Effects of Nandrolone and TGF-β1 in growing rabbits with osteopenia induced by over-supplementation of calcium and vitamin D3

The study was undertaken to find out the effects of over supplementation of dietary calcium and vitamin D3 on the mineralization of growing skeleton, taking rabbit as an animal model; further to study the effects of Nandrolone deconoate and TGF-β1 on the mineralization of osteopenic bones. Twenty four New Zealand White rabbits of either sex, 60 day old, were randomly divided in 4 equal groups, A, B, C and D. The animals of groups B, C and D were administered with oral supplementation of calcium (2000 mg/kg of standard rabbit feed) and vit-D3 (1000 IU/kg of standard feed) for 60 days. The animals of group A were given standard ration without any supplementation. After 60 days, the Ca-vit.D3 supplementation was discontinued; and the animals of group C were administered with TGF-β1 (10 ng, i.m.) once in every three days and animals of group D were given Nandrolone deconoate (10 mg, i.m.) once every week for 30 days, whereas in animals of group B, no treatment was given. All the animals were evaluated based on different observations like body weight, radiographic observations, circulating biochemical and hormone profile (plasma Ca, IP, AP, OC and iPTH) every 15 days up to 60 days after initiation of treatment. The results indicated that the body weight of rabbits in different groups increased gradually and steadily at different intervals till the end of observation period, however, the increase was non-significantly more in group D. The CI in group A increased gradually at different intervals; whereas in groups B, C and D, there was no appreciable increase in the CI during the period of Ca-vit.D3 supplementation, suggesting development of osteopenia. Treatment with TGF-β1 did not increase the CI significantly, whereas Nandrolone treatment resulted in significant increase in the CI on days 45 and 60. The plasma Ca levels showed slight but gradual increase from day 0 to 60 in almost all groups. Subsequently also, there was no marked change at different intervals in groups A and B; however, significant reduction in plasma Ca was noticed in group C on 15^th day and in group D on 60^th day after initiation of treatment. Plasma IP levels in groups B and C showed a decreasing trend up to day 60. After discontinuation of Ca-vit.D3 supplementation, in group B, it further decreased to remain significantly lower on 15^th day, and in groups C and D, it increased significantly on 60^th post-treatment day. There was no significant change in the AP activity during the entire period of study in group A; whereas significant reduction in AP activity was measured on 30^th and 60^th days of treatment in groups B and C, and on 15^th day of treatment in group D. Plasma iPTH values did not show any significant change at any interval during the first 60 days in all groups. On 30^th and 60^th days of treatment, the mean iPTH level remained significantly lesser in group B. In all groups treated with over supplementation of Ca and vit.D3, there was a non-significant increase in the plasma OC levels up to day 60; however, there was no significant difference between the groups. It can be concluded that additional supplementation of Ca and vit.D3 results in osteopenia in growing rabbits. Administration of Nandrolone helps to increase the mineral density in osteopenic bones, whereas TGF-β1 does not seem to have positive effect on the skeletal mineralization.     

The influence of modulation of P-glycoprotein and /or cytochrome P450 3A on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of orally administered morphine in dogs

The influence of pretreatment with ketoconazole [cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) + P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor], elacridar (selective P-gp inhibitor) and rifampicin (CYP3A + P-gp inducer) on oral morphine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics was investigated in experimental dogs. Seven beagles were used in a four-way crossover design. Morphine hydrochloride was administered orally (2.5 mg/kg) alone (control group CON) or after pretreatment with ketoconazole (group KETO), elacridar (group ELA) or rifampicin (group RIF). Morphine plasma concentrations were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Sedation scores (none, mild, moderate or severe) were evaluated subjectively. Dogs were significantly (P < 0.05) more sedated after ketoconazole pretreatment. There were no significant differences between group CON and the other pretreatment groups in pharmacokinetic parameters taking both sexes into account. Sex differences were apparent in some pharmacokinetic parameters of morphine. The area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC(0-∞) ) was significantly higher, and the total body clearance was significantly lower in male compared to female dogs in all treatment groups. Ketoconazole, rifampicin and elacridar pretreatment had no significant effects on morphine pharmacokinetics, although dogs in the ketoconazole group showed higher sedation scores.     

