地克珠利对肉鸡生长、屠宰性能、免疫机能及血清生化指标的影响

选用288只1日龄AA肉鸡,随机分为4组,每组6个重复,每重复12只鸡.对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组分别于基础日粮中添加1、2、4 mg/kg地克珠利,试验期49 d.结果表明,基础日粮中添加1～4 mg/kg地克珠利对肉鸡生长性能和屠宰性能均无显著影响(P＞0.05);1 mg/kg地克珠利组肉鸡免疫器官指数、新城疫抗体效价和外周血T淋巴细胞转化率与对照组均无显著差异(P＞0.05),2、4 mg/kg组外周血T淋巴细胞转化率显著低于对照组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),4mg/kg组肉鸡于28日龄免疫器官指数显著高于对照组(P＜0.05),血清新城疫抗体效价显著低于对照组(P＜0.05);肉鸡血清淀粉酶活性,2、4 mg/kg组于28、35(停药0d)、42日龄(停药7d)显著低于对照组和1 mg/kg组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);3个试验组血清总蛋白含量于28、35(停药0d)、42日龄(停药7d)均显著或极显著(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)高于对照组;血清总超氧化物歧化酶活性,2、4 mg/kg组于28日龄显著或极显著(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)高于对照组和1 mg/kg组;4 mg/kg组于35日龄(停药0d)和42日龄(停药7d)显著低于对照组和其他2个试验组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);血清葡萄糖含量各组间均差异不显著(P＞0.05).49日龄(停药14 d)各组间上述血清生化指标差异均不显著(P＞0.05).相关分析表明,血清总蛋白含量和葡萄糖含量与平均日增重间存在着极显著的正相关关系(P＜0.01),总超氧化物歧化酶活性与平均日增重间存在着极显著的负相关关系(P＜0.01).     

纳豆芽孢杆菌对肉仔鸡生长性能、免疫功能及肠道健康的影响北大核心

试验旨在研究饲喂纳豆芽孢杆菌(Bacillis natto)对肉仔鸡生长性能、免疫功能及肠道菌群的影响。选取180只1日龄科宝肉仔鸡,随机分为2组,每组6个重复,每个重复15只鸡,对照组肉鸡饲喂基础日粮,试验组肉鸡饲喂基础日粮+300 mg/kg纳豆芽孢杆菌。试验期42 d。结果显示,与对照组相比,1~42日龄试验组肉鸡的平均日增重显著提高(P<0.05),肉鸡42日龄体重显著提高(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,21日龄和42日龄试验组肉鸡血清免疫球蛋白M (IgM)含量分别提高了37.63%、38.85%(P<0.01);42日龄试验组肉鸡空肠黏膜白细胞介素-1β (IL-1β)含量极显著降低(P<0.01)。基于PCoA分析结果显示,试验组肉鸡肠道菌群结构发生改变,与对照组相比,试验组肉鸡肠道另枝菌属(Alistipes)占比有所提高(P>0.05),试验组的Enorma、未分类_f_黄杆菌属(norank_f_Flavobacteriaceae)、Paludicola显著升高(P<0.05)。研究表明,纳豆芽孢杆菌能够改善肠道菌群结构,提高肠道菌群丰富度和多样性,增强机体免疫功能,进而提高肉仔鸡生长性能。     

微生态制剂对肉鸡体液免疫和细胞免疫的影响

将微生态制剂添加到肉鸡的饲料中,通过检测肉鸡血清中ND血凝抑制抗体效价、红细胞花环率及免疫器官中T细胞百分数等指标,探讨该制剂对肉鸡体液免疫和细胞免疫的影响。结果表明:在17、26、35、49日龄时,试验组血清中ND血凝抑制抗体效价分别比对照组高8.65%、26.98%、19.83%和46.91%,差异显著(P<0.05);在21日龄,试验组的E-C3bR率和E-ICR率分别比对照组高16.24%和19.93%,均差异显著(P<0.05);10、17日龄时,试验组胸腺T细胞百分数分别比对照组高13.01%(P<0.05)和6.41%(P<0.05),脾脏T细胞百分数分别比对照组高19.40%和9.17%,差异显著(P<0.05)。     

