bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Different Progestagen Assays for Measuring Progesterone Metabolites in Faeces of the Bitch
Authors: Möstl E. , Brunner I.
Published: May 2010

From 12 bitches of various breeds with fertile oestrus cycles faecal samples were collected daily from the onset of pro‐oestrus till 20 days after the start of vulval bleeding, then once per week till about 1 week before term. Immunoreactive progesterone metabolites were extracted from the samples using methanol and measured using immunoassays. In a first experiment four different assays were compared in regard to the amounts of immunoreactive substances measured: the enzyme immunoassay against 20‐oxo‐3‐hydroxypregnanes showed twice to four times higher values of immunoreactive material than another using an antibody against 6β‐hydroxyprogesterone. An enzyme immunoassay for pregnanediol measured only low concentrations of immunoreactive material. Also a radio immunoassay using an antibody against 11β‐hyroxyprogesterone detected only small amounts of reacting material. High performance liquid chromatography showed that in faeces of bitches the immunoreactive progesterone metabolites were present in unconjugated form, mainly as 3α/β hydroxylated progestagens with a 20‐oxo group. In the second experiment the samples were measured with the assay system using the 20‐oxo‐3‐hydroxypregnane antibody. A few days before mating the concentration of progesterone metabolites increased, reaching 5.77 μmol/kg faeces (median) at the day of mating. High levels (10.45 μmol/kg faeces) were measured till the end of the first month after mating. Thereafter, the concentrations decreased, reaching 2.68 μmol/kg (median) at the end of the second month.
Morphometric Study of the Equine Navicular Bone: Comparisons Between Fore and Rear Limbs
Authors: Gabriel A. , Yousfi S. , Detilleux J. , Dessy‐Doize C. , Bernard C.
Published: May 2010

Navicular bones collected from the four limbs of 95 sound horses were studied. The anatomic bases have been laid down about morphometry of the navicular bones and their variations according to limbs, after corrections have been made for morphologic type, gender, weight, size and age. All the dimensions of the navicular bone (except for the thickness) were larger in the fore limb. This phenomenon probably reflects an attempt to compensate for the greater forces exerted upon the fore limbs during exercise and at rest.

Navicular bones collected from the four limbs of 61 sound horses were studied and the anatomic bases were described for histomorphometry of the fore and rear navicular bones. Fore navicular bones possess less cortical bone at the level of the articular surface, as well as at the level of the flexor surface and proximal border, but larger amounts of cancellous bone. Articular and flexor surface cortical bone show a larger porosity in the fore navicular bones and a larger amount of mineralized cartilage. The mineralized portion for distal impar‐ and collateral sesamoidean ligaments are also larger for the fore navicular bones. Two distinct zones are observed for the flexor surface cortex that have never been reported in the literature before: an external zone, which is mainly composed of poorly remodelled lamellar bone, arranged in a disto‐proximal oblique direction, and an internal zone, which is mainly composed of secondary bone, with a latero‐medial direction of Haversian canals. Bone architecture is discussed with regard to the mechanic load, encountered by the bone during locomotion.
Immunohistological Examination on the Distribution of Collagen Types I, III, IV and V in Bovine Post Partum Placentomes
Authors: Sarges J. , Heuwieser W. , Schlüns J. , Drewes B.
Published: May 2010

This paper describes the in situ presence and distribution of collagen types I, III, IV and V in the bovine placenta. The objective was to determine whether there are qualitative and/or quantitative differences in the collagen content of placentomes originating from cows with retained placenta and cows with normal discharge of the placenta. Twelve h post partum discharge of the placenta or the incidence of retained placenta was monitored. From 57 cows one placentome per cow was collected within 1 h post partum. The cows were divided into three groups: retained placenta after caesarean section (Group 1), retained placenta after spontaneous calving (Group 2) and normal discharge of placenta within 12 h post partum after spontaneous calving (Group 3). A pilot study was conducted to establish the technique of collecting the placentomes and to verify the applied immunohistological methods used in this work. In the following study, 32 placentomes were used to determine the amount of collagen (types I, III, IV and V) with qualitative and semi‐quantitative methods using immunohistochemical techniques. Collagen types I, III, IV and V were found in large quantities in the maternal tissue. In the fetal connective tissue the amount of these collagen types was smaller. In the placentomes of the three groups, no qualitative or quantitative differences could be detected.
Evidence of the Existence of α1B‐Adrenoceptors on Hepatocytes of Domestic Fowl (Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Neubert E. , Gottschalk J. , Grün E. , Gürtler H.
Published: May 2010

In liver cell membranes of laying hens α1‐adrenergic receptors were characterized using3H‐prazosin. Specific binding was saturable and indicative of a single class of high‐affinity binding sites with a KDof 0.40 ± 16 nM and a Bmaxof 390 ± 38 fmol/mg membrane protein. Preincubation of membranes with chlorethylclonidine significantly diminished the binding of3H‐prazosin (Bmax= 99 ± 14 fmol/mg membrane protein). Furthermore, competition experiments revealed a rank order of prazosin » phentolamine = oxymetazoline » WB 4101, with Kivalues of 0.71 ± 0.62, 20 ± 6, 32 ± 13, and 119 ± 48 nM, respectively. These results suggest the existence of α1B‐adrenergic receptors in hen liver cell membranes.
Assessment of Subacute Mammary Inflammation by Soluble Biomarkers in Comparison to Somatic Cell Counts in Quarter Milk Samples from Dairy Cows
Authors: Zank W. , Schlatterer B.
Published: May 2010

