutatum. The specificity of these primers was validated by testing a wide range of strawberry isolates of Colletotrichum, non‐strawberry isolates of Colletotrichum and other fungi used as controls. Although the 5.8S‐ITS sequences were not polymorphic enough to allow the construction of C. gloeosporioides‐specific primers, specific PCR amplification followed by an MvnI digestion provides a tool to specifically identify strawberry isolates of C. gloeosporioides.
Culling Policies in Dairy Herds. A. Review
Authors: Monti G. , Tenhagen B.A. , Heuwieser W.
Published: March 2003

The culling decision is one of the most complex decisions in farm animal management. This article reviews concepts of culling, risk factors for cows to be culled, different culling policies and the present knowledge on how to develop an optimal culling policy. It is pointed out that there are major interactions between other management complexes and culling that influence the result of field research concerning risk factors for culling. The estimated importance of risk factors for culling varies widely in literature.

Culling decisions are part of the overall herd management. They cannot be analysed independently. Future research should analyse the interactions between management practices, cow health, economy, and culling in more detail.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation as a Cause of Perinatal Mortality in Japanese Black Beef Calves
Authors: Ogata Y. , Nakao T. , Takahashi K. , Abe H. , Misawa T. , Urushiyama Y. , Sakai J.
Published: March 2003

Perinatal death is one of the major causes of calf mortality in Japanese Black beef herds. A series of experiments were carried out to determine causes of perinatal calf mortality in a region of northern Japan. An aetiological survey revealed that the incidence of perinatal mortality in 6475 calves was 4.5 % and the majority of neonatal deaths were caused by weak calf syndrome. The weak calves delivered after a normal gestation period had a significantly lower body weight at birth than normal calves (P < 0.01), indicating growth retardation in the uterus during pregnancy. Haematological and histopathological examinations showed that the weak calves had anaemia characterized by a significant decrease of blood cell values and bone marrow hypofunction. The anaemia due to bone marrow hypofunction presumably caused intrauterine growth retardation of the foetus. Dams delivering the weak calves showed significantly lower serum concentrations of estrone sulphate during late pregnancy than those with normal calves (P < 0.01), indicating foeto‐placental dysfunction as a possible cause of growth retardation. Effects of sires as well as the maternal family on the incidence of neonatal death and on the rate of weak calves in dead neonates were found in the survey. Intrauterine growth retardation associated with anaemia may be the most important cause of weak calf syndrome in Japanese Black beef calves. The bull and maternal family may also have an influence on the incidence of neonatal death.
Measurement of Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in Faeces of Domestic Livestock
Authors: M E. , östl . , Messmann S. , Bagu E. , Robia C. , Palme R.
Published: March 2003

After 14C‐labelled cortisol infusion in ponies and pigs, faecal samples were collected. Extraction of 0.5 g faeces with 5 ml 80–90 % methanol yielded the highest radioactivity in the supernatant. Most of the metabolites were ether soluble. After high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the presence of immunoreactive metabolites was demonstrated by measuring each HPLC fraction using enzyme immunoassays for cortisol, corticosterone and 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone. Only the assay for 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone revealed peaks with co‐eluting radioactivity. For biological validation of the test system, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and dexamethasone were injected intravenously successively in both species (n = 6). Cortisol concentration in blood and the 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone immunoreactive substances in faeces were determined. In horse faeces, basal values of 2.3–35.2 nmol/kg were measured. After ACTH administration, an increase (more than 200 % above basal values) of these metabolites was seen about 1 day after ACTH administration. After dexamethasone injection the levels decreased, reaching minimum concentrations 2 days after administration. In pigs, an increase in these metabolites was measured in only three animals after ACTH; dexamethasone did not cause a decrease. The stability of the samples after defecation was tested by storing samples from cows, horses and pigs at room temperature. It was shown that there was a significant increase in the concentration of measured cortisol metabolites in bovine, equine and porcine faeces after storage for 1 h, 4 h and 24 h, respectively. In frozen samples this effect was diminished after thawing samples at 40°C; thawing the samples at 95°C prevented an increase in immunoreactive substances.
Tissue Distribution of Oxacillin and Ampicillin in the Isolated Perfused Bovine Udder
Authors: Ehinger A. M. , Kietzmann M.
Published: March 2003

