C. Alexopoulos

Field Evaluation of the Effect of a Probiotic-containing Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis Spores on the Health Status, Performance, and Carcass Quality of Grower and Finisher Pigs

Summary The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of BioPlus 2B, a probiotic containing Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis spores, on the health status and productivity of pigs, during weaning, growing and finishing stages of growth. On a commercial farrow‐to‐finish farm, five experimental groups were formed, each of 54 weaned piglets. The pigs of the first group (double controls) received normal feed with no probiotic and the pigs of the second group (untreated controls) received BioPlus 2B only during the weaning stage. The pigs of the third, the fourth and the fifth group received the same as the second group feed but, at the growing and at a part of the finishing stages, supplemented with three different doses of Bioplus 2B, a low, medium and high dose, respectively. The results have shown that, compared with the double controls, BioPlus 2B‐treated pigs had a lower morbidity and mortality during the whole trial period, compared with the double controls (range from 9.26 to 14.81% versus 25.93% and from 0.00 to 3.70% versus 11.1%, respectively), as a result of the lower incidence of post‐weaning diarrhoea due mainly to Escherichia coli. Weight gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass quality of the BioPlus 2B‐treated pigs were significantly improved compared with the double controls, whilst the beneficial effects of the probiotic were more pronounced when the medium and high doses were used.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and influence of breed, parity, stage of lactation and mammary bacteriological status on Coulter Counter Counts and California Mastitis Test in the milk of Saanen and autochthonous Greek goats

Coulter Counter Counting (CCC), California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacteriological examination were performed on milk samples from healthy primiparous Saanen, multiparous Saanen (SA) and multiparous autochthonous Greek (AG) goats, in six flocks in northern Greece. Mean CCC in bacteriologically negative milk samples were higher (P < 0.05) in AG goats than in multiparous SA, and in multiparous than in primiparous SA, throughout the lactation period. No differences were noticed with regard to the mean CCC in bacteriologically negative milk samples of primiparous SA, multiparous SA and multiparous AG goats from Day 50 up to Day 110 after kidding. Mean CCC in the milk of multiparous goats increased (P < 0.001) from Day 125 in AG goats and from Day 170 in SA goats up to Day 185 after kidding. Parity, breed and stage of lactation differences were not noticed with regard to the mean CMT scores. Prevalence of bacteria in the milk samples ranged between the flocks from 19.0% to 35.7% of the glands. The proportion of bacteriologically positive samples was higher (P < 0.05) in multiparous than in primiparous SA goats whereas no differences were noticed between multiparous SA and AG goats. Prevalence of coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. and other bacteria varied between the flocks. No breed or parity differences were observed with regard to the type of bacteria isolated. The presence of bacteria in caprine milk elevated both CCC and CMT scores in primiparous SA, multiparous SA and multiparous AG goats. This elevation was associated with the type of bacteria; S. aureus elevated CCC and CMT scores in milk more than coagulase-negative staphylococci did. The results of the present investigation lead to the conclusion that Coulter Counter and CMT could be appropriate only for the prediction of the presence of a major pathogen such as S. aureus in goats milk, even if we try to restrict their application to only one breed, to one parity or to a specific stage of lactation.

Effect of antioxidant supplementation in semen extenders on semen quality and reactive oxygen species of chilled canine spermatozoa.

The objective of this study was to evaluate quality of chilled dog semen processed with extenders containing various antioxidants. Single ejaculates from five dogs were always pooled and evaluated for concentration, sperm motility, progressive motility (RSF-movement), viability, acrosomal integrity and by the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS)-test. Also, superoxide (O(2)(-)) production, hydroxyl radicals (OH) and total reactive oxygen species (tROS) were determined. Pooled semen was divided in seven aliquots (for control and test conditions), which were diluted to a final concentration of 67x10(6)spermatozoa/ml with TRIS-glucose-egg yolk extender with or without the following supplements: control (without antioxidants), vitamin C (0.5mM), N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC; 0.5mM), taurine (0.2mM), catalase (100u/ml), vitamin E (0.1mM) and 5-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-2-phenyl-penta-2,4-dienoic acid (B16; 0.1mM). The semen aliquots were chilled and preserved at 4 degrees C. Portions of chilled semen were removed at 24 and 72h, and semen quality was evaluated after rewarming. At 24h the mean (+/-S.E.M.) sperm motility was higher (p<0.001) when vitamin E, taurine and B16 were added in the extender, whereas more spermatozoa with RSF-movement were observed (p<0.001) in the vitamin E, catalase, B16 and taurine groups. Sperm viability was higher (p=0.040) in B16 and vitamin E groups and the percentage of swollen spermatozoa was higher (p=0.002) only in the B16 group. Acrosomal integrity and OH were not significantly influenced by any of the antioxidants tested. Superoxide production was significantly lower when vitamin C, B16 and vitamin E were added in semen extenders compared with the control (p=0.017). All antioxidant groups, except vitamin C and NAC, contained less tROS compared to the control group, but only the B16 group value differed significantly (p=0.05). At 72h sperm motility was higher (p<0.001) when vitamin E, catalase, B16, taurine and NAC were added in the extender. More spermatozoa with RSF-movement were observed (p<0.001) in the vitamin E, catalase, B16, taurine and NAC treatment groups. Sperm viability was higher (p=0.001) when vitamin E, B16, taurine and vitamin C were added in semen extenders. HOS-test percentages were higher (p=0.016) in the B16, vitamin E, catalase and NAC groups. Acrosomal integrity was not influenced in any case. Production of O(2)(-) was significantly higher using catalase compared to all the other groups (p=0.006), while OH was not significantly influenced by any of the antioxidants tested. The addition of vitamin E, catalase and B16 in semen extenders resulted in significantly lower tROS values compared with the controls (p<0.0005). The results suggest that vitamin E and B16 had the most pronounced effect in preserving semen quality of chilled dog spermatozoa.

