Bacteriology
Extracellular proteins of
Clostridium chauvoei are protective in a mouse model. María
A. Mattar, Teresa I. Cortinas and Ana M. Stefanini ........... 159
Biochemistry and physiology
Isolation and development of haematopoietic progenitor cells
from peripheral blood of adult and newborn pigs. P. Gómez-Ochoa, F. J. Miana-Mena, M. J. Munoz,
M. Gascón, J. A. Castillo, E. Cativiela and F. Gómez ........... 171
Effects
of fasting and refeeding on the antioxidant system in cockerels and pullets. Suzana
Milinković-Tur, Z. Stojević, Jasna Piršljin, Maja Zdelar-Tuk, Nina Poljičak-Milas,
Blanka Beer Ljubić and
Bojana Gradinski-Vrbanac ........... 181
Effects
of tiletamine-zolazepam anaesthesia on plasma antioxidative status and some haematological
parameters in sheep. C. Ceylan, N.
Aydilek and H. Ipek
........... 191
Clinical veterinary science
Mechanical devices to help in PennHIP examination. M. M. D. Ginja, Maria P. Llorens-Pena, J. M.
Gonzalo-Orden and
A. J. A. Ferreira ........... 199
Genetics
Detection of equine X chromosome mosaicism in a mare using an
equine X whole chromosome painting probe (WCPP) – A case report. Monika Bugno, Ewa Słota, Aldona Pieńkowska-Schelling and Claude Schelling
........... 207
Infectious diseases
Pacheco’s disease in a Hungarian zoo
bird population: A case report.
Andrea Bistyák, S. Kecskeméti, R. Glávits, I.
Tischler, S. T. Nagy, G. Kardos and I. Kiss ............ 213
Prevalence
of selected enteropathogenic bacteria in Hungarian finishing pigs. I. Biksi, Márta Lőrincz, Beáta Molnár, T.
Kecskés, N. Takács, Darja Mirt, A. Cizek, Z. Pejsak, G.-P. Martineau, J.-L. Sevin and O. Szenci ........... 219
Nutrition
Veterinary
aspects and perspectives of nutrigenomics: A critical review. S. Gy.
Fekete and
D. L. Brown ........... 229
Pathology
Pathomorphological
study on gastroduodenal ulceration in horses: localisation of lesions.
Barbora Bezdekova,
P. Jahn and M.
Vyskocil ........... 241
Reproduction
Luteinising
hormone attenuates the vascular response to norepinephrine. Janina Skipor,
A. Kowalik and
Stanisława Stefańczyk-Krzymowska ........... 251
Origin and characterisation of
preovulatory follicles of hyperstimulated oestrous cycles in goats. J. Simoes and R. Mascarenhas
............ 259
Virology
Simultaneous
detection of three porcine viruses by multiplex pcr.
L. Sámi, Krisztina
Ursu, J. McKillen, S. Kecskeméti, S.
Belák and I. Kiss
........... 267
EXTRACELLULAR PROTEINS OF CLOSTRIDIUM CHAUVOEI ARE PROTECTIVE IN A MOUSE
MODEL
María A. Mattar, Teresa I. Cortinas and Ana M. Stefanini
Department of Microbiology,
National University of San Luis, Chacabuco y Pedernera, 5700 San Luis, Argentina
(Received 11 April 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
The anaerobic bacillus Clostridium chauvoei is the causative agent of
blackleg, a lethal disease that has an important impact on the sheep and cattle industry
worldwide. Immunity to C. chauvoei is
considered to be mainly anticellular, and for this reason there is scarce information
about the immunogenicity of extracellular proteins. In this work variations in protein
profiles, immune response by ELISA and protective capacity of culture supernatants of
three C. chauvoei strains, collected at
different growth phases, are reported. Sera raised against extracellular antigens also
recognised cellular antigens of the same molecular masses. Partially purified cell-free
supernatants and those concentrated 10 times by ultrafiltration (C-CFS), obtained at the
early stationary phase of growth, induced a strong immunoprotective response, even at low
doses, that was more marked for C. chauvoei
strain ATCC 10092 (p < 0.05). With C-CFS formulations, a clear relationship was
observed between IgG titres, protective capacity and concentration of the antigen doses,
indicating a specific immune response.
