Showing papers by "University of Veterinary Science published in 1993"

Description of a new Myxobolus species, M. colossomatis n. sp. from the teleost Colossoma macropomum of the Amazon River basin

Abstract: Summary Myxobolus colossomatis n. sp. (Myxosporea) is described from a pond-cultured Amazon River fish (Colossoma macropomum). The parasite cysts developed in the connective tissue of the fins, gills, heart, liver and serous membranes around the intestine.

Incidence of Toxoplasma gondii in populations of domestic birds in the Czech republic

Abstract: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the domestic fowl was studied in the Strakonice district in southern Bohemia (Czechoslovakia) between 1981 and 1990. The presence of antibodies and T. gondii cysts was ascertained by means of Sabin-Feldman dye tests and isolation assays, respectively. Of 3338 samples of chicken serum from 13 small backyard operations, antibodies were detected in 5.1% of cases. T. gondii cysts were found in two of 10 chickens examined. A total of 1120 chickens from a commercial farm was tested and antibodies were found in 0.01% of them. Isolation assays were made on 1097 chickens and T. gondii cysts were found in 0.36% of them. In small backyard operations, tests for antibodies were made on 28 guinea-fowl (negative), 297 ducks (1.7% positive) and 32 geese (15.6% positive).

Thyroid hormone deiodination in the brain of young chickens acutely adapts to changes in thyroid status.

Abstract: The brain represents a special organ in respect of thyroid hormone handling. This was analyzed in one-week-old chickens. The effect of sham-operation (SH), thyroidectomy (TX) and thyroidectomy plus thyroxine supplementation (TX+T4) on the intracerebral triiodothyronine (T3) content and on the activity of different types of deiodinases was investigated. it was found that in spite of very low T3 levels in the serum of TX animals, the brain displayed close to normal tissue T3 levels. Kinetic studies of the deiodinase system showed an increase in type II activity (increased T4 to T3 conversion) and decreased type III activity (decreased degradation of intracellular T3) in the brain of TX animals vs. SH or TX+T4. It is concluded that a considerable part, if not the total of the T3 preserved in hypothyroidism may be ascribed to adaptive changes of the deiodinase system in the brain of young chickens.

Treatment of calf pneumonia with tilmicosin.

Abstract: The therapeutic effect of a single injection of tilmicosin (10 mg/kg body mass) against natural cases of pneumonia of calves, compared to other conventionally used antibiotics, was examined under field conditions. The trials were conducted in three cattle herds and included the treatment of 135 calves with 82 controls. The animals' age ranged from 1 week to 4 months. Prior to the treatment and in case of death bacteriological examinations from nasal swabs and from the lungs were carried out. Clinical signs were recorded in all groups and in one group body mass gains were also recorded. After tilmicosin treatment, the body temperature returned to the normal level within 24 h and the animals recovered within 1 to 2 days. Ten calves (7.41%) showed relapse during the 3rd and 4th week after treatment in contrast to 9 (10.98%) in the control group. Three calves (2.22%) died in the groups treated with tilmicosin and 6 calves (7.32%) among the controls. In one of the treated groups the body mass gain was 6.2% higher compared to the controls at the age of 3 months. These results suggest that treatment with a single dose of tilmicosin is effective in most cases of calf pneumonia caused by bacteria.

An experimental test of the site specificity of preening to control lice in feral pigeons.

Abstract: Site specificities of ectoparasites on the host may have evolved due to the selective pressure exerted by host grooming. The present study demonstrates that the efficiency of avian preening varies among sites on the host. The study relies on the simple idea that the effectiveness of preening behavior to control lice can be quantified by the removal rate of dead lice glued onto the feathers of living birds. Two treatments were done to document site-specific differences in the efficiency of preening for louse control. The first treatment showed that lice disappear from the underwing covert feathers significantly more than from the tail feathers. A second treatment showed that preening was responsible for the differential removal of lice. There seems to be some correspondence in the site specificity of the louse species Columbicola columbae and that of the efficiency of preening by the host, which is the feral pigeon (Columba livia).

