Nutritional factors associated with vaginal prolapse in ewes.

Serum calcium, magnesium and phosphate values of ewes recently affected by vaginal prolapse were compared with unaffected ewes in four flocks. Subclinical hypocalcaemia was demonstrated in some affected and unaffected ewes in three flocks. Magnesium and phosphate values were normal. In two flocks the body condition of ewes recently affected by vaginal prolapse was variable and reflected the variation in condition found in the flock. In a third flock affected ewes had significantly lower body condition scores than unaffected ewes (P less than 0.001). Analysis of the fourth flock was not possible. Oestrogenic mycotoxins were not detected in any of the feed samples taken from these flocks. The following year the management, nutrition and energy, and the protein and calcium status of ewes in 12 flocks of greyface/mule ewes with a history of a regular high (greater than 3 per cent) or low (less than 1 per cent) prevalence of vaginal prolapse were compared. A high prevalence was not associated with any particular feedstuff. A high or intermediate (1 to 3 per cent) prevalence of vaginal prolapse was found in three of the four flocks managed as a single group and these three flocks were fed on an unrestricted basis. Body condition scoring and beta-hydroxybutyrate estimation confirmed that ewes in these flocks were overfed. The prevalence of vaginal prolapse in the flocks was not related to the serum albumin, calcium or urea of the ewes. Therefore subclinical hypocalcaemia was probably a consequence of vaginal prolapse rather than a cause.

Subclinical laminitis in dairy heifers.

By causing poorer horn quality, subclinical laminitis is considered to be a major predisposing cause of other hoof problems, particularly sole ulcers in newly calved heifers. In this study the hind hooves of 136 female Friesian/Holstein cattle aged between four months and two years were examined to discover at what age the signs of subclinical laminitis appeared. Sole haemorrhages were found in the hoof horn of calves as young as five months. The consistent finding of these lesions in heifers of all ages indicated that subclinical laminitis of varying degree was a common condition during the early growing period of young dairy heifers.

The faecal flora of two patients with food-related irritable bowel syndrome during challenge with symptom-provoking foods.

The faecal microbial flora of two patients with food-related irritable bowel syndrome was examined while they were on a diet excluding symptom-provoking foods, and then on a diet including such a food. The patients reacted differently to the challenge diet but some changes in faecal output, flora and short chain fatty acid content were seen.

Instability in the faecal flora of a patient suffering from food-related irritable bowel syndrome.

The faecal microbial flora of a patient with severe irritable bowel syndrome related to multiple food intolerances was very variable and contained a high proportion of facultative bacteria and an unusual incidence of Clostridium species.