The first report of Cryptosporidium testudinis in Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) in China.

Several Cryptosporidium species that infect reptiles, especially squamates, are well described, but there is limited data about Cryptosporidium species infecting crocodilians. In this study, we assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites using traditional microscopic examination and describe the prevalence and Cryptosporidium species in the captive-bred Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) in eastern China using molecular methods. The results of microscopic examination showed that no intestinal parasites were detected among the 491 fecal samples examined from the Chinese alligators.

[Prevalence of spp. infections in large - scale pig farms in north of Yangtze River in Anhui Province].

Objective: To characterize the prevalence and species/genotypes of spp. in farmed pigs in the north of the Yangtze River in Anhui Province.

Methods: A total of 500 samples of pig feces were obtained from seven largescale pig farms in the north of the Yangtze River in Anhui Province.

Daidzein enhances immune function in late lactation cows under heat stress.

Heat stress decreases natural immunity making cows more vulnerable to diseases. A previous study reported that daidzein can enhance animal resistance to heat stress and regulate animal immunocompetence. However, it is unclear whether daidzein regulates the immune performance of late lactation cows under heat stress.