Nutritional factors affecting milk quality, with special regard to milk protein: a review

Abstract: This paper reviews some of the recent scientific literature that relates nutritional management to protein concentration in the milk of dairy cows. Nutritional management of the dairy cattle was organized under the headings of nutrition and body condition before calving, forage to concentrate ratio, type and treatments of forage, dietary fibre, dietary protein, dietary amino acid supplementation, dietary fat, dietary carbohydrates, concentrate composition, vitamins, feed additives, and feeding frequency. The level of feeding and rate of liveweight change prior to calving within "normal" limits seems to have relatively little effect on milk yield and composition. Cows which are thin at calving, are biologically more efficient because they produce more milk directly from food rather than from mobilization of body reserves. Increasing the forage content of the diet leads to increased milk fat and depressed milk protein as well as milk yield, and vice versa. Modification of forage type and the treatments of forage seem to exert a relatively weak effect on milk composition. Increasing neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration of the diet from 25% to 37% on dry matter (DM) basis corresponds to a linear decrease in milk production, milk protein and a linear increase in the fat content of milk. When data were analysed by the source of roughage, a significant interaction of effects was found between NDF content of the diet on milk yield. Increasing the protein concentration of the diet up to 22% was found to raise milk yield and milk fat concentration, but an increase beyond that level had no consistent effect. A moderate amount of undegradable protein, however, can improve the milk yield and milk protein content of high-lactating cows. Milk protein concentration may be improved by various combinations of ruminally protected methionine and lysine if these amino acids are limiting in the diet. The inclusion of free lipids in diets generally increases the milk yield, but decreases milk protein concentration. By-pass lipids improve milk yield. Levels of dietary fat above 6-7 per cent lead to a depression of both total milk yields and fat and protein content. The source of carbohydrate in the concentrate has little effect on milk production when the concentrates are of similar metabolizable energy (ME) content. Dietary beta carotene has no significant effects on milk production or milk components, while vitamin A may be more effective. Niacin supplementation may correct a milk protein depression induced by dietary oil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Thyroxine and triiodothyronine uptake by the brain of chickens.

Abstract: The instant uptake of 125-I-labelled triiodothyronine and 125-I-thyroxine by the brain tissue was measured in sham-operated (SH) controls, thyroidectomized (TX) and thyroidectomized plus iodothyronine supplemented (TX+T3 or TX+T4) young chickens. It was found that thyroidectomy significantly increases the uptake of iodothyronines, and iodothyronine supplementation returns the uptake close to sham-operated levels. The characteristics of the inhibition of the uptake of labelled hormones by non-labelled iodothyronines speak in favour of the presence of specific, separate uptake sites for T3 and T4 in the blood-brain barrier of young chickens.

Long-term effects of anterograde degeneration on astroglial reaction in the rat geniculo-cortical system as revealed by computerized image analysis.

Abstract: Changes in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein by astrocytes in the primary visual cortex of adult albino rats were analyzed with immunohisto-chemistry after unilateral destruction of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. An increase in number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive astrocytes could be detected in the visual cortex of the side ipsilateral to the lesion in the short-term survival group (7–11 days post lesion), but this increase was extremely reduced after a postlesional survival time of 150 days. The quantitation of the glial response by image analysis showed, that the initial increase was mainly localized in the cortical layers II–IV, where the geniculo-cortical input terminates. The transient nature of this process was revealed by the measurements in the long-term survival group, where differences between experimental and control sides were substantially reduced. We conclude, that the remote glial response in the visual cortex is transient and that its disappearance indicates the end of a postlesional adaptation period in the neuropil.

Animal models in experimental atherosclerosis: a critical review.

Abstract: The most important features of lipoprotein metabolism are demonstrated and receptor-mediated endocytosis is emphasized. The different lipoprotein makeup of different animal species and humans is shown. The role of fibre, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids in diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia is evaluated. The criteria of choosing the appropriate animal model for atherosclerosis research are discussed.

