Abstract: Growth of organisms of the post-harvest disease causing fungi Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola is inhibited by applying to vegetables of the Brassica family, particularly cabbage, isolates of bacteria of species Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia plymuthica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilis and Bacillus polymyxa.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptide antigens of T.ovis suitable for use in vaccines to protect ruminants against infection by cestode parasites, The antigens are preferably obtained by expression of DNA coding therefor in a recombinant host cell. Aspects of the invention include DNA encoding the antigens, vectors containing the DNA and hosts which express the antigens.The invention also provides antibody and DNA probes for use in identifying protective antigens of cestode parasites other than T.ovis.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptide antigens of T.ovis suitable for use in vaccines to protect ruminants against infection by cestode parasites. The antigens are preferably obtained by expression of DNA coding therefor in a recombinant host cell. Aspects of the invention include DNA encoding the antigens, vectors containing the DNA and hosts which express the antigens.The invention also provides antibody and DNA probes for use in identifying protective antigens of cestode parasites other than T.ovis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial isolates and to their use s agents, or source of agents, antagonistic to growth of rot causing organisms. Particularly the present invention provides novel isolates of bacteria of species Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia plymuthica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilis and Bacillus polymyxa which are particularly effective in inhibiting the growth of organisms of the post-harvest disease causing fungi Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola. Further provided are antibiotics derived from the Bacillus species.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of artificially inducing a non-pregnant, non-human female animal to act as a foster mother using a non-invasive method which comprises administering a topical application of at least one steroid hormone to the animal for a period of time sufficient that uptake of hormone by the animal acts both (i) to stimulate lactation and (ii) to prime the animal for vaginal and cervical stimulation so that such stimulation causes induction of maternal behavior. The hormone may be selected from either progestogen or oestrogen or a mixture of the two, and may be applied to the animal via an intra-vaginal sponge by a method comprising the steps of inserting a first hormone impregnated sponge into the vagina of a non-pregnant animal for about two to three weeks; removing the first sponge and replacing it with a second hormone impregnated sponge for a further period of time of about two to four weeks. Maternal behavior is induced by vaginal and cervical stimulation.

Abstract: Stable forms of Taenia ovis peptide antigens, such as portions of a T. ovis oncosphere antigen which runs as a 47-52 kDa doublet, are suitable for use in vaccines to protect ruminants against infection by cestode parasites. The antigens are preferably obtained by isolation and expression of the DNA encoding them in recombinant host cells. Aspects of the invention include DNA encoding T. ovis antigens, vectors containing such DNA and host cells which express the T. ovis antigens.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptide antigens of T.ovis suitable for use in vaccines to protect ruminants against infection by cestode parasites. The antigens are preferably obtained by expression of DNA coding therefor in a recombinant host cell. Aspects of the invention include DNA encoding the antigens, vectors containing the DNA and hosts which express the antigens.The invention also provides antibody and DNA probes for use in identifying protective antigens of cestode parasites other than T.ovis.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable forms of peptide antigens of T. ovis suitable for use in vaccines to protect ruminants against infection by cestode parasites. The antigens are preferably obtained by expression of DNA coding therefor in a recombinant host cell. Aspects of the invention include DNA encoding the antigens, vectors containing the DNA and hosts which express the antigens.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the machine milking of animals including a chamber wh is connectable to the teat cups of a milking machine. A sensing arrangement associated with the chamber permits the volume of milk within the chamber to be sensed and control equipment is coupled with the sensing arrangement so as to be operable in response to a determined volume of milk within the chamber being sensed. A valve is operable in response to the control equipment. Accordingly, the apparatus can be connected to a milk transport system to enable milk to pass from the chamber through the valve and into the milk transport system.

Abstract: A product and method for increasing fertility in sheep. By "increasing felity" is meant increasing the potential of a flock of sheep to multiply by increasing ovulation in ewes. The product is an immunogenic conjugate of 4-androstene-3, 17-dione and a soluble milk protein (SMP): 6-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione 6-hemisuccinyl: SMP. The method comprises immunizing the ewes in a flock of sheep against 4-androstene-3, 17-dione by administering 6-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione 6-hemisuccinyl SMP at the rate of 3 to 5 mg per ewe. In previously untreated ewes, two administrations are required at between 8 to 9 and 4 to 5 weeks before the planned commencement of mating. Subsequent administrations are annually and are recommended at 5 weeks before the commencement of mating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for drying anthers and separating pollen contained therein. The apparatus comprises a chamber for holding pollen bearing anthers, which has an inlet for air and an outlet from the chamber. The outlet is spaced apart from the inlet and allows for air to be drawn or passed through the inlet and to pass through the chamber to exit from the outlet. The apparatus is characterized in that air issuing from the inlet passes through means having a plurality of openings therein, said openings each being disposed at an angle to the direction of incoming air, such that the air issuing through the opening and into the chamber has a substantially twisting motion. The method comprises the steps of placing pollen bearing anthers into a chamber, and passing a twisting stream of air through said chamber, such as to disturb the anthers and release pollen therefrom.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus, which is suitable for weighing livestock. The apparatus s formed by a crate, which is open at at least one end and provides a platform on which an object to be weighed may be located, and a frame encompassing but spaced from said crate. The crate is slung by a single point from said weighing device mounted by the frame.Crate restraining means maintain said crate in a spaced relationship from the frame. The restraining means comprises a single flexible member and a single anchor point and tie on each end of said crate and a single mounting on opposite sides of said frame. The arrangement is such that in use when said flexible member is tensioned and anchored the crate is restrained from lateral movement against the frame without affecting vertical loading on the single point weighing device.