[Breeding management of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in Magdeburg Zoo]. / Zuchtmanagement bei Spitzmaulnashörnern (Diceros bicornis michaeli) im Zoo Magdeburg.

OBJECTIVE: The African black rhino is an endangered species. In Germany there are only five zoos where this species is kept and breeding has not been successful in all of them. In Magdeburg Zoo the last birth occurred in December 2005, and during the following years, no matings could be observed. During the construction of a new enclosure to enable a more natural mating behaviour, the reproduction status of the rhino cows was evaluated and a hormonal treatment was performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 2009, faecal samples from two rhino cows (Diceros bicornis michaeli; "Mana", 30 years old, and "Maleika", 17 years old) were collected periodically, and the pregnanediol-glucuronide (PdG) and oestradiol concentrations were determined using enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Following evaluation of the results, both cows were treated for 12 days with Regumate® Equine, a synthetic progesterone, during the period of PdG-dominance. RESULTS: "Mana" accepted the bull 11 days after completion of the hormonal treatment, and in December 2011 gave birth to a healthy calf. "Maleika" had her first ever oestrus 13 days after completion of the medication and also accepted the bull. Thereafter, she had two regular oestrus cycles with normal mating behaviour. Her first calf was born in July 2012. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The causal treatment of both cows, following a long period of infertility, with synthetic progesterone led to their pregnancy and the birth of healthy calves. The commercial product Regumate® Equine is appropriate to stimulate the sexual cycle in temporarily infertile black rhinos. Attention should be paid to the timing of the medication and the required dose.

Disseminated infection with Mycobacterium genavense in a grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) associated with the isolation of an unknown Mycobacterium.

Disseminated infection with Mycobacterium genavense was diagnosed in an adult grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura). Microscopical examination showed granulomatous inflammation in the brain, kidneys, lungs and maxilla with intracellular acid-fast bacilli. M. genavense and a novel species of Mycobacterium (proposed name 'Mycobacterium lipsiensis') were identified.

Effect of different concentrations of ascorbic acid on motility, membrane integrity and chromatin status of frozen-thawed canine spermatozoa within six hours of storage at 37 degrees C.

The aim of this study was to examine comprehensively the effect of ascorbic acid (Asc) on frozen-thawed canine semen. Pooled ejaculates (n = 10) were assessed for quality with a computer-assisted sperm analyser (CASA). After centrifugation, the semen was divided into four aliquots (A-D) of which three were diluted with Uppsala 1 extender (v/v) containing different concentrations of Asc (B: 6.8 mmol/l; C: 13 mmol/l; D: 27 mmol/l). One group without Asc served as control (A). Subsequently, dilution samples were treated and cryopreserved as described previously (Theriogenology 66, 2006, 173). After thawing, samples were stored at 37 degrees C for 1, 3 and 6 h, then examined for quality (CASA, flow cytometry, sperm chromatin structure assay; SCSA). Staining for flow cytometry was performed with FITC-PNA and propidium iodide (Reproduction 128, 2004, 829). The SCSA was performed with both Tris-NACL-EDT buffer (TNE)- and Tris-fructose-citrate buffer (TFC). In the Asc-supplemented groups, percentages of progressively motile sperm (P) were significantly lower than in the control group (A 1 h: 56.6 +/- 9.8, 6 h: 18 +/- 4.5; B 1 h: 51.2 +/- 11.8, 6 h: 13.6 +/- 5; C 1 h: 41 +/- 16.2, 6 h: 11.2 +/- 6.1; D 1 h: 37 +/- 15.2, 6 h: 8.6 +/- 5; p < 0.01), whereas, the percentages of intact cells without acrosome reactions did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between TNE- and TFC-samples, for alphaT, for SD of alphaT or for comp alphaT [comp alphaT: TCF-A: 2.5 +/- 1.7%, TNE-A: 3.4 +/- 3.2%; TCF-D: 2.5 +/- 2%, TNE-D: 3.3 +/- 4.3%; p > 0.05]. However, samples diluted with both extenders correlated concerning alphaT, but not comp alphaT. We therefore recommend using TNE-buffer for SCSA with cryopreserved canine semen. In addition, the average alphaT values did not differ significantly between the controls and all other groups (TNE-A: 380.2 +/- 89.1; TNE-D: 338.1 +/- 137.4; p > 0.05). It can be concluded that addition of Asc to cryoextender does not increase quality of frozen-thawed canine semen.

On the clinical chemistry of the Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus).

The following parameters were determined in blood serum of apparently healthy Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) using the Hitachi 917 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and/or the Vettest 8008 (IDEXX-GmbH, Woerrstadt, Germany): alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, ammonia, alpha-amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, Ca, Cl, cholesterol, cholinesterase, creatine kinase, creatinine, gammaglutamyltransferase, glucose, iron, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, total bilirubin, triglyceride, and urea. The results for cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride and for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase differed significantly between both methods (P < 0.05). There is a negative correlation between the age of the Bennett's wallabies and the activity of the alkaline phosphatase. Five protein fractions could be separated on cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The mean concentrations of fructosamine and beta-hydroxybutyrate were 447.3 micromol/L and 0.27 mmol/L, respectively. The estimated vitamin A intake had no influence on the vitamin A concentration in serum. The serum vitamin E concentration was in general low and vitamin E was below the detection limit of 0.82 micromol/L in 29 out of 42 serum samples. The use of these analytes is discussed concerning the knowledge about the physiology, nutrition and diseases of macropods.

