Effects of the Physical Form of Diet on the Outcome of an Artificial Salmonella Infection in Broilers.

To prove the hypothesis that the physical form of diet affects the outcome of an artificial infection with Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers, 7-day-old birds were allotted to one of four groups and fed botanically, and nearly also chemically identical diets, differing in grinding and further compaction. In total, two birds from each group (age 14 days) were administered on average 1.06 x 10(8) colony-forming units (CFU) of Salmonella Enteritidis directly into the crop by gavage and immediately put back as "seeder birds" into their respective groups. The salmonella status of each bird was analyzed by cloacal swabs, and at postmortem examination, cecal content and liver tissue samples were taken. Shedding (measured by cloacal swabs) was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in groups offered the coarsely ground and pelleted diet and the diet including whole wheat compared with the groups fed the finely ground and pelleted and the coarsely ground and extruded diet. Nevertheless, only broilers fed the diet containing whole wheat showed a significantly (P < 0.05) lower frequency of Salmonella Enteritidis isolation in the cecal content and liver tissue. This diet was characterized by the highest percentage of particles > 2 mm. In this study the physical form of diet affected the outcome of an artificial infection with Salmonella Enteritidis significantly.

Effect of short-term scrotal hyperthermia on spermatological parameters, testicular blood flow and gonadal tissue in dogs.

The objective was to assess the effect of a short-term scrotal hyperthermia in dogs on quantitative and qualitative ejaculate parameters, testicular blood flow and testicular and epididymal histology. After a control period, the scrotum of seven normospermic adult beagle dogs was insulated with a self-made suspensory for 48 h. Nine weeks later, two animals were castrated, while in five animals, scrotal hyperthermia was repeated. Dogs were castrated either 10 or 40 days thereafter. In each phase of scrotal insulation, average scrotal surface temperature increased by 3.0°C. Semen was collected twice weekly throughout the experiment. Total sperm count did not change after the first hyperthermia, but it slightly decreased after the second (p < 0.05). Profiles of sperm morphology and velocity parameters (CASA) rather indicated subtle physiological variations in sperm quality than effects of a local heat stress. Chromatin stability of ejaculated spermatozoa as indicated by SCSA remained constant throughout the experiment. Perfusion characteristics of the gonads, that is, systolic peak velocity, pulsatility and resistance index at the marginal location of the testicular artery, did not change due to hyperthermia (p > 0.05). Histological examination of excised testes and epididymides for apoptotic (TUNEL and activated caspase-3) and proliferating cells (Ki-67 antigen) indicated only marginal effects of scrotal insulation on tissue morphology. In conclusion, a mild short-term scrotal hyperthermia in dogs does not cause substantial changes in sperm quantity and quality. In contrast to other species, canine testes and epididymides may have a higher competence to compensate such thermal stress.

Postoperative analgesic efficacy of meloxicam in lame dairy cows undergoing resection of the distal interphalangeal joint.

The objective was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of pre- and postoperative administration of meloxicam on the postsurgical convalescence period of lame dairy cows undergoing resection of the coffin joint. In a blinded, placebo-controlled, explorative clinical trial, 19 lame German Holstein-Friesian cows weighing 536 ± 98 kg (mean ± SD) and aged 5.7 ± 2.8 yr were included. All cows suffered from unilateral lameness due to septic arthritis of the coffin joint. Lame cows were randomly allocated to either the meloxicam group (n=9) or the control group (n=10) and received an intravenous injection of meloxicam (0.5mg/kg of BW) or an equal volume of saline immediately before surgery (d 0) and once daily from d 1 to 4. All cows received a retrograde intravenous local anesthesia (20 mL of procaine 2%) before the surgical intervention. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, plasma concentrations of cortisol, as well as production parameters (milk yield and feed intake) were evaluated from d 0 to 7. The gait of the animals was assessed daily by lameness scores and by monitoring the cows' activity by means of pedometers attached to both hind legs. Possible adverse effects on abomasal mucosal integrity were monitored by fecal occult blood tests and blood cell counts from d 0 to 7 and on d 14. Under meloxicam treatment plasma cortisol levels, lameness scores, and body temperature were significantly reduced compared with controls. While being treated with meloxicam, the time cows were standing per day was significantly longer compared with controls. In the healthy limb significantly more steps were registered in meloxicam-treated cows than in controls. Feed intake and milk yield were not significantly affected by meloxicam. No group differences were found in number of positive tests for fecal occult blood or blood cell counts. In conclusion, repeated meloxicam application demonstrated effective analgesia in the postsurgical period after resection of septically infected coffin joints in dairy cows without indications of evoking adverse effects on abomasal integrity.