多肽菌素对肉鸡血清生化指标、血清抗体水平及免疫器官指数的影响

试验旨在研究多肽菌素对肉鸡血清生化指标、血清抗体水平及免疫器官指数的影响,以验证多肽菌素提高肉鸡机体免疫力的能力。4万只1日龄科宝500肉雏鸡随机分为2组,即试验组和对照组,每组4个重复,每个重复5 000只。对照组按原有免疫和用药程序7日龄、14日龄及21日龄均进行新城疫和禽流感疫苗免疫;试验组鸡只在7日龄时进行新城疫和禽流感疫苗免疫,并在13~15日龄饲喂添加多肽菌素(400 g/t)的日粮,20~22日龄饲喂添加多肽菌素(300 g/t)的日粮。试验期28 d。结果显示:试验组28日龄肉鸡血清总蛋白含量、球蛋白含量、球蛋白与白蛋白比值(球/白)分别比对照组提高10.75%、15.17%、11.45%,谷草转氨酶活性比对照组提高6.23%,差异显著(P0.05);试验组肉鸡新城疫病毒抗体效价比对照组提高19.89%,差异显著(P0.05),禽流感病毒抗体效价比对照组提高6.97%,差异显著(P0.05);试验组肉鸡脾脏指数比对照组提高17.05%,差异显著(P0.05),试验组胸腺指数比对照组提高11.89%,差异显著(P0.05)。研究表明:肉鸡日粮添加多肽菌素,可以显著改善血清生化指标,提高机体抗体水平及免疫器官指数。     

烟曲霉菌感染对雏鸡免疫器官指数及新城疫抗体水平的影响

为了研究烟曲霉菌感染对雏鸡免疫器官指数及新城疫抗体水平的影响,试验选取40只14日龄海兰褐公鸡,随机分成2组,每组20只,试验组用霉菌孢子攻毒3 d,对照组不攻毒,所有试验鸡均按常规模式进行饲养和防疫,并于攻毒后第5天从试验组和对照组中各选10只鸡进行免疫器官指数的测定和血清中新城疫病毒抗体效价测定。结果表明:试验组雏鸡体重降低,法氏囊、胸腺重及法氏囊指数、胸腺指数均低于对照组且差异显著(P0.05);脾脏重和脾脏指数与对照组相比差异不显著(P0.05);试验组雏鸡新城疫血清抗体效价低于对照组,且差异显著(P0.05)。说明烟曲霉菌感染能造成雏鸡免疫抑制,导致免疫器官萎缩、变小,使免疫机能下降,影响疫苗免疫效果。     

牛磺酸对蛋鸡脂质代谢的影响

将108只60周龄蛋用母鸡随机分为4组。每组3个重复,每个重复9只鸡。试验组Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ分别加入50mg/kg、100mg/kg、200mg/kg 牛磺酸,对照组不加牛磺酸。结果表明,与对照组相比,试验组Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ血清甘油三脂分别下降10．06％、13．03％、13．97％,差异极显著 (P<0．01);试验组Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ血清总胆固醇分别下降9．95％、10．65％、 10．45％,差异极显著;血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇,试验组Ⅰ下降 20．83％,差异显著(P<0．05);试验组Ⅱ、Ⅲ下降33．33％、29．19％,差异极显著(P<0．01);蛋黄总胆固醇,试验组Ⅰ下降3．17％,差异显著 (P<0．05);试验组Ⅱ、Ⅲ下降5．25％、6．76％,差异极显著(P<0．01)。     

