| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Bekele, Tafesse, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological and behavioral responses to different watering intervals in lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius)
- 2013
-
In: AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0363-6119 .- 1522-1490. ; 305, s. R639-R646
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- During drought periods camels are watered at long intervals, but effects on body fluid homeostasis of lactating camels are not known. It was hypothesized that camels store water after drinking and minimize water losses by diurnal variation in body temperature, changes in behavior, and release of vasopressin. The aim was to find a sustainable watering interval for lactating camels. Seven lactating camels were studied in a cross-over trial in which they were watered once daily (W1), every fourth day (W4), every eighth day (W8), or after 16 days (W16) with a 5-day interval between treatments. When offered water every fourth or eighth days, the camels drank sufficient amounts to cover their needs for subsequent days, but after 16 days of dehydration they did not drink enough to compensate the body weight loss. Rectal temperature fell at night and the camels searched shade during daytime minimizing evaporative fluid losses. Plasma osmolality and sodium concentration were elevated after 4 days of water deprivation and plasma protein and vasopressin concentrations after 8 days. Milk production decreased during the last week of W16. Plasma aldosterone concentration was elevated upon rehydration after W16, indicating sodium deficiency. In conclusion, lactating camels stored water after drinking and reduced water losses by staying in shade, keeping body temperature low, and releasing plasma vasopressin. However, serious dehydration was observed during W8, and after 16 days of water deprivation recovery took a long time. A watering interval between 4 and 7 days seems advisable under similar environmental conditions.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Dahlborn, Kristina, et al.
(author)
-
Report of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations Working Group on animal identification
- 2013
-
In: Laboratory Animals. - : SAGE Publications. - 0023-6772 .- 1758-1117. ; 47, s. 2-11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The primary aim of this report is to assist scientists in selecting more reliable/suitable identification (ID) methods for their studies. This is especially true for genetically altered (GA) animals where individual identification is strictly necessary to link samples, research design and genotype. The aim of this Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations working group was to provide an update of the methods used to identify rodents in different situations and to assess their implications for animal welfare. ID procedures are an indispensable prerequisite for conducting good science but the degree of invasiveness differs between the different methods; therefore, one needs to make a good ethical evaluation of the method chosen. Based on the scientific literature the advantages and disadvantages of various methods have been presented comprehensively and this report is intended as a practical guide for researchers. New upcoming methods have been included next to the traditional techniques. Ideally, an ID method should provide reliable identification, be technically easy to apply and not inflict adverse effects on animals while taking into account the type of research. There is no gold standard method because each situation is unique; however, more studies are needed to better evaluate ID systems and the desirable introduction of new and modern approaches will need to be assessed by detailed scientific evaluation.
|
|
| 6. |
- Hartmann, Elke, et al.
(author)
-
24-h sheltering behaviour of individually kept horses during Swedish summer weather
- 2015
-
In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 57
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Provision of shelter for horses kept on summer pasture is rarely considered in welfare guidelines, perhaps because the benefits of shelter in warm conditions are poorly documented scientifically. For cattle, shade is a valued resource during summer and can mitigate the adverse effects of warm weather on well-being and performance. We found in a previous study that horses utilized shelters frequently in summer. A shelter with a roof and closed on three sides (shelter A) was preferred and can reduce insect pressure whereas a shelter with roof and open on three sides was not utilized. However, shelter A restricts the all-round view of a horse, which may be important for horses as flight animals. Therefore, we studied whether a shelter with roof, where only the upper half of the rear wall was closed (shelter B), would be utilized while maintaining insect protection properties and satisfying the horses' sense for security. A third shelter was offered with walls but no roof (shelter C) to evaluate whether the roof itself is an important feature from the horse's perspective. Eight Warmblood horses were tested each for 2 days, kept individually for 24 h in two paddocks with access to shelters A and B, or shelters A and C, respectively. Shelter use was recorded continuously during the night (1800-2400 h, 0200-0600 h) and the following day (0900-1600 h), and insect defensive behaviour (e.g., tail swish) in instantaneous scan samples at 5-min intervals during daytime.Results: Seven horses used both shelters A and B, but when given the choice between shelters A and C, shelter C was scarcely visited. There was no difference in duration of shelter use between night (105.8 +/- 53.6 min) and day (100.8 +/- 53.8, P = 0.829). Daytime shelter use had a significant effect on insect defensive behaviours (P = 0.027). The probability of performing these behaviours was lowest when horses used shelter A compared to being outside (P = 0.038).Conclusions: Horses only utilized shelters with a roof whilst a shelter with roof and closed on three sides had the best potential to lower insect disturbance during daytime in summer.
|
|
| 7. |
- Hartmann, Elke, et al.
