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Summary Submucosal and mucosal nerve plexuses in the ovine forestomach were examined by immunohistochemical staining for protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and for S-100 protein (S-100), using whole-mount specimens that had been prepared by treatment with KOH. Nerve fibers of various sizes and glial cells (i.e., Schwann cells and satellite cells) were stained with antibodies against PGP 9.5 and S-100 respectively. The network of the submucosal plexus in the rumen is irregular and some nerve bundles in the plexus cross over other bundles. Some of the nerve bundles penetrate the ruminal papillae. The submucosal plexus in the reticulum consists of a network in the reticular wall and the reticular folds. The submucosal plexus in the omasum is also divided into two segments; namely, the sublaminar and the intralaminar plexuses. Most of the submucosal ganglion cells are unipolar and smooth-surfaced, being located singly or in small groups. A few perikarya were detected in the ruminal papillae. The number of perikarya per unit surface area is greater in the caudal portion of the omasal lamina (19.32 ± 8.62 per cm 2 ). In the mucosal plexuses, a well-developed network of beaded fibers with PGP9.5-like immunoreactivity and a glial framework of S-100 like immunoreactivity was observed, in particular in the ruminal, reticular and omasal papillae. The intrapapillary nervous networks are interconnected by thin bundles of nerves in the interpapillary region. The present results suggest that some of the mucosal functions are intrinsically regulated by the submucosal and mucosal plexuses in the ovine forestomach.

A simple, fast liquid–liquid extraction method was developed for studying hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine (RDX) biodegradation using small sample volumes. The method was tested in vitro with anaerobic incubations of RDX with whole rumen fluid (WRF) and a commercial Sporanaerobacter acetigenes strain in methanogenic media for RDX. Additionally, validation experiments were conducted in deionized water in order to show applicability toward various aqueous matrices. Conditions for extraction were as follows: 300 μL of sample were mixed with an equal volume of a 0.34 M ammonium hydroxide solution to reach a basic pH, extracted with a hexane/ethyl acetate 1:1 (v/v) solution (1 mL) and shaken vigorously for 10 s. The resulting organic phase was transferred, then dried under a constant flow of N2 and reconstituted with acetonitrile (300 μL) for HPLC–UV and LC–MS/MS analysis. Percent recovery values were obtained (83–101%) in all matrices for RDX. In WRF (n = 3 animals), RDX degradation was observed with almost 100% elimination of RDX after 4 h. The five nitroso and ring cleavage metabolites were observed by mass spectrometry. Liquid cultures of S. acetigenes did not show significant RDX biodegradation activity. RDX extractions from deionized water samples indicated acceptable recoveries with low variability, suggesting suitability of the method for aqueous matrices. Overall, the new method demonstrated acceptable efficiency and reproducibility across three matrices, providing an advantageous alternative for studies where complex matrices and small volume samples are in use.

Nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to determine the effects of substituting corn grain with brown rice (BR) grain in total mixed ration (TMR) silage on milk yield, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen (N) balance. The TMR silages were made from the ensiling of TMR containing (dry matter basis) 50.1% forage in rice silage and corn silage combination, and 49.9% concentrate. The grain portion of the diets contained 31.2% steam-flaked corn, 31.2% steam-flaked BR or an equal mixture of corn and BR. Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield and milk fat, protein and lactose yields. The ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. The urinary N excretion decreased linearly (P0.01) in response to increased levels of BR, with no dietary effect on N intake, N secretion in milk and fecal N excretion. Our results indicate that steam-flaked BR is a suitable replacement for steam-flaked corn in dairy cow diets, and that it can be included in rations to a level of at least 31.2% of dry matter without adverse effects on milk production, when cows were fed rice silage and corn silage-based diets.

The effect of appetite regulatory hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) on the secretions of oxyntomodulin (OXM) and ghrelin, and the effect of ghrelin on the secretions of CCK and OXM were studied in ruminants. Eight Holstein steers, 7 months old, 243 ± 7 kg body weight (BW), were arranged in an incomplete Latin square design (8 animals × 4 treatments × 4 days of sampling). Steers were intravenously injected with 10 µg of sulfated CCK-8/kg BW, 20 µg of acyl ghrelin/kg BW, 100 µg of des-acyl ghrelin/kg BW or vehicle. Blood samples were collected from -60 min to 120 min relative to time of injection. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin, sulfated CCK and OXM were measured by double-antibody radioimmunoassay. Plasma acyl ghrelin was increased to peak level (428.3 ± 6 pg/mL) at 60 min after injection of CCK compared with pre-injected levels (203.3 ± 1 pg/mL). These results showed for the first time, that intravenous bolus injection of CCK increased ghrelin secretion in ruminants. In contrast, injection of ghrelin did not change CCK secretion. Administration of ghrelin or CCK has no effect on plasma OXM concentrations. In conclusion, our results show that administration of CCK increased ghrelin secretion but did not affect OXM release in ruminants. Ghrelin did not affect the secretions of CCK and OXM.

7 páginas, 2 figuras., A flock of approximately 1,000 sheep were exposed intermittently to food contaminated with T-2 toxin (T-2), a potent type-A trichothecene mycotoxin produced primarily by Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium poae. In the acute stage of the intoxication, affected sheep developed anorexia, decreased water consumption, ruminal atony, soft faeces and apathy. One hundred and ninety of the exposed sheep died. The main gross lesions observed in animals dying during the acute disease were rumenitis and ulcerative abomasitis, depletion of lymphocytes in lymphoid organs, necrosis of the exocrine pancreas, myocarditis and intense oedema of the skin and brain. Sheep developing the chronic stage of disease showed weight loss and reproductive inefficiency and the main pathological features observed in animals dying during this stage were gastrointestinal inflammation, myocardial fibrosis and necrotic and suppurative lesions in the oral cavity. Opportunistic infections (e.g. mycotic mastitis or parasitic pneumonia) were also identified in these animals. Increased serum concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were observed, most likely related to heart lesions. T-2 toxins were detected in all samples of the diet of these animals that were analyzed. The changes in the sheep reported here are similar to those described previously in experimental studies. Lesions observed in the present animals suggest an additional cardiotoxic effect of T-2 in sheep.

