Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Clinic of livestock species'

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a descrição das atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio curricular no âmbito do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária pela Universidade de Évora. Numa primeira parte é apresentada a casuística acompanhada ao longo do estágio, com referência pormenorizada a alguns casos clínicos, nas diversas áreas de intervenção da clínica em espécies pecuárias. A segunda parte deste relatório é composta por uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema “urolitíase em ruminantes”. Na terceira e última parte serão apresentados três casos clínicos acompanhados no decorrer do estágio. Será feita uma discussão onde são relatados os procedimentos cirúrgicos e terapêuticas médicas efetuadas com a devida crítica e possíveis melhorias; Pathology and Clinic of Livestock Species Abstract: The present report aims to describe the activities developed during the curricular traineeship as part of the Integrated Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, in Évora University. The first part includes the casuistry that took place along the externship, giving emphasis to some of the clinical cases assessed in different livestock species clinical areas. The second part of this report consists of a brief literature review on the topic "urolithiasis in ruminants". In the third and final part, three clinical cases followed during the externship will be approached and described. A discussion will be made where the surgical procedures and medical therapies performed are reported, with due criticism and possible improvements.

O presente relatório tem como finalidade descrever as atividades desenvolvidas no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora. Na primeira parte está apresentada a descrição das atividades acompanhadas nas áreas de sanidade e profilaxia, patologia médica, patologia cirúrgica e controlo reprodutivo de espécies pecuárias. A segunda parte do relatório consiste numa breve revisão bibliográfica sobre amputações de membros em vitelos. Apesar de ser um procedimento praticado com pouca frequência em bovinos, por vezes, é a única solução para manter vivo um animal que apresente uma fratura óssea aberta conspurcada, necrosada ou infetada. Por fim, estão apresentados três casos clínicos e evolução pós-cirúrgica de fraturas ósseas em vitelos cuja resolução foi a amputação parcial do membro; Medical and Surgical Pathology of livestock species Abstract: This report aims to describe the developed activities during the internship integrated on the master degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Évora. Firstly are described the followed activities in the areas of diseases control program, medical pathology, surgical pathology and reproductive control in livestock species. The following part of this report consists on a brief literature review of limb amputations in calves. Even though it’s a procedure unusually performed in cattle, sometimes, is the only solution to save the life of a calf with an open bone fracture severely contaminated, necrotic or infected. Lastly, are presented three clinical cases and post-surgical evolution of bone fractures in calves that were resolved by parcial limb amputation.

O presente relatório, inerente ao estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora, tem como objetivo descrever as atividades observadas e realizadas na área da clínica e cirurgia de espécies pecuárias. Na primeira parte é feita uma descrição do local de estágio, uma caraterização das explorações acompanhadas e a distribuição casuística das atividades desenvolvidas. A segunda parte deste relatório consiste numa revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, aborto infecioso em pequenos ruminantes e ainda no desenvolvimento de dois casos clínicos. O aborto em pequenos ruminantes causa significativas perdas reprodutivas de elevada importância económica. O aborto pode ter etiologia infeciosa ou não infeciosa e ocorrer de forma isolada ou em surto. Quando ocorre em forma de surto pode tomar proporções graves e a intervenção correta do médico veterinário, no diagnóstico, tratamento e controlo é fundamental; Abstract: Medical and Surgical Pathology of livestock species This report, associated to an internship of a masters degree in Veterinary Medicin in the University of Évora, has as its main purpose to describe the observed and realized activities in the area of clinic and surgery in livestock species. The first part of this report is based on a description of the internship site, on a characterization of the livestock farms studied in this report and the casuistry distribution of the developed activities. The second part of this report consists in a brief literature review about infectious abortions in small ruminants and also in the development of clinic cases. Abortions in small ruminants can cause significant reproductive losses which result in important economic losses. Abortions can be caused by infectious or non-infectious etiology and these can occur in an isolated event or in an outbreak. When these happen in an outbreak, they can take dangerous proportions and a correct intervention of the veterinary, during the diagnose, treatment and control is very important.

O presente relatório, relativo ao estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora, pretende descrever as atividades realizadas na área da clínica de espécies pecuárias, encontrando-se subdivido em duas partes. Na primeira parte, realiza-se uma descrição e caracterização do local de estágio e explorações acompanhadas, bem como uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa da casuística observada e desenvolvimento das situações de maior relevo. A segunda parte consiste numa revisão bibliográfica sobre um tema, nomeadamente o prolapso do sistema reprodutivo em ruminantes, a qual é complementada pelo relato e discussão de três casos clínicos. O prolapso do trato reprodutivo pode ocorrer tanto no pré como no pós-parto, podendo igualmente ocorrer em animais não gestantes. Os órgãos reprodutivos prolapsados correspondem ao útero, cérvix ou vagina, sendo classificado de acordo com este critério. Trata-se de uma urgência médica, pois as complicações inerentes podem ter consequências fatais; Abstract: This report, concerning to the internship of the master’s degree in veterinary medicine in the University of Évora, intends to describe the realized activities in the clinical area of livestock species, being subdivided into two parts. In the first part, a description and characterization of the stage and accompanying explorations is carried out, as well as a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the studied casuistry and development of the most relevant situations. The second part consists of a literature review on a theme, reproductive prolapse in ruminants, which is complemented by the report and discussion of three clinical cases. Reproductive prolapse may occur both in the pre and postpartum periods, and may also occur in non-pregnant animals. The prolapsed reproductive organs correspond to the uterus, cervix or vagina, and are classified according to this criterion. This is a medical emergency, because the inherent complications can have fatal consequences.

Este trabalho reúne as atividades realizadas durante o estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária, apresentando-se a casuística observada nas diferentes espécies e áreas, fazendo-se referência a temas de maior relevância. Como tema de desenvolvimento, optou-se pela realização de um estudo relativo à distócia e mortalidade perinatal em bovinos de carne. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica do tema e seguidamente tratados os dados recolhidos durante o período de estágio. Observou-se a principal influência de fatores como o tempo de intervenção, causa da distócia, resolução da distócia, raça, número de partos da vaca e a coloração dos fluidos e membranas fetais ao parto, apresentando diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P<0.05). Observaram-se também correlações significativas (P<0.05) entre os vários fatores. A distócia e a mortalidade perinatal representam uma grande parte das perdas económicas e na produção das explorações, sendo essencial a sua prevenção; Abstract: Farm animal health and clinics in livestock species This report brings together the activities carried out during the internship for the Master in Veterinary Medicine, presenting the number of cases attended in different species and areas, making reference to the most relevant issues. As a development subject was conducted a study on the perinatal mortality and dystocia in beef cattle. A literature review on the subject was held and the data collected during the training period were analyzed. The main factors observed as influent in dystocia and perinatal mortality were the time of intervention, the cause of dystocia, the resolution of dystocia, the breed of the dam, the parity of the cow and the coloration of the fluid and fetal membranes at birth, showing statistically significant differences (P <0.05). There was also observed significant correlations (P <0.05) among the factors. The dystocia and perinatal mortality represent a large part of production losses and economic holdings, requiring prevention measures.

