The effect of flunixin meglumine on eating and rumination variables in cows after omentopexy for correction of left displaced abomasum.

INTRODUCTION: Eating and rumination variables were recorded using a pressure sensor integrated into the noseband of a halter in 60 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) before and after postoperative administration of flunixin meglumine (FM). Group 1 comprised 9 healthy control cows that were used to establish reference intervals. Group 2 included 60 cows with LDA that received one of the following three treatments: intravenous saline solution (2A, n=20), 1.1 mg/kg FM (2B, n=20) or 2.2 mg/kg FM (2C, n=20) once daily for 3 days after right-flank omentopexy. Median eating times on the day before surgery were 93 (2A), 80 (2B) and 114 (2C) min, which were below the reference interval (246 to 381 min). On the day after surgery, eating times had increased significantly to 201 (2A), 172 (2B) and 216 (2C) min, after which time they continued to increase. Eating and rumination times, numbers of regurgitated feed boluses per day and chewing cycles per bolus did not differ among treated groups. Postoperative administration of FM did not affect eating and rumination variables in this study, and normalisation of these variables was attributable to surgical correction of LDA.

INTRODUCTION: Les variables d'alimentation et de rumination ont été enregistrées à l'aide d'un capteur de pression intégré à la muserolle d'un licol chez 60 vaches avec déplacement à gauche de la caillette (LDA) avant et après l'administration postopératoire de flunixine méglumine (FM). Le groupe 1 comprenait 9 vaches témoins en bonne santé qui ont été utilisées pour établir des intervalles de référence. Le groupe 2 comprenait 60 vaches avec LDA qui ont reçu l'un des trois traitements suivants : solution saline intraveineuse (2A, n=20), 1,1 mg/kg FM (2B, n=20) ou 2,2 mg/kg FM (2C, n= 20) une fois par jour pendant 3 jours après omentopexie par le flanc droit. La durée médiane des repas la veille de la chirurgie était de 93 (2A), 80 (2B) et 114 (2C) minutes, ce qui était inférieur à l'intervalle de référence (246 à 381 min). Le lendemain de la chirurgie, la durée des repas avait augmenté de manière significative à 201 (2A), 172 (2B) et 216 (2C) minutes, après quoi elle a continué à augmenter. Les temps de repas et de rumination, le nombre de bolus alimentaires régurgités par jour et les cycles de mastication par bolus ne différaient pas entre les groupes traités. L'administration postopératoire de FM n'a pas affecté les variables d'alimentation et de rumination dans cette étude et la normalisation de ces variables était attribuable à la correction chirurgicale de la LDA.

Effects of diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference and calcium concentration on calcium homeostasis in neutered male sheep.

Feeding low dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) diets is one strategy to prevent milk fever in cows. The mechanism of action, as well as whether the calcium (Ca) supply of such diets combined with this feeding regimen should meet the requirements, is still unclear. Small ruminants are commonly used as models for cows. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate basic effects of DCAD against a background of different Ca supplies in a sheep model. Twenty-three castrated male East Friesian milk sheep, aged 11 to 12 mo, were randomly assigned to 4 different feeding groups. The ration of each group was either high (highDCAD) or low in DCAD (lowDCAD) combined with adequate (nCa) or restricted Ca supply (lowCa). At baseline, serum and urine were collected from all sheep and a peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the left metatarsus was performed. After a 14-d adaptation period to the different diets, the experiment started (d 0). Urine, feces, and serum were collected on d 0, 4, 7, 14, and 22, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography was performed on d 0 and 22. On d 22, the sheep were killed and sampled for functional studies. LowDCAD was significantly associated with lower urine pH, higher urinary Ca excretion, higher ionized Ca in blood, and higher serum Ca concentrations. Blood pH and bone parameters did not differ significantly between groups. It is unclear from which compartment the high amounts of Ca excreted with urine in the lowDCAD groups originated. Interestingly, lowDCAD resulted in higher renal mRNA abundance of parathyroid hormone receptor but unaffected mRNA abundance of Ca transporters. As neither renal abundance of these transporters nor Ca excretion were influenced by dietary Ca supply, our results support the hypothesis that increased urinary Ca observed with low DCAD diets represents a loss rather than an excretion of surplus Ca.

