Overview of Swine Congenital Malformations Associated with Abnormal Twinning.

A review of congenital malformations in swine relating to abnormal twinning was carried out. The aim was to describe and estimate these defects. Among the recorded twins, the most common defect was the syncephalus thoracopagus or cephalothoracopagus. A couple of dicephali and diprosopus congenital anomalies were also registered. At last, some cases of thoraco-omphalopagus piglets were surveyed. There was also a report of an acardiac twin (hemiacardius acephalus) and a case of a conjoined parasitic twin. The pathogenetic mechanisms of this condition, frequently reported in veterinary practice, are discussed. The importance of embryonic imperfect twinning is commonly associated with dystocia.

Animal Health and Productivity of Organic Greek Pig Farms: The Current Situation and Prospects for Sustainability.

A review of organic pig production in Greece was carried out. The aim was to present updated information on the production, development and health status of organic pig farming in Greece and potential prospects for sustainability and future development. The indigenous Greek Black Pig is the main breed reared in Greek organic pig farms. All the reasons why Greek Black Pig breeding is ideal for organic farming are mentioned. Furthermore, respiratory and parasitic infections are the most common health problems, while high piglet mortality rates are the main welfare issue in Greek organic pig farming. Concerns about how farmers and authorities should utilize the demands of modern consumers are discussed.

Histopathological Pulmonary Lesions in 1st-Day Newborn Piglets Derived from PRRSV-1 MLV Vaccinated Sows at the Last Stage of Gestation.

Modified live virus (MLV) vaccines for the control of porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) have been associated with the vertical and horizontal transmission of vaccine viruses. The present study aimed to describe pathological lung lesions in piglets born by gilts vaccinated with PRRSV-1 MLV. In total, 25 gilts were vaccinated at late gestation (100th day) and were divided into five groups according to the different vaccines (Vac) used: no vaccine-control group, Vac-1-strain DV, Vac-2-strain VP-046 BIS, Vac-3-strain 94881, Vac-4-strain 96V198. Within the first 0-9 h of the farrowing, blood samples were collected from all newborn piglets and lung samples were exanimated grossly, histopathologically and with scanning electron microscopy. PRRSV (RT-PCR-positive) and antibodies were detected in the serum of piglets from gilts vaccinated with Vac-2. In these piglets, moderate to severe interstitial pneumonia with thickened alveolar septa was noticed. Type II pneumocyte hyperplasia was also observed. The rest of the trial piglets showed unremarkable lung lesions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the 98.7% similarity of the PRRSV field strain (GR 2019-1) to the PRRS MLV vaccine strain VP-046 BIS. In conclusion, the Vac-2 PRRSV vaccine strain can act as an infectious strain when vaccination is administrated at late gestation, causing lung lesions.

Adrenal glands of mice and rats: A comparative morphometric study.

Mice and rats are among the most used laboratory animals. They share numerous similarities along with differences, some yet unexplored. One of them is the morphometry of their adrenal glands, whose characteristics may be related to differences in energy management, immune response, drug metabolism, behaviour and temperament. The present study tries to fill this knowledge gap with the evaluation and comparison of adrenal gland anatomical/morphometric parameters of mice and rats. In groups of 10 (n = 10) adult, male and female BALB/c mice and Wistar rats, one in every 20 sections transverse to the longitudinal axis of the gland was used for measuring entire gland area, capsule, entire cortex, cortex zones and medulla with the aid of an image analysis system and subjected to statistical analysis. Quotients of the individual areas were calculated and comparison between the resulting ratios was performed. Gland length and volume were also calculated. Statistically significant differences were revealed between the rat female and male cortex area, rat and mouse medulla/cortex, medulla/gland, zona glomerulosa/cortex and cortex/gland ratios, male and female rats' medulla/cortex, medulla/gland, capsule/gland, zona glomerulosa/cortex, zona reticularis/cortex and zona glomerulosa/zona fasciculata ratios, length and volume. The correlation evaluation revealed that in male rats and in female mice the larger medulla area was accompanied by a larger cortex area and vice versa. In general, a larger cortex area was accompanied by larger areas of cortex zones. The collected data and the revealed differences can possibly contribute to the understanding of the physiology of the two species.

