bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COLLECTION OF SEMEN FROM STALLIONS AT STUD
Authors: Dowsett K. F. , Pattie W. A.
Published: March 2008

Semen was collected from 222 stallions of 13 breed or colour types in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. A total of 648 collection attempts were made, using an artificial vagina, during 4 consecutive breeding seasons (1974/5 to 1977/8). Modifications were made to the techniques used by previous workers because collections were made at commercial studs using minimal animal restraint.

Of all collection attempts, 621 (96%) were successful, while at least one semen sample was collected from each of 216 stallions (97%). There were no significant relationships between stallion collection failures and breeding season, time of year or age and breed of stallion. Time of year (seasons and months) was the only factor having a significant relationship with collection failures; highest failure rates occurring in autumn and winter.

The techniques described are applicable for breeding soundness examinations of untrained stallions and for collection of semen for artificial insemination.
A SURVEY OF MYCOBACTERIOSIS OF FERAL PIGS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Authors: Corner L. A. , Barrett R. H. , Lepper A. W. D. , Lewis V. , Pearson C. W.
Published: March 2008

Seven hundred and fifty‐one feral pigs from the subcoastal plains of the Northern Territory were examined. The sample population consisted of 52.4% females and 47.6% males. They ranged in age from newborn piglets to mature animals of over 72 months. Of the pigs examined 47.7% had macroscopic abscesses and of these 80.2% were probably caused by mycobacteria. Tissues from 193 pigs were examined bacteriologically and 93 strains of mycobacteria were isolated. These were typed as M. bovis (37 strains); M. avium serotype 2 (1); M. intracellulare serotypes 6 (2), 7 (3), 9 (1) and 18 (1); M. intracellulare double serotypes 6 + 12 (1), 8 + 12 (1) and 11 + 25 (1); M. intracellulare unclassified serotype (4); M. scrofulaceum serotype 41 (1); M. scrofulaceum unclassified serotype (7); M. gordonae (2); M. kansasii (1); M. simiae (2); M. szulgai (2); M. vaccae (1); and M. xenopi (2). Additionally, 3 strains were unidentifiable members of the M. avium‐M. intracellulare‐M. scrofulaceum (MAIS) complex, one strain was a Runyon's group IV and 4 strains were typed as members of the genus Rhodococcus. Five strains were non‐viable on subculture and 10 did not conform to any currently recognised species of mycobacteria. Of the 93 strains, 3 were isolated from tissue that did not contain macroscopic lesions, viz. M. simiae, Runyon's group IV and an unidentifiable member of the MAIS complex.

It was concluded that the feral pig is probably an end host for both M. bovis and atypical mycobacteria and not a significant source of infection for cattle. M. bovis is not a significant cause of mortality in feral pigs but mycobacterioses are a significant cause of morbidity.

With increasing age, the proportion of pigs having lesions increased whereas the proportion of lesions from which mycobacteria could be isolated decreased.
CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN DOGS: A REPORT ON 6 CASES
Authors: Sutton R. H.
Published: March 2008

The main features of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in 6 dogs, all of which were of large breed, were central nervous system involvement in all cases and diversity of the initial presenting signs. The respiratory tract was affected in one case, but the bronchopneumonia did not appear to be of cryptococcal origin. Immunosuppressive factors and other diseases which are believed to increase the susceptibility of man and animals to cryptococcal infection did not appear to be of importance in these cases.
SURGICAL REPAIR OF RECTO‐VAGINAL FISTULAE IN MARES
Authors: Hilbert B. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A modified method for the repair of recto‐vaginal fistulae in mares is described. Mares are given a general anaesthetic and the fistula is repaired directly through the vulva leaving the anus and perineal body intact.
OBSTRUCTION OF THE SMALL COLON BY INTRAMURAL HAEMATOMA IN THREE HORSES
Authors: Speirs V. C. , van Veenendaal J. C. , Christie B. A. , Lavelle R. B. , Gay C. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three cases of intramural haematoma of the small colon of horses are presented. In all cases the haematoma obstructed the lumen and caused an accumulation of faeces and gas. The horses were in shock and had acute abdominal pain. Exploratory abdominal surgery revealed the haematomas and showed them to be associated with chronic infection and terminal rupture in one animal which was subsequently killed, and an iatrogenic perforation of the terminal small colon in another which survived after intestinal resection. In the remaining horse, which died without recovering after intestinal resection, no cause was found.
BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH IN THE NEXT DECADE*
Authors: Shelton J. N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Priorities for research in beef cattle are proposed in the areas of nutrition, breeding, reproduction and health. Research in nutrition should be concerned with enhancing utilisation of cellulose and non‐protein nitrogen. Cattle breeding projects should concentrate on the synthesis of genotypes suited to specific environments, while in the area of reproduction, wastage remains the most important problem.