The usefulness of soluble markers in indirectly differentiating inflamed quarters from healthy quarters of 30 Holstein Friesian cows was tested over a follow‐up period of 20 weeks. In comparison to N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAGase), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Na+, K+ and Cl− the somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined in foremilk samples. The soluble parameters were measured by means of an autoanalyzer system (Beckman CX5CE) equipped with solid state ion electrodes. Due to different types of inflammatory reactions it is considered to be advantageous to perform two tests in parallel for assessing the mammary gland status. Cell‐damaging processes should best be detected by measuring elevated LDH activity, whereas the impairment of the blood—udder barrier is recorded by the respective elevation of the indicators Na+ and Cl−. Among all variables, SCC included, the soluble parameters showed the least dispersions, whereas those of SCC were the most unfavourable in this respect. Moreover, NAGase/LDH and Na+/Cl− among all variables had the highest correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. Threshold values as decision limits are proposed. Additionally, an inter‐quarter comparison and evaluation improved the diagnostic value of each indirect mastitis parameter analyzed. By means of discriminant analysis, it is shown that the distribution of inflammation within the udders of this herd was unequal.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Perorally Administered Glutamic Acid‐Chelated Iron and Iron‐Dextran Injected Subcutaneously in Duroc and Norwegian Landrace Piglets
Authors: Egeli A. K. , Framstad T.
Published: May 2010

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effect of orally administered amino acid‐chelated iron (Fe) compared to injected Fe‐dextran on haematology and weight gain in two different breeds raised under commercial conditions. Altogether 92 Duroc (D) pigs and 84 Norwegian Landrace (L) pigs from two different herds were included in the study. The day after birth the litters were divided in two groups (split litters). Group (Gr.) 1 was given 4 ml of a 50% solution of Super Fe‐MAX® (52 mg glutamic acid‐chelated Fe in a water solution) orally, while Gr. 2 was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with Idofer® (180 mg Fe as ferridextran). Until weaning at 5 weeks, all the piglets had free access to a 3% solution of Super Fe‐MAX® (0.78 mg Fe/ml), access to pelleted food being given from 1 week of age. The piglets were weighed and bled before treatment the day after birth (day 1) and on days 4, 7, 14, 21 and 35. All piglets were weighed on days 28 and 49, while 72 of the L pigs were also weighed on days 77, 98 and 119. At weaning D pigs in Gr. 1 and Gr. 2 had a mean body weight of 8.64 kg and 8.30 kg, respectively, the corresponding figures for the L pigs being 10.82 kg and 10.34 kg. As regards the 72 L pigs followed to day 119, the mean weight in Gr. 1 and Gr. 2 was 80.6 kg and 80.2 kg, respectively. A significantly lower weight gain in the piglets with a birth weight below 1.2 kg in Gr. 2 compared with Gr. 1 indicated that excess administration of Fe to small piglets may have a detrimental effect on weight gain. From day 7 (D pigs) and on days 14 and 21 (L pigs), Gr. 2 had a significantly higher haemoglobin concentration (Hb) than Gr. 1. Nevertheless, Hb levels were also adequate in Gr. 1 in both breeds. There was a negative correlation between changes in Hb during the first weeks and the initial value. Though haematological values seemed to show inter‐breed differences, with higher average erythrocyte counts (RBC) and Hb and lower mean cell volume (MCV) in the D pigs, the ability to avoid Fe deficiency nevertheless appeared to be the same in both breeds.
Evaluation of a Haematological Analyser (Sysmex F‐800) with Equine Blood
Authors: Pastor J. , Cuenca R. , Velarde R. , Marco I. , Vińas L. , Lavin S.
Published: May 2010

A semiautomatic electronic blood cell counter (Sysmex F‐800) was evaluated with equine blood, according to the protocol of the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH, 1984). The precision and overall reproducibility were acceptable for all the parameters studied except for the platelet count, in which a coefficient of variation of 18.8% and 21.7% was obtained for within and between batch precision and 26.76% for overall reproducibility. Carry‐over for the haematocrit value and platelet count was unsatisfactory, thus the use of a blank diluent sample between different analyses was necessary. Linearity of the analyser was acceptable in the range studied. A total of 100 equine blood samples were studied with the Sysmex F‐800 and the manual method. The correlations between both Methods were acceptable for all the parameters. In the storage study, the red blood cell count and the haemoglobin concentration were the parameters with longest stability (72 h) at 4°C and 25°C. Platelet count decreased significantly at 3 h post‐extraction in those samples stored at 4°C. During the evaluation period, Sysmex F‐800 was easy to handle and it is well suited for routine equine blood cell analysis.
Effects of Oral Dosing with Calcium Propionate on Total Calcium and Glucose Concentrations in the Plasma of the Cow
Authors: Jonsson N. N. , Daniel R. C. W. , Mayer D. , Verrall R.
Published: May 2010

