Effects of thermal energy on extrusion characteristics,digestibility and palatability of a dry pet food for cats

The influence of specific thermal energy (STE) applications on extruder preconditioner was evaluated in a dry food for cats. In the first study, six STE applications were tested with mass temperatures of 45°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C and 95°C. The extrusion parameters, starch gelatinization and kibble formation were evaluated. Diets were given to cats to evaluate digestibility, faecal characteristics and palatability. In the second experiment, three treatments were compared: low STE—a preconditioner temperature of 45°C (_LSTE); high STE—a preconditioner temperature of 95°C (_HSTE); high STE (preconditioner temperature of 95°C) combined with an increase in the mass flow rate to obtain a motor amperage similar to that of the _LSTE (_HSTE_flow). Data were analysed by polynomial contrasts (Experiment 1) or Tukey's test (Experiment 2; p < 0.05). An increase in STE reduced motor amperage, mass pressure and specific mechanical energy (SME) implementation (p < 0.001) and increased total specific energy (TSE) and mass temperature (p < 0.01). The increase in STE induced greater kibble expansion and starch gelatinization (p < 0.001). No changes in apparent nutrient digestibility or faeces characteristics were observed (p > 0.05). Lower STE and starch gelatinization induced higher butyrate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents in faeces (p < 0.01). Cats showed greatest preference for the formulation with the highest STE (p < 0.01). In the second experiment, when the motor amperage was increased in the _HSTE_flow treatment to a value similar to that of the _LSTE, the mass flow rate increased 40%, and the electric energy consumption remained unchanged (p < 0.001), with gains observed for efficiency and cost. In conclusion, STE application is important for sufficient TSE implementation, enhancing kibble expansion, starch gelatinization, cat preferences for food, extruder productivity and reducing SME application. Foods with lower starch gelatinization lead to increased VFA in faeces, with possible implications for gut health.     

Chitosan nanoparticles enhance developmental competence of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes

Oxidative stress is inevitable as it is derived from the handling, culturing, inherent metabolic activities and medium supplementation of embryos. This study was performed to investigate the protective effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on oxidative damage in porcine oocytes. For this purpose, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from porcine slaughterhouse ovaries were exposed to different concentrations of CNPs (0, 10, 25 and 50 µg/ml) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocytes treated with 25 µg/ml CNPs showed significantly higher levels of GSH, along with a significant reduction in ROS levels compared to control, CNPs10 and CNPs50 groups. In parthenogenetic embryo production, the maturation rate was significantly higher in the CNPs25 group than that in the control and all other treated groups. In addition, when compared to the CNPs50 and control groups, CNPs25-treated oocytes showed significantly higher cleavage and blastocyst development rates. The highest concentration of CNPs reduced the total cell number and ratio of ICM: TE cells in parthenogenetic embryos, suggesting that there is a threshold where benefits are lost if exceeded. In cloned embryos, the CNPs25 group, as compared to all other treated groups, showed significantly higher maturation and cleavage rates. Furthermore, the blastocyst development rate in the CNPs25-treated group was significantly higher than that in the CNPs50-treated group, as was the total cell number. Moreover, we found that cloned embryos derived from the CNPs25-treated group showed significantly higher expression levels of Pou5f1, Dppa2, and Ndp52il genes, compared with those of the control and other treated groups. Our results demonstrated that 25 µg/ml CNPs treatment during IVM improves the developmental competence of porcine oocytes by reducing oxidative stress.     

Adjusted method of penis fixation during boar semi-automatic semen collection aiming to reduce bacterial contamination

