bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case‐control study to identify farm factors affecting fertility of dairy herds: multivariate description of factors
Authors: WEBSTER FB , LEAN IJ , CURTIS MA 
Published: March 2008

ObjectivesTo determine whether a multivariate model could be developed to describe farm factors affecting fertility of dairy herd and to examine the factors that determined better reproductive performance on dairy farms in New South Wales. ProcedureWe examined the results of a survey of breeding practices, mating policies, recording systems, timing of mating, heat detection, treatment of metritis and manager demographics of dairy farms using Principal components analysis, logistic regression and the sign test. ResultsEight principal components for heat detection computed using Principal component analyses were included in the multivariate model to reflect primary and secondary heat detection signs used in the breeding decisions of managers. A final model identified three variables: optimum number of days to first service, number of people detecting heats, and age of manager which significantly influenced the risk of being in the high or low reproductive performance groups. A failure to breed at an appropriate time after calving and having more people responsible for heat detection was associated with herds with a prolonged intercalving interval. While the model provided a good fit for the data, it was not highly discriminatory. Examination of 83 management practices affecting fertility using the sign test (P = 0.01) indicated that managers of herds with good reproductive performance employed better management and breeding practices more often than managers of herds with poor reproductive performance. ConclusionsMating cows sooner after calving and using fewer people to detect oestrus should reduce calving to conception intervals. Veterinarians investigating herd reproductive performance should consider the potential for a number of subtle failures of management to significantly impair fertility rather than limit investigations to a few factors.
Epidemiological studies of pig diseases: 2. Post‐weaning diarrhoea and performance in Western Australian pigs
Authors: SKIRROW SZ , BUDDLE JR , MERCY AR , MADEC F. , NICHOLLS RR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine in Australian pig herds the accuracy of French protocols for risk factor assessment of post‐weaning diarrhoea and illthrift. Procedure French protocols for the collection of data on health indicators and risk factors for post‐weaning diarrhoea were conducted on 54 batches of weaner pigs from 28 Western Australian pig herds during three years. Results Large variations in post‐weaning performance were found. About one‐third of the batches were growing at <200 g/day during the 3 weeks after weaning, and 54% had growth rates of <250 g/day. Weaning age and weight of at least 30 days and 7.9 kg, respectively, optimised weaner performance. Other risk factors associated with little post‐weaning diarrhoea and good weaner performance were high creep feed intakes, relatively little diarrhoea as suckers, and, contrary to expectations, large temperature fluctuations. Conclusion Overall, the ‘predictability’ of post‐weaning problems as assessed by measurement of risk status, was good. However, the model was less accurate at predicting the performance of a single batch of pigs.
Changes in productivity and profitability of wool‐growing farms that follow recommendations from agricultural and veterinary studies
Authors: LEAN GR , VIZARD AL , WARE JK WEBB 
Published: March 2008

Objective To estimate the changes in productivity and profitability in a group of wool‐growing farms as they adopted major recommendations from agricultural and veterinary studies. Farms Four wool‐growing farms in south western Victoria were selected from the clients of the Mackinnon Project, a farm consultancy service run from the University of Melbourne. Each farm had closely followed recommended procedures, kept comprehensive financial and physical records and had been clients for at least 5 years. The comparison group was the South Western Victoria Monitor Farm Project (SWVMFP), about 45 farms in the same region as the study farms that were monitored annually by Agriculture Victoria. Procedure For a 7‐year period, the financial and physical performance of both groups of farms was estimated. Stocking rate, wool production, gross farm income, farm operating costs, net farm income and return on assets were compared. Results Mean gross farm income of the four study farms steadily rose from 86% of the average SWVMFP farm before the adoption of recommendations to an average of 155%. During the same period, net farm income rose from 70% to 207% of the average of the SWVMFP. Return on asset of the four farms rose irregularly from 26% to 145% of the average of the SWVMFP. Farm operating costs on the four farms were higher than for the SWVMFP group, but the ratio of costs remained relatively constant. Conclusion The adoption of proven research results was associated with large increases in net farm income. An increase in gross income, rather than a reduction in costs was the main reason for this. Research results offer a way to increase the financial viability of wool‐growing farmers, many of whom are currently unable to maintain their lifestyle, resources and infrastructure.
