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PubMed1986

Organization and expression of the transforming region from the European elk papillomavirus (EEPV).

The nucleotide sequence of the early (transforming) region from the European elk papillomavirus (EEPV) double-stranded DNA has been determined together with flanking regions. The established sequence, which is 5732 bp long, shows that the genome of EEPV is closely related to the previously sequenced bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) and deer papillomavirus (DPV) genomes. Seven open reading frames (ORFs), designated E1-E7, were identified in similar positions as in the BPV-1 genome. The E1 and E5 regions were best conserved. The strong homology between the E5 ORFs of EEPV, BPV-1 and DPV is interesting in the light of the recent proposal that these ORFs encode a major transforming function (Schiller et al., 1986; DiMaio et al., 1986). A set of mRNAs, comprising six size classes, were identified in EEPV-transformed cells. At least two different promoters appear to control EEPV transcription in transformed cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Ecology of Rhodococcus equi.

A selective broth enrichment technique was used to study the distribution of Rhodococcus equi in soil and grazing animals. Rhodococcus equi was isolated from 54% of soils examined and from the gut contents, rectal faeces and dung of all grazing herbivorous species examined. Rhodococcus equi was not isolated from the faeces or dung of penned animals which did not have access to grazing. The isolation rate from dung was much higher than from other samples and this was found to be due to the ability of R. equi to multiply more readily in dung. Delayed hypersensitivity tests were carried out on horses, sheep and cattle, but only horses reacted significantly. The physiological characteristics of R. equi and the nature of its distribution in the environment suggested that R. equi is a soil organism.

Actinomycetales↗
PubMed1989

Immunoblotting analysis of the reaction of wildebeest, sheep and cattle sera with the structural antigens of alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (malignant catarrhal fever virus).

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a disease of cattle and some other ruminants caused by alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AHV-1), a virus of wildebeest. The disease also occurs in the absence of wildebeest and is then thought to be caused by a viral agent harboured by the sheep. The structural proteins of AHV-1 have been used as antigens for the immunoblotting analysis of sera from wildebeest, sheep and cattle infected by either AHV-1 or the "sheep-associated" form of the disease. Wildebeest sera showed a uniform response reacting strongly with six polypeptides. Sheep sera also gave positive results but individual sera reacted with varying subsets of the antigens recognized by wildebeest. These results support the earlier suggestion that sheep harbour a herpesvirus related to AHV-1. A bovine serum from a case of MCF caused by AHV-1 also reacted only with a subset of the six wildebeest-reactive polypeptides. Sera from cattle affected with the "sheep-associated" form of the disease gave reactions in only two of the eight cases tested; both positive sera reacted to a few polypeptides only.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Six antigenic groups within the genus pestivirus as identified by cross neutralization assays.

Antigenic differences between pestivirus isolates of ruminant and porcine origin were characterized by neutralization assays. First, six different clusters of pestiviruses were identified by clustering cross-neutralization results of 13 pestivirus strains tested against 23 sera. Cluster I consisted of four strains of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) of bovine origin and two BVDV isolates of porcine origin. Cluster II consisted of one sheep isolate and two porcine BDV isolates. Cluster III consisted of one classical swine fever virus strain and cluster IV, V, and VI each consisted of one strain isolated from a giraffe, a deer, and a pig. After the clusters were identified, one-way neutralization tests were used to test a total of 45 pestivirus isolates. Although the same six groups were found, results of some individual strains differed from previous cross-neutralization results and the results obtained by typing with monoclonal antibodies. The discrepancy between one way neutralization tests and cross-neutralisation tests is demonstrated clearly by recalculation of the cross-neutralization results without the classical swine fever sera. We conclude that neutralization tests are only suitable to characterize antigenic differences when virus strains are tested in a cross-neutralization test.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

The metabolism of dopamine in the blood of ruminant animals: an enzyme system to metabolize dopamine released from the mast cells in these species?

Following the i.v. administration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) to sheep, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid rapidly appeared in the blood. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol can be formed from dopamine by blood plasma of ruminants in vitro. It is suggested that this plasma enzyme system might serve to inactive dopamine released from mast cells in ruminant species.