Improvement of diagnostic tests and vaccines would result from intensified research into subcellular function of causative organisms. Major contributions to animal health could emanate from studies of the genetic basis of disease resistance. The very small number of veterinarians employed in animal production research tends to deprive health of its proper place as a central feature of production.
STYPANDRA IMBRICATA (“BLINDGRASS”) TOXICOSIS IN GOATS AND SHEEP—CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS IN 4 FIELD CASES
Authors: Main D. C. , Slatter D. H. , Huxtable C. R. , Constable I. C. , Dorling P. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two goats and 2 sheep from field outbreaks of Stypandra imbricata toxicosis had severe lesions in the retina, optic nerves and white matter of the central nervous system. Clinical, ophthalmoscopic, fluorescein angiographic, electroretinographic and histologic findings are described. Principal features were blindness, central retinal degeneration and atrophy, necrosis and degeneration of axons in the optic nerves and optic tracts and status spongiosus of cerebral white matter.
THE DETECTION OF ARTHRITIS IN PIGS IN AN ABATTOIR AND ITS PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: Cross G. M. , Edwards M. J.
Published: March 2008

The results of a study of the prevalence in each joint of arthritis in pigs as detected by meat inspectors is presented. A prevalence of arthritis in 1.07% of carcases was obtained, of which 0.28% were condemned totally and 0.79% condemned partially. With partial condemnations there was a bias to the left side in the hindquarters, and a significant bias to the hindquarter as compared with the forequarter. A consequence was that undetected arthritic lesions, especially in the forequarter and probably containing viable Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, are finding their way to the consumer.
TREATMENT OF EQUINE PHYCOMYCOSIS BY IMMUNOTHERAPY AND SURGERY
Authors: Miller R. I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Treatment of equine phycomycosis with a vaccine derived from ultrasonicated hyphae of Hyphomyces destruens was attempted in 30 cases of clinical hyphomycosis, 10 cases of hyphomycosis following unsuccessful surgery and 5 cases of basidiobolomycosis. Approximately 53% of animals with clinical hyphomycosis were cured after vaccination, while a further 33% clinically improved. All horses with hyphomycosis treated within 2 weeks of unsuccessful surgery were cured. There was no response to vaccination with a Hyphomyces preparation in horses with basidiobolomycosis, while surgery alone resulted in a cure of approximately 69%.

Animals tolerated the vaccination procedures well. In all cases there was a moderate to severe reaction at the site of subcutaneous injection which subsided within 96 hours. In approximately 30% of injections a sterile abscess formed at the site but responded promptly to treatment. Response to vaccination at the site of the lesion was observed within 7 to 10 days of first injection. There was progressive reduction of pruritus, drying of the surface of the lesion, expulsion of kunkers, fibrosis of the granuloma, and eventually complete epithelialisation.
INTESTINAL CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN A KID GOAT
Authors: Mason R. W. , Hartley W. J. , Tilt L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A 2‐week‐old Angora kid goat developed diarrhoea and was treated with parenterally administered antibiotics and saline. The kid rapidly became moribund and died within 6 hours of the first signs of illness. No bacterial or viral agents were detected in the intestinal content. On histological examination large numbers of small haematoxylin‐staining bodies were detected associated with the brush border of small intestinal enterocytes. Associated with these bodies there was variable shortening of intestinal villi, some congestion and focal leucocyte infiltration in the lamina propira of the villi and focal epithelial erosions, sloughing or cell transition to more immature enterocyte forms. The location and features revealed by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicate these bodies are cryptoporidia.
SALMONELLOSIS IN TRANSPORTED FERAL GOATS
Authors: McOrist S. , Miller G. T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An outbreak of acute diarrhoea and deaths was investigated in a group of 1,016 feral goats of varying ages, on a 400 hectare Gippsland pine plantation. The goats had recently been captured in north western New South Wales and transported by truck to Melbourne, Victoria, a journey of 20 to 25 hours, and maintained in holding yards for up to 10 days. They were then transported for a further 3 hours, and released in the Gippsland plantation. Within 1 to 2 weeks of release many goats developed acute, severe diarrhoea, weakness and recumbency. Thirty‐eight percent of all goats died in the first 2 months on the farm. Autopsy findings were characteristic of salmonellosis in 13 (43%) of the 30 goats examined and Salmonella sp were cultured from these and one other goat (47%). Four different serotypes of Salmonella were represented (S. adelaide, S. typhimurium, S. muenchen, S. singapore). The findings support the view that stress due to transport and intensive handling caused carriers of Salmonella to develop into active excretors with high cross infection to susceptible goats.
AN EVALUATION OF LUPINOSIS IN CATTLE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Allen J. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A retrospective study of cases of bovine lupinosis submitted to this Laboratory, and a trial in which 3 cows, 3 steers and 3 heifers were grazed together on toxic lupin stubbles, were carried out to determine further knowledge of this disease. It was found that what is presently recognised as bovine lupinosis can be divided into 2 distinct entities on the basis of liver pathology. Firstly, a fatty liver syndrome, which accounted for most outbreaks of the disease and most deaths, affected late‐pregnant or recently calved cows, and is suggested to be a nutritional ketosis secondary to mild inappetance caused by lupinosis toxin. Secondly, a cirrhotic liver syndrome, which affected all classes of cattle, usually became apparent in winter and is considered to be the principal result of the direct action of lupinosis toxin. Cattle were less susceptible to lupinosis than sheep. Recommendations are made on grazing lupins by cattle.
ERADICATION OF TUBERCULOSIS FROM AN EXTENSIVELY MANAGED BEEF HERD
Authors: Armstrong J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Eradication of tuberculosis from a herd of 5,000 head of beef cattle with a long history of infection was achieved in a 5‐year period using the single caudal fold tuberculin test in conjunction with segregation of breeders of different ages and selective slaughter of problem groups. The major problem which had to be overcome to achieve eradication was the occurrence of anergic tuberculous animals. All animals in the group were slaughtered when it was apparent testing was not successful. Testing was very effective in elminating TB from cattle under the age of two years.