Outcome of an artificial coccidial infection in poults under the influence of floor heating.

Coccidiosis is one of the most prevalent diseases in poultry. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of floor heating when poults were artificially infected with Eimeria regarding the outcome of the infection and secondary effects on litter quality and health of the foot pad. Two trials were performed. In each trial, 4 groups of 2-wk-old turkeys were reared for a 4-wk period. All birds were fed ad libitum identical pelleted diets without any anticoccidial additive. The first 2 groups were housed on dry wood shavings, with and without floor heating; the other 2 groups were housed on wet wood shavings (35% moisture, achieved by adding water as required), with and without floor heating. Two birds only (primary seeder birds; the other 18 birds were nominated as secondary infected birds) in each of the 4 groups were experimentally infected orally with Eimeria adenoeides (~50,000 oocysts/bird). The number of oocysts eliminated via excreta was determined repeatedly. On d 42, each bird not only was scored macroscopically for coccidial lesions in the cecum but also oocyst counts were determined in the cecal contents. Finally, the foot pads were assessed weekly for external scoring and on d 42 of life for histopathological scoring. Although the counts of oocysts in seeder birds were almost identical (d 6 postinoculation), oocyst counts in excreta of secondary birds were markedly reduced in both trials when the poults were not exposed to wet litter. Moreover, in both trials using floor heating with exposure to wet litter resulted in a higher oocyst count in the excreta of secondary infected birds (3.72/3.92 in trials 1 and 2) on d 24 postinoculation compared with the other groups. Using floor heating resulted in significantly decreased foot pad dermatitis scores compared with groups housed without floor heating. In conclusion, the differences in oocyst counts indicate that the process of sporulation is affected by both the moisture and the temperature of the litter.

Effects of high electrolyte contents in the diet and using floor heating on development and severity of foot pad dermatitis in young turkeys.

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is a very common disease affecting poultry and is mostly caused by bad litter condition. This study aimed to test the effects of poultry diets with normal levels of electrolytes compared with a surplus level of electrolytes with and without using floor heating. Eighty two-week-old ♀ turkey poults were reared over 3 weeks on wood shavings, divided randomly into four groups. Two groups were fed normal levels of electrolytes (1.60 g Na; 7.80 g K/kg diet), and the other two groups were fed surplus levels of electrolytes (3.10; 15.3 g/kg diet). In each dietary treatment, half of the birds were exposed to floor heating. Half of the birds in each group were exposed for 4 h/day to wet litter (35% water) in adjacent separate boxes. External assessment of foot pads was performed weekly. High dietary electrolytes increased the severity of FPD significantly (3.65 ± 1.03). Floor heating is likely to be highly effective in significantly reducing the severity of FPD (2.36 ± 0.588). Despite forced water intake, the litter became drier when floor heating was in use. Combining low Na and K levels with a floor heating system reduced the scores of FPD by approximately 60%, compared with high electrolyte levels without floor heating. Therefore, both dietary electrolyte levels and floor heating markedly affected FPD via litter moisture.

Foot-pad dermatitis and experimentally induced coccidiosis in young turkeys fed a diet without anticoccidia.

Foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) is a widespread challenge to turkey production. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating and exposure to litter with critical moisture content (35%) under experimental infection with Eimeria. adenoeides on the severity of FPD in turkeys. Two trials were done; in each trial, 4 groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys were reared over 4 wk. At the start of the experiment (d 14), each bird had normal foot pads. All birds were fed ad libitum on identical pelleted diets without any anticoccidial additive. The first 2 groups were kept on dry wood shavings with or without floor heating; the other 2 groups were housed on wet wood shavings of 35% moisture with or without floor heating. Two birds in each of the 4 groups were experimentally infected with E. adenoeides via crop intubation (~50,000 oocysts/bird). Foot pads were assessed weekly for external scoring and at d 42 of life for histopathological scoring. The number of oocysts eliminated via excreta was determined. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in significantly decreased FPD scores (2.06 ± 0.735; 1.47 ± 0.734, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with groups housed without floor heating (3.88 ± 0.812; 2.73 ± 1.25, trials 1 and 2, respectively). Birds continuously exposed to wet litter (35% moisture) showed significantly increased FPD scores (3.41 ± 1.23; 2.69 ± 1.34, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with the group not exposed to wet litter (2.53 ± 1.00; 1.53 ± 0.683, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The coccidial infection in both trials resulted in markedly lowered DM contents of excreta (14.8 and 15.1%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and litter (58.0 and 57.6%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) in the groups exposed to wet litter without using floor heating. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in the highest mean DM content of litter (85.1 and 85.0%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and the highest BW (2,693 and 2,559 g, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The results suggest that induced diarrhea caused by coccidial infection led to poor litter quality, and hence, increased the severity of FPD, which can be overcome by using floor heating.

Effects of floor heating and litter quality on the development and severity of foot pad dermatitis in young turkeys.

Actions concerning animal health in turkey production are coming more and more to the fore. Litter quality has a great impact on the bird's health and welfare. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating, different litter materials, and exposure to litter with a "critical moisture content" of 35% for 16 or 24 hr/day on the severity of foot pad dermatitis (FPD), a widespread disease in fattening turkeys. Four groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys, with 20 birds in each, were reared during 3 wk. All turkeys were fed a commercial pellet diet ad libitum. The first two groups were kept on wood shavings (35% moisture) without and with floor heating. The other two groups were housed on lignocellulose (Soft Cell) of 35% moisture without and with floor heating. In each group, half of the birds were housed for 8 hr/day in adjacent separate boxes where the litter was kept clean and dry throughout the experimental period. Foot pads were assessed weekly for external and at day 35 for histopathologic scoring (scores: 0 = healthy; 7 = ulcer). At day 14 each bird had normal and healthy foot pads. The results indicate that using floor heating resulted in significantly lower FPD scores (0.8 +/- 0.2) compared to groups without floor heating (2.0 +/- 0.8). Using lignocellulose as a litter material resulted in significantly lower histopathologic FPD scores (1.4 +/- 0.7) compared with wood shavings (1.7 +/- 0.8). In all birds housed on dry litter for 8 hr/day, significantly lower FPD scores were found compared to birds housed on wet litter for 24 hr. In conclusion, using floor heating, even with wet litter (35% moisture), independent of the litter type, resulted in reduced severity of FPD compared to those birds housed in pens without using floor heating. Additionally, using lignocellulose as a litter material resulted in lower FPD compared with wood shavings. Keeping litter dry and "warm" could be achieved by using floor heating, which is considered a practical step to enhance animal health and welfare.

Evaluation of portal blood flow using transcutaneous and intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography in dairy cows with fatty liver.

