Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2) (2004)

CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS

Histology and embryology

Follistatin alters myostatin gene expression in C2C12 muscle cells. H. Kocamiş, N. Gulmez, S. Aslan and M. Nazli 135

Microbiology and immunology

Isolation and characterisation of Mycobacterium avium and Rhodococcus equi from granulomatous lesions of swine lymph nodes in Slovenia. Mateja Pate, Irena Zdovc, Tina Pirš, B. Krt and M. Ocepek 143

Leukocyte subsets and specific antibodies in pigs vaccinated with a classical swine fever subunit (E2) vaccine and the attenuated ORF virus strain D1701. Svjetlana Terzić, Lorena Jemeršić, M. Lojkić, Lidija Šver, I. Valpotić, Nada Oršolić, Andrea Humski and Ž. Cvetnić 151

A survey of the prevalence of infectious bronchitis virus type 4/91 in Iran. M. R. Seyfi Abad Shapouri, M. Mayahi, K. Assasi and S. Charkhkar 163

Detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in trigeminal ganglia by avidin-biotin complex method in chickens: Short communication. F. Yilmaz, N. Timurkaan and H. Bulut 167

Correlations among the somatic cell count of individual bulk milk, result of the California Mastitis Test and bacteriological status of the udder in dairy cows. Sz. Jánosi and Zs. Baltay 173

Nutrition

Effects of nickel supply on the fattening performance and several biochemical parameters of broiler chickens and rabbits. A. Bersényi, S. Gy. Fekete, M. Szilágyi, Erzsébet Berta, L. Zöldág and R. Glávits 185

Effect of inorganic and organic manganese supplementation on the performance and tissue manganese content of broiler chicks. Erzsébet Berta, Emese Andrásofszky, A. Bersényi, R. Glávits, A. Gáspárdy and S. Gy. Fekete 199

Pharmacology and toxicology

Marek’s disease vaccination, with turkey herpesvirus, and enrofloxacin modulate the activities of hepatic microsomal enzymes in broiler chickens. D. Sakar, Estela Prukner-Radovčić, Andreja Prevendar Crnić, Jelena Pompe-Gotal, W. L. Ragland and H. Mazija 211

Pigeon diseases

Health status of free-living pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the city of Ljubljana. Alenka Dovč, Olga Zorman-Rojs, Aleksandra Vergles Rataj, Vojka Bole-Hribovšek, U. Krapež and M. Dobeic 219

Reproduction

Determination of the rate of true fertility in duck breeds by the combination of two in vitro methods. Krisztina Liptói, Á. Varga, A. Hidas and Judit Barna 227

Tracking of the hormonally induced maturation of female eels by computed tomography. T. Müller, T. Molnár, A. Szabó, R. Romvári, Cs. Hancz, M. Bercsényi and P. Horn 235

Surgery

Comparison of femoral inclination angle measurements in dysplastic and nondysplastic dogs of different breeds. M. Sarierler 245

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 135–141 (2004)

FOLLISTATIN ALTERS MYOSTATIN GENE EXPRESSION IN C2C12 MUSCLE CELLS

H. Kocamiş*, N. Gulmez, S. Aslan and M. Nazli

Division of Histology and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey

(Received May 14, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of follistatin addition on myostatin and follistatin gene expression patterns in C2C12 muscle cells. C2C12 cells were administered with 100 ng/ml recombinant human (rh) follistatin in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 4 mM glutamine and antibiotics daily for three days. Rh follistatin was not added in the control wells. Follistatin and myostatin gene cDNAs were synthesised by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The time course of follistatin gene expression pattern was similar in both the control and the follistatin-treated group. Myostatin mRNA level significantly increased in the follistatin-treated group after 24 h of culture (Fig. 3, P < 0.01). Amounts then sharply decreased (Fig. 3, P < 0.01) at 48 h of culture, whereas there was no significant difference between the control and the follistatin-treated group at 72 h of culture. Our results demonstrated that myostatin and follistatin mRNA were expressed in C2C12 cells and rh follistatin changed the myostatin expression pattern.

