Levels Of Blood Constituents Research Articles

PSII-2 Effects of Natural Sources of Brackish/Saline Water on Water and Feed Intake, Digestion, Physiological Conditions, and Performance of Yearling Meat Goats

Abstract This experiment was aimed to determine how variables such as water intake, feed intake, ruminal conditions, digestion, blood constituent levels, energy metabolism, and performance of yearling meat goats are influenced by different natural sources of brackish/saline water. Two animal types (AT), 18 Boer (BOE) and 18 Spanish (SPA) doelings, with the age of 8.9 ± 0.306, and 9.7 ± 0.212 months, respectively were used for the experiment which lasted 17 weeks (16 weeks for the experiment and 1 week of adaptation). Drinking water treatments were fresh water (FRW), West pasture Brackish water (BRW), water classified by USGS as group 1 (GR-1), 2 (GR-2), 3 (GR-3), and the last one did not fit well with any USGS group (G-UC). Animals were fed a medium-quality grass hay primarily consisting of lespedeza and with some Johnson grass (12.2% CP, and 48% NDF on a DM basis) and a supplement was provided at 0.2% BW (DM basis) to supply trace minerals, vitamins, and protein. Average daily gain was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments (16.3, 20.1, 21.1, 20.7, 23.3, and 26.5 g/day SEM = 6.378 for FRW, BRW, GR-1, GR-2, GR-3 and G-UC, respectively), and between AT (19.9 and 22.7 g/day SEM = 3.90 for BOE and SPA, respectively). Treatment did not affect water (P = 0.752; 830, 767, 821, 796, 855, and 857 g/day; SEM = 47.86) or hay intake (P = 0.862; 682, 654, 641, 674, 650, and 689 g/day SEM = 31.72), and also there were no differences between AT in intakes of water (P = 0.157; 850 and 793 g/day; SEM = 27.63) and hay (P = 0.165; 684 and 647 g/day SEM = 18.31) for BOE and SPA, respectively. Treatment had no effect on blood packed cell volume (PCV; P = 0.224; 28, 27.4, 29.7, 25.7, 26.2, 27.5%), hemoglobin concentration (tHb; P = 0.489; 11.2, 10.6, 11.2, 10.4, 10.3, 10.6 g/dL) or osmolality (310, 310, 309, 310, 309, and 309 mOsm/L) for FRW, BRW, GR-1, GR-2, GR-3 and G-UC, respectively. But there were differences between AT in PCV (P < 0.001; 24.8 and 30%) and tHb (P < 0.001; 9.71 and 11.7 g/dL) for BOE and SPA, respectively. Animal types differed in their heat (P = 0.046; 3.94 and 3.70 MJ/day; SEM = 0.081) and methane production (P < 0.001; 0.50 and 0.42 MJ/day; SEM = 0.014) for BOE and SPA, respectively; but treatment did not affect heat energy (P = 0.861; 3.84, 3.77, 3.67, 3.88, 3.88, 3.86 MJ/day SEM = 0.1409) or methane energy (P = 0.634; 0.46, 0.43, 0.45, 0.47, 0.48, 0.48; SEM = 0.0241) for FRW, BRW, GR-1, GR-2, GR-3 and G-UC, respectively. Though differences existed between animal types, considering lack of effect of drinking water used in the studied parameters, the animals seemed resilient to the brackish water from West pasture, USGS group 1, 2, 3 and the unclassified water.

Effects of High Heat Load Conditions on Blood Constituent Concentrations in Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix Sheep from Different Regions of the USA.

