1949 Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Science and Animal Industry, Volume 22, Number 2, 1949

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/59057

Contentes Pages: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, Vol ??, 19??

CONTENTS

*Volume 22: Number 2*

Section I: Virus Diseases

Investigation into immunization of cattle against rinderpest in Tanganyika territory	Mitchell, DT & Mansvelt, PR	231

Section II: Parasitology

Zoological survey of the Union of South Africa : Tick survey. Part II. Distribution of Boophilus (Palpoboophilus) decoloratus, the blue tick	Theiler, G	255

Zoological survey of the Union of South Africa : Tick survey. Part III. Distribution of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, the brown tick	Theiler, G	269

D.D.T. for the protection of sheep against blowfly strike	Du Toit, R & Goosen, PJ	285

Section III: Toxicology

The alkaloids of Senecio bupleuroides D.C.	Sapiro, ML	291

The alkaloids of Senecio paucicalyculatus Platt	Pretorius, TP	297

A chemical investigation of the constituents of Nicotiana glauca R. Grah. (Solanaceae) (Wild tobacco)	Rindl, M & Sapiro, ML	301

The cardiac glycoside from Urginea rubella Baker. Part. I. Isolation and properties of rubellin	Louw, PGJ	313

Lantadene A. The active principle of Lantana camara L. Part III. Pyrolytic distillation of lantadene A	Louw, PGJ	321

Lantadene A. The active principle of Lantana camara L. Part IV. Dehydrogenation of Lantadene A and Lantadene B	Louw, PGJ	329

Section IV: Physiology

Studies on the water requirements of farm animals in South Africa. I. The effect of intermittent watering on Merino sheep	Clark, R & Quin, JI	335

Studies on the water requirements of farm animals in South Africa. II. The relation between water consumption, food consumption and atmospheric temperature as studied on merino sheep	Clark, R & Quin, JI	345

Studies on the alimentary tract of the merino sheep in South Africa. XVI. The fate of nitrate in ruminal ingesta as studied in vitro	Sapiro, ML, Hoflund, S, Clark, R & Quin, JI	357

The carbohydrate content of lucerne under different meteorological and physiological conditions	Henrici, M	373

Section V: Reproduction

The sperm picture of rams of different breeds as an indication of their fertility. II. The rate of sperm travel in the genital tract of the ewe	Starke, NC	415