This study aimed to determine the effect of oral drenching with molasses, calcium propionate and MgO on plasma glucose and calcium concentrations of dairy cows. Four trials were undertaken, each using three lactating and three non‐lactating Jersey cows. In Trial 1, the effect of drenching with 200 ml molasses was measured. Trial 2 measured the effect of a single treatment with 349 g calcium propionate in 200 ml molasses. In Trial 3, the effect of 60 g MgO in molasses alone and in combination with calcium propionate was measured. Trial 4 tested the effect of repeating treatments with 349 g calcium propionate in 200 ml molasses 24 h apart. Dosing with 349 g calcium propionate in molasses increased plasma total calcium (Catotconcentration by 10% in lactating and non‐lactating cows for periods less than 7 h, and this was not augmented by simultaneous administration of MgO or treatment 24 h earlier with 349 g calcium propionate in molasses. Treatment with 200 ml molasses alone resulted in increased plasma Catotof 7%. Plasma glucose concentrations were elevated by 11% for less than 3 h after treatment with calcium propionate. For the prevention of subclinical hypocalcaemia and ketosis in early lactation, drenching with calcium propionate solutions is unlikely to be of value due to the short duration of its effects, but the inclusion of calcium propionate in the postpartum ration deserves further investigation.
Comparison of Skeletal Muscle Characteristics in Chicken Bred for Meat or Egg Production: II. Histochemical and Morphometric Examination
Authors: Soike D. , Bergmann V.
Published: May 2010

Comparative histochemical and morphometric examinations of layer‐type and meat‐type chickens were carried out to detect the effects of growth selection on metabolic and structural characteristics of skeletal muscle. A combined histochemical method (NADHOX/mATPase) was used to compare the fibre type profiles of the supracoracoideus muscle in layer‐type and meat‐type chickens of the same age. A significantly higher percentage of glycolytic fibres was found in the line selected for rapid growth. Very similar results were obtained in studies comparing the supracoracoideus and flexor cruris medialis muscles of layer‐type and meat‐type chickens with approximately the same body weight. These results indicate that the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle in meat‐type chickens is significantly reduced by a lower proportion of oxidative fibres. The morphometric analysis demonstrates that selective changes of fibre diameters additionally reduce the oxidative capacity. Adverse effects on capillarity and oxygen supply are known to be connected with a reduced oxidative capacity of muscle tissue.
Correlation Between Hip Joint Laxity and Subsequent Coxarthrosis in Dogs
Authors: Flückiger M. A. , Friedrich G. A. , Binder H.
Published: May 2010

In a prospective study the degree of hip joint laxity was compared with subsequent hip joint development. A total of 70 non‐selected adult dogs from 34 breeds presented for hip dysplasia screening was examined. The degree of hip joint laxity was quantitated using a newly developed radiographic stress technique. The dogs were re‐examined according to the standard radiographic technique after 1 year or more. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.58) between the degree of subluxation (SI) and the subsequent Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) grade. All dogs with an SI value of up to 0.35 developed hip joints ranging between normal and mildly dysplastic at worst. Of the dogs with an SI value higher than 0.35, 76% developed hip dysplasia. Of those 40 dogs grading normal or borderline normal on standard radiographs, 15% demonstrated lax hip joints with an SI of more than 0.35. Breed‐specific differences in the correlation of degree of hip joint laxity to the development of coxarthrosis were noted. If both excessive hip joint laxity and development of arthrosis are considered exclusion criteria for breeding dogs, then the current mode of selection does not adequately restrict potential breeding stock. Only dogs demonstrating an SI of 0.35 or less on stress radiographs and graded normal or borderline normal on standard radiographs should be used for breeding, equivalent to 49% of all dogs examined in this study. A further 36% of the dogs examined, most of them currently still accepted as breeding dogs, would not pass. Breed‐specific acceptable degree of hip joint laxity in breeding dogs should be determined. Selecting breeding dogs based on the results of hip joint laxity assessment may further decrease the incidence of CHD in the offspring.
A Comparative Study of Mast Cells and Eosinophil Leukocytes in the Mammalian Testis
Authors: Anton F. , Morales C. , Aguilar R. , Bellido C. , Aguilar E. , Gaytán F.
Published: May 2010

The existence of a physiological integration between the immune and endocrine systems has long been recognized. In spite of the abundant literature data on the presence of cells of the immune system in the testis, mast cells and eosinophil leukocytes have received little attention. We have studied the presence, distribution and numbers of mast cells and eosinophils in the testes of 12 mammalian species. Mast cells were frequently found in equine (stallion, ass and mule) and human testis, whereas eosinophils were nearly absent. On the contrary, eosinophils were abundant in the hare testis, while mast cells were lacking. Both cells types were present in high numbers in swine (wild and domestic boar) testis. Otherwise, mast cells and eosinophils were absent from the testicular parenchyma of several species (rat, dog, cat, bull and deer), although they were present, in most cases, around blood vessels in the tunica albuginea. The presence of high numbers of mast cells and/or eosinophil leukocytes in the testicular parenchyma of some species suggest a role for these cells in local regulatory pathways.
Effects of Chromium Supplementation on the Growth and Carcass Quality of Bulls Fed a Grain‐based Diet during the Finishing Period
Authors: Danielsson D.‐A. , Pehrson B.
Published: May 2010

Two groups of 12 young bulls, as similar as possible with respect to age and weight, were fed a basic diet of hay and concentrates ad libitum for 170 days. The concentrate fed to one of the groups was supplemented with 0.20 mg of organic chromium per kg DM from a fodder yeast product so that the concentration of chromium in the total dry matter of their diet was 0.90 mg/kg, compared with 0.72 mg/kg in the diet of the control group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups of animals in terms of either their daily weight gain or any of the parameters of carcass quality examined. It is therefore concluded that in Sweden there is no reason to add chromium routinely to the diet of intensively fed, growing bulls.
Transferring Profile of Dietary Sulphaquinoxaline into Eggs
Authors: Furusawa N. , Tsuzukida Y. , Kubota M. , Yamaguchi H.
Published: May 2010

Sulphaquinoxaline (SQ) was fed to laying hens at the dietary levels of 25, 50, 100 and 200 ppm, respectively, for 7 successive days. The increasing amount of SQ transferred into the whole egg during SQ feeding could be well described by the following equation: y = 0.007318.xT where y is the SQ content (ppm) in the whole egg, x is the dietary SQ level (ppm), T is days on SQ feeding (T ≤ 4). After 4 days of SQ feeding, the SQ content in the homogenized eggs reached a plateau at 0.0292. x (=0.007318. 4x) ppm.

