Erect Ears Research Articles

The epidemiology of tick infestation in dog breeds in the UK.

The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence and risk factors for tick infestation in dogs in the UK based on anonymised electronic patient records. Clinical records of dogs under veterinary care in 2016 at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme were followed over a 5-year period to identify cases of tick infestation. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling. The study included 905,553 dogs. From a random sample, 1903 tick infestation cases were identified. The estimated 5-year (2014 to 2018) period prevalence was 2.03% (95% confidence interval: 2.00 to 2.06). Sixteen breeds showed increased odds compared with non-designer-crossbreed dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Cairn terrier (odds ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.64 to 4.98), standard poodle (odds ratio 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 6.29) and Goldendoodle (odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 5.91). Six breeds showed reduced odds, with lowest odds shown by Staffordshire bull terrier (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 0.50), Rottweiler (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.85) and Chihuahua (odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.55). Males had 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.36) times the odds of females. Compared with non-designer-crossbred dogs, designer-crossbreed dogs had increased odds (odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.52 to 2.15). Compared with breeds with short coats, breeds with medium length coats (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.96 to 2.48) showed increased odds. Breeds with V-shaped drop and pendulous ear carriage had higher odds compared with breeds with erect ear carriage. These findings provide an evidence base for veterinary professionals to raise awareness of tick infestation as a preventable disorder in dogs in the UK and to support more effective prevention and therapeutic protocols based on targeted approaches.

44 Identification of Vaginal Gene Expression Differences in Gilts Achieving Early or Late Puberty

Abstract A known predictor of reproductive success in swine breeding herds is age at puberty. Early puberty is associated with improved long-term reproductive performance. Additionally, it has been established that vaginal gene expression in gilts changes throughout reproductive development. The hypothesis was that vaginal gene expression was correlated with estrus expression and therefore likelihood of reproductive success. Pre-pubertal gilts (n = 29) were followed from 70 d of age until first estrus or 215 d of age. Vaginal epithelia were collected using a swabbing technique at five key timepoints during reproductive development [70 (on farm arrival), 100 (mid-folliculogenesis), 130, 160 d of age, and first estrus or end of trial]. Boar exposure began on 160 d of age with 15 minutes of fenceline contact at 0700 h daily with trained technicians observing for signs of standing estrus (i.e., erect ears, swollen, pink vulva, allowing back pressure). By 215 d of age, 19 females were classified as expressing estrus early (160 to 181 d), 4 were average (181 to 202), and 6 were late or as anestrus (202 to 215 d). A subset of 5 gilts that expressed estrus early and 5 gilts that expressed estrus late or as anestrus were used for further investigation of vaginal gene expression. Total RNA was isolated from vaginal samples at 3 timepoints (100, 130, and 160 d of age). Samples were sent to a commercial genomic sequencing laboratory for RNA sequencing. Each gene was scaled individually so that all genes were on the same scale for comparison, and the Welch two sample t-test was applied to determine statistical differences. A total of 53 genes were differentially expressed between the early estrus and late estrus or anestrus groups. Data were further screened to identify genes that were expressed in at least 3 gilts in either the early estrus or late estrus group at a given time point; this subset of 26 genes were selected for direct comparison at each time point. At 100 d of age, late estrus gilts had increased expression (P = 0.05) of a gene commonly found in females with polycystic ovary syndrome. At 130 d of age, genes associated with the innate immune response had greater relative expression (P < 0.05) in gilts expressing early estrus. At 160 d of age, genes associated with fat cell deposition had greater relative expression (P < 0.05) in the early estrus expression gilts. Distinct differences in transcripts during reproductive development may be putative biomarkers for detection of early estrus in pre-pubertal females.

Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics Analysis in Texel Crossed , Dorper and Fat Tailed Sheep

The aims of present study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of imported sheep such as Texel crossed and Dorper sheep, compared with local sheep (Fat Tail Sheep/FTS) in almost the same region, namely Pujon and Karangkates. This research was a field research with case study methods and research materials as many as 39 for Texel crossed sheep, 19 for Dorper sheep and 37 for FTS. The age of the sheep ranges from 1.5 to 3 years (some have their first calf). Qualitative data were analyzed by Population Genetics Analysis and quantitative data were analyzed by One-Way Design Anova using Minitab software version 13. The results showed that: (1) Qualitative traits in Texel crossed , Dorper and FTS sheep showed that some traits underwent fixation where one of the traits was fixed. One allele in Texel crossed and Dorper sheep has disappeared and no longer exist in its origin place such as horned and hornless traits, white body color and black head, erect ears, while in FTS sheep it is still polymorphic, especially in the hornless and drooping ears in FTS. The white color on the FTS seems to have been fixed, because the dominant gene frequency/ p = 1 and the recessive gene frequency/ q = 0. (2) The quantitative traits such as body weight, in which the body weights of the Texel crossed , Dorper and FTS breed were different in the study, and the Dorper sheep the highest body weights, while the body weights of Texel crossed and FTS sheep were almost the same. Dorper sheep had the highest head index, and Texel crossed sheep and FTS sheep had the same head index. It was concluded that Texel crossed and Dorper sheep had many fixed qualitative characteristics such as horns, erect and drooping ears, white body color and black head in FTS sheep were quite polymorphic in horns and erect and drooping ears. The best growth of Dorper sheep because Dorper sheep was originated from a crossing between Dorset and Black Persian sheep.

水稻小粒不育系新组合卓两优141混播制种优势分析

<p id="C3">Traditional hybrid breeding is backward, low benefit, and high cost, which restricts the promotion and application in hybrid rice. However, Small Grain TMS lines are easy to be mechanically separated after mixed-sowing and mixed-harvesting. Their application will promote the realization of complete Mechanization of Hybrid Rice Seed Production, leading to the reduction of cost and the improvement of seed production efficiency. In this study, we investigated the agronomic characteristics and outcrossing rates suitable for Mechanization of Hybrid Rice Seed Production, using the Small Grain male sterile line Zhuo 201S, Large Grain restorer line R141, and their combination Zhuoliangyou 141 as materials for mixed-sowing and large-scale seed production practice. The results demonstrated that compared with the control TMS C815S, Zhuo 201S plants were shorter, exhibiting longer and more erect ear, fewer glume opening, lower percentage of panicle enclosure and germination on ears. Moreover, Zhuo 201S plants were resistant to smut disease but sensitive to “920” treatment and had weak seed-shattering characteristic. However, R141 plants were tall and insensitive to environmental temperature with large amount of pollen and a long florescence. Both Zhuo 201S and R141 had good outcrossing characteristics. The grain thickness of Zhuo 201S and R141 was 1.71 mm and 2.23 mm, respectively. The 1000-grain weight of Zhuo 201S and R141 was 14.00 g and 28.20 g, respectively. Due to the significant difference in grain sizes, the hybrid F₁ seeds could be easily separated with the male parent seeds through a special sieve with narrow and long apertures. The percentage of male parent seeds mixed in hybrid seeds was 0 while the hybrid seed loss rate was 2.31%, suggesting that the seed purity met the standards for Mechanization of Hybrid Rice Seed Production. Compared with the traditional seed production mode, the basic seedling of male parent was reduced by 85%, the capacity of female parent was increased by 20%, the seed production yield was increased by 21.37%, and the comprehensive benefit of seed production was increased by 31.4%. Zhuoliangyou 141 was endowed with the advantages suitable for mechanized production by mix-sowing, with excellently agronomic traits and outcrossing properties along with huge difference in grain size from its parents. Therefore, the whole process of Zhuoliangyou 141 mechanized seed production had a broad application prospect.

