A study was designed to compare use of an numerical rating scale (NRS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for subjective assessment of lameness, using sheep as a model. The NRS consisted of 5 divisions, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4; 4 of these divisions (1-4) described lameness. The VAS used a 100-mm horizontal line with vertical bars at either end; one end was labeled 'sound' and the other was labeled 'could not be more lame.' Two independent observers graded lameness in 62 sheep, and between- and within-observer differences were assessed for each scoring system to compare the NRS with the VAS. Results indicated no significant differences between the 2 observers scoring lameness, using either the VAS or the NRS. The scores obtained, using the VAS, were not normally distributed, although differences between scores for the 2 observers were. The NRS scores followed a normal distribution pattern. Investigation of repeated measurement for the same sheep, using both scales, revealed no significant difference between either. A comparison of the NRS and VAS scores made by each observer indicated that although correlation was good (observer 1; r = 0.94; observer 2; r = 0.95), there was not perfect agreement. The maximal NRS score of 4 was associated with VAS values > 68 mm, indicating that the NRS divisions did not reflect equal increases in lameness. The VAS and NRS scores for each observer were highly reproducible, although they were more variable for sheep that were regarded as moderately lame. Results indicate that although the NRS and VAS compared favorably with respect to repeatability, reproducibility, and use by 2 observers, the VAS is inherently more sensitive. In addition, the NRS and VAS should not be used interchangeably.

The current study was conducted on a total of 204 Egyptian, lactating buffalo cows. These animals were in the second or third parity, of good body condition scores and apparently healthy. The animals were raised in intensive production system on a private farm. The buffalo cows were allotted into three groups, two of these groups were experimental and the third was a control group. The first experimental group included 30 buffalo cows were undergo ovulation control by Crestar® a subcutaneous ear implant ( 3mg norgestamet ) plus Crestar® injection i.m. ( 3mg norgestamet + 5mg estradiol valerate ) at zero day. At the 7th day of implantation, PGF2α was injected i.m., then Crestar® implant was removed at the 9th day with injection of PMSG 400 iu. Timed insemination was conducted 56 hrs later. The second experimental group (24 buffalo cows) was treated by the same program, moreover they injected with GnRH at the time of insemination .The third group (150) buffalo cows was bred naturally and used as a control group. For serum progesterone assay blood samples were collected from the animals of the two experimental groups at day 0, 7 and 9 of the Crestar program. The buffalo cows of the experimental groups were closely observed for estrus signs and were rectally palpated at the time of insemination for detection of the internal estrus changes. At day 50 post insemination all animals were rectally palpated for pregnancy diagnosis. The result of the current study revealed that the visibility of estrus signs were 20 %, 16.7% and 22 % for the first, second and third group respectively. Pregnancy rate was much higher in the second group associated with the injection of GnRH at the time of insemination. Two animals of the second group were carrying twins (11 %). Serum level of progesterone was significantly higher in the 7thday in comparison with those recorded for 0 and 9th day.

Toxocariasis is a disease of unspecific clinical manifestations in human beings and some animals forming a condition known as visceral larva migerans. Effective Toxocara canis (T. canis) control should destroy the dormant hypobiotic larvae in the tissues of the reservoir hosts. Embyonated egg antigen is intended to be evaluated in rabbits where15 New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups; immunized group that injected with three doses of T. canis egg antigen (First dose with complete Freund's and two successive doses with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant); control infected group and adjuvant control group. At 30th day from the beginning of the experiment, all groups were infected with 10,000 T. canis embryonated egg. Blood samples were collected periodically for measuring antibodies titer by ELISA. Postmortem and histopathological investigations were done. The efficacy of egg antigen protective immunity was evaluated by; the positive antibody titer, retention of larvae in the liver, hepatic eosinophilic granuloma formation, number of the milky spots on the liver surface and lung resistance to the infection. These parameters were detected obviously in the immunized group than the non immunized ones. Consequently, production of this product is recommended where its preparation is simple, easy, fast and economic and may be used as role of vaccine program against the parasite infection in the susceptible hosts.

Studies were conducted to determine the utility of lysate antigens for rapid evaluation of the local entero-3 vaccine, antigens were prepared from cell cultures infected with bovine rota virus (BRV) and bovine corona virus (BCV) as well as from Enterotoxigenic E. coli strain K99. Prepared antigens were tested with field serum samples collected from both late pregnant entero-3 vaccinated cows and their offsprings using different serological assays including: microagglutination test, indirect ELISA and immunofluorescent antibody technique. Results of this endeavor were correlated to that of the standard virus neutralization test. The locally prepared antigens were proved useful for vaccine evaluation. Moreover, these antigens are recommended for both detection and assessment post vaccination or post infection of sero-conversion against BRV, BCV and E. coli.

In this study field application of RB51 vaccine combined with the policy of test and slaughter as well as application of hygienic measures for control of bovine brucellosis were carried out and evaluated in a dairy herd of cattle for two years. Serological examination of 1280 cattle using tube agglutination, buffered acidified plate antigen, Rose Bengal plate antigen and Rivanol tests revealed 240 (18.75%) positive animals with a previous history of abortion of 12 cows. Brucella melitensis biovar 3 could be isolated from tissue specimens of slaughtered cows. Animals that tested negative in the first examination were vaccinated with RB 51 vaccine with periodical examination every three weeks and slaughtering of positive cases. New positive cows continued to develop up to the 5th examination then three successive sero-negative tests were obtained with release of the farm from quarantine. Examination of animals 6,12,18 and 24 months post release of quarantine revealed 2, 3, 0 and one positive cases respectively the matter which clarified that the control of the outbreak using RB51 vaccine associated with policy of test and slaughter and application of hygienic measures showed some limitations.

