Effects of the Level and Composition of Concentrate Supplements before Breeding and in Early Gestation on Production of Different Hair Sheep Breeds

Female hair sheep, 27 Dorper (DOR), 41 Katahdin (KAT), and 39 St. Croix (STC), were used to determine influences of the nutritional plane before breeding and in early gestation on feed intake, body weight, body condition score, body mass indexes, blood constituent concentrations, and reproductive performance. There were 35 multiparous and 72 primiparous sheep, with initial ages of 5.6 ± 0.25 years and 1.5 ± 0.01 years, respectively (average overall initial age of 2.8 ± 0.20 years). Wheat straw (4% crude protein; dry matter [DM] basis) was consumed ad libitum and supplemented with approximately 0.15% initial body weight (BW) of soybean meal (LS) or a 1:3 mixture of soybean meal and rolled corn at 1% BW (HS; DM). The supplementation period was 162 days, with the breeding of animals in two sets sequentially, with the pre-breeding period 84 and 97 days, and that after breeding began at 78 and 65 days, respectively. Wheat straw DM intake (1.75, 1.30, 1.57, 1.15, 1.80, and 1.38% BW; SEM = 0.112) was lower (p < 0.05), but average daily gain (-46, 42, -44, 70, -47, and 51 g for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; SEM = 7.3) was greater (p < 0.05) for HS than LS treatment during the supplementation period. Additionally, changes in body condition score during the supplementation period (-0.61, 0.36, -0.53, 0.27, -0.39, and -0.18; SEM = 0.058), and changes in body mass index based on height at the withers and body length from the point of the shoulder to the pin bone (BW/[height × length], g/cm²) from 7 days before supplementation (day -7) to day 162 were -1.99, 0.07, -2.19, -0.55, -2.39, and 0.17 for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; (SEM = 0.297) were affected by supplement treatment. All blood constituent concentrations and characteristics addressed varied with the day of sampling (-7, 14, 49, 73, and 162) as well as the interaction between the supplement treatment and the day (p < 0.05), with few effects of interactions involving breed. Birth rate (66.7, 93.5, 84.6, 95.5, 82.8, and 100.0; SEM = 9.83) and individual lamb birth weight (4.50, 4.61, 4.28, 3.98, 3.73, and 3.88 kg; SEM = 0.201) were not affected by supplement treatment (p = 0.063 and 0.787, respectively), although litter size (0.92, 1.21, 1.17, 1.86, 1.12, and 1.82; SEM = 0.221) and total litter birth weight (5.84, 5.74, 5.92, 7.52, 5.04, and 6.78 kg for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; SEM = 0.529) were greater (p < 0.05) for HS than for LS. In conclusion, although there was some compensation in wheat straw intake for the different levels of supplementation, soybean meal given alone rather than with cereal grain adversely affected BW, BCS, BMI, and reproductive performance, the latter primarily through litter size but also via a trend for an effect on the birth rate. Hence, the supplementation of low-protein and high-fiber forage such as wheat straw should include a consideration of the inclusion of a feedstuff(s) high in energy in addition to nitrogen.

Across and within breed differences in the relationship between packed cell volume and fecal egg count in growing meat goat and hair sheep males naturally and artificially infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