Incidence risk and aetiology of mammary abnormalities in dry ewes in 10 flocks in Southern Greece

In a field investigation of 10 flocks in Southern Greece, 3367 dairy ewes were examined twice, in order to estimate the incidence risk and the aetiology of mammary abnormalities during the dry-period. Abnormal secretion, lumps, nodules, diffuse hardness, abscesses and cysts were the abnormalities detected. The cumulative incidence of mammary abnormalities during the dry-period was 5.1% (95% confidence interval: 4.4-5.8%); 47% of the cases detected developed during the first three weeks after cessation of lactation. Despite variation in the flock size, there was no between-flock variation in the risk of a ewe developing mammary abnormalities. Staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative isolates) were the most frequently isolated bacteria from mammary samples; Actinomyces pyogenes, Clostridium perfringens, streptococci and Escherichia coli were also isolated. Resistance was encountered among the staphylococcal isolates.

Effect of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine Supplementation in Semen Extenders on Semen Quality and Reactive Oxygen Species of Chilled Canine Spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of chilled dog semen processed with extenders containing various concentrations of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Ejaculates from five dogs were collected, pooled and evaluated for concentration, motility, rapid steady forward movement (RSF-movement), viability, acrosomal integrity and by the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST). In addition, superoxide anion (O(2)(-*)) production, hydroxyl radicals (OH(*)) and total reactive oxygen species (tROS) were determined. The pool was divided into five aliquots, which were diluted to a final concentration of 66.66 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml with Tris-glucose-egg yolk extender containing one of the following concentrations of NAC (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5 or 5 mm). The semen aliquots were chilled and preserved at 4 degrees C. Semen quality was evaluated after rewarming at 72 h. Sperm motility was significantly higher with the 0.5 mm concentration compared with the control group (p = 0.001). Rapid steady forward movement was higher with the 0.5 and 1 mm concentrations compared with the control and 5 mm group (p < 0.001). Viability and HOST percentages were not significantly altered. Compared with the control, the 5 mm concentration showed significantly reduced percentages of spermatozoa with normal acrosomes (p = 0.049). None of the ROS values at 72 h were significantly affected by the presence of NAC in semen extenders, although all NAC concentrations showed lower O(2)(-*) and OH(*) values compared with the control. Only the concentrations of 1 and 5 mm inhibited the significant increase of tROS values after 72 h, compared with the fresh semen value. In conclusion, NAC supplementation of semen extenders is beneficial to semen motility of canine spermatozoa during chilling with the 0.5 mm concentration being the most effective, although no significant ROS inhibition was observed at 72 h.

The effect of experimentally induced subclinical mastitis on the milk yield of dairy ewes

Abstract In each of the two experiments, subclinical mastitis was induced by inoculating both mammary glands of Karagouniko and of Chios-cross ewes with a Staphylococcus epidermidis. After inoculation, the somatic cell counts of the milk of the inoculated ewes increased (p

Clinical and epidemiological findings during ram examination in 47 flocks in southern Greece.

In a field investigation of 47 flocks in south Greece, a clinical examination for fertility evaluation was done on 293 rams. In each ram, a general-health examination, examination of the genital organs and libido evaluation were carried out. In 143 (49%) of the 293 rams examined, at least one abnormality was recorded. The median within-flock prevalence risk (PR) of at least one abnormality was 58.0%, that of general-health abnormalities was 33%, that of genital abnormalities was 20% and that of libido abnormalities 14%. The principal abnormalities observed during the general-health examination were interdigital dermatitis, injuries of the sole, blowfly myiasis and brisket sores. The principal abnormalities observed during the examination of the genitalia were testicular hypoplasia, nodules into the testicular parenchyma, ulcerative lesions characteristic of orf in the prepuce and blowfly myiasis on the preputial orifice. The principal abnormalities observed during the evaluation of libido were incomplete erection and inability to mount the ewe. A statistically significant (P<0.05) positive association was recorded between: ram:ewe ratio and general-health abnormalities PR; general-health abnormalities PR and at least one abnormality PR; genital abnormalities PR and libido abnormalities PR; genital abnormalities PR and at least one abnormality PR; lambing percentage and total lambs born per ewe. A statistically significant (P<0.05) negative association was recorded between: ram age and general-health abnormalities PR; ram age and any abnormality PR; general-health abnormalities PR and lambing percentage.