Difference between lambs with chronic and mild dermatophilosis in frequency of alleles of CD3γ

Southern blots prepared with DNA from 20 Merino lambs that previously had chronic dermatophilosis (chronic) and 20 lambs that previously had mild dermatophilosis lesions (resistant) were hybridised with DNA sequences of the genes for the T-cell receptor-β (TCRβ), a TCR-associated peptide ‘cluster designation 3γ chain’ (CD3γ) and ovine Major Histocompatibility Complex class 1 (ov. MHC class 1). There was a significant difference in the incidence of an allele of CD3γ between the chronic and resistant lambs. No significant difference in the incidence of alleles of TCRβ or ov. MHC class 1 was detected.     

Expression of 14-3-3 σ protein in normal and neoplastic canine mammary gland

14-3-3 σ protein is a negative cell cycle regulator, with both reduced and elevated levels associated with cancer in humans. This study assessed the expression of this protein in canine mammary tissues using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. 14-3-3 σ was detected in 97% of the mammary tissue samples examined and was found in both myoepithelial (MECs) and epithelial (ECs) cells. Expression levels were elevated and reduced in neoplastic ECs and MECs, respectively (P < 0.001). Intense expression of 14-3-3 σ was detected in neoplastic ECs infiltrating blood vessels and lymph nodes and suggests a possible role for this protein in the malignant transformation of mammary neoplasms. Moreover, double immunostaining for 14-3-3 σ and the MEC – specific marker p63, confirmed that 14-3-3 σ is a highly sensitive marker of MECs since all p63 – positive cells were also positive for 14-3-3 σ. However, this protein is not exclusive to MECs as ECs also labelled positively.     

Effects of dietary enrichment with n–3 fatty acids on the quality of raw and processed breast meat of high and low growth rate chickens

1. The enrichment of raw poultry meat with n–3 fatty acids (n–3 FA) has been investigated in detail, particularly in high growth rate genotype standard broiler chickens, whereas low growth rate genotype Label Rouge chickens have received less attention. With the increased development of processed poultry products, it is necessary to ensure that the nutritional and sensory quality of meat enriched with n–3 FA is not affected by processing.

2. Two experiments were undertaken for this purpose. In the first experiment, 696 male Ross 708 chickens were reared under standard conditions, and in the second, 750 male JA 657 chickens were reared under Label Rouge conditions. All birds received the same starting and growing diets containing palm and soya oils in each experiment. Birds were distributed into three groups from 21 or 57 d of age for standard and Label Rouge chickens, respectively, and given a control, linseed oil or extruded linseed diet. Diets were also supplemented with vitamin E (100–200 mg/kg). Birds were slaughtered at 56 or 84 d of age for standard and Label Rouge chickens, respectively. A total amount of 60 kg of breast meat from each group was processed into white cured-cooked meat.

3. The dietary treatment had no effect on the growth performance of chickens or meat yield. The use of extruded linseed or linseed oil only decreased the carcass fatness of the standard chickens but had no effect on the carcass fatness of Label Rouge chickens. The nutritional quality of raw and cured-cooked meat was improved (increased concentration of n–3 FA), whereas the technological quality of the meat (pH, juice loss after cold storage, susceptibility to oxidation, colour, processing yield and shear force value) and sensory quality of the processed products were not or slightly affected.

4. Linked to lower breast yield, to lower lipid content in breast meat and to higher slaughter age, Label Rouge chickens seemed to be less efficient for n–3 FA deposition in breast muscles than standard chickens.     