Neste relatório são descritas as atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio curricular em clínica e reprodução de espécies pecuárias. Contempla ainda uma revisão bibliografia e um estudo de caso sobre os fatores que afetam a fertilidade e a avaliação da eficiência reprodutiva em ovinos. No estudo de caso procurou avaliar-se a influência da idade, da raça e da condição corporal na fertilidade de um rebanho leiteiro, em duas épocas de cobrição (estudo 1) e na sincronização de estros (estudo 2). A fertilidade do efetivo variou segundo a época de cobrição (58,2% e 55,9%, na cobrição de junho-outubro e dezembro respetivamente). A existência de animais muito jovens teve um impacto negativo na fertilidade, sendo que fertilidade apenas no efetivo adulto foi de 71,6% e 66,7%, na cobrição de junho-outubro e dezembro respetivamente. Na cobrição de junho-outubro a fertilidade foi influenciada significativamente pela idade e raça (p<0,01). A taxa de gestação após sincronização de estros não foi influenciada pela raça ou a idade (p>0,05), contudo a condição corporal teve um efeito significativo, com taxas de gestação mais elevadas nas ovelhas com melhor condição corporal; Clinical and reproduction of livestock species Abstract: This report describes the activities developed during the traineeship in clinical and reproduction of livestock species. It also includes a literature review and a case study about the factors that affect fertility and the evaluation of reproductive efficiency in sheep. This study aims to determine the influence of age, breed and body condition on fertility of a dairy herd, in two periods of mating (Study 1) and estrus synchronization (Study 2). The herd fertility varied according to the period of mating (58.2% and 55.9% in mating from June to October and December respectively) The existence of very young animals had a negative impact on fertility, wherein the fertility only in adult was 71.6% and 66.7%, in the mating from June to October and December respectively. In mating from June-October, the fertility was significantly influenced by age and breed (p <0.01). The pregnancy rate after synchronization of estrus was not influenced by breed or age (p> 0.05), however the body condition had a significant effect with higher pregnancy rates in ewes with better body condition.

No presente trabalho são descritas as atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora. Na primeira parte é apresentada a descrição das atividades acompanhadas nas áreas de sanidade, profilaxia, clínica médica e clínica cirúrgica de espécies pecuárias. Na segunda parte do relatório é apresentada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o parasitismo por Fasciola hepática em pequenos ruminantes. Por fim, foi realizado um estudo caso sobre fasciolose em pequenos ruminantes no Baixo Alentejo, que consistiu no estudo de 15 animais de cada efetivo, de um total de 17 explorações de ovinos e três de caprinos. Foram pesquisados ovos de F. hepatica, recorrendo a método coprológico qualitativo de sedimentação, não se tendo encontrado ovos de trematodes em qualquer amostra de fezes observada, ainda que em três explorações ocorreu serologia positiva. Ainda que o parasitismo possa estar presente nas explorações estudadas, atendendo à sua boa condição corporal, não será muito significativo; Abstract: Contribution to the Knowledge of Parasitism by Fasciola hepatica in Baixo Alentejo This report aims to describe the developed activities during the internship integrated on the master degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Évora. Firstly are described the observed actions in the areas of diseases control programs, medical and surgical activities in livestock. The following part of this report consists on a literature review of Fasciola hepatica, focusing of fasciolosis in small ruminants. Lastly, was conducted a case study of fasciolosis in small ruminants in the Baixo Alentejo region, in which the study of 15 animals per livestock, in a total of 17 farms of sheep and three of goats. There were searched eggs of F. hepatica, through a coprological method of sedimentation, not eggs were found in any sample of observed feces, even do three flocks were serologicaly positive. Although parasitism could be present in the given area, it dimension, given to the good body conditions of the animals, would not be very significant.

O presente relatório, inerente ao estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora, tem como objetivo descrever as atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio na área da clínica e cirurgia de espécies pecuárias. A primeira parte do relatório consiste na descrição do local de estágio e na distribuição casuística das atividades acompanhadas. A segunda parte consiste numa revisão bibliográfica e no desenvolvimento de dois casos clínicos ocorridos em bovinos, relacionados com o tema, “necrobacilose hepática bovina” (NHB). A NHB é uma doença infecciosa de grande impacto económico, principalmente em explorações de bovinos de engorda intensiva. Carateriza-se pela formação de abcessos hepáticos, cujo agente etiológico primário é Fusobacterium necrophorum. É de difícil diagnóstico em vida, raramente demonstra sinais clínicos e o seu tratamento é pouco eficaz. A prevenção baseia-se na adição de antimicrobianos na alimentação, num correto maneio alimentar e eventualmente vacinação; Abstract: Medical and Surgical Pathology of livestock species The present report, inherent of the master in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Évora, aims to describe the activities carried out during the internship in the field of clinic and surgery of livestock species. The first part of the report is the description of the local of internship and the statistical distribution of activities. The second part consists of a literature review and the development of two clinical cases in cattle, related to the theme, “hepatic bovine necrobacillosis "(HBN). The HBN is an infectious disease of great economic impact, especially in feedlot cattle. It is characterized by the formation of liver abscesses, whose primary etiological agent is Fusobacterium necrophorum. It is difficult to diagnose in life, rarely show clinical signs and their treatment is ineffective. Prevention is based on the addition of antimicrobials in food, a correct feed management and eventually vaccination.

O presente relatório pretende descrever as atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio curricular inerente ao Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária na Universidade de Évora. O estágio foi dividido em duas etapas, a primeira foi realizada na Associação dos Jovens Agricultores Micaelenses – Cooperativa Juventude Agrícola, e a segunda no Hospital Veterinário Muralha de Évora. Foi realizado um estudo preliminar com o tema “Plasmoterapia em vitelos com falha na transferência de imunidade passiva na região do Alentejo”, no qual se estudou a transfusão de plasma híperimune, como adjuvante do tratamento de neonatos com falha na transferência de imunidade passiva, correlacionando a plasmoterapia com o aumento da concentração sérica de imunoglobulinas dos vitelos. Através do presente estudo concluiu-se a necessidade da posterior aplicação do presente protocolo de plasmoterapia em mais neonatos, de forma a entender melhor os benefícios da plasmoterapia em vitelos na região do Alentejo; Large Animal Clinics and Surgery Abstract: This report describes the activities developed during the internship inherent to the Master in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Évora. The internship was divided into two stages, the first was held at the “Associação dos Jovens Agricultores Micaelenses – Cooperativa Juventude Agrícola” and the second at the “Hospital Veterinário Muralha de Évora”. A preliminary study regarding the administration of hyperimmune plasma as an adjunct in the treatment of neonates with failure of passive transfer was performed. This study aimed to reduce the neonatal death in a farm, correlating the plasma therapy with the increase of serum immunoglobulin levels in calves. Through the present study, more research is required in order to better understand the benefits of plasma therapy in calves in the Alentejo region.

O presente relatório descreve as atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária, no âmbito da profilaxia e clínica de espé-cies pecuárias na província de Salamanca, Espanha. Tendo em consideração a importância da produção de suíno ibérico em Espanha, reali-zou-se uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as doenças de maior relevância nesta espécie e, através da análise de alguns casos clínicos assistidos, verificou-se como doenças com baixa taxa de mortalidade podem provocar grandes perdas económicas ao produtor pela diminuição do ganho médio de peso. De forma a evitar estas situações é de vital impor-tância a prevenção, tanto através de profilaxia médica como da implementação de medi-das de biossegurança. Nem sempre é fácil controlar fatores predisponentes à infeção dos animais na produção em extensivo, no entanto, ao contrário do que se possa pensar, a industrialização também pode ser crítica quando não se realiza um maneio adequado; Abstract: Clinic of livestock species This report describes the activities carried out during the internship of the Integrated Mas-ter in Veterinary Medicine, in the field of prophylaxis and clinical management of live-stock species in the province of Salamanca, Spain. Taking into account the importance of Iberian pig production in Spain, a literature review was carried out on the most relevant diseases in this species and, through the analysis of some assisted clinical cases, it was verified that diseases with low mortality rate can cause losses to the producer due to the decrease in the average weight gain. In order to avoid these situations, prevention is vital, both through medical prophylaxis and the implemen-tation of biosafety measures. It is not always easy to control predisposing factors to the infection of animals in extensive production; however, contrary to what one might think, industrialization can also be critical when adequate management is not performed.