Key words: C2C12 cells, RT-PCR, myostatin, follistatin

 

*Corresponding author; Hakan KOCAMIŞ, DVM, PhD, Kafkas Üniversitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Histoloji-Embriyoloji Anabilim Dali, Kars, 36100, TURKEY; E-mail: hkocamis@hotmail.com; Phone: 90 (474) 242 6800 Ext: 1178; Fax: 90 (474) 242 6853

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 143–150 (2004)

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM AND RHODOCOCCUS EQUI FROM GRANULOMATOUS LESIONS OF SWINE LYMPH NODES IN SLOVENIA

Mateja Pate, Irena Zdovc, Tina Pirš, B. Krt and M. Ocepek*

Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

(Received October 14, 2003; accepted March 2, 2004)

Granulomatous lesions in bovine and especially swine lymph nodes are still frequently observed during routine veterinary meat inspections even though Mycobacterium bovis infections are no longer detected in domestic animals in Slovenia. Different lymph nodes of pigs (n = 260) were investigated using classical bacteriological and molecular methods. Mycobacterium avium alone was isolated in 47.3% of pigs and in mixed infection with Rhodococcus equi in 3.9% of pigs. R. equi alone was isolated in 27.3% and in mixed infection with mycobacteria other than M. avium in 1.5% of pigs. A total of 133 M. avium isolates were typed using the IS1245, IS901 and FR300 PCR. Almost two thirds (60.9%) of isolates belonged to M. avium hominissuis (IS901-, IS1245+ genotype), 33.8% of isolates belonged to M. avium avium (IS901+, IS1245+ genotype) and 5.3% of isolates remained non-typed. Fifty out of 85 R. equi isolates were tested for the virulence-associated antigens (VapA and VapB). Nearly two thirds (60.0%) were positive for VapB while all the other isolates were VapA- and VapB-negative.

Key words: Mycobacterium avium, Rhodococcus equi, tuberculosis, pigs, virulence-associated antigens, PCR

 

*Corresponding author: Matjaž Ocepek; E-mail: matjaz.ocepek@vf.uni-lj.si; Phone: ++ 386 1 4779 252; Fax: ++ 386 1 4779 352

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 151–161 (2004)

LEUKOCYTE SUBSETS AND SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES IN PIGS VACCINATED WITH A CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER SUBUNIT (E2) VACCINE AND THE ATTENUATED ORF VIRUS STRAIN D1701

Svjetlana Terzić1*, Lorena Jemeršić1, M. Lojkić1, Lidija Šver2, I. Valpotić2, Nada Oršolić3, Andrea Humski1 and Ž. Cvetnić1

1Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, P.O. Box 883, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; 2Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; 3Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

(Received April 11, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

Total white blood cell (WBC) counts and percentages of CD4a+, CD8a+, CD5a+, CD45RA+, CD45RC+, wCD21+ and SWC3a+ cells in the peripheral blood of pigs were analysed in this study. Blood samples were collected before and on days 4, 10, 21 and 28 after vaccination. Group 1 pigs were vaccinated with a subunit E2 vaccine (gp E2 32 µg/dose), and Group 2 received a subunit vaccine combined with an attenuated ORF virus strain D1701 106.45 TCID50/dose. Control pigs received a placebo. The total WBC count and percentage of particular cell types were within the normal range in vaccinated and control pigs. Although the mechanism of attenuated ORF virus activity is not clear, changes were observed in CD4a+, CD5a+, CD8a+, CD45RA+ and CD45RC+ cells in pigs that received the combination of a subunit vaccine and ORF virus. However, the percentage of wCD21+ and SWC3a+ did not differ significantly from that recorded in pigs given only the subunit vaccine. At days 4 and 10 the number of pigs positive to E2 antibodies was higher in the group that received the subunit vaccine and ORF virus than in pigs vaccinated with the subunit vaccine only. A higher percentage of memory cells (CD45RC+) as well as Th and Tc lymphocytes in pigs that received the ORF virus and the subunit vaccine could be ascribed to a nonspecific influence of the ORF virus on the development (through cognate interactions between T and B cells) and the duration (presumed according to the finding of the clonal expression of memory cells) of humoral immunity (assessed by a higher number of seropositive pigs in this group). This seems likely since the proportion of these cells was found to be lower in the pigs that received E2 vaccine only.