This equation permits to predict SQ content in the eggs.
Haematological, Biochemical and Toxicological Investigations in Spontaneous Cases with Different Frequency of Porcine Nephropathy in Bulgaria
Authors: Stoev S. D. , Stoeva J. K. , Anguelov G. , Hald B. , Creppy E. E. , Radic B.
Published: May 2010

Haematological, biochemical and toxicological investigations of blood and urine of normally slaughtered pigs exhibiting different frequency (1–2%, 10–20% and 50–60%) of changes characterized as “enlarged mottled kidneys”; at the slaughtering meat inspection were carried out to elucidate the nature of nephropathies encountered in Bulgaria. A content of ochratoxin A, higher in the spring than the autumn, was found in the serum and urine samples. The mean contamination levels of ochratoxin A in consumed feeds ranged from 114 ± 36 ppb for 1994 to 207 ± 65 ppb for 1993.

The renal changes were characterized by impairment of proximal tubular function (indicated by an increased urinary excretion of glucose and protein) as well as by decreased specific gravity and increased pH in the urine mainly in pigs with 50–60% frequency of nephropathy. The concentration of urea, creatininc and glucose in the blood was increased, whereas the serum protein and cholesterol were decreased in pigs with 10–20% and 50–60% frequency of nephropathy. The mean enzyme levels of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase and leucine aminopeptidase were significantly increased in the urine. The presence of granular casts and necrotic renal tubular cells were established in the sediment.
Effects of Verapamil, Sodium Nitroprusside and Calcium Deprivation on the Phenylephrine‐Induced Contraction of Smooth Muscle Strips From the Reticular Groove of Adult Cattle
Authors: Andrés M. D. San , Encinas T. , González F. , de Vicente M. L. , Andrés M. I. San , Rodríguez C.
Published: May 2010

The effects of verapamil, sodium nitroprusside and calcium deprivation on the smooth muscle strips from the floor of the reticular groove of adult cattle were studied. The mechanical activity of the muscle strip was recorded isometrically. Contraction was induced with phenylephrine (10−6mol/l) in Tyrode solution. Verapamil (10−6mol/l) produced a high inhibition of the response, phasic and tonic (P < 0.05). Sodium nitroprusside (10−6mol/l) reduced mainly the phasic contraction (P < 0.05). Deprivation of Ca2+from extracellular medium produced a high inhibition of the tonic phase. This study indicates that the action of verapamil on the reticular groove smooth muscle may be partially related to blockade of calcium entry through voltage‐dependent channels, opened during phenylephrine stimulation. However, the nitroprusside action could be attributed to effect on the extrusion of calcium.
The Stress Response to Repeated Capture in Mouflon (Ovis ammon): Physiological, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Marco I. , Viñas L. , Velarde R. , Pastor J. , Lavin S.
Published: May 2010

Two groups of mouflons (Ovis ammon) were held in captivity to study the effects of repeated capture on physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters. The first one (Group I) was of 6 mouflons captured in the wild, while the second (Group II) was also of 6 mouflons, but which had been in captivity for 3 years. In Group I, body temperature, mature neutrophil count and lactate increased during activity, while red blood cells, haemoglobin, ALT, AST, total lipid, phospholipids, cholesterol, BUN, creatinine, phosphorus and zinc decreased at different times during the study period. In Group II, few statistical differences were observed. Most of these changes were related to stress and reflected a lack of adaptation to repeated handling.
Spontaneous Pregnancy Toxaemia (Ketosis) in Sheep and the Role of Insulin
Authors: Henze P. , Bickhardt K. , Fuhrmann H. , Sallmann H. P.
Published: May 2010

214 ewes suffering from pregnancy toxaemia (ketosis) were examined. Clinical signs during onset and course of disease and laboratory findings were compared between animals that survived and those which died. In the latter the onset of ketosis was earlier in pregnancy (day 143 ± 7 vs. day 146 ± 8) and duration of the disease was shorter (10 ± 13 vs. 14 ± 9 days). The animals that died showed more severe clinical signs and higher values of 3‐hydroxy‐butyrate (4.3 ± 3.6 vs. 3.5 ± 2.6 mmol/1) and cortisol (72 ± 98 vs. 52 ± 80 nmol/1) as well as lower values of insulin (37 ± 12 vs. 66 ± 42 pmol/1) and potassium (4.1 ± 1.0 vs. 4.4 ± 1.0 mmol/1) at onset of the disease than those which survived (all of differences with P < 0.05). Glucose levels did not differ between groups.