Incomplete musters and breakdown of segregation caused reinfection of clean groups in the early stages.
THE USE OF IMIDOCARB DIPROPRIONATE FOR THE TREATMENT OF THEILERIA SERGENTI INFECTIONS OF CATTLE
Authors: Purnell R. E. , Rae Moon Chang
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Imidocarb diproprionate (IMDP) was used therapeutically at a dose of 1.2 mg IMDP/kg of body weight against Theileria sergenti infections in Hereford heifers on the island of Jeju‐Do, Republic of Korea. In the first experiment IMDP was seen to be at least as effective in reducing T. sergenti parasitaemias as primaquine phosphate (primaquine), the drug normally used on the island. In the second and third experiments IMDP was shown to reduce T. sergenti parasitaemias by about 80%. No drug is known to be completely effective against T. sergenti infections but the suggestion is made that IMDP may be used in preference to primaquine for treatment of acutely ill animals since it also has the advantage of eliminating Babesia ovata, another element of the piroplasmosis syndrome on the island.
COLISEPTICAEMIA OF LAMBS
Authors: Mason R. W. , Corbould A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In 1979 and 1980, 23 and 29 cases of ovine colisepticaemia from 16 and 18 properties respectively were diagnosed. All cases but one were caused by Esherichia coli 078: NM (Non Motile). Mortality ranged from 1% to 5% with an age distribution of 3 to 12 weeks. Most cases occurred in October. Thirty‐three of the isolates were tested against a wide range of antibiotics and all had similar sensitivity patterns.

E. coli 078 was detected less frequently in rectal cultures than in bile, small intestinal or nasal cultures from colisepticaemic lambs. In addition, E. coli 078 was recovered more frequently from nasal than from rectal cultures of lambs dying from causes other than colisepticaemia in colisepticaemic flocks. These findings suggest that perhaps the nasal route may be the more important portal of infection in ovine colisepticaemia caused by E. Coli 078 organisms.
THE EFFECT OF CHALLENGE WITH VIRULENTBRUCELLA ABORTUSON BEEF CATTLE VACCINATED AS CALVES OR ADULTS WITH EITHERBRUCELLA ABORTUSSTRAIN 19 OR 45/20
Authors: Sutherland S. S. , Robertson A. G. , Le Cras D. V. , Robertson G. M. , Johnston J. M. , Evansxs R. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Groups of female calves were vaccinated subcutaneously with the standard dose of Brucella abortus strain 19 (S19) or with B. abortus 45/20 (S45/20). These calves and non‐vaccinated control calves were mated at 15 months of age and challenged by way of the conjunctival sac with B. abortus strain 544 (S544). The incidence of abortion, stillbirths, weakling calves and healthy calves was observed after challenge and specimens were collected for culture at parturition and slaughter. Fifteen healthy calves were born to 18 animals vaccinated with S19, 12 were born to 18 animals vaccinated with S45/20 and 2 were born to 8 animals that were not vaccinated. B. abortus was isolated from 5 of the animals vaccinated with S19, 13 of the animals vaccinated with S45/20 and 9 of the 12 animals that were not vaccinated. Only one of the 5 infected animals vaccinated with S19 was vaccinated as an adult.
RETARDATION OF ENDOCHONDRAL OSSIFICATION AT THE DISTAL ULNAR GROWTH PLATE IN DOGS
Authors: Johnson K. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Bilateral forelimb deformities associated with retained cartilage cores in the distal ulna were diagnosed in 8 immature giant breed dogs. Five of the dogs were autopsied. Histopathological examination of the distal ulnar growth plate revealed a localised central thickening due to the accumulation of hypertrophic chondrocytes which had failed to undergo the usual development to degeneration. Also the intercellular matrix septa of this cartilage were not calcified. Projections of the abnormal cartilage even persisted into the primary spongiosa. These abnormalities in the process of endochondral ossification of the growth plate produced the lesion of retained cartilage core which was responsible for the development of forelimb deformity.
CATARACTS, GOITRE AND INFERTILITY IN CATTLE GRAZED ON AN EXCLUSIVE DIET OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA
Authors: Holmes J. H. G. , Humphrey J. D. , Walton E. A. , O'Shea J. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Gross and histopathological changes and serum thyroxine levels were determined in 10 heifers fed an exclusive diet of Leucaena leucocephala from 10 months of age until slaughter, 23 months later. Normal ovarian activity and mating were observed during a 7‐month mating period. Cataracts, goitre, lingual epithelial ulceration and gingival atrophy were present at slaughter. Only one of the heifers was pregnant. Histologically, severe vacuolation and disruption of lens fibres and focal hyperplasia of lens epithelium were present. Both follicular hyperplasia and colloid accumulation were found to varying degrees in the thyroid glands and serum thyroxine levels were higher than in a comparable group of animals not fed L. leucocephala. Morphologically normal trophoblast was present in the uteri of 6 animals even though no embryo or foetus was present. Embryonic death and resorption may have been due to the anti‐mitotic effect of mimosine or the goitrogenic effect of DHP.
THE RESISTANCE TO ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM THE BOVINE UDDER
Authors: Frost A. J. , O'Boyle D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (total 1657) from bovine mastitis were collected from 13 laboratories throughout Australia from 1974 to 1979. They were tested for resistance to antimicrobial agents using an agar dilution method. Resistance shown was mainly to penicillin and streptomycin. Occasional strains were resistant to neomycin, lincomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and furazolidone but multiple resistance was rare. No strain showed resistance to methicillin. Resistance to penicillin declined from 35% in 1974–75 to 7.1% in 1979. Most strains (1395) were retested to allow induction of penicillinase: 62% produced the enzyme.
A PROTRACTED CASE OF CRYPTOCOCCAL NASAL GRANULOMA IN A STALLION
Authors: Roberts M. C. , Sutton R. H. , Lovell D. K.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A 13‐year‐old Standardbred stallion presented with a unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge and airway obstruction was found to have an extensive cryptococcal nasal granuloma. Treatment was not attempted. The stallion was destroyed 26 months later having completed 2 successful breeding seasons. The granuloma had gradually increased in size and almost completely occupied the left nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