O presente relatório foi realizado no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora. O propósito da elaboração deste trabalho consiste na descrição das atividades desenvolvidas ao longo do período de estágio, na área de Clínica e Cirurgia de Espécies Pecuárias, incluindo uma abordagem científica sobre o tema “Terapia a Laser: uma técnica alternativa no tratamento de vacas caídas devido a lesões neurológicas”. Na primeira parte deste trabalho, serão descritos os dois locais distintos onde decorreu o estágio, abordando as atividades desempenhadas e a respetiva casuística. Na segunda parte, desenvolver-se-á o tema referente à terapia de vacas caídas devido a lesões neurológicas com recurso a uma técnica distinta das utilizadas atualmente, a Terapia a Laser. Por fim, será exposto um caso de estudo, no qual se aborda o acompanhamento do animal e os resultados obtidos; Abstract: “Laser Therapy: an alternative technique in the treatment of downer cows due to neurological injuries” The present report was carried out as part of the curricular internship of the Integrated Master Degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Évora. The aim of this work consists of the description of the activities developed during the internship period, in the area of Clinic and Surgery of Livestock Species, including a scientific approach on the theme “Laser Therapy: an alternative technique in the treatment of downer cows due to neurological injuries”. In the first part of this work, it will be described the two different places where the internship took place, covering the activities performed and the respective case series. In the second part, it will be developed the topic related to the therapy of downer cows due to neurological injuries using a different technique from the ones used nowadays, the Laser Therapy. Finally, it will be presented a case study, in which is approached the monitoring of the animal and the results obtained.

Among the vast diversity of plants in the mid-South to which grazing livestock are exposed, there is a need to address certain species that are potentially harmful to livestock health and production. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted on endophyte-infected tall fescue [ Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort = Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.], a cool-season perennial forage, and perilla mint, (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) an herbaceous annual, to determine management techniques and control measures for healthier pasture and livestock systems. When seedheads reached maturity, spring and autumn glyphosate applications at 1.68 kg ae ha^–1, coupled with autumn tillage and summer and winter cover crops effectively reduced tall fescue coverage to < 27% by 10 months after initial treatment (MAT) following a single year of management. If seedhead maturity is inhibited prior to first glyphosate application, tall fescue was reduced to < 1% coverage 10 MAT. Despite seedhead suppression, at least 78% increase in coverage occurred in 24 months from remnant populations suggesting two years of renovation is required. Forage soybeans proved to be a valuable cover crop that maintained nutritive quality and mean dry matter yields of 5487 kg ha^–1 across two years. Tall fescue seedheads were suppressed below 14% coverage (> 68% visual control) by nicosulfuron + metsulfuron (20 + 5 and 40 +11 g ai ha ^–1), imazapic (26 and 53 g ai ha^–1), and sulfosulfuron (53 g ai ha^–1) at 90 DAT. Reduction in forage heights may be expected, but was not consistently reduced when compared to untreated plots across locations.

To control perilla mint, postemergence applications of aminocyclopyrachlor blends, glyphosate, picloram + 2,4-D, aminopyralid + 2,4-D, and 2,4-D alone provided superior control when applied prior to the plant’s reproductive growth stage. Picloram + 2,4-D also provided in-field soil residual activity and the most effective preemergence control, followed by aminocyclopyrachlor + chlorsulfuron, pendimethalin, and aminopyralid + 2,4-D for at least 141 DAT. Seed from weedy populations in north Mississippi tend to germinate in a range of night/day soil temperatures from 10/15 C to 25/30 C. Therefore, effective preemergence treatments should be applied by mid- to late- February in this region.

The role of infection with Leptospira as a cause of infertility in Papua New Guinea(PNG) has not been confirmed, mainly because of the lack of robust and simple diagnostic tests in PNG. The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and distribution of infection in livestock in PNG and to develop and validate a diagnostic test for use in PNG that was sufficiently accurate and reliable for confident interpretation of the results. The nested and real-time PCRs were assessed for use as diagnostic tools. The first survey was conducted on 3 commercial, 3 smallholder cattle farms and 4 abattoirs in March 2004 in PNG. Each herd was stratified into 3 age groups (<2, 2-5 and >5 years), and sera from 1379 animals were sampled in Lae and Kimbe. In addition, 73 kidneys were collected from cattle at the abattoir and aseptically processed for culture. Two hundred and eighty three sera were collected from pigs killed at the abattoirs and 79 pig kidneys were collected and cultured. All sera were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The dominant serovar infecting the cattle in PNG was Hardjo with a seroprevalence of 53.7%. The prevalence of serovar Hardjo in the six farms and the abattoir was significantly higher than serovars Tarassovi and Pomona (P < 0.05). All pig sera were negative for Leptospira. Leptospires were isolated by culture and the isolates were typed and identified as L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo. Cattle are a recognized reservoir for serovar Hardjo and may have a role in transmission to humans. The second survey was conducted in June 2006 to determine if cattle from smallholder farmers, village pigs and dogs in the Markham Valley in Lae, PNG were infected with Leptospira. In addition, pigs from a commercial piggery and horses from commercial and smallholder farms were also sampled. A total of 69 pig sera, 22 dog sera, 15 horse sera and 111 cattle sera were collected. The results showed that 1 dog and 1 pig were seropositive with serovar Canicola. Of the 111 cattle sampled, 21 were seropositive for Hardjo. It was concluded that the seroprevalence with serovar Hardjo in these cattle was significantly lower than cattle from commercial properties. Smallholder cattle may therefore not be a major source of Hardjo infection for animals on commercial farms and pigs do not appear to be infected with Leptospira. The Ab-ELISAs were constructed using one crude preparations of L. interrogans serovar Pomona and 2 different crude preparation of L. biflexa serovar Patoc. The three antigen preparations were evaluated using 21 MAT-positive and 96 MAT-negative pig sera to determine which antigen preparation was suitable for use in an Ab-ELISA. The selected antigen preparation (L1) was validated in the test using serum from 2 cattle and 1 pig population that were seropositive for Leptospira. A sub-population of seronegative cattle and pigs were also used. The Ab-ELISA was used to test 1,465 bovine sera from 8 cattle populations and the results were compared with the MAT using a Bayesian framework, to obtain an unbiased estimate of the accuracy of the tests. The ELISA had high sensitivity and specificity. Results from the Bayesian analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity estimates for the Ab-ELISA were high compared to the MAT. Based on the test accuracy and its performance the Ab-ELISA using the L1 antigen described in this study is suitable for use in countries like PNG where the MAT is difficult to perform. Samples of kidneys from livestock in PNG were tested using culture and a PCR-based assay to detect Leptospira species. A total of 72 samples of kidney were collected from cattle and a total of 74 samples were collected from pigs slaughtered in Lae and Port Moresby. A second study was designed to assess the use of a real-time PCR for detecting leptospiral DNA in urine from cattle. One hundred and ninety-three urine samples were collected from a beef cattle farm in WA. Whole genomic DNA from kidney samples was extracted from each kidney using the QIAamp DNA Mini kit (Qiagen). Heat lysis was used to extract genomic DNA from clear urine samples and the QIAamp Mini Kit was used for urine that was contaminated with faeces. The PCR-based test was able to detect a higher number of Leptospira-positive kidneys compared to culture in EMJH medium. Results of testing DNA extracted from urine using the realtime PCR showed that this test is sensitive and able to detect cattle infected with pathogenic leptospires.

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) - MSc (Biodiv and Cons Biol)
The Overberg renosterveld rangelands of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) has become well associated with commercial and communal agricultural practices, namely crop and livestock production. This Mediterranean region is characterized as being a semi-arid, winter rainfall area with nutrient-limited soils. Livestock farmers rely largely on introduced legume species such as lucerne (Medicago sativa) as high quality forage to sustain their livestock’s diets. Generally, these introduced species are reliant on the accessibility of water and nutrients, due to the specific climatic and edaphic conditions of the region. The availability of high quality forage has always been a major concern to farmers when it comes to managing their livestock, since livestock productivity is determined by the quality of the forage consumed.