(author)
-
Daytime shelter use of individually kept horses during Swedish summer
- 2015
-
In: Journal of Animal Science. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0021-8812 .- 1525-3163. ; 93, s. 802-810
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In Sweden, no provision for summer shelter to protect horses from heat and insects is required, although access to shelter for horses kept outdoors 24 h during winter is a requirement. This study investigated horses' daytime shelter-seeking behavior in relation to weather conditions and insect activity during a 2-wk period in summer. Eight Warmblood riding horses had access to 2 shelters of different design to test which shelter design is preferred by horses. Furthermore, rectal and skin temperatures and insect-defensive behavior were measured to test whether horses would benefit from the provision of shade. The horses were kept alone in paddocks for 4 d. During 2 d, horses had access to 2 shelters: 1) open shelter with roof and uncovered sides and 2) closed shelter with roof, wind nets on 2 sides, and opaque plastic opposite the entrance. Weather conditions (ambient temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed) were recorded every 10 min. The number of insects (flies, mosquitos) was counted from insect traps placed in each shelter and outside. Behavior (shelter use, insect-defensive behavior, locomotion, grazing) was recorded at 5-min intervals between 0900 to 1200 h and 1300 to 1600 h and rectal and skin temperatures were measured at 0800 h, 1200 h, and 1600 h. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED and GLIMMIX procedure for Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Ambient temperature ranged from 16 to 25 degrees C (average temperature humidity index 65.7 +/- 1.4). Five horses preferred the closed shelter and were observed inside up to 2.5 h continuously. Greater wind speed decreased the likelihood of observing horses inside the shelter (P < 0.001), as did lower numbers of flies (P < 0.001). The insect-defensive behaviors, skin shiver and ear flick, were performed less frequently when horses were using the closed shelter (P < 0.001), indicating that they were less disturbed by insects. Thirty-minute shelter use had no effect on rectal and skin temperatures (P > 0.05). Results showed that horses made use of shelters during the summer even when weather conditions were moderate. A shelter with roof and covers on 3 sides was preferred over a shelter with roof only and can reduce insect-defensive behavior.
|
|
| 8. |
- Hartmann, Elke, et al.
(author)
-
Management of horses with focus on blanketing and clipping practices reported by members of the Swedish and Norwegian equestrian community
- 2017
-
In: Journal of Animal Science. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0021-8812 .- 1525-3163. ; 95, s. 1104-1117
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Limited information is available on the extent to which blankets are used on horses and the owners' reasoning behind clipping the horse's coat. Research on the effects of those practices on horse welfare is scarce but results indicate that blanketing and clipping may not be necessary from the horse's perspective and can interfere with the horse's thermoregulatory capacities. Therefore, this survey collected robust, quantitative data on the housing routines and management of horses with focus on blanketing and clipping practices as reported by members of the Swedish and Norwegian equestrian community. Horse owners were approached via an online survey, which was distributed to equestrian organizations and social media. Data from 4,122 Swedish and 2,075 Norwegian respondents were collected, of which 91 and 84% of respondents, respectively, reported using blankets on horses during turnout. Almost all respondents owning warmblood riding horses used blankets outdoors (97% in Sweden and 96% in Norway) whereas owners with Icelandic horses and coldblood riding horses used blankets significantly less (P < 0.05). Blankets were mainly used during rainy, cold, or windy weather conditions and in ambient temperatures of 10 degrees C and below. The horse's coat was clipped by 67% of respondents in Sweden and 35% of Norwegian respondents whereby owners with warmblood horses and horses primarily used for dressage and competition reported clipping the coat most frequently. In contrast to scientific results indicating that recovery time after exercise increases with blankets and that clipped horses have a greater heat loss capacity, only around 50% of respondents agreed to these statements. This indicates that evidence-based information on all aspects of blanketing and clipping has not yet been widely distributed in practice. More research is encouraged, specifically looking at the effect of blankets on sweaty horses being turned out after intense physical exercise and the effect of blankets on social interactions such as mutual grooming. Future efforts should be tailored to disseminate knowledge more efficiently, which can ultimately stimulate thoughtful decision-making by horse owners concerning the use of blankets and clipping the horse's coat.