In vivo, tissue distribution of intramammarily administered antibiotics is mostly only assessed by sampling milk and blood. Therefore, the described study analysed whether measurement of tissue concentrations makes sense in vitro instead. Isolated bovine udders were perfused with gassed and warmed Tyrode solution. To four front and rear quarters each, 1000 mg oxacillin in 7.5 ml vehicle was administered intracisternally, completely formulated as sodium monohydrate in two lactation ointments (with or without sodium dodecylsulphate) or 80 % as benzathine salt in a dry‐off ointment. Over 3 h, perfusate and glandular tissue from different locations were sampled and analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography. With increasing vertical distance to the teat base, the tissue concentration of antibiotics decreased. With the lactation ointment containing sodium dodecylsulphate, lower oxacillin concentrations were reached in glandular tissue and lymph nodes compared to those without. The ointments led to a higher recovery of oxacillin in glandular tissue than in perfusate. Aluminium monostearate in the dry‐off ointment caused an even poorer absorption of oxacillin into perfusate. The isolated perfused bovine udder is suitable to study the tissue distribution of antibiotics, since the results were mainly comparable with the few existing in vivo studies and show the influence of different formulations.
Effect of Baypamun® on Blood Leucocytes in Normal and Dexamathasone Treated Goats
Authors: Winnicka A. , Kluciski W. , Kawiak J. , Hoser G. , Sikora J.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Baypamun® on selected lymphocyte subpopulations and granulocyte phagocytic activity mediated by lectin‐like receptors in goats of normal immune status and in goats experimentally immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Eighteen goats in total were used. Blood samples were collected 24 h before immunomodulation and 5 and 10 days after immunomodulation. Animals in group I were immunostimulated with Baypamun® for 2 days and immunosuppressed with Dexafort for the next 2 days. Animals in group II received Dexafort first and then Baypamun®. The number of leucocytes in total and in subpopulations was determined by flow cytometry. Application of Baypamun® before (group I) or after (group II) immunosuppression caused significant (P < 0.001) and lasting changes in the percentage of CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Significant but transient changes were observed in CD19+ (B) and WC1‐N2+ (null) cells. Results show that application of Baypamun® to modulate non‐specific defence is advisable following immunosuppression (group I). When Baypamun was applied after immunosuppression (group II), although there was no reaction during the initial phase, an increase in the activity of cells responsible for non‐specific immunity was noticeable after 10 days.
Acceptance and Digestibility of Some Selected Browse Feeds with Varying Tannin Content as Supplements in Sheep Nutrition in West Africa
Authors: Aschfalk A. , Steingass H. , Müller W. , Drochner W.
Published: March 2003

In 1994 and 1995 leaves from 10 selected West African trees and shrubs with varying tannin content were tested to determine their suitability as an alternative and supplementary browse feed for West African dwarf sheep to improve productivity in small‐scale holdings in Benin. Dry matter intake per kg metabolic body weight (DM g/kg W0.75) varied between the different browse feeds and between the different trials and ranged from zero (Leucaena leucocephala) up to 26.7 DM g/kg W0.75 (Margaritaria discoidea). The digestibility of the organic matter varied between 58.9 % (L. leucocephala) and 68.2 % (Mallotus oppositifolius). Agelaea obliqua showed the highest levels of total phenols (10.2 %), tannin phenols (8.8 %) and extractable condensed tannins (8.0 %). Leaves from various browse feeds are a good and protein‐rich supplementary fodder in addition to the grass Panicum maximum. However, feeding of A. obliqua and Cnestis ferruginea should be avoided due to toxic components.
Milk Yield and Composition, Nutrition, Body Conformation Traits, Body Condition Scores, Fertility and Diseases in High‐Yielding Dairy Cows – Part 1
Authors: Aeberhard K. , Bruckmaier R. M. , Kuepfer U. , Blum J. W.
Published: March 2003

