Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Research Articles

An Acellular Anti-Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine Efficiency Test in Wistar Rats

The researches were made between February and May 2009 within the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. A number of 6 B. bronchiseptica free adolescent female Wistar rats were infected intranazally with a field isolate of B. bronchiseptica isolated from a pneumonic pig and the same B. bronchiseptica strain was ultrasound disintegrated for the preparation of the acellular vaccine. Three rats were subcutaneously vaccinated in days 14 and 28 after infection and in day 60 after infection all rats were euthanized through atlo-occipital dislocation under ethylic ether anaesthezia. Blood samples, lung and trachea portions were collected for bacteriological and serological tests. Clinical observations, serological and bacteriological findings showed a good protection given by the vaccine.

THE VALIDATION OF THE DNA EXTRACTION METHOD FROM APIS MELLIFERA L.

The validation of the method of DNA extraction from Apis mellifera L. tissue was the aim of our work. The honeybee samples were harvested from the apiary of the Department of Technology of Honeybee Rearing from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj–Napoca in August 2007. DNA was extracted according to the protocol proposed by Hunt et al., 1999 and modified by Wilkes and Oldroyd, 2003. The NANODROP device was used for purity measurements. In order to elaborate the validation protocol the following parameters were calculated: detection limit, quantification limit, repeatability, reproducibility and uncertainty.

PARTICULARITIES OF COLLATERALS AND TERMINALS OF EXTERNAL ILIAC ARTERIES IN HORSE

he present study deals with some anatomical aspects observed during in the circulatory system in horse during the normal didactical activities in the Department of Comparative Anatomy of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca. Based on the dissections carried on 20 horse hind limb parts we concluded that there is a certain amount of individual plasticity in the case of some arteries, considered as collaterals or terminals in the pelvic and thigh area.

USING ANIMALS IN EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES: STUDENTS OPINION

What is your opinion about using animals in educat ional purposes? The third year students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cl uj-Napoca were asked this question; at the end of the first semester of the academic year 2006/2007. From the 97 interrogated students; 90 answered this question; respectively 9 2.78 %. The students answers were varied. 11 from them (12.22 %) declared themselves completely against using animals in educational purposes. It has to be mentioned that this question was not especially concerning a particular animal type (animals for experiments; mammals etc.). 12 students (13.33 %) were totally for it. The main part of the students (74.44 %) said th ey were in favour of it; if animals suffering was decreased as much as possible; respectively som e animals were replaced by alternative methods (simulators; PC softwares) or by invertebra te animals. Here are some of the students answers: „It is necessary to use animals in this purpose; b ut it is also mandatory to respect animals needs. At the same time I don’t agree to us e dogs; cats or big animals. I agree to rats and mices use.” „I agree under circumstances that a small number o f animals are used; invertebrates prefferably; and that they are correctly treated du ring expermentation.” „In the most cases animals used in educational pur poses are subjected to inhumane

THE RELATION BETWEEN COGGINS TEST AND ELISA IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA

In the present study 28 horses were used, of which 20 females and 8 males, with ages between 1 and 18 years from Bistrita Nasaud county. For the diagn ose of EIA the official international test (agar ge l immunodiffusion - AGID) was performed in the Sanitary Veterinary Laboratory and for Animal Health in Bistrita, according to the national control plan fo r the disease, in this region (biannual testing). The horses diagnosed as positive to EIA (between 1998 and 2005) were then retested through an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (the IDEXX EIA cELISA kit) at various periods after their positivity (between 1 an d 7.5 years) to check their disease status. This test was performed on horses' serum at the end of 2006 in t he Laboratory of Infectious Disease Department from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca. After AGID testing, 23 out of 28 tested horses resulted as inf ected with EIAV and the rest of 5 had negative reac tions The results of cELISA were interpreted both visually (a color change) and spectrophotometrical (using the PR1100 Bio- Rad model). From the 23 horses positive at AGID, only 20 presented positive cELISA reactions. The number of negative reactions for EIAV using cELISA increased to 8 horses. Three of the previously posi tive AGID tested horsed turned negative when retested through ELISA (one after 7.5 years, the second after 6.5 years and the third after 1 year from the original testin g). This can be due to the transition of these hors es in an asymptomatic stage of infection, with no circulatin g virus respectively antibodies, at the moment of t esting. Correlation of AGID and CELISA results are excellent if standardized protocols are followed.