|
|
| 9. |
- Hartmann, Elke, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological and behavioural responses of Swedish domestic goats and their kids (Capra hircus) to 15 days of heat exposure
- 2021
-
In: Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0906-4702 .- 1651-1972. ; 70, s. 41-49
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Seven Swedish domestic goats (Capra hircus, 2-3 years) and their kids (37 +/- 4 days) were subjected to indoor temperatures above 30 degrees C during 15 days (periods H1-H4; periods without heat C1, C2) to study acclimation. Rectal temperature (RT) increased by 1.1 degrees C during H1 to H3 (P < 0.001 vs. C1), but only by 0.6 degrees C during H4 (P < 0.001 vs. C1; P < 0.024 vs. H1). Respiration rate (RR) increased less during H4 than during H1 (P < 0.001). Skin temperature increased during heat (P < 0.001), and skin evaporation (SE), which differed from C1 to H4 (P < 0.05). Goats increased water intake during heat, resulting in lowered milk osmolality while milk offtake was maintained. Kids' thermoregulatory responses resembled those of the goats. Thus, decreasing RT and RR simultaneously with increasing SE at the end of the heat indicate that goats had started to acclimate.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
- Högberg, Madeleine, et al.
(author)
-
Can vasopressin induce milk ejection in the dairy goat?
- 2014
-
In: Small Ruminant Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0921-4488. ; 121, s. 111-115
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Suckling increases plasma levels of both oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) and intravenous infusions of AVP increase milk flow and milk fat concentration in goats. We hypothesized that vasopressin can cause contraction of the myoepithelial cells and thereby milk ejection. Eight goats were used in each of two series. They were kept together with their kids and were both suckled and hand milked. At experiments, one teat was first emptied by hand and after 3 min the same teat was milked again. On control days, cisternal milk (CM) was achieved at the first milking and at the second milking only a small volume of alveolar milk (AM) with modest fat content was received. On experimental days the goats were milked and immediately thereafter OT (10 mg) or AVP at the low dose 125 ng (AVPL) was injected intravenously followed by the second milking 3 min after the first (series I). In series II saline (0.9% NaCl) or vasopressin at the high dose 250 ng (AVPH) was injected. The plasma OT concentrations were unchanged after AVP injections. The CM volume did not differ between treatments within each series. Injections of AVPH or OT increased volume and fat content of AM. The proportion of AM to total milk volume was 15% in control experiments, 21% after saline and 29% after AVPL. However, after AVPH and OT the AM proportions were 56 and 57%, respectively, accompanied by an increased fat content. In conclusion, the high dose of AVP elicited a milk ejection reflex similar to that of OT. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 12. |
- Högberg, Madeleine, et al.
(author)
-
Growth rate and behaviour in separated, partially separated or non-separated kids and the corresponding milk production of their mothers
- 2021
-
In: Journal of Dairy Research. - 0022-0299 .- 1469-7629. ; 88, s. 381-387
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We address the hypothesis that keeping kids and mothers together would have positive effects on the milk composition of the mother and the behaviour of the kids. Kids were either permanently separated (SEP), daily separated between 7.30 and 15 h (DAY-SEP) or kept with mothers 24 h/d (NON-SEP). The NON-SEP kids were only allowed to suckle one teat. All kids had similar growth rate throughout the study (lactation days 5–70). DAY-SEP kids spent 24% of their time with their mother at both ages. NON-SEP spent only 15% of the time with their mothers at 2 weeks of age and this increased to 28% at 2 months of age. NON-SEP kids showed more hiding behaviour at 2 weeks and SEP were more active alone, at both 2 weeks and 2 months, compared to the other treatments. The mean available milk yield and fat concentration were higher in DAY-SEP goats (2420 g ± 119 g and 4.9 ± 0.1%) compared with NON-SEP goats (2149 ± 79 g and 4.4 ± 0.1%). There were no differences between DAY-SEP and NON-SEP goats in total protein, lactose, or casein concentrations. Based on these data it was estimated that 7.1 kg milk was needed to produce 1 kg semi-hard cheese in DAY-SEP goats and 7.5 kg in NON-SEP goats, respectively. When comparing milk yield and composition between udder halves, the milk yield was, as expected, higher from the machine milked teat than from the suckled one in the NON-SEP goats but there was no difference between right and left udder halves in DAY-SEP goats. Milk fat concentration varied between teats at morning and afternoon milkings in NON-SEP goats, but there was no difference in milk fat between udder-halves in DAY-SEP goats. In conclusion, the kid growth rate was similar in all treatments, however, an altered behaviour was seen in permanently separated kids (SEP). The results show that it is possible to have a high milk yield and fat concentration with one kid together with the dam.