It was characterised histologically by fibrous and myxomatous tissue and masses of yeasts. A cryptococcal granuloma found within the wall of the jejunum could represent evidence of dissemination, and organisms were seen within alveoli, bronchioles and the intestinal lumen.
A SURVEY OF VIRUS INFECTION IN SUB‐ANTARCTIC PENGUINS ON MACQUARIE ISLAND, SOUTHERN OCEAN
Authors: Morgan I. R. , Westbury H. A. , Caple I. W. , Campbell J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Serums from 1002 penguins of 4 species on Macquarie Island, a sub‐antarctic island in the Southern Ocean, were examined for antibody to Newcastle disease virus (NDV), influenza A virus, avian paramyxovirus, alphavirus and flavivirus.

No evidence of haemagglutination‐inhibition antibody to influenza A virus or alphavirus was detected. Serums from 6% of royal penguins sampled gave positive reactions to NDV while the other 3 species were negative.

Antibody to a flavivirus and an avian paramyxovirus, other than NDV, was detected in 3 of the 4 penguin species.

Cloacal swabs from 831 penguins of 4 species were examined for the presence of viruses. Six isolates of paramyxovirus, other than NDV, were obtained from swabs taken from royal and king penguins at 2 widely separated sites on the island.
DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGHLY INFECTIVE BABESIA BIGEMINA VACCINE OF REDUCED VIRULENCE
Authors: Dalgliesh R. J. , Callow L. L. , Mellors L. T. , McGregor W.
Published: March 2008

The virulence of a strain of Babesia bigemina was reduced by syringe passaging at 3 to 16‐week intervals in a series of 7 calves. The calves were splenectomised 1 to 14 weeks after inoculation to induce the relapse parasitaemias used for passaging. Parasites taken at relapse from the last 3 calves in the series were inoculated into splenectomised calves from which highly parasitised blood for vaccine was obtained.

The vaccine produced mild infections in 32 recipient cattle. When challenged either 5 weeks or 7 months after vaccination, the cattle had substantial immunity to a heterologous strain of B. bigemina.
THE ISOLATION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT COLIFORMS FROM MEAT AND SEWAGE
Authors: Bensink J. C. , Frost A. J. , Mathers W. , Mutimer M. D. , Rankin G. , Woolcock J. B.
Published: March 2008

Beef and pig carcases, meat products, frozen chickens, and sewage were examined in 3 separate surveys for antibiotic resistant coliforms. Escherichia coli was isolated from 18 of 50 beef carcases; the numbers were low and resistance was found only to tetracycline. E. coli was isolated from 45 of 50 pig carcases; the numbers were high and showed a range of patterns of multiple antibiotic resistance. In meat products, the proportion of E. coli in contaminating organisms was low, and most resistance found was to tetracycline and streptomycin. E. coli was isolated from 66 of 75 chickens and these gave 23 patterns of antibiotic resistance, often multiple. Sewage from hospital or domestic origin and abattoir effluent yielded approximately 106 coliforms/ml, most of which were resistant to one or more antibiotics; few of those from hospital or domestic origin however, were classified as E. coli of faecal origin. Twenty‐four patterns of resistance were found in coliforms from domestic sewage, 19 from hospital sewage and 11 from abattoir effluent. Transfer of resistance, often multiple, was achieved from 55% of 447 resistant strains to an E. coli K12 recipient. Much more information is required on the prevalence of R‐factors in bacteria associated with food producing animals and their products.
A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE FOR LONG‐TERM CATHETERISATION OF THE ANTERIOR VENA CAVA IN ADULT PIGS
Authors: Takken A. , Williams K.C.
Published: March 2008

A new technique for the placement and use of a catheter in the anterior vena cava via the cephalic vein in the sow is described. The procedure involves simple superficial surgery, catheter life is long and blood samples can be collected with minimal disturbance to the animal.
THE PREVALENCE OF DIROFILARIA IMMITIS AND OTHER PARASITES IN URBAN POUND DOGS IN NORTH‐EASTERN VICTORIA
Authors: Blake R. T. , Overend D. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The results of a survey investigating the prevalence of dirofilaria immitis and other helminth and protozoan infections in urban dogs in north‐eastern Victoria are presented. D. immitis was detected in 2.7% of the general population (8.3% of dogs older than 2 years). Microfilariae of D. immitis were not detected in the peripheral circulation of 30% of dogs infected with the adult parasites. The most prevalent gastro‐intestinal parasites were Dipylidium caninum 57%; Trichuris vulpis 41%; Toxocara canis 38%; and Uncinaria stenocephala 26%.