Simple SummaryHigh heat load (HL) can adversely affect livestock health and cause significant production losses as a result of alterations of many physiological functions including nutrient metabolism, oxidative status, blood constituent levels, and gut dysbiosis. Effects of high HL could vary with breed of hair sheep (i.e., Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix) as well as region of the United States of America with different climatic conditions where they originated. Differences among the three sheep breeds in levels of a number of blood constituents were observed. Different HL conditions also altered concentrations of several blood metabolites and constituents, including hemoglobin, oxygen concentration, creatinine, heat shock protein, thyroxine, and cortisol. However, there were no interactions between breed and HL for most blood variables, suggesting similar resilience to high HL. In addition, only a few differences among or interactions involving region suggest that the breeds are highly adapted to diverse climatic conditions.Forty-six Dorper (DOR), 46 Katahdin (KAT), and 43 St. Croix (STC) female sheep (initial body weight of 58, 59, and 46 kg, respectively, SEM = 1.75; 3.3 ± 0.18 years of age, 2.6–3.7), derived from 45 commercial farms in four regions of the USA (Midwest, Northwest, Southeast, and central Texas), were used to evaluate responses in blood constituent concentrations to increasing heat load index (HLI) conditions. There were four sequential 2 weeks periods with target HLI during day/nighttime of 70/70 (thermoneutral zone conditions), 85/70, 90/77, and 95/81 in period 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. A 50% concentrate pelletized diet was fed at 53.3 g dry matter/kg body weight0.75. The analysis of most constituents was for samples collected on the last day of the second week of each period at 13:00 h; samples for cortisol, thyroxine, and heat shock protein were collected in week 2 and 8. Previously, it was noted that resilience to high HLI conditions was greatest for STC, lowest for DOR, and intermediate for KAT. There were few effects of region. Other than hemoglobin concentration, there were no interactions between breed and period. Blood oxygen concentration was greatest (p < 0.05) among breeds for STC (5.07, 5.20, and 5.53 mmol/L for DOR, KAT, and STC, respectively; SEM = 0.114) and differed among periods (4.92, 5.26, 5.36, and 5.52 mmol/L for period 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively; SEM = 0.093). There were breed differences (i.e., main effects; p < 0.05) in glucose (50.0, 52.6, and 52.1 mg/dL; SEM = 0.76), urea nitrogen (17.2, 17.3, and 19.4 mg/dL; SEM = 0.33), creatinine (0.991, 0.862, and 0.802 mg/dL; SEM = 0.0151), total protein (6.50, 6.68, and 6.95 g/l; SEM = 0.017), triglycerides (28.4, 29.1, and 23.5 mg/dL; SEM = 0.87), and cortisol (6.30, 8.79, and 6.22 ng/mL for DOR, KAT, and STC, respectively; SEM = 0.596). Differences among periods (p < 0.05) were observed for lactate (27.9, 25.3, 27.8, and 24.0 mg/dL; SEM = 0.99), creatinine (0.839, 0.913, 0.871, and 0.917 mg/dL; SEM = 0.0128), total protein (6.94, 6.66, 6.60, and 6.65 g/l; SEM = 0.094), and cholesterol (60.2, 56.5, 58.3, and 57.6 mg/dL for period 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively; SEM = 1.26). In addition, the concentration of cortisol (7.62 and 6.59 ng/mL; SEM = 0.404), thyroxine (5.83 and 5.00 µg/dL; SEM = 0.140), and heat shock protein (136 and 146 ng/mL for week 2 and 8, respectively; SEM = 4.0) differed between weeks (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the lack of interaction between breed and period with different HLI conditions suggests that levels of these blood constituents were not highly related to resilience to high HLI.

Effects of restricted feed intake on blood constituent concentrations in Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix sheep from different regions of the USA