|
|
| 13. |
- Högberg, Madeleine, et al.
(author)
-
Milk processing quality of suckled/milked goats: effects of milk accumulation interval and milking regime
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Dairy Research. - 0022-0299 .- 1469-7629. ; 83, s. 173-179
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Milk with a high concentration of fat and casein is required for cheese production, and these components have a major impact for both quality and yield of the curd. Recent observations have shown that suckling can elevate milk fat concentration in goats and our aim was therefore to check the hypothesis that animal welfare and cheese-processing properties of goat milk could be optimised by appropriate management of suckled/milked goats. Twelve Swedish dairy goats were kept together with one kid each in 4 different mixed management-systems (milking combined with partial suckling) in a cross-over design. Two milk accumulation intervals were tested; Short = dams and kids were together for 16 h (T16) and Long =; dams and kids were together for 8 h (T8 h). In addition, two milking regimes were used; Suckled Before Milking = S and Milked Before Suckling = M. Milk accumulation interval referred to how long dams and kids were separated. The milk yield available for processing (milk offtake), was weighed and analysed from each milking occasion and the suckled milk yield was estimated by a weigh-suckle-weigh method (WSW) in combination with observing the suckling behaviour during the free suckling periods. Milking managements, such as 'suckling before milking (S)', increased milk fat concentration compared to milking before suckling (M) and 'Short accumulation treatments (T16)' gave higher milk fat, casein concentration and individual curd yield (%) compared to the 'Long accumulation treatment (T8)'. The total individual curd yield (g) was the same despite treatment, but the animal welfare was most likely higher in T16 where dams and kids spent more time together.
|
|
| 14. |
- Jansson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Curriculum vitae paper - Professor Arne Lindholm (1938-2014)
- 2019
-
In: Comparative Exercise Physiology. - 1755-2540 .- 1755-2559. ; 15, s. 227-232
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Our friend and colleague Professor Arne Lindholm unexpectedly passed away in August 2014 after a few days of illness. Arne was, although he was 76 years, still active in clinical as well as scientific work and his death left us all in shock.
|
|
| 15. |
- Jansson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Shaping the Swedish landscape: a future for the Gotland russ
- 2016
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Tree encroachment and abandonment of pastures is an important cause of biodiversity loss in Sweden. In thisstudy, we evaluate the impact of all-year-around grazing by an ancient horse breed, the Gotland russ (GR),on tree encroachment. Twelve GR stallions were kept in 3 enclosures (lat: 59, long: 17, 4 GR/enclosure, 7ha forest and 3 ha open fields/enclosure) from May 2014 (age 1 yrs) until February 2016. Prior to the study,3 exclosures (EX, 5×42.5 m) where GR grazing was excluded were centered with the long side at the borderbetween forest and field. The field part of EX were further divided into four 5×5 m sections starting from theforest (1 to 4). Tree type (deciduous, spruce or pine), number and height were registered in the sections and theequivalent, grazed area adjacent to the EX on the 25th of February 2016. Body condition (BC) was assessedweekly using a 9 leveled scoring system. Individuals <4 were withdrawn, fed and reintroduced when BC was>4. Analysis of tree heights and numbers were made by procGLM in SAS. There was no difference in the totalnumber of deciduous trees (21±8 vs 25±8), spruces (2±1 vs 3±1) and pines (0.2±0.2 vs 0.8±0.2) between EXand grazed areas (P>0.05). In the grazed areas, the deciduous trees were shorter compared to the trees in EX(330±57 vs 780±70 mm, P<0.0001). There was no difference in spruce height (EX: 920±110 vs grazed areas:780±130 mm, P=0.31). In the grazed areas, tree height decreased from quarter 1 to 4 (1: 610±60, 2: 230±110, 3:140±90 and 4: 60±100 mm, P<0.0001) whereas in EX, the height increased (1: 740±60, 2: 570±150, 3: 810±90and 4: 960±100 mm, P<0.02). Four individuals (3 from the same enclosure) were withdrawn temporarily inFebruary 2015 due to BC <4. The study show that grazing by GR may inhibit encroachment by deciduoustrees and that BC was maintained in most individuals, despite the semi-feral conditions. The results providea new use for a threatened, ancient breed in landscape management.