The ossification of the vertebral column, thorax and sternum in the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The ossification centers onset of the quail vertebrae, ribs, and sternum in embryos and hatchling birds was studied. Specimens were cleared, stained with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S and examined using stereomicroscope. The chondral rudiments of the vertebrae were observed at the 6th day of incubation (E6). The osteogenesis of the vertebrae was accomplished with both perichondral and endochondral ossifications. The cervical vertebrae began to ossify at E9-E10, whereas the thoracic ones began at E10-E11. The synsacral vertebrae began to ossify at E11-E13. In the caudal vertebrae, ossification was observed at E14 and in the pygostylous ones, at E15. The true ribs began to ossify at E7, whereas the 1st and the 2nd ribs began to ossify at E9 and E8, respectively. The uncinate processes were ossified late at E15. At E13, ossification was observed in the caudo-lateral process of the sternum. At E14, the cranio-lateral process of the sternum began to ossify, whereas late at and after hatching ossification was observed in the carina and the sternal body, respectively. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the vertebral column and thoracic cage in quail.

Notomelia in a piglet (Sus scrofa): Case report and review of the literature.

This report describes a case of notomelia in a female piglet. The extra limb was attached at the interscapular region and was significantly undergrown. Its appendage was bifurcated with a unilateral keratinized tip. This is probably the first report of notomelia in a pig. The observations were compared with the bovine and ovine cases of notomelia reported so far.

Comparison of Two Methods for the Measurement of Medial and Lateral Metapodial Bones in Karagouniko Sheep (Ovis aries, L. 1758) and Hellenic Goat (Capra hircus, L. 1758).

The objective of this study was to compare the metapodial lengths of sheep and goats measured with a caliper with those measured using a 2-dimensional digital method. Complementarily, the lengths of medial and lateral metapodials in these species were compared. The limbs of 30 ewes and 30 goats were used. After preparation, the lateral and medial length of the metacarpals and metatarsals were measured twice with a caliper. Afterwards, each bone was scanned and the same lengths were digitally measured twice using commercial software. Data analysis revealed strong linear relationship between the two methods but the absolute relative deviation of the measurements with the caliper was significantly higher than those with the 2-dimensional method (P < 0.05). All lengths measured with the caliper were significantly higher compared to those measured with the 2-dimensional method (P < 0.05). In goats, the lateral length of both metacarpals and metatarsals was significantly higher than medial length (P < 0.05); in sheep the lateral length was significantly higher compared to the medial one only in metatarsal bones (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the 2-dimensional method is more accurate for the measurement of the metapodials' length than the caliper and there is asymmetry between the medial and lateral metapodials in these species.

The mammary gland in small ruminants: major morphological and functional events underlying milk production--a review.

The importance of small ruminants to the dairy industry has increased in recent years, especially in developing countries, where it has a high economic and social impact. Interestingly and despite the fact that the mammary gland is the specialised milk production organ, very few authors studied the modifications occurring in the mammary gland through the lactation period in production animals, particularly in the small ruminants, sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus). Nevertheless, understanding the different mammary gland patterns throughout lactation is essential to improve dairy production. In addition, associating these patterns with different milking frequencies, lactation number or different diets is also of high importance, directly affecting the dairy industry. The mammary gland is commonly composed of parenchyma and stroma, which includes the ductal system, with individual proportions of each changing during the different periods and yields in a lactation cycle. Indeed, during late gestation, as well as during early to mid-lactation, mammary gland expansion occurs, with an increase in the number of epithelial cells and lumen area, which leads to increment of the parenchyma tissue, as well as a reduction of stroma, corresponding macroscopically to the increase in mammary gland volume. Throughout late lactation, the mammary gland volume decreases owing to the regression of the secretory structure. In general, common mammary gland patterns have been shown for both goats and sheep throughout the several lactation stages, although the number of studies is limited. The main objective of this manuscript is to review the colostrogenesis and lactogenesis processes as well as to highlight the mammary gland morphological patterns underlying milk production during the lactation cycle for small ruminants, and to describe potential differences between goats and sheep, hence contributing to a better description of mammary gland development during lactation for these two poorly studied species.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies of the Pecten Oculi in the Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The main purpose of this study is to extend the microscopic investigations of the pecten oculi in the quail in order to add some information on the unresolved functional anatomy of this unique avian organ. The pecten oculi of the quail was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Eighteen- to-twenty two highly vascularised accordion-like folds were joined apically by a heavily pigmented bridge of tissue, which holds the pecten in a fanlike shape, widest at the base. The structure of the double layered limiting membrane was recorded. The presence of hyalocytes with macrophage-like appearance was illustrated. It is assumed that the pecten oculi of the quail resembles that of the chicken. Illustrated morphological features of this species may add information on the active physiological role of the pecten. But still, the functional significance of this organ is a matter of controversies.