3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol↗
PubMed1989

Type I diabetes in NOD mice is not associated with insulin-specific, autoreactive T cells.

In the present study the hypothesis was tested that T cells specific for autologous insulin may be involved in beta cell destruction. Lymphoid cell populations from non-immunized, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were investigated for spontaneous T-cell reactivity in vitro to rat insulin (identical to mouse insulin) and to porcine insulin (identical to mouse insulin in the immunogenic part of the A chain loop). No significant T-cell proliferation was detected. In vivo priming of non-diabetic NOD mice with rat insulin in CFA, or of diabetic or non-diabetic NOD mice with porcine insulin failed to elicit insulin-specific T-cell responses upon restimulation in vitro. Lymph node cells from NOD mice primed with porcine insulin and treated with anti-Lyt 2 antibodies and C also failed to show insulin-specific reactivity, indicating that suppression by Lyt 2 cells is not involved in the non-responsiveness observed. In addition to porcine and rat insulin, NOD mice were also non-responders to bovine insulin; however, they responded to equine and ovine insulin and to the oxidized chain B of bovine insulin, the latter showing no cross-stimulation in vitro to any of the intact insulin variants. In conclusion, this study indicates that autologous insulin does not serve as autoantigen in the autoimmune destruction of beta cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Serum estradiol-17beta, vaginal cytology and vulval appearance as predictors of estrus cyclicity in the female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from the eastern Amazon region.

This report describes the characteristics of estrus in the female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from the eastern Amazon. Two consecutive experiments were performed. The objective of the first experiment was to assess the efficacy of estrus diagnosis by serum estradiol-17beta measurements, vaginal cytology and vulval appearance. The second experiment was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of these features for predicting the period of mating acceptance. In Experiment 1, we monitored 56 presumptive estruses in 14 captive females. Estrus was characterized by the reddish and tumescent appearance of the vulva, the presence of vaginal mucus and vaginal opening, which persisted for 4, 4, 2, and 2 days, respectively. In vaginal smears, superficial plus intermediate cells became predominant (accounting for 60% of all cells) for a 4-day period, from 2 days before the estradiol-17beta peak. Superficial cells did not attain their maximum density (45% of all cells) until approximately 1 day before the serum estradiol-17beta peak. Following estrus, superficial and intermediate cells were notably reduced and the appearance of the vulval appearance was characterized by a pale, non-tumescent vulva and vaginal closure. A complete concordance in estrus diagnosis by the 3 methodologies was observed in 35 (62.5%) of the total 56 estrus predictions. In Experiment 2, mating was confirmed in 10 out of the 14 cyclic females. Sexual receptivity was observed in the last third of the period during which secondary estrus signs were shown. In conclusion, examining the vulval appearance and taking a vaginal smear constitutes a useful method of detecting estrus and predicting the period of male acceptance of the collared peccary female. Estrus was indicated by a predominance of superficial cells, and a proportion of superficial plus intermediate cells higher than 60% in the vaginal smear.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Spermatogenesis in white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari).

We describe here morphological and functional analyses of the spermatogenic process in sexually mature white-lipped peccaries. Ten sexually mature male animals, weighing approximately 39 kg were studied. Characteristics investigated included the gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative frequency of stages of the cycle of seminiferous epithelium (CSE), cell populations present in the seminiferous epithelium in stage 1 of CSE, intrinsic rate of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell index, height of seminiferous epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules, volumetric proportion of components of the testicular parenchyma and length of seminiferous tubules per testis and per gram of testis. The GSI was 0.19%, relative frequencies of pre-meiotic, meiotic and post-meiotic phases were, respectively 43.6%, 13.8% and 42.6%, general rate of spermatogenesis was 25.8, each Sertoli cell supported an average 18.4 germinative cells, height of seminiferous epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules were, respectively, 78.4 microm and 225.6 microm, testicular parenchyma was composed by 75.8% seminiferous tubules and 24.2% intertubular tissue, and length of seminiferous tubules per gram of testis was 15.8m. These results show that, except for overall rate of spermatogenesis, the spermatogenic process in white-lipped peccaries is very similar to that of collared peccaries, and that Sertoli cells have a greater capacity to support germinative cells than most domestic mammals.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Reproductive performance of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) in the eastern Amazon.