|
|
| 16. |
- Kjellberg, Linda, et al.
(author)
-
Horses' behaviour on pasture and in an open barn
- 2022
-
In: Rapport (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Institutionen för husdjurens miljö och hälsa). - 1652-2885. ; , s. 19-19
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)
|
|
| 17. |
- Lidfors, Lena, et al.
(author)
-
Behavioral biology of rabbits
- 2021
-
In: Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals. - Boca Raton : CRC Press. - 9780367029234 ; , s. 173-190
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are monogastric herbivores with cecotrophy, small prey animals with crepuscular activity pattern. They live in breeding groups, where the dominant male defends a territory with a burrow system. Rabbits are sexually mature at 3–4 months, have mating-induced ovulation and postpartum estrus. Gestation lasts 28–31 days, and kits are altricial at birth and born in an under-ground nest. Nursing occurs once per 24 h, and weaning starts from 3 weeks. Kits start feeding cecotrophs from mother and solid feed at 2–4 weeks. Rabbits eat grass, herbs, fruit, roots, leaves, and bark in shared home ranges. They communicate by scent marking, have good eyesight and seldom make sounds. In laboratories, rabbits are preferably housed in large floor pens to allow normal locomotion, rearing, digging, exploration, and social interactions. If fed pellets as the main diet, hay should be provided in smaller amounts as enrichment to facilitate normal feeding behavior and tooth wear. Environmental enrichment, shelves, tunnels, and wood block should be offered. Social groups which are stable, compatible, and established with young rabbits of same sex should be created. Due to high risk of fighting, intact males should be individually housed, but not isolated. If cages are used they must be large, high enough, and enriched. Gentle and frequent handling from early age and habituation to procedures should be practiced.
|
|
| 18. |
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- Olsson, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
-
Temperature regulation in horses during exercise and recovery in a cool environment
- 2012
-
In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 54
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Discussion and conclusion: Leg skin temperature initially dropped at onset of exercise in clipped horses, and then increased after about 30 minutes due to internal heat from the working muscles. These changes were not significant when clipped horses had riding blankets, whereas unclipped horses became overheated as judged from respiratory rate and elevated rectal temperature. Providing clipped horses with blankets dampened the changes in leg skin temperature during exercise.
|
|
| 21. |
- Ringmark, Sara, et al.
(author)
-
Reduced high intensity training distance had no effect on V-La4 but attenuated heart rate response in 2-3-year-old Standardbred horses
- 2015
-
In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 57
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Training of Standardbred race horses aims to improve cardiovascular and metabolic functions but studies on the effects of different training strategies from breaking till racing are lacking. Sixteen horses with the goal to race as 3-year-olds were studied from breaking (1-year-olds) to December as 3-year-olds. Horses were allocated to either a control (C) or reduced (R) training program from 2 years of age. The aim was to evaluate the effect of reducing the distance of high intensity exercise by 30% with respect to velocity at lactate concentration 4 mmol/l (V-La4), blood lactate and cardiovascular response. All training sessions were documented and heart rate (HR) was recorded. A standardized exercise test of 1,600 m was performed 10 times and a VLa4 test was performed five times.Results: C horses initially exercised for a longer time with a HR > 180 beats per minute compared to R horses (P < 0.05) but after 6-9 months, time with HR > 180 bpm decreased in C and were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). Over the 2-year period, recovery HR after the 1,600 m-test decreased in both groups but was within 2 months lower in C than in R (P < 0.05). C horses also had lower resting HR as 3-year-olds (P < 0.01) than R horses. In C, post exercise hematocrit was higher than in R (P < 0.05). There was a tendency (P < 0.1) towards a larger aortic diameter in C as 3-year-olds (C: 1.75 +/- 0.05, R: 1.70 +/- 0.05 cm/100 kg BW). Left ventricle diameter and blood volume (in December as 2-year-olds) did not differ between groups. There were no differences between groups in post exercise blood lactate concentration or in VLa4. Both groups were equally successful in reaching the goal of participation in races.Conclusions: Horses subjected to a reduced distance of high intensity training from the age of 2 showed an attenuated heart rate response, but were able to maintain the same VLa4 and race participation as horses subjected to longer training distances.