A conclusive study was conducted for preparation and evaluation of combined inactivated entero-4 vaccine containing bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), E. coli K99 and toxoid of C. perfringens type "C". Laboratory and field evaluations were conducted on laboratory animals, calves and late pregnant cows with monitoring the active and passive antibodies in vaccinated cows and their offspring respectively. Laboratory evaluation proved purity, safety and high efficacy of the vaccine without interference between different vaccine ingredients. Field evaluation gave satisfactory results when pregnant cows vaccinated at late stage of pregnancy with high neutralizing antibody titers against BRV, BCV and C. perfringens as well as high E. coli agglutinating titers. Maternal immunity passively protected offspring during the critical period of age and remained protected till the end of sampling time (30th day post parturition).

The anesthetic, biochemical and pathological effects of eugenol were evaluated in the African cat-fish Clarias gariepinus in comparison with MS-222. Aquous exposure of Clarias gariepinus to eugenol at concentration of 62.5 – 250 ) g / ml showed short interval to induction than MS-222. On the other hand, eugenol provided longer time for recovery (8.28 min) at higher concentration (250 )g / ml) than MS-222 (5.26 min) but no differences were observed at lower concentrations between both agents. Mortality rate of 46.5 and 33.3 % was recorded for eugenol and MS-222, respectively at 250 )g / ml. Exposure of fish to 250 )g / ml of eugenol or MS-222 resulted in significant increases in serum levels of creatinine, urea and uric acid and decrease in total protein and albumin. Significant increases in AST, ALT and Ca levels were recorded only on exposure to eugenol 250 )g / ml. Histopathological examinations showed congestion of gill blood vessels, diffuse vacuolar degeneration and necrosis of the epithelium lining of the secondary lamellae of the gill filaments, degeneration and focal necrosis of renal tubules in kidneys, necrosis and deposition of hemosiderin pigment in the macrophages of spleen which is indicative for hemorrhages and hemolysis as well as mild catarrhal enteritis of intestine of fish groups exposed to 250 ) g / ml of both agents. Moreover, massive fatty and degenerative changes in liver were observed only in fish exposed to 250 )g / ml of eugenol. On the other hand, lower concentrations of both agents did not differ from those of control fish. In conclusion, it appears that eugenol at lower and medium concentrations could produce an anesthesia characterized by rapid induction and rational recovery without significant changes in tissues and blood chemistry. Care should be taken on using high concentrations of eugenol as ventilatory failure may occur

In an attempt to determine the best method for surgical removal of devitalized small colon lesions, 12 horses underwent a double small colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis. In 4 horses (study 1), an appositional single-layer (APP-1) suture pattern was compared with an inverting 2-layer (INV-2) suture pattern. In 8 horses (study 2), an appositional 2-layer (APP-2) suture pattern was compared with the INV-2 suture technique. Polydioxanone suture (size 1-0), was used. Horses were evaluated at necropsy 3, 10, 14, 28, or 56 days after surgery. Postoperative complications (peritonitis, impaction, or excessive adhesions) were encountered in 100, 42, and 13% of the APP-1, INV-2, and APP-2 anastomoses, respectively. Postmortem eva luation of the small colon revealed dehiscence of the anastomotic site, diffuse peritonitis, and adhesion formation in 3 of the 4 horses in which the resection line was closed with the APP-1 pattern. With the INV-2 and APP-2 techniques, more intestinal inversion was present in the nontaenial than in the taenial portion of the small colon. More postoperative impactions were found with the INV-2 (n = 5) anastomoses than with the APP-2 (n = 1) technique; this appeared to be the result of excessive tissue inversion. There was no difference in lumen diameter between the INV-2 and the APP-2 techniques (P greater than or equal to 0.05). However, horses with unresponsive impactions at the INV-2 site had a smaller luminal diameter compared with the INV-2 anastomoses that did not impact or that impacted and resolved with therapy (P less than or equal to 0.001). Difference in adhesion formation between the INV-2 and the APP-2 techniques was minimal. Bursting pressure studies (7 APP-2, 7 INV-2, and 14 control) were performed in study 2. All segments consistently burst away from the anastomotic site along the mesenteric or antimesenteric taenial band. Differences in bursting pressure (P greater than or equal to 0.05) were not evident between the 2 groups. Histologic evaluation revealed the APP-1 pattern had no intestinal inversion. However, a wide full-thickness deposition of dense fibrous connective tissue in the submucosal and muscular layer was evident. The INV-2 and the APP-2 patternshad pronounced inversion of the anastomotic layers along the nontaenial portion of the anastomoses, with minimal deposition of fibrous connective tissue between the anastomotic layers. The inversion formed a protruding ridge into the lumen that was more pronounced in the INV-2 than in the APP-2 anastomoses. At 28 days, the inverted tissues were held firmly together by maturing fibrous connective tissue that was covered by a mucosal layer. The inverted tissues were as pronounced at 56 days as they were at 3 days. In light of these findings, we concluded that an APP-2 pattern was the preferred surgical technique.

In this study, neutralizing antibody response in Guinea pigs and mice inoculated by African horse sickness (AHS) bivalent inactivated oil adjuvant vaccine was similar when compared serologically with that in horse. Therefore, using G. pigs and mice may be a method of great value in potency test for routine immunization. Potency test of the prepared vaccine using an immunization challenge protocol in adult mice was studied, using challenge virus with 100, 50 and 25 LD50. The highest protection level (95%) was with the dilution of 50 LD50/0.05 ml