Twenty‐nine pairs of high‐yielding dairy cows (HC; ≥45 kg/day reached at least once during lactation) and corresponding control cows (CC; with milk yields representing the average yield of the herds) were examined on 29 Swiss farms from March 1995 to September 1996. The hypotheses were tested that there are differences in feed intake, body‐conformation traits, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), fertility status and disease incidence between HC and CC cows. Cows were studied 2 weeks before and at 5, 9, 13, 17 and 40 weeks post‐partum. HC cows produced more energy‐corrected milk (ECM) than CC cows (10 670 ± 321 kg in 293 ± 5 days and 8385 ± 283 kg in 294 ± 4 days, respectively; P ≤ 0.001) and yields in the first 100 days of lactation were greater in HC than in CC cows (46.2 ± 1.1 and 36.2 ± 1.0 kg ECM/day, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). Concentrate intake was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in HC than in CC cows (7.6 ± 0.5 and 5.7 ± 0.5 kg/day, respectively) and dry matter intakes (measured in week 5 of lactation over 3 days on six farms) were greater in HC than in CC cows (24.0 ± 1.1 and 20.3 ± 1.1 kg/day, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). HC cows were taller than CC cows (wither heights 143.3 ± 0.8 and 140.1 ± 0.8 cm, respectively; P ≤ 0.01). Although BW in HC cows was greater than in CC cows throughout the study, differences and decreases of BW during lactation were not significant. BCS at the end of pregnancy and decrements during lactation were similar in HC and CC cows. Fertility parameters were similar in HC and CC cows. Incidences of mastitis, claw and feet problems, hypocalcemia/downer cow syndrome, ovarian cysts and abortions were similar in HC and CC cows, but there were more indigestion problems in HC than in CC cows.
Functional Changes in Isolated Guinea‐pig Papillary Muscle Induced by Monensin and Digoxin
Authors: MERAL I. , HEMBROUGH F. B. , BAILEY T. B. , HSU W.
Published: March 2003

The effects of digoxin and monensin on contraction force (CF), initial contraction velocity (ICV), average contraction velocity (ACV), initial relaxation velocity (IRV) and stimulus to response time (ST) in `fatigued' (tired) and `non‐fatigued' (fresh) guinea‐pig papillary muscles were investigated. `Fatigued' muscles had lost 30% of their original CF with the elapse of time before they were treated. The 5 h of measurement were divided into five periods (T0 was equilibration, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were, respectively, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after drug administration). It was found that both monensin and digoxin increased the CF, ICV and ACV at T1 and increased the IRV at T2. Digoxin lost its effect with the elapse of time while monensin did not. Digoxin also decreased the ST at T2, T3 and T4. However, monensin did not change the ST. It was also found that `fatigued' and `non‐fatigued' guinea‐pig papillary muscles did not respond to the drug treatment differently. It was concluded that the initial effects of these two drugs on guinea‐pig papillary muscles are similar regarding contractility but in time digoxin loses its effect while monensin does not.
The Influence of Short‐Term Anion Salt Exposure on Urine pH and on Resistance to Experimentally Induced Hypocalcaemia in Cows
Authors: MELLAU L. S. B. , JØRGENSEN R. J. , KAMBARAGE D. M.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this experiment was to induce acidification by anion salt supplementation for 2 days or 10 days and to study the prophylactic effects of such supplementation in preventing hypocalcaemia in cows. It was further attempted to monitor the extent to which any effect on the calcium‐regulating mechanisms would persist following a 10‐day period of acidification with anion salts. Study animals were three untreated control cows and three cows supplemented with ammonium chloride and ammonium sulphate in their ration for 2 days or 10 days through the rumen cannula. The basic ration of hay was dominated by Urochloa spp. The pH of the urine of the control cows was around 8.00 throughout the experiment and was considered normal. Anion‐supplemented cows produced urine with a daily mean pH between 5.5 and 7.0, possibly due to anion salt exposure. The ability to withstand hypocalcaemic challenges was tested by a standardized intravenous infusion of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na2EDTA). The calcium regaining time (CRT), expressed as time spent to reach 1.00 mmol/l of ionized calcium during recovery from the EDTA‐induced hypocalcaemia, was used to compare cow responses. In the control cows the unexpectedly short CRT, especially during the weekly EDTA tests, could be a result of the repeated induced episodes of hypocalcaemia caused by the EDTA infusions. The improved CRT in the anion‐supplemented cows may thus be interpreted as the combined effect of the repeated hypocalcaemic episodes due to EDTA infusions and probably the effect of anion‐induced metabolic acidosis on endocrine‐regulated calcium homeostatic mechanisms. The effect of anion salt exposure for 10 days on the improvement of calcium‐regulating mechanisms was not clear due to the unexpected improvement of CRT that was exhibited by the untreated control cows as well. An on‐farm trial of the effect of a 2‐day or 10‐day anion exposure of dry cows on calcium‐regulating mechanisms is suggested.
Haemolytic‐Uraemic Syndrome in a Dog
Authors: Chantrey J. , Chapman P. S. , Patterson‐Kane J. C.
Published: March 2003