Background Optimization of the unsaturated fatty acid composition of ruminant milk and meat is desirable. Alteration of the milk and fatty acid profile was previously attempted by the management of ruminal microbial biohydrogenation. The aim of this study was to identify the group of ruminal trans-vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1, t-VA) hydrogenating bacteria by combining enrichment studies in vitro. Methods The enrichment culture growing on t-VA was obtained by successive transfers in medium containing t-VA. Fatty acids were detected by gas chromatograph and changes in the microbial composition during enrichment were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Prominent DGGE bands of the enrichment cultures were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results The growth of ruminal t-VA hydrogenating bacteria was monitored through the process of culture transfer according to the accumulation of stearic acid (C18:0, SA) and ratio of the substrate (t-VA) transformed to the product (SA). A significant part of the retrieved 16S rRNA gene sequences was most similar to those of uncultured bacteria. Bacteria corresponding to predominant DGGE bands in t-VA enrichment cultures clustered with t-VA biohydrogenated bacteria within Group B. Conclusions This study provides more insight into the pathway of biohydrogenation. It also may be important to control the production of t-VA, which has metabolic and physiological benefits, through management of ruminal biohydrogenation bacterium.

The diagnosis of third compartment ulcers in the llama and alpaca is largely one of exclusion. Clinical signs may include mild to severe colic, inappetence, decreased fecal output, bruxism, and depression. Abdominocentesis results are usually unremarkable if C3 perforation has not occurred but reflective of a generalized peritonitis if full thickness ulceration has occurred. The H-2 receptor antagonists cimetidine and ranitidine do not suppress C3 acid production for a significant period of time and are of questionable efficacy in the management of C3 ulcers.

Under normal dietary conditions in which the phosphorus (P) intake of ruminant animals is adequate, the absorption of phosphate (Pi) ions takes place from both the fore-stomachs and the small intestine. The rate of Pi absorption from the latter appears to be at least three times greater than that from the former. When absorption of Pi ions from the reticulorumen is severely reduced, as in dietary P deficiency, the absorption of both calcium and magnesium ions from the reticulorumen becomes impaired. Thus, dietary P deficiency may play a role in the aetiology of acute grass tetany.

Ruminal epithelium adapts to dietary change with well-coordinated alterations in metabolism, proliferation, and permeability. To further understand the molecular events controlling diet effects, the aim of this study was to evaluate protein expression patterns of ruminal epithelium in response to various feeding regimes. Sheep were fed with a concentrate-supplemented diet for up to 6 wk. The control group received hay only. Proteome analysis with differential in gel electrophoresis technology revealed that, after 2 days, 60 proteins were significantly modulated in ruminal epithelium in a comparison between hay-fed and concentrate-fed sheep ( P < 0.05). Forty proteins were upregulated and 20 proteins were downregulated in response to concentrate diet. After 6 wk of this diet, only 14 proteins were differentially expressed. Among these, 11 proteins were upregulated and 3 downregulated. To identify proteins that were modulated by dietary change, two-dimensional electrophoresis was coupled with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The differential expression of selected proteins, such as esterase D, annexin 5, peroxiredoxin 6, carbonic anhydrase I, and actin-related protein 3, was verified by immunoblotting and/or mRNA analysis. The identified proteins were mainly associated with functions related to cellular stress, metabolism, and differentiation. These results suggest new candidate proteins that may contribute to a better understanding of the signaling pathways and mechanisms that mediate rumen epithelial adaptation to high-concentrate diet.

Conventional beliefs surrounding the linolenic acid (LNA; cis-9 cis-12 cis-15 C18:3) biohydrogenation (BH) pathway propose that it converts to stearic acid (SA) without the formation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as intermediate isomers. However, an advanced study (Lee and Jenkins, 2011) verified that LNA BH yields multiple CLAs. This study utilized the stable isotope tracer to investigate the BH intermediates of (13)C-LNA with different pH conditions (5.5 and 6.5). The (13)C enrichment was calculated as a (13)C/(12)C ratio of labeled minus unlabeled. After 24 h, eight CLA isomers were significantly enriched on both pH treatment, this result verifies that these CLAs originated from (13)C-LNA BH which supports the results of Lee and Jenkins (2011). The enrichment of cis-cis double bond CLAs (cis-9 cis-11 and cis-10 cis-12 CLA) were significantly higher at low pH conditions. Furthermore, the concentration of cis-10 cis-12 CLA at low pH was four times higher than at high pH conditions after a 3 h incubation. These differences support the LNA BH pathways partial switch under different pH conditions, with a strong influence on the cis-cis CLA at low pH. Several mono-, di-, and tri-enoic fatty acid isomers were enriched during 24 h of incubation, but the enrichment was decreased or restricted at low pH treatment. Based on these results, it is proposed that low pH conditions may cause a changed or limited capacity of the isomerization and reduction steps in BH.

The reticular groove (RG) is a specialized region of ruminant forestomach which, in suckling animals, via a vagovagal reflex, transforms itself into a tube to ensure the direct transport of milk from the esophagus to the abomasum. The nervous mechanism controlling the RG movement is not fully understood; however, at this level, the enteric nervous system (ENS) shows the highest neuronal density when compared with other fore- stomach compartments. Because nitric oxide is considered the putative major mediator of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic smooth muscle relaxation, the aim of the present study was to investigate the ENS of the RG of suckling lambs, both in the floor and in the lip, with particular regard to nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-immunoreactivity (-IR), by means of double immunohistochemical staining. NOS antiserum was used in association with some neurochemical markers which have been utilized by many authors in ENS. A rich innervation of fibers extended along the entire length of the RG. Proceeding distally, the number of neurons stained with a pan-neuronal marker increased; they were more numerous in the lips and lip–floor junction than in the floor itself. However, the percentage of NOS-IR neurons was the same in the proximal and distal parts. Many NOS-IR neu- rons often co-expressed galanin and dopamine b-hydroxylase. Neurochemical markers, such as calbindin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, IB4 and neurofilament 200 kDa, usually used to identify primary sensory neurons were not expressed in RG neurons, and the co-localization of NOS with tyrosine hydroxylase and substance P was rarely found. When compared with other districts, the RG showed some peculiar aspects, such as the lack of both neurons in the submucosal plexus and the lack of typical sensory neurons.

Computed tomography (CT) of the reticulum, rumen and omasum was carried out in 30 healthy goats and the images were compared to corresponding body sections obtained at postmortem. A multidetector CT was used to examine goats in sternal recumbency. A setting of 120 KV and 270 mA was used to produce 1.5-mm transverse slices from the fifth thoracic vertebra to the sacrum. Soft tissue structures were assessed in a soft tissue with a window width (W) of 400 Hounsfield Units (HU), and a window level (L) of 40 HU. The layering of the ruminal contents was assessed in an ingesta window with a W of 1500 HU and an L of 30 HU. After subjective evaluation, the size of the rumen and omasum, the thickness of the walls of the reticulum, rumen and omasum and the height of the gas cap and fibre and liquid phases of the rumen were measured. Fifteen goats were euthanised after CT examination, placed in sternal recumbency and frozen at -18 ºC for three to 10 days. Thirteen goats were then cut into 1.0- to 1.5-cm-thick transverse slices. One goat was cut in dorsal-plane slices and another in sagittal slices. The structures in the CT images were identified by using the corresponding anatomical slices.