Forty-six Dorper, 47 Katahdin, and 41 St. Croix female sheep (initial BW = 62, 62, and 51 kg, respectively, SEM = 1.43; 3.8 ± 0.18 yr) from farms in Midwest, Northwest, Southeast, and central Texas regions of the USA were used to evaluate effects of feed restriction on blood constituent levels. The amount of feed offered varied in the first 4 wk to achieve stable BW, and that in wk 5–10 was 55% of intake in wk 3–4. Blood was sampled at the end of wk 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10. There were relatively few effects and interactions involving region and no breed × time interactions. Breed affected the concentration of a small number of constituents, including urea N (14.0, 13.7, and 15.4 mg/dl; SEM = 0.31) and creatinine (0.945, 0.836, and 0.809 mg/dl for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM = 0.0253). Also, the concentration of triglycerides in wk 4 and 10 was lowest for St. Croix (29.8, 29.5, and 26.7 mg/dl for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM = 0.88). There was a trend for a difference (P = 0.051) between wk 4 and 10 in the glucose concentration (51.9 and 54.2 mg/dl; SEM = 0.90), and there were differences (P < 0.05) in lactate (23.9 and 20.3 mg/dl; SEM = 0.89), urea N (16.4 and 13.0 mg/dl; SEM = 0.25), creatinine (0.808 and 0.919 mg/dl; SEM = 0.0165), triglycerides (31.8 and 25.5 mg/dl; SEM = 0.63), and cholesterol (67.5 and 74.7 mg/dl, respectively; SEM = 1.66). In conclusion, similar responses in blood constituent levels of different hair sheep breeds to feed restriction is in accordance with comparable effects on the maintenance energy requirement.

PSXI-29 Effects of feed restriction on blood constituent concentrations in hair sheep

Abstract Forty-six Dorper, 47 Katahdin, and 41 St. Croix female sheep (initial body weight of 62, 62, and 51 kg, respectively, SEM=1.43; 3.8±0.18 yr of age) from 45 commercial farms in Midwest, Northwest, Southeast, and central Texas regions of the United States were used to evaluate effects of feed restriction on concentrations of blood constituents. A 50% concentrate pelleted diet was fed, with the amount varied in the first 4 wk to achieve stable BW. The amount of feed offered in wk 5–10 was set at 55% of that consumed in wk 3–4. Blood was sampled at the end of wk 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, with constituent levels in wk 4 and 10 assumed relevant to conditions with different maintenance energy requirements (i.e., fed at maintenance and approximately 43% lower with restricted intake). There were some differences among breeds such as ones based on samples collected at all times in urea nitrogen (14.0, 13.7, and 15.4 mg/dl; SEM=0.31) and creatinine (0.945, 0.836, and 0.809 mg/dl for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM=0.0253) but relatively few among regions and only one interaction between week and breed or region. There was a trend for a difference (P = 0.051) between wk 4 and 10 in the concentration of glucose (51.9 and 54.2 mg/dl; SEM=0.90), and there were differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in levels of lactate (23.9 and 20.3 mg/dl; SEM=0.89), urea N (16.4 and 13.0 mg/dl; SEM= 0.25), creatinine (0.808 and 0.919 mg/dl; SEM=0.0165), triglycerides (31.8 and 25.5 mg/dl; SEM=0.63), cholesterol (67.5 and 74.7 mg/dl; SEM=1.66), and cortisol (10.55 and 8.31 ng/ml for wk 4 and 10, respectively; SEM=0.0542). In conclusion, similar responses of different hair sheep breeds in blood constituent levels to feed restriction is in accordance with comparable effects on body weight and the maintenance energy requirement previously reported.

Effects of level of brackish water and salinity on feed intake, digestion, heat energy, ruminal fluid characteristics, and blood constituent levels in growing Boer goat wethers and mature Boer goat and Katahdin sheep wethers