An 11‐year‐old female German Shepherd dog presented with lethargy and anorexia, which progressed to haemorrhagic vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. Serum biochemistry and haematology results showed azotaemia and mild thrombocytopaenia. Euthanasia was elected and the dog was submitted for necropsy examination. There were widespread serosal and mucosal petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages within the abdomen, with ascites and multiple renal infarcts. The renal infarcts were associated with fibrinoid necrosis and thrombosis of inter‐lobular arteries and arterioles. These arterial lesions and clinical signs are consistent with haemolytic‐uraemic syndrome, which has not previously been reported in dogs in Europe.
Effect of Different Dietary Levels of Yucca schidigera Powder on the Performance, Blood Parameters and Egg Yolk Cholesterol of Laying Quails
Authors: Kaya S. , Erdogan Z. , Erdogan S.
Published: March 2003

A total of 135 laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), 9 weeks old, were divided into three dietary treatment groups. Three replicates were assigned to each treatment group consisting of 15 birds per cage. The diet was supplemented with 0, 100 and 200 ppm Yucca schidigera powder and given ad libitum to the quails for a period of 14 weeks. Body weight, egg production, feed consumption and feed efficiency were not different due to dietary treatments among the groups. Increased egg weight was determined in the control group.

Yucca powder supplementation decreased serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride level in laying quails. Serum total protein concentration was not changed by dietary treatments but albumin level was decreased in quails fed 100 ppm yucca powder. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not significantly different among the groups but tended to decline (11.5%) as a result of yucca supplementation. Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were not affected by supplementation of yucca powder. However, haemoglobin (HB) concentration was slightly increased and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was significantly increased by 200 ppm yucca powder supplementation to the diet.
Glucocorticoid Metabolites Inhibit the Metabolism of Androstenedione in Red Blood Cells of Ruminants
Authors: El‐Bahr S. M. , Möstl E. , Palme R.
Published: March 2003

The present work aimed to confirm that erythrocytes of ruminants, in general, are capable of converting 17‐oxo to 17‐hydroxysteroids. Special attention was given to 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone (a cortisol metabolite) and its possible interaction with androstenedione as substrates of 17‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17‐OH SDH). Blood samples were taken from cattle, sheep and goats (n = 3). Aliquots (100 or 300 μl) of washed red blood cell (RBC) suspensions were incubated in triplicates with Ringer's/glucose solution (1 ml) containing either androstenedione (10 ng) or 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone (100 ng) or a mixture of 10 ng of each. Incubations were performed on a shaker at 38°C for 10, 20, 40 or 80 min, respectively. After centrifugation the supernatants were stored at −24°C until analysis. Concentrations of added steroids were measured with enzyme‐immunoassays to monitor their decrease. The 17‐OH SDH activity of RBC was highest in cattle followed by goats and sheep, and 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone was a better substrate than androstenedione. Concentrations of the latter decreased more pronounced, if incubated alone. High performance liquid chromatography separations of the metabolites of 17‐oxosteroids revealed the presence of both, a 17β‐ and 17α‐hydroxylated product formed by erythrocytes of sheep and goats, but only the latter in cattle. The results demonstrated that 11‐oxoaetiocholanolone was also a substrate of RBC 17‐OH SDH and inhibited the metabolism of androstenedione. Therefore, in ruminants, there might be an interaction between cortisol metabolites and gonadal steroids on the level of peripheral steroid metabolism.
Use of an Alkaline Phosphatase‐Labelled Probe for the Detection of Mycoplasma synoviae in Chickens
Authors: Salisch H. , Ryll M. , Leise R. , Neumann U.
Published: March 2003

