3D wildlife skull models for wildlife veterinary training.

Wildlife veterinarians are necessary for zoonotic diseases and species loss management, and there is a rising interest to enroll at veterinary schools with the wish to work in zoo and wildlife medicine. However, teaching wildlife is challenging due to the difficulty faced by universities to work with wild animal specimens. The aim of the present was to evaluate the understanding efficiency of some anatomical and behavioral aspects using 3D printed models of four wildlife species skulls, the kinkaju (Potos flavus), the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), the northern anteater (Tamandua mexicana), and the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). This study was performed on 85 third-year veterinary students, divided into an experimental and a control group, who used and not used 3D printed skulls, respectively. Results show that the experimental group shows higher scores, in three of the four variables evaluated, than the control group. Then, 3D wildlife printed skulls constitute a promising teaching tool for veterinary students. In fact, it may be as good as real skulls, since new 3D printers can print on high endurance and firmness stock with high accuracy at reduced costs. In this context, it is important to encourage its use for the training of new generations and keep professionals up to date.

Treatment of Bovine Leptospirosis with Enrofloxacin HCl 2H2O (Enro-C): A Clinical Trial.

Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics ratios of enrofloxacin HCl-2H2O (enro-C) in cows to treat bovine leptospirosis prompted this clinical trial in the highlands (HL) and the tropics (TL) in Mexico. In the HL, 111 Holstein-Friesian cows were included and 38 F1 Zebu-Holstein/Friesians in the TL. Affected cows were randomly divided into two treatment groups, both in the HL and TL. PCR and MAT tests were performed before and after treatment. Treatments in both groups were administered for 5 d with either IM injections of enro-C or streptomycin/penicillin-G. Reproductive performance data were gathered for 90 d. The cows treated with enro-C became PCR negative: 87.5% and 78.94% on day 5, 92.85% and 94.73% on day 28 (in the HL and TL, respectively). For streptomycin/penicillin-G, the same values were 65.45% and 70.90% on day 5, and 73.68% twice on day 28 in the HL and TL, respectively. In both groups and geographical settings, the MAT titers dropped on day 28 but remained above reference values usually considered negative. The gestation rates were: 86.53% and 79.06% and 88.88% and 87.5% for the HL and TL, either with enro-C or streptomycin/penicillin-G, respectively. This is the first report of successful treatment with a fluoroquinolone derivative in treating bovine leptospirosis with a high bacteriological cure rate.

Concentrations of tilmicosin in mammary gland secretions of dairy cows following subcutaneous administration of one or two doses of an experimental preparation of tilmicosin and its efficacy against intramammary infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVE To determine the concentration of tilmicosin in mammary gland secretions of dairy cows following administration of an experimental preparation once or twice during the dry period (45-day period immediately prior to calving during which cows are not milked) and to evaluate its efficacy for the treatment of cows with intramammary infections (IMIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus at dry off (cessation of milking; first day of dry period), compared with that of an intramammary infusion of ceftiofur. ANIMALS 172 cows. PROCEDURES Milk samples were collected for microbiological culture 5 days before dry off and at calving and 15 and 30 days after calving. Cows with Staphylococcus IMIs were randomly assigned to receive an experimental preparation of tilmicosin (20 mg/kg, SC) once at dry off (n = 58) or at dry off and again 20 days later (56) or receive a long-acting intramammary preparation of ceftiofur (500 mg/mammary gland; 56) at dry off. Mammary gland secretions were collected from 5 cows in the tilmicosin-treated groups every 5 days after dry off until calving for determination of tilmicosin concentration. RESULTS Mean maximum concentration of tilmicosin in mammary gland secretions ranged from 14.4 to 20.9 µg/mL after the first dose and was 17.1 µg/mL after the second dose. The bacteriologic cure rate was 100% for all 3 treatments. Tilmicosin was detectable for 0 and 18 days after calving in the milk of cows treated with 1 and 2 doses of tilmicosin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of an experimental preparation of tilmicosin (20 mg/kg, SC) once to dairy cows at dry off might be useful for the treatment of S aureus IMIs.