This study analyses reproductive parameters resulting from 74 parturitions in a population of captive collared peccaries in the eastern Amazon (Belém, State of Pará, Brazil) during a 65-month survey. Parturitions were homogeneously distributed throughout the year. The average litter size was 1.85 newborns per parturition. Collared peccary females had a newborn sex ratio of 52.6% females and 47.4% males. The mean age at first parturition was 639, although, the earliest first parturition occurred at age of 381 days. Estimated parturition-conception interval was 58 days. Mean farrowing interval was 196 days and mean production was 1.03 litters and 1.86 newborns per year per female. Mortality rate in newborns less than 2 months old was 26.9% of the total newborn population. Most identified causes of death were abandonment by the mother (22.2%) and trauma due to aggression (13.9%). Newborn deaths occurred mainly during the first two days of life. This study suggests that the collared peccary possesses interesting reproductive parameters for its introduction in captive breeding programmes in the Amazon region.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2004

A novel Giraffidae-specific interspersed repeat with a microsatellite, originally found in an intron of a ruminant paralogous p97bcnt gene.

The ruminant-specific p97bcnt gene (bcntp97) is a paralogous gene that includes a region derived from a retrotransposable element 1 (RTE-1). The region comprises an exon (RTE-1 exon) encoding 325 amino acids in the middle of the p97bcnt protein. To understand how the bcntp97 paralog evolved, we examined its organization in several ruminants. We found a 700-base pair (bp) insert in the 5' intron of the RTE-1 exon in giraffe bcntp97. This insert is missing in the corresponding regions of bovine and sika deer. Furthermore, the sequence of the insert is interspersed in the genome of giraffe but not bovine and also contains a (GA)n microsatellite. A highly homologous insert harboring significantly different (GA)n microsatellite was detected in the corresponding region of okapi bcntp97. Therefore, the interspersed fragments with (GA)n microsatellite might serve as a marker for tracking how duplicated genes evolve in a family-specific manner.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

The context of Stw 573, an early hominid skull and skeleton from Sterkfontein Member 2: taphonomy and paleoenvironment.

The reconstructed taphonomic and paleoenvironmental contexts of a ca. 4 million-year-old partial hominid skeleton (Stw 573) from Sterkfontein Member 2 are described through presentation of the results of our analyses of the mammalian faunal assemblage associated stratigraphically with the hominid. The assemblage is dominated by cercopithecoids (Parapapio and Papio) and felids (Panthera pardus, P. leo, Felis caracal, and Felidae indet.), based on number of identified specimens, minimum number of elements and, minimum number of individuals. In addition, the assemblage is characterized by a number of partial skeletons and/or antimeric sets of bones across all taxonomic groups. There is scant indication of carnivore chewing in the assemblage. These observations, in addition to other taphonomic data, suggest that the remains of many animals recovered in Member 2 are from individuals that entered the cave on their own-whether accidentally by falling through avens connecting the cave to the ground surface above or by intentional entry-and were then unable to escape, rather than primarily through systematic collection by a biotic, bone-accumulating agent. The taphonomic conclusion that animals with climbing proclivities (i.e., primates and carnivores) are preferentially preserved over other taxa, ultimately because of those proclivities, urges caution in assessing the fidelity of the assemblage for reconstruction of the Member 2 paleoenvironment. With that caveat, we infer that the Member 2 paleoenvironment was typified by rolling, rock-littered and brush- and scrub-covered hills, indicated by the abundant F. caracal and cercopithecoid fossils recovered and the identified presence of the extinct Caprinae Makapania broomi. In addition, the valley bottom may have retained standing water year-round, perhaps supporting some tree cover--a setting suitable for the well-represented ambush predator P. pardus and suggested by the presence of Alcelaphini. Finally, the reconstructed taphonomic and paleoenvironmental settings of Sterkfontein Member 2 are compared to penecontemporaneous sites in South and East Africa.

Anatomy, Comparative↗
PubMed2004

Can low-magnification stereomicroscopy reveal diet?