Short nucleotides directly labelled to alkaline phosphatase (SNAP probes) are an interesting alternative to digoxigenin‐labelled probes (DIG probes), because they reduce the number of steps necessary in dot blots for the detection of DNA or amplificate. This study examined the questions whether a SNAP probe might not only save time, but also increase the sensitivity of another PCR‐based DNA probe test using a digoxigenin probe. Amplificates obtained by multispecies polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with either purified genomic DNA or DNA extracted from tracheal swabs taken in chicken flocks, were detected by both methods. The results for the clinical specimens were compared to culture. Under stringent conditions, the specificity and sensitivity obtained with the SNAP probe were comparable to the results obtained with the DIG probe. The quantities 10 fg (SNAP probe) and 100 fg (DIG probe) of purified Mycoplasma synoviae DNA were detected after amplification, but more positive clinical specimens were detected with the DIG probe. Under non‐stringent conditions sensitivity with purified DNA did no change, but the coloration of the dots improved markedly, and more positive specimens could be detected with the SNAP probe than with the DIG probe, truly positives as confirmed by culture. Because cross‐reaction with Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma imitans, two species with DNA that was also recognized by the multispecies primers, occurred under non‐stringent conditions, it was concluded that, to take the full advantage of SNAP probes, their use in combination with species‐specific primer pairs is recommended. PCR as a method for mycoplasma detection is however, always accompanied with serological and cultural methods. When a M. synoviae mono‐infection is likely by serological results, non‐stringent dot blot conditions and use of the SNAP probe will ease and improve the detection of mycoplasma.
Taxonomic Evidence that Serovar 7 of Erysipelothrix Strains Isolated from Dogs with Endocarditis are Erysipelothrix tonsillarum
Authors: Takahasi T. , Fujisawa T. , Yamamoto K. , Kijima M. , Takahashi T.
Published: March 2003

The levels of relatedness among strains of Erysipelothrix serovar 7 isolated from dogs with endocarditis were estimated by performing DNA‐DNA hybridization experiments with the type strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Erysipelothrix tonsillarum. All the canine strains exhibited more than 81 % hybridization with the type strain of E. tonsillarum but less than 13 % hybridization with the type strain of E. rhusiopathiae. Based on DNA‐DNA hybridization results we confirmed that serovar 7 of the isolates from dogs with endocarditis were conclusively identified as E. tonsillarum. These results strongly indicate that some strains of genomic E. tonsillarum are a canine pathogen.
Immunoglobulin G Class Identification from Wild Ungulates by Cross‐reactivity with Antisera to Domestic Animals
Authors: Lastras M. E. , Pastor J. , Viñ L. , Marco I. , Lavin S.
Published: March 2003

Seven species of Spanish ungulates were tested for the presence of homologous immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a gel‐diffusion test using bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine IgG antisera. Homologous ovine and caprine IgG were detected in sera from chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon), red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Homologous porcine IgG was detected in wild boar (Sus scrofa) serum. Immunoelectrophoretic assays were performed to compare the electrophoretic mobility of IgG from domestic and wild species.
Influence of Antibiotics Used as Feed Additives on the Immune Effect of Erysipelas Live Vaccine in Swine
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Takagi M. , Endoh Y.S. , Kijima M. , Takahashi T.
Published: March 2003