Key words: Classical swine fever, subunit vaccine, ORF virus, leukocyte subset

 

*Corresponding author; E-mail: terzic@veinst.hr; Phone: ++385 1 6123 609; Fax: ++385 1 6190 841

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 163–166 (2004)

A SURVEY OF THE PREVALENCE OF INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS VIRUS TYPE 4/91 IN IRAN

M. R. Seyfi Abad Shapouri1*, M. Mayahi2, K. Assasi3 and S. Charkhkar4

1Section of Virology and 2Section of Diseases of Poultry, Veterinary School of Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz, Iran; 3Section of Diseases of Poultry, Veterinary School of Shiraz University, Iran; 4Veterinary Organization of Iran, Tehran, Iran

(Received August 22, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

To evaluate the prevalence of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) type 4/91 in Iran, tracheal swabs from 77 broiler flocks in 16 provinces were collected at the slaughterhouse. Swabs were subjected to RNA extraction and tested by RT-PCR, followed by a type-specific nested PCR. The viral RNA was detected in 33 samples (42.8%) from different provinces. The results indicate a relatively high prevalence of IBV type 4/91 in Iran and necessitate revising the vaccination programme against this disease.

Key words: Avian, infectious bronchitis virus, type 4/91, Iran, prevalence, RT-PCR

 

*Corresponding author; E-mail: masoudrs@yahoo.com; Fax: 98 (611) 3360807

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 167–171 (2004)

DETECTION OF INFECTIOUS LARYNGOTRACHEITIS VIRUS IN TRIGEMINAL GANGLIA BY AVIDIN-BIOTIN COMPLEX METHOD IN CHICKENS: SHORT COMMUNICATION

F. Yilmaz1, N. Timurkaan1* and H. Bulut2

1Department of Pathology and 2Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey

(Received May 15, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

Detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) by avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method was studied in trigeminal ganglia (TRG) during the acute and post-acute or latent period in chickens inoculated with an A96 strain of the antigen. TRG tissue samples were collected from uninoculated (10 chickens) and inoculated (30 chickens) animals at various intervals post inoculation (PI), and stained by the ABC method. The results indicated that no ILTV antigen was detected in the TRG between PI days 3 and 11. However, the antigen was detected in most of the chickens between PI days 13 and 41. It is concluded that the ABC method can be used successfully for the detection of ILTV antigens in TRG during post-acute or latent period.

Key words: Chicken, infectious laryngotracheitis virus, trigeminal ganglia, avidin-biotin complex

 

*Corresponding author: Dr. Necati Timurkaan; E-mail: ntimurkaan@firat.edu.tr; Fax: 00 90 424 238 81 73

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 173–183 (2004)

CORRELATIONS AMONG THE SOMATIC CELL COUNT OF INDIVIDUAL BULK MILK, RESULT OF THE CALIFORNIA MASTITIS TEST AND BACTERIOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE UDDER IN DAIRY COWS

Sz. Jánosi1* and Zs. Baltay2

1Central Veterinary Institute, H-1149 Budapest, Tábornok u. 2, Hungary; 2Department of Cattle and Sheep Breeding, Szent István University, H-2103 Gödöllő, Gödöllő, Páter K. u. 1, Hungary

(Received June 2, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

In a survey of about 3000 dairy cows producing low somatic cell count (SCC) milk and kept on a large-scale dairy farm, California Mastitis Test (CMT) positivity was found in 2714 udder quarters of 1491 cows. Pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from 57.6% of these 2714 udder quarters during bacteriological examination. The commonest pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS, 41%) and Staphylococcus aureus (32.5%); however, udder infections caused by environmental streptococci (12.8%) and coliform bacteria (6.8%) were also common. All pathogens resulted in a significant increase of the SCC in individual bulk milk (IBM) samples. In the case of CNS, this SCC elevation in IBM was significantly lower than in the case of infection by the other pathogens. In spite of this, because of the high number of udder infections caused by CNS, the adverse effect exerted by CNS on dairy herds is considered to be substantial. It was found that 54.6% of all CMT-positive cows produced IBM of an SCC below 400 thousand per ml. The milk produced by 41% of the 315 cows excreting S. aureus also had an SCC below 400 thousand per ml. This poses a serious risk of infection to the healthy herdmates. At the same time, 11% of the infected cows produced IBM with an SCC below 100 thousand per ml. On the basis of these findings, only the regular analysis of SCC of IBM can be a reliable indicator of chronic intramammary infection. As the SCC of milk produced by CMT-positive cows (and especially of those excreting pathogens) tended to increase with advancing lactation, the authors suggest that an efficient drying-off therapy should be used to restore udder health and, whenever justified, culling of cows cannot be avoided either.