RESEARCHES REGARDING ANTI-MALASSEZIA ANTIBODIES PRODUCTION USING RABBIT HYPER-IMMUNIZATION

The capacity of the yeast from genus Malassezia to determinate antibody production by repetitively and increased dosage inoculations in experience animals was demonstrated in this experiment, using rabbit hyper-immunization (1,2,3). The researches took place between March and July 2007, within the Microbiology Department of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Two rabbit groups were used, one for antigen inoculation and a control group, each formed of three animals. M. pachydermatis 19 strain isolated from a dog with otitis was treated with ultrasounds in order to obtain the antigen. This antigen was used for rabbit inoculation and as antigen in immunological reactions for antibody detection in rabbit sera. Inoculation number, doses and inoculation path are presented in table one:

EFFECTS OF MICRO-IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ON LETTUCE PRODUCTION

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for producing high-value lettuce, grown in protected area, irrigated with micro-sprinkler and surface drip systems. The experiments were carried out in 2004-2006, in glass-covered solarium within the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. We utilized two irrigation method’s: drip irrigation and micro-sprinkler irrigation and three irrigation levels were established for each irrigation method. From the combination of the two irrigation method and the three times of watering resulted six experimental variants. Production of lettuce obtained at variants are presented in the following table. Water use efficiency was higher in case of drip irrigation in comparison to micro-sprinkler irrigation. The results obtained show the usefulness of drip irrigation in vegetable growing which considerably decreased water consumption and maintained proper moisture conditions for lettuce growth and yielding. Reducing irrigation had resulted in significant decrease of marketable yield. This was accompanied by a decrease in the crop water use, as a consequence of inadequate soil moisture in the rooting zone. Results also showed that water deficit reduced average fresh weight and dry matter of individual lettuces by an average varying between 20 to 30%. A significant reduction in the number of leaves per head was also obtained in the stressed treatments.

The Influence of Fructification Managing and Fertilization

In the experiments effectuated in 2007, at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in a Venlo type greenhouse, the fructification managing and fertilization of medium-long fruit cucumbers was studied. During the experiment, observations regarding early and total yield as well as fruit commercial quality have been done. For the variant for which fruits were placed both on the main stem and on the shoots early yield efficiencies of 30.7% and total yield efficiencies of 22.9% were recorded in comparison with the variants for which the fruits were placed just on the main stem. The fertilization way influenced both early and total yield difference significant positive being recorded in case of root + foliar fertilization given the root fertilization. Under combined influence of experimental factors, both for early and for total yield, the best results were obtained by variant with managing of fructification both on main stem and shoots, root + foliar fertilized.

EX SITU CONSERVATION OF SEVERAL SPECIES OF SUCCULENT

The species of succulent plants belong to several families of angiosperms and are spread throughout several regions of the globe. In nature, many species of succulent plants are endangered, especially as a result of human intervention in their natural habitats. In the climatic conditions of Transylvania, Romania, a large number of succulent plants can be successfully cultivated outdoors during their entire growth period by means of a special conditioning of the soil with plastic foil and pebbles. Most of the species under scrutiny in the Agrobotanical Garden of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca have shown a good or satisfactory development. Two species only have shown an unsatisfactory development. In case of the plants that have been kept unprotected during the entire year, 7 taxons out of 9 have shown a good development, one taxon a satisfactory response and one taxon an unsatisfactory response. In case of the plants that require protection during their dormant period, out of 114 examined taxons, belonging to 100 species, 102 taxons have shown a good response, 12 taxons a satisfactory response and only one taxon an unsatisfactory response. All the species under scrutiny have shown a harmonious development showing a nature-like habit, thanks to the favourable weather conditions during their growing period (summer). Plants originating directly from natural areas, as well as those belonging to endangered species have shown a harmonious development and good vitality.