Treated animals with glucose plus fructose infusions (n = 56) or with oral application of glucose precursors plus electrolytes (n = 126) had survival rates of 53.6% and 62.7%, respectively. Oral treatment with glucose precursors plus electrolytes and an additional subcutaneous insulin treatment (n = 15) led to an enhanced survival rate of 86.7% (P < 0.05).

Low insulin levels in ketotic pregnant sheep and the therapeutic effect of insulin treatment support the hypothesis that insulin plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of ovine ketosis.
Absorbability of Sulphamonomethoxine and Sulphadimethoxine Administered via Food of Laying Hens
Authors: Furusawa N.
Published: May 2010

Sulphamonomethoxine (SMM) or sulphadimethoxine (SDM) were fed each to four laying hens at a dietary content of 400 p.p.m. 1000 p.p.m. of chromic oxide were supplemented to the experimental diets as an indicator for the absorbability in the gastrointestinal tract. SMM and SDM contents (p.p.m.) in the large intestine, determined 16 h after the start of feeding, were measured by HPLC. Average amounts of SMM and SDM in the dry matter of the large intestine were 12.3 and 30.2 p.p.m., respectively. The absorption ratios of SMM and SDM administered via the food were calculated to be 96.9 and 92.5%, respectively.
Erythrocyte Resistance to Oxidative Damage and Leucocyte Capacity to Reduce Nitroblue Tetrazolium in Selenium‐Deficient Cattle
Authors: Gutzwiller A.
Published: May 2010

Simmental x Red Holstein steers which were fed roughage with a low selenium (Se) content received either a Se‐delivering bolus orally (group Se+) or no Se supplement (group Se−). Weight gain was not influenced by Se supplementation. When blood for thein‐vitroassays was drawn 8 weeks after bolus administration, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity was much higher in Se+than in Se−animals (P < 0.01). The addition of acetylphenylhydrazine to the blood samples induced significantly fewer Heinz bodies in erythrocytes of Se+animals (P < 0.01). It was shown that H2Ozinduced the formation of identical amounts of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the erythrocytes of Se+and Se−animals. Thus, GSH‐Px seems to be more important for the protection of haemoglobin than for the protection of erythrocyte lipids from oxidative damage. After addition of endotoxin and nitroblue tetrazolium to blood samples, leucocytes of Se+and of Se‐animals reduced the same amount of nitroblue tetrazolium. Thus, selenium deficiency apparently had no negative effect on the oxidative burst of leucocytes.
Selected Blood Parameters During Recovery from Strenuous Running Exertion in Trotters
Authors: Pinkowski W. , Mohr E. , Krzywanek H.
Published: May 2010

During training, in 10 trotters, blood samples from the vena jugularis were taken before and after a heat with 80% of maximum capability as well as in the recovery period. Lactic acid concentration and pH‐value, haematocrit and haemoglobin content, as well as protein concentration and osmolality were measured.

With the exception of protein concentration, the time course of the values during the recovery could be described by simple mathematical models (biexponential or exponential equations).

Only in the case of blood lactate concentration, the basal value was not yet achieved 120 min after the end of exercise. In the case of the other examined parameters, the homeostasis was restored earlier. Therefore, it seems to be recommendable when performing tests with preliminary heats and finals on the same day to stick to a break of at least 2 h between two races.
Modifications of the Form and Amplitude of the Electrocardiographic QRS Complex During Growth in the Spanish‐Bred Horse
Authors: Ayala I. , Montes A. , Benedito J. L. , Castillo C. , Hernández J. , Gutierrez C. , García‐Partida P.
Published: May 2010

Configuration and amplitude values of the QRS complex of the electrocardiogram were studied with standard Einthoven leads in 173 healthy Spanish‐bred (Andalusian) horses, aged between 1 month and 17 years. Animals which were 1 month old had a predominantly negative QRS complex, whereas a predominantly positive complex direction was found in the rest of the animals. Statistically significant variations were found for the Q‐wave and QRS main vector between the different age groups, with highest values for the Q‐wave and most negative values for the direction of the QRS main vector in animals up to 2 months of age. The effect of age on the form and amplitude values of the QRS complex could be related to the changes in size and position of the heart in the thorax during growth. This study provides standard electrocardiographic values for the Andalusian horse at different ages.
Activity of Hyaluronidase in Placental Tissues from Cows with and without Retained Fetal Membranes
Authors: Kankofer M. , Wierciński J. , Fidecki M.
Published: May 2010