复合微生态制剂对肉鸡生长性能和免疫性能的影响

该试验通过将微生态制剂产品倍利素添加到肉鸡的饮水中,研究其对肉鸡生长性能和免疫性能的影响。试验选用150只1日龄健康AA肉鸡,随机分为2组,其中一组为对照组,另一组为试验组,每组3个重复,每个重复25只鸡。预饲期4d,正式期36d。结果表明:在12、19、26、40日龄时检测发现,试验组与对照组相比,料肉比下降,均差异显著(P<0.05),且在整个试验周期内,试验组比对照组料肉比下降10.9%,差异显著(P<0.05)。33日龄时检测发现,试验组的脾脏指数比对照组高出55.1%,差异显著(P<0.05)。26日龄时检测发现,试验组的法氏囊指数比对照组高出65.7%,差异显著(P<0.05)。12、19、26、33和40日龄时检测发现,试验组血清中新城疫血凝抑制抗体效价分别比对照组高出36.6%、40.4%(P<0.05)、37.7%、34.7%和38.8%;试验组盲肠内容物中分泌型IgA含量分别比对照组高出8.59%、10.6%、22.8%、68.7%、23.2%,均差异显著(P<0.05)。19、33、40日龄时检测发现,试验组血清中IgG分别比对照组高出17.9%(P<0.05)、40.9%(P<0.01)、41.1%(P<0.01)。19日龄时检测发现,试验组的E-C3bR、E-ICR花环率分别比对照组提高了105.9%(P<0.05)、14.3%(P>0.05);而在26、33日龄时检测发现,试验组的E-C3bR、E-ICR花环率与对照组相比,差异均不显著(P>0.05)。由此可知,倍利素能够提高肉鸡的生长性能,同时可以在一定程度上增强肉鸡的免疫功能。     

L-茶氨酸对黄羽肉鸡生产性能和免疫功能的影响

本试验旨在探讨L-茶氨酸对黄羽肉鸡生产性能和免疫功能的影响。选用1日龄黄羽肉鸡690只,随机分为6个处理,每个处理5个重复,每个重复23只。6个处理分别为对照组(饲喂无抗生素基础饲粮)、抗生素组[饲喂在基础饲粮中添加10%硫酸黏杆菌素的饲粮,前期(1～3周)添加200 mg/kg,后期(4～7周)添加150 mg/kg]、4个不同梯度(100、200、400和800mg/kg)L-茶氨酸试验组,试验期为49 d。试验检测了黄羽肉鸡的生产性能、免疫器官指数、肠道分泌性免疫球蛋白A(sIgA)含量及血清溶菌酶活性、抗体水平和免疫细胞因子含量等指标。结果表明:在试验前期,100 mg/kg L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡的体增重显著低于其他各组(P<0.05),100、200和800 mg/kg L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡的法氏囊指数显著低于对照组(P<0.05),各L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡的肠道sIgA含量和血清干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。在试验后期,与对照组及抗生素组比较,L-茶氨酸对黄羽肉鸡生产性能、免疫器官指数、肠道sIgA的含量影响不显著(P>0.05);100、200和400 mg/kg L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡血清白细胞介素-2(IL-2)的含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05),200和400 mg/kg L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡血清IFN-γ的含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。在整个试验期,各组黄羽肉鸡血清溶菌酶的活性和白细胞介素-4的含量差异不显著(P>0.05);一免后第6天,100和200 mg/kg L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡血清新城疫抗体滴度显著低于对照组和抗生素组(P<0.05),一免后第14天,100、200和400 mg/kg L-茶氨酸组黄羽肉鸡抗牛血清白蛋白(BSA)抗体水平显著高于对照组(P<0.05),其他各阶段各组间的抗BSA抗体水平和新城疫抗体滴度均差异不显著(P>0.05)。由此可知,饲粮添加L-茶氨酸对黄羽肉鸡生长后期生产性能、免疫器官指数均无显著影响,说明其对黄羽肉鸡后期生长是安全的;同时L-茶氨酸可提高黄羽肉鸡生长前期肠道sIgA的含量、后期血清IL-2的含量及全期血清IFN-γ的含量,从而增强其机体免疫功能。     

甘草多糖对肉鸡生长性能、免疫功能及血清生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究甘草多糖对AA肉鸡生长性能、免疫力及血清生化指标的影响。选择1日龄健康、无病的AA肉仔鸡1 600只,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复100只。对照组肉鸡饲喂基础日粮,试验1组、试验2组、试验3组分别在基础日粮中添加250、500、1 000 mg/kg的甘草多糖。试验期42 d。结果显示,试验2组和试验3组肉鸡的试验末重显著高于对照组（P<0.05）;1～42日龄,与对照组相比,试验2组和试验3组肉鸡的平均日增重显著提高（P<0.05）,料重比显著降低（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,各试验组肉鸡血清中的免疫球蛋白M(IgM)、白细胞介素-2 (IL-2)含量显著提高（P<0.05）;试验2组和试验3组肉鸡血清白细胞介素-10 (IL-10)、干扰素-γ (IFN-γ)含量显著提高（P<0.05）。试验组肉鸡血清甘油三酯（TG）含量显著低于对照组（P<0.05）,试验组肉鸡血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）含量、谷丙转氨酶（ALT）活性均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,试验2组和试验3组肉鸡血清尿素氮（BUN）含量显著低于对照...     