Author index		526

Subject index		528

Browse

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

The sperm picture of rams of different breeds as an indication of their fertility. II. The rate of sperm travel in the genital tract of the ewe
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Starke, N.C.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
Part I. 1. The sperm picture of rams of different breeds has been studied. 2. Semen was collected by Gunn’s electrical method. 3. The Ronderib Afrikaners were superior to the Merinos in semen characteristics . This may have been due to the fact that the former were younger rams. 4. There were too few rams of the other breeds represented to enable an opinion with regard to breed differences to be expressed. 5. A morphological study of spermatozoa was of great value and could be correlated with a ram’s fertility. It should, however, be considered together with the other semen characteristics. 6. When all the semen characteristics are considered together, a very accurate prognosis of a ram's breeding potentialities is possible. 7. The total number of abnormal spermatozoa in an ejaculum was not as good an indicator of spermatogenic activity as the type of abnormal cell. 8. Rams with poor fertility ejaculated more different types of abnormal spermatozoa than normal rams. 9. Variations in semen characteristics of different ejacula of the ram have been noted. 10. Semen of the less fertile rams showed greater variations than that of highly fertile rams. 11. Examination of two or three ejacula from an individual ram at weekly or fortnightly intervals is necessary in order to predict his breeding potentialities. A single examination may lead to erroneous conclusions. 12. The types of abnormal spermatozoa most consistently found in lesser or greater numbers in semen of all classes were tailless spermatozoa, coiled tails, and spermatozoa with defective stained anterior head caps. 13. Pyriform heads, narrow heads, enlarged middle pieces, filiform middle pieces, middle piece heads and variation in spermatozoon head sizes were relatively rare in good semen , but contributed appreciably towards a poor sperm picture. 14. Spermatozoa with coiled tails, in which the coiling involved mainly the ends of the tails, have been observed in semen in large numbers, without a corresponding reduction in fertilising capability of the semen. 15. High quality semen had good initial motility, good sperm concentration and few abnormal spermatozoa. 16. Poor quality semen may have a large volume and a high sperm concentration. 17. Seven of sixteen rams gave higher numbers of abnormal spermatozoa in summer than during any other season; in the remainder the abnormality counts were highest in winter. 18. Sperm concentration and total numbers were highest in winter and lowest in late summer. 19. Semen volume could not be definitely correlated with seasonal changes. 20. Initial motility was not affected by seasonal changes. 21. In general rams with had sperm pictures and poor fertility were more readily affected by climatic conditions than normal rams. Part II. 1. Spermatozoon vitality is rapidly reduced in the vagina of the ewe. A few spermatozoa still showed weak motility in the vagina 20 hours after copulation. 2. The cervical canal is the most favourable site for sperm preservation. 40 per cent. of spermatozoa in the cervix were motile 20 hours after copulation. 3. Spermatozoa progress from the cervical canal continuously and in small numbers. 4. Spermatozoa were found in the uppermost section of both fallopian tubes 6 minutes after ejaculation. They had travelled a distance of 45 cm. at the rate of 7.5 cm. per minute. 5. The progress of spermatozoa along the genital tract was independent of ovarian activity and the time ewes were in oestrus. 6. Degenerative changes in spermatozoa were observed in the vagina of the ewe 2 hours after copulation, and in the cervical canal after 5 hours.
Subject index
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Anonymous; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
Author index
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Anonymous; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
The carbohydrate content of lucerne under different meteorological and physiological conditions
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Henrici, Marguerite; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
Studies on the alimentary tract of the merino sheep in South Africa. XVI. The fate of nitrate in ruminal ingesta as studied in vitro
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Sapiro, M.L.; Hoflund, S.; Clark, R.; Quin, J.I.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. In vitro experiments have been conducted on the disappearance of potassium nitrate in ruminal ingesta from sheep on different diets. 2. Nitrate disappears more rapidly from ingesta of lucerne-fed sheep than from that of sheep on grass hay. 3. Nitrite is formed from the nitrate. It appears very soon after the addition of nitrate to the ingesta, reaches its maximum concentration at the moment of complete disappearance of the nitrate and subsequently itself disappears. Nitrite thus formed represents an intermediate stage in the conversion of nitrate to more fully reduced compounds. 4. The ratio nitrite disappearance time / nitrate disappearance time is constant for varying quantities of nitrate (Constant A). 5. The nitrite formed also disappears more rapidly from ingesta of lucerne-fed sheep than from that of sheep on grass hay. 6. The disappearance of nitrate from ingesta is represented graphically by plotting quantity of nitrate against time of disappearance. The resulting curve is a half parabola, with values varying for different ingesta. Daily variation for ingesta can be plotted from a series of such curves. 7. Nitrate disappearance rate can be used as an additional measure of ruminal activity. 8. The addition of glucose shortens the time of nitrate disappearance; the maximum effect for a fixed quantity of nitrate is produced by as little as 15 to 30 mg. of glucose per 20 c.c. of ingesta. 