The relationship between packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg count (FEC) in different breeds of meat goats and hair sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, including Haemonchus contortus, was characterized. Growing males from eight commercial and two research farms (one Kiko, Spanish, Dorper, and St. Croix; three Boer; four Katahdin) in the southcentral United States were evaluated in a central performance test with ad libitum intake of a 50% concentrate pelleted diet. There were 84 Boer, 55 Kiko, and 57 Spanish goats and 52 Dorper, 129 Katahdin, and 49 St. Croix sheep. During adaptation, animals were dewormed then dosed with 10,000 infective H. contortus larvae. PCV and FEC were determined before deworming (i.e., natural infection potentially with multiple internal parasites) and 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days after artificial infection. Effects of species, breed, and year were analyzed with mixed effects models including day of sampling post dosing as a repeated measure and FEC and FEC × breed as covariates. Moreover, differences in correlation coefficients between PCV and logarithmic FEC (lnFEC) among species, breed, year, and day of sampling were evaluated. Breed affected (P ≤ 0.001) PCV in goats (24.8, 27.2, and 26.0% for Boer, Kiko, and Spanish, respectively; SEM = 0.42) and sheep (29.8, 26.7, and 31.0% for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM = 0.28). There were effects of FEC × breed (P ≤ 0.029) on PCV for Boer, Kiko, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix (-0.31, -0.33, -0.46, -0.46, and - 0.49% per 1000 eggs, respectively) but not for Spanish goats (P = 0.451). With all data, PCV and lnFEC with natural infection were highly correlated (P < 0.001) for Boer and Kiko goats and Dorper and Katahdin sheep (r = -0.59, -0.67, -0.77, and - 0.84, respectively) but not for Spanish goats or St. Croix sheep (P ≥ 0.323). Correlation coefficients for artificial infection with H. contortus were significant (P ≤ 0.002) except for Spanish goats, although values were lower (-0.40, -0.21, -0.23, -0.47, and - 0.28 for Boer, Kiko, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively) compared with natural infection. In conclusion, PCV was not related to FEC in Spanish goats infected either naturally or artificially, and the nature of the relationship varied among breeds of goats and sheep. Based on the magnitude of the FEC × breed coefficient, sheep incurred a relatively greater reduction in PCV as FEC increased, and correlation coefficients indicate stronger relationships with natural than artificial infection.

Degenerative Encephalopathy in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Presenting with a Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by loss of neurons and are commonly associated with a genetic mutation.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize the clinical and histopathological features of a novel degenerative neurological disease affecting the brain of young adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs).

Animals

Nine, young adult, related NSDTRs were evaluated for neurological dysfunction and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

Methods

Case series review.

Results

Clinical signs of neurological dysfunction began between 2 months and 5 years of age and were progressive in nature. They were characterized by episodes of marked movements during sleep, increased anxiety, noise phobia, and gait abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging documented symmetrical, progressively increasing, T2‐weighted image intensity, predominantly within the caudate nuclei, consistent with necrosis secondary to gray matter degeneration. Abnormalities were not detected on clinicopathological analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, infectious disease screening or urine metabolite screening in most cases. Postmortem examination of brain tissue identified symmetrical malacia of the caudate nuclei and axonal dystrophy within the brainstem and spinal cord. Genealogical analysis supports an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A degenerative encephalopathy was identified in young adult NSDTRs consistent with a hereditary disease. The prognosis is guarded due to the progressive nature of the disease, which is minimally responsive to empirical treatment.

The effects of stanozolol and boldenone undecylenate on scrotal width, testis weight, and sperm production in pony stallions

Fifty mature pony stallions were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: Group 1- controls (no treatment), Group 2 - 0.55 mg/kg stanozolol weekly for 13 treatments, Group 3 - 1.1 mg/kg stanozolol every 3 weeks for 5 treatments, Group 4 - 1.1 mg/kg boldenone undecylenate every 3 weeks for 5 treatments, and Group 5 - 0.55 mg/kg boldenone undecylenate weekly for 13 treatments. Scrotal widths (SW), combined testis weights (CTW), and daily sperm productions (DSP) were not different between Groups 1 and 2. Ponies in Group 5 had smaller SW (P<0.01), smaller CTW and decreased DSP compared to controls (P < 0.05). Although SW for ponies in Groups 3 and 4 were less than for controls (P < 0.01), CTW and DSP were not different. The only treatment regime that did not alter SW, CTW, and DSP was Group 2 (0.55 mg/kg stanozolol weekly for 13 treatments).