Mitochondrial sequence based characterization and morphometric assessment of Diara buffalo population

ObjectiveThe present study is aimed at phenotypic characterization and mitochondrial d-loop analysis of indigenous “Diara” buffalo population, which are mostly confined to the villages on the South and North Gangetic marshy plains in the Bihar state of India. These buffaloes are well adapted and are best suited for ploughing and puddling the wet fields meant for paddy cultivation.MethodsBiometric data on 172 buffaloes were collected using a standard flexible tape measure. Animals are medium in size; the typical morphometric features are long head with a broad forehead and moderately long and erect ears. Genomic DNA was isolated from unrelated animals. The mtDNA d-loop 358-bp sequence data was generated and compared with 338 sequences belonging to riverine and swamp buffaloes.ResultsBased on the mitochondrial d-loop analysis the Diara buffaloes were grouped along with the haplotypes reported for riverine buffalo. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of 7 mitochondrial D loop haplotypes with haplotype diversity of 0.9643. Five of the haplotypes were shared with established swamp breeds and with Buffalo population of Orissa in India.ConclusionMorphometric analyses clearly shows distinguishing features like long and broad forehead which may be useful in identification. The germplasm of Diara buffalo is much adapted to the marshy banks of river Ganga and its tributaries. It constitutes a valuable genetic resource which needs to be conserved on priority basis.

Frequency and predisposing factors for canine otitis externa in the UK \u2013 a primary veterinary care epidemiological view

BackgroundOtitis externa is a commonly diagnosed disorder in dogs and can carry a high welfare impact on affected animals. This study aimed to report the prevalence and explore the role of breed and aural conformation as predisposing factors for canine otitis externa in the UK. The study used a cohort design of dogs under UK primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme during 2016. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling.ResultsThe study included a random sample of 22,333 dogs from an overall population of 905,554 dogs under veterinary care in 2016. The one-year period prevalence of otitis externa was 7.30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.97 to 7.65). Breed and ear carriage were the highest ranked risk factors. Compared with crossbred dogs, sixteen breed types showed increased odds, including: Basset Hound (odds ratio [OR] 5.87), Chinese Shar Pei (OR 3.44), Labradoodle (OR 2.95), Beagle (OR 2.54) and Golden Retriever (OR 2.23). Four breeds showed protection (i.e. reduced odds) of otitis externa: Chihuahua (OR 0.20), Border Collie (OR 0.34), Yorkshire Terrier (OR 0.49) and Jack Russell Terrier (OR 0.52). Designer breed types overall had 1.63 times the odds (95% CI 1.31 to 2.03) compared with crossbred dogs. Compared with breeds with erect ear carriage, breeds with pendulous ear carriage had 1.76 times the odds (95% CI 1.48 to 2.10) and breeds with V-shaped drop ear carriage had 1.84 times the odds (95% CI 1.53 to 2.21) of otitis externa.ConclusionsBreed itself and breed-associated ear carriage conformation are important predisposing factors for canine otitis externa. Greater awareness of these associations for both predisposed and protected breeds could support veterinary practitioners to promote cautious and low-harm approaches in their clinical advice on preventive care for otitis externa, especially in predisposed breeds.

Characterization of Maasai Goats in Extensive Production System in Northern Tanzania: Description of Phenotype, Reproductive and Productive Performance

The study was designed to offer information on phenotype, reproductive and productive features of Maasai goats for amelioration in breeding programs utilizing these animals. Live measurements and qualitative traits were collected from 75 bucks and 165 does. A detailed survey was used to acquire information on reproductive and productive traits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and General Linear Model procedures for age and sex as main effects. The results revealed that body weight, heart girth, chest depth, rump width, head length, head width and horn length differed (p &amp;lt; 0.05) among age groups. Body weight increased from young to old age and ranged from 25.83 kg to 30.34 kg. Body length, heart girth, head length, head width and cannon bone length were significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in bucks than does. Plain white was the foremost coat color manifested. Nearly, 76% of bucks and 78.2% of does had straight short hairs. Beards were in 80% of bucks and 9.1% of does. All goats had short and erect ears; whereas, more than 88% had horns, 48% of the horns were curved, 33.1% lateral and 18.1% straight. Almost 76% and 83.6% of the horns in bucks and does, respectively, were pointing backward. In both sexes, facial profile was mainly concave, back profile was straight and wattles were absent. Twinning rate, age at sexual maturity, age at first kidding, kidding interval and lactation length were averaged at 8.7%, 11 months, 16.7 months, 7.7 months and 82.3 days; whereas, pre weaning kid survival rate was 77.1% and 79.9% for dry and rainy season, respectively. The strain was comparatively similar to most African indigenous goat populations. Thus, the strain can be utilized through selection for the traits preferred for the arid and semi-arid tropics.