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of the level of a brackish water source (5596 mg/l total dissolve salts; TDS) and higher levels of TDS through addition of NaCl on feed intake, digestion, and heat energy in growing Boer goat wethers (GRO-G) and mature Boer (MAT-G) and Katahdin sheep wethers (MAT-S). Five GRO-G (22.1 ± 2.50 kg; 0.76 ± 0.121 yr of age), five MAT-G (52.2 ± 4.99 kg), and five MAT-S (65.5 ± 4.17 kg) were assigned to three simultaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares with 3-wk periods. Treatments within squares were ad libitum intake of fresh water (0-BRW), 50% fresh water and 50% brackish water (50-BRW), 100% brackish water (100-BRW), 100-BRW plus 3450 mg/l NaCl (Low-SLW), and 100-BRW plus 6900 mg/l NaCl (Mod-SLW). Total water intake was not influenced by TDS level with GRO-G or MAT-S but increased linearly with increasing TDS (P = 0.004) for MAT-G (952, 1087, 1284, 1192, and 1372 g/day for 0-BRW, 50-BRW, 100-BRW, Low-SLW, and Mod-SLW, respectively; SEM = 147.7). Organic matter (OM) intake was not influenced by water treatment with GRO-G but changed quadratically as TDS increased (P = 0.049) with MAT-G (744, 749, 785, 732, and 703; SEM = 76.3) and linearly (P = 0.065) with MAT-S (870, 867, 835, 788, and 694 g/day for 0-BRW, 50-BRW, 100-BRW, Low-SLW, and Mod-SLW, respectively; SEM = 80.0). Total tract OM digestion in MAT-G and MAT-S was not influenced by water TDS level but decreased linearly (P = 0.004) and tended to change quadratically (P = 0.054) in GRO-G (59.3, 55.5, 47.8, 47.0, and 49.5% for 0-BRW, 50-BRW, 100-BRW, Low-SLW, and Mod-SLW, respectively; SEM = 4.67). Intake of metabolizable energy (ME) decreased linearly with increasing TDS for MAT-G (P = 0.014; 458, 458, 441, 449, and 381; SEM = 34.2) and MAT-S (P = 0.045; 384, 361, 328, 317, and 289; SEM = 33.2) and increased linearly and changed quadratically (P ≤ 0.031) for GRO-G (519, 402, 321, 319, and 363 kJ/kg BW0.75 for 0-BRW, 50-BRW, 100-BRW, Low-SLW, and Mod-SLW, respectively; SEM = 54.5). In conclusion, increasing TDS concentration in drinking water had effects on intake and digestion that differed among animal types, with ME intake of growing goats more adversely affected by increasing brackish water level compared with mature small ruminants because of decreased digestibility. Conversely, decreases in ME intake for MAT-S with increasing TDS primarily related to decreasing feed intake, with relatively small effects for MAT-G associated with the Mod-SLW treatment.

697 Effects of high heat load conditions on body weight, dry matter intake, and blood constituent levels of Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix sheep from different regions of the United States

Thirty-seven Dorper, 35 Katahdin, and 31 St. Croix ewes (57, 58, and 44 kg [SEM 2.2]) from 45 commercial farms in the Midwest (MW), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), and central Texas (TX), between 2.2 and 3.4 yr of age, were used to evaluate responses to high heat load index (HLI) conditions. There were 4 sequential 2-wk periods with target HLI during day/nighttime of 70/70, 85/70, 90/77, and 95/81. A 15% CP and 50% concentrate pelleted diet was fed at 120% of the ME requirement for maintenance, and water was offered free choice. Body weight was measured 3 times each week, and blood was sampled at 1300 h on the last day of each period. There was an interaction (P < 0.001) between period and week within period in BW, with slightly greater values in wk 2 vs. 1 of periods 3 and 4 and a greater difference between period 1 and 4 values in wk 2 than 1 (53.1, 54.1, 54.9, and 55.4 kg in wk 1, and 53.0, 54.2, 55.4, and 56.1 kg in wk 2 in periods 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively [SEM 0.85]). There was an interaction (P = 0.037) in DMI (g/kg BW0.75) among region, period, and week, with values generally similar between weeks in periods 1 and 2 relative to those in periods 3 and 4 (51.0, 52.4, 51.0, and 51.2 in period 3 and wk 1; 49.5, 52.1, 50.8, and 51.6 in period 3 and wk 2; 49.6, 52.1, 50.6, and 49.4 in period 4 and wk 1; and 48.9, 52.0, 49.7, and 46.3 in period 4 and wk 2 for MW, NW, SE, and TX, respectively [SEM 1.09]). Neither blood glucose nor lactate concentration was affected by breed (P > 0.05), but there were breed differences (P < 0.02) in serum concentrations of creatinine (0.91, 0.81, and 0.77 mg/dL [SEM 0.023]), total protein (6.13, 6.42, and 6.81 g/dL [SEM 0.156]), and urea N (17.4, 18.0, and 20.0 mg/dL [SEM 0.54] for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively). In conclusion, some blood constituent levels suggest breed differences in resilience to high HLI. Differences among periods and weeks in BW presumably relate to increased water consumption with high HLI. The interaction in DMI may reflect differences among regions in rate of adaptation to high HLI and the contribution of decreased feed intake to coping with high HLI.