Clinical medical sciences for undergraduate dental students in the United Kingdom and Ireland - a curriculum

The technical aspects of dentistry need to be practised with insight into the spectrum of human diseases and illnesses and how these impact upon individuals and society. Application of this insight is critical to decision-making related to the planning and delivery of safe and appropriate patient-centred healthcare tailored to the needs of the individual. Provision for the necessary training is included in undergraduate programmes, but in the United Kingdom and Ireland there is considerable variation between centres without common outcomes. In 2009 representatives from 17 undergraduate dental schools in the United Kingdom and Ireland agreed to move towards a common, shared approach to meet their own immediate needs and that might also be of value to others in keeping with the Bologna Process. To provide a clear identity the term 'Clinical Medical Sciences in Dentistry' was agreed in preference to other names such as 'Human Disease' or 'Medicine and Surgery'. The group was challenged to define consensus outcomes. Contemporary dental education documents informed, but did not drive the process. The consensus curriculum for undergraduate Clinical Medical Sciences in Dentistry teaching agreed by the participating centres is reported. Many of the issues are generic and it includes elements that are likely to be applicable to others. This document will act as a focus for a more unified approach to the outcomes required by graduates of the participating centres and act as a catalyst for future developments that ultimately aim to enhance the quality of patient care.

Technical Note: Effects of tethering on herbage selection, intake and digestibility, grazing behavior, and energy expenditure by Boer x Spanish goats grazing high-quality herbage

Twenty-four yearling Boer x Spanish goats were used in a crossover experiment to determine the effects of tethering on herbage selection, intake and digestibility, grazing behavior, and energy expenditure (EE) with high-quality herbage. Four 0.72-ha paddocks of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrium) were grazed in the spring. Each paddock hosted 6 animals, 3 with free movement and 3 attached to a 3-m tether that was moved daily and provided access to an area of 28.3 m(2). One animal of each treatment and paddock was used to determine herbage selection, fecal output, or grazing behavior and EE. Herbage DM mass in tethered areas before grazing averaged 2,649 and 2,981 kg/ha in periods 1 and 2, respectively. The CP concentration in ingesta was greater (P < 0.05; 23.1 and 20.3 +/- 0.82%) for free vs. tethered animals, although in vitro true DM digestion (75.7 and 76.5 +/- 1.20%, respectively) did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Intake of ME based on in vitro true DM digestion and fecal output was greater (P < 0.05) for free vs. tethered animals (12.7 and 10.4 +/- 0.89 MJ/d). No treatment effects were observed (P > 0.05) for time spent ruminating or grazing (405 and 366 +/- 42.5 min/d, respectively), although mean EE was greater (P < 0.05) for free vs. tethered animals (633 and 512 +/- 27.4 kJ/kg of BW(0.75) for free and tethered, respectively), with differences (P < 0.05) between treatments at each hour of the day. Tethering animals may be acceptable to model those with free movement for some measures such as ingesta composition but appears inappropriate for others, such as energy metabolism.

Antimuscarinic antibodies in primary Sjögren's syndrome reversibly inhibit the mechanism of fluid secretion by human submandibular salivary acinar cells

OBJECTIVE

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune condition affecting salivary glands, for which a clearly defined pathogenic autoantibody has yet to be identified. Autoantibodies that bind to the muscarinic M3 receptors (M3R), which regulate fluid secretion in salivary glands, have been proposed in this context. However, there are no previous data that directly show antisecretory activity. This study was undertaken to investigate and characterize the antisecretory activity of anti-M3R.

METHODS

Microfluorimetric Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp electrophysiologic techniques were used to measure the secretagogue-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i and consequent activation of Ca2+-dependent ion channels in individual mouse and human submandibular acinar cells. Together, these techniques form a sensitive bioassay that was used to determine whether IgG isolated from patients with primary SS and from control subjects has antisecretory activity.

RESULTS

IgG (2 mg/ml) from patients with primary SS reduced the carbachol-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i in both mouse and human acinar cells by approximately 50%. IgG from control subjects had no effect on the Ca2+ signal. Furthermore, the inhibitory action of primary SS patient IgG on the Ca2+ signal was acutely reversible. We repeated our observations using rabbit serum containing antibodies raised against the second extracellular loop of M3R and found an identical pattern of acutely reversible inhibition. Anti-M3R-positive serum had no effect on Ca2+-dependent ion channel activation evoked by the direct intracellular infusion of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate.

CONCLUSION

These observations show for the first time that IgG from patients with primary SS contains autoantibodies capable of damaging saliva production and contributing to xerostomia. The unusual but not unprecedented acute reversibility of the effects of anti-M3 autoantibodies is the subject of further research.