Morphological Characterization of Native Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) in Bohol Province, Philippines

This study assessed the morphological characteristics of the native pig population in Bohol Island, Philippines. A total of 100 sexually-mature native pigs (80% gilt/sow and 20% barrow/boar) were selected from the municipalities of Balilihan, Bilar, Talibon, Ubay, Loon, Guindulman, Mabini, San Miguel, Pilar, and Alburquerque, which are densely populated with native pigs (based on the data of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian-Bohol). Purposive sampling was used to select the experimental pigs based on the phenotypic traits that qualify them as native. Likewise, remote barangays where native pigs are most likely raised were selected as sample sites. The qualitative (hair color, color pattern, and ear orientation) and quantitative (tail length, teat number, estimated body weight using body length, and heart girth measurements) traits were recorded based on subjective observation and actual measurements, respectively. Qualitatively, the native pigs in Bohol have predominantly (73%) black hair. In terms of color pattern, plain color (91%), spotted (4%), and patchy (5%) were noted. The native pigs also revealed droopy (54%), slightly droopy (37%), and erect (9%) ear orientations. Meanwhile, quantitative traits revealed an overall body length of 38.07 ± 8.75 inches, heart girth of 36.9 ± 8.83 inches, body weight of 67.29 ± 41.15 kg, tail length of 9.78 ± 2.45 inches, and 12.38 ± 1.33number of teats. Significant differences across sampling areas(p&lt;0.05)and sex (p&lt;0.01) were observed. Generally, females had higher values than males, and there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in trait values among age groups.

Picture Perfect Pups: How Do Attributes of Photographs of Dogs in Online Rescue Profiles Affect Adoption Speed?

Simple SummaryThis study examined the photographs of 8332 dogs on the website of PetRescue, Australia’s largest online directory of animals in need of adoption. By investigating a range of photographic attributes, we revealed significant associations between several variables and length of stay (LOS) online, indicating visual characteristics that prospective owners find appealing when looking at rescue dogs online. The photographic attributes associated with the shortest LOS in the current study were mouths closed, a black coat colour, floppy ears and being photographed in a kennel structure. Several of these results contrast with those from previous studies, such as that dogs generally have a better chance of being adopted if they look as though they are owned, rather than living in a rescue shelter. Our results imply that many users of pet adoption sites may actively favour dogs who appear to need their help. We suggest that our results may reveal more about the users of these sites than general human responses to photographs of dogs per se.To increase the public’s awareness of and exposure to animals needing homes, PetRescue, Australia’s largest online directory of animals in need of adoption, lists all currently available animals from rescue and welfare shelters nationwide. The current study examined the photographs in the PetRescue online profiles of the three most common breeds within these data, namely, Staffordshire bull terriers (n = 3988), Labrador retrievers (n = 2246), and Jack Russell terriers (n = 2088), to identify the inferred preferences of potential adopters. By investigating the attributes of these photographs, we were able to identify visual risk factors associated with protracted lengths of stay (LOS). The longest stays were associated with dogs with erect ears and those photographed in a natural environment, i.e., 18.32 days and 19.57 days, respectively. Dogs photographed in a kennel and with mouths closed had the shortest LOS, i.e., 11.54 d and 14.44 d, respectively. Heightened awareness of the roles of photographic attributes in generating interest among potential adopters may increase the speed of adoption by guiding the creation of online profiles and selection of photos to optimise the promotion of dogs at risk of long stays.

