analysis of factors affecting health status of animals under intensive beef production systems

From 2001 to 2003 health data of 588 groups of fattening beefs (38723 animals) of 29 farms and 5 genetic types (Charolais, Female Charolais, French Crosses, Limousine and Polish Friesian) were collected and statistically analysed considering farm, breed, initial body weight, housing system, season, year, diet, average daily gain and density. The main causes of culling were problems of the locomotor and respiratory systems. As regards the genetic type and the initial body weight, the Polish Friesian breed and the lightest weights increased the probability of dying or getting injured respectively of 70 and 34%, while this probability decreased of 8.5% for every 100 g of daily growth higher than the mean value. As regards the other factors, bedding reduced the risk of culling by 33% in comparison with the slatted floor, while this risk increased of 10% for every m2 available/animal over the mean density

Factor analysis for genetic evaluation of linear type traits in dual purpose breeds

Type traits have become a selection goal in many breeder association due to the economic value recognised to some measurements. In dairy cattle, relationships of type with production (Veerkamp and Brotherstone, 1997; Kadarmideen and Wegmann, 2003) and/or with longevity (Larroque and Ducrocq, 2001; Vukasinovic et al., 2002) have been widely investigated in order to use type traits as predictors of herd life

Relationship between signalment and reproductive anamnesis data and result of artificial insemination with cooled semen in the mare

An accurate clinical examination and in particular a careful collection of both signalment and anamnesis data can be helpful to predict both the result of the artificial insemination and the course of the pregnancy in the mare

Iron(III)-Salophene: An Organometallic Compound with Selective Cytotoxic and Anti-Proliferative Properties in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells

Background: In this pioneer study to the biological activity of organometallic compound Iron(III)-salophene (Fe-SP) the specific effects of Fe-SP on viability, morphology, proliferation, and cell-cycle progression on platinum-resistant ovariancancer cell lines were investigated. Methodology/Principal Findings: Fe-SP displayed selective cytotoxicity against SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 (ovarian epithelial adenocarcinoma) cell lines at concentrations between 100 nM and 1 μM, while the viability of HeLa cells (epithelial cervix adenocarcinoma) or primary lung or skin fibroblasts was not affected. SKOV-3 cells in contrast to fibroblasts after treatment with Fe-SP revealed apparent hallmarks of apoptosis including densely stained nuclear granular bodies within fragmented nuclei, highly condensed chromatin and chromatin fragmentation. Fe-SP treatment led to the activation of markers of the extrinsic (Caspase-8) and intrinsic (Caspase-9) pathway of apoptosis as well as of executioner Caspase-3 while PARP-1 was deactivated. Fe-SP exerted effects as an anti-proliferative agent with an IC50 value of 300 nM and caused delayed progression of cells through S-phase phase of the cell cycle resulting in a complete S-phase arrest. When intra-peritoneally applied to rats Fe-SP did not show any systemic toxicity at concentrations that in preliminary trials were determined to be chemotherapeutic relevant doses in a rat ovarian cancer cell model. Conclusion/Significance: The present report suggests that Fe-SP is a potent growth-suppressing agent in vitro for cell lines derived from ovarian cancer and a potential therapeutic drug to treat such tumors in viv

Mycobacteria Attenuate Nociceptive Responses by Formyl Peptide Receptor Triggered Opioid Peptide Release from Neutrophils

In inflammation, pain is regulated by a balance of pro- and analgesic mediators. Analgesic mediators include opioid peptides which are secreted by neutrophils at the site of inflammation, leading to activation of opioid receptors on peripheral sensory neurons. In humans, local opioids and opioid peptides significantly downregulate postoperative as well as arthritic pain. In rats, inflammatory pain is induced by intraplantar injection of heat inactivated Mycobacterium butyricum, a component of complete Freund's adjuvant. We hypothesized that mycobacterially derived formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and/or toll like receptor (TLR) agonists could activate neutrophils, leading to opioid peptide release and inhibition of inflammatory pain. In complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammation, thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds of the paw were quantified (Hargreaves and Randall-Selitto methods, respectively). Withdrawal time to heat was decreased following systemic neutrophil depletion as well as local injection of opioid receptor antagonists or anti-opioid peptide (i.e. Met-enkephalin, β-endorphin) antibodies indicating an increase in pain. In vitro, opioid peptide release from human and rat neutrophils was measured by radioimmunoassay. Met-enkephalin release was triggered by Mycobacterium butyricum and formyl peptides but not by TLR-2 or TLR-4 agonists. Mycobacterium butyricum induced a rise in intracellular calcium as determined by FURA loading and calcium imaging. Opioid peptide release was blocked by intracellular calcium chelation as well as phosphoinositol-3-kinase inhibition. The FPR antagonists Boc-FLFLF and cyclosporine H reduced opioid peptide release in vitro and increased inflammatory pain in vivo while TLR 2/4 did not appear to be involved. In summary, mycobacteria activate FPR on neutrophils, resulting in tonic secretion of opioid peptides from neutrophils and in a decrease in inflammatory pain. Future therapeutic strategies may aim at selective FPR agonists to boost endogenous analgesia

The role of feeding in the maintenance of well-being and health of geriatric dogs

Ageing, like all physiological effects, has a multifactorial origin and is linked to the progressive reduction in the function of some organs and systems. Feeding can play an important role in the control of the ageing process by the improvement of quality of life and the prevention of some pathologies associated with age (renal diseases, obesity, rheumatism, dental pathologies, cardiovascular disorders). Clinical nutrition of old dogs allows us to clarify the animals\u2019 nutritional requirements, the required balance of nutrients, the quality of ingredients and dietetic function of some substances. Twenty commercial dry foods formulated for old dogs were analysed. A wide variability of chemical composition was observed among the samples. Very different values were found for size and hardness of kibbles (parameters correlated with the incidence of some dental diseases). Good availability of foods with different nutritional characteristics could be useful to the needs of geriatric dogs. Similarly, a balanced homemade ration could satisfy the specific requirements of old dogs and gratify their owners. In conclusion, a diet for ageing dogs should be \u201cpersonalized\u201d, considering both the nutritional and extra-nutritional factors, which contribute to guarantee optimal well-being and health

Study of the physical properties of pet foods for ageing dogs

none3noneCERCHIARO I.; MALOCCO S.; BAILONI L.Cerchiaro, I.; Malocco, S.; Bailoni, Luci