A new method of scoring dental microscopic use wear, initially developed for and applied to extant and extinct ungulates, is here applied to primates, and the efficacy of the method as a tool for diagnosing diet in both ungulates and primates is established. The method employs standard refractive light microscopy instead of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and all use-wear features are counted or scored under low magnification (35 x). We use measurement systems analysis (variance components analysis of sources of measurement error) to evaluate the consistency and reproducibility of measurements using this method. The method is shown to have low intra- and inter-observer measurement error, and to effectively distinguish among graminivores, folivores, and frugivores. It can also be used to identify seed predators and to diagnose hard-object feeding. The method is also shown to be robust to the selection of measurement site; it works equally well when applied to upper or to lower molars. Finally, we use analysis of variance to examine the consistency of the signals across mammalian orders, and discriminant function analysis to develop dietary diagnostic tools for a set of "classified" primates with known diets. We test the success of these tools not merely by examining their a posteriori classification "success," but by using them to construct predicted dietary profiles for a sample of unclassified extant primate species, again with known diets.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

Evolutionary differentiation of Cetartiodactyl placentae in the light of the viviparity-driven conflict hypothesis.

We analysed the evolution of placental traits in the novel mammalian clade Cetartiodactyla (Cetaceans and Artiodactyls) by a parsimony-based computer program (MacClade). A diffuse epitheliochorial placenta was identified as the stem species pattern of this clade. Trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) independently evolved in Camelids and Ruminants. The polycotyledonary placenta is an apomorphic character for Pecora (higher ruminants) and the oligocotyledonary placenta developed as a further step on the stem lineage of cervidae and moschidae. We interpret these findings by application of the "viviparity-driven conflict hypothesis", which states that divergent interests of mother and offspring lead to a rapid antagonistic coevolution, which might cause placental diversity. According to this hypothesis the evolution of camelid and ruminant TGCs can be interpreted as means to increase fetal endocrine influence on the maternal metabolism. The development of the cotyledonary placenta could be related to a diminished availability of glucose, which is associated with the evolution of forestomach fermentation in Pecora. An arms race, in which the mother tried to restrict and the fetus tried to increase transplacental glucose flow, might have promoted the evolution of the cotyledonary placenta, which has a high feto-maternal exchange area, but a low conductivity for glucose.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2006

Rinderpest seroprevalence in wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania, 1982-1993.

Eight hundred and thirty five serum samples collected from eight wild artiodactyl species in Kenya and Tanzania between 1982 and 1993 were tested for virus-neutralising (VN) antibodies to rinderpest (RP) virus. Antibodies were found in 116 of 344 buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) but not in the other species including 349 wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). Most of the antibody positive buffaloes were from the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem (MM-SE) and would have had opportunity for exposure to the virus during the epidemic of rinderpest in buffalo confirmed there in 1982. Buffalo born after 1985 did not have antibody indicating that virus stopped circulating in this population at or around that time. This second demonstration that RP virus disappears from the MM-SE is further evidence that these species are not permanent reservoirs of this virus. Re-infection of wildlife is transient and they remain valuable sentinels for infection in nearby domestic livestock.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

A health evaluation in a colony of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) in the Eastern Amazon.

This study pretends to determine baseline data on the health and mortality of a colony of captive collared peccaries in the Eastern Amazon (Belém, State of Pará, Brazil) during a 65-months survey. Thirty-nine out of 166 animals (23.5%) died and were examined post-mortem. Monthly mortality averaged 1.2%. The highest mortality rate was observed in newborns (74.4%). Abandonment by the mother and aggression were responsible for 24.1% and 13.8% of the total newborn deaths, respectively. Most frequent causes of non-neonatal death were food poisoning (50.0%) due to an episode of accidental bitter cassava leaves ingestion and traumatism due to aggressions between animals (10.0%). Results from serology for different infectious diseases showed that 4.9% (2/41) collared peccaries had antibodies against Brucella spp. and 9.8% (4/41) animals had antibodies to two different Leptospira spp. serovars, butembo and autumnalis. This is the first survey of morbidity and mortality in captive collared peccaries in the Amazon region.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2005

Integrating ultrasonography within the reproductive management of the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu).