Factors influencing ruminal bacterial activity

Abstract: Zusammenfassung Beeinflussung der Bakterienaktivitat im Pansen. 1. Einflus der Fermentationsendprodukte auf die proteolytische Aktivitat Es wurde untersucht, ob die kaseinabbauende Kapazitat der gewaschenen Pansenmikroflora durch die Konzentration an Ammoniak, an fluchtigen Fettsauren (Essig-, Propion- und Buttersaure 70: 20: 10) und an freien Aminosauren (Alanin, Asparaginsaure, Isoleucin, Lysin, Methionin und Tyrosn zu gleichen Teilen) beeinflufit wird. Die verwendeten Konzentrationen der Endprodukte bei der Pansenfermentation lagen zwischen 0–47.0 mM beim Ammoniak, 0–500.0 mM bei den flikhtigen Fettsauren und 0–60 mM bei freien Aminosauren. Die Menge des abgebauten Proteins wurde durch Ammoniak nur in relativ hoher Konzentration (uber 19 mM; y = 28 −0.01x; r −0.86) reduziert. Die Aktivitat der Proteasen wurde durch fluchtige Fettsauren nur bei Konzentrationen von 133 mM erhoht (y = 0.056x + 16.57; r = 0.999). Diese Stimulation betrug 125–182% der Kontrollwerte. Das Aminosaurengemisch reduzierte die Proteolyse in Abhangigkeit von der Konzentration (y = −0.63x + 38.93; r = 0.99).

Astroglial reaction following Wallerian degeneration in the rat visual cortex: proliferation or hypertrophy?

Abstract: Following chemical lesioning of the rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus the visual cortical astrocytes were investigated with light and electron microscopy. A quantitative evaluation of astrocyte distribution within the cortex was also carried out. Findings suggest that while the number of cortical astrocytes remains fairly constant, they become hypertrophic and shifted towards the upper layers of the visual cortex. It is concluded that the degeneration of synaptic input to the visual cortex triggers the translocation and hypertrophy rather than proliferation of astrocytes.

Matching localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and VIP-receptor at pre- and postsynaptic sites in the mouse visual cortex.

Abstract: Vibratome sections of the mouse occipital cortex were processed by double label immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the localization of the receptor for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and the peptide itself. The receptor was found to be distributed in the cytoplasm and major dendrites of numerous cortical cells, mainly pyramidal neurons. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, on the other hand, occurred in a population of non-pyramidal neurons and axonal boutons. Image analysis revealed a close spatial association of peptide-containing presynaptic terminals with receptor-containing cells. Ultrastructurally, these connections represented symmetrical axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synapses. Our findings demonstrate a matching histological localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and its receptor in the brain.

Interaction between immunity to Bordetella bronchiseptica and infection of pig herds by Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida

Abstract: The dynamics of toxigenic Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida infection and the B bronchiseptica specific antibody content of the blood and nasal secretion were studied in three Hungarian and three Dutch pig herds In both countries, the studies involved young sows that had farrowed once or twice (YS), old sows that had farrowed more than four times (OS), and their piglets The results indicate that Dutch sows are characterized by a lower prevalence of B bronchiseptica and P multocida infection than Hungarian sows In Dutch sows and in their piglets, the rate of P multocida infection was higher than that of B bronchiseptica infection The opposite was found for the Hungarian sows and their piglets B bronchiseptica infection commenced at 3 and 4 weeks of age in piglets of young and old Dutch sows, respectively, followed by the emergence of P multocida infection at 5 (YS) and 6 weeks of age (OS) In Hungarian piglets, B bronchiseptica infection was first demonstrable at 1 (YS) and 3 (OS) while P multocida infection at 3 (YS) and 5 (OS) weeks of age The serological tests demonstrated higher B bronchiseptica specific antibody levels in the Dutch sows and piglets as compared to the Hungarian ones According to the ELISA results, the levels of IgA and IgG in the serum and those of sIgA, IgA and IgG in the nasal secretion of Dutch sows were significantly (p < 0001) higher in the Dutch than in the Hungarian piglets up to 3 and 4 weeks of age, respectively

Effect of nutrients on plasma corticosteroid concentration in cold-stressed rats.

