The objective of this study was to establish the mode of inheritance of bovine dilated cardiomyopathy (BDCMP). We analyzed a pedigree comprising 75 animals in three age classes and five diagnostic classes based on clinical and pathological findings using the Pedigree Analysis Package. Segregation analyses were performed under three models, a major gene model, a mixed model, and an environment model. Under each model three data sets were analyzed. In the first data set, only animals with clinically manifested BDCMP were considered affected; in the second data set, animals with no clinical findings but with strong pathological evidence were included in the group of affected animals; and in the third data set, this group was extended to include animals that were suspected of having BDCMP. For all three data sets, a recessive allele at a single biallelic major locus controlling the underlying liability fitted the data best. Based on Akaike's information criterion, the major gene model was the most efficient model in all data sets. We conclude that a single biallelic major locus is likely responsible for the disease.

In order to establish reference values for blood parameters of South American camelids in Switzerland, 273 blood samples were collected from 141 llamas and 132 alpacas. These animals were classified in three categories (young animals < six months, adult females and males). Forty-one parameters were measured (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes). Significant differences between llamas and alpacas were evident for 26 parameters. This study also showed that differences between young animals, females and males must be taken into consideration. A comparison of blood values with the results of fecal analysis for parasite eggs showed that an infestation with Dicrocoelium dendriticum was associated with elevated activity of two liver enzymes (GLDH and gamma-GT) in the serum. In contrast, no differences were found in the results of blood analyses between animals shedding eggs of gastrointestinal strongyles or not.

At the beginning of 2000, a population of 1622 South American camelids in 257 herds was living in Switzerland. The origin of the animals, their age, the management systems, their feeding habits, their use as well as the observed medical conditions and the indications for treatment were assessed with a questionnaire. Results of this study show that 60% of the South American camelid population in Switzerland consisted of llamas (999 animals) and 40% of alpacas (623), and that females younger than 4 years of age made up the majority of the animals. South American camelids were predominantly kept for hobby, breeding or trekking. The most frequent health problems were related to the digestive tract, the skin, the eyes and the metabolism. Veterinarians were consulted for deworming, vaccinations, castrations or obstetric interventions. The parasitological examination of 204 fecal samples showed that llamas and alpacas were infested with the same endoparasites as ruminants (i.e. nematodes, trematodes and protozoas).

Relative concentrations of mRNA that code for adrenergic receptors differed among receptor subtypes and among locations in the bovine gastrointestinal tract. Comparison of these values established in healthy cattle with results for cows with motility disorders, such as abomasal displacement and cecal dilatation, may lead to improved therapeutic or prophylactic approaches for these diseases.

1964; MALMQUIST, 1968;SCHAAL et al., 1972). LIES et al. (1974) were able to select from cattle herds with more than 90 O/o serological reactors 4 animals without antibodies. Two of these animals later succumbed to an experimental infection with virulent BVD-virus and developed typical mucosal disease.