The effects of duodenal distension on forestomach and abomasal motility were investigated in conscious sheep chronically fitted with intraparietal electrodes, a duodenal cannula, and an intracerebroventricular cannula. Duodenal distensions with a balloon inflated with 40 ml (DD40) of water reduced the frequency of forestomach and abomasal contractions by 45 and 32%, respectively, while distension with 80 ml (DD80) induced a total inhibition. Methysergide, a mixed 5HT1-5HT2 antagonist administered intravenously (200 micrograms/kg) or intracerebroventricularly (20 micrograms/kg) suppressed the DD40-induced inhibition and reduced that induced by DD80. Spiroxatrine, a selective 5HT1A antagonist, intravenously (100 micrograms/kg) or intracerebroventricularly (10 micrograms/kg), suppressed the DD40 and DD80-induced inhibition, which was also attenuated by the 5HT2 antagonist ritanserin given intravenously (200 micrograms/kg) or intracerebroventricularly (20 micrograms/kg). Granisetron, a 5HT3 antagonist, injected intravenously (150 micrograms/kg), abolished the effects of DD40 and DD80 while it had no antagonistic action on DD40 and DD80 when given intracerebroventricularly (15 micrograms/kg). It is concluded that in sheep, duodenal distension inhibits forestomach and abomasal motility through 5HT1A and 5HT2 receptors at the level of the central nervous system and 5HT3 receptors located peripherally.

This case study evaluated a multicomponent behavioral medicine treatment package for chronic ruminating and vomiting in a 13-year-old child with multiple disabilities. Treatment incorporated dietary and medication manipulations combined with behavioral intervention. The treatment package was designed and evaluated via a consultative model in a residential-care setting. The child's ruminative vomiting decreased steadily with implementation of treatment, and reduced rates were maintained 2 years later. This case illustrates collaboration between physicians and psychologists in developing comprehensive behavioral medicine interventions for health-threatening clinical disorders.

Net absorption rates for SCFA, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and water were measured in the temporarily isolated and washed reticulorumen of sheep. The animals were either fed hay ad lib. plus concentrates once daily or were deprived of food for two days. Food deprivation led to decreased net absorption of all the substances tested. Comparing the solutes, the relative decreases varied between 43% (butyrate) and 56% (acetate). The decrease in solute absorption was accompanied by diminished water absorption. It is concluded that the reduction in absorption may be beneficial for the animal in that energy consumption is diminished and the reservoir function of the forestomach will be maintained longer. However, the reduced absorptive capacity may lead to a deficiency of magnesium, which is thought to be absorbed mainly by the forestomachs.

A 7-year-old female llama was experimentally infected with 500 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae then turned out onto pasture also grazed by domestic sheep. The llama was necropsied approximately 22 weeks post infection. Routine examination of the gastrointestinal tract revealed diffusely coalescing, umbilicated nodules covering the caudal one-fifth of the third stomach compartment. Microscopically, the mucusa was irregularly thickened. Numerous nematode larvae were present in glandular lumens, often extending to the base of the glands. Where nematodes were most numerous, decreased numbers of parietal cells, attenuation of glandular epithelium and increased collagen within the lamina propria were evident. Of a total of 6510 adult nematodes in the third stomach compartment, 51% were Teladorsagia spp., 47% were Trichostrongylus axei, and 2% were Camelostrongylus mentulatus. Except for C. mentulatus, three sheep that had grazed with the llama and were necropsied at approximately the same time, harbored the same nematode species. The total number of larvae in the llama was 56 710, with more than 97% being ostertagiine early fourth-stage larvae. Ostertagiine larvae were also present in the sheep. Based on the composition of the adult populations in the llama and sheep, the larvae were considered to be species of Teladorsagia. Additionally, the larger numbers of early fourth-stage larvae indicated that the development of Teladorsagia spp. in the llama is inhibited.

Acute phase proteins (APPs) are produced mainly by the liver and their concentration is increased during the systemic inflammatory response. Expression of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) was determined in the mucosa of the normal bovine forestomachs and abomasum by qualitative and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR for mRNA and by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for proteins. Although expression of SAA mRNA was evident in the forestomachs and abomasum, SAA protein was identified only in the abomasum. Expression of Hp protein was high in the forestomachs and abomasum, even though expression of Hp mRNA was negligible. The main site of expression of LBP mRNA was the omasum, whereas the highest protein expression was evident in the abomasum. AGP was expressed at low levels in the bovine forestomachs. Western blot analysis revealed a heterogeneous electrophoretic pattern for AGP, LBP and Hp, indicating that different stomach compartments produce isoforms that are different to those expressed by the liver. Expression of APPs by the bovine forestomachs and abomasum may contribute to regulation of the innate immune response against pathogens.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of heat stress on endotoxin flux across mesenteric-drained and portal-drained viscera of dairy goats. Three Saanen first lactation dairy goats were surgically fitted with indwelling catheters in the portal vein, the mesenteric vein and carotid, and were kept in thermal-neutral and then heat stress environment, for examining the effect of heat stress on endotoxin absorption and redox status. Average net absorption of endotoxin (EU/h) across mesenteric-drained viscera (MDV) and portal-drained viscera (PDV) during the whole period of heat stress increased by 279.05% and 227.92% in relation to thermo-neutral period. Plasma concentration of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) in mesenteric and portal vein, and that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mesenteric vein, increased significantly during heat stress. Main conclusions were: (i) net absorption of endotoxin in portal vein is mainly from non-mesenteric tissues both in heat stress and in thermo-neutral condition; (ii) heat stress may lead to the significant decrease in plasma SOD, GSH-Px, CAT flux across PDV and MDV, and the significant increase in endotoxin flux across PDV and MDV; and (iii) the increase in gastrointestinal permeability in dairy goats during heat stress may not be induced by the increase in oxidative stress.