Accuracy of capillary blood 3-β-hydroxybutyrate determination for the detection and treatment of canine diabetic ketoacidosis

In human medicine, diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is usually based on measurement of capillary 3-β-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) with a hand held ketone sensor. This study was conducted to determine if measurement of capillary 3-HB could be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of canine DKA. Fifteen dogs with diabetic ketosis and 10 with DKA were evaluated. Paired measurements of 3-HB of capillary and venous blood samples were analysed by the electrochemical sensor and reference method. Use of capillary 3-HB measurement during DKA management was then evaluated through simultaneous measurements of capillary 3-HB, urinary AcAc and venous blood gas analysis. Good agreement between capillary and venous 3-HB measurement was detected by the electrochemical sensor and reference method. Monitoring treatment of DKA revealed a significant correlation between capillary 3-HB and acidosis markers, while no significant correlation was observed between AcAc and acidosis markers. A cut-off value of capillary blood 3-HB >3.8 mmol/L for diagnosis of DKA resulted in 70% and 92% sensitivity and specificity. The electrochemical sensor accurately measures 3-HB concentration in both capillary and venous blood samples, is accurate in diagnosing canine DKA, and appears to reflect the patient''s metabolic status during DKA treatment.     

Correlations Analysis between Polymorphism of 3’-UTR in MSTN Gene and Slaughter Traits of China Red Steppe

In order to study the effect of myostatin (MSTN) gene on the meat performance of Local Yellow cattle in China,selecting 2 Local cattle breeds (Grassland Red bull,Yanbian cattle) as the research object,four binary hybrid cattle group (Germany Yellow cattle×Simmental,Limousin×Simmental,Charolais×Simmental and Red Angus×Simmental) as reference.PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing methods were conducted to detect single nucleotide polymorphism of MSTN gene in two Chinese native cattle and four cross cattle,and analyzed the correlations between single nucleotide polymorphism of China Red Steppe MSTN gene and slaughter traits.The sequence analysis showed that there was no mutations in the MSTN gene exon 3,a C5358A mutation of 3'-UTR of MSTN gene was found,which made the AclⅠrestriction enzyme site disappeared,all cattle groups showed polymorphism which was formed two genes as A,C, and 3 genotypes as AA,CA and CC, respectively.The research results suggested that AA genotype in groups of four hybrid cattle had dominant advantage and the genotype frequency was apparently higher than two groups of Chinese Native cattle for the test of independence,allele A was expressed the preferential allelic,the frequencies of CA,CC and AA genotypes showed a little variation between two cross cattle and Native cattle,and the frequency of allele C was apparently higher than allele A,so allele C was designed the preferential allelic in the local population.While correlations between different genotypes of China Red Steppe and slaughter traits analysis showed that AA genotype individual net meat percentage and eye muscle area were significantly higher than CA and CC genotype individuals (P<0.05),but other slaughter straits had no significant differences in three genotypes(P>0.05).These results provided a useful reference for research of the meat performance of China Red Steppe in the molecular breeding field.     

Dose dependent disposition of sulphadimidine and of its N4‐acetyl and hydroxy metabolites in plasma and milk of dairy cows

Summary

The disposition of sulphadimidine (SDM) and of its N₄‐acetyl (N₄‐SDM) and two hydroxyl metabolites, 6‐hydroxymethyl‐ (SCH₂OH) and 5‐hydroxyasulphadimidine (SOH), was studied in plasma and milk of dairy cows following intramuscular or intravenous administration of sulphadimididine‐33.3% at doses of 10, 45, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The main metabolite in plasma as well as in milk was SCH₂OH. The metabolite percentages, the final plasma elimination half‐lives, and the time of peak SDM concentrations in milk are presented for different dosages. The concentrations of SDM and its metabolites in milk ran parallel to those in plasma beyond4 hours p.i. The metabolite concentrations in plasma and milk were lower than those of the parent SDM. Sulphate and glucuronide metabolites could not be detected in milk.