A tough decision for equestrian business: the case of mandara equestrian club

Learning outcomes This case study focuses on basic business approaches in the decision-making by considering owners and stakeholders’ perspective in highlighting the related issues in customer service, marketing (marketing mix and product mix), strategy, business management and operational management of the sport business in the private sector of Abu Dhabi. At the end of this exercise, students should have a clear consideration of the following: understanding of the equestrian business products and services elements, description of the marketing mix the equestrian business products and services elements, definition of the product mix approach of the marketing mix in equestrian business management, distinguishing needs of product mix alternative decisions approach in equestrian business management in the private sector and labeling of two main customer services based issues and propose a solution using product mix alternatives approaches (expand/eliminate). Case overview/synopsis Mandara Equestrian Club (MEC) was the culmination of a dream for Faysal Urfali, a Lebanese entrepreneur, and his wife, who lived in (and loved) United Arab Emirates (UAE) for more than 20 years ago. The dream started in 2012, when the Urfali family was vacationing in Spain. They fell in love with the Arabian breed of horses, famous for their wide, flat forehead, soulful eyes, broad muzzle, erect ears, slender neck and flowing, shining mane. Arabian horses are also renowned for their beauty, loyalty, strength and intelligence. Arabian horses are an intrinsic part of Arabian tradition and heritage, always described in Arabic literature as a sign of pride, courage and dignity, in recitation legends of wars. The Urafalis did not have experience with horses during that period, but that did not stop them from starting an equine business in the UAE, specifically in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Urfali started MEC in Al Rahba City, a small town in the north site of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of UAE. At its inception in 2013, MEC was open only for private use. In 2014, Urfali decided to open the club to the public due to high demand from visitors and horses’ lovers who were visiting the place to see the horses and request horse rides. MEC carries forward Urfali’s passion for Arabian horses, as it specializes in the care and training of show horses. MEC also offers other equine activities and services for both horse owners and horseback riders. In early 2019, Urfali conducted a meeting to assess MEC’s financial statements and discuss daily business operations. The meeting determined that the club was facing several business challenges to address which, it needs some substantial changes in order to maintain its smooth-functioning. Challenges the club faced involved customer relationship management, customer attraction and skill shortages in the industry. Urfali understood that focusing on MEC as a business operation means raising the marker of success to more than just the fulfillment of a dream. Will MEC be able to keep its focus with such changes? Complexity academic level Undergraduate students majoring in Business Management, Marketing and Strategic Management. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy

Caractérisation phénotypique des ressources génétiques porcines des départements de l’Ouémé et du Plateau au Bénin

L’élevage porcin est très pratiqué au Sud-Bénin et implique une diversité de races ou de populations. L’objectif de l’étude était de caractériser les différents porcs sur le plan morphométrique et phénotypique. Ainsi, les données phénotypiques ont été collectées sur 149 porcs, dont 14 améliorés, 91 croisés et 44 locaux. Les porcs de type génétique local ont présenté des mesures morphologiques significativement inférieures (p &lt; 0,05) à celles des porcs améliorés et des animaux issus des croisements entre les porcs améliorés et les porcs locaux. Les poils des porcs locaux étaient significativement plus courts (p &lt; 0,05) que ceux des porcs améliorés et des croisés. La couleur de la robe a varié d’un type génétique à l’autre. La couleur la plus rencontrée a été le blanc uniforme, suivi du noir uniforme chez tous les types génétiques. Le profil de la tête était plus rectiligne chez les porcs locaux, et plus concave chez les porcs améliorés et chez les croisés. Les oreilles dressées étaient moins observées chez les croisés. Elles étaient orientées vers l’avant chez les porcs améliorés et chez les croisés alors qu’elles étaient dressées et orientées vers l’arrière chez les porcs locaux. La queue en tire-bouchon a été significativement (p &lt; 0,05) plus présente chez les porcs améliorés que chez les porcs croisés, et elle a été plus présente chez ces derniers que chez les porcs locaux. La ligne dorsale droite a été davantage observée chez les porcs locaux et chez les croisés que chez les porcs améliorés chez lesquels la ligne était plus creuse. Les porcs croisés ont présenté une grande similarité avec les porcs améliorés.

