Genetic variation in the feral horses of the Namib Desert, Namibia.

Genetic variation at 7 blood-group and 10 biochemical genetic loci was examined in 30 horses from a feral herd from the Namib Desert of Namibia, Africa. The observed genetic variability was extremely low compared with that found in domestic horse breeds. The low variation was most probably a result of recent small population size and a small founding population size. Genetic comparison of the Namib horses, which were of unknown origins, to domestic horse breeds, showed that the Namib horses had the highest genetic similarity to Arabian type horses, although they did not closely resemble this type of horse in conformation.

Placental haemangioma associated with acute fetal anemia in labour.

A case of pregnancy complicated by a placental hemangioma is presented. This was unassociated with any of the complications commonly coexistant with this tumor, and presented with fetal anemia due to a fetomaternal transfusion.

A history of leisure activities at SANAE, an Antarctic research base (1970-93).

NASA: Leisure activities of the crew at the South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) are reported for the period from 1970-1993. Favorite pastimes at the underground base were card games, pool, darts, movies and videos, music, reading, and mind-games. Cliques and hierarchies developed among the men. Outdoor activities were limited to the summer. The significance of physical activities in social isolation is explored.^ieng

Net utilization of roughage and concentrate diets by sheep.

1. Two diets, an all-roughage diet and a high-concentrate diet, were fed at two levels, a low level of estimated 1-5 times maintenance energy requirement and a higher level of estimated two times maintenance energy requirement, to South African Mutton Merino castrated male sheep, aged 13 months and in fairly lean condition at the start of the 93 d experimental period. 2. Body composition and energy retention were determined using the comparative slaughter technique and two series of digestibility and balance studies were done during the course of the experiment. Metabolizability of each diet was estimated and corrected for fermentation heat using the fermentation balance approach. 3. Although there were significantly different rates of energy gain on different diets and feeding levels, fat energy gained (% total energy gained) was similar for the four groups, i.e. 78-80. 4. Regression of energy gain v. corrected metabolizable energy (ME) intake indicated that the maintenance energy requirements of sheep used in this experiment were 310-2 and 302-3 kJ ME/kg body-weight0-75 per d and the values for net utilization of ME for body energy gain were 0-411 and 0-479 with the roughage and concentrate diets respectively. 5. It was concluded that the estimated maintenance energy requirements of sheep obtained in this study are realistic values and that the efficiency of utilization of surplus ME for the two diets did not differ significantly.

A description and inventory of the displays of the Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa.

Wild maccoa ducks were observed and filmed in the south-western Cape, South Africa, and individually marked captive ducks were closely studied over several years. The displays of the maccoa duck are described. Accounts are given of the incidence of the displays and the sequences in which they occur. Comments are offered on the taxonomic significance of particular displays.

Serum amylase levels after obstetric and gynecologic operations.

The incidence of postoperative hyperamylasemia was evaluated in 131 patients who underwent obstetric and gynecologic procedures. Preoperative and postoperative serum amylase levels were determined in 178 patients who underwent routine surgical procedures. In our sample, we could not document any elevations in serum amylase levels after operations. These findings contradict those of previous reports of a high incidence of postoperative hyperamylasemia after surgical procedures except those performed upon the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, in spite of the fact that the female internal genitalia is rich in amylase and that pregnancy is considered a predisposing condition for the development of postoperative pancreatitis, the preoperative and postoperative serum amylase levels were consistently within normal range. We would like to conclude that the manipulation of female internal genitalia, pregnant or not, does not induce hyperamylasemia. Therefore, hyperamylasemia in postoperative gynecologic and obstetric patients should alert the clinician to the possibility of postoperative pancreatitis. We believe that our findings should be confirmed on large samples of patients.