Multiple striate keratotomy: a treatment for corneal erosions caused by epithelial basement membrane disease
Authors: TURNER AG , BLOGG JR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To study the efficacy of multiple striate keratotomy for the treatment of persistent corneal erosions suspected to be caused by primary corneal epithelial basement membrane disease. Design A retrospective study. Animals 16 dogs, three cats and one Australian dingo. Procedure A technique called multiple striate keratotomy was used to treat twenty animals suffering from persistent corneal erosions. Results All persistent corneal erosions healed with only one treatment. Most cases healed within 2 weeks. One case developed a second erosion in the same eye but in a different position to the original erosion. Conclusions Multiple striate keratotomy is a safe, effective and well tolerated technique for the treatment of persistent corneal erosions thought to be caused by corneal epithelial basement membrane disease.
Characterisation of Australian isolates ofActinobacillus capsulatus, Actinobacillus equuli, Pasteurella caballiand Bisgaard Taxa 9 and 11
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , BISGAARD M. , MCKENZIE RA 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to perform a comprehensive phenotypic characterisation of 16 isolates of bacteria previously identified asActinobacillus equuli.DesignThe 16 isolates that had been obtained from Australian animals – 15 from horses and one from a rabbit – were compared with reference strains ofA equuli, A capsulatus, Pasteurella caballiand Bisgaard Taxa 9 and 11.ResultsThe characterisation study demonstrated that only nine of the isolates wereA equuli. The other isolates were identified asA capsulatus(the isolate from rabbit),P caballi(one isolate), Bisgaard Taxon 11 (two isolates) and Bisgaard Taxon 9 (one isolate). The final two isolates could not be assigned to any recognised species or taxa.ConclusionThis study has highlighted the importance of a complete characterisation ofActinobacillus‐like organisms isolated from horses and rabbits. The study represents the first time thatA capsulatus, P caballiand Bisgaard Taxa 9 and 11 have been recognised as being present in Australia.
Caecal disease in equids
Authors: DART AJ , HODGSON DR , SNYDER JR 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo review the breed, age, gender, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses with caecal disease presented to a referral centre.DesignRetrospective study of 96 cases.ProcedureThe breed, age, and gender of the study population were compared with the corresponding hospital population for the same period. The means (± SD) for clinical and laboratory findings were recorded for each caecal disorder. Treatment was categorised as medical or surgical, and outcome was recorded.ResultsCaecal diseases included impaction (40% of total cases), rupture associated with concurrent unrelated disease (13%), rupture with parturition (9%), rupture with no associated disease (5%), infarction (11%), torsion (9%), abscess or adhesion (7%), tumour (3%), and miscellaneous conditions (3%). The breed or gender of affected horses did not differ from the hospital population, although horses > 15 years were more frequently represented (P < 0.05). This age group was specifically more predisposed to caecal impaction (P < 0.05), as were Arabian, Morgan, and Appaloosa breeds (P < 0.05). In horses withcaecal impactiontransrectal examination was the most useful diagnostic procedure; 90% of affected horses treated medically were discharged while horses treated by typhlotomy alone, or typhlotomy and blind end ileocolostomy, had survival rates to discharge of 71% and 86%, respectively. Horses withcaecal rupture associated with concurrent un‐related diseaseshowed no signs of impending rupture; all were receiving phenylbutazone, all were euthanased, and 50% had caecal ulceration at necropsy. Of horses withcaecal rupture with parturition56% had prior dystocia; in two‐thirds the site of rupture was the ileocaecal junction and all were euthanased. Horses withcaecal rupture with no associated diseasedied or were euthanased; rupture was idiopathic. Horses withcaecal infarctionusually had signs of abdominal pain and abdominal fluid changes consistent with peritonitis; transrectal examination was nonspecific, and typhlectomy was successful in seven of eight horses. Horses withcaecal torsionhad signs of severe, acute abdominal pain and typhlectomy was successful in three of five horses. Diagnosis ofcaecal adhesion or abscesswas assisted by transrectal palpation in two of seven horses and surgical treatment was successful in two of five horses. Acaecal tumourwas diagnosed in three horses aged 20 years or older that presented with chronic weight loss. Other caecal diseases were uncommon.ConclusionCaecal disease is uncommon in equids but some specific features of the history and physical findings can alert the veterinarian to the possibility of caecal involvement in horses with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Medical or surgical therapy can be effective in horses where caecal rupture has not occurred.