Congenital heart block associated with undiagnosed maternal Primary Sjögren's Syndrome -- a case report and discussion

Congenital heart block (CHB) has been linked with Sjögren's Syndrome. This paper reports a case of previously undiagnosed maternal Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (1 degrees SS) that was only discovered following the birth of the patient's first child with CHB. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CHB associated with 1 degrees SS are discussed.

Hydroxychloroquine therapy in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome may improve salivary gland hypofunction by inhibition of glandular cholinesterase

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether (i) cholinesterase activity is increased in the saliva of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), (ii) increased levels of cholinesterase of lymphocyte origin could interfere with the secretory activity of submandibular acinar cells, and (iii) hydroxychloroquine at therapeutic doses could interfere with cholinesterase activity.

METHODS

The Ellman method was used to determine the levels of salivary cholinesterase activity and the K(i) of both chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for serum cholinesterase. The ability of lymphocyte cholinesterase to inhibit the acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in mouse submandibular acinar cells was determined using fura-2 microfluorimetry.

RESULTS

Patients with pSS had significantly higher levels of cholinesterase activity in both their unstimulated (P < 0.05) and stimulated saliva (P < 0.0001) compared with control subjects. Lymphocyte cholinesterase was capable of inhibiting the ACh-evoked rise in [Ca(2+)](i). The in vitro K(i) for hydroxychloroquine inhibition of cholinesterase was 0.38 +/- 1.4 microM.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that increased levels of cholinesterase present in the salivary glands of patients with pSS may contribute to glandular hypofunction and provide evidence that the therapeutic enhancement of salivary secretion in patients with pSS by hydroxychloroquine may be mediated by inhibition of glandular cholinesterase activity, although further in vivo investigation is needed.

Putative anti-muscarinic antibodies cannot be detected in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome using conventional immunological approaches

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether autoantibodies directed against muscarinic M3 receptors are present in the serum of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), and if so whether these autoantibodies inhibit secretion by intact salivary acinar cells.

METHODS

IgG was purified by affinity chromatography using protein G from sera collected from 15 patients with pSS. Antibody detection was by Western blotting, whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. The antisecretory activity of the IgG faction was determined using fura-2 microfluorimetry to measure changes in intracellular Ca(2+) activity ([Ca(2+)](i)) in human and mouse salivary gland acinar cells and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human M3 receptors (CHO-M3).

RESULTS

We found no specific M3 receptor recognition by the IgG fraction obtained from pSS patients using either Western blotting or ELISA or immunoblot techniques in which epitope conformation were preserved. Chronic exposure to pSS IgG had no effect on agonist-evoked Ca(2+) signals measured in human or mouse submandibular acinar cells or in CHO-M3 cells. However, acute application of IgG from Sjogren's syndrome patients produced a rapidly reversible reduction in the agonist-stimulated elevation in [Ca(2+)](i).

CONCLUSION

These data represent the first demonstration of salivary acinar cell inhibition by pSS IgG; however, this inhibition was found to be reversible. Our data also show that pSS IgG binding to M3R cannot be visualized by conventional immunological approaches.

Dental management of the myasthenic patient

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an auto-immune disorder of neuromuscular transmission which results in weakness and fatigue of skeletal muscles. The defect in neuromuscular transmission is most commonly seen in the muscles of the eyes, face, neck and shoulders but, in some patients, the respiratory muscles are involved. Patients with this condition may present with problems that necessitate special consideration when managing their dental treatment. Patients who are only mildly affected by MG can be treated in general dental practice for routine care. There are no contra-indications to the use of local anaesthetic agents and the presence of a vasoconstrictor is desirable. More severely affected patients and those who are very anxious about dental treatment should be cared for within the hospital environment. In these patients, respiratory muscles may be affected and, as a result, a myasthenic crisis may arise which requires assisted ventilation and, in some cases, intubation. Those patients who are fearful of the dental environment are likely to be emotionally stressed during such times and this increases the risk of a myasthenic crisis; sedation techniques can be beneficial in this group of patients.