The objective of the study was to investigate portal blood flow (PBF) in dairy cows with fatty liver by means of Doppler ultrasonography. Eighty lactating German Holstein cows less than 100 d in milk were used (mean ± standard error of the mean; body weight: 583 ± 9 kg, age: 5 ± 0.2 yr, withers height: 145.4 ± 0.5 cm, milk yield: 9 ± 0.6 kg). All cows had left abomasal displacement and underwent omentopexy via right flank laparotomy. The size of the liver and the thickness over the portal vein were determined ultrasonographically. Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of PBF were carried out transcutaneously and intraoperatively directly via liver surface. The PBF velocities [peak maximum (v(max)), peak minimum (v(min)), and mean maximum (v(mean)) velocity] were recorded. Venous pulsatility index (VPI) was calculated. Because transcutaneous Doppler ultrasonography revealed images of very poor quality in 58 of the 80 cows, only data obtained intraoperatively were presented. Liver biopsies were used for hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) determination and histological examination. Based on histopathologic and ultrasonographic examinations, none of the cows suffered from hepatic disorders other than hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic TAG content ranged from 5 to 292 mg/g of liver fresh weight (FW). Cows were allocated to 1 of 4 groups according to their hepatic TAG content (very severe: TAG >150 mg/g of FW, n=27; severe: >100-150 mg/g of FW, n=18; moderate: ≥ 50-100mg/g of FW, n=19; mild: <50mg/g of FW, n=16). The VPI decreased with increasing TAG content (r=-0.55). The VPI did not differ between cows with severe and very severe fatty liver but it differed between cows of these 2 groups and cows with mild and moderate fatty liver. Velocities of PBF (v(mean), v(min), v(max)) correlated negatively with hepatic TAG content (r=-0.26 to -0.37). Mean PBF velocity of the cows with very severe fatty liver differed from cows with severe, moderate, and mild fatty liver. Variables of PBF were inversely related to hepatic size and thickness (r=-0.06 to -0.35). In conclusion, the lower VPI and PBF velocities in cows with fatty liver and the negative correlations with the degree of hepatosteatosis may be explained by a reduction of vascular compliance in the liver because of fatty infiltration. These changes, which are believed to result from parenchymal swelling, were particularly pronounced when hepatic TAG content exceeded 150 mg/g FW.

[Computed tomography of the pig lung. An innovative approach to the definition of the pulmonary health status]. / Computertomographie der Lunge des Schweines. Ein innovativer Ansatz zur Definition des Lungengesundheitsstatus.

OBJECTIVE: In veterinary medicine computed tomography (CT) imaging has gained importance in recent years, especially for diagnostics in pets, but also during the course of experimental studies in animal models for human medicine. In this study the applicability of CT as an imaging method for the depiction of the porcine thorax and in particular of the pig lung was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CT examinations were performed with 11 healthy pigs of two age groups. For evaluation, CT findings were related to clinical, radiological, macroscopical, microscopical, and microbiological findings. RESULTS: Clinically relevant anatomical structures were determined and recorded using transverse slices. In ventral recumbency, lung parenchyma density measurements at the levels of the second, fourth and seventh thoracic vertebrae resulted in significantly higher densities of the ventral in comparison to those of the dorsal lung quadrants. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Computed tomography is a valuable tool for the high-contrast depiction of the porcine lung without superposition. In future studies this CT reference base for unaltered pig lungs may facilitate the identification of anatomical structures within the porcine lung as well as the assessment of pathological lung alterations.

Noninvasive detection of hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows with calibrated ultrasonographic image analysis.

The aim was to test the accuracy of calibrated digital analysis of ultrasonographic hepatic images for diagnosing fatty liver in dairy cows. Digital analysis was performed by means of a novel method, computer-aided ultrasound diagnosis (CAUS), previously published by the authors. This method implies a set of pre- and postprocessing steps to normalize and correct the transcutaneous ultrasonographic images. Transcutaneous hepatic ultrasonography was performed before surgical correction on 151 German Holstein dairy cows (mean +/- standard error of the means; body weight: 571+/-7 kg; age: 4.9+/-0.2 yr; DIM: 35+/-5) with left-sided abomasal displacement. Concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG) was biochemically determined in liver samples collected via biopsy and values were considered the gold standard to which ultrasound estimates were compared. According to histopathologic examination of biopsies, none of the cows suffered from hepatic disorders other than hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic TAG concentrations ranged from 4.6 to 292.4 mg/g of liver fresh weight (FW). High correlations were found between the hepatic TAG and mean echo level (r=0.59) and residual attenuation (ResAtt; r=0.80) obtained in ultrasonographic imaging. High correlation existed between ResAtt and mean echo level (r=0.76). The 151 studied cows were split randomly into a training set of 76 cows and a test set of 75 cows. Based on the data from the training set, ResAtt was statistically selected by means of stepwise multiple regression analysis for hepatic TAG prediction (R(2)=0.69). Then, using the predicted TAG data of the test set, receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to summarize the accuracy and predictive potential of the differentiation between various measured hepatic TAG values, based on TAG predicted from the regression formula. The area under the curve values of the receiver operating characteristic based on the regression equation were 0.94 (<50 vs. >or=50mg of TAG/g of FW), 0.83 (<100 vs. >or=100mg of TAG/g of FW), and 0.97 (<50 vs. >or=100mg of TAG/g of FW). The CAUS methodology and software for digitally analyzing liver ultrasonographic images is considered feasible for noninvasive screening of fatty liver in dairy herd health programs. Using the single parameter linear regression equation might be ideal for practical applications.