Genotypic diversity in field isolates of Babesia bovis from cattle with babesiosis after vaccination
Authors: LEW AE , BOCK RE , CROFT JM , MINCHIN CM , KINGSTON TG , DALGLIESH RJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine whether particular genotypes of Babesia bovis were common to field isolates obtained from cattle properties in Queensland where the B bovis vaccine had apparently failed. DesignA comparative study of polymerase chain reaction genotypes in different populations of B bovis. ProcedureTwo polymerase chain reaction assays were applied to analyse DNA extracts of B bovis vaccine (K, T and Dixie strains) and 27 field isolates from 24 properties where disease outbreaks had occurred despite the use of the vaccine. To evaluate the stability of the genotypes identified, 11 of the field isolates were inoculated into experimental cattle that had either been previously vaccinated with T strain or not vaccinated. ResultsNo particular genotype of B bovis was responsible for the problems observed in previously vaccinated herds. None of the isolates had genotypes identical to the vaccine strains used. No geographic trends among the genotypes were observed. Isolates that originated from the same property also had different genotypes. Blood passage of the 11 field isolates in either previously vaccinated or nonvaccinated cattle did not alter the original genotype. ConclusionNo particular genotypes identified by the Bv80 and BvVA1 polymerase chain reaction assays could be associated with vaccine failures.
Absorption by sheep of dieldrin from contaminated soil
Authors: PATON MW , PETTERSON DS 
Published: March 2008

Objective To study the accumulation of dieldrin residues in sheep from ingestion of contaminated soils was studied in two experiments. Design A controlled feeding study of sheep fed contaminated soils of different type at varying intervals. Animals and procedure Thirty‐four 2‐years‐old wethers were divided into four groups (one control sheep only) and fed water‐soluble dieldrin or soil contaminated with aldrin and dieldrin at varying intervals in the first study. In a second study 34 similar sheep were divided into four treatments with one being a control. Sheep were fed sandy, high clay or high organic matter soils with similar dieldrin and aldrin concentrations. Results In the first study the concentration of dieldrin in the body fat of sheep dosed with dieldrin‐contaminated soil was about half that in the body fat of sheep dosed with an equivalent amount of water‐soluble dieldrin. The concentration of dieldrin was almost the same in sheep fed 500 μg of total dieldrin per day as it was in sheep fed 5000 μg every tenth day, over a 50‐day period. In the second experiment sheep accumu‐lated nearly three times as much pesticide from a soil with a high organic matter content, and about four times as much from a soil with a high clay content, as from a sandy soil with the same dieldrin content, over a 100‐day period. The half‐life of dieldrin in the fat of all sheep varied between 96 and 116 days after sheep ceased ingesting contaminated soil. Conclusions Dieldrin concentrations in the fat of sheep that consume dieldrin contaminated soil fall within 10 days of removal from the source of contamination. However, dieidrin accumulates in the wool of sheep that consume dieldrin‐contaminated soil.