Key words: Mastitis, bovine, coagulase-negative staphylococci, somatic cell count, California Mastitis Test

 

*Corresponding author; E-mail: janosis@oai.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 222 6066

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 185–197 (2004)

EFFECTS OF NICKEL SUPPLY ON THE FATTENING PERFORMANCE AND SEVERAL BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS AND RABBITS

A. Bersényi1*, S. Gy. Fekete1, M. Szilágyi2, Erzsébet Berta1, L. Zöldág1 and R. Glávits3

1Faculty of Veterinary Science Budapest, Szent István University, H-1400 Budapest, P.O. Box 2, Hungary; 2Research Institute of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Herceghalom, Hungary; 3Central Veterinary Institute, Budapest, Hungary

(Received July 4, 2002; accepted October 28, 2003)

Broiler chicken and rabbit experiments were carried out to study the effects of nickel (Ni) supplementation on growth performance and Ni metabolism. ROSS cockerels and New Zealand White female rabbits were fed a diet containing Ni in concentrations of 0, 50 and 500 mg/kg in dry matter (DM). Dietary supplementation of 50 mg Ni/kg slightly improved the body weight gain (BWG) and had a beneficial effect on the feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in broiler chickens. However, Ni added at a level of 500 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the BWG by 10% and resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) worse (2.3 ± 0.2 kg/kg) FCE. The relative weight of the liver in cockerels was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by Ni as compared to the control group (1.7 and 2.1% vs. 2.6%). The activity of AST and CHE enzymes was increased insignificantly by dietary supplementation of 500 mg Ni/kg, indicating damage of the liver parenchyma. The results of serum biochemistry were confirmed by a mild or moderate form of pathological focal fatty infiltration of the liver in broilers. Supplemental Ni of 50 mg/kg concentration resulted in non-significantly increased BWG in rabbits. Ni added to the diet at a level of 500 mg/kg reduced the digestibility of crude protein by 3–4% and that of crude fibre by 20–25% in rabbits. Approx. 98% of the ingested Ni was lost from the body via the faeces, 0.5–1.5% via the urine and approx. 1% was incorporated into the organs of rabbits. As a result of dietary supplementation of 50 and 500 mg Ni/kg, Ni accumulated in the kidneys (4.9 ± 0.5 and 17.1 ± 3.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 mg/kg DM), ribs (10.3 ± 0.4 and 10.4 ± 0.6 vs. 9.1 ± 0.6 mg/kg DM), heart (1.4 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 mg/kg DM) and liver (1.3 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.05 mg/kg DM), as compared to the control animals. It can be stated that supplementation of the diet with 50 mg Ni/kg had slight but non-significant beneficial effects on the growth performance of broiler chickens and rabbits.

Key words: Nickel, chicken, rabbit, tissue distribution, biochemical parameters

 

*Corresponding author: András Bersényi, DVM; E-mail: aberseny@univet.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 478-4128

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 199–209 (2004)

EFFECT OF INORGANIC AND ORGANIC MANGANESE SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE AND TISSUE MANGANESE CONTENT OF BROILER CHICKS

Erzsébet Berta1, Emese Andrásofszky1, A. Bersényi1, R. Glávits2, A. Gáspárdy1 and S. Gy. Fekete1*

1Institute of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science Budapest, Szent István University, H-1400 Budapest, P.O. Box 2, Hungary; 2Central Veterinary Institute, Budapest, Hungary

(Received July 1, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

The effects of dietary levels of manganese (Mn) in inorganic (MnO) and organic (Mn fumarate) forms were evaluated on cockerel chicks. A basal corn-soybean diet with 23 mg/kg Mn was supplemented with levels of 0, 30, 60 and 240 ppm Mn from both Mn sources. Each treatment was replicated in five pens of 10 chicks. The chicks were fed diets ad libitum from 14 to 49 days of age, after which five birds per treatment were sacrificed for pathomorphological examinations and analysis. The treatments did not exert significant effects on the body weight (BW), the feed/gain (F/G) ratio or the mortality rate. According to the necropsy findings, no growth retardation or emaciation occurred in either of the groups and the differences in the average absolute and relative organ weights were not significant (P > 0.05). Tissue analysis indicated that the tibia showed the greatest response to Mn, followed by the liver and kidney. Accumulation in the tibia was higher (P < 0.05) with supplements of 30, 60 and 240 mg/kg from both Mn sources (3.71, 3.78, 4.44, and 3.68, 4.00, 4.36 mg/kg DM, MnO and Mn fumarate, respectively) compared to the control group (3.21 mg/kg). Accumulation in the liver increased significantly (P < 0.05) only with supplements of 60 and 240 ppm independently of the Mn source (12.7, 14.2, and 14.0, 14.9 mg/kg, respectively) compared to the control (9.8 mg/kg). Similarly, kidney tissue Mn was higher (P < 0.05) only with supplements of 60 and 240 ppm (12.8, 12.8, and 13.1, 12.5 mg/kg, respectively) compared to the control (10.2 mg/kg). At the same level of supplementation of the two Mn sources there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the Mn concentrations of organs and tissues. Droppings sensitively reflected the intake, whereas blood plasma and feathers showed only the extreme Mn loading.