Occurrence of Malassezia Yeasts in Dermatologically Diseased Dogs

AbstractThe Malassezia genus is represented by several lipophilic yeasts, normally present on the skin of many warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Malassezia yeasts in dogs with skin lesions (dermatitis, interdigital dermatitis and inflammation of anal sacs) and otitis externa. The presence of Malassezia spp. was investigated in a group of 300 dogs exhibiting clinical manifestations. The isolates of Malassezia were identified by using phenotypic (biochemical-physiological and morphological characteristics) and genotypic methods (PCR, RFLP-AluI, BanI and MspA1I) which allowed their precise identification. Malassezia yeasts were isolated from 84 specimens obtained from 76 positive dogs. M. pachydermatis was the most frequently isolated species (79 isolates) in this study. M. furfur was identified in four dogs and M. nana in one dog. The prevalence of isolated Malassezia spp. was 25.3 % in dogs with skin lesions; from which 36.0 % were dogs suffering from otitis externa, 24.5 % from dogs having dermatitis, 16.4 % from dogs with interdigital dermatitis and 14.3 % from dogs having inflammation of the anal sacs. A higher prevalence of Malassezia spp. was observed in animals with pendulous ears in comparison with dogs having erect ears.

Epidemiology and Anesthetic Risk in Dogs with Aural Hematoma

Background: Otohematoma or aural hematoma in dogs is blood pooling within the ear cartilage plate, and stems from several causes (ear infections, ectoparasites and others). The formation of hematoma is by vascular injury, causing bleeding, generated by self-injury. This disease occurs especially in dogs of pendulous ears, and the concave surface of the ear is considered as the most frequent. The therapy to correct the lesion can be a clinical procedure; however, surgical drainage is the treatment of choice. This work aims to record the epidemiological aspects related to aural hematoma in dogs, as well as classify such patients as to the physical condition and anesthetic risk.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Twenty five dogs with aural hematoma submitted to surgical procedure were followed. During the data collection period (seven months), surgery to correct aural hematoma represented 19% of surgeries performed in dogs (total of surgeries: 474). The percentage of canine breeds affected was: mixed breed (64%; 16/25), german shepherd (24%; 6/25), labrador (4%; 1/25), waimaraner (4%; 1/25) and daschund (4%; 1/25). Most occurrences were observed in females aged 3-12 years. Most of the animals showed only one pina affected (96%; 24/25), and 52% (13/25) had hematoma in the right and 44% (11/25) in the left ear. Some of the patients had no hematologic abnormalities (48%; 12/25), but some animals showed normocytic normochromic anemia (36%, 9/25), leukocytosis (8%; 2/25) and thrombocytopenia (8%; 2/25). Among animals, there were only dogs classified as ASA II and ASA III with similar rates (56% and 44% respectively). No deaths were observed among cases analyzed.Discussion: The high prevalence of the disease in mongrel dogs can be explained by the great number of mongrel animals in the service analyzed. Aural hematoma was more frequent in older dogs probably because animals in this age group are more affected by otitis externa, which can predispose them to aural hematoma. Otohematoma was common in animals with pendulous ears, probably because these dogs are more prone to ear diseases than animals with erect ears. Females are more affected, and these data are different to those of other studies, and may be related to changes of the clientele among males and females. Only 4% (1/25) showed bilateral aural hematoma which, actually, is less common. Haematological abnormalities observed may be related to the appearance of aural hematoma, but were unspecific and common to several diseases. Animals classified as ASA II entered in this category for being carriers of mild haematological disorders, especially anemia (36%; 9/25). Dogs classified as ASA III showed signs of moderate systemic disease, and the main suspected disease was ehrlichiosis, which may be associated with aural hematoma. Animals underwent surgical procedure even though being classified as ASA II and III. Such procedure caused no detectable adverse effects and no deaths were recorded. It is expected that mortality is higher in patients classified in a higher grade. The absence of deaths can be related to ASA classification, which was only up to Grade III (moderate systemic disease). Moreover, surgery to drain aural hematoma is considered free of contamination, minimally invasive and without the involvement of important anatomical structures that could systemically compromise patients.