Scrotal flap for closure of perineal skin defects in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a scrotal flap for covering perineal skin defects in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Male Beagles (n = 5). METHODS: A scrotal flap was created by making a U-shaped incision around the scrotum, with the base of the flap at its rostral border. Orchiectomy was performed through this incision and the scrotum was undermined from the underlying tissue. A small median longitudinal incision in the caudal aspect of the scrotum eliminated its curvature. A skin defect, comparable to the size of the scrotal flap, was created in the perineum extending from the caudal side of the scrotum toward the anus. The scrotal flap covered the defect and was sutured in place. RESULTS: By 5-7 days, all flaps had ∼27% necrosis on their caudal border. The necrotic area was surgically excised and the defect was covered completely again by the remaining healthy flap. One year after surgery, wound healing was normal and flap survival was complete, providing full coverage of the perineal skin defect. CONCLUSION: A scrotal flap can be used to reconstruct perineal skin defects ventral to the anus.

A review of morphological characteristics relating to the production and reproduction of fat-tailed sheep breeds.

The purpose of this study is to survey the literature pertinent to some morphological traits which are related with the production and reproduction of fat-tailed sheep breeds. The fat-tailed breeds were identified according to Food and Agriculture Organization databases. Articles referring to all these sheep breeds were evaluated. The morphology of udders and their measurable variables were collected and described. The particularities of pelt and fleece features which are important from an economic point of view were summarized. Linear, planar, and spatial parameters of body, slaughter, and carcass factors were compared at various ages of breeding. Testicular dimensions and semen characteristics were recorded. Their relationships with productive and reproductive performance were discussed. The pattern of ovarian follicle development and the involution of the genital tract were assessed from the anatomical point of view in normal and untreated animals. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal morphological aspects which are important in the animal production of these breeds.

Reproductive and developmental effects of EMF in vertebrate animal models.

This paper reviews the literature data on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), in the reproductive organs as well as in prenatal and postnatal development of vertebrate animals. Review articles which have been published till 2001, regarding the reproductive and developmental effects of the entire range of frequency of electromagnetic fields, were surveyed. Experimental studies which were published from 2001 onwards were summarized. Special focus on the effects of radiofrequencies related to mobile communication in the above mentioned topics has been made. According to the majority of the investigations, no strong effects resulted regarding the exposure to EMF of mobile telephony in the animal reproduction and development. However further research should be done in order to clarify many unknown aspects of the impact of EMF in the living organisms.

A light and electron microscopic study of the limb long bones perichondral ossification in the quail embryo (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The perichondral ossification of the limb long bones in the quail embryo is investigated, in this study, by means of light and electron microscopy. Longitudinal sections of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia and fibula stained with haematoxylin-eosin were examined by the light microscope. Ultrathin cross sections were selected for the electron microscope as well. Light microscopic analysis showed that the ossification began at the same time in the long bones of the wing and leg. At the embryonic day 6, all the cartilaginous rudiments consisted of three zones. The central zone composed of hypertrophic chondrocytes, a second zone on either side of the central zone, which consisted of flattened cells and a third zone, which represented the epiphyseal region. A thin sheath of osteoid and a bi-layered perichondrium-periosteum surrounded the central zone of the cartilaginous rudiments of the long bones. The perichondrium consisted of a layer of osteoblasts, in contact with the cartilage, and a layer of fibroblasts. At the embryonic day 7, the thickness of the calcified osteoid ring increased and a vasculature appeared between the layer of osteoblasts and the layer of fibroblasts. At the embryonic day 8, a second sheath of periosteal bone began to be formed. Concurrently, vascular and perivascular elements began to invade the cartilage. The ossification spread towards the distal ends of both the diaphysis. At the electron microscopic level, the osteoblasts of the perichondium showed cytoplasmatic characteristics of cells involved in protein synthesis. The perichondral ossification is the first hallmark of the osteogenesis in the long bones. The observations reported above, are in accordance with previous studies in the chick embryo.