Key
words: Clostridium chauvoei,
immunoprotective response, extracellular antigens, blackleg
ISOLATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF HAEMATOPOIETIC PROGENITOR CELLS
FROM PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF ADULT AND NEWBORN PIGS
P. Gómez-Ochoa1,,
F. J. Miana-Mena2, M. J. Munoz2, M. Gascón1,
J. A. Castillo1, E. Cativiela3 and F. Gómez3
1Department of Animal
Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet, 177 CP 50013,
Zaragoza, Spain; 2Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Veterinary
Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Spain; 3Unit of Haematology, Lozano Blesa
Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
(Received 18 April 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
Pluripotent stem cells
(PSCs), already described in human beings, are fibroblast-like cells that exhibit a CD34
marker specific for haematopoietic stem cells. In this work we have demonstrated the
presence of PSCs in the peripheral blood of pigs, a species frequently used in
transplantation studies as an animal model for human diseases. Differentiation into
haematopoietic colonies (granulomacrophagic colonies, erythroid colonies and mixed
colonies) has been carried out with the peripheral blood of adult and newborn pigs, using
solely human commercial media. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were cultured
in semisolid methylcellulose based media enriched with recombinant human cytokines,
achieving granulomacrophagic-colony forming unit (GM-CFU) and mixed-colony forming unit
(Mix-CFU) growth with erythroblastic lineage proliferation in the presence of
erythropoietin (Epo). In all the samples CFU growth was associated with the presence of
recombinant human cytokine. No evidence of proliferation in control plates without
cytokines was found. From liquid medium culture, a population of macrophages and CD34+
fibroblast like cells were retrieved 21 days after sowing. These findings allow us to
think about the direct application of this simple and standardised method in several work
fields such as the study of pharmacological effects of many drugs over the haematopoietic
line and in the study of new strategies in cellular therapy for some human diseases.
Key
words: Haematopoietic progenitor cells, stem cell, peripheral blood, pig
EFFECTS OF FASTING AND REFEEDING ON THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN
COCKERELS AND PULLETS
Suzana Milinković-Tur1,
Z. Stojević1, Jasna Piršljin1, Maja Zdelar-Tuk1,
Nina Poljičak-Milas2, Blanka Beer
Ljubić1 and
Bojana Gradinski-Vrbanac1
1Department of
Physiology and Radiobiology and 2Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
(Received 3 January 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
The effect of fasting
and refeeding on total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity
and concentration of some non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds was studied in cockerels and
pullets. Blood was collected before and after 48-h fasting and 24 h after refeeding. In
cockerels, fasting resulted in a significant decrease of TAS and uric acid concentration.
After refeeding, the concentration of TAS remained significantly lower as compared to the
control level. At the same time, blood plasma level of total lipids increased in
comparison to the control and post-fasting values. In pullets, fasting resulted in a
significant decrease of whole blood haemolysate GSH-Px activity and blood plasma
concentrations of albumin and uric acid. Simultaneously, a significant increase in total
lipids and cholesterol was obtained. In pullets, refeeding resulted in a further decrease
of TAS to undetectable values, a significant decrease of blood plasma cholesterol, and a
significant increase of GSH-Px in the whole blood haemolysate and in blood plasma uric
acid content. The results indicate that fasting has a negative impact on the antioxidant
defence system of the blood, which leads to a reduced resistance to oxidative stress in
both cockerels and pullets. However, pullets seem to be more susceptible to
fasting-provoked oxidative stress than cockerels.
Key
words: Antioxidant system, cockerel, pullet, fasting, refeeding
EFFECTS OF TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM ANAESTHESIA ON PLASMA
ANTIOXIDATIVE STATUS AND SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN SHEEP
C. Ceylan1, N. Aydilek2 and H.
Ipek2
1Department of Surgery
and 2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran
University, 63300 Sanliurfa, Turkey
(Received 3 May 2006; accepted 20 September 2006)
It is not clear whether
the anaesthetic agents tiletamine and zolazepam have antioxidant or pro-oxidant effects.
Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of tiletamine-zolazepam
anaesthesia on oxidant/antioxidant status in blood plasma and on haematological parameters
in 10 healthy Awassi ewes. The tiletamine-zolazepam combination was administrated in a
dose of 7.5 mg/kg intramuscularly. The animals were spontaneously breathing air
during the procedure. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture before
induction and at 30, 60, 120 min, 24 h and 3 days after anaesthesia. Malondialdehyde
concentration, an index of lipid peroxidation, was higher at 30, 60, 120 min and 24 h (P
< 0.05) than the baseline value in the plasma. The level of glutathione decreased (P
< 0.05) at 30, 60 and 120 min, then returned to the baseline level. Beta-carotene
concentration was lower (P < 0.05) than the baseline value during anaesthesia with the
exception of its level at 120 min. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities
decreased (P < 0.05) at the onset of anaesthesia, then returned to baseline values.
There was no significant change in vitamin A level. Red blood cell count, haematocrit and
haemoglobin concentration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) only at 30 min and
thereafter they gradually returned to the baseline values. Based on the results
tiletamine-zolazepam anaesthesia seems to accelerate lipid peroxidation and to impair the
enzymatic antioxidant defence in the blood plasma.
Key
words: Anaesthesia, tiletamine-zolazepam, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, sheep
MECHANICAL DEVICES TO HELP IN PENNHIP EXAMINATION
M. M. D. Ginja1, Maria P. Llorens-Pena2, J. M. Gonzalo-Orden3
and A. J. A. Ferreira4
1Department of
Veterinary Science-CETAV, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real,
Portugal; 2Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty,
University Complutense of Madrid, Spain; 3Department of Animal Pathology:
Animal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, University of Léon, Spain; 4Department of
Clinic-CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal
(Received 20 April 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
A modified PennHIP
procedure (MPP), using specific mechanical holding devices, was used on 70 dogs and
compared to the standard PennHIP method (SPM) used on 39 dogs, in terms of technical
effectiveness and the mean number of essential individuals within the X-ray room (EIXRR).
The data using the Chi-squared test were consistent with the null hypothesis that the
technical effectiveness was equal in the groups under investigation (P > 0.05). On the
contrary, using the two-sample unpaired t-test
the null hypothesis, that the mean EIXRR was equal, was rejected (P < 0.001). The
estimated EIXRR was 3.4 ± 0.7 and 5.7 ± 1.2 (mean ± SD) for MPP and SPM, respectively.
In conclusion, the MPP needs fewer EIXXR than the SPM and complies with the new
recommendations in X-ray protection, which introduce the ALARA
(as-low-as-reasonably-achievable) idea.
Key
words: Dog, hip dysplasia, PennHIP, ALARA
DETECTION OF EQUINE X CHROMOSOME MOSAICISM IN A MARE USING AN
EQUINE X WHOLE CHROMOSOME PAINTING PROBE (WCPP) – A CASE REPORT
Monika Bugno1, Ewa Słota1, Aldona Pieńkowska-Schelling2 and C. Schelling3
1Department of Immuno-
and Cytogenetics, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083
Balice/Kraków, Poland; 2Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding,
Agricultural University of Poznań, Poland; 3Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology Zurich and Department of Animal Science, Vetsuisse Faculty University of
Zurich, Switzerland
(Received 24 May 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
An infertile mare with
hypoplastic ovaries was subjected to cytogenetic analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) using the equine X
whole chromosome painting probe (WCPP) was carried out on a chromosome preparation
obtained from blood lymphocyte culture. The number of analysed spreads was high (235) and
in the X chromosome aneuploidy in mosaic form was diagnosed. The karyotype formula was
63,X / 64,XX / 65,XXX. The ratio of the three lines was 15%, 82% and 3%, respectively. The
application of the FISH technique with WCPP is discussed.