Histometric parameters of uterus and vagina in breeder female rabbits on the day after weaning according to the ordinal number of parturitions / Parámetros histométricos en útero y vagina de conejas reproductoras en el día posterior al destete según el número ordinal de partos

The objective of this study was to establish in New Zealand female rabbits, the effect of ordinal number of parturitions on some histological parameters on the day after weaning. Tissue fragments of uterus and vagina were obtained from females of first, second and third parturitions and were processed imbedding them in paraffin in order to do histological cuts. In eight microscope fields captured by a camera connected to an optic microscope, the lumen and glandular endometrial epithelium height, as well as the thickness of vaginal and myometrium epithelium thickness were measured. From the results that were obtained it was concluded that there are significant differences (p<0.05) in histological parameters evaluated in uterus and vagina between does of different parturitions, which indicates that the number of parturitions has an effect on histometric characteristics of genital tract organs in breeder female rabbits.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar en conejas Nueva Zelanda el efecto del número ordinal de partos sobre algunos parámetros histológicos, en el día posterior al destete. A partir de hembras de primero, segundo y tercer parto se obtuvieron fragmentos de tejido uterino y vaginal los que se procesaron mediante la técnica de inclusión en parafina para efectuar cortes histológicos. En ocho campos microscópicos capturados con una cámara conectada a un microscopio óptico se midió la altura del epitelio luminal y glandular del endometrio; el grosor del epitelio de la vagina y del miometrio. A partir de los resultados obtenidos se concluye que existen diferencias significativas (p<0,05) en los parámetros histológicos evaluados en útero y vagina entre las conejas de distintos partos, lo que indica que el número de partos tiene un efecto sobre las características histométricas de los órganos del tracto genital de la coneja.

Caracterización de la curva de crecimiento en dos especies de pez blanco Chirostoma estor, C. promelas y sus híbridos / Characterization of the growth curve in two species of silverside Chirostoma estor, C. promelas and their hybrids

The objective of the present study was to estímate growth curve parameters of length and weight in whitefish Chirostoma estor (EE), blacknose silverside Chirostoma promelas (PP) and their reciprocal hybrids (EP and PE) up to 300 days of age from a complete diallel cross under culture conditions in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. The length was measured monthly from hatching, while the weight was measured monthly from 120 days of age. The total number of each observation (samples) was analyzed for length 1006 (26), 771 (22), 513 (22) and 421 (21) for groups EP, PE, PP and EE, respectively. Total number of observations (samples) was analyzed for weight 630 (16), 521 (14), 263 (13) and 256 (13) for groups EP, PE, PP and EE, respectively. The growth curves for weight and length were estimated using nonlinear regression models. The group EE reached an estimated weight of 7.89 g at 300 days of age, 65% higher than the PP (4.78 g) and 57 % higher than the average of their hybrids (P < 0.01); EE had a length of 9.31 cm (14%) larger than PP (7.97 cm) and 13% larger than the average of their hybrids (P < 0.01). The four groups showed a positive allometric growth with values of 3.20 to 3.3 (P < 0.05). The results of this study are the first comparative estimates of growth characteristics up to 300 days of age for these species and their hybrids in captivity.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue estimar parámetros de las curvas de crecimiento del peso y la longitud en el pez blanco Chirostoma estor (EE), el pez blanco pico negro Chirostoma promelas (PP) y de sus híbridos recíprocos (EP y PE) hasta los 300 días de edad a partir de un cruzamiento dialélico completo bajo condiciones de cultivo en Morelia, Michoacán, México. La longitud se midió mensualmente desde la eclosión, mientras que el peso se midió mensualmente a partir de los 120 días. Los números totales de observaciones (muestras) analizadas para longitud fueron 1006 (26), 771 (22), 513 (22) y 421 (21) para los grupos EP, PE, PP y EE, respectivamente. Los números totales de observaciones (muestras) analizadas para peso fueron 630 (16), 521 (14), 263 (13) y 256 (13) para los grupos EP, PE, PP y EE, respectivamente. Las curvas de crecimiento para peso y longitud se estimaron con modelos de regresión no lineal. El grupo EE alcanzó un peso estimado de 7.89 g a los 300 días de edad, 65% mayor que el de PP (4.78 g) y 57% mayor que el promedio de los híbridos (P < 0.01); EE tuvo una longitud de 9.31 cm (14%) mayor que PP (7.97 cm) y 13% mayor que la del promedio de los híbridos (P < 0.01). Los cuatro grupos, mostraron un crecimiento de tipo alométrico positivo con valores de 3.2 a 3.3 (P < 0.05). Los resultados de este estudio son las primeras estimaciones comparativas de las características de crecimiento hasta los 300 días de edad para estas especies y sus híbridos en cautiverio.