The prevalence of T. canis in dogs less than one year of age was 73% and this decreased with increasing age. No Echinococcus granulosus adults were detected. Sarcocystis spp and Isospora ohioensis were the most commonly seen coccidians.
THE EFFECT OF LICE INFESTATION ON THE GROWTH OF HEREFORD CALVES
Authors: Cummins L. J. , Graham J. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two experiments were carried out to examine the effects of cattle lice on the productivity of young calves. In both experiments the main species present was Linognathus vituli. In the first experiment, treatment of grazing heifers and their suckled calves did not improve the overall bodyweight gain of either the heifers or the calves. The calves experienced a rapid build‐up in lice populations during autumn and early winter which was associated with mild transient pathogenic effects, but this was followed by an apparent ‘self‐cure’ reaction and compensatory gain during late winter.

In the second experiment young calves were placed in feedlots and fed high and low planes of nutrition. Treatment to remove lice did not result in any improvements in growth rate on either plane of nutrition; however it was clear that untreated, undernourished calves had heavier lice infestation.
PRESENCE OF DIHYDROSTREPTOMYCIN AND PENICILLIN IN COWS' MILK FOLLOWING INTRAUTERINE ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Manners J. G. , Stewart R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cows were given liquid intrauterine infusions of dihydrostreptomycin and penicillin or dihydrostreptomycin alone approximately 24 hours after the onset of oestrus to determine the necessary withholding period for milk intended for human consumption.

When dihydrostreptomycin and procaine penicillin were administered together, a withholding period of 72 hours provided an adequate safety margin. Thirty‐six hours was an adequate withholding period when dihydrostreptomycin was administered.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A SERVING CAPACITY TEST AND FERTILITY OF BEEF BULLS
Authors: Christensen H. R. , Seifert G. W. , Post T. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In a trial using Bos indicus and Bos taurus bulls in a tropical environment the serving capacity, defined as the number of complete services achieved during a 40‐minute yard test, failed to predict the fertility of the bulls after 3 or after 7 weeks of mating. The numbers of services achieved during the yard test were much lower than those reported from a temperate region using Bos taurus bulls.
THE SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE OF CHICKENS TO OIL EMULSION VACCINES CONTAINING THE V4 STRAIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS
Authors: Schalkoort R. , Morgan D. M. , Spradbrow P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Experiments were conducted with vaccines containing the V4 strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Both living aqueous vaccines and vaccines consisting of virus incorporated in an oil emulsion were used. The calculated dose of virus contained in the oil emulsion vaccine was 108,7 50% embryo infectious doses (EID50) per bird dose. Haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody levels of 8 are presumed protective.

One‐day‐old chicks with low levels of maternal antibody were vaccinated intraocularly with 106,3EID50 of live vaccine, and concurrently with oil emulsion vaccine. Presumed protective levels of antibody were present at two weeks post vaccination and were maintained for at least seven weeks longer.

When adult birds 15 weeks old with no previous exposure to NDV were vaccinated intraocularly with 106,7EID50 per bird, protective levels of antibody were produced within a week. Unvaccinated birds put in contact with the vaccinated birds produced similar antibody levels within 14 days. Revaccination with oil emulsion vaccine after antibody levels had fallen resulted in a rapid response with high levels of antibody.

When antibody‐free adult commercial birds with an unknown history of exposure to NDV were vaccinated intramuscularly with oil emulsion vaccine, high antibody levels were produced for at least 21 weeks. Concurrent intraocular inoculation with 107,0EID50 live virus did not enhance the response. Natural infection of unvaccinated birds occurred during the experiment. This was detected by the presence of HI antibody levels of short duration.

When antibody‐free commercial birds were inoculated intramuscularly with oil emulsion vaccine containing 106,0, 107,0, or 108,0EID50 per bird dose, 100% of birds inoculated with the highest dose produced presumed protective levels of antibody within two weeks, as compared with a 5‐week delay when using the 107,0EID50 per bird dose.
BREEDING FOR RESISTANCE TO BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS IN AUSTRALIAN ILLAWARRA SHORTHORN AND BRAHMAN X AUSTRALIAN ILLAWARRA SHORTHORN CATTLE
Authors: UTECH K. B. W. , WHARTON R. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Breeding for resistance to the cattle tick Boophilus microplus was undertaken in a herd of Australian Illawarra Shorthorn (AIS) cattle from 1961 to 1978 and in a herd of Braham x AIS cattle from 1970 to 1979. Breeder cows and their progeny were assessed for tick resistance during October to January. Resistance levels were determined as the average percentage mortality of female ticks from two artificial infestations with cohorts of c 20,000 larvae.