Key
words: Horse, karyotype aberration, X chromosomal aneuploidy, WCPP
PACHECO’S DISEASE IN A HUNGARIAN ZOO BIRD POPULATION: A CASE
REPORT
Andrea Bistyák1, S. Kecskeméti1, R. Glávits2, I. Tischler3, S. T. Nagy4, G. Kardos1,5 and I. Kiss1
1Central Veterinary
Institute, Institute of Debrecen, H-4031 Debrecen, Bornemissza u. 3–7, Hungary; 2Central
Veterinary Institute, Budapest, Hungary; 3Animal Health and Food Control
Station of Hajdú-Bihar County, Debrecen, Hungary; 4Debrecen Zoo, Debrecen,
Hungary; 5Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen,
Hungary
(Received 1 June 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
An epizootic of
Pacheco’s disease is reported from a zoo bird population. The infection was introduced
by wild-captured Patagonian conures (Cyanoliseus
patagonus) despite 61 days of quarantine. The disease affected several parrot species
and, interestingly, three out of seven bearded barbets (Lybius dubius). The mortality rate was 30.93%.
Autopsy revealed abdominal hyperaemia with liver haemorrhages and, in less rapid cases,
yellowish discoloration and fragility of the liver. Death was caused by the collapse of
circulation. Histopathology demonstrated liver cell necrosis, disintegration of the
lobular structure, and a few intranuclear inclusion bodies. Icosahedral virions were
detected by electron microscopy. The virus was isolated in the allantoic cavity of
embryonated chicken eggs as well as in chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture. A
281-bp-long fragment of psittacid herpesvirus DNA was detected by PCR in cell culture
material and liver samples of the affected birds. To our knowledge this is the first
report of Pacheco’s disease in bearded barbets as well as the first occurrence of
Pacheco’s disease in Hungary.
Key
words: Pacheco’s disease, psittacid herpesvirus, bearded barbet
PREVALENCE OF SELECTED ENTEROPATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN HUNGARIAN
FINISHING PIGS
I. Biksi1, Márta Lőrincz1, Beáta Molnár1, T. Kecskés2, N. Takács3, Darja Mirt4, A. Cizek5, Z. Pejsak6, G.-P. Martineau7, J.-L. Sevin8 and O. Szenci1
1Diagnostic Laboratory,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; 2Nagisz
ZRt., Nádudvar, Hungary; 3Veterinary Diagnostic Services, New Mexico State
University, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; 4Novartis Veterina d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia; 5Institute
of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; 6Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary
Research Institute, Puławy, Poland; 7Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de
Toulouse, France; 8Coopagri Bretagne, France
(Received 10 July 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
The aim of this study
was to obtain prevalence estimates about the most important enteropathogenic bacteria: Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Brachyspira pilosicoli, Salmonella enterica and Clostridium perfringens A and C in Hungarian
farrow-to-finish pig herds. A total of 31 herds were selected, from where six pooled
faecal samples, each containing three individual rectal faecal samples were collected from
fattening pigs of 5–6 months of age. All 186 samples were examined by polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) for the presence of the pathogens mentioned above. Lawsonia intracellularis was found in 29 herds
(93.55%) and in 108 samples (58.06%); B.
hyodysenteriae in 14 herds (45.16%) and in 23 samples (12.37%); B. pilosicoli in 19 herds (61.29%) and in 53
samples (28.49%); S. enterica in 17 herds
(54.83%) and in 40 samples (21.50%). We detected the presence of C. perfringens A in 19 herds (61.29%) and in 46
samples (24.73%), while C. perfringens C was
found in 8 herds (25.81%) and in 11 samples (5.91%). All examined herds were infected with
one or more of these agents. Herds with diarrhoea in the mid- to late finishing phase had
almost 10 times higher prevalence of B. hyodysenteriae than herds without such a
history.