The effects of fin rot disease and sampling method on blood chemistry and hematocrit measurements of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus from New Haven Harbor (1987–1990)

Winter flounder from New Haven, Connecticut were evaluated for fin rot disease. Blood samples collected from healthy and diseased fish were used to measure bilirubin, calcium, hematocrit, inorganic phosphorus, osmolality, and total protein. Blood measurements were significantly affected by the presence of fin rot disease and by sampling mode (bled immediately or after 18 h). A reduction in blood chemistry values was associated with fin rot disease. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify explanatory variables contributing to the fin rot outcome in winter flounder. Blood constituent levels were higher in fish bled immediately versus 18 h post-capture, especially among fish without fin rot, suggesting that a waiting period is necessary for blood values to stabilize following initial sampling stress. This study presents evidence that winter flounder blood chemistry and hematocrit measurements are affected by fin rot disease.

LACK OF ADVERSE INFLUENCE OF BLACK PEPPER, ITS OLEORESIN AND PIPERINE IN THE WEANLING RAT

ABSTRACTBlack pepper, its oleoresin or its active principle piperine fed to rats at doses 5 to 20 times normal human intake did not cause any adverse effect on: (1) growth, food efficiency ratio and organ weights; (2) RBC, WBC and differential counts; (3) the levels of blood constituents like hemoglobin, total serum proteins, albumin, globulin, sugar and cholesterol; (4) the levels of serum aminotransferases and phosphatases and (5) fat and nitrogen balance.

血液検査による養殖ブリの健康診断例

The hemochemical assessment was made on the yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata in July and September, 1983. The specimens examined were one year old fishes weighing about 2, 300g. They were fed on frozen sardine (groups I and II) or thawed sardine (group III), and reared in seawater of temperature about 28°C. In order to minimize the stress effects of handling, fish were angled, and then blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture with heparinized syringe within three minutes. Using these samples, various plasma constituent levels or enzyme activities were determined. In group I, some Pathological changes were observed in intestine (reddening), peritoneum (adhesion) and opercle inside (reddening) possibly resulted from feed trouble. Various blood constituent levels or enzyme activities remained within the normal limits, suggesting that feed trouble was slight. In group II, in which a few dead fish was found every day, pathological changes were similar to those in group I, but the symptoms were more serious than in group I. Alkaline Phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1.) activity and inorganic phosphorus level were lower, whereas chloride level was higher than those of group I. Reduced bony growth and feed trouble were seen. In group III, that was in worse condition, pathological changes were observed in various organs, and were parasitized by Benedenia and/or Caligus. Levels or activities of hematocrit, hemoglobin, urea-N, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), and alkaline phosphatase were lower than those of group I, whereas chloride level was higher. These results suggest that this group suffered from malmutrition, hepatic malfunction and low metabolic rate.

Interaction of maternal blood volume and uterine blood flow with porcine fetal development.