Effect of a montmorillonite-bentonite-based product on faecal parameters of horses.

Free faecal water (fluid excreted separate from normal faeces) is a common problem of unknown origin in horses. Multifactorial causes are assumed. This study assessed the effect of a commercial product (EMP) sold to help support intestinal health of horses, particularly regarding the occurrence of free faecal water. The hypothesis was that water-binding capacity and microbial activity are improved in the large intestine of horses fed EMP. EMP contained montmorillonite-bentonite, whey and extracts from hop and absinthium. Eight adult and healthy horses kept on the same diet and bedding were additionally fed EMP. In a complete crossover study design, all horses participated as control (C) and as test animal receiving EMP (E). Faecal score was assessed. Faecal samples were analysed for pH, ammonia, dry matter content (DM), crude fibre (CF), soxhlet fat (SF), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). None of the assessed parameters measured in the faeces showed a significant treatment effect. This study was conducted in healthy horses without any gastrointestinal disorders. VFA analysis did not show treatment effects. However, apparent higher variability in CP in the faeces of E might be a hint for changes in the intestinal microbiota. Further studies and analysis of additional parameters for example the differentiation of the faecal microbial profile in horses susceptible to free faecal water are necessary to evaluate the effect of EMP.

Survey: nutrition, body condition and activities of dogs in Switzerland.

Interest in species-appropriate activities and nutrition of dogs increases. A huge variety of feedstuff available, myths and different feeding theories confuse dog owners and lead to inadequate nutrition of their pets. As one result, obesity in pets can be observed with a high incidence in veterinary practice. Although comorbidities of obesity are well known, only few pet owners realize consequently the necessity of weight reduction to support their pet's health. We hypothesized that pet owners in Switzerland underestimate body condition of their dogs and are unsure about how to manage nutritional challenges. This study assessed the current nutrition, owner's perception of body weight and body condition score (BCS) of their dog. At a dog exhibition, dog owners filled in a questionnaire on age, breed, activity, housing, nutrition and source of information for questions concerning nutrition. Owners evaluated the BCS with the help of a poster and determined the ideal weight of their dog. Body weight was measured and BCS evaluated by two veterinarians. The study included 43 bitches [25 (58%) spayed] and 35 male dogs [21 (60%) neutered] with an age of 4.7 ± 3.6 years (mean ± STD). Average current body weight was 18.9 kg ± 14.1 and corresponded approximately to the ideal body weight estimated by the owners (18.6 kg ± 14.1). Four (5%) of the dogs were judged by the owners to be underweight, 55 (70%) ideal, 14 (18%) overweight and five (6%) obese. Owner's evaluation of BCS averaged 4.54 ± 1.13; veterinary's evaluation was significantly higher with 5.20 ± 1.20 (difference of 0.77 ± 0.59; P < 0.05). Although the awareness of the importance of adequate nutrition and activity for pets is rising among pet owners, they are overwhelmed by the variety of diets and sources of information available. This might lead to malnutrition and identifies a clear need for competent specialists of pet nutrition.

Polarized Raman scattering and SEM combined full characterization of self-assembled nematic thin films.

Elongated particles are predestined for a fast transfer of optical and electronical signals in a preferred direction, which is mandatory for a quick response in optoelectronic devices. The performance of the material is based on the quality of defect less alignment of the particles. On this account we present an easy non-invasive methodology for characterization of both surface and bulk order. The characterization of bulk order is performed by orientation dependent variation of the polarized Raman scattering signal on large areas by mapping. Scanning electron microscopy and image analysis on the surface complete the characterization. New insights in dip coated nematic structures clearly show the interplay of evaporation induced and shear-induced self-assembly and reveal a comprehensive mechanistic picture for nanorod assembly: the shear force dominated regime orients the particle in direction of withdrawal. At low withdrawal velocity, however, shear forces and evaporation counteract to produce a three-layered film where the top and bottom layers are oriented perpendicular to each other. The middle layer gives a clear evidence for a reorientation by convective flow.

Optical phase step method for absolute ranging interferometry using computer-generated holograms.

One main problem of an interferometric measurement is to evaluate the object distance from the interference function. One of the known methods that delivers the object phase is the phase step method. Here we introduce computer-generated holograms to realize parallel phase steps without phase modulation of the reference path.