Phenotypic and morphological characterization and reproduction attributes of native pigs in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken for a period of 30 days to investigate the phenotypic, morphological and reproduction attributes of native pigs in 14 villages of Haluaghat, Durgapur and Nalitabari upazilas in Mymensingh, Netrokona and Sherpur districts, respectively. A total of 200 experimental animals were evaluated, of which 81 were male and 119 were female. Various parameters were evaluated separately at different age groups in males and females. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to record various phenotypic information. Body weight, body length, chest girth, length from ear to tail, height at withers, height at loin region, head length, width of head, ear length, hair length, tail length and number of teats were the morphometric traits recorded. The predominant coat colour of the pigs was black, with 95 percent of them having dark skin pigmentation. The majority of pigs possessed a long, straight head (75 percent) and the rest had a shape classified as a “wide face”. All of them had erect ears with upward orientation, whereas 98.5 percent had thin, straight tails. The pigs with stocky body shape (27.5 percent) showed larger body measurements than animals with angular body shape (72.5 percent). The mean values along with the Standard Error for traits were statistically analysed. Three main independent variables (i.e. upazila, age and sex) were considered for an univariate analysis of variance and the correlations among traits were measured. The average, minimum and maximum values for age at first farrowing, farrowing interval, litter size, gestation period and weaning period were also measured.

Dogs' Body Language Relevant to Learning Achievement.

Simple SummaryFor humans and dogs to live together amiably, dog training is required, and a lack of obedience training is significantly related to the prevalence of certain behavioral problems. To train efficiently, it is important that the trainer/owner ascertains the learning level of the dog. Understanding the dog’s body language helps humans understand the animal’s emotions. This study evaluated the posture of certain dog body parts during operant conditioning. Our findings suggest that certain postures were related to the dog’s learning level during operant conditioning. Being aware of these postures could be helpful to understand canine emotion during learning.The facial expressions and body postures of dogs can give helpful information about their moods and emotional states. People can more effectively obedience train their dogs if we can identify the mannerisms associated with learning in dogs. The aim of this study was to clarify the dog’s body language during operant conditioning to predict achievement in the test that followed by measuring the duration of behaviors. Forty-six untrained dogs (17 males and 26 females) of various breeds were used. Each session consisted of 5 minutes of training with a treat reward followed by 3 minutes of rest and finally an operant conditioning test that consisted of 20 “hand motion” cues. The operant tests were conducted a total of nine times over three consecutive days, and the success numbers were counted. The duration of the dog’s behavior, focusing on the dog’s eyes, mouth, ears, tail and tail-wagging, was recorded during the operant conditioning sessions before the test. Particular behaviors, including wide-eyes, closed mouth, erect ears, and forward and high tail carriage, without wagging or with short and quick wagging, related to high achievement results. It is concluded that dogs' body language during operant conditioning was related to their success rate.

Morphological characterization of indigenous and crossbred pigs in rural and peri-urban areas of southwestern Nigeria

We sought to determine morphological descriptors of Nigerian indigenous pigs (NIP) and crossbred pigs (CBP) based on relationships among live weight (LW) and a suite of 18 morphometric measurements plus the number of teats. We sampled four locations in southwestern Nigeria and obtained data for a total of 120 NIP and CBP. More female pigs (61.7%) than males (38.3%) were sampled, and they had a mean live weight of 19.9 ± 6.10 kg (range 9 - 32 kg) and 20.1 ± 6.08 kg (range 8 - 37 kg), respectively. The NIP had a longer snout, wider head and longer erect ears than CBP (P 2) of 0.97, 0.92, 0.96, 0.97, 0.91, 0.97, 0.97, 0.90, and 0.93, respectively (all P 2 = 0.93; P 2 = 0.96; P 2 = 0.84; P 2 = 0.94; P

Caractérisation morphologique de la chèvre rousse du Niger

This study aims to provide data on the physical profiles of the red goat of Maradi. It was conducted in the centre of the goat's main territory, and further comprised 4 departments of the Maradi area (Tessaoua in the east, Dakoro in the north, Madarounfa in the south and Guidan Roumdji in the west). This work was performed on 339 animals including 77 in the centre, 88 in the east, 69 in the north, 50 in the south and 55 in the west. It focused on the following measurements: height at withers, scapulo-ischial length, chest size, back length, length of the horns, ears and head, the presence of “pendeloques” and goatees, the coat color and structure of the hair. The results have shown differences between body variable measurements related to geographical position. In fact, the geographical position has significantly influenced body profiles, IGS and IAT indices (P &lt; 0.0001). The dominant trend of the red color is probably an adaptation character of Maradi goats. Our contribution to define the standard of this breed of red goats should be summary as a population with medium size, short and erect ears, two horns (most developed in males) tilting back, short hair and the presence of a beard (beard developed in males) in both sexes. We also note the presence of “pendeloques” in some animals in the East of Maradi.