To investigate the influence of antibiotics used as feed additives on the immune response to erysipelas live vaccine, the pig inoculation test was applied. Avilamycin, oxytetracycline quaternary salt, enramycin, virginiamycin and tylosin phosphate were selected as test antibiotics. Five experimental feeds containing each antibiotic at the highest concentration permitted for feed additives in Japan, and the basal diet lacking antibiotics were examined. Twenty‐nine pigs were divided into six groups. At first all the groups were fed with the antibiotic‐free basal diet for 7 days, and then each group received the experimental feeds. On the 14th day after feeding with test feeds all the pigs, except for one control pig in each group, were immunized with the vaccine and all the pigs were then challenge‐exposed to a virulent strain of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae 14 days after vaccination. The clinical response was observed every day for 14 days. In all the groups, most of the vaccinated pigs did not develop any clinical signs of acute erysipelas after the challenge exposure, whereas non‐vaccinated control pigs died or showed severe generalized erythema with profound depression and anorexia. No differences in the protection against the challenge exposure were observed among the groups. Therefore, the present results suggest that these selected antibiotics would not interfere with the immune effect of the vaccine if given at the usual concentrations used for feed additives.
Mapping Neutralizing and Non‐Neutralizing Epitopes on the Capsid Protein of Feline Calicivirus
Authors: GEISSLER K. , SCHNEIDER K. , TRUYEN U.
Published: March 2003

Neutralizing epitopes on feline calicivirus (FCV) capsid protein were mapped using chimeric capsid proteins recombinant between two FCV isolates that do not show any cross‐neutralization. The three chimeric proteins examined were expressed in murine L929 cells employing an MVA/T7 vaccinia virus expression system and inoculated into major histocompatibility complex haplotype‐matched C3/HN mice. Based on the neutralizing antibody titre the neutralizing epitope(s) could be mapped to the 5′ hypervariable region of the E region or potentially to the C region. The epitopes of some non‐neutralizing antibodies were mapped with the same chimeric proteins to the regions B or D and F of the FCV capsid protein.
Parapoxviruses: From the Lesion to the Viral Genome
Authors: BÜTTNER M. , RZIHA H.‐J.
Published: March 2003

Viruses of the genus parapoxvirus from the family poxviridae cause widespread but localized diseases of small and large ruminants. The economically most important disease is contagious pustular dermatitis or contagious ecthyma among sheep and goats, often simply called orf. The parapoxviruses (PPV) can be transmitted to man leading to localized lesions that are named pseudocowpox or milkers' node as being mostly restricted to the hands and fingers. In cattle two forms of PPV manifestation are commonly observed, the bovine papular stomatitis in young calves and the occurrence of lesions at the udder of cows. We here report about the recent efforts in molecular characterization of orf viruses and the state of the art about the generation of orf virus recombinants. In addition the current knowledge on immune responses against orf viruses and some new data on the behaviour of orf virus recombinants under non‐permissive conditions are reported.
Effect of Infectious Status and Parity on Somatic Cell Count and California Mastitis Test in Pampinta Dairy Ewes
Authors: SUAREZ V. H. , BUSETTI M. R. , MIRANDA A. O. , CALVINHO L. F. , BEDOTTI D. O. , CANAVESIO V. R.
Published: March 2003

The relationship between somatic cell counts (SCC) and California mastitis test (CMT) results according to the infectious status of mammary halves and parity of Pampinta dairy ewes was evaluated. Tests were associated to bacteriological analysis and classified into three groups: uninfected (negative culture), infected by minor pathogens and infected by major pathogens. Coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (32.4%), Micrococcus spp. (32.4%), Corynebacterium spp. (5.4%), and Bacillus spp. (1.4%) were the minor pathogens isolated, while Staphylococcus aureus (27%) and Escherichia coli (1.4%) were the major pathogens isolated. A good correlation was found between the CMT and SCC, which included inflammatory and epithelial cells (r=0.64; P < 0.0001). SCC averages for the CMT scores shown in parentheses were 223 576 (0); 245 248 (1); 397 778 (2); 1 159 109 (3) and 2 460 833 (4) cells/ml. The correlation between SCC and the infectious status of udder halves was 0.58 (P < 0.0001). The relationship between SCC and CMT profiles and infectious status studied by a discriminant analysis showed, with an accuracy of 65%, three infectious status groups. SCC arithmetic means were 244 470 cells/ml for negative culture, 1 044 100 cells/ml for minor pathogens and 2 045 652 cells/ml for major pathogens. With the exception of 1‐year‐old ewes, no significant differences were observed in SCC as affected by age or parity.