9. The "nitrate disappearance curve" is shifted in position, but remains unaltered in relative proportions, by the addition of a fixed quantity of glucose to the tube in each reading. The percentage reduction of time of disappearance of different quantities of nitrate due to a fixed quantity of glucose is a constant (Constant B). 10. The time of disappearance of nitrite formed from the nitrate is similarly affected by the presence of glucose. The percentage reduction of nitrite disappearance time due to a fixed quantity of glucose is also constant (Constant C). 11. "Nitrite persistence" is defined as the interval of time between the disappearance of nitrate and of nitrite. The percentage reduction of nitrite persistence due to a fixed quantity of glucose constitutes a fourth constant (Constant D). 12. An in vivo experiment confirmed the in vitro findings on the effects of nitrate, supplied either alone or in conjunction with sugar, on the ruminal ingesta of sheep. It demonstrated clearly the effect of diet and of sugar on nitrate persistence and therefore on nitrite poisoning. 13. Further work on this subject, both from the toxicological and the nutritional aspects, is in progress.
Studies on the water requirements of farm animals in South Africa. II. The relation between water consumption, food consumption and atmospheric temperature as studied on merino sheep’
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Clark, R.; Quin, J.I.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. The consumption of lucerne hay and water by merino sheep has been recorded in two separate but identically concluded experiments under the following conditions: (i) Both food and water given ad lib. (ii) Water restricted to 2 litres, food ad lib. (iii) Food restricted to 0.6 Kg. water ad lib. 2. A highly significant positive correlation was found between the amounts of hay and water consumed when both were offered ad lib. 3. A highly significant positive correlation was also found between the amount of water consumed and the maximum atmospheric temperature for the day. This coefficient was enhanced by feeding a fixed amount of hay in the first experiment but not in the second. 4 . No direct correlation could be shown between the hay consumption and atmospheric temperature when water supply was unrestricted. In the first experiment a highly significant negative correlation was found between these two factors when a fixed amount of water was given, but this could not be confirmed in the second experiment. 5. Urine was collected from representative animals from each group. It was found that the animals on a restricted water supply maintained a low water to food ratio by passing small amounts of highly concentrated urine (urea up to 8.1 gm. per 100 c.c.). Marked variations were found between individual sheep receiving both hay and water ad lib. in respect of volume and concentration of urine.
Studies on the water requirements of farm animals in South Africa. I. The effect of intermittent watering on Merino sheep
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Clark, R.; Quin, J.I.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
(1) On a ration of poor quality grass hay sheep were found to maintain their normal intake of water when allowed to drink for one hour only every second clay. (2) When given water at 72 and 96 hour intervals the total intake was decreased to 63 per cent. and 54 per cent. of the normal, respectively. (3) This decreased intake of water, however, did not affect the consumption of grass hay although one animal actually died of dehydration. (4) On the other hand the consumption of lucerne hay was markedly suppressed by lack of water even during the first 24 hours of thirsting. (5) Sheep on lucerne hay receiving water only twice weekly still gained in body weight. This gain was, however, accelerated when water was constantly available. (6) As exercise was greatly restricted these results cannot be applied quantitatively to sheep on open grazing.
Lantadene A. The active principle of Lantana camara L. Part IV. Dehydrogenation of Lantadene A and Lantadene B
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Louw, P.G.J.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. Dehydrogenation of Lantadene A with selenium yielded sapotalene and 1, 2, 6-trimethylphenanthrene, along with a C₁₇H₁₆O compound. 2. Dehydrogenation of Lantadene A-resin and Lantadene B similarly yielded sapotalene and 1, 2, 6-trimethylphenanthrene.
Lantadene A. The active principle of Lantana camara L. Part III. Pyrolytic distillation of lantadene A
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Louw, P.G.J.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. Lantadene A was subjected to dry distillation yielding: (a) A lactone, C₆H₈O₂, B.P. 200°C./650 mm. Hg, probably "Terelactone". (b) A crystalline product, M.P. 125°C. which has not yet been investigated further. (c) A resinous compound C₁₇H₂₆O₃, M.P. 125°C. 2. Zinc-dust distillation of Lantadene A gives a product C₂₃H₃₂O₂, B.P. 75°C.
The cardiac glycoside from Urginea rubella Baker. Part. I. Isolation and properties of rubellin
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Louw, P.G.J.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. The active cardiac principle of Urginea rubella Baker has been isolated. Analysis points to the empirical formula C₃₆H₁₈O₁₆. The name suggested for this compound is "rubellin". Rubellin melts at 261-3°C. with decomposition and has [α]27/D = 15.81°(MeOH). 2. Hydrolysis of rubellin yields a sugar and pro-rubillidin, having M.P. 267-8°C. (decomp.) and [α]20/D = 24°(MeOH). 3. Succinic acid was isolated in small yield from the plant. 4. The toxicity of rubellin towards white rats was determined by intraperitoneal injection, the L.D.50 being 0.692 mgm. per Kg. Dosed to rabbits per os, the toxicity of rubellin is about 10 mgm. per Kilogram rabbit.
A chemical investigation of the constituents of Nicotiana glauca R. Grah. (Solanaceae) (Wild tobacco)