The forestomach plays an important role in the digestion physiology of ruminants. The aim of this study is to clarify the morpho-functional role of the mucosa in each of the three compartments of the forestomach in three domestic ruminants species, viz cattle, buffalo and sheep, by means of structural, histochemical and immunocytochemical methods, including transmission electron microscopy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These methods were chosen to demonstrate the indirect evidence for the presence of nitric oxide (NO) employing NADPHd and nitric oxide synthase I (NOS I). The various cell layers of the forestomach epithelium are described and illustrated in detail. An intense NADPHd staining was observed in the granulosa, spinosa and basal layers of the epithelium, in particular in the cytoplasm over the nucleus. NOS I immunoreactivity was found in all specimens of the forestomach mucosa. The results of this study might reflect a possible role of NO in delaying the onset of cellular apoptosis in the forestomach mucosa of the domestic ruminants, by playing a role in the production of cell energy.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a potent trophic gut hormone, yet its function in ruminants is relatively unknown. Experiment 1 was conducted as a pilot study to establish the presence of GLP-2 in ruminants and to ascertain whether it was responsive to increased nutrition, as in non-ruminants. Concentrations of intact GLP-2 in the blood and gut epithelial mRNA expression of proglucagon (GCG) and the GLP-2 receptor (GLP2R) were measured in 4 ruminally, duodenally, and ileally cannulated steers. Steers were fed to meet 0.75 x NE(M) for 21 d, and then increased to 1.75 x NE(M) requirement for another 29 d. Blood samples and ruminal, duodenal, and ileal epithelium biopsies were collected at low intake (Days -6 and -3), acute high intake (Days 1 and 3), and chronic high intake (Days 7 and 29) periods. Experiment 2 investigated the mRNA expression pattern of GCG and GLP2R in epithelial tissue obtained from the forestomachs (rumen, omasum, and abomasum) and intestines (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon) of 18 forage-fed Angus steers (260 kg BW). In Experiments 1 and 2, real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that expression of GCG and GLP2R mRNA was detectable in forestomach tissues, but expression was greater (P < 0.001) in small intestinal and colon tissue. High energy intake tended (P = 0.07) to increase plasma GLP-2 during the acute period and was paralleled by a 78% increase (P = 0.07) in ileal GCG mRNA expression. After this initial adaptation, duodenal GCG mRNA expression increased (P = 0.08) during the chronic high intake period. Duodenal GLP2R mRNA expression was not affected by energy intake, but ileal GLP2R expression was increased after 29 d of high energy intake compared to both the low and acute high intake periods (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). These data demonstrate that cattle express GCG and GLP2R mRNA primarily in small intestinal and colon tissues. Increased nutrient intake increases ileal GCG mRNA and plasma GLP-2, suggesting that GLP-2 may play a role in the trophic response of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract to increased feed intake.

Two products that contain CaCl2 and that are intended for oral administration were tested for safety aspects. One product contained CaCl2 as a gel, the other contained CaCl2 in an oil emulsion. Oral administration of the CaCl2-containing products caused minor to severe damage to the mucosa of the forestomach and abomasum. The gel solution especially proved to be highly caustic, while the oil emulsion appeared to be relatively safe.

In conscious sheep, Leu-enkephalin (10 and 20 micrograms.kg-1) administered into the third cerebral ventricle caused a psychosedative action and a significant inhibition of the frequency of rumen contractions. The amplitude of the first rumen contractions, following immediately after the end of the Leu-enkephalin's infusion (at a dose of 20 micrograms) and the average amplitude of primary rumen contractions were also significantly inhibited. The hypothalamic isolation prevented both the inhibitory effect of Leu-enkephalin on the rumen motility and the drug induced psychosedative action. In contrast, Leu-enkephalin (20 micrograms.kg-1), significantly enhanced phasic contractions of the rumen after hypothalamic isolation. However the hypothalamic isolation did not prevent Leu-enkephalin induced inhibition of the mean amplitude of rumen contractions, but this inhibition was not significant (NS). The character of the histopathological changes induced by the isolation of the hypothalamus showed descending degenerative changes of the neuronal pathways connecting the hypothalamus to the pons and lower to the medulla. These results do suggest that the isolation of the hypothalamus causes the degeneration of the descending inhibitory opioid pathways connecting the hypothalamus to the gastric centers of the medulla and point act out the functional importance of descending tonic opioid inhibitory control of ruminant forestomach motility.

The objective of this study was to determine if cinnamaldehyde (CIN) could be used to improve feed intake, digestion, and immune status in growing beef heifers fed high-concentrate diets. The experiment was designed as a 4 x 4 Latin square using 4 ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef heifers with 4 treatments: control (no CIN added), 400 mg/d of CIN (low), 800 mg/d of CIN (medium), and 1,600 mg/d of CIN (high), and four 21-d periods. Feed intake, rumen pH and fermentation characteristics, site and extent of digestion, microbial N synthesis, blood metabolites, and acute phase protein response were measured. The diets consisted of 15% barley silage, 80% dry-rolled barley grain, and 5% supplement (DM basis). Intakes (kg/d) of DM, OM, NDF, starch, and N were quadratically (P = 0.04) changed with increasing CIN supplementation. The amount of OM fermented in the rumen quadratically (P = 0.02) decreased with increasing CIN. Digestibilities (% of intake) of OM, NDF, and N in the rumen were not affected by supplementing with low and medium CIN, but they were reduced by 8% (P = 0.10), 31% (P = 0.05), and 17% (P = 0.05), respectively, with high CIN. Similarly, digestibilities of OM and NDF in the total tract also tended to be reduced by 7% (P = 0.10) and 20% (P = 0.10), respectively, with high CIN because supplementation of CIN had minimal effects on intestinal digestibility. Flows (g/d) of microbial N and other nutrients to the duodenum were not affected by CIN supplementation, even though the amount of ruminal fermented OM varied with level of CIN supplementation. Rumen pH, total VFA concentration, and molar proportions of individual VFA were not affected by CIN. Although concentrations of NEFA (P = 0.06) and triglyceride (P = 0.01) were quadratically changed with increasing CIN supplementation, blood concentrations of glucose and urea N, white blood cell counts, serum amyloid A, and lipopolysaccharide in plasma were not affected by CIN. Plasma haptoglobin numerically (P = 0.11) decreased with the medium dose of CIN fed compared with control. The results indicate that supplementation of a high-concentrate diet with a low dose of CIN resulted in small increases in nutrient availability in the rumen due to increased feed intake and greater ruminal digestion of OM. However, feed intake and ruminal digestion of feeds were adversely affected when a high dose of CIN was used.