Resistance increased from 89.2% to 99% in the AIS breeding herd, as a result of the yearly introductions of more resistant individuals and culling of less resistant ones. Concurrently resistance in the AIS progeny increased from 93.7% to 97.7%, thus demonstrating that the selection and breeding of the cows and bulls resulted in genetic improvement in the resistance of the progeny.

Milk production tests on heifers from the selected AIS herd during 1975 to 79 indicated that selection for tick resistance did not select against milk production.

Resistance of the Brahman x AIS increased from 98.4% to 99.3% in the breeding herd and from 97.6% to 99.6% in the progeny. Female calves of both breeds were more resistant than males.
Ocular inserts for application of drugs to bovine eyes—effects of hydrophilic contact lenses
Authors: SLATTER D. H. , EDWARDS M. E. , WILCOX G. E. , EZEKIEL D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Hydrophilic contact lenses were developed for use in the eyes of cattle. With prolonged wear, corneal edema developed. Bacterial numbers increased in the conjunctival sac after lens insertion but this increase was not associated with the corneal edema. Based on studies in other species corneal edema was attributed to anoxia.
The time of oestrus and ovulation following various synchronisation techniques using progesterone impregnated intravaginal devices
Authors: CUMMING I. A. , McPHEE S. R. , CHAMLEY W. A. , FOLMAN Y. , DAVIS I. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Progesterone releasing intravaginal devices (PRIDs) were used in 4 experiments involving 67 cattle to study the effect of the stage of the oestrous cycle and of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) administration on the time interval from PRID removal to oestrus and/or ovulation. Cows in which PRIDs were inserted on days 2 to 4 of the oestrous cycle for 14 days were subsequently observed by endoscopy to ovulate significantly later than cows given identical treatments on days 13 and 14 of the cycle. The concentration of progesterone was higher in the former group at the time PRIDs were removed and remained at a higher level for 3 days thereafter. The length of the oestrous cycle of untreated heifers was significantly longer than in heifers treated for 12 days with PRIDs only inserted on day 3 of cycle (19.7 v 18.2; p <0.01). Treatment with PRIDs inserted for 12 days together with ODB further shortened the cycle length from 18.2 days to 16.9 days (p <0.01). The intervals from PRID removal to onset of standing oestrus in heifers treated with PRID only and those treated with PRID and ODB were 80h and 45h, respectively (p <0.01); the respective variances were 280 and 4; p <0.01). Plasma progesterone concentration, at PRID removal, was 3 times higher in heifers treated with PRID only than in heifers treated with PRID and ODB (p <0.01) and the interval from PRID removal to the lowest progesterone value following it was 3.8 and 1.2 days for the 2 groups, respectively (p <0.05).