The phylogeography of orangutan foamy viruses supports the theory of ancient repopulation of Sumatra.

Phylogenetic analysis of foamy virus sequences obtained from Bornean and Sumatran orangutans showed a distinct clustering pattern. One subcluster was represented by both Bornean and Sumatran orangutan simian foamy viruses (SFV). Combined analysis of host mitochondrial DNA and SFV phylogeny provided evidence for the hypothesis of the repopulation of Sumatra by orangutans from Borneo.

[Uncommon mycobacterial infections in domestic and zoo animals: four cases with special emphasis on pathology]. / Ungewöhnliche Mykobakterien-Infektionen bei Haus- und Zootieren: eine Kasuistik unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Pathologie.

Infections caused by classical tubercle bacilli are rare during the last years. Nevertheless, diseases caused by other mycobacteria have to be considered clinically and in diagnostic pathology especially in cases of immunosuppression and due to their potential zoonosis risk. An infection by mycobacteria was diagnosed in four animals (Mayotte Maki, Blue-headed Parrot, Patagonian sealion, Beagle) necropsied between 1995 and 2002 in the Institute of Veterinary-Pathology of the University of Leipzig. The Maki, the blue-headed parrot and the dog showed a disseminated character of the disease caused by Mycobacterium genavense (monkey and bird) resp. Mycobacterium avium (dog), while an open chronical tuberculosis of the lungs due to a pathogenic member of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was observed in the seal. All these bacteria are potential causes of zoonoses. So, if granulomatous or disseminated histiocytic alterations are detected in diagnostic pathology, mycobacterial infections should always be included in differential diagnoses and require careful aetiological investigations by histopathological and bacteriological methods.

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the determination of 5alpha-androst-2-en-17-one and -17beta-ol in the female Asian elephant: application for reproductive monitoring and prediction of parturition.

Asian elephants are not self-sustaining in captivity. The main reasons for this phenomenon are a low birth rate, an aging population, and poor calf-rearing. Therefore, it is essential that reproductive rates had to be improved and there is need for rapid quantitative measures to monitor reproductive functions focussing on estrous detection and the prediction of the period of parturition. The objective of this study was to develop a method which combines headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for analyses of 5alpha-androst-2-en-17beta-ol and -17-one to prognose estrous and to predict the period of parturition. SPME was carried out with a CTC Combi Pal system. The course of the luteal phase-specific substance 5alpha-androst-2-en-17beta-ol and -17-one followed a cyclic pattern in which the follicular and luteal phases could be clearly distinguished (mean estrous cycle length, 15+/-1.4 weeks). Based on daily urine samples, estrous prognosis might be possibly based on the initial 5alpha-androst-2-en-17beta-o1 increase at the end of the follicular phase. Parturition prognosis was performed in three elephant cows based on the 5alpha-androst-2-en-17beta-o1 drop to baseline levels 5-4 days prior parturition. Experiments revealed that 5alpha-androst-3alpha-ol-17-one and probably 5alpha-androst-3alpha-ol-17beta-ol are generated from sulfate conjugates by a thermal process.

[The stability of progesterone in feces of different wild animal species kept in a zoological garden]. / Untersuchungen zur Stabilität des Progesterons im Kot bei verschiedenen im Zoo gehaltenen Wildtierarten.

Methodical investigations were carried out to monitor especially in what respect external factors (dry mass of faeces, time point of freezing, duration of storage of the frozen samples, multiple defrosting of the samples) influence the progesterone concentration of the faeces of several wild animal species (Baringo giraffe, Black rhinoceros, Dama gazelle, Mountain goat) living in a zoological garden. With reference to one animal species the dry mass of the faeces showed only small variations. Therefore, it is possible to estimate comparable progesterone levels in several faecal samples of the same animal species without drying the samples. In all cases the progesterone concentration was increased after 24 and 48 hour storage of the faecal samples at room temperature compared with samples frozen directly (significant differences for giraffes and rhinoceroses). Samples of rhinoceroses and gazelles showed no significant changes of their progesterone concentration after a long time of storage (one and three months) in the freezing state (-20 degrees C). On the other hand, in faeces of giraffes with high progesterone levels a significant decrease of the initial level was pointed out. In comparison of single and multiple defrosting of the faecal samples, the latter caused a decrease of the progesterone concentration of the faeces of all animal species investigated (significant differences for rhinoceroses and gazelles).

[Medical treatment of dystocia in zoo animals]. / Medikamentöse Geburtsbeeinflussung bei Zootieren.

Kasuistics of Zoo animals with dystocia (Anoa, Giraffe, Snow goat, Scimitar horned Antelope, Bactrian camel, Tiger, Diana monkey) treated with special pharmaceuticals (glukokortikoids, cienbuterol, denaverine, carbetocin) and distance injections by blow darts are introduced. These procedures are described as very effective and save methods of obstetrics especially in Zoo animals.