Acute cortisol responses of lambs castrated and docked using rubber rings with or without a castration clamp
Authors: DINNIS AS , STAFFORD KJ , MELLOR DJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN 
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure the plasma cortisol response in lambs castrated and docked by three different methods (ring castration and tail docking, ring and clamp castration and tail docking; ring and clamp castration and ring tail docking) for 4 h after treatment. Design A physiological study with controls. Procedure A rubber ring was applied to the scrotum. Then the castration clamp was placed, distal to the ring, on each spermatic cord such that there was no overlap of the crush lines. Results There were no differences in the cortisol secretion of the lambs castrated and tail docked by the ring only and by the ring plus castration clamp methods. Using the castration clamp in addition to the ring on the tail had no effect on cortisol secretion. Conclusions Using the castration clamp did not appear to reduce the cortisol response to ring castration and docking, as demonstrated elsewhere, because the areas of uncrushed tissue between the two castration clamp crush lines allowed nociception from ischemic scrotal tissue to be transmitted cranially via undamaged nerve fibers.
Serum and mucosal antibody responses and protection in pigs vaccinated againstMycoplasma hyopneumoniaewith vaccines containing a denatured membrane antigen pool and adjuvant
Authors: DJORDJEVIC SP , EAMENS GJ , ROMALIS LF , NICHOLLS PJ , TAYLOR V , CHIN J 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective efficacy of a pool of denatured membrane protein antigens ofMycoplasma hyopneumoniae(J strain) in the molecular size range 70 to 85 kDa (F3 antigen) in combination with adjuvants for pigs challenged withM hyopneumoniae.DesignA vaccine efficacy experiment with assessment of serum and respiratory tract antibody responses.ProcedureF3 antigens were emulsified with five different adjuvants. To groups of three pigs per vaccine, four vaccines were given by intramuscular injection, and two vaccines, including one of those given intramuscularly, were given by intraperitoneal injection.ResultsCompared to six unvaccinated pigs, animals vaccinated with F3 antigen displayed significantly reduced pneumonia (54% reduction in mean lung score) following experimental challenge. Analysis of post‐vaccination, pre‐challenge IgG and IgA ELISA antibody absorbances in serum and respiratory tract washings revealed no correlation with lung score. Six weeks after challenge, pigs previously vaccinated intramuscularly mostly demonstrated greater IgG and IgA responses in respiratory tract washings, and greater IgG serum antibody responses, than those vaccinated by intraperitoneal injection.ConclusionPigs vaccinated withM hyopneumoniaeantigens in the molecular size range of 70 to 85 kDa showed a significant reduction in lung lesions compared with unvaccinated control animals after experimental challenge. IgG and IgA antibody concentrations in serum and respiratory tract washings after vaccination do not provide a useful prognostic indicator of protection from enzootic pneumonia.
Trichomonas gallinae in budgerigars and columbid birds in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: MCKEON T. , DUNSMORE J. , RAIDAL SR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To estimate the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas gallinae and other parasites of the alimentary tract in psittacine and columbid birds in Perth and to determine in vitro the effectiveness of drugs commonly recommended for treating trichomoniasis. Design and procedures Samples of crop contents were collected from aviary flocks of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and other psittacine and columbid birds in both private and commercial collections in Perth. Similar samples from wild Senegal doves (Streptopelia senegalensis) also were collected. Crop contents were examined and cultured for Trichomonas gallinae and in vitro studies were conducted on the susceptibility of isolates to several drugs used commonly. Other parasites also were detected by faecal examination and/or necropsy. Results
T gallinae was recovered from birds in 1 of 13 private collections of budgerigars (2/289 birds in total). Direct wetmount examination of crop fluid identified 36.4% of samples at four commercial bird dealers which were later determined by culture to contain T gallinae. The prevalence of T gallinae infection ranged from 0 to 11.4% in budgerigars. The prevalence of T gallinae infection in wild Senegal doves was 46% and from one flock of racing pigeons was 59%. The in vitro minimum lethal concentrations of metronidazole, dimetridazole and ronidazole ranged from 40 to 96, 30 to 80 and 40 to 92 μg/mL respectively for six isolates of T gallinae. Other alimentary parasites detected during the survey included Spironucleus sp (syn Hexamita sp), coccidia, Ascaridia platycerci and Raillietina sp. Conclusions Thirteen budgerigar flocks belonging to members of avicultural societies in Perth had a low prevalence of trichomoniasis and other parasitic infections. The dose rate currently recommended for ronidazole may not result in complete protozoacidal activity against T gallinae infection.