The role of infection with Leptospira as a cause of infertility in Papua New Guinea(PNG) has not been confirmed, mainly because of the lack of robust and simple diagnostic tests in PNG. The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and distribution of infection in livestock in PNG and to develop and validate a diagnostic test for use in PNG that was sufficiently accurate and reliable for confident interpretation of the results. The nested and real-time PCRs were assessed for use as diagnostic tools. The first survey was conducted on 3 commercial, 3 smallholder cattle farms and 4 abattoirs in March 2004 in PNG. Each herd was stratified into 3 age groups (< 2, 2-5 and >5 years), and sera from 1379 animals were sampled in Lae and Kimbe. In addition, 73 kidneys were collected from cattle at the abattoir and aseptically processed for culture. Two hundred and eighty three sera were collected from pigs killed at the abattoirs and 79 pig kidneys were collected and cultured. All sera were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The dominant serovar infecting the cattle in PNG was Hardjo with a seroprevalence of 53.7%. The prevalence of serovar Hardjo in the six farms and the abattoir was significantly higher than serovars Tarassovi and Pomona (P < 0.05). All pig sera were negative for Leptospira. Leptospires were isolated by culture and the isolates were typed and identified as L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo. Cattle are a recognized reservoir for serovar Hardjo and may have a role in transmission to humans. The second survey was conducted in June 2006 to determine if cattle from smallholder farmers, village pigs and dogs in the Markham Valley in Lae, PNG were infected with Leptospira. In addition, pigs from a commercial piggery and horses from commercial and smallholder farms were also sampled. A total of 69 pig sera, 22 dog sera, 15 horse sera and 111 cattle sera were collected. The results showed that 1 dog and 1 pig were seropositive with serovar Canicola. Of the 111 cattle sampled, 21 were seropositive for Hardjo. It was concluded that the seroprevalence with serovar Hardjo in these cattle was significantly lower than cattle from commercial properties. Smallholder cattle may therefore not be a major source of Hardjo infection for animals on commercial farms and pigs do not appear to be infected with Leptospira. The Ab-ELISAs were constructed using one crude preparations of L. interrogans serovar Pomona and 2 different crude preparation of L. biflexa serovar Patoc. The three antigen preparations were evaluated using 21 MAT-positive and 96 MAT-negative pig sera to determine which antigen preparation was suitable for use in an Ab–ELISA. The selected antigen preparation (L1) was validated in the test using serum from 2 cattle and 1 pig population that were seropositive for Leptospira. A sub-population of seronegative cattle and pigs were also used. The Ab-ELISA was used to test 1,465 bovine sera from 8 cattle populations and the results were compared with the MAT using a Bayesian framework, to obtain an unbiased estimate of the accuracy of the tests. The ELISA had high sensitivity and specificity. Results from the Bayesian analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity estimates for the Ab-ELISA were high compared to the MAT. Based on the test accuracy and its performance the Ab-ELISA using the L1 antigen described in this study is suitable for use in countries like PNG where the MAT is difficult to perform. Samples of kidneys from livestock in PNG were tested using culture and a PCR-based assay to detect Leptospira species. A total of 72 samples of kidney were collected from cattle and a total of 74 samples were collected from pigs slaughtered in Lae and Port Moresby. A second study was designed to assess the use of a real-time PCR for detecting leptospiral DNA in urine from cattle. One hundred and ninety-three urine samples were collected from a beef cattle farm in WA. Whole genomic DNA from kidney samples was extracted from each kidney using the QIAamp DNA Mini kit (Qiagen). Heat lysis was used to extract genomic DNA from clear urine samples and the QIAamp Mini Kit was used for urine that was contaminated with faeces. The PCR-based test was able to detect a higher number of Leptospira-positive kidneys compared to culture in EMJH medium. Results of testing DNA extracted from urine using the realtime PCR showed that this test is sensitive and able to detect cattle infected with pathogenic leptospires.

The aims of the thesis were to investigate, by simulation, various aspects of the QTL mapping methods and apply the methods to scan the porcine genome for QTLs. The mapping of the porcine genome was achieved using a Meishan x Large White F₂ population. These breeds were chosen because they differed significantly for several traits of economic interest. Markers covered approximately 85% of the porcine genome and animals were measured for growth and fatness traits. Chromosomes 4, 7 and 14 had a genome wide significant effect on at least one trait. In all cases the single gene model was significantly better than the polygenic model. The effects on chromosome 4 for growth were in agreement with previous studies notably a similar study using wild boar from Sweden. Chromosome 7 had a large effect on fatness (over 6mm between breeds) and is of considerable interest because the Large White carries the alleles for high fat depth. Chromosome 14 was shown to have a significant effect on growth rate on test. Confidence intervals were produced by the non-parametric bootstrap and were found to be relatively large (in excess of 30cM) for the location on chromosomes 4 and 14. In contrast the confidence intervals on chromosome 7 were smaller and corresponded to the major histocompatilibity complex, a very gene rich region of the genome.

Livestock management influences the extent to which grazing lands provide resources for native species. We compared how livestock species ? sheep or cattle ? affected floral resources and bee and butterfly communities in low-diversity, post-Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) pastures managed with patch-burning. We sampled bees and butterflies three times per season 2017-2019 and counted flowering stems within 1 m of transects. Pastures grazed by sheep had significantly fewer flowers and significantly lower floral richness than cattle pastures. Native bees were three to sixteen times more abundant in cattle pastures compared to sheep. Butterfly communities were similar between grazing treatments, because agricultural-tolerant, habitat generalists comprised the majority of the butterfly community. Grassland-obligate butterflies comprised only 2% of observations. The dearth of grassland-obligate butterfly species and low native bee abundances suggest that post-CRP fields, especially those grazed by sheep, do not provide abundant and diverse floral resources for native bees and imperiled butterfly species.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: I investigated the impacts of the invasive wattle species (Acacia mearnsii, A. dealbata, A. decurrens), on the ecological function and productivity of rangelands in South Africa and their ability to sustain livestock production. More specifically, this study set out to: (1) assess grazing areas at a national scale; (2) identify evidence of progressive impacts of these species on livestock production across a selection of magisterial districts; (3) determine the effects of A. mearnsii density on growth form dominance of indigenous plant species, and highlight how this translates into impacts in forage quality and quantity; (4) determine the effects of A. mearnsii invasion on soil resources and conditions (key determinates of ecological function) required to support grazing production; and finally (5) determine to effects that clearing operations have had on the provision of grazing resources. My results indicate that the level of overlap between wattle invasion and areas with a high grazing potential, at the national scale, is relatively low (2.9%). However, at a magisterial district scale, areas with a high grazing potential have a moderate (approximately 35.1% high grazing potential area under wattle invasion for highest invaded district) level of invasion. Scattered and moderate levels of invasion currently dominate or characterise these species invasion patterns. Both light and dense A. mearnsii invasions reduce grazing capacity. Dense invasion had the most severe effect reducing grazing capacity from 2 ha, required to support one large stock unit, to 8 ha. The clearing of this species was found to improve grazing capacity within 5 years. The reduction in grazing capacity following invasion was largely due to reduced basal cover and herbaceous biomass. The clearing of invaded sites was found to increase both basal cover and herbaceous biomass to pre-invasion levels. Acacia mearnsii invasion was found to affect certain soil properties. Under an A. mearnsii canopy, plant litter, carbon content of the soil and nitrogen concentrations were all found to be elevated. Overall, this study demonstrates that Acacia invasions have a significant effect on grazing resources at a local or site scale, and that for the eastern region of South Africa, these effects are ultimately scaled up to a district level. This is likely to have important financial and human well-being repercussions. However clearing and restoration programs are clearly able to reverse or mitigate these effects. This study therefore lends support to or complements other ecosystem service provision arguments for clearing alien invasive species.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die impak van die indringer- wattelbome spesies ( A. mearnsii , A. dealbata , A. decurrens) , op die ekologiese funksie en produktiwiteit van weivelde in Suid-Afrika en hul vermoë om vee produksie te onderhou was ondersoek. Meer spesifiek, is hierdie studie uiteengesit om: (1) ondersoek in te stel na die mate van oorvleueling tussen indringing deur wattelbome spesies en belangrike weidingsgebiede op 'n nasionale skaal; (2) bewyse te verskaf van die progressiewe impak van hierdie spesies op vee-produksie oor 'n seleksie van politieke distrikte, (3) die gevolge van A. mearnsii digtheid op groei vorm en oorheersing van inheemse plante te wys, en hoe dit voer kwaliteit en kwantiteit affekteer; (4) die gevolge van A. mearnsii indringing op grond hulpbronne sowel as die kondisie (sleutel bepalende faktore van ekologiese funksie) wat benodig word om weiding produksie te ondersteun vas te stel, en uiteindelik (5) om die gevolge van skoonmaak bedrywighede op die voorsiening van weiding hulpbronne te bepaaal. My resultate dui daarop dat die vlak van oorvleueling tussen die wattelbome indringing en gebiede met 'n hoë weiding potensiaal, by die nasionale skaal, relatief laag is (2’9 %). Maar op 'n landdrosdistrik skaal, het gebiede met 'n hoë weiding potensiaal 'n matige (ongeveer 35.1 % weiding potensiaal area onder wattelbome indringing vir die hoogste binnegevalde distrik ) vlak van indringing. Verspreide en matige vlakke van indringing oorheers tans of kenmerk hierdie spesies se indringings patrone. Beide lig en digte A. mearnsii besettings verminder dravermoë. Digte inval het die mees ernstige uitwerking en verminder dravermoë van 2 ha, wat nodig is om een grootvee-eenheid te ondersteun na 8 ha. Bevindinge wys dat die verwydering van hierdie spesies weiding kapasiteit kan verbeter binne 'n tydperk van 5 jaar. Die afname in dravermoë na indringing is grootliks te wyte aan die afname in basale bedekking en kruidagtige biomassa. Na die skoonmaak van indringer persele is bevind dat beide basale bedekking en biomassa weer verhoog tot voor- indringings vlakke. Acacia mearnsii indringing beïnvloed sekere grondeienskappe. Onder A. mearnsii blaredak, is alle blaarafval, koolstof-inhoud van die grond en stikstof konsentrasies verhef. In die algeheel, toon hierdie studie dat die Acacia indringings 'n beduidende uitwerking op weidings hulpbronne by 'n plaaslike of perseel skaal het, en vir die oostelike streek van Suid-Afrika, is hierdie effekte ook uiteindelik vertaalbaar tot 'n distrik vlak. Dit sal waarskynlik belangrike finansiële en menslike welsyn gevolge hê, maar die skoonmaak en herstel programme is duidelik daartoe instaat om die gevolge te keer of te verminder. Hierdie studie leen dus ondersteuning aan of komplimenteer ander ekostelsel dienslewering argumente (soos dié van die Werk vir Water program) vir die verwydering van indringerspesies.