四君子汤加减颗粒对腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬功能及ND和IBD疫苗免疫效果的影响

为探讨四君子汤加减颗粒对小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬功能和肉用仔鸡免疫鸡新城疫(ND)疫苗、传染性囊病(IBD)疫苗后血清ND及IBD抗体效价的影响,选取40只小鼠,随机分为4组,对照组正常饮水,试验组在饮水中添加不同浓度的四君子汤加减颗粒,测定各组腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬百分率和吞噬指数;同时以肉用仔鸡为研究对象,考察四君子汤加减颗粒分别与ND Clone-30疫苗、ND油乳剂灭活苗和IBD冻干苗合用之后,肉用仔鸡血清中ND、IBD抗体效价的变化情况。结果显示,试验组小鼠的腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬百分率和吞噬指数均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);试验组鸡血清中的ND和IBD抗体效价均高于对照组。表明四君子汤加减颗粒可显著提高小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞的吞噬活性并能显著增强ND、IBD疫苗对肉用仔鸡的免疫效果。     

Genetic parameters for body weights,egg traits and antibody response against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine among two Tanzania chicken ecotypes

Genetic parameters were estimated for production traits and primary antibody response (Ab) against Newcastle diseases virus (NDV) vaccine among two Tanzania chicken ecotypes viz. Kuchi and Tanzania Medium (Medium). Production traits studied were body weights at 8 (Bwt8), 12(Bwt12), 16(Bwt16), and 20 (Bwt20) weeks of age, age at first egg (AFE), egg number in the first 90 days after sexual maturity (EN-90), egg weight (EW), egg shell thickness (STH), and egg shape index (ESI). Heritability estimates for Bwt8, Bwt12, Bwt16, Bwt20, AFE, EN-90, EW, STH, ESI and Ab for Kuchi chicken were 0.38 ± 0.10, 0.41 ± 0.07, 0.44 ± 0.08, 0.45 ± 0.09, 0.42 ± 0.10, 0.31 ± 0.05, 0.43 ± 0.08, 0.53 ± 0.11, 0.48 ± 0.13 and 0.27 ± 0.06, respectively. Corresponding estimates for Medium ecotype were 0.39 ± 0.09, 0.43 ± 0.10, 0.42 ± 0.08, 0.43 ± 0.07, 0.52 ± 0.11, 0.32 ± 0.06, 0.50 ± 0.07, 0.61 ± 0.13, 0.52 ± 0.10 and 0.29 ± 0.05, respectively. Genetic (r _g) and phenotypic (r_p) correlations in both ecotypes were highest among body weights (i.e. r_g = 0.60 to 0.93 and r_p = 0.54 to 0.78), and were lowest (around 0.10 and below, ranging from positive to negative) among primary antibody response against NDV vaccine and production traits, and among eggshell thickness, egg shape index and other production traits. The magnitudes of heritability estimates obtained in this study indicate good prospects of improving these traits in both ecotypes through selection.     

Factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical environment

Follicle development and timing of ovulation are indicators of the reproductive performance of sows. The present study aimed to determine factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval (WOI) in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical climates with special emphasis on breed, parity and backfat thickness at weaning. In total, 80 sows were included in the study. Follicle development was determined by using transrectal real-time B-mode ultrasonography every 6 hr after standing oestrus. Weaning-to-oestrous interval (WEI), oestrous-to-ovulation interval (EOI), WOI and the diameter of graafian follicles were investigated in relation to breed, parity number (1, 2–3 and 4–7) and backfat thickness (low, moderate and high) of sows. Overall, WEI, EOI, WOI and the pre-ovulatory follicle diameter were 92.5 ± 21.6 hr, 64.3 ± 19.3 hr, 156.3 ± 29.1 hr and 10.3 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. Pre-ovulatory follicle size was smaller in primiparous sows compared with sows of greater parity, 4–7 (9.7 ± 0.51 and 11.7 ± 0.52 mm, respectively, p < .05). Weaning-to-ovulation interval was positively correlated with WEI (r = 0.75, p < .001) and EOI (r = 0.66, p < .001), but negatively correlated with size of the graafian follicle (r = –0.34, p < .01). Sows with a shorter WEI had a larger pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (at 64 hr after oestrus) (r = –0.37, p < .01). Sows with low backfat thickness had a WOI 23.4 hr longer than those with moderate backfat thickness (p < .05) and 17.6 hr longer than sows with a high backfat thickness (p = .140). The follicle diameter in primiparous sows with high backfat thickness (11.7 ± 1.1 mm) was higher than in those with low (8.9 ± 0.7 mm, p < .05) or moderate (8.6 ± 0.8, p < .05) backfat thickness. In conclusion, factors influencing follicle diameter and WOI in sows included parity number and backfat thickness at weaning. The impact of backfat thickness on follicle diameter, WEI and WOI was most pronounced in primiparous sows.     

Carcass tissue composition in light lambs: Influence of feeding system and prediction equations

Fourty-eight Churra Tensina single male lambs were used to evaluate the effect of different feeding systems on carcass composition and predict the carcass tissue composition from joint composition and carcass measurements. Four treatments were studied: GR, unweaned lambs continuously grazing with ewes; GR + S, the same as the previous group, but lambs had free access to concentrate; DRL-GRE, lambs remained indoors with free access to concentrate and ewes grazed for 8 h/day, thereafter remaining with lambs; and DRL, lambs and ewes were kept in confinement, they had free access to concentrate and dry unifeed respectively. In the DRL-GRE and DRL groups lambs were weaned when 45 days old. Lambs were slaughtered at 22–24 kg live weight. Commercial joints from the half left carcass were obtained, recorded and dissected to determine carcass tissue composition.The feeding system had an effect on the proportion of the carcass tissue composition. GR treatment showed higher muscle (M) (p < 0.05) and bone (B) (p < 0.001) percentages, and a lower total fat (F) percentage (p < 0.001) than the rest of treatments. Hence it revealed higher M/F (p < 0.01) and lower M/B (p < 0.05) and subcutaneous fat/intermuscular fat ratios (SF/IF; p < 0.001). Carcass composition predictions were more accurate for grams than for percentages. In predictions from joint composition, pelvic limb was the most accurate joint for grams (R² = 0.84, R² = 0.68, and R² = 0.77 for muscle, bone, and fat, respectively) as well as for percentage (R² = 0.65, R² = 0.56, and R² = 0.73 for muscle, bone, and fat, respectively). Predictions from carcass measurements were greater in muscle and fat grams (R² = 0.87 and R² = 0.86 for muscle and fat, respectively) than in percentage (R² = 0.58 and R² = 0.73 for muscle and fat, respectively). Equations to predict carcass tissue that include carcass measurements are a simple method to assess accurately saleable muscle yield from different lamb feeding systems without involving carcass damage.     

Comparison of in vitro and in vivo fertilizing potential of buffalo bull semen frozen in egg yolk‐, soya bean lecithin‐ and liposome‐based extenders