Key
words: Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira spp., Salmonella
enterica, Clostridium perfringens,
prevalence, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
VETERINARY ASPECTS AND PERSPECTIVES OF NUTRIGENOMICS: A
CRITICAL REVIEW
S. Gy. Fekete1 and D.
L. Brown2
1Institute of Animal
Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent
István University, H-1400 Budapest, P.O. Box 2, Hungary; 2Department of Animal
Science, New York State College of Agricultural & Life Sciences at Cornell University, Morrison Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
(Received 24 September 2006; accepted 11 January 2007)
Nutrigenomics examines
nutrient-gene interactions on a genome-wide scale. Increased dietary fat or higher
non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) from starvation-induced mobilisation may enhance hepatic
oxidation and decrease esterification of fatty acids by reducing the expression of the
fatty acid synthase gene. The key factors are the peroxisome proliferator-activated
receptors (PPARs). Dietary carbohydrates – both independently and through insulin effect
– influence the transcription of the fatty acid synthase gene. Oleic acid or n-3 fatty
acids downregulate the expression of leptin, fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase in
retroperitoneal adipose tissue. Protein-rich diets entail a shortage of mRNA necessary for
expression of the fatty acid synthase gene in the adipocytes. Conjugated linoleic acids
(CLAs) are activators of PPAR and also induce apoptosis in adipocytes. Altered rumen
microflora produces CLAs that are efficient inhibitors of milk fat synthesis in the
mammary gland (‘biohydrogenation theory’). Oral zinc or cadmium application enhances
transcription rate in the metallothionein gene. Supplemental CLA in pig diets was found to
decrease feed intake and body fat by activating PPAR?-responsive genes in the adipose
tissue. To prevent obesity and type II diabetes, the direct modulation of gene expression
by nutrients is also possible. Nutrigenomics may help in the early diagnosis of
genetically determined metabolic disorders and in designing individualised diets for
companion animals.
Key
words: Nutrigenomics, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, conjugated linoleic
acid, milk fat depression, lean carcass, microbiotome, disease predisposition, metabolic
imprinting, individualised diet
PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY ON
GASTRODUODENAL ULCERATION IN HORSES: LOCALISATION OF LESIONS
Barbora Bezdekova1, P. Jahn1 and M. Vyskocil2
1Department of Internal
Medicine, Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 2Institute of
Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical
Sciences Brno, Palackeho 1–3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
(Received 3 May 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
Gastroduodenal
ulceration is a prevalent disease in foals and adult horses. Decreased performance as well
as fatal complications relate to this syndrome. The objective of our study was to
determine the prevalence of gastric ulceration in a mixed population of horses by
postmortem examination and to evaluate a possible association between equine gastric ulcer
syndrome (EGUS) and sex or age of the examined horses, to evaluate the localisation of
lesions in the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract and to determine the occurrence
of gastric parasites. Postmortem examinations were performed on 71 horses over a period of
24 months. Gastric ulcers were found in 52 horses (73.2%). There was no significant
association between age or sex and occurrence of gastric ulcers. In all horses the
squamous mucosa lesions were localised near the margo
plicatus (100% of the cases), whereas in 23 horses the lesions were near the margo plicatus and lesser curvature and in 7
horses at the greater curvature. In 18 horses the mucosa was affected in the whole extent
of the margo plicatus and in 1 horse
diffuse lesions of the squamous mucosa were noted. Lesions of the glandular mucosa were
localised in 11 horses at the fundic area, in 1 horse they occurred in the pylorus, and in
10 horses diffuse lesions of the glandular mucosa were recorded. A low prevalence of Gasterophilus intestinalis infection was detected
(1 horse, 1.4%). We have confirmed that gastric ulcers are a common problem in horses and
duodenal or oesophageal ulceration is rare (not a single case of the latter was found in
this study). Lesions in the glandular mucosa of the stomach are more frequent in suckling
foals than in older animals. Lesions of the glandular mucosa are also common in adult
horses, and a complete gastroscopic examination including examination of the pylorus is
advisable to evaluate this syndrome.
Key
words: Horse, gastroduodenal ulceration, Czech Republic, Gasterophilus intestinalis
LUTEINISING HORMONE ATTENUATES THE VASCULAR RESPONSE TO
NOREPINEPHRINE
Janina Skipor, A. Kowalik and Stanisława Stefańczyk-Krzymowska
Division of Reproductive
Endocrinology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of
the Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland
(Received 24 May 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
The present study
examines the direct effect of luteinising hormone (LH) on the reactivity of the porcine
uterine artery to norepinephrine (NE). Three-mm-long arterial segments collected during
the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle were mounted in an organ bath for isometric tension
recording. After 30 min of equilibration in optimal passive tone, one part of the vessels
was treated with 10 ng/ml of LH in PBS (experimental), while a second part of the arterial
segments was treated with 10 ng/ml of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in PBS (control). After
30 min of equilibration, NE was given to each organ bath in a cumulative concentration manner, ranging between
1 × 10–8 mol/l to 3 × 10–4
mol/l. NE caused a dose-dependent contraction of all experimental and control arteries.
