A comprehensive evaluation of an ELISA for the diagnosis of the two most common ascarids in chickens using plasma or egg yolks.

Background: Classical faecal egg counts (FEC) provide less reliable diagnostic information for nematode infections in chickens. We developed an ELISA based on Ascaridia galli antigens and tested two hypotheses, as follows: (i) IgY antibodies developed against A. galli will also be useful to identify Heterakis gallinarum infections, and (ii) circulating antibodies stored in egg yolks are as good as plasma samples, so a non-invasive diagnosis is possible.

Egg production dynamics and fecundity of Heterakis gallinarum residing in different caecal environments of chickens induced by fibre-rich diets.

In modern husbandry systems, feed rations for laying hens may contain high levels of dietary fibre, which may only be fermented intestinally. Depending on fermentation properties, the type of dietary fibre may influence the intra-caecal environment constituting the predilection site of Heterakis gallinarum. We investigated egg production dynamics and fecundity of H.

Establishment of gastro-intestinal helminth infections in free-range chickens: a longitudinal on farm study.

The objective of this study was to monitor establishment and development of gastro-intestinal helminth infections in chickens over two production years (PY) on a free-range farm in Lower Saxony, Germany. The data were collected between July 2010 and June 2011 (PY1) and July 2011 and January 2013 (PY2), respectively. During PY1, Lohmann Brown classic (LB classic, N = 450) was tested, while in PY2 two different genotypes (230 LB classic, 230 LB plus) were used.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections in German sheep.

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and variation of natural gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in lambs according to birth type, gender and breed based on individual faecal egg counts (FEC) from various regions in Germany. A total of 3,924 lambs (3 to 15 months old) with different genetic backgrounds (Merinoland, German Blackhead Mutton, Rhoen, Texel and Merino long-wool) were individually sampled during the grazing period between 2006 and 2008. Furthermore, pooled faecal samples from each of the farms were cultured in order to differentiate the third-stage larvae of the nematode spp.

Fixed-time deep uterine insemination in PGF2α-synchronized goats.

The aim of this investigation was to optimize fixed-time insemination in goats by clustering ovulations in prostaglandin F(2α)-synchronized goats either with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The underlying intention was to reduce the incidence of short cycles by providing a more sustained stimulation of the corpus luteum by substituting the commonly used GnRH with longer-acting hCG. It was conjectured that this might render the corpus luteum less prone to premature regression.

Ovsynch synchronization and fixed-time insemination in goats.

This study assessed the efficacy of an Ovsynch protocol (vs. the classical cronolone containing vaginal sponge+eCG treatment) to generate fixed-time insemination in goats during the breeding season. Each regimen was applied to 24 Boer goat does.

Technical Note: Transcervical deep cornual insemination of goats.

A newly developed technique for trans-cervical deep uterine insemination of goats is described. An experiment was conducted to compare this transcervical method with the laparoscopic intrauterine insemination using frozen-thawed semen. Of the 46 primiparous and 21 multiparous estrus-synchronized Boer goat does inseminated transcervically, 71% (22/31) kidded compared with 53% (19/36) of does inseminated laparoscopically (P < 0.

Nonsurgical embryo collection in goats treated with prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin.

Embryos were collected transcervically from 38 unanesthetized goats in a standing position. Goats of the Boer breed were superovulated by injecting them with 16 mg of pFSH containing 40% LH. Collection took place 6 d after the last mating.