This study was stimulated by a publication of Mr Mike Bosch (Bosch 2007) that Cereus jamacaru DC (Cactaceae) used by him on his farm is effective for gastrointestinal nematode control in livestock. This plant, widely known as Queen of the night, is a serious invasive weed. We evaluated this claim in in vitro assays and in vivo experiments in sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. This is the first report of such an anthelmintic trial in livestock involving C. jamacaru. The first study was to repeat the farmer’s work under strictly controlled conditions. In vivo studies were conducted to determine the possible direct anthelmintic effects of C. Jamacaru on ovine gastrointestinal nematodes. Eighteen sheep were allocated to three groups and were infected with 4000 H. Contortus and 6000 T. Colubriformis infective larvae given in 3 divided doses over a period of three days. From day 0 until day 49 of the experiment, sheep were drenched once a week with fresh blended C. jamacaru plants with the core removed at the same (32.33 g/sheep) or double the dose (64.66 g/sheep) used by Mr Bosch. No negative effects of the double dose were observed during the period of the experiment. Faeces were collected twice a week for faecal egg count. Based on the in vivo experiments, C. Jamacaru was not effective in reducing H. Contortus and T. Colubriformis in sheep to the 70% reduction levels of the control treatments considered to be a useful reduction in FEC. Nevertheless, its in vivo activity was substantial at the higher dose and reduced the FECs by 65%. To investigate the matter further some additional experiments were carried out. Specimens of C. Jamacaru were collected and dried in the shade. For the phytochemical analysis and in vitro experiments, the dried material was milled to a fine powder, it was extracted with acetone and five fractions (hexane, butanol, water, chloroform and 35% water in methanol) were obtained by solvent-solvent fractionation. The chemical composition of the fractions and crude extract was analysed by thin layer chromatography using three solvent systems of varying polarity and pH. To detect the separated compounds, vanillin-sulphuric acid-methanol was sprayed on the chromatograms and heated at 110°C for optimal colour development. The antioxidant activity in plant extracts may influence the immune systems of animals and have an indirect effect. The antioxidant activity was therefore determined. For qualitative analysis of antioxidant activity, the 2,2, diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay on TLC plates was used as a test for the radical scavenging ability of the compounds present in the different extracts. In the DPPH qualitative analysis of antioxidant activity there were a number of antioxidant compounds present in some of the extracts and fractions but the activity appeared to be low. This observation was confirmed in the TEAC quantitative analysis of antioxidant activity. Even the fraction with the highest activity was about 8 times less active than trolox or ascorbic acid. It therefore appears that stimulation of the immune system by antioxidant activity does not explain the results found on the farm. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined against 4 bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 3 fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for plant extracts varied from 0.04 to 2.5 mg/ml. E. coli was the most sensitive and the fungi were in general resistant to the extract and fractions. In general the activity was not very good, especially if the dosage in an aqueous system on the farm is considered. Antimicrobial activity also does not explain the results obtained. The nematocidal activity was evaluated by an egg hatch assay and larval development viability assay (LDVA) in vitro. The acetone extract inhibited egg hatchability and killed infective larvae of H. Contortus nematodes of sheep in a concentration-dependent manner. The percentage inhibition of egg hatching of the acetone extract and the butanol, chloroform, 35% water in methanol, hexane and water solvent-solvent fractions were 100%, 100%, 94%, 91%, 9% and 16%, respectively. The percentage inhibition of larval development of the acetone extract and chloroform, 35% water in methanol, hexane and water fractions were 93%, 84%, 49%, 85%, 31%, respectively. The chloroform fraction was significantly more active than all the other fractions (p<0.05). The extracts had in vitro activity against the nematodes. The activity was however much lower than the positive control, albendazole. It is disappointing that our results do not provide an explanation for the success obtained by Mr Bosch on his farm. Even if we do not understand how it works it may be useful to prepare suitable dosages (using low level technologies adaptable to rural conditions) for use by resource-poor rural communities where C. jamacaru occurs as an invasive weed. Copyright
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Paraclinical Sciences
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The impact of undesirable plant communities (Cymbopogon afronardus and woody species dominated by Acacia species) on livestock carrying capacity and performance was investigated on 15 farms in an Acacia/Cymbopogon dominated pastoral system of south-western Uganda. Species prevalence based on basal cover for grasses, frequency for forbs and effective canopy cover for trees/shrubs were determined on farms. The PHYGROW model was used to predict forage productivity for computation of carrying capacity. The NIRS/NUTBAL nutritional management system was used to determine cattle dietary CP and DOM through fecal scans and to estimate animal performance. Cymbopogon afronardus had a prevalence of 10.29% among the grasses while Acacia gerrardii (34.37%) and Acacia hockii (33.66%) were the most prevalent woody species. Forage productivity differed significantly among the farms with a mean long-term annual forage yield of 4560(SE+41) kg/ha. Farms infested with Cymbopogon and woody species produced the least amount of forage and therefore had the lowest carrying capacities (0.38 -0.39 AU/ha) while improved farms had comparatively higher forage yields with higher carrying capacities (0.49 - 0.52 AU/ha). A mean carrying capacity for the system was estimated at 0.44 AU/ha using a 25% harvest efficiency for ANPP. All the farms were overstocked, on average by 3.2 times. Livestock BCS, diet CP and DOM were significantly different (P<0.0001) among the different farm types. BCS were highest on improved farms and lowest on Cymbopogon infested farms while dietary CP and DOM values were lowest on improved farms and highest on farms with a high woody component. Farms with a relatively high woody component exhibited intermediate BCS despite the high dietary CP values. Cattle on Cymbopogon infested farms had consistently lower body weights over the months although there were no significant differences in daily live weight gains among farms. Recommendations included need for research into appropriate control measures for both Cymbopogon afronardus and woody species, farmer sensitization about overstocking, research to improve forage quality on improved farms and need for feed supplementation for improved breeds on improved farms. Integration of NIRS/NUTBAL and PHYGROW models into the research and management systems was desirable. The observed increase in Sporobolus spp. required investigation.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD
The lack of bioclimatically suitable forage species for livestock production in the water-limited agro-ecological areas of South Africa has resulted in significant feed shortages within these areas during the ongoing drought experienced within the country. This, in turn, has resulted in significant livestock mortalities leading to financial difficulties for the farmers and farming communities within these areas. Thus, many of the water-limited agro-ecological areas in South Africa have been declared disaster areas. These cyclic long-term droughts, as well as more common short-term droughts are expected to increase in frequency, duration and intensity under the predicted future bioclimatic conditions. Although there has been significant investment into the development of improved, better-adapted forage crops for these bioclimatically marginal agro-ecosystems, these efforts, to date, have largely been unsuccessful. Therefore, in this study, we propose to identify and evaluate species that are native to the water-limited South African agro-ecosystems and that can potentially be implemented in alternative fodder flow programs within these water-limited agro-ecological areas.
2022