The objective of this study was to compare different extenders for post‐thaw in vitro sperm function and in vivo fertility of buffalo semen. Accordingly, sperm of 30 ejaculates extended in egg yolk (TRIS with 20% egg yolk; EY), two soya lecithin‐based (SL‐1; AndroMed^® and SL‐2; Bioxcell^®) and a liposome‐based extender (LS; OptiXcell^®) were tested. The post‐thaw semen was evaluated for computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), sperm viability, membrane and acrosome integrity, DNA integrity and acrosome reaction and first service pregnancy rate (FSPR) in a fixed‐time artificial insemination programme. Total motility and VCL were the only CASA‐based parameters that exhibited significantly higher (p < .05) percentage in LS among these extenders. Post‐thaw percentage of acrosome integrity (55.9 ± 1.4, 58.1 ± 2.0, 55.8 ± 2.0, 56.6 ± 2.3) and DNA integrity (68.8 ± 2.0, 69.2 ± 2.3, 71.3 ± 2.1, 69.1 ± 2.1) did not differ (p > .05) in EY, SL‐1, SL‐2 and LS extender, respectively. However, a variable response in terms of efficacy of different extenders for sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity was observed. Assessment of inducibility of acrosome reaction showed significant differences between extenders (51.9 ± 2.1, 44.3 ± 2.4, 46.1 ± 2.3 and 58.1 ± 3.1%, respectively, for EY, SL‐1, SL‐2 and LS). Furthermore, field trials revealed significantly higher (p < .05) FSPR of LS‐extended semen as compared to that for EY, SL‐1 and SL‐2 extender (46.3%, 41.2%, 31.2% and 29.7%, respectively). It is concluded that the liposome‐based extender is more effective than egg yolk‐ and soya lecithin‐based extenders and may be used for cryopreservation of buffalo semen in the future.     

Effect of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on rumen fermentation and metabolic profile of dairy cows in early lactation

The study evaluated dietary supplementation with live yeast (LY) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CNCM I‐4407, 10¹⁰ CFU/g, Actisaf; Phileo Lesaffre Animal Care, France) on rumen fermentation and serum metabolic profile in lactating dairy cows. Fifty Holstein cows received a total mixed ration with (Live Yeast Diet, LYD, n = 25) or without (Control Diet, CD, n = 25) 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/cow/day of LY from 3 to 19 weeks of lactation. Rumen fermentation and serum metabolic profile were measured in eight cows per treatment at 3, 7, 11, 15, 19 weeks post‐partum. LYD showed an increased daily milk yield (+4%) over CD (p < 0.05). Mean rumen pH at 4 hr after morning meal was higher in LYD (6.59) than CD (6.32) (p < 0.01). Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate molar proportion were higher in LYD (114.24 mM; 25.04%) than CD (106.47 mM; 24.73%) (p < 0.05). Propionate and butyrate molar proportions, acetate to propionate ratio, ammonia levels did not differ between LYD and CD. Ruminal lactate was lower in LYD than CD (9.3 vs. 16.4 mM) (p < 0.001), with a 53% decrease in LYD. During peak lactation, LYD had lower serum NEFA (p < 0.05, 0.40 vs. 0.48 mM) and BHBA (p < 0.01, 0.47 vs. 0.58 mM) than CD, lower liver enzyme activities (AST 1.39 vs. 1.54 ukat/L) (p < 0.05). Serum glucose was higher in LYD at peak lactation (3.22 vs. 3.12 mM, and 3.32 vs. 3.16 mM respectively) (p < 0.05). The results confirmed a reducing effect of LY on lactate accumulation in rumen fluid, associated with an increase in rumen pH. Lower serum levels of lipomobilization markers, liver enzyme activities and higher glucose levels may suggest that live yeast slightly mitigated negative energy balance and had a certain liver protective effect.     

Endogenous ghrelin released in response to endothelin stimulates growth hormone secretion in cattle

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether circulating ghrelin and growth hormone (GH) concentrations in cattle are regulated by endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-3 (ET-3), and secretin. Six Holstein steers (242 ± 1 d old, 280.5 ± 4.4 kg body weight [BW]; mean ± SEM) were allocated randomly in an incomplete Latin square design to receive each of 4 treatment compounds (vehicle, ET-1, ET-3, and secretin) with 1-d intervals between successive treatments. The treatment compounds were injected intravenously via a catheter inserted into the external jugular vein of each steer. Blood was sampled from the indwelling catheter at -30, -15, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min. Plasma ghrelin and GH responses to the treatment compounds were measured by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay system. Data were analyzed by using a MIXED procedure of SAS, version 9.1. Plasma acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and GH concentrations were increased by both ET-1 and ET-3 injection (ET-1 injection: 311 ± 15 pg/mL vs 245 ± 15 pg/mL, 2.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL vs 1.61 ± 0.05 ng/mL, 4.73 ± 0.92 ng/mL vs 1.17 ± 0.09 ng/mL for acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and GH, respectively; ET-3 injection: 337 ± 27 pg/mL vs 245 ± 15 pg/mL, 2.6 ± 0.1 ng/mL vs 1.61 ± 0.05 ng/mL, 5.56 ± 0.97 ng/mL vs 1.17 ± 0.09 ng/mL for acyl ghrelin, total ghrelin, and GH, respectively; P < 0.01). Ghrelin and GH concentrations were not changed by secretin injection throughout the experimental periods. These results indicate that ET-1 and ET-3 stimulate ghrelin and GH secretion in cattle and demonstrate for the first time that endogenous ghrelin released in response to endothelin injection stimulates GH secretion in vivo in cattle.     