Effects of gonadectomy on prolactin and LH secretion and the pituitary-thyroid axis in male dogs.

The effects of gonadectomy on the secretion of prolactin, LH, TSH, and thyroxine were investigated. Blood serum hormone concentrations were analysed before and at 20, 120, and 180min after a single iv TRH injection in each of eight healthy intact and castrated male beagle dogs before (control) and after 4-week treatment with the dopamine-2 receptor agonist cabergoline. Under control conditions the mean prolactin, TSH, and thyroxine concentrations were similar in intact and gonadectomised dogs, and administration of TRH provoked a significant (p<0.01) increase in concentrations of the three hormones. The overall inhibitory effect of cabergoline treatment on prolactin secretion was more pronounced in the castrated dogs compared with the intact group. Cabergoline significantly suppressed the TRH-induced prolactin increase in each group (p<0.01). Corresponding TRH-stimulated TSH concentrations were not affected by cabergoline. In the gonadectomised dogs, thyroxine concentrations before and at 120 and 180min after TRH injection were significantly lower than under control conditions. LH concentrations were always higher (p<0.01) in gonadectomised dogs compared with the intact dogs, but appeared to be affected neither by TRH nor by cabergoline administration. It can thus be concluded from the results, that gonadectomy does not result in hyperprolactinaemia in male dogs, while LH concentrations are significantly increased due to missing androgen feedback. Thyroid function remains unaffected by gonadectomy. Testicular steroids appear to interact with central dopaminergic and probably other neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating the secretion of prolactin, TSH, and thyroxine. Thus, long-term dopamine-2 receptor agonistic treatment may lead to a hypothyroid condition in castrated male dogs.

Effects of short-term hyper- and hypoprolactinaemia on hormones of the pituitary, gonad and -thyroid axis and on semen quality in male Beagles.

Effects of a short-term hyper- and hypoprolactinaemia on serum concentrations of LH, testosterone and semen quality in six male Beagles were investigated. Blood samples were collected at 3-day intervals for 12 weeks. The time span was divided into five 3-week periods: pre-treatment, metoclopramide (MCP) treatment (0.2 mg/kg orally three times daily), cabergoline (CAB) treatment (5 microg/kg orally once daily), post-treatment 1 and post-treatment 2. In the latter, only semen characteristics were evaluated. Semen parameters were analyzed once per week during the whole 15-week investigation time. At the end of each period, the effects of a single intravenous injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; 10 microg/kg) on the secretion of prolactin (PRL), LH, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine (T4) were investigated. Pre-treatment serum PRL concentration increased under MCP (p < 0.05), followed by a decrease under CAB administration (p < 0.05). Luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations were not affected. Except for straight-line sperm velocity, semen quality did not differ between collection periods. A single iv TRH injection induced a significant PRL increase at 20 min in all experimental periods except during CAB treatment. Luteinizing hormone and testosterone did not show clear TRH-related changes. Basic T4 levels were significantly reduced after CAB treatment (p < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate that MCP-induced short-term hyperprolactinaemia in male beagles does not seriously affect the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and semen quality.

Concentrations of prolactin, LH, testosterone, TSH and thyroxine in normospermic dogs of different breeds.