Hyaluronidase, a proteoglycan‐degrading enzyme, may have an influence on collagenolysis in bovine placenta and take part in the separation processes of the placenta in cows. There was, however, no evidence concerning the activity of this enzyme in those tissues. The experiment was performed on cows divided into two groups as follows: A, placenta not retained (n = 16); and B, placenta retained (n = 9). The activity of the enzyme was measured using a spectrophotometric method and zymography. The results showed statistically significant higher activity of hyaluronidase in the maternal and fetal parts of the placenta in cows with a retention of fetal membranes. Further experiments require substrate specificity studies and the presence of regulatory factors of this enzyme in bovine placental tissues.
Pathology of Mitral Valve in Regularly Slaughtered Pigs: an Abattoir Survey on the Occurrence of Myxoid Degeneration (Endocardiosis), Fibrosis and Valvulitis*
Authors: Gagna C. , Meier D. , Ru G. , Pospischil A. , Guarda F.
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of degenerative and early inflammatory lesions and to discuss some histological aspects of normal and pathological mitral valve leaflets in healthy, normally slaughtered pigs. Mitral valves were collected from 112, 6 month‐old, pigs reared under different conditions. Histological examination revealed the presence of myxoid degeneration in 29.5% of the valves with no significantly different prevalence according to rearing conditions; fibrosis was present in 12.5%; inflammation (non‐vegetative valvulitis) occurred in 20 (17.9%) macroscopically normal valves. No vegetative endocarditis could be observed. A significantly higher degree of inflammation was observed in valves affected by myxoid degeneration (P < 0.05) and Anitschkow cells were prevalent in all the pathological valvesd (P < 0.01). Capillaries were observed in a wide majority of the valves (86.5%), but small arterioles were related to fibrotic thickening of the leaflets (P < 0.01). The following conclusions are discussed: (1) environmental factors seem not to influence the prevalence of endocardiosis; (2) inflammatory foci in myxoid valves are a reaction to both abnormal friction and products of degraded collagen and extracellular matrix; (3) the authors consider the presence of capillaries in pig valves a normal finding whereas proliferation of the vessels occurs under pathological conditions; (4) non vegetative valvulitis can be related to the presence of vessels in the valve and may have a role in both infectious endocarditis and fibrosis; (5) Anitschkow cells are normally observed in pig valves and are not specifically related to pathological lesions.
The Effect of the Addition of Oil Preparation with Increased Content of n‐3 Fatty Acids on Serum Lipid Profile and Clinical Condition of Cats with Miliary Dermatitis
Authors: Lechowski R. , Sawosz E. , Klucińskl W.
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of an oil preparation with increased n‐3 fatty acids content on the serum lipid profile and clinical condition of cats with miliary dermatitis. The studies were performed on 22 cats of various breeds and both sexes, aged between 3 and 7 years, that had been fed a balanced diet, based on beef meat for the previous 6 months. The animals were divided into four groups: I, five clinically healthy cats; II, five clinically healthy cats, receiving 1 ml of oil preparation with food for 6 weeks; III, seven nonpruritic cats with miliary dermatitis, without treatment; and group IV, five nonpruritic cats with miliary dermatitis, receiving 1 ml of oil preparation per day with food for 6 weeks. Every 2 weeks all cats were clinically examined. Determination of the serum lipid profile and composition of the oil preparation was performed using gas chromatography. The concentration of total cholesterol (CHL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction and triacylglycerols (TG) were determined spectrophotometrically.

In three sick animals, the dermatological signs disappeared completely. In cats with miliary dermatitis, who did not receive the oil preparation, the ratio of cholesterol and HDL to triacylglycerols was reversed compared with healthy cats and sick animals which had received the oil preparation. The addition of the oil preparation lowered the content of saturated fatty acids in serum, in particular palmitic acid, and increased the content of unsaturated acids, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA, n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n‐3). Simultaneously, a nonsignificant rise in arachidonic acid (AA, n‐6) and a decrease in dihomo‐gamma‐linolenic acid (DGLA, n‐6) were found.

These observations indicate that cats with miliary dermatitis require an increased amount of n‐3 fatty acids in the diet. This was proved not only by the observed changes in the serum lipid profile but also by the clinical improvement.
Combinations of Growth Promoters in Veal Calves: Consequences for Screening and Confirmation Methods
Authors: Groot M. J. , Schilt R. , Ossenkoppele J. S. , Berende P. L. M. , Haasnoot W.
Published: May 2010

This study investigates the influence of low dosages of β‐agonists combined with other growth promoters on screening and confirmation methods in male veal calves. Five groups of four calves were treated for 6 weeks with combinations of low dosages of β‐agonists (βAG, clenbuterol, mabuterol and mapenterol, 0.4μg/kg each twice daily) in combination with 17β‐estradiol (E2, 5mg per animal per 14 days), methylthiouracil (MTU, 2.857 mg/kg bw twice daily) and dexamethasone (DEX, 4 mg per animal per 10 days during the last 20 days of treatment). Another group of four untreated animals served as controls. The weight and size of the thymus was reduced in the DEX group, the MTU group showed enlarged thyroids. Histologically the prostates showed vacuolar degeneration in the βAG animals and metaplasia in the E2 group. Some vacuolization was also observed in the controls. The testis showed impaired development in all treatment groups, E2 leading to the most severe changes. DEX led to cortical atrophy of the thymus. MTU induced hyperplastic changes in the thyroid. These results indicate that comedication does not markedly affect the histological changes induced in the hormonal target tissues. For screening purposes histology of the prostate can be used as a marker for oestrogens, whereas the weight of the thymus and thyroid can be used as an indication for the use of corticosteroids and thyreostatics, respectively. Vacuolization in the prostate appeared no reliable indication for β‐agonists. Samples of urine, faeces, liver and eye (retina/choroid) were analysed for β‐agonists. E2 significanthy increased the levels of all β‐agonists in the liver and faeces, whereas DEX significantly reduced these levels. These observations show that additional medication with different groups of growth prómoters can markedly alter the excretion of β‐agonists and thus influence (regulatory) control.
Epidemiology of Bovine Virus Diarrhoea in Cattle on Communal Alpine Pastures in Switzerland
Authors: BRAUN U. , SCHÖNMANN M. , EHRENSPERGER F. , HILBE M. , BRUNNER D. , STÄRK K. D. C. , GIGER T.
Published: May 2010

The goal of this study was to determine the influence of communal pasturing on the spread of bovine virus divrhoea (BVD). The investigation involved 990 Swiss Bnunvieh cattle from 149 different owners on seven communal pastures in the Swiss Alps. Prior to pasturing blood samples were collected from all animals for examination for BVD antigen and antibodies. Serological examinations were also performed during and after pasturing to determine possible increases in seroprevalence and to determine whether seroprevalence was different on pastures with and without persistently infected cattle. At the start of pasturing, nine (0.9%) animals were persistently viraemic. On three alpine pastures, no persistently viraemic animals were detected. The prevalence of persistently infected cattle on the remaining four pastures varied from 0.3 to 3.9%.