Genetic and phenotypic parameters of milk yield, milk composition and age at first kidding in Saanen goats from Mexico

A total of 4007 lactation records from 1520 Saanen goats kidding from 1999 to 2006 and obtained from 10 herds in Guanajuato, Mexico, were analyzed to estimate the heritabilities, repeatabilities, as well as genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlations for milk yield (MILK), fat yield (FAT), protein yield (PROT), fat content (%FAT), protein content (%PROT) and age at fist kidding (AFK). A five-trait repeatability model was used to estimate (co)variances for milk traits, and a four-trait animal model for first lactation records was used to estimate (co)variances involving AFK. For MILK, FAT, PROT, %FAT, %PROT and AFK, heritability estimates were 0.17 ± 0.04, 0.19 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.04, 0.32 ± 0.06, 0.38 ± 0.07 and 0.31 ± 0.09, respectively. Repeatabilities for MILK, FAT, PROT, %FAT and %PROT were 0.43 ± 0.02, 0.42 ± 0.02, 0.42 ±0.02, 0.64 ± 0.02, and 0.63 ± 0.02, respectively. The genetic correlations between MILK and FAT, and between MILK and PROT, were high and positive (0.72 ± 0.08 and 0.87 ± 0.04, respectively). Genetic correlations between MILK and %FAT, between MILK and %PROT and between MILK and AFK, were − 0.24 ± 0.16, − 0.30 ± 0.15 and − 0.18 ± 0.23, respectively. Genetic correlations between AFK and FAT and between AFK and PROT were − 0.09 ± 0.24 and − 0.17 ± 0.25, respectively; and genetic correlations between AFK and %FAT and between AFK and %PROT were 0.29 ± 0.35 and 0.14 ± 0.27, respectively. Selection for milk traits is possible using a repeatability animal model. Selection for milk production traits would probably not increase AFK, but more precise estimates of the genetic correlations are required. Selection to lower AFK is possible. These (co)variance estimates would make it possible to predict the selection responses from different economic indices in order to maximize the economic responses for the local markets.     

Characterization of d-Glucose Transport across Equine Jejunal Brush Border Membrane Using the Pig as an Efficient Model of Jejunal Glucose Uptake

To test the hypotheses that glucose transport capacity across the brush border membrane (BBM) of the large colon is lower than that of the small intestine in equids, and that small intestinal transport capacity in equids is lower than suids. d-glucose transport capacity (V_max) and affinity (K_M) across the BBM of the distal jejunum (DJ) and proximal large colon (PLC) of the pony and pig were measured. Mucosa was collected from the DJ and PLC of ponies (n = 4) and pigs (n = 3), flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80°C. Jejunal and colonic BBM vesicles were manufactured, and d-glucose transport was determined. There was no detectable active uptake of glucose in the equine PLC. Compared with the pig DJ, d-glucose transport capacity was lower (2595 ± 331 vs. 655 ± 286 ρmol·mg protein⁻¹·s⁻¹, respectively, P < .01) and transport affinity tended to be lower (0.09 ± 0.07 vs. 0.27 ± 0.06 mM, respectively, P = .11) in the pony DJ. Compared with the pig DJ, d-glucose transport capacity (2,595 ± 331 vs. 571 ± 331 ρmol·mg protein⁻¹·s⁻¹, respectively, P < .001) and transport affinity (0.09 ± 0.07 vs. 0.54 ± 0.07 mM, respectively, P < .001) in the pig PLC were lower. Results show there is negligible d-glucose uptake across pony PLC, and capacity for d-glucose absorption across DJ BBM is fourfold lower in the pony compared with the pig. Results further exemplify, at a physiological level, the limited capacity of the equid small intestine to transport glucose relative to an omnivorous mammal, and the likely evolutionary adaptation of equids to low dietary levels of nonstructural carbohydrates.     