At high doses (45 mg/kg or more) and SDM plasma concentrations exceeding 20 μg/ml, a capacity limited metabolism of SDM to SCH₂OH was noticed, viz, asteady state concentration of SCH₂OH and a biphasic elimination pattern for SDM and SCH,OH in plasma and milk.

The mean ultrafiltrate ratios of the milk to plasma concentrations with respect to SDM, SCH₂OH, SOH, and N₄‐SDM were: 0.69, 0.22, 020, and 0.63, respectively.

The total amount of SDM and its metabolites recovered from the milk after milking twice daily over the whole experimental time was less than 2% of the applied dose.

A bioassay method allowed of detecting qualitatively SDM concentrations exceeding 0.2 μg/ml in plasma or milk. Withholding times for edible tissues and milk are suggested.     

Increased levels of the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins in the synovial fluid of dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture

The present study investigated whether the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins, which are potent matrix metalloprotease (MMP) stimulators, are detectable in the synovial fluid of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Synovial fluid samples from 7 dogs with unilateral CCLR and control samples from 4 dogs without a history of any joint inflammation or any other abnormalities underwent Western blot analysis for the 14-3-3 η, γ, and σ proteins as well as MMP-1 and MMP-3. Craniocaudal and lateral radiographic projections of the stifle joint were evaluated for the presence and severity of 13 specific radiographic markers of osteoarthritis and graded numerically. The Spearman method was used to detect any correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the radiograph-based grade. The η isoform was present only in the samples from the dogs with CCLR. The levels of 14-3-3-γ, MMP-1, and MMP-3 were significantly higher in the samples from the dogs with CCLR than in the control samples (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the CCLR and control samples in the level of the σ isoform. The Spearman method showed a significant correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the presence of either patellar osteophytes or lateral or medial (or both) condylar periarticular osteophytes (P < 0.05). The MMP stimulatory effect of the 14-3-3 η and γ isoforms may be the reason for the high levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 observed. Thus, 14-3-3 proteins, especially the η isoform, may be important markers of osteoarthritis caused by CCLR.     

Effect of β -glucanase and xylanase supplementation of barley- and rye-based diets on caecal microbiota of broiler chickens

1. The aim was to investigate the effect of grain type (barley or rye) and exogenous enzymes (β-glucanase or xylanase) on the composition of chicken caecal microbiota as examined by classical culturing and molecular techniques (fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH) and terminal-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (T-RFLP)). 2. Plate counting revealed higher total numbers of anaerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in caecal contents of birds fed with rye-based diets than in birds fed with barley-based diets. 3. As assessed by FISH analysis, the most abundant bacterial groups in the broiler caeca were Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale followed by Bacteroides sp., Lactobacillus sp./Enterococcus sp., Bifidobacterium sp. and Enterobacteriaceae. For both cereal types, the enzyme supplementation significantly decreased the relative amount of Enterobacteriaceae. 4. The T-RFLP profiles indicated that the caecal microbiota of birds receiving rye-based diets was more diverse than that of birds fed on barley-based diets. 5. Irrespective of the method applied, the results indicate that the cereal type as well as the exogenous enzyme supplementation influence the microbiota in broiler chicken caeca, and may have the effect of reducing potentially pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae populations.     

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on components of the endocannabinoid system and metabolic and inflammatory responses in adipose and liver of peripartum dairy cowsOA

Background: Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the activation of the endocannabinoid system(ECS) by decreasing the availability of arachidonic acid, thus lowering endocannabinoids(e CBs) levels. The ECS is a modulator of energy metabolism, stress response and inflammation in mammals, yet there is little information on the roles of the ECS in transition dairy cows. During the periparturient period, the adipose tissue and liver are the main metabolic organs that participate ...     

