Greater Number Of Animals Research Articles

Brexit and Animal Protection: Legal and Political Context and a Framework to Assess Impacts on Animal Welfare.

Simple SummaryThe British public voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a 2016 referendum and the United Kingdom (UK) is set to leave in March 2019. The UK has been part of the EU or the European Communities (EC) before it for around 50 years. Britain has had a major impact on EU animal protection laws and the UK as a member state has been substantially influenced by EU law. Brexit represents a major political change that will affect animal protection in the UK, the EU and internationally. Given the far greater numbers of animals used in agriculture, the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU on farm animals will determine whether Brexit is overall good or bad for animal protection. A major threat that Brexit poses is importing lower welfare meat and dairy products to the UK. A major opportunity post-Brexit is reform of agricultural policy to reward high animal welfare outside of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A soft Brexit, where the UK remains aligned to the EU in policy and trade, reduces the risks Brexit poses to animal protection. A hard Brexit means major threats to animal welfare are more likely to materialise. Further research is required to investigate whether the various threats and opportunities are likely to materialise and whether Brexit will be, all things considered, good or bad for animal protection.The British people voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a 2016 referendum. The United Kingdom (UK) has been a member of the EU since the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1993 and before that a member of the European Communities (EC) since 1973. EU animal health and welfare regulations and directives have had a major impact on UK animal protection policy. Similarly, the UK has had a substantial impact on EU animal protection. Brexit represents a substantial political upheaval for animal protection policy, with the potential to impact animal welfare in the UK, EU and internationally. Brexit’s impact on farmed animals will determine the overall impact of Brexit on animals. A major threat to animal welfare is from importing lower welfare products. A major opportunity is reform of UK agricultural policy to reward high welfare outside the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A soft Brexit, in which the UK remains in the single market and/or customs union, mitigates the threat of importing lower welfare products. A harder Brexit means threats to animal welfare are more likely to materialise. Whether threats and opportunities do materialise will depend on political considerations including decisions of key political actors. The Conservative Government delivering Brexit has a problematic relationship with animal protection. Furthermore, Brexit represents a shift to the political right, which is not associated with progressive animal protection. There is significant political support in the Conservative Party for a hard Brexit. Further research is required to investigate whether the various threats and opportunities are likely to materialise.

Hepatoprotective effect of a polyherbal formulation and ascorbic acid in paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rabbits

Background: The hepatoprotective effect of a polyherbal formulation was evaluated in female rabbits. The herbal formulation was used alone and in combination with ascorbic acid (AsAc) in animals with paracetamol (ParCM)-induced hepatic damage.
 Methods: The study design included five groups, each comprised of five animals. Group A was the control group (untreated; given only routine diet) while group B was given a single oral dose of ParCM (2 g/kg) on day 9. Groups C, D and E were pretreated with polyherbal formulation (PoHF; 500 mg/kg), ascorbic acid (AsAc; 200 mg/kg) and PoHF (500 mg/kg) combined with ascorbic acid (AsAc; 200 mg/kg), respectively for 9 consecutive days. On the last day (day 9), after 30 minutes of routine treatments, a single dose of ParCM (2 g/kg) was administered in groups C, D and E. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last treatment. Blood and liver samples were collected from all animals. Serum was separated from the blood samples and subjected to biochemical tests for liver biomarker analysis. The biomarkers included alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Elevation of enzyme markers was considered an indicator of hepatocellular injury.
 Results: Serum levels of liver enzymes and total bilirubin were elevated significantly in group B when compared to group A. The level of serobiochemicals significantly dropped in group C but increased significantly in group D, as compared to group B. No statistically significant effect on liver enzymes was observed in group E when compared to group B. Groups D and E showed a significantly higher level of serological parameters as compared to group C. The biochemical findings were further corroborated with histopathological analyses of the liver tissue samples. Histopathological examination of the livers of rabbits in group A showed normal hepatic cell architecture. However, groups B and D revealed severe congestion of the central vein and sinusoids, periportal fibrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells; these parameters were of mild and mostly moderate severity in groups C and E, respectively. The histopathological findings strongly supported the results of the biochemical analyses.
 Conclusion: Thus, our study herein demonstrates that herbal formulation remains an effective means to ameliorate ParCM-induced elevation of serum biochemical parameters and changes to the liver histology. Ascorbic acid induced deteriorating effects in a ParCM-intoxicated rabbit animal mode. Moreover, combination of herbal product and ascorbic acid failed to yield liver protecting effects in ParCM-poisoned animals. The damaging effects of ascorbic acid might be attributed to its pro-oxidant attitude, as reported by many research studies. To expand on these findings further studies are warranted, including evaluating other hepatotoxicity inducers (besides ParCM), testing different doses of ascorbic acid and ParCM, and testing a greater number of animals along with other animal models.