|
|
| 22. |
- Spangenberg, Elin, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of physical activity and group size on animal welfare in laboratory rats
- 2009
-
In: Animal Welfare. - 0962-7286 .- 2054-1538. ; 18, s. 159-169
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate whether moderate physical activity and group size influence physical fitness, the level of social interactions in the home cage and rats' performance in the Elevated Plus Maze and a handling test. Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were kept in groups of two, four or eight for seven weeks in cages adjusted to the group size. Home cage social interactions were studied during direct observations. Half of the number of rats from each cage were subjected to moderate exercise on a treadmill for five weeks. An exercise test was performed at the beginning and end of the experimental period, during which time lactate levels were analysed via blood sampling. Rats living in groups of four or eight performed better in the second exercise test; had more social interactions and showed more activity, open-arm entries and risk assessment in the Elevated Plus Maze test compared to rats living in pairs. The trained rats had lower blood lactate levels in the second exercise test lower bodyweight and plasma insulin levels and had a greater relative heart weight at the end of the study compared to control rats. In conclusion, rats kept in larger groups had more social interactions, a lower lactate response during exercise and showed less emotional reactivity. Moderate treadmill exercise resulted in the expected increase in the rats' physical fitness. The results show that both group size and physical activity are important factors for animal welfare,
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
|
|
| 25. |
- Sundbom, Renée, 1981-
(author)
-
Surgical Stress in Rats : The Impact of Buprenorphine on Postoperative Recovery
- 2013
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- During surgery, both anesthesia and tissue damage cause physiological stress responses in the body. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated with increased levels of glucocorticoids. After surgical procedures the stress response may be a cause of postoperative morbidity and pre-emptive analgesic treatment can attenuate the stress response during the postoperative period. In laboratory animals, buprenorphine is a commonly used analgesic. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of buprenorphine is most common, but oral administration would be preferable in many cases, enabling administration without any handling of the rat.In this thesis we studied the surgical stress response in laboratory rats during surgery and in the postoperative period, and its modulation by s.c. injection and oral voluntary ingestion (VI) of buprenorphine. Corticosterone levels and the clinical parameters body weight, water intake and behavior were observed. The concentration of buprenorphine in plasma was measured as well as stock-related differences in postoperative recovery.During surgery and anesthesia there was a higher corticosterone release during a more severe surgery and corticosterone levels were reduced more effectively after buprenorphine treatment than after lidocaine treatment.Buprenorphine treatment, independent of the route of administration, led to better postoperative recovery in body weight and water intake compared to local anesthetics. VI of buprenorphine resulted in a suppression of plasma corticosterone levels compared to s.c. buprenorphine treatment and treatment with local anesthetics during the first day after surgical catheterization. The corticosterone levels of all buprenorphine treated groups had, by the second postoperative day, reverted to the normal diurnal rhythm of corticosterone secretion. Buprenorphine treatment increased locomotor activity in non-operated rats only. The effect of buprenorphine in operated rats could not be detected via the monitoring of locomotor activity or the time spent resting in the present study.Treatment with buprenorphine by VI has similar effects on postoperative plasma corticosterone levels in both Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. VI of buprenorphine resulted in a buprenorphine concentration in plasma at least as high as by s.c. treatment.Thus, administration by VI of buprenorphine appears to be an effective stress-reducing method for administrating postoperative analgesia to laboratory rats.
|
|
| 26. |
- Thulin, Carl-Gustaf, et al.