Abstract: Little is known about the mechanisms as to how nutrients affect plasma corticosteroids in cold-stressed and starved animals. Therefore, cold-stressed rats (maintained at 7 °C) were fasted (control) or

Changes of lipid peroxidation parameters in dogs with alloxan diabetes.

Abstract: Diabetic human patients and laboratory animals show abnormalities which can be observed also in enhanced lipid peroxidation (LPO) induced in vitro. It seemed to be necessary to demonstrate the presence of these processes also in dogs with experimentally induced alloxan diabetes. In a 5-day experiment, five 1 to 5-year-old dogs of mixed sex were examined. Blood samples were taken before the intravenous administration of 60 mg alloxan/kg body mass and then daily for a period of 5 days. After the administration of alloxan, the dogs became depressed and lost their appetite. Their urine contained varying concentrations of glucose detectable with a test strip. As compared to the physiological values, blood glucose concentration increased considerably throughout. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity underwent an 8-fold increase by the 24th hour; subsequently, it remained practically unaltered. The malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentration of red blood cell (RBC) haemolysate also rose with respect to the basal values. Glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity increased only transiently, up to the second day of the experiment; subsequently, its activity dropped below the basal values. Similar changes were found in catalase activity, while the activity changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were identical in tendency to the above ones; in fact, it hardly showed any alterations. Besides the severe pancreatic and liver damage caused by alloxan, increased MDA production in the RBC haemolysate indicated enhanced peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, i.e. intensification of the LPO processes. The increase of GSH-Px and catalase activity, followed by their decrease was suggestive of changes in the enzymatic defence mechanism acting against free radicals.

The role of feed protein quality in reducing environmental pollution by lowering nitrogen excretion. I. Survey of principles in protein evaluation for monogastrics: a review.

Abstract: Environmental pollution by faecal nitrogen excretion motivates a renewed interest in optimising protein utilization of growing-finishing pigs in intensive pig production areas. The importance of digestibility of proteins, availability of amino acids, and the extent of protein retention is emphasized for reducing nitrogen excretion. The principles of various chemical, microbiological, biochemical and biological methods in feed protein quality evaluation offering a better adjustment of protein supply to the requirements of the animal are surveyed.

Synthesis and Stereochemistry of 7,9‐Disubstituted 3‐Azabicyclo(3.3.1) nonanes.

Abstract: The azabicyclic endo compound 3 was synthesized by reaction of enamine 1 with 2-benzoyl-1,3-dichloropropane (2). The thermodynamically more stable exo isomer 4 was obtained by epimerization of 3 with sodium methoxide. The reduction of 3 and 4 was carried out with different reducing agents. The syn/anti isomeric amino alcohols 7a/7b and 8a/8b were separated either by fractional crystallization of their fumarate salts or by column chromatography. The relative configurations at C-7 and C-9 and the conformations of the molecules were determined by chemical and/or NMR spectroscopic methods.

Complex study of the physiological role of aluminium. II. Aluminium tolerance tests in broiler chickens.

Abstract: Aluminium (Al) tolerance tests were carried out in 8 x 24 (a total of 192) broiler chickens pre-reared for 17 days. Chickens of the control group were fed a standard poultry grower diet ad libitum, while those in six experimental groups received a diet supplemented with different (200, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of feed) doses of Al supplied in the form of AlCl3 and, in two cases, with the same dose of P added to the feed in the form of MCP, up to 52 days of age. Chickens of one group were fed a diet containing 3,000 mg Al per kg of feed for 70 days. The acidic pH of AlCl3 solution sprayed onto the feed was neutralized by adding a sufficient amount of NaHCO3 solution in all but one group. The birds' health status was monitored regularly throughout the feeding trial. Their body mass gain and feed consumption were recorded weekly. At the end of the trial, 3-10 chickens per group (a total of 40 birds) were exsanguinated, subjected to gross pathological examination, and samples were taken from 9 organs (liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, myocardium, brain, spleen, testicle, lungs and tubular bones) for light and electron microscopic examination and for the regular determination of 8 elements (Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Al). In addition, samples were taken from the organs of 2-5 chickens per group for analysis for additional 6 elements (Mo, Co, Ni, Sr, Na, K). From the results obtained the following main conclusions were drawn: (i) With the exception of four birds culled during the trial, all chickens remained symptomless throughout, and all chickens except those fed a diet supplemented with 3,000 mg/kg aluminium developed properly. (ii) The body mass of chickens in groups fed a diet supplemented exclusively with Al decreased moderately (by 67, 69 and 88 g, respectively), depending on Al concentration of the diet. Chickens fed a diet containing 3,000 mg/kg Al showed a very substantial (621.3 g; 32%) decrease in body mass Phosphorus supplementation did not markedly affect the body mass gain. (iii) Specific feed utilization was satisfactory (2.100-2.210 g/kg body mass). The very poor feed utilization of chickens subjected to the heaviest Al load can be attributed to the temporary disturbance of acid-base balance caused by the non-buffered AlCl3 solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Experimental infection of weaned calves and lambs with two strains of bovine adenovirus type 2.