The addition of LH caused a rightward shift of the dose-response curve to NE. The
corresponding EC50 values were 2.17 (± 0.39) µmol/l in
PBS-pretreated vessels and 3.35 (± 0.41) µmol/l in LH-pretreated vessels (P
< 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate
that LH attenuates the vascular response to NE in third-order branches of the uterine
artery. Therefore, it can be suggested that besides the known effect of LH-hCG on the
formation of vasoactive eicosanoids, an additional mechanism is involved in the direct
action of LH on blood flow in the uterine arteries in pigs.
Key
words: Luteinising hormone, norepinephrine, uterine artery, pigs
ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISATION OF PREOVULATORY FOLLICLES OF
HYPERSTIMULATED OESTROUS CYCLES IN GOATS
J. Simoes1 and R. Mascarenhas2
1CECAV,
University of Trás-os-Montes e
Alto Douro, Apartado 1013, 5001-811
Vila Real, Portugal; 2INIAP,
Estaçao Zootécnica Nacional, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
(Received 22 June 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
The origin and
evolution of preovulatory follicles (POF) in 9 hyperstimulated (polyovulatory) Serrana
goats were characterised. After oestrus synchronisation and detection, transrectal ovarian
ultrasonography was performed daily during two complete oestrous cycles. Blood samples
were taken every 4 h during 24 h after oestrus detection for preovulatory LH peak and
twice a week for plasma progesterone determinations. The interovulatory interval of 14
oestrous cycles with double ovulations was 21.1 ± 0.3 days. The onset of ovulatory
follicular wave occurred 4 days (–3.9 ± 0.3 days, n = 14) prior to the ovulation day
(day 0) with a POF size of 6.9 ± 0.2 mm (n = 28). In goats with ovulations in both
ovaries (78.6%), the emergence of the first POF occurred earlier (–4.1 ± 0.3 days) than
the second POF (–3.3 ± 0.2 days, n = 11, P < 0.05). No differences in the total
number of follicles ? 2 mm were found between the day of POF emergence (4.3 ± 0.4) and
the day before ovulation (3.5 ± 0.3, P > 0.05). These results showed the existence of
a delay between the emergence of first and second POF and suggest a weak dominance effect
in goats with double ovulations.
Key
words: Follicles, ovulation, oestrous cycle, goats, ultrasonography
SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF THREE PORCINE VIRUSES BY MULTIPLEX
PCR
L. Sámi1, Krisztina Ursu2, J. McKillen3, S. Kecskeméti1, S. Belák4 and I. Kiss1
1Central
Veterinary Institute, Institute of Debrecen, H-4031 Debrecen, Bornemissza u. 3–7, Hungary; 2Central Veterinary Institute, Budapest, Hungary; 3The
Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; 4National Veterinary
Institute and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
(Received 6 June 2006; accepted 20
September 2006)
Specific
oligonucleotide primers were selected and combined in a multiplex arrangement, in order to
detect simultaneously three economically important porcine viruses by polymerase chain
reaction (PCR). The pathogen panel was comprised of viruses that cause reproductive
failure in infected herds: Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and
porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV). In order to reduce the time
required for the detection of the pathogens, the assay was optimised to a RapidCycler PCR
instrument. The multiplex PCR assay was shown to be specific, sensitive and rapid, because
the results were read in less than 60 min after sample preparation. Due to its speed,
efficiency and sensitivity, the described rapid multiplex PCR assay serves as a useful
novel tool in the veterinary diagnostic laboratories for the quick and complex detection
of these important porcine pathogens.
Key
words: ADV, PPV, PRRSV, multiplex PCR, rapid PCR