Dietary preference of European wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) grazing grass and legume at two contrasting plant heights: A pilot study

There were two objectives: checking a methodology to test diet preferences in a natural environment and secondly to assess diet preferences of European wild boar in terms of species and plant characteristics when offered in a situation with minimal physical constraints. Five hundred pots (100mm upper diameter, 450 cc volume) were completely filled with soil. Half of the pots were sown with red clover (Trifolium pretense) and half with hybrid ryegrass (Lolium hybridum Hausskn). All pots were irrigated, periodically cut, and maintained outdoors. Then 220 leaves of ryegrass, 201 leaflets of clover and 188 petioles of clover were used to establish a relationship between plant structure dimensions and their dry matter mass. The preference study was conducted in a fenced area (18m length and 11,1m width) with a pasture cut to a height of 3cm (lowest height possible to cover the soil). Four transects were marked separated 2m from each other, and 16 holes within each transect were made 1m apart, in which the pots were buried and anchored. Treatments consisted of the factorial combination of two plant species (red clover and hybrid ryegrass) and two plant heights (12 and 18cm, tall and short, respectively), randomized within each transect (block). During three days, four nose-ringed wild boars grazed the experimental area for one hour and the treatments which they were grazing were recorded every two minutes. Plants structures were measured pre-and post-grazing from marked plants (green thread tied at the base) in each pot to detect consumption and to estimate the amount consumed. Strong correlations were found between plant structures and their dry mass (R2 between 0,83 and 0,89). The methodology was able to show that more dry matter was apparently consumed from clover than ryegrass (P<0.001) and clover had a greater probability of being grazed than ryegrass (P<0.05). Also, the tall plants were consumed more than the short plants (P<0.001) with individual tall plants having a higher probability of being grazed (P<0.05). It is concluded that the novel method proposed was able to detect the diet preferences of wild boar during grazing. Additionally, in this study European wild boar discriminated between plant species and between plant heights, preferring legume over ryegrass and taller over shorter plants. However, more studies with a greater number of animals are necessary to validate these results.

The Efficacy of Cyclic Injection of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Large-Scale Calvarial Bone Defects.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) appears to be one of the most potent growth factors thus far studied. However, recent publications on the clinical application of BMP-2 revealed that its correct control is the paramount issue in clinical practice. For improving BMP-2 delivery, the cyclic administration might be an alternative. Accordingly, the authors cyclically injected BMP-2 in a cyclic injection model of large cranial defects to maintain the proper dosage during the bone healing process. A 10-mm diameter calvarial bone defect was produced using a round drill in 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Silk-hydroxyapatite scaffolds soaked in the appropriate concentration of BMP-2 were implanted into the defect. The animals were split into 4 single-injection groups and 3 multiple-injection groups; the latter groups received weekly subcutaneous injections of BMP-2 solution (1, 5, and 10 μg/mL) for 4 weeks, whereas the former groups received a single injection of BMP-2 at these concentrations. Each rat underwent computed tomography at 8 weeks. In terms of total volumes of the new bone, the 5 μg/mL multiple-injection BMP-2 group had significantly greater increases in bone volume than the single-injection groups. In terms of bone thickness, the multiple-injection groups had better outcomes than the single-injection groups. Thus, the cyclic injection protocol restored the original thickness without overgrowth. Cyclic injection of BMP-2 permits more accurate dosage control than single injection and improves thickness and dense bone regeneration. Therefore, it may represent a promising approach for future clinical trials. Further investigation using a greater number of animals is required.