The relationships of maternal nutrition, blood volume and uterine blood flow to porcine fetal development were investigated in domesticated pigs that normally experience 40% fetal loss. Yorkshire pigs were subjected to prolonged inanition (40 days; 0 kcal/day; water only) from Days 50 to 90 of pregnancy and either hysterectomized on Day 90 or realimented to a full diet and allowed to advance to parturition; controls received a full diet (7028 kcal/day) until hysterectomy at Day 90 or throughout gestation. Although a marked decline in body weight (−31 kg) occurred in gilts subjected to inanition, fetal survival rates, litter weight, as well as the number of live Day 90 fetuses or number of live piglets born were similar in starved and full-fed animals. Blood hemoglobin, packed cell volume, plasma protein, erythrocyte and leukocyte populations during inanition were maintained at levels similar to those of controls with the exception of shifts in concentration caused by plasma volume changes. Plasma volume (r=0.65) and blood volume (r=0.58) were highly correlated with body weight in inanition and control dams throughout the period of inanition and realimentation. Uterine blood flow during late pregnancy was similar in all experimental and control dams, and remained constant with time in spite of a 13-fold increase in fetal weight and regardless of marked fluctuations in plasma and blood volumes. Uterine blood flow was highly correlated with Day 90 litter size (r=0.82) and fetal weight (r=0.86). Severe nutrient deprivation during late pregnancy in the pig results in a marked decline in maternal body weight, plasma volume and blood volume; however, maternal uterine blood flow is maintained at a level similar to full-fed controls. Maintenance of uterine blood flow suggests that selective distribution of cardiac output, coincident with adequate blood constituent levels, may allow normal porcine fetal development during prolonged starvation.

Factors affecting the levels of blood constituents of Israeli dairy cows.

SummaryThe effects of physiological status, milk yield, time from lactation, age and season of the year on the levels of blood constituents in the cow are reported.These factors significantly affect the levels of some of the parameters studied, especially the energy‐related ones, such as serum total lipids, the ratio of total lipids to glucose, and organic‐phosphates in the blood and serum. The values were within the normal range reported in the literature. The significance of these effects on the levels of blood constituents is discussed.ZusammenfassungUntersuchungen über den Einfluß verschiedener Faktoren auf Blutbestandteile von Israelischen MilchkühenDer Einfluß folgender Faktoren wurde untersucht: Physiologischer Status, Milchleistung, Intervall nach dem Abkalben, Alter und Jahreszeit. Diese Faktoren hatten einen signifikanten Einfluß auf die energiebezogenen Parameter wie Gesamtlipide, Verhältnis von Gesamtlipiden zur Glucose und anorganischen Phosphate. Die Konzentrationen lagen innerhalb der in der Literatur angegebenen normalen Variationsbereiche. Die Bedeutung verschiedener Zusammenhänge wird diskutiert.RésuméRecherches sur l'influence de différents facteurs sur des constituants sanguins chez des vaches laitières israéliennesOn a recherché l'influence des facteurs suivants: statut physiologique, lactation, intervalle après la velaison, âge et saison. Ces facteurs ont eu une influence significative sur les lipides totaux, le rapport lipides totaux/glucose et sur le phosphate inorganique. Les concentrations se situèrent dans les marges de variations normales citées dans la littérature. La signification de différentes relations est discutée.ResumenEstudios sobre los factores que influyen sobre los constituyentes sanguíneos en las vacas lecheras israelitasSe estudió el influjo de los factores siguientes: estado fisiológico, producción lechera, intervalo después del parto, edad y estación del año. Estos factores ejercían un influjo significativo sobre los parámetros relacionados con la energía, tales como lípidos totales, relación de lípidos totales a glucosa y fosfatos inorgánicos. Las concentraciones se hallaban dentro de los márgenes de variaciones normales citados en la bibliografía. Se discute la significación de varias relaciones.

