Contents
page of the issue Sept 2006
EQUINE
P. Tóth: Examination methods
of the equine thoracolumbar and sacral region. Literature review / 515
PORCINE
Gy. Balka, M. Rusvai, S.
Kecskeméti, I. Kiss: PRRS – new challenge in the porcine
sector. 1. Characteristics of the virus. Literature review and own
experiences / 524
V. Halas, M. Kovács, L. Babinszky: Impact
of nutrient supply on the immune functions in pig. Literature review /
533
SMALL
ANIMALS
P. Zenke, Zs. Pádár, L.
Zöldág: Molecular genetics and dog breeding / 544
G. Liebisch, W. Thiet, A. Liebisch: Canine
monocytic and granulocytic ehrlichiosis, two tick-born diseases of dogs
in Germany / 551
R. Hämmerling: Alopecia of
dogs: building up diagnosis from step to step / 558
FISH
K. Lefler, J. Gál, Gy. Demeter: Effect
of water temperature on the embryonic development and hatching results
of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) / 565
ACADEMIC
REPORTS, 2006
Veterinary research in 2005
in the light of academic reports. Part 4 / 570
P. Tóth:
EXAMINATION
METHODS OF THE EQUINE THORACOLUMBAR AND SACRAL REGION. LITERATURE REVIEW
The author summerizes the
clinical examination methods of the equine vertebral region. The
physical examination involves: inspection, palpation, flexion and
manipulation tests, rectal examination, examination in movement and
local anesthesia. The x-ray can be used in dorsoventral 30o oblique and
ventrodorsal 20o oblique position in recumbent horse. The
ultrasonographic examination can be performed transcutanly and per
rectum. Scintigraphy and infrared termography are also useful
techniques for revealing the localisation locus and cause of the
pathological discrepancies.
Gy. Balka – M. Rusvai – S.
Kecskeméti – I. Kiss:
PRRS
– NEW CHALLENGE IN THE PORCINE SECTOR. 1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VIRUS.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND OWN EXPERIENCES
Porcine respiratory and
reproductive syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease spread worldwide, and
spreading also in Hungary, causing high economic losses, which,
according to Act CLXXVI of 2005, is a notifiable disease in Hungary
again since 1st January 2006. The authors in their articles in three
parts summarise, on the basis of up-to-date data, the history of the
disease, the most important characteristics of the causative agent,
important elements of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease.
They present the diagnostic methods, the opportunities and challenge of
control and the results of their own scientific studies in this
subject. The first part presents the knowledge on PRRS-virus,
emphasising the characteristic of the causative agent affecting the
virulence, pathogenesis, diagnostics and control.
V. Halas – M. Kovács
– L. Babinszky:
IMPACT
OF NUTRIENT SUPPLY ON THE IMMUNE FUNCTIONS IN PIG. LITERATURE REVIEW
In recent years the
nutritional research focused on the impact of different nutrients on
the immunity of livestocks. Unlike numerous publications in this field,
the present review discusses the effect of most important nutrients
(protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates) on the immune
functions in pigs, considering the nutrient requirements.
The authors reviewed nearly
100 papers and drawn the following conclusions: The nutrients
recommendations for pigs, as regards the requirements of maintenance
and growth are not always sufficient for the adequate immune function.
The results of different studies show that moderate protein deficiency
does not reduce immune response. However, increased intake of some
amino acids (methionine, threonine, arginine, glutamine or glutamic
acid), compared to the nutrient requirement of maintenance and growth
may result in better immunity. Therefore, among essential amino acids
the recommended methionine, threonine, arginine supply will certainly
be overviewed in the near future. In case of some nutrients
(unsaturated fatty acids) the overdose may have immune supressive
effect before the performance reduced. However, it has to be noted that
literature data refer to studies, in which different dosages,
irrespective to recommendation were used to study the animal response.
It is possible that both the immunsuppress and the reduced performance
were caused by the change in nutrient ratio, rather than only by the
exaggerated nutrient supply. Despite the fact that the impact of
nutrient supply on immune functions has to be more studied, it can be
stated that the diet formulation by optimizing the diet components and
nutrient intake can help to achieve better animal health and immunity.
P. Zenke − Zs.
Pádár − L. Zöldág:
MOLECULAR
GENETICS AND DOG BREEDING
Hidden within the genome of
every single individual there is a characteristic and unique „DNA
signature” recognizable and identifiable by experts being proficient in
reading. Molecular techniques are usable for direct detection of
specific segments – genetic markers/alleles – of the DNA. The alleles
are inherited, usually 50% from each parent. Depending on the number
and variance of the applied microsatellite loci, the identity and
pedigree of an individual can be determined, even in highly inbred
populations. Molecular genetics are used widely abroad in kennel clubs
to determine the parentage of dogs. The DNA registry of purebred dogs
also provides a solid foundation for research on genetic diseases, help
on forecasting them and to filter out carriers from breeding. In
forensic aspect it plays a significant role in clear up and proof
serious crimes in addition to dog attacks. In Hungary the canine
identification has initiated for forensic purposes since 2000, when 10
microsatellite loci were examined with a PCR multiplex kit.
Population-statistical analysis using the observed allele frequency
data of breeds and breed groups was performed, comparing e. g.
heterozygosity, power of discrimination and exclusion, as well as the
rates of inbreeding between purebred subpopulations. On the bases of
the results, the authors call the attention to the advantages,
topicality and actuality of the investigation and the further –
possible and expected – wide-range application of it.
K. Lefler – J. Gál –
Gy. Demeter:
EFFECT
OF WATER TEMPERATURE ON THE EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AND HATCHING RESULTS
OF RAINBOW TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS)
The authors hatched rainbow
trout eggs in water of different temperature but of the same oxygen
content and reaction. They found that at 7.55 oC hatching started on
43rd day and terminated on 45th day. There were no developmental
anomalies on the spawns hatched at this temperature. With the increase
of water temperature hatching time decreased. High mortality and
developmental anomalies were observed in case of hatching at 13.42 oC.
From developmental anomalies vertebral column deformities, bicephaly,
twin development defects and distortion of tail and tail fin occur. The
authors call the attention with their studies to the negative effect of
the increase of temperature of reproductive environment in case of
species living in mountain and submountain areas, using rainbow trout
as a model.