Relationship between pre-partum body condition score changes, acute phase proteins and energy metabolism markers during the peripartum period in dairy cows

This study evaluated the relationship of pre-partum BCS variations on the acute phase response around parturition and milk production of dairy cows. The animals were divided into two groups: cows that gained BCS from the third to the first week pre-partum (GBC = n 11) and those that lost BCS (LBC = n 9) in the same period. Blood samples were collected pre and post-partum to determine serum concentrations of glucose (GLU), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin (INS), albumin (ALB), paraoxonase (PON), haptoglobin (HP) and blood cell counts. The GBC group showed higher PON concentration in the postpartum (p < .05) and higher ALB concentration both pre and postpartum periods (p < .05), whereas the LBC animals showed a higher HP concentration in both periods (p < .05). Milk yield increased 3 kg/cow/day in the group that increased their BCS (p < .03). The LBC cows showed increased monocyte counts (p < .03), in addition to having a greater number of animals with the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio higher than 1 (p < .03). The remaining parameters did not differ between groups. In conclusion, animals that lost BCS during the pre-partum period demonstrated to have a higher inflammatory status around parturition and lower milk production.

BREEDING ACHIEVEMENT OF BEEF CATTLE-BREEDING OF UKRAINE: ZNAMENSK INTRABREED TYPE OF POLESSIAN BEEF BREED

The aim of our research was to conduct a retrospective analysis and to study the current state of the subjects breeding Znamensk intrabreed type of Polessian Beef breed and to assess main economically useful traits and genealogical structure.&#x0D; Material and methods. Research of productive and economic activity of breeding farms has been carried out based on the electronic database of State Register of Breeding Subjects in Livestock for 2003-2016. Analysis of the number of breeding animals, distribution of cows by age, animals’ live weight, milk (as a calf’s live weight at the age of 7 months) and reproductive abilities has been performed based on breeding account (form №7-myas) for 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016.&#x0D; Results of research. The most breeding farms meet the minimum requirements of the target standard of Znamensk intrabreed type on the main quantitative traits of animal productivity. "Kolos" АLLC, Kirovograd region and «Agrikor Holding" LLC, Chernihiv region were the most numerous. High realization of genetic potential of meat productivity (daily gain of live weight above 1000 g) was observed at animals in «Kolos» АLLC and «Sharivske» PE. There have been sold 222 head of the breeding youngsters for 13 years.&#x0D; The greatest number of animals was observed according to annual reports in 2012. It can be explained by the number of subjects conducting the selection and breeding work with the intrabreed type. The share of cows did not exceed 43.0% (2012), bull – 1.5% (2010), calves of different gender and age groups – 66.1% (2014). 85.5% of all the available breeding stock (5369 head) was approved and 67.8% corresponded to elite and elite-record classes.&#x0D; Live weight of the approved cows has increased by 7.5% at the age of 3 years, 9.7% at the age of 4 years and 11.1% at the age of 5 years since 2010. Differential for live weight of cows at the age of 4 and 5 years was 9 and 11 kg on the average.&#x0D; There was adequate number of animals, live weight of which was in a wide range, that is from 551 kg and above. So, such cows were 111 head in 2010 and 234 head in 2016. These cows realise genetic makings of high productivity sufficiently and they are material for selecting the best representatives of Znamensk intrabreed type.&#x0D; Gradual increase of milk ability was noted from 2010 till 2016 after the first calving by 13.7%, the second – 12.2, the third – 11.7, and by 11.9% on average. Differential for milk ability of cows was 5 kg (2010, 2012), 11 kg (2014) and 2 kg (2016) on average.&#x0D; Average calving interval of cows for the period are oscillatory in nature and didn’t exceed 420 days during 2010-2014. Gradual increase of age at first calving of heifers by 101 days was observed from 2010 to 2014 with reduction to 824 days for next two years. It should be noted violation of course of cows’ and heifers’ calvings, it was 29 and 36 cases in 2010 and 2012 respectively, whereas in subsequent periods, these values were significantly lower or non-existent. It may indicate a high level of veterinary services and compliance of technologies of feeding and management.&#x0D; Efficiency of beef cattle-breeding depends on the growing of calves. Analysis of the results shows that live weight of calves at the age of 210 days has increased in each investigational year. The values are oscillatory in nature between 8 and 15 months. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed and proven – bull-calves had higher growth rate compared to heifers.&#x0D; Significant reduction in the livestock number of the approved bloodlines and their absence in some cases (Radyst 113 and Darovanyi 400) was observed. This is due to the increased share of Polessian Beef and Charolais bulls used for reproduction. There were 139 cows, 27 heifers and 13 calves in group belonging to Polessian Beef and Charolais bloodlines in 2012, whereas in 2014, 281, 193 and 18 respectively, representing 81% of the total population.&#x0D; Conclusions. The research revealed that livestock of the type were concentrated in «Agrikor Holding» breeding farm, Pryluky district, Chernihiv region with a total of 922 head, including 348 cows. Productivity of animals by the valuation results at the beginning of 2016 (live weight, milk ability, reproduction) significantly increased. Current genealogical structure of Znamensk intrabreed type was represented by bulls belonging to Polessian Beef and Charolais bloodlines, share of which was 81%.