Key words: Manganese supplementation, inorganic and organic, chick, tissue manganese, indicator organs, droppings

 

*Corresponding author: Dr. Sándor Fekete; E-mail: safekete@univet.hu; Fax: +36 (1) 478 4128

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 211–217 (2004)

MAREK’S DISEASE VACCINATION, WITH TURKEY HERPESVIRUS, AND ENROFLOXACIN MODULATE THE ACTIVITIES OF HEPATIC MICROSOMAL ENZYMES IN BROILER CHICKENS

D. Sakar1*, Estela Prukner-Radovčić2, Andreja Prevendar Crnić1, Jelena Pompe-Gotal1, W. L. Ragland3 and H. Mazija2

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; 3Department of Avian Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA

(Received April 16, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

Chickens were vaccinated against Marek’s disease intramuscularly at one day of age. Enrofloxacin was given ad libitum in the drinking water at concentrations of 50, 100 and 250 mg/L from 8 days to 13 days of age when the animals were killed and the activities of cytochrome P-450 enzymes in the liver were measured. Vaccinated non-treated chickens served as a positive control. A negative control group was neither vaccinated nor treated. Vaccination decreased the activity of aniline hydroxylase and ethylmorphine N-demethylase in the positive control group. Subsequent application of enrofloxacin in the lowest concentration (50 mg/L) decreased, while that given at the highest level (250 mg/L) significantly increased the activity of the same microsomal enzymes. Relative liver weights and concentrations of proteins in 9000 × g supernatant were not affected by vaccination or treatment.

Key words: Marek’s disease vaccine, turkey herpesvirus, enrofloxacin, hepatic microsomal enzymes, broiler chickens

 

*Corresponding author; E-mail: apcrnic@vef.hr; Fax: +385 (1) 244 1390

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 219–226 (2004)

HEALTH STATUS OF FREE-LIVING PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA) IN THE CITY OF LJUBLJANA

Alenka Dovč*, Olga Zorman-Rojs, Aleksandra Vergles Rataj, Vojka Bole-Hribovšek, U. Krapež and M. Dobeic

Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

(Received November 6, 2002; accepted October 28, 2003)

In the year 2000 an epidemiological research was undertaken on the health status of free-living pigeons in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. A total of 139 pigeons were captured and examined for the most common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. Serum samples, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs as well as samples of droppings and feathers were taken from the captured birds. Antibodies to paramyxovirus type 1 were found in 84.2% of the sera examined, and 23.7% of birds were serologically positive to Chlamydophila psittaci. Antibodies to avian influenza virus were not detected. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 5.7% of the cloacal swabs. Trichomonas gallinae was clinically suspected and then microscopically confirmed using oropharyngeal swabs in 7.9% of examined birds. Eimeria spp. was identified in 71.9%, Capillaria sp. in 26.6% and Ascaridia columbae in 4.3% of droppings samples examined. Of the ectoparasites, Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus compar were found.

Key words: Pigeons, health, bird diseases, epidemiology, serology, parasites, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

*Corresponding author: Alenka Dovč, Institute for Healthcare of Poultry, Veterinary Faculty, Cesta v Mestni log 47, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mail: Alenka.Dovc@vf.uni-lj.si; Fax: +386 (1) 4779 339

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 227–233 (2004)