Patterns of Response to Natural Stimulation and Reproductive Suppression in Mallards

This study examined in mallards the onset of precopulatory behavior, the sequence and nature of peripheral blood changes, and the implied patterns of reproductive stimulation in response to endogenous estrogen stimulation and reproductive suppression. Continuous records were taken of seven serum parameters on 10 semidomesticated female mallard ducks as well as behavioral obser- vations and egg-laying records. Similar observations were made on daily changes during the laying period and on response to artificial suppression. Birds which responded early in the season demon- strated different patterns of development than those which appeared retarded. The onset of pre- copulatory behavior generally preceded blood changes by as much as 3 weeks. As the reproductive season progressed, the time necessary for the onset of physical response appears to have been mate- rially reduced. Subjection to a stressor (close confinement) did not result in regression of the re- productive system and release resulted in recovery as rapidly as 3 days. No well-defined differences between peripheral blood constituent levels of ovulatory and anovulatory groups were found at any specific time of the day. The mean values obtained, however, differed generally from results previously published. Abstract: This study examined in mallards the onset of precopulatory behavior, the sequence and nature of peripheral blood changes, and the implied patterns of reproductive stimulation in response to endogenous estrogen stimulation and reproductive suppression. Continuous records were taken of seven serum parameters on 10 semidomesticated female mallard ducks as well as behavioral obser- vations and egg-laying records. Similar observations were made on daily changes during the laying period and on response to artificial suppression. Birds which responded early in the season demon- strated different patterns of development than those which appeared retarded. The onset of pre- copulatory behavior generally preceded blood changes by as much as 3 weeks. As the reproductive season progressed, the time necessary for the onset of physical response appears to have been mate- rially reduced. Subjection to a stressor (close confinement) did not result in regression of the re- productive system and release resulted in recovery as rapidly as 3 days. No well-defined differences between peripheral blood constituent levels of ovulatory and anovulatory groups were found at any specific time of the day. The mean values obtained, however, differed generally from results previously published.

Effects of Removing the Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum, and Proximal Third of the Abomasum on Digestion and Blood Changes in Calves

Summary Experiments were carried out with calves which had their forestomachs, upper one-third of abomasum with vagi, and spleen surgically removed. Some aspects of the nutrition, physiology of digestion, and levels of blood constituents were studied. Voluntary feed intake was found to be affected by stomach growth, anorexia, and scouring. Diets high in fiber stimulated the rumination cycle. Rate of passage of food was similar to that of simple-stomached animals. Results indicate that the decrease in blood sugar concentration which occurs in normal calves is independent of rumen development, dietary changes, or increased levels of volatile fatty acids in the functional rumen or in the blood. Changes in postprandial acetone body and volatile fatty acid levels were noted. The significance of these findings and the possible relationship between these factors are discussed.

A Detailed Study of Levels of Certain Blood Constituents in Normally Calving Dairy Cows and in Dairy Cows with Parturient Paresis

Considerable information is available in the scientific literature concerning the levels of organic and inorganic constituents in the blood of normal parturient dairy cows and of cows afflicted with parturient paresis (milk fever). It is well established that levels of many of these constituents change as a result of milk fever; however, how rapidly the changes occur prior to the appearance of symptoms is not known. Increased blood levels of magnesium, lactic and pyruvic acids, and glucose and lowered blood citric acid have been reported in cows afflicted with parturient paresis (8, 14) . The low blood levels of calcium and phosphorus in cows with this disorder have been recognized for many years. One of the most detailed studies on levels of blood constituents in cows with milk fever was made by Fish (4) . This study, as is true of nearly all studies of this type, was made during the posttreatment period when the cow was recovering from milk fever symptoms. This investigator reported increased blood glucose and lactose levels after insufflation therapy.

Hemodilution as a result of estrogen therapy; estrogenic effects in the human female.

Summary(1) In all 16 patients in this study there was a lowering of the erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and hematocrit during the 4 to 10 days that estrogen was administered.On cessation of estrogen therapy there was a subsequent return to the initial blood constituent levels within a period of 5 to 8 days. (2) Evans Blue dye studies made in 3 of the 16 women demonstrated that the blood volume increased sufficiently to account for the lowering of the red cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. (3) During short periods of estrogen therapy there may be a significant hemodilution. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this effect is transitory or whether it may be maintained indefinitely.