Antibiotic Feed Additives (AFA) have been used to prevent many bacterial infections during weaning of livestock. The use of these AFA’s resulted in the development of multiresistant bacterial strains and was therefore banned by the European Union. The United States also restricted the use of these feed additives considerably. Many scientists have started to search for alternatives in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of bacterial infections. Plants have been used traditionally by resource poor people all over the world to treat many infections. Diarrhoea not only causes many problems in the high intensity production of livestock but also leads to many human deaths. A large number of plants have been used to treat diarrhoea in humans and animals. Several authors have selected one or two species based on traditional use to evaluate in depth. In this project several different relevant parameters of 53 plant species used traditionally to treat diarrhoea were investigated in order to develop a model that would identify the species with the highest chance of delivering a useful antibacterial product. Antibacterial activities against two pathogens important in diarrhoea (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) were positive parameters in selecting species. Because tannins frequently have antibacterial activity, but are not useful as prophylactic agents due to their effect on production, high tannin content was considered to be a negative indication. Cellular toxicity was also used as a negative parameter at a later stage. In addition to the in vitro assays there are also other parameters to be investigated to evaluate the potential use of plants. The influence of season of collection was determined on the antibacterial activity and tannin content of acetone leaf extracts of five plant species traditionally used to treat diarrhoea. They were Acacia karroo, Acacia sieberiana var. woodii, Peltophorum africanum, Trichilia emetica and Ziziphus mucronata. The antibacterial activity varied depending on the season of collection with the best activity generally in the months of late summer to autumn (January to April). The activity of Acacia karoo against E. coli was best in the month of April (MIC = 0.11 mg/ml (TA = 332 ml/g)) and against S. aureus in the month of March (MIC = 0.06 mg/ml (TA = 334 ml/g)). Acacia sieberiana subsp. woodii extracts had the best activity against E. coli (MIC = 0.10 mg/ml (TA = 303 ml/g)) in March against S. aureus in April (MIC = 0.08 mg/ml (TA = 303 ml/g)). Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Paraclinical Sciences
unrestricted

Die bebilderte Broschüre stellt die Zuchtgeschichte, die Nutzung, die Gefährdung und den Bestand sächsischer Nutztierrassen vor. Damit das wertvolle Kulturgut und ihre Vielfalt für nachfolgende Generationen erhalten bleiben, fördert der Freistaat Sachsen die Haltung zahlreicher Rassen. Die Broschüre informiert Züchter und Halter über die Voraussetzungen der Förderung und geht auf spezielle Fördermöglichkeiten bei einzelnen Rassen ein.

Die bebilderte Broschüre stellt die Zuchtgeschichte, die Nutzung, die Gefährdung und den Bestand sächsischer Nutztierrassen vor. Damit das wertvolle Kulturgut und ihre Vielfalt für nachfolgende Generationen erhalten bleiben, fördert der Freistaat Sachsen die Haltung zahlreicher Rassen. Die Broschüre informiert Züchter und Halter über die Voraussetzungen der Förderung und geht auf spezielle Fördermöglichkeiten bei einzelnen Rassen ein.

Thesis (PhD (Forest and Wood Science))—University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Sustainable livestock production in semi-arid Botswana could be improved through tree planting on-farm to provide much needed protein and shade. Such action can be encouraged if the growth, productivity, nutritional value of trees and their contribution to mass gain of livestock are known.. A study at Malotwana investigated two indigenous species, Acacia galpinii and Faidherbia albida, and two exotic species, Leucaena diversifolia and L. leucocephala, at three spacings in a randomised complete block design replicated five times. The three spacings represented 400, 317 and 241 trees per hectare. The study was conducted over 6.5 years. Indigenous trees were sampled biennially and exotics annually to evaluate crown width, height, stem diameter, stem number and stem volume index. Complete plant harvesting of exotic trees at 2.5, 4.5 and 6.5 years evaluated agroforestry production. Leaves from all four species and pods of exotic species were analysed for chemical composition. Two groups of eight lambs were balanced for mass at selection for an on-farm feeding trial. Browse from exotic trees, comprising a 2:1 ratio of pods to leaves, was fed at 30% as supplement to hay to one group whose mean mass was contrasted with that of the control group fed sorghum bran at 30%. A. galpinii was a promising species, adaptable to planting away from its origin. Its crown width ranged from 5.86 m in high density plots to 6.08 m at low density and was significantly different among stands (p = 0.0406) at 6.5 years. Diameter at breast height (dbh) was significantly different among stands aged 6.5 years (p = 0.0003) and ranged between 10.38 cm at high density to 12.48 cm in low density plots, demonstrating a capacity to provide both shade and poles on-farm. At 4.5 years, F. albida attained a mean height of 4.5 m and 4.5 cm in dbh but suffered 67% mortality during a severe drought. Annual fodder production of 0.647 and 0.996 metric tonnes ha-1 for leaves and pods of L. diversifolia and 1.237 and 1.431 for L. leucocephala was recorded in years of average rainfall. Yields of 0.3 and 0.59 metric tonnes ha-1 were recorded for both species in the driest year. Equally good agroforestry production was obtained from both low and high density stands suggesting that low density plantings, which foster higher plant survival and reduce disease incidence, are best suited to the semi-arid conditions of Botswana. The crude protein of leaves ranged between 16.26 (L. diversifolia) and 25.25% (F. albida). They were highly digestible with more than twice the calcium content livestock require. Crude protein and digestibility measures were significantly different among leaves and varied significantly at different spacings (p<0.0001). Pods of the exotic species contained significantly more protein than the leaves (p<0.0001). Lambs supplemented with browse gained 102.33 g per animal per day while the control group gained 83.95 g. There were significant differences between groups during growth (p<0.05). Growing of A. galpinii, complemented with L. diversifolia and L. leucocephala, can supply short and long term feed, and greatly enhance livestock production while diversifying farm feed sources

O presente relatório tem como finalidade descrever as ações desenvolvidas no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora. Numa primeira parte será abordada toda a casuística acompanhada durante o estágio, englobando a sanidade, profilaxia, clínica reprodutiva e clínica médica e cirúrgica. Na segunda parte do relatório, consta uma breve revisão bibliográfica referente à acidose ruminal aguda, sobretudo em bovinos de extensivo. Os bovinos normalmente contraem este distúrbio metabólico quando há um consumo excessivo de alimento concentrado rico em hidratos de carbono facilmente fermentescíveis e consequente diminuição do pH ruminal. Por fim, na terceira e última parte serão apresentados dois casos clínicos distintos relativos ao tema relatado; Abstract: Clinical and Surgery of Livestock Species The present report has the goal to describe the actions that took place during the curricular internship of the integrated Master in Veterinarian Medicine of the University of Évora. In the first part, all the casuistry that took place during the internship will be approached, encompassing diseases control program, prophylaxis, reproductive and internal medicine. In the second part of the report it is presented a brief literature review on the topic of acute ruminal acidosis specially in extensive cattle. Cattle usually contract this metabolic disorder when there is excessive consumption of concentrated feed rich in easily fermentable carbohydrates and a consequent decrease in ruminal pH. At least, in the third and final part will be presented two different clinical cases regarding the stated theme. Key-words: livestock species, cattle, acute ruminal acidosis, concentrated food, pH.