The candidates profile at the admission session July, 2006 and the professional motivation of the next students of horticulture faculty.

This sociological research claims to contribute at the accomplishment of some managerial strategies that want to ameliorate the quality of the educational act of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca.

RESEARCHES CONCERNING PLANT DIRECTING METHOD AND FERTILIZATION METHOD ON EGGPLANT CULTIVATED IN PLASTIC TUNNELS

The aim and the objectives of the experiments effectuated at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania, was to establish the best plant directing method and the fertilization method for eggplant cultivated in plastic tunnel covered with durable polyethylene film in a less favourable area. During the experience the following observations have been done: crop dynamic; early and total yield; fruit quality. The directing method of plants influences both early and total yield. So, for the variants with plants directed with 3 branches the yield increase was 58.6% for early yield and 7.5% for the total yield comparative with the variants with undirected plants. Fertilization method influenced mostly the early yield. For the weekly fertilization the yield difference was significant positive given the control (monthly fertilization). If we take in consideration the total yield variants with weekly fertilization had a yield increase about 9.2% given the control but the yield differences were not assured statistically. Under the combined influence of factors the best results, for both early and total yield, were obtained by the variants with plant directed with 2 respectively 3 branches and weekly fertilization.

(244) Genetic Breeding of Gladiolus hybridus in Romania

Gladiolus is one of the most popular flower crops grown in Romania. The breeding program at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca of this species has been especially focused on the improvement of main characteristics, such as color, number and form of florets, plant height, multiplication capacity, diseases resistance, etc. A program for genetic breeding of gladiolus varieties using different genitors (Romanian and foreign cultivars) was initiated. An intraspecific crossing between cultivars has been made followed by clonal selection and vegetative multiplication of the selections. In this paper, we show 15 new gladiolus selections, which were observed and analyzed in 2004–05. The selections obtained have a great uniformity of their morphological characteristics. These selections are more vigorous, producing greater number of florets with superior quality, have new colors of flower, and are distinguished by a long blooming time. The intraspecific variability of the above-mentioned characteristics was more than low, and rarely medium, high, or very high. These data suggest fair possibilities to choose the best selections that will be proposed for testing and homologation as new cultivars. The hybrids represent a step forward in combining high qualities in gladiolus. They will contribute to improving the assortment of gladiolus for cut flowers, landscape, or as genetic material, which can be used for new crossing in order to obtain new cultivars. Scientifically, a series of findings appeared considering the combining capacity of genitors, transmission of some useful qualities, and other aspects that contribute to improve of the new varieties.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM ON THE FOLIAR SURFACE OF THE CUCUMBERS CULTIVATED IN THE SOLARIUM

The data presented in this paper has been picked during an expansive experience, where, beside the influence of the irrigation system on the foliar surface of the cucumbers, it has been also analyzed the effects of this factor over the output and its quality, over the growth and the fructification, over the water consumption etc. The experiences were carried out between 2003-2005, in one of the greenhouse-solarium of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj–Napoca. We organized six experimental variants, each one with three repetitions: half of the variants have been irrigated by dripping and the other half by furrow irrigation, and by using for each irrigation method the three minimum ceiling watering: when the soil humidity reach 50%, 70% and 90% from the active humidity interval (A.H.I.). The six experimental variants were noted down by a letter, which indicates the method used (F – furrow irrigation and D – dripping irrigation) and followed by a number that indicates the moment of the watering in percents from the A.H.I.

CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE ROLES OF THE SDE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The current paper is part of a complex study regarding the role and activity of experimental didactical stations, which appertain to the universities, regarding the practical activity and the scientific research of academic faculty and students. The main objective of the present paper is to analyze the concept of marketing education, by analyzing the relations between university and society, one of the topics in the current international debate. The universities have to adapt their marketing mix in order to offer an attractive educational package. In order to do that, learning should pass the class walls by incorporating technical and complex disciplines, the most important are those which combine theoretical and experimental items having a major importance. In the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca this desideratum was and can very much be obtain in The Experimental Didactical Station Cluj-Napoca. The Experimental Didactical Station of USAMV Cluj-Napoca was founded in 1869. Even in the beginning of its activity SDE constituted the general basis of developing the practical instruction and scientifically research activities made by the teachers and students making it a powerful center of spreading the new in agriculture in Transylvanian and throughout the country. We consider necessary to review and point out its role in higher agriculture learning, so that objectives of educational process, the fact of learning does not regard only theoretical knowledge’s but also each person’s competence to adapt to real life situation, new once, to work in a team, to apply what they learn.

STREPTOCARPUS - FLOWERING POT PLANT - PROPAGATION AND CULTURE

In the last years in Romania and throughout the world we assist at diversification of floral plants assortment by introducing new species and cultivars. For this goal, at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Floriculture Department we diversified and enriched the collection for indoor plants with a pot species, which decorates by flowers, Streptocarpus x hybridus. In this work are presented the main morphological and biological characteristics, propagation by seeds and vegetative propagation, growth requirements, the main diseases and pests of this species, in order to recommend it for indoor culture.

Research on the biology of Oenothera biennis L. species

Oenothera biennis L., a biennial plant is recommended in the treatment and healing of wounds, sore throat; it also possesses cleansing, emollient and antidiarrhoeia properties. Seeds of Oenothra biennis L. are rich in fatty oils possessing important therapeutically qualities due to the presence of linolenic gamma acid. The biological investigations carried out at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca point out that vegetation period in plants in their first year is of about 182 days, and about 119 in plants in their 2nd vegetation.

Research on Performance of Synthetical Pheromonal Traps Properties in Studying Biology of Synanthedon Myopaeformis (Borkhausen, 1789) Specie

The discovery of specific sexual pheromon (VOERMAN S. and collaborators, 1978; SZÖCS G. and collaborators, 1989) opened the perspective for catching the male adults from their natural living space, offering the possibility of clearing up the aspects of pairing, and investigation of some aspects about population evolution, things that make the link with some other biologic growing phases, like: laying down the eggs, the larvae out coming. The research method consist in using standard sticky traps made by Chemistry Research Institute „Raluca Ripan” Cluj-Napoca, witch were tooled up with seven synthetic pheromone types. 
 The experiment performed over three years since 2006 in The Fruit-growing Research and Development Resort Bistriţa in cooperation with Chemistry Research Institute „Raluca Ripan” Cluj-Napoca and University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. From that seven types of pheromones used as baits, the most valuable, proved to be V6 (Z3, Z13 – 18 Ac 100% 0,1 mg) witch showed the biggest selectivity of appeal, the biggest appeal power, longevity and long lasting uniformity of the appeal power.

THE INFLUENCE OF TILLAGE SYSTEMS UPON THE SOIL HUMIDITY

Our study presents the influence of conventional plough tillage system on water conservation in comparison with the alternative minimum tillage system: paraplow, chisel plow and rotary harrow (which 30% of the crop residue remains on the soil surface). The influence of tillage soil system upon water supply accumulated in soil was studied on Faeoziom Argic Stagnic Soil at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. The tests were carried out between 2006 and 2007. The experimental field had a slope between 7-10%, characterized through annual average values of precipitations between 550-650 mm, and medium annual temperatures of 8.0-8.2C. The complex processes of the soil are influenced by soil tillage systems directly related by the water movement in the soil. This is represented by a series of characteristic inducted to soil through the way of soil tillage: infiltration, percolation, astriction, capillary ascending, and water lose. The water reserve cumulated into soil, during the vegetation period is influenced by the type of soil tillage. The influence of the soil tillage upon the water accumulation into the soil is well distinguished through the high values of infiltration from 28.5 cm on the experimental variant tilled with plough to 29.6-35.7 cm/h on the minimum tilled experimental variants. Table 1 The influence of soil tillage upon water reserve, infiltration and hidraulic conductivity