Impact or push-off lameness presentation is not altered by the type of track surface where horses are trotted

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the track surface on which horses are examined, regarding the phase of lameness presentation. Ten horses with lameness in at least one limb were evaluated with wireless inertial sensors on three track surfaces (concrete, loose sand and grass). Six crossover track sequences were established. The variables vector sum, maximum and minimum height of the head and pelvis, variation coefficient of the maximum and minimum height of the head and pelvis were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey test to compare means between track surface and sequence, at 5% significance level. The lameness phase (impact or pushoff) was analyzed considering the proportion of affected animals. There were no differences on vector sum, maximum and minimum height or variation coefficient of head and pelvis. Difference was observed on the number of strides registered on sand compared to grass and concrete (p &lt;0.0001) for fore and hindlimbs. Impact lameness on forelimbs was presented by a larger number of animals on the concrete surface; pushoff lameness was more evident on the grass surface. In the hindlimbs, impact lameness was more evident on the grass surface, while pushoff lameness was in greater number of animals on concrete surfaces. The track sequence on which horses were trotted during evaluation does not seem to be a factor, but the number of lame horses and the phase of lameness manifestation can vary between track surfaces, as some horses showed impact lameness on soft ground and elevation lameness on hard ground.

How many are there? Multiple-covariate distance sampling for monitoring pampas deer in Corrientes, Argentina

Context The pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is an endangered species in Argentina. Scarce information exists about one of the four last populations that survive in Corrientes province, where direct counts estimated a population of &lt;500 individuals. Aims To evaluate the status of the pampas deer population in Corrientes by applying a standardised methodology and to develop methodological recommendations for future deer monitoring. Methods We conducted six population censuses between 2007 and 2010, using line transects placed on roads throughout 1200 km2 of grasslands in the Aguapey region, Corrientes, Argentina. From a moving vehicle, we counted every pampas deer group observed along transects. We used Distance 6.0 and its multiple-covariate distance sampling engine to estimate deer density, while exploring the potential effect of roads, habitat type, hour, season, observer experience and survey effort on deer occurrence and density estimation. Key results The occurrence of pampas deer was irrespective of transect location (minor or major road) but a greater number of animals was detected over transects in minor roads and in areas covered by grasslands with young pine plantations. We estimated a density of 1.17 individuals km–2 (s.e. = 0.52), and habitat type was the most important covariate for density estimation. We estimated a total population of 1495 deer (95% CI = 951–2351, CV = 23.27%) for the Aguapey region in Argentina. Conclusions Corrientes hosts one of the largest populations of pampas deer in Argentina, with ~1000 individuals. The fact that we estimated a larger population than did previous studies could be explained either by actual population growth during the past 10 years, or by the use of more exhaustive and sophisticated sampling design and data analysis. Implications Population surveys using covariate distance sampling on ground line transects can provide more realistic population estimates than do other simpler methods. Our population estimates and methods can be used as a baseline for future monitoring of this population, as long as factors such as sampling effort, type of roads for locating transects, and habitat type are considered in future analysis.