Ultrasound imaging has been used to elucidate certain aspects of the reproductive biology of wild or endangered species. However, to our knowledge, this tool has not been used for reproductive monitoring of the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu). In this study, real-time ultrasonography was used in 16 collared peccary females to diagnose early pregnancy status and predict gestational age. Based on the detection of an embryo, the earliest pregnancy diagnosis was made on Day 18 after mating, with the mean time needed for diagnosis being 22 days. Overall accuracies on Days 22, 26 and 28 were 56, 93, and 100%, respectively. On Days 26 and 28, all pregnancy and non-pregnancy diagnoses, respectively, were correct. The fetal measurements that best correlated with gestational age were crown-rump-length (CRL) and the length and diameter of the thorax. CRL was considered the most practical measurement because, contrary to thoracic fetometry, it could be determined when the embryo was first detected. Our findings revealed real-time ultrasound scanning to be a very accurate method for early pregnancy diagnosis and prediction of gestational age in the collared peccary.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Long-term suppression of fertility in female giraffe using the GnRH agonist deslorelin as a long-acting implant.

Zoological institutions provide an environment conducive to studying proximate mechanisms influencing reproduction that can provide guidance to both field and captive settings seeking to manage their stock. Both national parks and zoos have space limitations that sometimes require the use of reversible contraception in order to reduce reproductive rate or limit specific individuals from reproducing. We designed a study to test the efficacy of a long-lasting contraceptive in female giraffe by monitoring reproductive endocrinology and behavior. We implanted two animals with the GnRH agonist deslorelin and monitored their endocrine status using fecal steroid analysis. We have previously validated an assay for fecal pregnanes and here we report our validation for fecal estrogens. Both sex steroid concentrations were suppressed in two females, although one female exhibited an immediate post-implantation positive feedback response. Sexual activity nearly disappeared in one animal, whereas the other showed regular sexual behavior. The contraceptive effect lasted for at least 472 d, and successfully suppressed estrous cyclicity in one female for >2 y. We conclude that deslorelin implants provide a minimally invasive means for long-term suppression of reproduction in female giraffe.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

First postpartum estrus and pregnancy in the female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from the amazon.

The onset of sexual cycle postpartum was described in the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu). Serum progesterone and 17beta-estradiol profiles, vaginal smears and external genitalia were analyzed in 20 animals housed with their piglets during the first postpartum month. The appearance of external genitalia showed no variation in any of the females: a shallow, reddish vulva, and vaginal mucus were constant features throughout the study. Based on hormonal profiles and vaginal smear cell patterns, 16 (80%) of the 20 peccaries showed signs of estrus and were considered cycling. The remaining four females (20%) did no show signs of estrus confirmed by low levels of progesterone (0.9+/-0.4 ng/mL) during the first postpartum month. In the cycling peccaries, a serum 17beta-estradiol peak (53.4+/-8.1 pg/mL) was observed on Day 7+/-1 postpartum, along with a linear increase in progesterone concentration from 3 (4.3+/-2.6 ng/mL) to 11 (30.8+/-4.9 ng/mL) days after this estradiol peak. Proportions of the different cells of the vaginal epithelium also changed in these females: superficial plus intermediate cells amounted to 76% of the cell total between Days 6 and 9 postpartum, corresponding to the estradiol peak. Nine (56%) of the 16 cycling females mated, indicated by the presence of sperm cells in their vaginal smears, and 6 (67%) became pregnant, reaching term. Non-pregnant cycling females (n=10) showed a steady decrease in serum progesterone concentration from 11 to 23 days after the estradiol peak, when basal levels were attained and a new estradiol peak registered, indicating the resumption of cyclicity in these females. The time interval between the two estradiol peaks was 23.5+/-2.1 days in these females. In pregnant females, progesterone concentrations continued to rise to levels of 60 ng/mL (n=6) 23 days after mating. These findings indicate that the lactating collared peccary female can become cycling and fertile during the early postpartum period, and that a predominance of superficial plus intermediate vaginal cells can be taken as the first sign of estrus.

Animals↗