Farmers report that the pods of Luetzelburgia auriculata cause digestive signs and death when ingested by goats. To demonstrate the toxicity of the pods of this plant 12 goats were divided into 4 groups of 3 goats each. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were administered 2.5, 1, 0.5 and nil g of pods per kg body weight, respectively. Goats in Groups 1 and 2 developed decreased ruminal movements followed by anorexia, depression and soft feces or diarrhea. Goats in Group 1 died 59–106 h after first showing clinical signs. Goats in Group 2 also regurgitated rumen content, but all recovered 65–90 h after first showing clinical signs. The only clinical sign shown by goats in Group 3 was regurgitation of rumen content, and all goats recovered 5.5–24 h after first regurgitating. All goats in Group 4 remained normal. The goats that died were necropsied and found to have a reddish mucosa of the forestomachs that detached easily from the underlying tissues. Other lesions included diffuse reddening of the mucosa of the abomasum and intestine. Histological examination of the mucosa of the forestomachs showed diffuse ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, with necrosis and vesicle and pustule formation in the epithelium. In some areas there was sloughing of the ruminal epithelium. These results demonstrate that the pods of L. auriculata are toxic and responsible for field outbreaks of poisoning in goats in the state of Piaui.

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a common digestive disorder in dairy cows characterized by prolonged periods of undesirably low rumen pH (5.8) and is caused by the accumulation of volatile fatty acids in rumen. This disorder damages the ruminal mucosa, causes diarrhea, reduces dry matter intake (DMI), and can result in anorexia and death. In this study, nonlactating dairy cows were fed diets predisposing them to a high risk (HR; n = 6) or a low risk (LR; n = 6) for experiencing SARA. The goal was to investigate differences in antimicrobial resistance selection, proliferation, and characterization of Escherichia coli strain types among the two treatment groups. Fecal samples were used to isolate total, tetracycline-resistant (Tet(r)), and ampicillin-resistant E. coli, and selected isolates were examined. We found reduced total (1.2-fold) and Tet(r) (1.4-fold) E. coli in HR cows. Low ampicillin-resistant E. coli shedding was detected from both HR (0.22 colony forming unit/g) and LR (0.46 colony forming unit/g) cows. Overall, 39 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles and 13 antibiotic resistance profiles (phenotypes) were identified from the total isolates examined (n = 144). The LR cows exhibited diverse genotypes (22 PFGE profiles) clustering into seven restriction endonuclease digestion pattern clusters (REPCs) within total and Tet(r) E. coli. In comparison, isolates from HR animals showed increased genotypic relatedness (16 PFGE profiles and 13 REPC with comparable phenotypes). From both HR and LR cows, no significant differences in the detection of a particular phenotype were observed (p0.05), and tet(A) allele was frequently detected among isolates from HR (45.2%) and tet(B) from LR (36.6%) cows. Changes in fecal E. coli genotypes should be explored further for its usefulness as an indicator for SARA since dairy cows are a reservoir of diverse E. coli strain types. Our results elucidate phenotypic and genotypic differences in fecal E. coli shed between HR and LR cows.

Summary The Kafue lechwe is endemic to the Kafue Flats area of Zambia. It is semi-aquatic in habit, feeding upon grasses above and below the waterline. The volume of the lechwe rumen is 17 L in the male and 14 L in the female. It has strong and definite pillars. The interior of the rumen is papillated except in the roof area and on the pillars. The omasum has more than 70 laminae which are papiliated on the reticular end. The anatomy of the lechwe stomach is similar to the stomachs of other water dependent grazers such as Bohor Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Uganda Kob and Puku.

Four lactating Holstein cows with permanent ruminal and duodenal cannulas were allocated to one of two TMR with either 17.1 or 23.6% CP at 5 to 9 d postpartum. Cows also were assigned to either bST (20.6 mg/d) or excipient (control) treatment at that time for the 84d experiment but were switched to different protein levels every 21 d in four periods. Intake of DM and forestomach and whole tract digestion of DM were unaffected by treatments. Forestomach and whole tract apparent digestion of N was higher for cows fed the high protein diet. Forestomach NDF and ADF digestion was higher for cows fed the high protein diet but was significant for control cows only. Rumen pH, ammonia N, and isovalerate were higher for cows fed the high protein diet. Rumen ammonia N and acetate were lower for bST-treated cows. Rumen pool sizes of total ingesta, DM, NDF, and bacterial OM were not affected by either treatment. However, the total pool size of lumen NAN and nonbacterial NAN was larger for cows fed the high protein diet. Duodenal flow of AA was higher for cows fed the high protein diet. However, duodenal protein AA profiles were similar among treatments except for lysine, which was higher, and methionine and alanine, which tended to be lower, for cows fed the high protein diet. There were few bST × protein or bST × duration of treatment interactions. Results support the concept that bST-treated cows have digestive metabolism similar to untreated cows of similar actual production.

Dionex high-performance ion chromatographic methods were evaluated for separation and quantitation of plant sugars and starch digestion products in the ruminal digesta of cattle. Mono- and disaccharides were eluted from a Dionex CarboPac PA1 column with sodium hydroxide used isocratically or as a pH gradient. Maltooligosaccharides which had a degree of polymerization (DP) less than 30 glucose residues were eluted in 60 min by a sodium hydroxide eluent containing a sodium acetate gradient. Carbohydrates were detected amperometrically. Responses were linear (r2 greater than 0.99) for glucose, disaccharides and maltooligosaccharides (DP less than 8). Precipitation and solid-phase extraction methods were evaluated for clean-up of samples of feedstuffs, ruminal contents, and bacterial culture fluids. Perchloric acid precipitation hydrolyzed sucrose but did not affect recoveries of cellobiose, isomaltose or maltose. Ethanol in concentrations of 79 and 86% precipitated maltooligosaccharides having chain lengths larger than 14 and 9 glucose residues, respectively. Maltooligosaccharide recoveries from solid-phase extraction columns varied with maltooligosaccharide size and column packing. Recoveries were greater than 94% for short chains (DP less than 6) eluted from phenyl-substituted columns and variable for all oligosaccharides eluted from C18 columns. Applications of these methods are presented and include: (1) detection of sugars in ruminant feed, (2) monitoring changes in ruminal sugars after feeding and (3) monitoring changes in extracellular sugars and oligosaccharides in the culture fluids of the ruminal bacterium, Bacteroides ruminicola.