Association of fusarium mycotoxicosis with failure in applying an induction of parturition program with PGF2alpha and oxytocin in sows

This trial was conducted in a farrow-to-finish pig unit from November 1999 to February 2000. Since November 1998 an induction-of-parturition program was applied in gilts and sows with PGF2alpha (2 mL Dinolytic, i.m.) 113 d post service, followed by oxytocin (1 mL Intertocine-S, i.m.) 24 h later. This program resulted in a high proportion of animals farrowing within the working hours of the day. At mid December 1999 splay-legs and edematous swelling and reddening of the vulva started to be observed in newborn piglets. A concurrent decline of parameters related to parturition also was noticed. Mycotoxicological analyses of the feeds revealed a co-occurring contamination with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. For a 4-week period, sows were divided into two groups: (a) an induction-of-parturition and (b) a non-induction-of-parturition group. Significant differences were found between the two groups relating to prevalence of dystocia (<.05) and pregnancy duration (<.05). Moreover, it was found that prevalence of splay-legs and swelling of the vulva were highly correlated (<.05) with reduction of percentage of sows farrowing within the working day and increase of pre-weaning mortality. It was concluded that such an induction-of-parturition program should be avoided during a Fusarium mycotoxicosis.

Quality and reactive oxygen species of extended canine semen after vitamin C supplementation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of extended dog semen processed with diluents containing various concentrations of vitamin C. Ejaculates from five dogs were collected, pooled and evaluated for concentration, sperm motility, rapid steady forward movement (RSF-movement), viability, acrosomal integrity and by the hypo-osmotic swelling test. Also, superoxide (O(2)(-)*) production, hydroxyl radicals (OH*) and total reactive oxygen species (tROS) were determined. The pool was divided in five aliquots, which were diluted to a final concentration of 66 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml with a Tris-glucose-egg yolk extender containing one of the following concentrations of vitamin C (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 or 2.5 mM). The semen aliquots were chilled and preserved at 4 degrees C. Portions of chilled semen were removed at 24 and 72 h, and semen quality was evaluated after rewarming. This process was repeated 10 times in pooled semen of the same origin and data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance. At both times, none of the semen quality parameters were positively influenced (p>0.05) by vitamin C supplementation. At 24 h, none of the reactive oxygen species (O(2)(-)*, OH*, tROS) were significantly altered. At 72 h, significant reductions of O(2)(-)* production were observed by the concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mM compared with the 0 mM concentration (p=0.049). Also, at 72 h, the 2.5 mM concentration showed significantly lower OH* values in comparison with the control group (p=0.048). In conclusion, addition of vitamin C to semen extenders does not benefit the quality of canine extended spermatozoa.

Field Study on the Efficacy of Two Different Vaccination Schedules with HYORESP® in a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-Infected Commercial Pig Unit

A trial was carried out with HYORESP a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) vaccine in order to confirm the benefit of vaccination under field conditions in a commercial industrial farrow-to-finish unit, contaminated with M. hyo. Infection with M. hyo was confirmed through positive blood and colostrum samples [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test] combined with positive gross lesions of the lung at slaughter. Two different vaccination schedules were tested. Pigs were randomly allocated to three groups: control non-vaccinated group (n = 130, given a placebo injection at 3, 25 and 70 days of age); early vaccinated group (n = 128, given vaccination at 3 and 25 days of age and a placebo at 70 days of age); late vaccinated group (n = 132, given a placebo at 3 and 25 days of age and vaccination at 70 days of age). Both growth rate and feed conversion ratio were signifcantly (P < 0.05) improved in the vaccinated groups compared with the control group. The lung lesion score was also significantly (P < 0.05) improved in both vaccinated groups. In this trial, it was clearly demonstrated that vaccination is highly effective in improving performance in pig units infected with M. hyo. The improvement in the feed conversion ratio in the vaccinated groups was especially impressive: -0.411 (13% improvement) in the group vaccinated twice at 3 and 25 days of age; -0.162 (5% improvement) in the group vaccinated once at 70 days of age. Performances were better when two shots were given early in life compared with one shot later--probably due to an infection taking place rather early in life for most of the pigs. Moreover, a significant reduction in the cost of supportive (injectable) medication was noticed in vaccinated pigs. In conclusion, HYORESP proved to be a very efficacious tool to control M. hyo in infected herds with its remarkable flexibility that allows the vaccination schedule to be adapted to the specific field conditions.