Acetylcholine-evoked calcium mobilization and ion channel activation in human labial gland acinar cells from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Recent evidence has indicated that the salivary gland dysfunction associated with Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is not necessarily due to immune-mediated destruction of acinar tissue. SjS sufferers may possess substantial reserves of acinar tissue but nevertheless be incapable of maintaining salivary flow rates in the normal range. We have investigated the ability of isolated labial gland acinar cells from SjS patients to fluid secrete by measuring agonist-evoked changes in intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) using fura-2 microfluorimetry and activation of K(+) and Cl(-) channels using the patch-clamp whole cell technique. We can confirm that stimulation with a super-maximal dose of acetylcholine (ACh) increased [Ca(2+)]i equally in both control acinar cells and those derived from SjS patients. However, at submaximal concentrations, the dose-response curve for ACh was shifted to the right by approximately one order of magnitude in acinar cells from SjS patients compared to control acinar cells. Patch-clamp measurements consistent with the presence of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) and Cl(-) conductances were obtained from both control acinar cells and those obtained from SjS patients. Dose-dependent activation of the ion channels by acetylcholine was also right-shifted in acinar cells from SjS patients compared to control cells. Our data show that labial gland acinar cells from SjS patients were capable of responding to agonist stimulation by mobilizing [Ca(2+)](i) and activating K(+) and Cl(-) channels consistent with the requirements of fluid secretion. However, the persistent loss of sensitivity to ACh observed in from SjS patients may account for the lack of saliva production observed in these patients in vivo.

The role of academic discipline and gender in high school teachers' AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes

Adolescents represent the fastest growing segment of HIV+ individuals in the United States. Therefore, high school teachers should be both knowledgeable of and comfortable with issues related to HIV/AIDS. This study examined high school teachers' AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes. One hundred forty-one high school teachers from nine central Massachusetts high schools participated. Participants completed the "HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Scales for Teachers," as well as questions regarding their teaching experience and academic disciplines. Results indicated a direct relationship between teachers' knowledge of HIV/AIDS and positive or supportive attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. Significant differences were found based on academic discipline, with allied health teachers scoring significantly higher on the knowledge scale than teachers in any other discipline. Specific examples are discussed, as is the need for increased teacher training and comprehensive AIDS education.

A comparison of salivary gland hypofunction in primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

A commonly held view by clinicians is that the salivary gland hypofunction associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS-1) is more severe than that associated with secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS-2). This study aimed to determine if this view could be substantiated, when applied to a large sample group.

METHOD

Unstimulated and paraffin wax-stimulated whole salivary flow rates were retrospectively compared for age and gender matched, patients diagnosed with SS-1 or SS-2 according to the preliminary European criteria. The patients had attended the Xerostomia Clinic, in the Oral Medicine Department, at the Liverpool University Dental Hospital.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients with SS-1 (average age 57.1 years) were matched with 67 patients with SS-2 (average age 57.6 years), according to gender and age, within 5 years. The mean unstimulated whole salivary flow rates (+/- s.d.) for patients with SS-1 and SS-2 were 0.11 (+/- 0.15) and 0.12 (+/- 0.18) mL min-1 respectively. The mean paraffin wax stimulated, whole salivary flow rates (+/- s.d.) for patients with SS-1 and SS-22 were 0.45 (+/- 0.02) and 0.47 (+/- 0.49) mL/min-1 respectively. No significant differences, in either stimulated (P = 0.54) or unstimulated (P = 0.60) whole salivary flow rates were found between individuals with SS-1 or SS-2.

CONCLUSION

The severity of salivary gland hypofunction does not appear to be related to the clinical variant of Sjögren's syndrome.

An investigation of interactions between the immune system and stimulus-secretion coupling in mouse submandibular acinar cells. A possible mechanism to account for reduced salivary flow rates associated with the onset of Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether chronic exposure to lymphocyte-derived cytokines could inhibit the fluid secretory mechanism in salivary gland acinar cells and so account for the loss of gland function seen in the early stages of Sjögren's syndrome.

METHODS

Mouse submandibular acinar cells maintained in primary culture were exposed to a profile of cytokines produced by concanavalin A-activated splenic lymphocytes in vitro for periods up to 72 h. Agonist-evoked changes in intracellular Ca(2+) were determined microfluorimetrically in both control and cytokine-treated cells.