Flubendazole (FLBZ) is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic compound used in pigs, poultry and humans. Its potential for parasite control in ruminant species is under investigation. The objective of the work described here was to identify the main enzymatic pathways involved in the hepatic and extra-hepatic biotransformation of FLBZ in sheep. Microsomal and cytosolic fractions obtained from sheep liver and duodenal mucosa metabolised FLBZ into a reduced FLBZ metabolite (red-FLBZ). The keto-reduction of FLBZ led to the prevalent (∼98%) stereospecific formation of one enantiomeric form of red-FLBZ. The amounts of red-FLBZ formed in liver subcellular fractions were 3-4-fold higher (P < 0.05) compared to those observed in duodenal subcellular fractions. This observation correlates with the higher (P < 0.05) carbonyl reductase (CBR) activities measured in the liver compared to the duodenal mucosa. No metabolic conversion was observed following FLBZ or red-FLBZ incubation with sheep ruminal fluid. Sheep liver microsomes failed to convert red-FLBZ into FLBZ. However, this metabolic reaction occurred in liver microsomes prepared from phenobarbital-induced rats, which may indicate a cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation of red-FLBZ. A NADPH-dependent CBR is proposed as the main enzymatic system involved in the keto-reduction of FLBZ in sheep. CBR substrates such as menadione and mebendazole (a non-fluoride analogue of FLBZ), inhibited this liver microsomal enzymatic reaction, which may confirm the involvement of a CBR enzyme in FLBZ metabolism in sheep. This research is a further contribution to the understanding of the metabolic fate of a promissory alternative compound for antiparasitic control in ruminant species. Fil: Maté, María Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; Argentina Fil: Virkel, Guillermo Leon. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Lifschitz, Adrian Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; Argentina Fil: Ballent, Mariana. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Lanusse, Carlos Edmundo. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

We described the macroscopic anatomy of the intestines and their peritoneal folds of five adult pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), a cervid species considered to ingest a high proportion of grass in its natural diet. The mean (+/- SD) body weight was 17 (+/- 2) kg. The small intestine and the caecocolon measured 495 (+/- 37) cm and 237 (+/- 24) cm in length, respectively, with an average ratio (small intestine:caecocolon) of 1.9 (+/- 0.1). The ascending colon had two and a half centripetal gyri, a central flexure and two centrifugal gyri. The spiral ansa, which was similar to an ellipse, was fixed to the whole left face of the mesenterium. Apart from the peritoneal folds described in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, three additional, hitherto not described folds were found: a fold that fixed the caecum to the proximal ansa of the ascending colon, one that joined the terminal part of the proximal ansa to the last centrifugal gyrus of the spiral ansa of the ascending colon, and one that linked the ascending duodenum to the proximal ansa of the ascending colon. When compared with published data from other cervids of different feeding niches, it appears that, among cervids, the ratio of small intestine to the caecocolon length does not reflect the natural diet.

Four wethers fitted with ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulas were used to study effects of maturity of alfalfa hay on intake, digestion and rate of passage of nutrients in various sites of the digestive tract. Pre-, early-, and mid-bloom hays were harvested from the same field; full-bloom hay was acquired from elsewhere due to weather conditions. Dry matter intake decreased (P c .05) as intakes of NDF and ADF increased. This was attributed to decreased digestibility and increased retention time of undigested residues. Digestion of OM in the stomach (% of intake) was 44.2, 47.4, 38.8 and 35.1 for pre-, early-, mid- and full-bloom hay, respectively. Digestion of ADF in the stomach was lower for mid-bloom than for pre and early-bloom hay (P c .05). Degradation of alfalfa protein in the rumen was 94, 88, 81 and 78% for pre-, early-, mid- and full-bloom hay, respectively. Concentration of ruminal NH3 N, flow of N at the duodenum, fecal N and urinary N decreased as maturity advanced (P c .05), but they appeared to be related primarily to the N content of the hay and to N intake. Digestion of N in the small intestine (g/d) decreased as maturity advanced (P c .05). Duodenal flow of total amino acids was greater (P c .05) when animals consumed pre-bloom hay than when they consumed more mature hays. Relative feed value calculated from the detergent fiber analysis correlated with actual value determined biologically (r = +.81). Intake and site of nutrient digestion of alfalfa hay were influenced by the stage of maturity at

Large hyperplastic polyps of the gastric remnant were detected in 2 male patients who had undergone Billroth II gastrojejunostomy for peptic ulcer disease 13 and 18 years earlier. Both patients presented with iron deficiency anemia due to chronic occult gastrointestinal bleeding. The clinical and radiographic findings were initially suggestive of gastric stump malignancy, and one of the resected hyperplastic polyps contained foci of carcinoma in situ. We illustrate the radiographic and pathologic features of these lesions together with a review of the pertinent literature.

Logistic regression was used to investigate the effects of host characteristics, production, and 23 veterinary diagnoses on the risks of two reticuloruminal disorders, ruminal acidosis and traumatic reticuloperitonitis among 61,124 Finnish Ayrshire cows. Lactational incidence risks were .3% for ruminal acidosis and .6% for traumatic reticuloperitonitis. The relative risk of ruminal acidosis was not related to parity, whereas the risk of traumatic reticuloperitonitis decreased with increasing parity. The risk of traumatic reticuloperitonitis was not related to milk yield of individual affected cows in their current or previous lactation (305-d, 4% FCM), whereas the risk of ruminal acidosis increased with current milk yield. Ketosis, early metritis, nonparturient paresis, and acute and chronic mastitis were risk factors for both reticuloruminal disorders. Parturient paresis was a risk factor for ruminal acidosis. Foot and leg problems were risk factors for traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Herd milk yield in the current or previous lactations was not a risk factor for either disorder nor were the two disorders risk factors for each other. Ruminal acidosis, but not traumatic reticuloperitonitis, had significant seasonal variation with the risk being least in summer. The low risk of ruminal acidosis in summer was not due to seasonality of calving.

The review deals with peculiarities of molecular mechanisms of metabolism regulation of fatty acids and other lipid components in preruminant and ruminant animals (i.e. before and after formation of the functioning of the mixed microbial population in the rumen). A characteristic of possible biosynthesis regulation processes, transformation, transport, utilization and catabolism of fatty acids with different molecular masses and peculiarities and of triacylglycerols and other lipid substances in the liver compartments, skeletal and heart muscle cells has been shown. Peculiarities of intracellular changes in metabolism of fatty acids and apolipoprotein B in the liver of neonatal calves under development of alimentary enteropathology have been considered. Main factors in the mechanism of regulation of intracellular metabolism of fatty acids and lipid substances have been defined.

The cytoplasmic isozymes of carbonic anhydrase: CA I and CA II, in the gastrointestinal tract tissues of reindeer were identified by electrophoresis and substrate-inhibitory tests. The study of the tissue distribution and composition of the cytoplasmic isozymes has shown, that isozyme CA II is found in the forestomachs and the colon mucosal tissue, whereas isozyme CA II predominates in the abomasum and small intestinal mucosa tissue.