Immunogenetic evidence for the phylogenetic sister group relationship of dogs and bears (Mammalia, Carnivora: Canidae and Crsidae). a comparative determinant analysis of carnivoran albumin, c3 complement and immunoglobulin micro-chain.

Thirty-seven antigenic determinants were identified in the albumins, the immunoglobulin micro- and IgG(Fc) chains, and the C3 proteins of 51 carnivoran (sub)species from 31 genera, and in 12 noncarnivoran mammals. In addition to 19 determinants plesiomorphic for Carnivora as an order, 18 synapomorphic epitopes of carnivoran families revealed nine phylogenetic reaction groups: (1) canids, (2) ursids, (3) the racoon, (4) the Weddell seal, (5) the lesser panda, (6) the harbour seal, (7) mustelids, (8) viverrids and hyaenas, and (9) felids. These data identify Canoidea (Canidae, Ursidae, Phocidae, Procyonidae, Ailuridae, Mustelidae) and Feloidea (Viverridae, Hyaenidae, Felidae) as two fundamentally differentiated lineages of Carnivora, and confirm the inclusion of seals among the former. The Ursidae are the sister group of the Canidae. The antigenic determinants in the studied proteins do not subdivide the Canidae, Ursidae and Felidae into immunologically differentiated lineages.

[Bacterial infections in felines in zoological gardens]. / Bakterielle Infektionen bei Feliden in Zoologischen Gärten.

The significance of selected bacterial infections of felines in zoological gardens is discussed. Anthrax and malleus are in Germany of historical interest only, tuberculosis went down very strongly. Isolated cases of pseudotuberculosis must be expected in future. Infections with bacteria of the genera Chlamydia, Pasteurella and of the family Enterobacteriaceae are also considered. The significance of Clostridium perfringens in the so called tiger disease is discussed.

[Psoriasis in a female chimpanzee]. / Psoriasis bei einem Schimpansenweibchen.

Psoriasis, a widespread genodermatosis in Homo sapiens, also appears in primates. We report on a female chimpanzee in Leipzig Zoo. After years of captivity the animal developed erythematosquamous, highly hyperkeratotic, lesions, some confluent, on the knees, elbows, back of the hands and feet and on the forearms and the seat, which showed histologically characteristic features of psoriasis. It may be that both previous infections and psychic stress resulting from social isolation had caused eruption of the disease. In the literature single cases of psoriasiform dermatoses have also been described in other species of monkeys and even in a springer spaniel. Nonetheless, the search for an animal model of psoriasis vulgaris is still going on.

[Metaphylaxis of puerperal disorders in cattle]. / Zur Metaphylaxe von Puerperalstörungen beim Rind.

The effects of metaphylactic measures in cattle herds with the aim of diminishing puerperal disturbances and ensurement of high reproductive performance were studied. About 5000 cows in more than 30 groups (experimental and controls) were included into the clinical investigations. Dietary supplementation by sodium propionic acid over a period of 4 weeks, oxytocin or parasympathomimetics administered during the first 3 days post partum had a certain metaphylactic effect, only when the therapeutic principle met the prevalent cause of the given puerperal disturbance. In herds with high incidence of noninfectious retention of fetal membranes the metaphylactic application of Se and Vitamin E (10 days ante partum) can be taken into account. Stimulation of the ovarian activity by GnRH is recommended in animals which fail to have developed follicular activity by the 12th-15th day post partum.

Treatment of anoestrous mares with a synthetic progestagen, allyloestrenol.

Anoestrous mares were treated with prostaglandin (n = 43) and those that did not respond to prostaglandin (n = 29) with a synthetic progestagen, allyloestrenol, at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg body mass for 12 days. After the cessation of the long-term per os gestagen blockade the animals were checked for heat and, if a preovulatory follicle could be palpated, 2000 IU hCG was administered to induce ovulation. In some animals the plasma 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were also followed up throughout the gestagen treatment and for 10-14 days thereafter. As the favourable oestrus rate (86.2%) and pregnancy rate (65.5%) indicate, the 12-day allyloestrenol treatment seems to be a reliable tool for induction of cycling in mares anoestrous early in the season. These results, supported by the E2 and P4 profiles, suggest that an important reason for anoestrus in mares is the absence of a functional corpus luteum that can be substituted for by exogenous gestagen administration. The timing of ovulation, however, should still be improved.

Plasma levels of oxytocin and vasopressin before, during and after parturition in cows.

In cows, plasma oxytocin and vasopressin were determined by specific and sensitive radioimmunoassays before, during and after parturition. In no case, oxytocin is elevated until the forelimbs of the foetus were distending the vagina and presenting at the vulva, supporting the view that endogenous maternal oxytocin does not primarily induce parturition. This finding is confirmed by simultaneous recording of myometrial electrical activity in 3 animals. Maximal oxytocin levels of 60.4 to 116 pg/ml plasma were measured at delivery of the foetus. The elevation in plasma vasopressin (peak values at delivery: 4.74 to 41.5 pg/ml) might be due, at least partially, to the increase in plasma osmolality during parturition.