Of the 990 animals tested at the statt of pasturing, 632 (63.3%) were seropositive. Seroprevdence differed among pastures and varied from 21.8 to 85.9%. During the summer, seroprevalence increased on all pastures surveyed, and at the end of the pasture season, 778 (80.1%) of the 971 cattle that were examined twice were seropositive. The incidence of seroconversion was significantly hqher on pastures with persistently infected cattle compared with those without; it ranged from 32.7 to 100.0% in the former and from 6.0 to 22.2 in the latter.

The results of this study suggest that communal alpine pasturing does play a role in the spread of BVD. The extent of this role depends on the presence of persistently infected animals.
Distribution of Histamine in Laying Hen Ovary
Authors: Paczoska‐Eliasiewicz H. , Rza̧sa J.
Published: May 2010

In a laying hen, histamine was found to be present in all compartments of the ovary, i.e. stroma with follicles <1 mm, small white (1–4 mm), large white (4–8 mm), atretic white, yellow preovulatory (8–35 mm) and postovulatory follicles. Stroma containing non‐yolky follicles exhibited the highest histamine concentration (6080 ± 331 ng/g wet wt. tissue) which differed significantly (P < 0.01) from histamine levels observed in all examined classes of ovarian follicles. High histamine concentration was found in small, large and atretic white follicles as well as in older postovulatory follicles whereas low levels of fistamine contained yellow preovulatory and younger postovulatory follicles. Population of yolky white follicles presented significant (P < 0.01) differences in histamine level among small (4280 ± 333), atretic (2940 ± 193) and large (2010 ± 110 ng/g) follicles. Within hierarchy of yellow preovulatory (F7‐F1) follicles initial decrease in histamine concentration, from 859.3 ± 51.5 ng/g in F7 follicle to 363.9 ± 28.3 ng/g in F4 follicle, was followed by the increase as follicle matured, reaching the highest level in F1 follicle (711.4 ± 35.9 ng/g). In postovulatory (P1‐P5) follicles histamine concentration gradually increased as they were getting older, from 604.3 ± 49.3 ng/g in P1 follicle to 2253 ± 197 ng/g in P5 follicle. Determination of histamine in relation to ovulation revealed significant (P < 0.01) difference both in histamine concentration and content between the largest preovulatory F1 follicle and the largest postovulatory P1 follicle, being 0.5 h before and 0.5 h after ovulation, respectively. It is suggested that in chicken, ovarian histamine may play a role in the follicular development and/or the ovulatory process.
Effect of Citric Acid Supplements to a Maize‐Soya Diet on the in vitro Availability of Minerals, Trace Elements, and Heavy Metals
Authors: Walter A. , Rjmbach G. , Most E. , Pallauf J.
Published: May 2010

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of increasing supplements of citric acid (CTA) on the in vitro availability of minerals (Ca, Mg), trace elements (Mn, Zn) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd). Phytaterich diets (0.8%) based on maize, soybean meal, corn starch and soybean oil (containing 5.0 g Ca, 1.2 g Mg, 50 mg Mn, 22 mg Zn, 10 mg Pb and 5 mg Cd per kg diet) were supplemented with 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% of CTA. All diets were treated in a multi‐enzyme in vitro system followed by equilibrium dialysis after peptic and pancreatic digestion. Under the conditions investigated, dietary addition of CTA enhanced dialysability of calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Furthermore, a dose‐dependent increase of lead and cadmium dialysability due to CTA supplementations was evident.
A Dose Titration Study on the Effect of Virginiamycin on Specific Blood Parameters and Milk Quality in the Sow
Authors: Alexopoulos C. , Tsinas A. , Kantas D. , Florou‐Paneri P. , Read M. P. , Vassilopoulos V. , Kyriakis S. C.
Published: May 2010

The present study investigates the changes in blood cholesterol and total lipids concentrations, as well as changes in milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids content of sows after the long‐term administration of virginiamycin (VM) in the feed. Seventy‐two (72) healthy Dalland gilts, in 18 groups of four (2 + 2) siblings were used in total. The gilts of each group of siblings were randomly allocated to one of the following four dietary treatments: VMO = negative control, virginiamycin 0 mg/kg, VM20 = virginiamycin 20 mg/kg feed, VM40 = virginiamycin 40 mg/kg feed and VM60 = virginiamycin 60 mg/kg of feed. Treatments started at the age of 6 months covering three complete breeding cycles (up to the third weaning). The first eight groups of siblings (eight gilts per treatment/32 gilts in total) were used for blood sampling (blood group), while the remaining 10 groups of siblings (10 gilts per treatment/40 gilts in total) were used for milk sampling (milk group). Feeds given at insemination, pregnancy and lactation did not contain any other antibacterial or performance enhancer. The results indicate that all three levels of VM supplementation of gilt/sow feed influenced certain blood parameters by increasing (P < 0.05) both cholesterol and total lipids concentrations on the 30th and 60th day of each pregnancy, at each farrowing and at each weaning. The effect of dietary VM on these blood parameters remained constant throughout three consecutive parities. Moreover, the results indicate a beneficial effect of dietary VM on the milk quality of the sows during the third lactation by increasing (P < 0.05) (i) the mean fat content, (ii) the mean protein content, (iii) the mean lactose content and (iv) the mean total solids content. The highest (P < 0.05) levels in both blood and milk parameters were noticed at the inclusion level of 40 mg/kg of feed.
Selenite and Selenium Yeast as Feed Supplements to Growing Fattening Pigs
Authors: Ortman K. , Pehrson B.
Published: May 2010

