Bopyrids are highly modified epicaridean isopod ectoparasites with the adult females showing extreme specialization of body form when compared with free-living isopods (Shiino, 1965). The smaller males are similar to free-living isopods, retaining the basic cryptoniscus larval form (Naylor, 1972), and are typically found in the brood chamber of the female or attached to the ventral surface of the female's pleon (Salazar-Vallejo & Leija-Tristán, 1989).

Whilst examining the branchial morphology of the upogebiids, Upogebia stellata (Montagu), Upogebia deltaura (Leach) and Upogebia pusilla (Petagna) as part of a wider study of the physiological ecology of thalassinidean mud-shrimps, some shrimps were observed to have a branchial gall (distended branchiostegite) containing a bopyrid parasite. In this short note we add to the previous records of two bopyrid species and briefly discuss the host/parasite relationship.

Parasitized material examined: U. stellata (three males, two females) collected subtidally using an anchor dredge from White Bay, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland (55°48'N 4°55'W) at depths of 25–30 m. A single male specimen of U. deltaura was caught using a box corer from the Irish Sea (54°7'N 3°27'W). Upogebia pusilla (one male, one female) were collected intertidally from the Arcachon Basin, France (44°40'N l°10'W) by Professor J.P. Truchot. Prior to examination, the mud-shrimps were preserved in 10% buffered formalin, the parasites removed, rinsed with distilled water and transferred to 70% ethanol. Some preserved material was also available from the Robertson Collection housed at the University Marine Biological Station Millport.

Parasitized mud-shrimps had an enlarged branchial chamber, or branchial gall, a result of branchiostegite deformation caused by the presence of the parasite. When the parasite was removed from the branchial chamber, the gills appeared splayed and flattened but showed no other signs of disturbance or damage.

Weaning pigs from the sow at an older age, when their digestive systems are more mature, has been suggested as an approach to reduce the potentially negative effect of the in-feed antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) ban on the national pig herd. Whilst this approach has been shown to improve feed intake and piglet growth rate during the early postweaning period (Edge et al. 2006) it is also important to consider how changes in weaning age may influence sow productivity and longevity in the herd. The AGEWEAN programme of research followed 570 gilts whose piglets were weaned at either 4, 6 or 8 weeks of age through four successive parities; reproductive performance, litter data and the timing and reasons for any sow being culled from the herd were recorded.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) has been implicated in inhibition of nerve regeneration in the CNS. This results from interactions between MAG and the Nogo receptor and gangliosides on the apposing axon, which generates intracellular inhibitory signals in the neuron. However, because myelin–axon signaling is bidirectional, we undertook an analysis of potential MAG-activated signaling in oligodendrocytes (OLs). In this study, we show that antibody cross-linking of MAG on the surface of OLs (to mimic axonal binding) leads to the redistribution of MAG into detergent (TX-100)-insoluble complexes, hyperphosphorylation of Fyn, dephosphorylation of serine and threonine residues in specific proteins, including lactate dehydrogenase and the β subunit of the trimeric G-protein-complex, and cleavage of α-fodrin followed by a transient depolymerization of actin. We propose that these changes are part of a signaling cascade in OLs associated with MAG function as a mediator of axon–glial communication which might have implications for the mutual regulation of the formation and stability of axons and myelin.

Pigs housed under artificial lighting currently experience a wide range of illuminances and photoperiods, which may be more appropriate to the visual capabilities and needs of stockpersons rather than pigs. Pigs and wild boar can show nocturnal, diurnal and crepuscular activity patterns, suggesting that their visual system may function well under a wide range of light levels, unlike humans. Inappropriate lighting affects many aspects of an animal’s physiology, anatomy and behaviour and may compromise welfare. This experiment was designed to investigate the preference of juvenile pigs to occupy and conduct certain behaviours in different illuminances, and gain some indication of their preferred photoperiod.