Dietary mannoheptulose has differential effects on fasting and post-prandial glucose oxidation in Labrador Retrievers

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary mannoheptulose (MH; 2 mg kg−1), a glycolytic inhibitor, on glucose oxidation and biomarkers of energy metabolism in neutered, adult, male Labrador Retriever dogs (N = 6). Fasting and post-prandial respiratory quotient (RQ) and energy expenditure (EE) were determined by indirect calorimetry (d 16). Glucose turnover and oxidation were assessed during fasting and repeated meal feeding using indirect calorimetry and a constant intravenous infusion of U-13C-glucose (d 18). A sample from the biceps femoris was obtained to determine the muscle protein content of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC; total and phosphorylated forms; d 21). MH did not affect EE, serum glucose, insulin or free fatty acids or ACC protein content. In fasting, MH significantly increased the fasting RQ (p = 0.01) and glucose oxidation (p = 0.01) and tended to decrease the ratio of phosphorylated to total AMPK protein content (p = 0.16). In contrast, post-prandial glucose oxidation tended to be lower (p = 0.14) in dogs fed MH. These results suggest that MH has differential effects on fasting and post-prandial whole body glucose and fat oxidation. However, further research that uses a greater number of animals and/or higher dose of MH is required.

G.P.120: The Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE-1): A promising novel target for DMD

Abnormal intracellular calcium load is one of the most consistent findings in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) but previous attempts to improve the dystrophic pathology with calcium antagonists have been unsuccessful. However, there is an intriguing possibility of restoring calcium homeostasis indirectly by exploiting the relationship between the Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE-1) and the Sodium/Calcium Exchanger (NCX). NHE-1 has been reported to be abnormally overactive in DMD models, leading to an increased influx of sodium which in turn switches the NCX into reserve mode leading to calcium influx. Using selective NHE-1 inhibitors the influx of sodium can be reduced thereby allowing the NCX to revert back to normal mode, where calcium is extruded, thus reducing the cellular calcium load. In collaboration with our industrial partner Peacock Pharma, we have demonstrated the potential of NHE-1 inhibition in the mdx mouse model for DMD by chronically treating animals with a novel NHE-1 inhibitor. The pilot study showed significantly reduced calcium uptake in treated mice (<i>n</i>=6) using manganese enhanced MRI (MEMRI). Manganese acts as a contrast agent in T1 weighted MRI and is thought to be taken up by cardiac and skeletal muscle by the same receptors as calcium. There was also an increase in functional grip strength, although not statistically significant the results are nevertheless encouraging and indicate the potential of this novel approach in DMD. This is currently being investigated more thoroughly using a greater number of animals (<i>n</i>=12) treated chronically via drug in chow over 6-months and assessed using MEMRI and grip test. In addition, in vitro calcium-flux assays (e.g. Fluo-4) are used to determine the potency and investigate the mechanism of action of this drug. The objective of our study is to provide the requisite pre-clinical data that would enable these drugs to progress towards clinical trials.

Mitigation of enteric methane for French cattle: potential extent and cost of selected actions

The purpose of this study was (i) to select options for enteric methane abatement in French conditions, while maintaining production and changing practices but not systems, and (ii) to evaluate the extent of abatement and its cost from 2010 to 2030. Two options were selected: supplying unsaturated fats, and using nitrates as a dietary additive in the diet. Unsaturated fats resulted in a higher abatement, because a greater number of animals were concerned by the option, but incurred a higher total cost and a higher cost per ton of CO2-equivalent avoided. The results were sensitive to methodology, and to variations in the choice of fats and in the cost of ingredients, among other factors. Given their cost, evaluated in the frame of a marginal abatement cost curve, these options will require strong public policies for their application.