The aim of this study was to identify ruminal bacteria that form stearic acid (18 : 0) from linoleic acid (cis-9,cis-12-18 : 2). One 18 : 0-producing isolate, P-18, isolated from the sheep rumen was similar in morphology and metabolic properties to 'Fusocillus' spp. isolated many years ago. Phylogenetic analysis based on nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence (1300 bp) analysis indicated that the stearate producer was most closely related to Clostridium proteoclasticum B316(T). Clostridium proteoclasticum B316(T) was also found to form 18 : 0, as were other bacteria isolated elsewhere, which occurred in the same family subclass of the low G+C% Gram-positive bacteria, related to Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. These bacteria are not clostridia, and the ability to form 18 : 0 was present in all strains in contrast to proteolytic activity, which was variable. Production of 18 : 0 occurred in growing, but not in stationary-phase, bacteria, which made detection of biohydrogenating activity difficult, because of the inhibitory effects of linoleic acid on growth.

Triclabendazole (TCBZ) is an halogenated benzimidazole (BZD) compound worldwide used to control immature and adult stages of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize in vitro the patterns of hepatic and ruminal biotransformation of TCBZ and its metabolites in sheep. TCBZ parent drug was metabolized into its sulphoxide (TCBZSO), sulphone (TCBZSO2) and hydroxy derivatives by sheep liver microsomes. The same microsomal fraction was also able to oxidize TCBZSO into TCBZSO2 and hydroxy‐TCBZSO (HO‐TCBZSO). TCBZ sulphoxidation was significantly (P

Control of parasitic gastroenteritis in small ruminants is threatened by the worldwide growing problem of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, alternative approaches for worm control are imperative. Of utmost importance is to slow down selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance by using alternative control measures combined with minimal anthelmintic usage. New control options for the Netherlands are discussed.

The reticulum and the reticular groove are functional distinct compartments within the ovine forestomach. While the reticulum takes part in various motor functions, such as mixing, retaining, and rejecting the forestomach ingesta, the reticular groove serves mainly as a bypass between the esophagus and the abomasum. To accomplish these different tasks, the compartments develop specific motility patterns that are controlled by intrinsic neural circuits. In this study the intrinsic innervation by myenteric neurons was analyzed by quadruple immunohistochemistry against cholineacetyl transferase (ChAT), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Four neurochemically different subpopulations of myenteric neurons were found in the reticulum and the floor of the reticular groove: ChAT/-, ChAT/SP, NOS/-, and NOS/VIP. The neuronal proportions were calculated relative to all myenteric neurons. Neurons of the reticulum were mostly immunoreactive for ChAT (89% +/- 3%), whereas neurons adjacent to the reticular groove predominantly expressed a nitrergic phenotype (62% +/- 4%). ChAT-positive neurons were also immunoreactive for SP (ChAT/SP: 64% +/- 3% reticulum; 25% +/- 1% reticular groove) or were purely cholinergic (ChAT/-: 25% +/- 4% reticulum; 13% +/- 3% reticular groove). NOS-positive neurons colocalized VIP (NOS/VIP: 10% +/- 3% reticulum; 46% +/- 1% reticular groove) or none of the other neurotransmitters (NOS/-: 1% +/- 1% reticulum; 17% +/- 3% reticular groove). Analysis of the soma sizes revealed that in both compartments the nitrergic neurons were significantly larger than the cholinergic neurons. It is suggested that the specific neurochemical code in combination with a specific morphology leads to a precise regulation of the specialized tasks of the reticulum and reticular groove by subpopulations of myenteric neurons.

The ability of five ruminal fungi in syntrophic co-culture with the methanogen Methanobrevibacter smithii to degrade perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne) stem fragments and leaf blades was studied to determine the susceptibilities of non-autoclaved fresh tissues to fungal degradation. Autoclaving did not significantly increase fungal degradation of stem fragments but strongly increased degradation of leaf blades by a species of Caecomyces. In methanogenic co-cultures, non-autoclaved stem fragments were degraded more extensively by Neocallimastix frontalis and Piromyces isolates than by Caecomyces isolates. The N. frontalis and Piromyces isolates showed the greatest rates of stem degradation. When interactions between Fibrobacter succinogenes and methanogenic co-cultures of fungi growing on ryegrass stem were investigated, N. frontalis inhibited F. succinogenes. This has not been observed previously. In contrast, a Caecomyces species interacted positively with F. succinogenes to increase stem degradation, suggesting that F. succinogenes and Caecomyces spp. may have complementary fibrolytic activities. All five fungi tested failed to grow on fresh non-autoclaved leaf blades. In a repeat experiment with leaves from a separate harvest, leaf blades were degraded by N. frontalis but not by a Caecomyces species. We suggest that ryegrass leaf blades may contain natural anti-fungal compounds. Our results confirm the superiority of fungi in the degradation of intact stem and indicate that in vitro studies with non-autoclaved forage tissues may yield new information on forage factors affecting rumen microbes.

Growth performance, forestomach development, and carcass and meat quality of veal calves fed a milk replacer diet (Control) were compared to those obtained from calves fed the same liquid diet plus 250 g x calf(-1) x d(-1) of dried beet pulp or wheat straw. Three groups of 46 Polish Friesian calves, balanced according to initial BW, were assigned to the three dietary treatments in a fattening trial, which lasted 160 d. The provision of either solid feed did not affect the milk replacer intake. However, calves' ADG was increased (P0.01) only by feeding the beet pulp diet. The administration of both solid feeds improved calves' health status; calves fed solid feeds required fewer iron treatments for low hemoglobin and needed less medical treatments for respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases. In comparison to the Control calves, the provision of wheat straw and beet pulp increased iron intake throughout the fattening period by 41 and 130%, respectively. However, only calves fed beet pulp showed higher levels of hemoglobin and plasma iron concentrations (P0.05), whereas the same blood parameters were similar between Control calves and those fed wheat straw. At slaughter, both solid feeds led to empty forestomach weights heavier than those of Controls without reducing dressing percentage. The reticulorumen was heaviest in calves fed beet pulp, whereas wheat straw promoted omasal development. The administration of beet pulp resulted in a better carcass conformation than did the Control diet or wheat straw, but it had a detrimental effect on carcass color, which was graded as the darkest (P0.001). Consistent with this result, meat color of calves fed beet pulp was darker than that of Control calves and those fed wheat straw, because of the higher hematin concentration measured at the muscle level. No differences in carcass and meat color were observed between Control calves and calves fed wheat straw. The administration of solid feeds for welfare purposes does not always prevent the production of veal meat fulfilling the color standards required by the market. There is not a straight-forward relationship between a solid feed's iron content and the "redness" of veal meat, which should be related to the capability of the calves to use the iron provided by the roughage.