Concentrations of prolactin (PRL), LH, testosterone (T), TSH and thyroxine (T(4)) were determined before and at 20, 120 and 180 min after a single iv injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in eight Beagles, eight Fox Terriers, six Labrador Retrievers and five Great Danes that were normospermic. Mean basal PRL concentrations were lower in the Fox Terriers compared with the Great Danes (p < 0.05). Mean LH concentrations were higher in the Fox Terriers than in the Beagles, and T was lower in the Fox Terriers at some times but not others (p < 0.05). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations did not differ among breeds, while mean basal T(4) values were lower in Fox Terriers compared with Labrador Retrievers and Great Danes (p < 0.05). Stimulation of T(4) secretion 120 and 180 min after iv TRH injection was most pronounced in the Beagles and less in the Fox Terriers (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that potential breed differences in circulating concentrations of PRL, LH, T, TSH and T(4) in male dogs with apparently normal fertility can be encountered, but further studies are needed to determine whether the observed differences are typical features of these breeds, reflect subsets of dogs within breeds, or are in part because of possible uncontrolled parameters such as sample timing, ambient photoperiod, housing conditions or diet.

Effects of dietary additives (potassium diformate/organic acids) as well as influences of grinding intensity (coarse/fine) of diets for weaned piglets experimentally infected with Salmonella Derby or Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was to examine whether and to what extent the addition of potassium diformate (pdf) or free organic acids (fpa) to the diet and the grinding intensity might affect the course of infection and the passage of orally applied Salmonella and Escherichia coli in pigs. Experiments were carried out using 80 reared piglets allotted to four groups. Pigs were fed pelleted diets ad libitum (except during a 15 h feed-withholding-period before infection). The control diet contained finely ground cereals (2 mm screen). To two test diets (also finely ground) 1.2% pdf, 0.9% organic acids (75% formic and 25% propionic acid, fpa) respectively were added. The fourth diet (without acids) was based on coarsely ground cereals (6-mm screen). After experimental infection alternately with S. Derby or E. coli, the course of infection was examined (rectal swab technique). Pigs were sacrificed 4-5 h after a further oral application of approximately 10(9)-10(10) CFU S. Derby or E. coli to determine the counts of Salmonella or E. coli in chyme (classical culture methods). Adding pdf or fpa to the diet led to reduced Salmonella shedding and resulted in significantly lower counts of Salmonella and E. coli in the stomach content indicating an improved efficacy of the stomach barrier. In the distal parts of the digestive tract, the effect was less obvious concerning counts of E. coli, whereas counts of Salmonella were reduced markedly as well. The diet based on coarsely ground cereals failed to demonstrate positive effects concerning infection and passage of orally applied bacteria as well, but this diet was also pelleted and showed unintentionally, comparable amounts of fine particles. Results obtained in this study allow the recommendation of using pdf or organic acids as additives when dietary measures against Salmonella or E. coli in pigs are required.

Effects of feed particle size at dietary presence of added organic acids on caecal parameters and the prevalence of Salmonella in fattening pigs on farm and at slaughter.

In a field study with fattening pigs, effects of feed particle size at the dietary presence of organic acids on Salmonella prevalence were measured. On two farms (f1/f2), each holding ∼800 pigs, diets based on finely ground (control) or coarsely ground ingredients (experiment) were fed as crumbs. On f1 both control and experimental grower and finisher diets contained identical concentrations of formic and propionic acid (0.4% and 0.2% respectively). On f2 only finisher diet of the experimental group contained 1.2% potassium diformate. At the start of the fattening period no statistical differences were measured between Salmonella prevalence in animals fed control and experimental diets on both farms. At slaughter Salmonella prevalence in caecal contents was lower (p < 0.05) on f1 in animals fed the experimental diet. Furthermore, the number of seronegative meat juice samples taken from these animals [optical density (OD) <10] was higher (p < 0.001); seropositive as well as distinct seropositive samples (OD ≥20 and ≥40 respectively) were less frequent (p < 0.01) compared to samples from animals fed the control diet. Feeding the experimental diet on f2 resulted in a lower Salmonella detection rate in faeces before slaughter (p < 0.01). Salmonella prevalence was lower in caecal content at slaughter for pigs fed the experimental diet compared to those fed control diet (p < 0.0001). The number of distinct seropositive meat juice samples (OD ≥40) was lower (p < 0.01) for pigs fed the experimental than for those fed the control diet. In comparison to pigs in the control group, starch concentrations in the caecal content from pigs in the experimental groups on both farms were higher (p < 0.05) and the pH values lower (p < 0.05). Propionate (p < 0.0001) and butyrate (p < 0.01) concentrations were higher in the caecal content taken from pigs in the experimental group on f2.