DETERMINATION OF THE RATE OF TRUE FERTILITY IN DUCK BREEDS BY THE COMBINATION OF TWO IN VITRO METHODS

Krisztina Liptói*, Á. Varga, A. Hidas and Judit Barna

Institute for Small Animal Research, H-2100 Gödöllő, P.O. Box 417, Hungary

(Received September 10, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

Embryonic mortality is a significant problem plaguing the hatching success. Its early forms are especially hardly distinguishable from true infertility. Propidium iodide (PI) staining of the germinal disc combined with outer perivitelline layer (OPVL) sperm counting was used for the determination of ‘true’ fertility of duck eggs in two different experiments: fertility investigation on fresh, unincubated eggs of Hungarian ducks and on incubated eggs of a crossbred, selected as ‘infertile’ at the 7th day of incubation. Examination of the relationship between OPVL sperm count and fertility seems to be an adequate tool for checking the effectiveness of insemination programmes and the fertilising capacity of poultry spermatozoa. The proportion of fertile eggs was around 50% when the number of OPVL sperm was between 0.1 and 0.2 spermatozoa/mm2. Ninety-nine percent of the eggs containing > 0.3 OPVL sperm/mm2 were fertile and all of the eggs containing < 0.05 sperm/mm2 were infertile. To assure the accuracy of fertility prediction by OPVL sperm counting, PI staining of the germinal disc was used to determine fertility in uncertain cases. Identification of very early embryonic mortality, i.e. that occurring before oviposition, is very difficult. The use of a dissecting microscope for the assessment of real fertility is suitable in most of the cases, while PI staining of the germinal discs proved to be more reliable for detecting very early embryonic death. The combination of the two methods proved to be a useful tool for detecting the ‘true’ fertility of duck eggs of different breeds.

Key words: Duck, fertility, OPVL sperm, very early embryonic mortality, propidium iodide staining

 

*Corresponding author: Krisztina Liptói, KÁTKI, H-2100 Gödöllő, P.O. Box 417, Hungary; E-mail: liptoi@katki.hu; Fax: +36 (28) 430 184

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 235–243 (2004)

TRACKING OF THE HORMONALLY INDUCED MATURATION OF FEMALE EELS BY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

T. Müller1,2*, T. Molnár2, A. Szabó2, R. Romvári2, Cs. Hancz2, M. Bercsényi1 and P. Horn2

1Georgikon Faculty of Agriculture, University of Veszprém, H-8360 Keszthely, Deák F. u. 16, Hungary; 2Faculty of Animal Science, Kaposvár University, H-7400 Kaposvár, Guba S. u. 40, Hungary

(Received June 17, 2003; accepted October 28, 2003)

Female European eels were kept in artificial seawater for a trial period of 14 weeks. Three fish were injected intra-abdominally with carp pituitary suspension (twice a week) and human chorionic gonadotropin (every 2nd week), with the aim to induce artificial maturation. Three further fish were not treated (control). Fish were not fed during the trial. The treated fish were scanned by computed tomography (CT) every second week (the controls only at the start and at the end of the trial) to follow changes in body composition. Notable decreases were shown in total body pixel number (body volume), total body fat content, total fillet volume and fillet fat content during the experiment. Changes were more pronounced in the treated group than in the control. The abdominal volume strongly increased in the responding fish throughout the trial. The ovary volume increased measurably, while its fat content increased only until the 8th week, after which a decrease was measured. Tissue volumetric estimations of the ovary were also supported by histological results. A so-called volumetric gonadosomatic index (gonad volume/total body volume × 100) was developed for the quantitative characterisation of eel maturation.

Key words: European eel, artificial maturation, computed tomography

 

*Corresponding author: Tamás Müller; E-mail: muller-t@georgikon.hu; Fax: +36 (83) 315 105

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 52 (2), pp. 245–252 (2004)

COMPARISON OF FEMORAL INCLINATION ANGLE MEASUREMENTS IN DYSPLASTIC AND NONDYSPLASTIC DOGS OF DIFFERENT BREEDS

M. Sarierler*

Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Adnan Menderes, 09016 Aydin, Turkey

(Received December 9, 2002; accepted October 28, 2003)

In this study, inclination angle of the femoral head and neck was measured on 484 limbs of 242 dogs belonging to 7 breeds, examined for hip dysplasia. These inclination angles were compared according to age, sex and joint laxity, evaluated with Subluxation Index (SI) and Norberg angle (NA) results. The findings indicate that (a) there was a minimal (nonsignificant) difference in femoral inclination angle between the dysplastic and nondysplastic dogs belonging to 7 breeds; (b) although there was no significant difference in femoral inclination angle between the nondysplastic dogs belonging to 4 breeds (Pointer, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd), a significant difference was observed between Doberman and Labrador, and between Anatolian Karabash and the other six breeds (p < 0.001). Age and sex did not affect the femoral neck angle.

Key words: Hip dysplasia, femoral inclination angle, dog

 

*Corresponding author; Assist. Prof. Murat Sarierler; Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi, Cerrahi Anabilim Dali Bati Kampusü PK 17, 09016 Işikli, Aydin, Türkiye; E-mail: sarierlermurat@hotmail.com; Fax: +90 256 247 07 20