Tétano em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul: estudo de 24 surtos

São descritos vinte e quatro surtos de tétano ocorridos no ano 2009 em bovinos de corte em propriedades situadas na região de influência do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD), sul do Rio Grande de Sul. Todos os rebanhos foram submetidos a procedimentos de vacinação e/ou aplicação de anti-helmíntico entre 8 e 25 dias antes do aparecimento dos primeiros sinais clínicos. O tempo de evolução variou de 12 horas até quatro dias. Os sinais clínicos observados foram: prolapso da terceira pálpebra, andar rígido, dificuldade de flexão dos membros e permanência em decúbito lateral com os membros estendidos e afastados do solo (paralisia espástica), pálpebras muito abertas, sialorréia, hiperexcitabilidade, orelhas eretas, trismo mandibular, acúmulo de alimento na cavidade oral e presença de espuma na boca e narinas em alguns casos. Alguns bovinos apresentavam área de necrose e edema hemorrágico circundada por exsudato purulento nos músculos onde havia sido aplicado algum medicamento. O soro sanguíneo e fragmentos de músculo com lesão de animais afetados foram coletados para posterior inoculação em camundongos. No exame histopatológico não foram evidenciadas alterações. O quadro clínico associado aos dados epidemiológicos e a ausência de lesões histológicas permitiram o diagnóstico de tétano. A infecção, provavelmente ocorreu durante o procedimento de vacinação, através injeções intramusculares utilizando agulhas contaminadas. Apesar do tétano não ser uma clostridiose importante na região fica evidenciado que surtos podem ocorrer em função de condições epidemiológicas adequadas e cuidados devem ser tomados para evitar perdas econômicas importantes como as que ocorreram no ano 2009 na região.

Phenotypic Characterization and Production Performance of Village Pigs in Sri Lanka

Village pigs are considered as a valuable component in rural farming systems, especially in the Western coastal area of Sri Lanka. This population is considered stagnated due to the absence of a comprehensive improvement and conservation strategy. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the phenotypic and production attributes and present management and utilization status of these pigs. A total of 60 randomly selected swine farms rearing village pigs in Kalutara, Puttalam, Kurunegala and Chilaw were used for the study. Morphological traits and reproductive performance were measured in males and females separately. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-economic and management information. Thirty nine percent of the farmers had kept crossbreds with village pigs and others had only village pigs. The predominant coat color of the village pigs was black with 85% of them having some skin pigmentations. Mean adult body weight was 50.62±1.92 kg for males and 44.00±3.47 kg for females. The majority of them had erect ears (7 %) with upward or horizontal orientation, while 72 % had narrow straight tails. The village pigs with stocky body shape showed higher girth, height at withers and body length than animals with angular body shape while length and width of head, pairs of teats and tail length were not significantly different (P>0.05) between the two types of body shapes. The mean litter size was 6.4±1.19. The mean days at first farrowing and the farrowing interval were 292±78.3 and 265±74.7 days, respectively. The gestation length recorded in the present study varied between 100 and 115 days. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in reproductive parameters of the individuals found in the four geographical areas except for the age at first farrowing and farrowing interval. Village pigs were reared predominantly under extensive management systems with occasional tethering. Farmers exhibited limited knowledge on pig farming and improved management though they are reared mainly for commercial purposes. Easy management, low cost of production and disease tolerance were the main advantages of village pig farming over other livestock enterprises. DOI: 10.4038/tar.v21i2.2601 Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 21(2): 198-208 (2009)

A Dog's Eye View of Morphological Diversity

A Dog's Eye View of Morphological Diversity