The Allideghi Wildlife Reserve in the Amibara District of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia, has international significance for harboring endangered Grevy's Zebra and other wildlife dependent on grasslands. The reserve is increasingly used by pastoral people and their herds. Impacts of livestock on native vegetation include direct effects of grazing and indirect effects from livestock-facilitated dispersal of an invasive plant, Prosopis juliflora. The main research objective was to determine effects of pastoralism and vegetation change on prospects for sustaining the Allideghi Wildlife Reserve as grassland habitat for Grevy's Zebra. Methods included use of driving surveys to quantify resource use by herbivores, vegetation analysis, and engagement with local people. Resource-use patterns of livestock across the Allideghi grassland were often positively affected by proximity of water, while that for wild ungulates was often negatively affected by proximity of people. Livestock concentration at a major borehole has created a large piosphere with concomitant reductions in herbaceous standing-crop, productivity, and species richness; plant species have shifted from grasses to forbs in severely grazed sites. Vegetation further from the borehole was resilient in response to moderate grazing pressure in terms of species composition and productivity. Since being introduced at a nearby commercial plantation in the 1970s, P. juliflora has been dispersed to the Allideghi Wildlife Reserve via livestock; cattle, sheep, and goats eat the pods and deposit seeds in manure at settlements and favored foraging areas. Prosopis juliflora greatly reduced species richness and basal cover of native herbaceous vegetation in the Allideghi grassland. Analysis of remotely sensed images from the past 30 years indicated major land-use change in the district due to agricultural expansion as well as land-cover change due to Prosopis encroachment and heavy grazing. Recent efforts have been undertaken by various agencies to control P. juliflora, via harvest in the district, but this has yielded variable and often negative results. Without a concerted effort to limit livestock grazing and control spread of P. juliflora, the future for the grassland and wildlife at the Allideghi Wildlife Reserve is grim. Agencies and policy makers need to promote science- and community-based approaches to help rectify the situation. (311 pages)

Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Seoul from July 2012 until July 2013, this dissertation offers a novel perspective on human-animal interactions and public discourses regarding livestock versus pet moral boundaries in contemporary Korea. I aim to explore how Koreans struggle to make sense of the tension between the emergence of animal welfare and the perpetuation of traditional health behaviours that involve animal processing. The focus will be on why participants in my study, whether activists or not, defended both animal ethics and cat and dog meat consumption, while including Korean animals in fluid and instrumental conceptions of Koreanness. I have analysed a variety of discourses produced by both Korean and non-Korean, academic and non-academic stakeholders, in order to reveal the on-going tension between these powerful ubiquitous ideas and the lived experience of Koreans today. Moreover, I examine how the aesthetics of cruelty and empathy is employed in order to singularize livestock into companion animals thereby transgressing cultural taboos regarding Western ethics of species separation. I also demonstrate that converging and conflicting economic, political, social and cultural agendas are responsible for making Korea’s public discourses about animal welfare very unsettled. My research thus contributes to key anthropological debates about the cross-cultural circulation and cross-fertilisation of moral values that impact the ethics of post-industrial human-animal interactions; and about the influence of policy dialogue, at both national and international levels, on applied animal ethics, cultural stigmatization and the reinforcement of national sentiment.