Abstract: Summary The pathogenicity of two genetically different strains of bovine adenovirus type 2 (BAV-2) was tested in a double cross experimental infection of weaned lambs and calves. One of the virus strains was isolated from cattle and represented BAV-2 subgroup “A”, while the other was isolated from sheep and belonged to subgroup “B” (Belak et al., 1983). The two virus strains caused infection both in lambs and calves; the viruses were repeatedly reisolated and definite seroconversion was found in all four groups. However, remarkable differences were observed in the pathogenicity: the most intensive virus multiplication and shedding, the most severe clinical symptoms and histopathological lesions were observed in the lamb group infected with the ovine isolate.

In Vitro Fertilization in Hungarian Grey Cattle

Abstract: Contents Experiments have been performed to investigate the potential use of in vitro fertilization for the preservation of the endangered Hungarian Grey cattle. 1018 excellent quality oocytes from 167 ovaries of slaughtered Hungarian Grey cows and heifers were matured. Out of 966 oocytes cocultivated with pre-test and swim-up selected Hungarian Grey frozen-thawed semen, 386 (39.9%) cleaved and 141 (14.6%) reached the morulablastocyst stage on the 7th day of embryo culture (1.69 transferable embryos per animal). Some embryos were transferred into the uterine horn of 10 natural cycling Hereford, Hungarian Red-spotted, Hungarian Red-spotted x Hereford recipients. Sixty days after transfer, 4 recipients were diagnosed as being pregnant by ultrasonography (two multiple births are expected); since then one calf has been born. Our results indicate that the IVF method can be used for the preservation of endangered cattle breeds, reducing the losses caused by slaughter for various reasons. Inhalt: In vitro Befruchtung beim ungarischen Grauvieh Es wurden Experimente durchgefuhrt, um die Moglichkeiten zu erforschen, die vom Aussterben bedrohte Rinderrasse Ungarisches Grauvieh uber in vitro Befruchtung zu bewahren. 1018 Eizellen sehr guter Qualitat wurden von 167 Ovarien geschlachteter Ungarischer Grauer Kuhe und Farsen gereift. Von diesen wurden 966 Oozyten mittels vorgepruftem und mit swim-up selektiertem Grauvieh-Sperma nach dem Auftauen kokultiviert. 386 (39,9%) der Oozyten teilten sich und 141 (14,6%) erreichten das Morula- bzw. Blastocystenstadium nuch 7tagiger Embryokultur (1,69 transferierbare Embryonen per Tier). Einige Embryonen wurden in das Uterushorn von 10 normal zyklischen Hereford, Ungarischem Rothvieh und der Kreuzungsrasse aus beiden ubertragen. Sechzig Tage nach dem Transfer wurden 4 Tiere per Ultraschalluntersuchung als tragend diagnostiziert (zwei Mehrlingstrachtigkeiten wurden erwartet). Bisher ist ein Kalb geboren. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, daβ es moglich ist, mittels in vitro Befnrchtung bedrohte Ramen, wie das ungarische Grauvieh, zu erhalten und die Schlachtverluste, die aus verschiedenen Grunden moglich sein mogen, zu reduzieren.