Risk factors for BSE-infections in Lower Saxony, Germany.

In order to generate data on the cattle population and farm management in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany, a basic demographic survey was conducted. Afterwards these BSE-free farms as a reference population were compared with the population on BSE farms to identify risk factors for BSE infections. A variety of risk factors for BSE were reviewed, including the import of cattle from the United Kingdom, commercial foodstuff, dairy farming, herd size and cross-contamination with foodstuff for other farm animals. For the basic demographic survey of the reference, a questionnaire was mailed to a representative sample of cattle farms in Lower Saxony where BSE cattle had not occurred before the sample was taken. Distribution of risk factors within this reference population (n=731) and the BSE population (n=49) were compared following the concept of indirect standardisation in stratified populations. The size of farms was used as the stratification variable, with three strata. Under the same rate as in the reference population, the portion of Red Holstein cattle breed was four fold higher than in the BSE population (SER=4.03; p=0.0003). Milk replacer was fed 1.41 times more often on BSE farms (p=0.0478). However, the use of concentrated foodstuff for pigs (SER=0.21) was significantly less frequent in the BSE population than expected (p=0.0001), whereas the husbandry of sheep, goats or game animals seemed to increase the risk of BSE 2.85 times (p=0.0413). There were no significant differences between the two populations concerning the purchase of cattle (p=0.1514) and the use of concentrated feed for calves during the 1990s (p=0.6212). This is an epidemiological indication of increased susceptibility of Red Holstein cattle to BSE. However, this study did not confirm the assumption that the use of commercial foodstuff other than milk replacer or the purchase of cattle increases the risk of BSE infection. It nevertheless remains likely that commercial foodstuffs such as concentrated feed for calves were risk factors in Germany as well.

Proliferative and apoptotic changes in the healthy canine endometrium and in cystic endometrial hyperplasia.

Proliferation and apoptosis play an important role in cyclic changes in the healthy canine endometrium. Proteins of the Bcl-2-family are known to be involved in the regulation of apoptosis. However, only few reports mention their expression patterns during cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH). In order to correlate proliferative and apoptotic processes, expression of the apoptosis-regulatory proteins Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) and Bax (pro-apoptotic) in healthy and cystic hyperplastic endometrial tissue as well as in pyometra was investigated. Uteri from 33 bitches were assigned to three groups: group 1 - healthy endometrium (n = 12), group 2 - CEH (n = 17) and group 3 - pyometra (n = 4). Markers for proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (activated caspase-3 and TUNEL-method) as well as expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined in all endometrial layers. For groups 1 and 2 this was done during endometrial gland secretion in mid and late luteal phase (mLP, lLP), endometrial reparation in early anestrus (eAE) and in the regenerated endometrium in late anestrus (lAE). For group 3 only the late luteal phase was investigated. In group 1, cyclic proliferation patterns were found predominantly in superficial glands (SG) and stroma, whereas progesterone-mediated low expression levels coincided with high apoptosis rates in the basal glands (BG). In eAE, higher apoptotic activity was detected compared to lLP and lAE. Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels showed an inverse cyclic relationship in all tissue layers. In the stroma, in eAE, a rise in proliferative activity and concomitant increase in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression levels was found, indicating that this layer serves as a source for endometrial regeneration. In CEH, no or limited cyclic patterns of proliferation, apoptosis, Bcl-2 and Bax were found. Increased proliferation rates coincided with deregulated apoptosis. Besides the glandular compartments, the stroma played an important role in the pathogenesis of canine CEH. In case of pyometra, both proliferation and apoptosis increased, indicating irreversible damage of the inflamed canine endometrium. In conclusion Bcl-2 and Bax play a role both in the physiological regenerative processes of the cyclic canine endometrium and in deregulating proliferation and apoptosis in CEH and pyometra.

Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: comparison of digital amputation and joint resection by solar approach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in cattle with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (SADIJ) the efficacy of resection of the distal interphalangeal joint (JRES) as a digit salvage technique compared with digital amputation (DAMP). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: German Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle with SADIJ of 1 hind limb (n=52). METHODS: SADIJ diagnosis was based on clinical examination and radiography. Cows were randomly assigned with owner consent to DAMP (n=26) or JRES (n=26). After JRES, a wooden block was fixed to the partner claw in combination with a tipping claw prophylaxis. RESULTS: After surgery, degree of lameness improved significantly faster after DAMP than after JRES. New claw diseases in the opposite limb occurred more frequently after JRES (n=6) than after DAMP (n=1). New claw defects developed in the partner claw on the operated limb in 6 cows after DAMP compared with 1 after JRES. Tipping claw was observed in 50% of JRES cows at day 180. Mean life span between groups was not significantly different (DAMP=13.5 months, JRES=10.9 months). CONCLUSION: Higher surgical and postsurgical expenditures for JRES were not counterbalanced by a longer productive life; however, frequent disease of the partner claw of cows after DAMP should be considered a critical point, as this generally leads to culling. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The higher expenditure for JRES can be justified only for young, valuable cattle.

The double-antigen ELISA concept for early detection of Erns -specific classical swine fever virus antibodies and application as an accompanying test for differentiation of infected from marker vaccinated animals.

Emergency vaccination with live marker vaccines represents a promising control strategy for future classical swine fever (CSF) outbreaks, and the first live marker vaccine is available in Europe. Successful implementation is dependent on a reliable accompanying diagnostic assay that allows differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). As induction of a protective immune response relies on virus-neutralizing antibodies against E2 protein of CSF virus (CSFV), the most promising DIVA strategy is based on detection of Erns -specific antibodies in infected swine. The aim of this study was to develop and to evaluate a novel Erns -specific prototype ELISA (pigtype CSFV Erns Ab), which may be used for CSF diagnosis including application as an accompanying discriminatory test for CSFV marker vaccines. The concept of a double-antigen ELISA was shown to be a solid strategy to detect Erns -specific antibodies against CSFV isolates of different genotypes (sensitivity: 93.5%; specificity: 99.7%). Furthermore, detection of early seroconversion is advantageous compared with a frequently used CSFV E2 antibody ELISA. Clear differences in reactivity between sera taken from infected animals and animals vaccinated with various marker vaccines were observed. In combination with the marker vaccine CP7_E2alf, the novel ELISA represents a sensitivity of 90.2% and a specificity of 93.8%. However, cross-reactivity with antibodies against ruminant pestiviruses was observed. Interestingly, the majority of samples tested false-positive in other Erns -based antibody ELISAs were identified correctly by the novel prototype Erns ELISA and vice versa. In conclusion, the pigtype CSFV Erns Ab ELISA can contribute to an improvement in routine CSFV antibody screening, particularly for analysis of sera taken at an early time point after infection and is applicable as a DIVA assay. An additional Erns antibody assay is recommended for identification of false-positive results in a pig herd immunized with the licensed CP7_E2alf marker vaccine.

Effects of concurrent perioperative use of marbofloxacin and cimicoxib or carprofen in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible interactions visible on electroencephalogram recordings caused by concomitant administration of marbofloxacin and carprofen or cimicoxib in dogs without central nervous system disease. METHODS: Totally 21 client-owned dogs undergoing different surgeries were included in a randomised, blinded, clinical study. Each dog was assigned to one of two groups treated with either carprofen or cimicoxib pre- and postoperatively. After anaesthetic induction both groups received marbofloxacin intravenously while recording an electroencephalogram. Offline electroencephalogram analysis included qualitative evaluation and Fast Fourier Transformation. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated for 24 hours and after 10 days with the short-form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test with α set at 5%. RESULTS: Marbofloxacin injection caused no effects on quantitative and qualitative electroencephalogram parameters in both groups. No differences in postoperative pain scoring were found between treatment groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Concurrent use of marbofloxacin with either cimicoxib or carprofen did not induce neuroexcitatory activities in dogs without CNS disease directly after administration.