Orientador: Mauro Galetti Rodrigues
Resumo: A conversão de paisagens florestais para usos antrópicos é a principal causa do desmatamento das florestas tropicais em todo o mundo. Essas florestas são conhecidas por conter parte significativa da biodiversidade terrestre global, porém pouco se sabe sobre como as modificações na paisagem, como a perda de habitat para produção agropecuária e o principalmente o impacto do gado afetam a diversidade e ocupação de mamíferos resilientes nesses fragmentos. Sendo assim, nós examinamos como a riqueza de espécies e a composição de mamíferos são explicadas pela configuração da paisagem e como a presença do gado afeta a detecção de mamíferos de médio e grande porte. Foram amostradas 20 paisagens dominadas por pastagens ao longo de um gradiente de cobertura florestal (8% a 98%), no sudeste do Brasil. Nós registramos 75% das espécies de mamíferos esperadas para esta região em uma cobertura florestal de média a alta. A cobertura florestal, distância euclidiana do vizinho mais próximo e área estrutural foram as variáveis que melhor explicaram a ocorrência de algumas espécies de mamíferos dependentes de floresta. As comunidades de mamíferos exibiram um alto grau de alternação de espécies entre as paisagens, representando 95% da diversidade beta total. Os impactos da pecuária foram mostrados devido ao seu efeito negativo na detecção de espécies florestais e positivo na detecção de grupos de espécies não florestais. Discutimos a importância de manter fragmentos com alta cobertura vegetal para... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The landscape conversion to anthropic uses is the major cause of deforestation worldwide. Tropical forests are known to contain a significant portion of global terrestrial biodiversity, but little is known about how changes in landscape, such as habitat loss for livestock and its impacts affect the diversity and occupation of resilient mammals in forest fragments immersed in pasture matrices. Here we examine how species richness and mammal composition are explained by landscape configuration and how cattle presence affects the detection of medium and large mammals. We sampled 20 landscapes dominated by pastures along a forest cover gradient (8% to 98%) in southeastern Brazil. We recorded 75% of the mammalian species expected for this region in a medium-to-high forest cover. Landscapes metrics, as forest cover, Euclidean distance from the nearest neighbor and structural area were the variables that best explained the occurrence of some forest mammal species. Mammalian communities exhibited a high degree of species turnover between landscapes, representing 95% of total beta diversity. Livestock impacts were shown due to its negative effect on the detection of forest-dwelling species and positive on the detection of non-forest species groups. We discuss the importance of maintaining forest fragments with high vegetation cover to improve connectivity between disturbed landscapes, favoring mammalian species flow. There is an urgent need for a better understanding of livestock gene... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
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CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
A mudança do uso da terra decorrente de atividades agrícolas provoca uma modificação na paisagem que leva à criação de fragmentos florestais isolados que se mantém imersos em uma matriz que pode apresentar uma maior ou menor agressividade de acordo com o seu uso. Este estudo foi realizado em duas fazendas vizinhas localizadas no município de Eldorado do Sul, RS. A Fazenda Terra Dura, pertence à empresa Celulose Riograndense S/A e a maior parte da área é utilizada para a monocultura de eucalipto (Eucalyptus spp.). Os remanescentes de floresta nativa estão exclusivamente associados aos diversos cursos d’água que cruzam a área e cercados pelo plantio de eucalipto de diversas idades e estágios de produção. A área é utilizada para o plantio de eucalipto há cerca de 30 anos e há 20 foi isolada do gado. A Fazenda Eldorado destina-se à criação extensiva de gado e sua cobertura vegetal é caracterizada por um predomínio de campo com fragmentos de florestas ripárias que o gado utiliza como local de pastejo e desedentação. Em cada uma das dez áreas selecionadas foram alocados dois transectos paralelos ao curso d’água a 20 metros de distância um do outro nos quais foram aleatorizadas cinco unidades amostrais de 10 x 10m para amostragem do componente arbóreo dos fragmentos. Em cada unidade amostral foram registradas a circunferência de todos os indivíduos com diâmetro a altura do peito maior ou igual a 5 cm (DAP ≥ 5cm). O componente juvenil foi amostrado em unidades amostrais de 5 x 5m concêntricas em cada parcela de 10 x 10m, onde foram amostrados todos os indivíduos com mais de um metro de altura e com menos de 5 cm de diâmetro e estimou-se sua altura total e seu diâmetro à altura do solo (DAS). A densidade e composição do estrato herbáceo foi amostrada em parcelas de 1 x 1 m concêntricas às unidades amostrais de 5 x 5 m. Nestas unidades amostrais foi removida toda vegetação de até 1 m de altura e identificadas taxonômicamente as espécies e separadas em formas de vida (árvore, arbusto, erva, gramíneas, pteridófita, trepadeiras, epífitos). Para avaliação do sub-bosque nos plantios de eucalipto foram selecionados quatro talhões onde foram alocados três transectos de 100 m de comprimento em diferentes distâncias da borda (5, 25 e 50 m) e dois transectos (5 e 25 m) para o interior da mata ciliar. Em cada transecto foram sorteadas cinco unidades amostrais de 5 x 5 m e amostrados todos os indivíduos juvenis utilizando os mesmos critérios anteriormente citados para este estrato. Nos fragmentos adjacentes aos plantios de eucalipto, foram encontradas 61 espécies para os adultos e 77 para os juvenis e o estoque de carbono estimado foi de 106 Mg.ha-1 para os indivíduos adultos e de 4,3 Mg.ha-1 para os herbáceos. Nas áreas com presença de gado foram amostradas 62 espécies para os adultos e 48 para juvenis, com um estoque de carbono de 85,5 Mg.ha-1 para adultos e 0,9 Mg.ha-1 para herbáceo. No sub-bosque dos plantios de eucalipto foram amostradas 32 espécies, sendo 16 exclusivas e 71 no interior da floresta ripária, com 55 exclusivas. Os resultados mostraram que florestas em pequenos fragmentos incorporados em plantações de eucalipto parecem ser melhor preservadas do que aqueles expostos à pecuária. Além disso, áreas com presença de gado apresentaram uma redução no estoque de carbono de 23,8% para o estrato arbóreo e de 79,4% no estrato herbáceo em relação às áreas sem a presença de gado. A plantação de eucalipto possui um importante papel, embora restrito devido ao curto período de corte das árvores, para a manutenção da diversidade de espécies de florestas nativas adjacentes em seu sub-bosque e podem atuar como uma catalizadoras da regeneração da vegetação nativa e na manutenção da diversidade local.
The change in land use due to agricultural activities causes a landscape change that leads to the creation of isolated forest fragments that remain embedded in a matrix that may present a greater or lesser aggressiveness according to their use. The environmental quality of this matrix can affect species composition and forest structure through several factors that impact the surrounding environment, but on the other hand, depending on its type, the array can act as an important source of biodiversity conservation. This study was conducted in two neighboring farms located in Eldorado do Sul, RS. Terra Dura Farm, owned by Celulose Riograndense S/A and most of the area is used for the monoculture of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.). The remnants of native forest are exclusively associated with the various streams that cross the area and surrounded by eucalyptus plantations of various ages and stages of production. The area is used for the planting of eucalyptus during 30 years. The cattle was isolated 20 years ago. Eldorado Farm is intended for extensive cattle ranching and its vegetation is characterized by a predominance of field with fragments of riparian forests that livestock use for grazing. We survey ten riparian fragments, five in each farm, were allocated two transects parallel to the stream to 20 m away from each other in which five were randomized plots of 10 x 10 m sampling of the tree component of the fragments. In each sampling unit circumference were recorded for all individuals with diameter at breast height greater than or equal to 5 cm (DBH ≥ 5 cm). The juvenile component was sampled in 5 x 5 m plots concentric in each plot of 10 x 10 m was sampled all individuals with more than one meter in height and less than 5 cm in diameter and estimated its total height, and its diameter at ground level (DAS). The density and composition of the herbaceous layer was sampled in plots of 1 x 1 m plots of concentric to 5 x 5 m. In these sample units of all vegetation was removed up to 1 m high, which were taxonomically identified and separated in life forms (tree, shrub, herb, grass, fern, lianes and epiphytes). To evaluate the understory in the eucalyptus plantations were selected four plots were allocated three transects of 100 m length at different distances from the edge (5, 25 and 50 m) and two transects (5 and 25 m) into the riparian vegetation. In each transect were randomly selected five samples of 5 x 5 m and sampled all juveniles using the same criteria previously cited for this stratum. In fragments adjacent to eucalyptus plantations, 61 species were found for adults and 77 for juveniles and the estimated carbon storage was 106 Mg.ha-1 for adults and 4.3 Mg.ha-1 for the herbs. In areas with presence of cattle were sampled for 62 adults and 48 for juveniles, with a carbon stock of 85.5 Mg.ha-1 for adults and 0.9 Mg.ha-1 for herbaceous. In the understory of the eucalyptus plantations were found 32 species, with 16 exclusive and 71 within the riparian forest, with 55 exclusive. Our results showed that in small forest fragments embedded in eucalypt plantations seem to be better preserved than those exposed to livestock. In addition, areas with the presence of cattle showed a reduction in carbon stock of 23.8% for the upper stratum and 79.4% in the herbaceous layer compared to areas without the presence of livestock and the planting of eucalyptus has an important role, although limited, due to shortcut the trees for the maintenance of species diversity of native forest adjacent to their understory and can act as a catalyst of the regeneration of native vegetation and maintenance of local diversity.

A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Johannesburg, South Africa March 2019
Livestock grazing intensity is expected to impact on the plant species composition and plant diversity of Drakensberg grasslands. These montane grasslands are important for providing goods and services for the local and the national population, in part through supporting livestock on communal rangelands. Montane communal rangelands are generally heavily stocked, although grazing pressure is expected to be concentrated around kraals and to show a decreasing gradient with distance. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of livestock grazing on plant species composition and diversity of montane grassland in the northern Drakensberg (Thabo Mofutsanyane district). A grazing gradient from a kraal site to beyond the average foraging distance of cattle was examined. A second approach examined fence-line contrasts between communal rangeland and the protected areas of Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) and Royal Natal National Park (RNNP). Nine transects were sampled (using 90 5 x 5 m plots) in order to define a gradient, ensuring relative uniformity of environment by sampling only spurs and crests. The fence-line contrast between GGHNP and QwaQwa was sampled using 40 adjacent pairs of plots (5 x 5 m), that of RNNP and communal rangeland using 20 adjacent pairs. The percentage cover of each species on each plot was estimated using the Domin scale. Soil from each plot was analysed for levels of P, K, Ca, N, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, exchangeable acidity, acidity saturation, total cations, pH (KCl), organic carbon and percent clay. The presence of a grazing gradient defined by distance was supported by a decrease in the amount of cattle dung with increasing distance from a kraal, described by a non-linear relationship. Distance was not confounded with altitude, solar radiation, or slope, nor with variation in soil physico-chemical properties as described by the first three axes of a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). An effect of grazing intensity was supported by a relationship between increasing distance and increasing species richness, an increasing abundance of graminoids, indigenous plants, and perennial plants, a decreasing abundance of shrubs, dwarf shrubs, annual herbaceous plants, and alien plants (especially Richardia brasiliensis and Hypochaeris radicata), and a change in herbaceous composition. However, most compositional variation was unexplained. The studies of fence-line contrasts provided some further support for an effect of grazing intensity. For the contrast between GGHNP and the QwaQwa communal area, species composition was different and GGHNP supported more endemic species. RNNP compared with the adjoining communal rangeland showed greater species richness and plant diversity, a greater abundance of grasses, dicotyledons and indigenous plants, and a lesser abundance of dwarf shrubs. In conclusion, a gradient study and fence-line contrasts both provided support for an effect of livestock grazing on the composition and diversity of montane grassland in the northern Drakensberg. However, despite a long history of communal livestock grazing a total of more than 320 indigenous plant species indicates these grasslands make some contribution to biodiversity conservation, but this contribution is compromised in the vicinity of kraals. Rangeland under reduced grazing intensity may therefore offer a means of maintaining the plant diversity of communal grassland grazing systems. The state of the grassland on the RNNP side of that fence-line contrast perhaps presents a benchmark grassland state that could be achieved in this communal grazing region if conservative livestock numbers could be maintained.
E.K. 2020