100 COMPARISON OF PREGNANCY RATES OF FRESH IN VITRO-PRODUCED BOS INDICUS EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN THE SAME LABORATORY BUT COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED IN PANAMA OR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Because of Panama's stricter sanitary status, a specialised protocol was developed with the Department of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic to legalize the exchange of biological materials (oocytes/embryos). This protocol allows the team of specialised technicians, currently working in Born® Animal Biotechnology's Panamanian facility, to operate using the same in vitro bovine embryo production system (IVP, In vitro Brasil®) to service Dominican producers. Because the donors are not located at a specific centre with controlled sanitary management, a special protocol was developed in which blood tests were done to certify that the entirety of the herd at each client's farm was free of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, DBVD, leptospirosis, leucosis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. As timing during IVP is an essential variable that can have detrimental effects on the final results, precautions were taken to ensure that the oocytes arrived at the Panamanian laboratory facility within 24 h of aspiration. A portable incubator was used to transport oocytes and embryos during the import and export portions of the procedure. A comparison of pregnancy rates based on oocyte source and recipient transfers from September 2012 until May 2013 was analysed with ?2 (Table 1). The number of embryos produced in Panama was significantly higher than in the Dominican Republic, which was likely due to the larger number of donors and oocytes from the Panama herd. However, pregnancy rate was higher in the Dominican Republic likely because of the health status of the Dominican recipients, which were free of the diseases mentioned above. Recipients were the same type and breed and under similar management conditions in both countries. The disease status aspect will be examined with greater numbers of animals in the future. The data suggest that the present IVP and recipient management protocols could serve as a model for other Central American and Caribbean countries under similar management systems. Table 1.In vitro embryo production and pregnancy rates of Bos indicus embryos transferred in Panama or the Dominican Republic (September 2012 through May 2013)

Radio‐tracking three Sugar Gliders using forested highway median strips at Bongil Bongil National Park, north‐east New South Wales

SummaryMajor roads and highways disrupt ecological flows and create barriers or filters to the movement of many species of wildlife, including gliding mammals. Mitigating these impacts presents major challenges for road authorities. One approach has been the retention of forest vegetation in median strips to serve as ‘stepping stones’ for gliding mammals to cross road gaps otherwise beyond their glide capacity. A recently upgraded section of the Pacific Highway through tall open forest near Bonville in north‐east New South Wales retained forest within two 10‐ to 45‐m‐wide median strips separating each carriageway and a service road. We investigated whether Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) used these median strips to cross an 85 to 135 m‐wide road corridor. Three radio‐collared Sugar Gliders (one male and two females) moved between both highway medians and forest on either side of the road corridor during 32 days of radio‐tracking. Although the sample size is small, these results suggest that highway median strips, featuring mature vegetation with a major den tree, can provide ‘stepping stones’ for gliding mammals to cross a highway that would otherwise function as a movement barrier or filter. Longer‐term research with greater numbers of animals at this and other sites is required to determine whether such strips would be commonly used when den trees are absent and whether gliding via median strips may also increase road mortality of the species.

Casuística dos exames de diagnóstico por imagem na medicina de animais selvagens - 2009 a 2010

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate in the casuistry on class and systems frequently diagnosed in wild animals that were sent to the FMVZ-UNESP-Botucatu diagnostic imaging service. The class of birds was the most referred to the centers, followed by the mammals and reptiles. The majority of the requested tests were the radiographs and in a minor scale the tomography and ultrasound. Although the birds were the greatest number of animals sent to the service, mammals were the most radiographed for wound control. The most frequently observed system was the musculoskeletal caused by trauma, especially in birds. The radiograph was the most exam initially indicated, then the animal could be forwarded to other imaging modalities, which in wild animals medicine is still limited to research.