Effects of replacing grass silage harvested at two maturity stages with maize silage in the ration upon the intake, digestibility and N retention in wether sheep

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of interactions between medium quality grass silage (GS1) and maize silage (MS) as well as between low-quality grass silage (GS2) and MS on ad libitum intake, digestibility and N retention in wether sheep. Two grass silages (GS1 and GS2) were ensiled in round bales, without additives, from the primary growth of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) harvested at two different maturity stages. The study consisted of seven feeding treatments incorporating GS1, GS2 and MS fed alone and forage mixtures of GS1 and MS as well as GS2 and MS (67:33% and 33:67%, respectively, DM (dry matter) basis).Delayed harvesting lowered (P < 0.05) the crude protein (CP) concentration in GS2 compared to GS1. The DM content (g kg^− 1 fresh sample) and starch concentration (g kg^− 1 DM) of MS were 264 and 211, respectively.Inclusion of MS in the GS1-based ration had positive linear effects on CP and starch digestibility (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and N intake (P < 0.01) while a negative effect on neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). A positive associative response of GS1 and MS was observed for DM ad libitum intake (g kg^− 1 M^0.75 day^− 1) (quadratic, P < 0.05), CP digestibility (quadratic, P < 0.01), N intake (quadratic, P < 0.01) and N balance (quadratic, P < 0.05). Inclusion of MS into the GS2-based ration had a positive linear effect on the ration fresh matter ad libitum intake (kg day^− 1 and g kg^− 1 M^0.75 day^− 1) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), NDF ad libitum intake (kg day^− 1 and g kg^− 1 M^0.75 day^− 1) (P < 0.01), digestibility of DM (P < 0.01), organic matter (OM) (P < 0.01), ADF (P < 0.05), starch (P < 0.001), digestibility of OM in DM (D-value) (P < 0.001), and N intake (P < 0.01). Positive associative effects of GS2 and MS were observed on all the intake and digestibility parameters measured, N intake (quadratic, P < 0.001) and N balance (quadratic, P < 0.05). It was concluded that, as expected, a positive associative response of GS2 and MS was recorded for all the measured parameters while that of GS1 and MS for a limited number of parameters, probably due to lower quality of MS (lower starch concentration) than required for improved utilization of the GS1-based ration.     

Effect of probiotic on growth performance and digestive enzyme activity of Arbor Acres broilers

The effect of probiotic, Bacillus coagulans NJ0516, on growth performance and digestive enzyme activity of Arbor Acres (AA) broilers was investigated. Strains NJ0516 were added to commercial basal diets as probiotic at three final concentrations: T-1, 1 × 10⁶ cfu g⁻¹; T-2, 2 × 10⁶ cfu g⁻¹ and T-3, 4 × 10⁶ cfu g⁻¹, respectively. Twelve groups, of 30 broilers, with three replicates for each treatment group (T-1, T-2 and T-3) and the control group treated without probiotic were used. After 49 days, broilers receiving the diets supplemented with probiotic showed significantly better growth performances including final weight and daily weight gain (DWG) than those fed the basal diet (control). As for feed conversion ratio (FCR), T-2 and T-3 showed lower value (P < 0.05) than the control. However, there was no significant different in final weight, DWG and FCR between T-1, T-2 and T-3 and the survival rate was not affected (P > 0.05) by the dietary treatments. The higher protease activities were observed in T-2 and T-3 (P < 0.05) compared with the control and T-1. However, there was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between T-2 and T-3 in protease activity. Amylase activity in T-1, T-2 and T-3 was remarkably higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control. Significantly higher amylase activity was observed in T-2 compared with that of T-1. There was no remarkable difference (P > 0.05) in amylase activity of T-2 compared with that of T-3, even though there was a tendency for increased activity. As for lipase activity of duodenum in broilers, assays showed no difference in all treatment groups. It showed that probiotic, B. coagulans NJ0516 administration in feed with a certain concentration displayed a growth promoting effect and increased the protease and amylase activities.