RESULTS

Acinar cells maintained in primary culture in the presence of cytokines for up to 72 h were able to mobilize intracellular calcium in response to stimulus by acetylcholine in an identical fashion to those maintained in primary culture in the absence of cytokines. Acute application of the conditioned medium produced by the activated lymphocytes had an antisecretory effect on acetylcholine-evoked Ca(2+) mobilization, which was found to be mediated by cholinesterase rather than by cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Neither chronic nor acute exposure to the profile of cytokines released by concanavalin A-activated splenic lymphocytes interfered in any way with the second messenger cascade and fluid and electrolyte secretion in acinar cells. Our data suggest an alternative hypothesis, in which elevated levels of cholinesterase can metabolize acetylcholine released within the salivary glands and thus prevent fluid secretion.

Effects of dietary protein concentration on postweaning growth of Boer crossbred and Spanish goat wethers

Boer (3/4) x Spanish (1/4) (BC; n = 23) and Spanish (SP; n = 22) goat wethers, 4 to 4.5 mo of age and 17.6 and 19.4 kg initial BW, respectively (SE = 0.57), were used to determine effects on growth of protein concentration in 70% concentrate diets provided for ad libitum intake for 30 wk in confinement. Offered diets contained 10.2, 14.2, 18.3, and 23.6% CP (DM basis), and CP concentration in consumed DM was 9.3, 13.8, 17.1, and 22.1% (P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively); supplemental protein was from soybean meal for P1 and P2 and from soybean meal plus a blend of blood, fish, and feather meals for P3 and P4. Dry matter intake was similar between breeds and among diets (732, 712, 698, and 740 g/d for P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively; SE = 27.0). Average daily gain was greater for P2 (P = 0.07) and P4 (P < 0.05) than for P1 (76, 90, 85, and 100 g/d for P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively; SE = 5.3) and for BC than for SP (97 vs 78 g/d, SE = 3.7; P = 0.05). Similarly, ADG:DMI was lowest (P < 0.05) among diets for P1 (0.106, 0.126, 0.121, and 0.132 for P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively; SE = 0.0053) and greater (P < 0.05) for BC than for SP (0.135 vs 0.108; SE = 0.0037). In conclusion, with 70% concentrate diets, the protein requirement for both BC and SP seemed to have been met by consumption of diets with at least 14% CP, with no apparent benefit from addition of ruminally undegraded protein.

Use of a nonradioactive DNA probe for detection of Anaplasma marginale infection in field cattle: comparison with complement fixation serology and microscopic examination

A sensitive Anaplasma marginale-specific 409-base pair DNA probe was developed in a previous study for detection of A. marginale infection in experimentally infected cattle with a test that employed slot-blot and in situ hybridization. To test the suitability of the probe to detect A. marginale in the blood of naturally infected carrier cattle, slot-blot hybridization was used to determine the infection rate of A. marginale in cattle from 3 geographic areas in Oklahoma. For comparison, blood samples from the same cattle were also examined by light microscopy and were tested by the complement fixation test. For the DNA hybridization assay, the probe was labeled with digoxigenin 11-dUTP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from blood using the QIAamp blood kit and then applied to a nylon membrane and hybridized with the probe. The study herds consisted of 31 beef cows in Harper County, OK, and 42 and 70 dairy cows from Payne and Pittsburg counties, OK, respectively. In the 3 herds, 80.6%, 92.8%, and 57.1% of the cows were positive for A. marginale as assessed with the DNA hybridization assay. In contrast, only 25.8% and 2.86% were complement fixation positive in 2 herds, and no complement fixation positives were found in 1 herd. Uncountable parasitemia that was too low to accurately determine (< 0.01%) from 29.0%, 4.8%, and 11.4% of the samples, respectively, was demonstrated by microscopic examination. All samples positive by complement fixation and microscopic examination had positive probe reactions in the DNA hybridization assay. Therefore, the PCR-mediated nonradioactive DNA probe described here may be useful in epidemiologic investigations and in identification of carrier cattle. This assay could be adapted for use in diagnostic laboratories because it is sensitive, specific, nontoxic, quickly executed, and inexpensive.

Levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins, luteinizing hormone and IGF-I receptors, and steroids in dominant follicles during the first follicular wave in cattle exhibiting regular estrous cycles

Objectives of this study were to determine if concentrations of steroids, insulin-like growth factor -I (IGF-I), and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) in follicular fluid and numbers of LH and IGF-I receptors change during growth of the dominant follicle. Ovarian follicular development was monitored daily via ultrasound in lactating Holstein cows. Animals underwent bilateral ovariectomy when the dominant follicle was first identified (days 4-6; estrus = day 0; early; n = 5) or when it stopped growing (days 8-12; late; n = 8). All follicles were classified as dominant (DF), large (LG; > = 6 mm in diameter, excluding DF) or small (SM; < 6 mm), follicular fluid was aspirated, and theca and granulosa cells were collected. Levels of IGFBP-2, assessed via ligand blotting, were greater (P < 0.05) in LG and SM follicles compared with DF in early cows. Levels of IGFBP-3 in follicular fluid were unaffected by follicle class. Numbers of specific 125I-hCG/LH binding sites in thecal cells were greater (P < 0.01) in DF compared with LG and SM follicles of both early and late cows. Numbers of specific 125I-hCG/LH binding sites in granulosa cells were similar for follicle sizes in early cows, but, in late cows, were greater (P < 0.01) in DF compared with SM follicles and were severalfold greater (P < 0.01) in late DF compared with early DF. Numbers of receptors for IGF-I in thecal cells were 2-fold greater (P < 0.05) in DP and LG compared with SM in late cows. Numbers of IGF-I receptors in granulosa cells were unaffected by size or growth of follicles, but were severalfold greater than in theca cells. Concentrations of estradiol were severalfold greater (P < 0.01) in DF compared with LG and SM in both early and late cows. Concentrations of androstenedione in early cows were greater (P < 0.05) in DF and SM compared with LG follicles. Concentrations of progesterone and IGF-I did not differ (P > 0.10) among follicle classes, but both were greater (P < 0.10) in late LG compared with early LG follicles. Concentrations of IGF-II in follicular fluid did not differ (P > 0.10) between early and late cows but were greater (P < 0.10) in SM than DF or LG follicles. We conclude that low amounts of IGFBP-2 and increased thecal binding sites for hCG/LH appear to be related to establishment of the dominant follicle during the first follicular wave in cattle exhibiting regular estrous cycles during late lactation.

Salivary factors in vomiting bulimics with and without pathological tooth wear

The increased occurrence of dental erosion from self-induced vomiting in bulimia nervosa is not linearly associated with the frequency or the duration of vomiting. Possible changes in the buffering and lubricating role of saliva in bulimia nervosa and their relationship to erosion have not been previously investigated. Chewing-gum-stimulated salivary flow rate, pH, bicarbonate concentration and viscosity were compared between two groups of vomiting bulimics and with 10 healthy controls. One bulimic group (n = 9) had pathological tooth wear present according to the criteria of the Tooth Wear Index and the other bulimic group (n = 10) did not. The influence of salivary pellicle on enamel acid dissolution by perchloric acid was also assessed by an enamel biopsy method. Bicarbonate was measured in a Natelson microgasometer. Both the bulimic groups had mean initial 3-min flow rates and overall 9-min flow rates significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the healthy subjects. The mean pH values were not significantly different between the two bulimic groups or the control group. However, the mean bicarbonate concentration in both bulimic groups was significantly less (p < 0.01) than in the control group. The mean salivary viscosity of 7.4 centipoise (cP), measured by a DV1 Brookfield viscometer, was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the pathological tooth-wear-present group than in the tooth-wear-absent group (4.5 cP) and the control group (4.1 cP). Slightly more calcium was released from the pellicle-free surface in both groups but this was not statistically significant, whilst the dissolved calcium in enamel biopsies was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the tooth-wear-present group.