Patologías uterinas y fertilidad de vacas lecheras tratadas con dos inyecciones de PGF2α en las primeras 48 horas posparto / Uterine pathologies and fertility of dairy cows treated with two injections of PGF2α within the first 48 hours after calving

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two injections of PGF2α within the first 48 hours after calving to decrease the incidence of uterine pathologies and improve reproductive performance in dairy cows. Four hundred and forty five Holstein cows with average milk yield of 10 100 kg per lactation were used. On calving day, cows were assigned in two groups, according to parity. Cows in the PGF2α group (n = 180) received a dose of 500 mcg of cloprostenol sodium by intramuscular injection within the first 12 h of calving and a second injection 48 h later; cows in the control group (n = 265) received nothing. All cows were examined via rectal palpation on day 7 postpartum; the type of pathology [placental retention (PR), haemorrhagic metritis (HM) and purulent metritis (PM)] was recorded. All cows were inseminated under the same reproductive program. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 45 after insemination by rectal palpation. The percentage of cows showing PR was lower (P < 0.05) in the PGF2α group (3%) than in the control group (10%); the percentage of cows with HM and PM was similar (P > 0.05) between groups [HM (PGF2α = 28.3% vs control = 31.6%) and PM (PGF2α = 43% vs control = 42.7%)]; the average interval from calving to first estrus was lower (P < 0.05) in cows of the PGF2α group (32.5 ± 1.7 days) than in the control group (42.1 ± 2.3 days); the average interval from calving to fist service was similar (P > 0.05) between groups (PGF2α = 76 ± 1.7 vs control = 80 ± 1.7days); the pregnancy rate on day 90 postpartum was greater (P < 0.05) in PGF2α group (38%) than in the control group (24.3%). It is concluded that PGF2α injection within the first 12 h postpartum and a second one 48 h after, decreases the incidence of placental retention, shortens the calving-first estrus interval and increases pregnancy rate on day 90 postpartum.

En el presente estudio se probó si la administración de dos inyecciones de PGF2α en las primeras 48 h posparto, disminuye la incidencia de patologías uterinas y favorece la fertilidad en vacas lecheras. Se utilizaron 445 vacas Holstein de diferente número de parto con una producción promedio de 10 100 kg de leche por lactancia. El día del parto las vacas se asignaron a dos grupos balanceando la proporción de vacas con diferente número de parto: grupo PGF2α (n = 180), estas vacas recibieron una inyección de 500 mcg de cloprostenol sódico, vía intramuscular, dentro de las primeras 12 h posparto, y una segunda inyección 48 h después. El grupo testigo (n = 265) no recibió PGF2α. Todas las vacas tuvieron una revisión vía rectal el día 7 posparto, se registró el tipo de padecimiento [retención placentaria (RP), metritis hemorrágica (MH) y metritis purulenta (MP)]. Todas las vacas fueron inseminadas bajo el mismo programa reproductivo. El diagnóstico de gestación se realizó el día 45 posinseminación mediante palpación rectal. El porcentaje de vacas que presentaron RP fue menor (P < 0.05) en el grupo PGF2α (3%) que en el grupo testigo (10%); la proporción de vacas que padecieron MH y MP fue similar (P > 0.05) entre los grupos [MH (PGF2α=28.3% vs testigo=31.6%) y MP (PGF2α=43% vs testigo=42.7%)]; la media del periodo del parto al primer estro fue menor (P < 0.05) en las vacas del grupo PGF2α (32.5 ± 1.7 días) que en el testigo (42.1 ± 2.3 días); la media del periodo del parto al primer servicio fue similar (P > 0.05) entre los grupos (PGF2α=76 ± 1.7 vs testigo=80 ± 1.7 días); el porcentaje de vacas gestantes al día 90 posparto fue mayor (P < 0.05) en el grupo PGF2α (38%) que en el testigo (24.3%). Se concluye que la inyección de PGF2α dentro de las primeras 12 h posparto, y una segunda inyección 48 h después, reduce la incidencia de retención placentaria, acorta el periodo del parto al primer estro y aumenta el porcentaje de vacas gestantes al día 90 posparto.

Respuesta estral y porcentaje de concepción en vacas Bos taurus-Bos indicus posparto, tratadas con la hormona bovina del crecimiento en un programa de inducción de la ovulación con progestágenos y eCG / Estrous response and conception rate in postpartum Bos taurus-Bos indicus cows, treated with bovine somatotropin in an ovulation induction program with progestogens and eCG

