Chronic copper toxicity was diagnosed in a Jersey herd in the Waikato region of New Zealand following an investigation into the deaths of six cattle from a herd of 250 dry cows. Clinical signs and post-mortem examination results were consistent with a hepatopathy, and high concentrations of copper in liver and blood samples of clinically affected animals confirmed copper toxicity. Liver copper concentrations and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were both raised in a group of healthy animals sampled at random from the affected herd, indicating an ongoing risk to the remaining cattle; these animals all had serum copper concentrations within normal limits. Serum samples and liver biopsies were also collected and assayed for copper from animals within two other dairy herds on the same farm; combined results from all three herds showed poor correlation between serum and liver copper concentrations.To reduce liver copper concentrations the affected herd was drenched with 0.5 g ammonium molybdate and 1 g sodium sulphate per cow for five days, and the herd was given no supplementary feed or mineral supplements. Liver biopsies were repeated 44 days after the initial biopsies (approximately 1 month after the end of the drenching program); these showed a significant 37.3% decrease in liver copper concentrations (P <0.02). Also there were no further deaths after the start of the drenching program. Since there was no control group it is impossible to quantify the effect of the drenching program in this case, and dietary changes were also made that would have depleted liver copper stores.Historical analysis of the diet was difficult due to poor record keeping, but multiple sources of copper contributed to a long term copper over supplementation of the herd; the biggest source of copper was a mineral supplement. The farmer perceived this herd to have problems with copper deficiency prior to the diagnosis of copper toxicity, so this case demonstrates the importance of monitoring herd copper status regularly. Also the poor correlation between liver and serum copper concentrations in the three herds sampled demonstrates the importance of using liver copper concentration to assess herd copper status.
Adult pallids bats collected in April or May, were maintained in short or long photoperiods (10 or 14 h light/day) for 3-6 months. In August, the short-day bats had regressed testes, epididymal spermatozoa and fully developed accessory sex glands, corresponding to the autumnal reproductive condition of field animals; long-day bats had testes undergoing spermatogenesis, few epididymal spermatozoa and undeveloped accessory sex glands (summer reproductive condition). Bats in each photoperiod manifested the expected autumnal reproductive pattern in October. We suggest that photoperiod influences the reproductive physiology of male pallid bats by affecting an endogenous circannual reproductive rhythm.
Umbilical hernias are one of the most commonly encountered congenital defects in cattle and surgical repair is often achievable in the field under regional anaesthesia and sedation. Infection of the external umbilicus or internal umbilical remnants is a frequently observed additional finding which increases the complexity of corrective surgery. Large defects can also be more technically difficult to repair, therefore a thorough clinical assessment of the affected animal and appropriate case selection is key to selecting a suitable surgical technique or opting for surgical referral. This article aims to provide a practical guide to case assessment and field umbilical hernia correction.
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