Twenty‐four cross‐bred fattening pigs weighing, on average, 24 kg were divided into three equal groups and fed a basic diet containing 0.1 mg selenium/kg. The diet of group A was supplemented with 0.3 mg selenium/kg derived from selenium yeast, group B with 0.1 mg selenium/kg from the same source, and group C with 0.3 mg/kg from sodium selenite. The pigs were slaughtered after 103 days. There was no significant difference between the mean whole blood selenium concentration of the pigs supplemented with selenium yeast neither after five nor after nine weeks of supplementation (group A, 201 and 213 μg/litre; group B 192 and 201 μg/litre, respectively), but the group supplemented with selenite had significantly lower concentrations both after five and nine weeks (158 and 159 μg/litre, respectively). There were no significant differences between the mean activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in the whole blood of the three groups (group A, 348 and 327 μkat*/litre; group B, 342 and 302 μkat/litre; group C, 332 and 300 μkat/litre, after five and nine weeks, respectively). The concentration of selenium in the liver of the pigs supplemented with organic selenium was significantly higher than in the pigs supplemented with selenite (group A, 0.54 mg/kg wet weight; group B, 0.54 mg/kg; group C, 0.40 mg/kg). No deposits of lipofuscin or ceroid pigments were observed in the histological preparations of liver and heart from any of the pigs.
A Method for Endoscopic Embryo Collection and Transfer in the Rabbit
Authors: Besenfelder U. , Strouhal C. , Brem G.
Published: May 2010

Thirty‐two rabbits were used for endoscopic embryo collection and transfer. For embryo collection midventral laparoscopy and transcervical endoscopy were combined for orthograd flushing of the oviducts and uterine horns. Transfer was performed transcervically under laparoscopic control. The mean number of corpora lutea counted in nine donors was 13.3 ± 8.4. A total of 72 morulae/blastocysts were obtained. No embryos were recovered when only the uterine horns were flushed. 291 embryos were transcervically transferred to 23 recipients which resulted in 10 pregnant animals at day 12. Two of three slaughtered recipients showed together 4 implantation sites. Four animals delivered 12 pups.
Absorption and Excretion of Cefquinome in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Freshwater at 10 °C
Authors: Martín B. N. San , Bataglia J. , Hernández P. , Quiroz A. , Cañon H.
Published: May 2010

The absorption and elimination of cefquinome in serum and tissues of coho salmon were studied. The study was performed in freshwater at 10°C with fish weighing 100 ± 5g (mean and standard deviation). Single doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally to 30 fish for each dose. The maximum concentration occurred in the following order; kidney and liver > serum > muscle > brain. The pharmacokinetic analysis and predictive withdrawal times were calculated using only the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. The peak cefquinome concentrations (Cmax) in serum (3.35 ± 0.45 μg/ml) and muscle (2.87 ± 0.53 μg/g) were achieved at 12h. In the brain, the Cmax was 2.18 μg/g at 6h. The halflives (t1/2) in serum, muscle, brain, liver and kidney were 20.56, 8.93, 9.35, 113.61 and 119.48 h, respectively. With the detection limit of 0.015 μg/g for the cefquinome, the predicted withdrawal time with 95% confidence for muscle tissue was 104.2 h at 10 °C for the 20 mg/kg dose.

The results suggest that cefquinome could be efficacious and safe for the consumer in treating bacterial diseases of coho salmon in fresh water. Nevertheless, future studies are required in order to determine an adequate dose with the corresponding withdrawal times.
Studies on Equine Lipid Metabolism. 1. A Fluorometric Method for the Measurement of Lipolytic Activity in Isolated Adipocytes of Rats and Horses
Authors: Breidenbach A. , Fuhrmann H. , Busche R. , Sallmann H.‐P.
Published: May 2010

A simple and sensitive method for direct and continuous monitoring of free fatty acid (FFA) release, by measuring the pH‐sensitive change in relative fluorescence intensity of seminaphthofluorescein (SNAFL‐1TM) is described. The method was designed to use a small number of adipocytes isolated from fat pads of rats and biopsy specimens of horses for the detection of decreasing pH in fat cell suspensions caused by released FFA into the incubation medium. Species specific differences of lipolysis were demonstrated when adipocytes of rats and horses are incubated with stimulators or inhibitors of lipolysis. Norepinephrine (NE) stimulated lipolysis in fat cells of rats whereas adipocytes of horses showed a measurable release of FFA when concomitandy incubated with NE and adenosine deaminase (ADA) or NE and 8‐Phenyltheophylline (8‐PT), respectively. The incubation of equine fat cells with NE and ADA did not influence the antilipolytic response to insulin. The method described enables micro‐scaled in vitro studies on lipolytic activity.