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Rindl, M.; Sapiro, M.L.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. The alkaloid contained in Nicotiana glauca has been extracted and found to consist largely of optically inactive anabasine. It is of interest to note that anabasine from Anabasis aphylla is strongly laevo-rotatory, and the anabasine isolated from Nicotiana glauca in the U.S.A. by C.R. Smith had a small laevo rotation. 2. The alkaloid probably contains pyridine and piperidine, but the presence of these compounds could not be definitely proved. 3. Other alkaloids which have been found to occur with anabasine in cultivated tobaccos could not he detected. 4. The total alkaloid was found to comprise 1.3 per cent. of the dried plant. 5. Anabasine was found to form a well-crystallised mono-hydrochloride, which was fully investigated. 6. Other salts and derivatives of d-l-anabasine which were prepared and investigated were the picrate, aurichloride, neutral sulphate (di-anabasine sulphate, perchlorate, compound with p-toluene sulphonic acid and the tetra-bromo derivative and its picrate and picrolonate.
The alkaloids of Senecio paucicalyculatus Platt
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Pretorius, T.P.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. Senecio paucicalyculatus has been examined for toxic alkaloids. 2. Three alkaloids, viz. retrorsine, isatidine and a new alkaloid, paucicaline, have been isolated. 3. Paucicaline, probably C₁₈H₂₇O₈N, melts at 184°C. 4. The relative amounts of retrorsine and isatidine seem to vary with the age of the plant.
The alkaloids of Senecio bupleuroides D.C.
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Sapiro, M.L.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. Senecio bupleuroides contains the same two alkaloids as Senecio retrorsus and Senecio isatideus, viz. retrorsine and isatidine. 2. The quantities of these alkaloids extractable from the dried plant, collected in the post-seeding stage, are: retrorsine, 0•16 per cent.; isatidine, 0•7 per cent. 3. The plant is of low toxicity compared with Senecio retrorsus and isatideus. A negative result was obtained in a physiological test.
D.D.T. for the protection of sheep against blowfly strike
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Du Toit, R.; Goosen, P.J.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
Sheep treated at Onderstepoort with emulsions containing 5 per cent. and 2•5 per cent. para para isomer of D.D.T. on selected sites on the fleece, and subsequently tested on these treated sites by artificially induced strikes with first-stage larvae of blowflies, were protected for a period of approximately three months. A field experiment in the Graaff-Reinet district of the Karroo is described in which sheep were sprayed in the breech region with emulsions containing 6 per cent., 5 per cent. and 2•5 per cent. of the p.p. isomer of D.D.T. A considerable degree of protection was afforded which was more apparent on sheep pastured on Karroo veld than on those running in lucerne lands. The conclusion arrived at is that the treatment of sheep, according to the method described, with a D.D.T. emulsion containing 5 per cent. of the p.p. isomer will afford a degree of protection sufficient to reduce blowfly strike to a minimum during the periods of greatest activity. Treatment is best applied shortly after the first summer rains about September and again after the late summer rains in February.
Zoological survey of the Union of South Africa : Tick survey. Part III. Distribution of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, the brown tick
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Theiler, Gertrud; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. The distribution of R. appendiculatus has been given in terms of political divisions as well as in terms of vegetational coverage. 2. R. appendiculatus is seen to be present in areas with a rainfall above 15 in. per annum, provided the bush or scrub coverage is adequate: in areas above 15 in. without bush the tick is absent. 3. The brown tick present in the "brokenveld" of Fauresmith is either not a true R. appendiculatus, or it is a strain of R. appendiculatus which has become drought resistant. 4. It is concluded that where farming conditions are favourable, associated with the restriction of movement of wild life, R. appendiculatus can be eradicated.
Zoological survey of the Union of South Africa : Tick survey. Part II. Distribution of Boophilus (Palpoboophilus) decoloratus, the blue tick
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Theiler, Gertrud; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
1. The distribution of B. decoloratus has been given in terms of political divisions as well as in terms of vegetational coverage. 2. The factor playing the most important role in limiting the spread of B. decoloratus is seen to be increasing aridity. In most parts of the Union the critical level is represented by an annual rainfall of 15 in. 3. It is concluded that where farming conditions are favourable the tick can be controlled by dipping. 4. From the nature of the data available one is perhaps not justified in drawing any definite conclusions as to the distribution of the arsenic-resistant strain; one can but draw attention to the fact that it apparently occurs on scattered farms throughout the tall grassland areas extending as far north as Swaziland.
Investigation into immunization of cattle against rinderpest in Tanganyika territory
(Pretoria : The Government Printer, 1949) Mitchell, D.T.; Mansvelt, P.R.; De Kock, G.v.d.W.
Experiments were done at Mbosi, in Southern Tanganyika, to determine the efficiency and safety of formalinized spleen vaccine and attenuated goat virus as agents of conferring immunity to cattle in the area. The results, conclusions and practical application of these experiments have been recorded. Under five months was spent on the work and a number of aspects, particularly on duration of immunity, remained uninvestigated.

Browse

Recent Submissions