(author)
-
Saving a threatened breed – Conditions for maintenance and habitat selection of extensively kept Gotland Russ (Equus caballus)
- 2016
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Gotland Russ is a native Swedish horse breed and one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe. The numbers of Gotland Russ are however relatively few and it is difficult for breeders to find buyers. To aid preservation of this breed, we evaluate if Gotland Russ can be used to manage open landscapes and biodiversity. In May 2014, twelve one-year-old Gotland Russ stallions were released outside Uppsala, Sweden, into three enclosures of 10 ha each, consisting of 3 ha lay and 7 ha forest, respectively. Each enclosure was provided with a man-made shelter and a water trough, but no supplementary feeding was offered. Here, we report preliminary results from the first year (May 2014 - April 2015) of the experiment on nutrient and energy status and habitat preferences. Body condition was scored (9 degree system) weekly and fecal crude protein (CP) contents were analyzed monthly. Horses with BCS <4 were temporarily excluded and fed at another place. To monitor habitat preferences, we equipped two horses in each enclosure with GPS-collars. Shelter seeking behavior (SSB) was monitored with camera traps in the shelters. Horses started at BCS 4.7-5.0 (range of enclosures means) in May 2014. Mean BCS per month and enclosure was 5.0 until February 2015. In February, four horses were removed to be fed outside the enclosures due to BCS <4. Fecal CP content peaked in June 2014 (10.2-13.3% of organic matter) and was lowest January-February 2015 (4.9-6.3%). Analysis of GPS-data, using resource selection functions, showed that the horses favored lay except during night and when snow was covering the ground. In those cases, forest was preferred. SSB was displayed on average 48 (range 6-338) min/day. Relating the SSB to weather showed that precipitation and days with mean temperature > 15° C made the horses use the shelters longer, while wind speed had no impact on their SSB. This study shows that the Gotland Russ may survive all year around without supplementary feeding. The horses, as expected, primarily preferred the lay. However, the unexpected preference for forest in night suggests that Gotland Russ have the potential to impact forest vegetation all year round. In comparison, our horses used the shelters less than shown in previous studies of horses in smaller enclosures. This suggests that our horses spent more time foraging and that the landscape in the enclosures provided natural shelters.
|
|
| 27. |
|
|
| 28. |
- Winblad von Walter, Louise, et al.
(author)
-
Cardiovascular, endocrine and behavioural responses to suckling and permanent separation in goats
- 2010
-
In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 52
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Suckling can be a peaceful or vulnerable event for goats and kids, whereas, separation is suggested as stressful. The aim of this study was to investigate physiology and behaviour in these two different situations in dairy goats.Methods: Four studies were performed with seven goats kept with their first-born kid in individual boxes. The goats were videotaped and heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded every minute by telemetry from parturition until 24 hours after separation. One to two days after parturition, Study 1 was performed with analyses of heart rate and blood pressure around a suckling. In Study 2, performed 3-5 days after parturition, blood sampling was done before, during and after suckling. Study 3 was performed 4-6 days post partum, with blood sampling before and after a permanent goat and kid separation. In addition, vocalisations were recorded after separation. Blood samples were obtained from a jugular vein catheter and analysed for plasma cortisol, beta-endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin concentrations. Study 4 was performed during the first (N1) and second nights (N2) after parturition and the nights after Study 2 (N3) and 3 (N4). Heart rate, blood pressure and time spent lying down were recorded.Results: The kids suckled 2 +/- 0.2 times per hour and each suckling bout lasted 43 +/- 15 s. In Study 1, heart rate and blood pressure did not change significantly during undisturbed suckling. In Study 2, plasma cortisol (P <= 0.05 during suckling and P <= 0.01 five minutes after suckling) and beta-endorphin (P <= 0.05) concentrations increased during suckling, but oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations did not change. In Study 3, the goats and kids vocalised intensively during the first 20 minutes after separation, but the physiological variables were not affected. In Study 4, heart rate and arterial blood pressure declined gradually after parturition and were lowest during N4 (P <= 0.05) when the goats spent longer time lying down than during earlier nights (P <= 0.01 during N1 and N3 and P <= 0.05 during N2).Conclusions: Suckling elevated plasma cortisol and beta-endorphin concentrations in the goats. The intensive vocalisation in the goats after separation, earlier suggested to indicate stress, was not accompanied by cardiovascular or endocrine responses.
|
|