Efficacy of zeta‐cypermethrin as pour‐on or spray formulations for the control of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) in cattle
Authors: ROTHWELL JT , HACKET KC , FRIEND M. , FARNSWORTH WR , LOWE LB 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the efficacy of zeta‐cypermethrin in controlling buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua). Design Five field trials in northern and central Queensland. Procedure Zeta‐cypermethrin pour‐on at 2.5 mg/kg, spray at 62.5 ppm, deltamethrin pour‐on and pour‐on vehicle were applied to groups of 20 cattle. Buffalo fly counts were conducted three times before treatment and 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after treatment. Results In central Queensland where synthetic pyrethroid resistance in buffalo fly populations was rare, 2.5 mg/kg of zeta‐cypermethrin pour‐on gave good control of buffalo fly for 4 weeks and was better than a deltamethrin product. A zeta‐cypermethrin spray used at 62.5 ppm gave 14 days control. In far‐north Queensland where resistance to synthetic pyrethroids and heavy rain was common, the maximum period of efficacy of zeta‐cypermethrin pour‐on was reduced to 2 weeks. Conclusion In areas where there is low resistance to synthetic pyrethroids among buffalo flies, zeta‐cypermethrin pour‐on can be expected to give good control for 4 weeks.
Pesticide use and residues on Queensland wool
Authors: WARD MP , ARMSTRONG RTF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine practices for control of louse infestation and blowfly strike in Queensland sheep flocks that are associated with organophosphorous and synthetic pyrethroid residues on wool. Design Information on residues was obtained from a survey of Queensland wool clips. Information on pesticide use was obtained from a trace‐back postal survey. The association between pesticide use and residues was assessed using generalised linear models, controlling for potential confounding by flock location. Procedure Between 1995 and 1997 Queensland wool clips were randomly sampled. Samples were tested for the presence and amount (mg per kg of greasy wool) of organophosphorous and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides. A questionnaire seeking information on flock characteristics and pesticide use was sent to the manager of each flock from which a wool sample was tested. Results The median amount of OP and SP residue was 0.8 and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively, and 91 and 95% of wool samples contained < 8 mg/kg of OP and SP residues, respectively. The frequency of OP pesticide use for louse control was significantly (P = 0.005) associated with mean OP residue amount, and the timing of SP use for louse control, in relation to shearing, was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with mean SP residue amount. Conclusion Most Queensland wool clips have acceptable amounts of residues after the use of OP and SP pesticides, but wool growers can further reduce residues by effectively controlling louse infestation with pesticide applications early after shearing and the use of non‐chemical methods of ectoparasite control.
Comparative cell morphology in the peripheral blood film from exotic and native animalsa
Authors: CANFIELD PJ 
Published: March 2008

Haematological investigation is an important part of disease diagnosis. This is particularly so when investigating individual animal disease. It may also be important when investigating diseases in groups of animals, but the opportunity to perform necropsies to directly detect disease processes often diminishes its usefulness.Haematological investigation is essentially similar for all species. The presence of nucleated erythrocytes and thrombocytes in nonmammals requires alteration of haemoglobin measurement and cell counting. In addition, it may cause some confusion in identification of cells in peripheral blood films.Examination of blood films is an important component of haematological investigation and provides useful information on erythroid, leukocytic and platelet/thrombocytic alterations. Interpretation of alterations is essentially similar for all species. However, cell identification can at times be difficult.There are five basic leukocytes in all species: neutrophil (mammals) or heterophil (nonmammals), eosinophil, basophil, lymphocyte and monocyte. In nonmammals it may be difficult at times to distinguish between heterophils and eosinophils. In addition, lymphocytes may be confused with thrombocytes. However, a common‐sense approach to the examination of the peripheral blood film will minimise this confusion.