Bovine somatotropin (bST) injection was administered at the beginning of the ovulation induction with progesterone and eCG, and a second one during insemination to prove if it increased estrous response and conception rate (CR) in postpartum beef cows. A hundred and seventy four cows (Bos taurus-Bos indicus) of 60 to 100 days postpartum, with offspring and body condition of 2 to 2.5 were used. A progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (CIDR) was inserted to all females for 9 days and, while removing it, PGF2a was injected. Cows were randomly assigned to the following treatments: eCG (n = 44), received 400 IU of eCG at the moment CIDR was removed; bST (n = 44), received 500 mg of bST when CIDR was inserted and 500 mg of bST during insemination; bST-eCG (n = 44), received 500 mg of bST when CIDR was inserted and 400 IU of eCG while removing it; and 500 mg of bST during insemination; control (n = 42), only received the CIDR. Progesterone concentrations were assessed before the insertion of CIDR. IGF-I serum concentrations were determined in seven cows of each group. At the beginning of the experiment, 93% of the cows were in anoestrus. The rate of cows that showed estrus was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments [eCG (36.4%; bST (45.4%); eCG-bST (52.2%); control (40.4%)]. The CR was not different (P > 0.05) between treatments [eCG (31.2%); bST (15%); eCG-bST (34.7%); control (40%)]. Cows treated with bST had higher IGF-I concentrations than control cows. It is concluded that the injection of bST at the beginning of the ovulation induction with progesterone and eCG, and a second one during insemination does not improve estrous response or fertility in postpartum beef cows.

Se probó si la inyección de la somatotropina bovina (bST) al inicio de la inducción de la ovulación con progestágenos y eCG, y una segunda inyección en la inseminación, aumentan la respuesta estral y el porcentaje de concepción (PC) en vacas de carne posparto. Se utilizaron 174 vacas (Bos taurus-Bos indicus) de 60 a 100 días posparto, con cría y condición corporal de 2 a 2.5. Todas las hembras tuvieron un dispositivo intravaginal liberador de progesterona (CIDR) durante nueve días y al retirarlo se inyectó PGF2a. Las vacas se asignaron aleatoriamente a los siguientes tratamientos: eCG (n = 44) recibieron 400 UI de eCG al retirar el CIDR; bST (n = 44), recibieron 500 mg de bST al insertar el CIDR y 500 mg de bST en la inseminación; bST-eCG (n = 44), recibieron 500 mg de bST al insertar el CIDR y 400 UI de eCG al retirarlo, y 500 mg de bST en la inseminación; testigo (n = 42), sólo recibieron el CIDR. Se determinaron las concentraciones de progesterona antes de la inserción del CIDR. En siete vacas de cada grupo se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de IGF-I. Al inicio del experimento, 93% de las vacas estaba en anestro. La proporción de vacas que mostraron estro fue similar (P > 0.05) entre los tratamientos [eCG (36.4%); bST (45.4%); eCG-bST (52.2%); testigo (40.4%)]. El PC no difirió (P > 0.05) entre tratamientos [eCG (31.2%); bST (15%); eCG-bST (34.7%); testigo (40%)]. Las vacas tratadas con bST tuvieron mayores concentraciones de IGF-I. Se concluye que la inyección de bST al inicio de la inducción de la ovulación con progestágenos y eCG, y una segunda inyección en la inseminación no mejora la respuesta estral ni el porcentaje de concepción en vacas de carne posparto.

Covarianzas genéticas y fenotípicas para días abiertos y características de la curva de lactancia en vacas Holstein en el norte de México / Genetic and phenotypic covariances for days open and lactation curve characteristics in Holstein cows from northern Mexico