The study indicated that the stage of oestrous cycle at PRID insertion is an important factor which influences the interval from withdrawal of PRIDs to ovulation. The results suggest closer synchronisation would follow insertion in the mid‐luteal phase (Day 13 to 14) or use of ODB treatment at the time of insertion of PRIDs.
The prevalence of antibodies to serovars of Leptospira interrogans in horses
Authors: SWART K. S. , CALVERT K. , MENEY C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Serum samples from 272 horses, some III, were tested by the microscopic agglutination test for the presence of antibody to 12 serovars of Leptospira interrogans. Serums from 41.5% of horses reacted to one or more of the serovars tested; the most common reactions were to L. interrogans serovar ballum (15.1%), L. interrogans serovar autumnalis (11.8%), L. interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae (9.9%), L. interrogans serovar pomona (8.1%) and L. interrogans serovar hardjo (7.7%).
Poisoning of livestock by Swainsona spp.: current status
Authors: HUXTABLE C. R. , DORLING P. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Epidemiological, clinical and pathological features of poisoning of livestock by plants of the genus Swainsona are reviewed in the light of the recent identification of the active principle, swainsonine. This indolizidine alkaloid acts by inhibiting lysosomal α‐mannosidase and the disease is identified as an induced mannosidosis. This knowledge allows recommendations to be made for the management of animals exposed to Swainsona.
A microplate enzyme immunoassay for detecting and measuring antibodies to babesia bovis in cattle serum
Authors: BARRY D. N. , RODWELL B. J. , TIMMS P. , McGREGOR W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A microplate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is described for measuring IgG antibody to Babesia bovis in cattle serum. B. Bovis antibody status (whether positive or negative) and the amount of B. Bovis antibody (EIA score), were measured by comparison with reference serums. The EIA was shown to be specific for B. Bovis, and EIA score correlated well with EIA titre.
Cyhalothrin—a novel acaricidal and insecticidal synthetic pyrethroid for the control of the cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) and the buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua)
Authors: STUBBS V. K. , WILSHIRE C. , WEBBER L. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cyhalothrin, a novel synthetic pyrethroid, was evaluated for control of the major resistant strains of the cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) and for control of the buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) on cattle. In regulated treatment trials with 0.007% cyhalothrin, greater than 99% control of the Biarra, Mackay, Mt Alford, DDT resistant and Ulam cattle tick strains was obtained. Protective‐period trials were conducted in which animals which had been sprayed with 0.007% cyhalothrin then received a continuing heavy challenge of the organophosphate‐resistant Biarra tick strain. The first semi‐engorged adult ticks appeared no earlier than 27 days after treatment, which corresponds to a minimum protective period against reinfestation of 7 days. Protective‐periods ranging from 7 to 15 days were obtained in trials that were conducted.
Nitrate poisoning in cattle fed sudax (Sorghum sp. hybrid) hay
Authors: CARRIGAN M. J. , GARDNER I. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Deaths in cattle fed sudax hay were attributed to nitrate poisoning. Seventy‐three animals out of 157 cattle died after being fed the hay, and 11 of the surviving cows aborted in the next 6 days. Toxicological findings supported this diagnosis with samples of the sudax hay containing up to 3.1% nitrate on a dry matter basis.
Heritable bone fragility, joint laxity and dysplastic dentin in Friesian calves: a bovine syndrome of osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: DENHOLM L. J. , COLE W. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A lethal syndrome of bone fragility, joint laxity, translucent teeth and other connective tissue defects occurred in Victoria in 37 of 84 progeny of a clinically normal, registered Friesian bull between 1978 and 1981. Test matings to unrelated cows indicated that the syndrome was transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. Affected calves were readily recognized at birth by pink teeth and abnormal posture. At birth 14 of 19 affected calves examined had rib fractures and 4 of these calves also had fractures of long bones. Spontaneous fractures of long bones also occurred in 5 of the 11 calves which survived for more than 10 days. Hypoplasia of dentin, tendons, and ligaments were observed in all cases at necropsy. Osteopenia was only observed at necropsy in older calves. Histological lesions of bone and teeth were similar to those reported in descriptions of osteogenesis imperfecta with dentinogenesis imperfecta in man. The syndrome is provisionally designated as bovine osteogenesis imperfecta. Semen has been collected from the progenitor bull to enable further investigations of this heritable collagenous tissue dysplasia.
Sporozoa in dogs and cats
Authors: COLLINS G. H. , EMSLIE D. R. , FARROW B. R. H. , WATSON A. D. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Faecal samples from 110 dogs and 71 cats were examined for sporozoan parasites by flotation. Isospora spp were present in 5.5% dogs and 4.2% cats; Sarcocystis spp in 20.9% dogs and 1.4% cats. 74.5% dogs and 77.5% cats were fed raw meat from various sources; beef was fed most often. Animals fed raw meat were more frequently infected with protozoa. No Toxoplasma oocysts were found. The results are compared with those from other surveys in Australia and New Zealand.
The activity of triclabendazole against immature and adult Fasciola hepatica infections in sheep
Authors: SMEAL M. G. , HALL C. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The efficiency of a new benzimidazole anthelmintic, triclabendazole, was tested against cumulative infections with Fasciola hepatica aged 1 to 12 weeks in sheep and compared with that of rafoxanide. At 10 mg/kg, triclabendazole was 99% effective in eliminating both immature and adult flukes. At a lower dose rate of 5 mg/kg, triclabendazole was highly effective against adults and significantly reduced the number of early immature flukes with an 87% overall reduction of fluke burden. Rafoxanide at 7.5 mg/kg showed high efficiency against adult fluke, but its effect on immatures was not significant, and overall efficiency was 64%.
Plasma concentration and disposition of antimicrobial agents in the dog
Authors: ENGLISH P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Although there is sufficient information on the pharmacology and therapeutic application of the antimicrobial drugs to permit their effective use, they are still often misused in canine practice. This paper collates the data on drug dose rate/plasma concentration relationships observed in dogs after the administration of specific members of the major antimicrobial drug groups and on the possible impact of drug disposition (distribution and elimination) on therapeutic effect. Some information gleaned from studies in other animal species is added.
Selective breeding for rearing ability as an aid to improving lamb survival
Authors: HAUGHEY K. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Lamb mortality to weaning age was compared in Merino flocks selectively bred from maternal ancestors with high or low lifetime rearing ability. The High Efficiency (HE) flock comprised the descendants of ewes that had reared lambs on 3 or all occasions from 4 rearing opportunities. The Low Efficiency (LE) flock comprised descendants of ewes that had failed to rear any progeny on 2, 3 or all occasions from 4 rearing opportunities. During the first 3 years of testing the response to selection the mean mortality to weaning among HE single lambs was 19.5% of lambs born compared with 32.3% in the LE flock (p<0.001). Mean mortality of twin lambs in the HE flock was 21.5% compared to 36.3% in the LE flock (p<0.01). In the HE flock significantly fewer single lambs died during and within 3h of birth and significantly fewer twins died during birth and shortly thereafter, and between 3h and 2 days of age. The viability of LE singles and twins may have been lower overall as their mortality rate in most periods was higher than that of their HE counterparts. The results highlighted the major impact of intrinsic maternal and, or foetal defects on lamb survival. It was concluded that rearing ability was heritable, and that selection for rearing ability offers excellent prospects for alleviating the hitherto intractable problem of high perinatal lamb mortality.
Blood lead and urinary delta aminolevolonic acid (U‐ALA) in the diagnosis of lead toxicosis of dogs
Authors: HAMIR A. N. , SULLIVAN N. D. , WILKINSON J. S. , HANDSON P. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A comparative evaluation of the usefulness of blood lead and urinary delta aminolevolonic acid estimations in the diagnosis of canine lead poisoning was made in 2 dogs which were given increasing quantities of lead by mouth for extended periods. In both lead administered dogs the blood lead levels remained elevated throughout the experimental period of 18 weeks. This contrasted with the results of U‐ALA determinations in which elevated levels were detected only infrequently and at erratic intervals lacking relationship to lead exposure.
Type C botulism in young dogs
Authors: FARROW B. R. H. , MURRELL W. G. , REVINGTON M. L. , STEWART B. J. , ZUBER R. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A diffuse lower motor neurone paralysis developed in a 6‐month‐old male Australian cattle dog pup 4 days after it had eaten the carcase of a rotting duck in Centennial Park, Sydney. Two other dogs which ate smaller portions of the same carcase were less severely affected. Clostridium botulinum type C was isolated from and C. botulinum type C toxin was detected in faeces from the severely affected dog. The serum contained 25 LD50 of toxin/ml. The high C. botulinum count and toxin level in the faeces declined progressively during the ensuing weeks, but 114 days after ingesting the carcase C. botulinum type C was still present in faeces and a low toxin titre persisted. Soil, mud and water samples in the area of the duck ponds in the park contained C. botulinum type C spores. Spores and high toxin titres were also found in the intestine of the carcases of 2 birds in the area.
Effect of zeranol implantation on body weight changes in zebu crossbred cattle grazing tropical pasture
Authors: HODGE P. B. , THOMPSON P. J. M. , BOND J. H. , ROUND P. J. , TOLEMAN M. A.
Published: March 2008