Influence of fiber form in a complete mixed ration on incidence of left displaced abomasum in postpartum dairy cows

During the fall of 1982, increased incidence of left displaced abomasum (LDA) was seen in a group of cows fed a complete pelleted ration (3/16 inch) at the university's dairy center during the early postpartum period. Of these, 17.4% developed LDA when fed this experimental ration, whereas only 1.6% of the remaining cows in the herd developed LDA. The latter cows (as a control) were fed loose alfalfa hay, sorghum silage, and an 18% crude protein mix. Most of the fiber in the experimental diet or pelleted diet was alfalfa hay (30% as-fed basis) that was ground through a quarter-inch screen for incorporation into the pellet. Another 10% of the dietary fiber was contributed by cottonseed hulls. Thus, increased incidence of LDA may be associated with short length of the dietary fiber in the pelleted form.

Preputial injuries in beef bulls: 172 cases (1980-1985)

One hundred seventy-two bulls with preputial injuries were treated from 1980 through 1985. Most of the injuries developed during the breeding season (April through August), with a peak during June. The number (111) of bulls represented by 3 beef breeds (Brangus, Brahman, Beefmaster) was greater than the number (61) of the other 9 breeds included in the survey. Preputial prolapse (PP) and posthitis without obvious laceration was diagnosed in 82 of 172 bulls. Preputial laceration, abscessation, stricture with phimosis, and PP with penile hematoma were diagnosed in 46, 22, 15, and 9 bulls, respectively. These abnormalities were treated medically and/or surgically. Questionnaires (n = 145) were mailed, and 83 (57.4%) replies were received. Owners (80/83) of affected bulls responded to questions regarding the future use of their bulls for breeding. Of the bulls with PP and posthitis (n = 34), laceration (n = 17), abscessation (n = 15), stricture with phimosis (n = 8) and PP with penile hematoma (n = 6) and treated medically and/or surgically, 30, 11, 7, 7, and 4 bulls, respectively, (74% overall) were returned to breeding use successfully.

Influence of dietary protein on reproductive performance of dairy cows

From 10 +/- 3.5 d after parturition to 149 +/- 3.5 d of lactation, 146 cows (109 Holstein and 37 Ayrshires) were fed either a 15 or 20% crude protein diet of 45% sorghum silage and 55% concentrate. Milk production was enhanced by the 20% protein diet, but percentage of milk fat and protein were unchanged. Average daily intake of DM was unaffected by diet. Actual decreases in body weight and condition were small, although cows on 15% protein lost more condition. Concentration of plasma urea nitrogen increased rapidly during the first 4 wk of the experiment with cows on the 20% protein diet maintaining a 10 mg/dl advantage after the 4th wk on experiment. Diet did not affect the postpartum interval to first normal corpus luteum and standing estrus. Cows were inseminated artificially between 55 and 145 d post-calving with one freeze batch of semen from one bull of each appropriate breed mainly by one inseminator. Overall, days open, services per conception, and percentage cows pregnant on experiment were 80, 1.40, and 85, respectively. Concentration of protein in the diet did not affect these reproductive traits. There was no conflict between the amount of dietary protein provided for lactation and reproduction in this experiment.

Hepatic enzyme changes in bovine hepatogenous photosensitivity caused by water-damaged alfalfa hay

In the winter of 1983, practitioners reported extensive photosensitization in 7 herds of cattle. All herds had a history of having been fed water-damaged alfalfa hay. A cow from one herd was referred to the veterinary teaching hospital at Oklahoma State University. In this herd of approximately 40 adult Polled Herefords, all cattle had had some degree of clinical involvement over the past 4 to 6 weeks. Clinical signs included scaling and erythema of sparsely haired skin, muzzle, and teats, as well as icterus, anorexia, and weight loss. One cow died, and the remaining cattle recovered over an 8- to 10-week period after removal of the hay from the ration. In the referred cow, values for total and conjugated bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, sorbitol dehydrogenase, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum aspartate transaminase, and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase were higher than normal. In the herd of origin, extremely high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase values (180 to 1,400 IU/L) persisted (normal, 2 to 35 IU/L). Feeding the same alfalfa hay to 2 clinically normal cows reproduced the syndrome. The characteristic hepatic lesion was bile duct necrosis, with secondary bile duct hyperplasia.