Hemodynamic Changes in Dogs With Diffuse Hepatic Neoplasia Detected by Doppler Ultrasonography

For the purpose of conferring additional information to B-mode ultrasound in the diagnosis of diffuse hepatic diseases, this study aimed to assess liver hemodynamics by Doppler ultrasonography in dogs with diffuse hepatic neoplasia. Were included 11 dogs with histopathologic diagnosis of hepatic neoplasia (7 lymphoma, 4 hepatocellular carcinoma), and diffuse echotexture and echogenicity changes, without detectible nodular lesions in ultrasound. Intrahepatic vascularization, main portal vein and hepatic artery flow were assessed by color and spectral Doppler. A control group of 10 healthy dogs was included. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher test. Comparing clinical and control group, it was observed that hemodynamic changes associated with diffuse hepatic neoplasia, detected by Doppler ultrasonography, were: common hepatic artery dilation (p = 0.035) and altered intrahepatic vascular pattern by color Doppler mapping (p = 0.001), such as hypervascularity with chaotic distribution of vessels, luminal compression and vascular deviation course, associated or not, with the presence of aliasing. Spectral Doppler showed arterial flow with high systolic peak or low resistivity index. Intrahepatic hemodynamic changes detected by Doppler ultrasonography may help to identify diffuse hepatic neoplasia in dogs, adding information to B-mode exam. More studies with great number of animals are necessary to confirm these data.

Stryphnodendron adstringens extract associated with the hooves trimming surgical procedure for the treatment of bovine digital dermatitis

Hoof care, lesion curettage, and application of 5 % Stryphnodendron adstringens bark extract (S. adstringens (Mart.) Coville) or 3 % copper sulfate on surgical wounds of cattle were carried out in this research. A total of 180 cattle with digital dermatitis were used. They were distributed into six groups of 30 animals each (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, GV, and GVI). In GI and GII, only the sick digit was trimmed; in GIII and GIV, both sick and healthy digits of the lesioned limb were trimmed; and in GV and GVI, all digits were trimmed. During the postoperative period, 5 % S. adstringens extract was applied in GI, GIII, and GV, and 3 % copper sulfate solution was applied in GII, GIV, and GVI. After 60 days of evaluation, the data were analyzed using the Chi-squared test (p ≤ 0.05). Both therapeutic protocols utilizing surgical curettage of the lesions were efficient for treating digital dermatitis. However, when the procedure is followed by the trimming of sick and healthy digits, the healing is optimized and a greater number of animals are rehabilitated.

Correlation of a strong Alaska Coastal Current with the presence of beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas near Barrow, Alaska

Oceanographic features and physical processes in the ocean can create regions where prey, and therefore predators, may accumulate. Beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas are the most numerous cetacean in the Arctic. In the Alaskan Beaufort Sea, they prefer continental slope habitat in summer and autumn, presumably because such areas provide enhanced foraging opportunities. Passive acoustic detections of beluga whale calls, current velocity measurements, historical wind records, and 29 yr of beluga whale observations from aerial surveys were used to explore the hypothesis that the foraging success of beluga whales in Barrow Canyon and along the western Beaufort Sea slope is enhanced when the Alaska Coastal Current (ACC) is well- developed and flows east-northeastward and is diminished when the flow of the ACC and its shelf break extension are reversed. Aerial sightings of beluga whales, average observed beluga whale group size, and hours with whale vocalizations were more common when the ACC was well- developed and flowed east-northeastward. When the ACC flow is strong, it is separated from Arctic basin waters by a well-defined front that promotes aggregation of prey species. We specu- late that the greater numbers of animals per group sighted and hours with recorded vocalizations may be indicative of enhanced foraging opportunities for beluga whales.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in a Porcine Model: A Step to Achalasia Patients

See Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Treating Achalasia in an Animal Model: A Feasibility Study by Byoung Wook Bang, Young Chul Choi, Hyung Gil Kim, et al., on page 54-58 Achalasia is an idiopathic motility disorder that results from degeneration of the myenteric plexus in the wall of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).1 In esophageal manometry, achalasia is characterized by impaired relaxation of LES and loss of peristalsis in the body of the esophagus. Achalasia results in severe dysphagia for solids and liquids. Additional symptoms can also develop such as chest pain, regurgitation, aspiration, weight loss, and irreversible dilatation of the esophageal body. The therapy for achalasia focuses on the forced relaxation of the LES by endoscopic method or surgery. The treatment modalities using endoscopy or surgery have mainly included endoscopic pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been introduced as a novel endoscopic procedure for the treatment of achalasia. A submucosal esophageal myotomy was first described in a porcine model by Pasricha et al.,2 and POEM was first performed to achalasia patients by Inoue et al.3 Since 2010, several small-sized case series for POEM have shown safety and excellent short-term outcomes.4-6 The advantages of POEM are theoretically based on those of endoscopic operation such as no skin incisions, decreased pain, and less blood loss. Furthermore, POEM incorporates the advantage of LHM consisted of durable surgical myotomy and single procedure. A recent porcine study showed that the preservation of longitudinal muscle layer does not compromise the effectiveness of the myotomy.7 In a paper published in Clinical Endoscopy, Bang et al.8 reported a study that evaluated the feasibility of POEM in a porcine model. The authors showed successful POEM procedure and no definite perioperative complications in two mini pigs. After 2 weeks from POEM procedure, the histopathologic evaluation of the necropsy specimens revealed complete loss of the inner circular muscle and replaced fibrosis at the myotomy site. The authors concluded that POEM is a technically feasible treatment in the animal model. This study has several limitations. First, the authors used only two pigs in the study. Second, the observation period was short for follow-up after the procedure. Third, the authors did not perform esophageal manometry to analyze the difference of LES pressure before and after the procedure. However, this study seems to be a step for transition of the treatment method for achalasia in the near future. In addition, this study was the first animal study of POEM in Korea. The porcine model is the most useful animal model for training in POEM because of its anatomy being similar to that of humans, although the normal porcine esophagus is thinner than the human achalasia-affected esophagus. And the porcine esophageal submucosal space is softer and more easily dissected than in humans. However, ex vivo porcine explants are a useful model for training of POEM as well as in vivo training.9 Several clinical data for POEM in human have been recently published. They suggest that POEM may soon replace traditional esophageal myotomy as the surgical treatment of choice for achalasia. A major advantage of POEM is the ability to control myotomy length. In POEM, myotomy is usually performed more than 10 cm and may be as long as 25 cm in previous case series.10 In contrast, surgical myotomy can be performed only a maximum of 8 cm in the length. POEM also permits any myotomy length required and in any direction, without injury to surrounding structures. Therefore, POEM can be considered for surgically failed cases or previous POEM failure cases. These are very important and major advantages of POEM. In study of Bang et al.,8 the authors did not detect any evidences of complications in necropsy. However, previous human studies reported postoperative subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum on clinical grounds or computed tomography scan.9 Mild forms of pneumomediastinum or subcutaneous emphysema had no clinical consequences such as pneumomediastinum during thoracoscopic surgery. Other complications such as peritonitis, penumoperitoneum, and mucosal damage at the esophagogastric junction have been noted, too. However, most complications were ameliorated by conservative and medical treatment. Further long-term studies with a large number of patients from different centers are awaited. In Korea, few centers have performed POEM for achalasia patients since November 2011. The first Korean study of POEM in human will be published soon. However, further studies with a greater number of animals are still needed to evaluate other issues such as repeated sessions of myotomy, multiple myotomy at different sites, or training system using ex vivo or in vivo animal model.

Beyond Vaccination:

Beyond Vaccination:

Objectives and applications of phenotyping network set‐up for livestock

Providing phenotypic information, which is accurate, reliable, repeatable and comparable across countries or laboratories, is critical to gain a better understanding of the relationship between genes and phenotypes. So far, it is indeed extremely difficult to combine different sources of phenotypic data from multiple origins, partly because of the variability in the methods of phenotyping. The phenotyping program of livestock involves the definition of complex phenotypes obtained from data integration at different levels (from molecules to herds), the implementation of the latest technologies to accurately characterize at high speed and low cost, the greatest number of animals in a better characterized environment, and the development and sharing of large databases for data analysis and modeling. Such a program also involves the construction of a coordinated network of research and professional facilities and a common language with shared definition of unambiguous animal traits and of methods to assess them. To this end, it will build on the 'Animal Trait Ontology of Livestock' (ATOL) project with the objective of defining precisely the phenotypes of interest for farm animals. Then, it will be necessary to combine an environmental information system related to animal husbandry and associated methods to capture the phenotypic differences between animals.