Nine experiments on the effect upon bodyweight change of subcutaneous ear implantation of 36 mg zeranol in 605 Bos indicus crossbred cattle were conducted. Bullocks aged 3 to 4 years, steers aged 18 months and entire heifers aged 18 to 30 months were used over the period January to August, 1980. They were grazed on 6 commercial farms in tropical northern Australia.

Seven of the experiments examined the results of single implantation after the initial 60 to 97 days. Growth rates of untreated cattle in the January to May period ranged from 0.43 kg/day over 97 days in heifers to 1.07 kg/day in bullocks. Bodyweight gains attributed to zeranol ranged from 1.8 kg (4.3% increase) over 97 days in heifers (NS) to 22.3 kg (28.9% increase) over 90 days in 18 month‐old steers (P < 0.01). The significant bodyweight responses to zeranol treatment in all 5 experiments involving older 3‐to 4‐year‐old bullocks have not been previously reported. Hot dressed weights of the zeranol‐treated bullocks were significantly heavier than the untreated controls and dressing percentages were similar. Increases in bodyweight attributable to implantation with zeranol yielded 50 to 54% saleable carcase weight.

Single‐, repeat‐, and non‐implanted treatments were compared over 186 days from January to August. Both zeranol treatments significantly out‐performed the controls (P < 0.05), and the repeat‐implanted bullocks gained 9.2 kg more than the single‐implanted bullocks (P<0.10) in spite of bodyweight tosses recorded in the 3 treatments over the final 105 days.

In 2 experiments bullocks implanted once in January/February were weighed in August to monitor compensatory bodyweight changes after April/May. The cattle retained 72.4% and 92.6% of the original bodyweight advantage attributed to zeranol treatment, depending upon whether they lost or gained in bodyweight respectively during the April/May to August period.

The commercial relevance of these results is discussed and suggestions are made for further work.
Multiple use of progesterone releasing intravaginal devices for synchronisation of oestrus and ovulation in cattle
Authors: McPHEE S. R. , DOYLE M. W. , DAVFS I. F. , CHAMLEY W. A.
Published: March 2008

Experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility of using progesterone releasing intravaginal devices (PRIDs) more than once, for the purpose of synchronising oestrus and ovulation in dairy cows. In an initial study, PRIDs were inserted into 6 ovariectomised cows for 12 days on 3 separate occasions and blood samples were collected for progresterone assay. After removal, 3 PRIDs were sterilised by autoclaving and the other 3 by gassing with ethylene oxide. After PRID insertion progesterone concentration in plasma rose rapidly. Autoclaved PRIDs which were reused once and then twice, maintained blood progesterone profiles which were comparable to the release of progesterone from a new PRID. This was not the case when PRIDs were re‐used after gas sterilisation.

In a second study, PRIDs were inserted into 41 dairy cows for 9 days and an injection of prostaglandin F2o was given one day before PRID removal. Onset of oestrus was determined by observation at intervals of 3 h for 30 min and time of ovulation was determined by endoscopy approximately 30 h after onset of oestrus. PRIDs were autoclaved after removal and re‐used twice.

In cows which received new PRIDs, 85% came into oestrus between 30 and 60 h after removal. When PRIDs were used for the second time, 100% of cows showed oestrus within 30 to 60 h. When PRIDs were used for the third time the interval between PRID removal and onset of oestrus was highly variable. Only 29% of cows showed oestrus within 30 to 60 h whereas 59% showed oestrus between 12 and 42 h after PRID removal.

The distribution in estimated time between PRID removal and ovulation followed closely the distribution of onset of oestrus for each insertion of PRIDs. The synchrony of ovulation was most concentrated for the second use of PRIDs and least for the third use. A few cows did not follow the general pattern of response.

Indications that the PRID may be used more than once for synchronising oestrus and ovulation in the dairy cow, and the adoption of a 9‐day PRID insertion interval in any synchronisation schedule should result in a significant reduction in the cost of this technology.