Isolation and comparative investigation of vaginal mycoflora in feline population of urban and dairy cattle herds.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to identify the predominant fungal species present at vaginal site in different healthy cats including households, stray and cats in industrial dairy cattle herds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fungal isolates of vaginal fluids of 100 cats were collected using the sterilized cotton swabs from discharges of vagina. The isolates were identified according to their morphological characteristics and biochemical profile. Were included 34%, 33% and 33% households, stray cats and cats of industrial dairy cattle herds of Mashhad-Iran, respectively. They were short hair cats. RESULT: Vaginal fungi were isolated from 69% of feline population. Fungal isolates were obtained from vagina of 22%, 25% and 22% of households, stray cats and cats of industrial dairy cattle herds, respectively. There were no significant differences among the cats. The highest fungal agent was recovered in cats of 1-2 years old. Twenty two different isolates were recovered in this study. The most frequently recovered species samples were Penicillum spp. (11%) followed by Aspergillus section Nidulanti (4%). However, the vagina of healthy cats could be contaminated by 2-4 different fungal agents. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that fungal infections can occur in vaginal cavity of different healthy kinds of cats.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of Holstein dairy calves: age related changes and comparison with blood composition in adults.

Specific reference intervals are needed for each animal species for appropriate interpretation of hematological and serum biochemical results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the blood composition of growing calves in order to evaluate the need for defining reference values for different age groups. Thirty two Holstein calves (18 male and 14 female) were blood sampled. A blood sample was taken within 24-48 h following birth and at 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days of age. CBC determination and the measurements of some blood serum metabolites, enzymes, electrolytes and minerals were performed. There were significant age related changes for most hematological and biochemical parameters (p < 0.05) except for the numbers of band neutrophils and monocytes and the amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride and BUN. The results of the present study showed that for some hematological and biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, inorganic phosphorus, serum total protein, globulin, AST and ALP at the first three months of life and also, neutrophil numbers and glucose levels at the 24-48 h of life, the age specific reference values must be considered for precise interpretation of laboratory results.