Comparison and Correlation of Agronomic Characteristics and Fermentation Quality of Different Types of Hybrid Corn北大核心CSCD

In order to select the silage corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids suitable for planting in the northern part of Shanxi Province, the agronomic characteristics of 16 hybrid corn and the fermentation quality of silage prepared after castration were measured. The results showed that in agronomic characteristics, DJJ 26 had the highest plant height and ear height, but its stem diameter was the thinner. The green-leaf number ranked in the top three is TY168, QS 30 and GK516. For yields, DF26 had the highest yield. For ensiling characteristics, except for DH679, TY511, all hybrids were below 4. 20 for pH values. The significantly positive correlation was found between fresh grass yield and stem diameter, green-leaf number, stem weight, ear weight, leaf weight. The Lactic acid content of whole plant corn silage was positively correlated with green-leaf number. Therefore, the corn hybrids with thick stems, more green leaves and good panicle traits should be selected for silage use. The JD65 and TY168, GK516 and QS30 have good growth and fermentation performance, thereby, could be selected for silage corn in the northern part of Shanxi Province. © 2019 China Agricultural University. All rights reserved.     

Effects of altitude and variety on nutrient levels and epiphytes of oats北大核心CSCD

Oat crops are a major animal feed source in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau and nearby areas. Typically，the crops are used for making silage rather than hay because of frequent rain at harvest in autumn. However，there is little data on how the yield，forage quality and levels of epiphytes that may affect silage quality of different oat varieties are affected by altitude. Therefore，four oat varieties（Longyan No. 3，Longyan No. 5，Baiyan No. 2 and Bayou No. 3） were planted in 8 localities forming an altitude gradient： Huangzhong （2295 m），Tianzhu （2797 m），Shandan （2860 m），Hezuo （2957 m），Haiyan （3052 m），Maqu （3474 m），Maqin （3765 m）and Chengduo （4217 m）. Measurements included crop yield and dry matter （DM），water soluble carbohydrate （WSC），crude protein （CP），neutral detergent fiber （NDF）and acid detergent fiber （ADF）contents，and counts of lactic acid bacteria （LAB），molds，yeasts and aerobic bacteria. It was found that there were significant altitude and variety effects on fresh yield，nutritional quality and microbial epiphyte counts. With increase in altitude，fresh yield，WSC，NDF and LAB counts increased（P<0.05），as much as 284. 00%，15. 49%，10.81% and 11.60% increment were observed at Chengduo site than that at Huangzhong，respectively；meanwhile DM，CP and yeast and mold counts were reduced by 15. 67%，36.27%，23.53% and 7.75% at Chengduo compared with Huangzhong site，respectively. Among the four tested varieties，Longyan No. 5 had the highest fresh yield （75605 kg·ha−1），WSC （201.4 g·kg-1 DM） and NDF （604. 2 g·kg-1 DM） at the Chengduo site，followed by Longyan No. 3. The highest CP （119.7 g· kg-1 DM） and mold counts （4.12 lg cfu·g-1 FM） were observed in Baiyan No. 2 at the Huangzhong site. Bayou No. 3 produced the highest LAB and yeast counts at Maqin and Chengduo sites. In general，Longyan No. 3 and Longyan No. 5 gave better performance at sites above 3000 m altitude；for sites below 3000 m，the four tested varieties were all found to be suitable for silage production. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

Prevalence and incidence of Newcastle disease and prevalence of Avian Influenza infection of scavenging village chickens in Timor-Lesté