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic and phenotypic (co)variances for lactation curve traits and for days open in Holstein cows. Data included 1 579 lactations from 766 cows, daughters of 126 sires in a dairy herd in northern Mexico. The studied traits within lactation were days open (DO), peak milk production (PMAX), days to peak milk production (DPMAX), 305-day milk production (MP305), lactation persistency (based on Wood equation) (PERSW), lactation persistency expressed as the natural logarithm of the Wood equation persistency (LNPERSW), and lactation persistency measured as (production at day 305/PMP) x 100 (PERS). Covariance components were obtained by single trait and bivariate mixed linear models using restricted maximum likelihood. In general, heritabilities estimated using the repeatability model yielded lower values than those obtained based on within lactation analysis. Average heritabilities estimated with single trait models within lactation were 0.13 ± 0.09, 0.28 ± 0.09, 0.28 ± 0.09, 0.17 ± 0.10 and 0.22 ± 0.10, for DO, MP305, PMAX, DPMAX, and LNPERSW, respectively. Genetic correlations between MP305 and DO (0.66±0.57) and between PMAX and DO (0.55 ± 0.71) were unfavorable for first lactation cows, but with large standard errors. Results confirmed a low heritability for DO, but with estimates possibly larger in younger cows. Genetic correlation between MP305 and PMAX was 0.89 ± 0.09, and LNPERSW and DPMAX was 0.98 ± 0.21 for the third lactation, indicating that DPMAX is a good measure of persistency. No evidence for genetic correlation between MP305 and LNPERSW was found.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar covarianzas genéticas y fenotípicas para características de la curva de lactancia y días abiertos en vacas Holstein. Los datos incluyeron 1 579 lactancias de 766 vacas, hijas de 126 sementales, en un hato en el norte de México. Las características estudiadas por lactancia fueron días abiertos (DO), producción máxima de leche (PMÁX), días a la producción máxima (DPMÁX), producción de leche de 305 días (MP305), persistencia de la lactancia por Wood (PERSW), persistencia de Wood expresada como logaritmo natural (LNPERSW) y persistencia medida como ((producción al día 305/PMÁX) x 100) (PERS). Los componentes de covarianza fueron obtenidos mediante el uso de modelos univariados y bivariados con máxima verosimilitud restringida. Las heredabilidades estimadas para las características con el modelo de repetibilidad tuvieron valores generalmente inferiores a los estimados con los análisis dentro de lactancia. Las heredabilidades promedio estimadas con modelos univariados dentro de lactancia para DO, MP305, PMÁX, DPMÁX y LNPERSW fueron 0.13 ± 0.09, 0.28 ± 0.09, 0.28 ± 0.09, 0.17 ± 0.10 y 0.22 ± 0.10, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas entre MP305 y DO (0.66±0.57) y entre PMÁX y DO (0.55 ± 0.71) fueron desfavorables para las primeras lactancias, pero con errores estándar elevados. Los resultados confirman una heredabilidad baja para DO, pero con valores posiblemente mayores en vacas jóvenes. La correlación genética entre MP305 y PMÁX fue de 0.89 ± 0.09 y entre LNPERSW y DPMÁX fue 0.98 ± 0.21 para la tercera lactancia, lo que indica que DPMÁX es buen estimador de la persistencia. No se encontró evidencia de correlación genética entre MP305 y LNPERSW.

Componentes de varianza genéticos, directos y maternos para características de crecimiento en ciervo rojo (Cervus elaphus scoticus) / Direct and maternal genetic variance components for growth traits in red deer (Cervus elaphus scoticus)

The objective of this study was to estimate the direct and maternal genetic variance components for some growth traits in a red deer herd (Cervus elaphus scoticus) located in Queretaro, Mexico. Information between 1994 and 2003, consisting of 417 records of birth weight (BW), 169 weaning weight (WW), 168 six months weight (6MW) and 172 yearly weight (YW) was analyzed, which included the identification of 554 animals with 11 stags and 107 hinds. The fixed effects considered were: sex, year of birth and pregnancy number (P < 0.001). Three mixed models were used. Model 1 included the fixed effects and the direct additive genetic effect; Model 2 included those in 1 plus the maternal additive genetic effect; and Model 3 included those in 2 plus the permanent maternal environment effect. All of them used the residual maximum likelihood method (REML), implemented in the ASReml prog ram. The best model to obtain variance components and genetic parameters was the second model, direct heritability (h²d ± s. e.) 0.11 ± 0.09 and 0.19 ± 0.18 and maternal (h²m ± s. e.) 0.15 ± 0.06 and 0.14 ± 0.11 for BW and WW, respectively. The direct-maternal genetic correlations were -0.21 ± 0.29, -0.92 ± 0.11 and -0.84 ± 0.20 for BW, WW and 6MW, respectively.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar los componentes de varianza genéticos, directos y maternos para características de crecimiento en un rebaño de ciervo rojo (Cervus elaphus scoticus), en Querétaro, México. Se analizó la información de 1994 hasta 2003 consistente en 417 registros de peso al nacimiento (PN), 169 al destete (PD), 168 a los seis meses (P6M) y 172 al año (PA), incluyó identificación de 554 animales con 11 sementales y 107 hembras. Los efectos fijos considerados fueron: sexo, año de nacimiento y número de parto (P < 0.001). Se utilizaron tres modelos mixtos. El Modelo 1 incluyó efectos fijos y efecto genético aditivo directo; el Modelo 2, igual al 1 más el efecto genético aditivo materno; el Modelo 3, igual al 2 más el efecto del ambiente permanente materno, todos usaron el método de máxima verosimilitud restringida (REML), instrumentado en el programa ASREML. El mejor modelo para obtener los componentes de varianzas y los parámetros genéticos fue el 2, heredabilidades directas (h²d ± e. e.) 0.11 ± 0.09 y 0.19 ± 0.18, y materna (h²m± e. e.) 0.15 ± 0.06 y 0.14 ± 0.11 para PN y PD, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas directas-maternas fueron -0.21 ± 0.29, -0.92 ± 0.11 y -0.84 ± 0.20, para PN, PD y P6M, respectivamente.