An outbreak of Fusobacterium necrophorum-induced septicemia occurred in a group of 40 captive wild-caught pronghorns ( Antilocapra americana). Primary pododermatitis or necrotic stomatitis progressed to produce fatal septicemia with metastatic lesions in the forestomachs, lung, liver, and cecum in 38 of the animals. Two remaining animals were euthanatized because of chronic pododermatitis. Housing the animals in a pasture previously used by bovids and heavy rains with persistence of ground water pools in the pasture were contributing factors in the pathogenesis of this outbreak.

The evaluation of species diversity can be performed using species richness (number of species), diversity (number and relative proportions of species) or evenness (equitability of the proportion of each species). A large number of indices related to diversity or evenness is available but their mathematical properties remain unexplained, and hence their use is somewhat unreliable. We intended to present an array of well defined methods, based on discriminant analysis, to evaluate diversity in helminth communities of ruminants. The database used concerned seven cattle farms and seven sheep farms located in temperate areas, from which at least three necropsies were undertaken in autumn. The hosts were chosen because they had experienced nearly a complete grazing period and no anthelmintic treatment was performed for a minimum of 2 months before the necropsies were undertaken, so that the helminth communities could be considered as representative of each farm at one specific moment. We used discriminant analyses to evaluate diversity, based either on proportions of species, or on proportions of species arranged in decreasing order, or on a set of six indices of diversity selected from the most commonly used. We showed that actual proportions were the most efficient in cattle but not in lambs, and that discriminant analyses based on six indices of diversity or based on actual proportions of species ranked in decreasing order yielded very similar results in both host communities. We rejected the use of one single index for evaluating diversity in all cases and proposed the following procedure: actual proportions of species provide information on interactions between species and, when there is limited or no interaction, a combination of diversity indices or single indices could be used for estimating diversity. When interactions between species have to be taken into account, the best information will be obtained either from species proportions arranged in decreasing order or a combination of biodiversity indices.

Twenty stomachs of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) were studied by gross dissection. Based on the configuration of the stomach and the structure of the mucous membrane, the stomach was divided into three ventricles that differ from the arrangement described for ox and sheep. The first and second ventricles of the proventriculus of camel form one stomach rather than two different stomachs. These ventricles of the proventriculus do not correspond to the rumen and reticulum of ox and sheep. The third ventricle appears to be the abomasum. One part of the abomasum has reticular mucosal folds that indicate it is not the reticulum. A second part of the abomasum has longitudinal mucosal folds suggesting it is not the omasum. Three glandular sac areas associated with the preventriculus and abomasum are also described.

The effects of steroidal saponins (SAP) isolated from Yucca schidigera extract on ruminal bacteria and fungi were investigated in pure culture studies. Prevotella bryantii, Ruminobacter amylophilus, Selenomonas ruminantium and Streptococcus bovis were cultured through ten 24-h transfers in ruminal fluid medium containing 0 or 25 microg SAP ml-1 (measured as smilagenin equivalents). The four strains, each non-exposed or pre-exposed to SAP, were then inoculated into medium containing 0 or 250 microgram smilagenin equivalents ml-1 and 24-h growth curves were determined. The cellulolytic ruminal bacteria Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Rc. albus were cultured for 72 h on Whatman no. 1 filter paper in medium containing 0, 9, 90 or 180 microgram SAP ml-1 for the determination of filter paper digestion and endoglucanase activity. The ruminal bacteria differed in their responses to SAP. Steroidal saponins in the medium reduced the growth of Strep. bovis (P0.01 at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 h), P. bryantii (P0.05 at 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h) and Rb. amylophilus (P0.05 at 14 and 24 h), but the growth of S. ruminantium was enhanced (P0.05) at 10, 14 and 24 h. The growth curves of all four non-cellulolytic species were similar (P0.05) between pre-exposed and non-exposed cultures and the concentrations of total SAP and soluble (deglycosylated) SAP in the liquid fraction were unchanged (P0.05) over time. Steroidal saponins inhibited the digestion of filter paper by all three cellulolytic bacteria, but F. succinogenes was less (P0.05) sensitive to SAP and more (P0. 05) effective at deglycosylating SAP than were Rc. flavefaciens or Rc. albus. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that SAP altered the cell walls of the SAP-inhibited non-cellulolytic bacteria. The ruminal fungi, Neocallimastix frontalis and Piromyces rhizinflata, were cultured on filter paper in medium containing 0, 0. 45, 2.25 or 4.5 microgram SAP ml-1. Filter paper digestion by both fungi was completely inhibited by 2.25 microgram SAP ml-1. Steroidal saponins from Y. schidigera inhibit cellulolytic ruminal bacteria and fungi, but their effects on amylolytic bacteria are species dependent and similar to the effects of ionophores. As such, SAP may be useful in nutritional applications targeting starch-digesting ruminal micro-organisms.

[EN] purpose of this study was to establish the metabolic behaviour of both preruminant kid goats and lambs, when they are kept at different environmental temperatures (12,24 and 30°C). The animals were fed ad libitum with a milk replacer for the first two months of life. Blood samples were taken from all the animals on days 30, 40, 50 and 60 post partum, to determine serum levels of glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), both when fasting and 4 hours after starting feeding. The high sensitivity of both kinds of animal to the lowest of the environmental temperatures used, particularly for the first periods of life here considered, was established from the glucose/insulin and T3/T4 molar ratios and from the concentrations of free fatty acids. The results obtained by species were also evidence of metabolic behaviour typical of leanner animals in kids., [ES] El objeto del presente estudio consiste en aclarar el particular comportamiento metabólico en el cabrito y en el cordero prerrumiante cuando se les mantiene a diferentes temperaturas ambientales (12, 24 y 30 °C). Los animales se alimentan ad libitum, en base a un mismo lactorreemplazante, durante sus primeros dos meses de vida. Los días 30, 40, 50 y 60 de edad se obtienen muestras de sangre de todos los animales, determinándose los niveles séricos de glucosa, insulina, ácidos grasos libres, triyodotironina (T3) y tiroxina (T4), tanto en ayuno como 4 h después de iniciada la toma de alimento. De los valores obtenidos para las relaciones molares de glucosa/insulina y T3/T4 así como las concentraciones de ácidos grasos libres, según clase de animal, temperatura ambiental, momento de toma de muestra y edad, se deducen la alta sensibilidad que ambas clases de animales muestran frente a la más baja de las temperaturas ensayadas, sobre todo durante sus primeros estadíos de vida. Igualmente y en función de las respuestas obtenidas según clase de animal, se deduce para cabritos un comportamiento metabólico típico de las especies de desarrollo más magro., This study was supported financially by the Interministerial Commission of Science and Technology. Spain (Project GAN90-0781).