A longitudinal study to monitor prevalence and incidence of antibodies against Newcastle disease (ND) virus and prevalence of antibodies against Avian Influenza (AI) virus in scavenging village chickens was conducted in 20 villages within 4 districts of Timor-Lesté. A total of 3600 blood samples was collected from 1674 individual birds in 300 household chicken flocks during three sampling periods (December 2008-February 2009, March-May 2009, and June-August 2009). The mean interval between household visits was 101.6±1.9 days. None of the birds enrolled in the study was vaccinated against ND or AI. A haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was used to determine antibody titres against ND virus and a competitive ELISA and HI tests were used to detect antibody against AI virus. The bird-level ND seroprevalence pooled across all samplings (adjusted for clustering by households) was 4.4% (95% CI 3.5-5.2). The bird-level ND seroprevalence in each of the three sampling periods (adjusted for clustering by household) was 3.0% (95% CI 2.0-4.0), 6.6% (95% CI 5.1-8.0) and 3.6 (95% CI 2.5-4.6), respectively. A total of 12.6% individual birds tested ND seropositive at least once over the total study period (95% CI 10.5-14.7). The flock-level ND seroprevalence (at least one bird tested had antibodies against ND virus) pooled across all samplings was 15.9% (95% CI 13.5-18.3). A total of 35.3% flocks had a minimum of one bird being ND seropositive at least once over the study period. The bird-level incidence rate for the period between the first and the second sampling and between the second and the third sampling was 5.6 (95% CI 4.1-7.5) and 0.5 (95% CI 0.5-3.8) per 10,000 bird-years-at-risk, respectively. A total of 1134 serum samples from the last sampling period between June and August 2009 was tested for antibodies against AI virus. Only 4 samples tested Influenza A positive, indicating a bird-level seroprevalence level for Influenza A of 0.4% (CI 0.0-0.7%). These Influenza A positive samples were further tested for HI antibodies against AI virus subtypes of H5N1, H5N3, H7N3 and H9N2, but all tested negative, suggesting that the influenza antibodies in those four birds resulted from exposure to low pathogenic AI viruses of different H subtypes. Our results indicate that village chickens in Timor-Lesté are exposed to ND virus; there was a higher risk of infection during the early months of 2009 than either immediately prior or subsequent to this. No evidence of infection of village chickens with H5, H7 or H9 AI viruses was detected in this study.     

Production benefits of the crossbreeding of indigenous and non-indigenous ducks—growing and laying period body weight and production performance

To evaluate different crosses and purebreds ducks in respect to various economic traits and to estimate different crossbreeding genetic parameters, a 3?×?3 complete diallel cross involving indigenous duck (DD), Khaki Campbell (KK) and White Pekin (WW) were used to produce three purebreds (DD, KK, WW) three crossbreds (DK, DW, KW) and three reciprocals (KD, WD, WK). A total of 609 ducklings produced were reared on deep litter and the females (316 in number) were evaluated for growing and laying period body weight along with the production performance traits. Different crossbreeding genetic parameters were estimated for different traits. All the traits in respect to body weight gain during growing and laying period and different production traits including laying house mortality rate showed significant (p?≤?0.05) difference between different genetic groups. In general, crossbreds perform better than the purebreds for most of the traits studied. General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effect (RE) were significant (p?≤?0.01) for body weight and production traits. Egg weight showed significant (p?≤?0.01) difference in respect to GCA, SCA and RE for all the ages of measurement except RE for 30th week egg weight. Laying period mortality rate was only significant (p?≤?0.05) for SCA. Most of the crossbreds recorded heterosis rate in desirable direction for majority of the traits. Overall results revealed that the crossbreds perform well in respect to different traits than the purebreds and may be used to take advantage of heterosis. DW performs well in respect to majority of the traits measured and is of importance for commercial exploitation. Further, pure line selection with development of specialised sire and dam line followed by crossing may be of importance to enhance the performances in the crosses.     

Growth and Development of The Kunlun Type of Wild Yak

The observation of body height and weight of 10 captured wild yak shows the body height and weight of the wild yak at three and four months old were similar with that of domestic yak. At their 24 months old, the body height and weight were higher by 26.9 % and 62.5 % than that of the domestic ones. The results indicate that, once adapted to the half-shed and half-grazing conditions, the tamed Kunlun type of wild yak with superior genetics would grow and develop faster than the domestic yak at elder ages.