Semen collection has an essential role in the initial bacterial load in boar ejaculates and extended semen. The study aimed to explore the efficacy of an adjusted penis fixation in a semi-automatic collection system on reducing bacterial contamination of ejaculates in two-boar studs with different scenarios. Historically, stud A had low levels of bacterial load in raw semen, while stud B had a high level of contamination. A total of 56 mature boars had their semen collected using two methods of penis fixation: (a) Traditional: The penis was fixed directly with the artificial cervix and transferred to the adjustable clamp; (b) Adjusted: The fixation was performed with one gloved-hand, and after exteriorization, the penis was gripped using the artificial cervix with the other gloved-hand and transferred to the adjustable clamp. The bacterial load (p = .0045) and the occurrence of ejaculates >231 CFU/ml (p = .0101) were reduced in the Adjusted compared to the Traditional method. Bacterial load was reduced when using the Adjusted method in stud B (p = .0011), which showed a greater occurrence of critical factors for bacterial contamination (p ≤ .0034). The Adjusted method reduced the occurrence of ejaculates >231 CFU/ml when the preputial ostium was dirty (p = .016) and the duration of semen collection was >7 min (p = .022) compared to the Traditional method. In conclusion, the Adjusted penis fixation was efficient in reducing bacterial load of ejaculates, mainly in boar stud B, which had high contamination challenges.     

Sperm production and quality in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in relation to hormonal treatment

Aquaculture production relies on controlled management of gametogenesis, especially in species where assisted reproduction is needed for obtaining gametes in captivity. The present study used human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatments to induce and sustain spermatogenesis in European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The aim was to evaluate effects of strip-spawning timing (12 vs. 24 hr) after weekly administration of hCG and the necessity of a primer dose (in addition to weekly hormonal treatment) prior to strip spawning (primer vs. no-primer) on sperm quality parameters. Sperm parameters included milt production (weight), density and sperm kinematics at Week 9, 11 and 13 after onset of treatment. Spermiation commenced in 11.5% of males in Week 5 and by Week 9, and all males produced milt. Male weight, milt production, sperm density and spermatocrit did not differ among hormonal treatments during the experimental period. Overall, male weight decreased from 106.3 to 93.0 g, milt weight increased from 3.5 to 5.4 g, sperm density counts decreased from 11.7 × 10⁹ to 10.5 × 10⁹ cells/ml, and spermatocrit decreased from 46.5% to 40.5%. Furthermore, spermatocrit was positively related to haemocytometer counts (R² = .86, p < .001), providing a reliable indicator of sperm density. Differences in sperm kinematics were observed depending on strip-spawning timing after hormonal injection (12 vs. 24 hr) but with no consistent pattern. These sperm quality parameters also did not consistently differ between the no-primer and primer treatments. Considering that each male may be stripped 4–5 times over the 2–3 months spawning season, omitting the primer would reduce animal handling, material costs and labour intensity, while sustaining high-quality sperm production.     

6个桑树品种的耐盐性鉴定试验

种植耐盐性强的桑树品种是土壤盐渍化地区生态修复的技术途径之一.选择桂桑优12、桂桑优62、抗青283×抗青10、桂桑5号、桂桑6号、桑特优2号共6个桑树品种的实生苗供试,将供试桑苗种植于质量浓度分别为0 g/L(CK)、2 g/L、4 g/L、6 g/L的NaCl溶液中,在历时28 d的盐胁迫试验期,每隔7d测定和统计各处理组桑苗的枝高、叶片数量、最大叶长、最大叶宽、受害叶片数量和枯死植株数量等,初步评价供试桑品种实生苗对盐胁迫的耐受能力.结果表明:在不同浓度盐胁迫处理组桑苗生长均较好的桑树品种是桂桑优12和桑特优2号;桑苗受盐害指数和死亡率最低的桑树品种均是桂桑优12.试验结果提示,6个供试桑树品种中桂桑优12是耐盐性最强的品种.     

Production,chemical composition,and fatty acid profile of milk from buffaloes fed with cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) cake and murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) cake in the Eastern Amazon

The objective was to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation using by-products of the Amazonian industry on milk production, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of dairy buffaloes. Twelve lactating buffaloes (544.5 ± 35.6 kg, 6.4 ± 2.2 years old, 59 ± 6 days in milk) were allotted in a pasture of Mombaça grass and managed under rotational grazing (4 days occupancy/28 days rest). A 3 × 3 Latin square was adopted, and each animal alternately received three supplementary treatments based on corn bran + soybean meal or cupuaçu cake or murumuru cake for 21 days per treatment. Murumuru cake increased the levels of lauric acid and myristic acid in the milk (p < 0.05). Murumuru cake reduced the unsaturated fatty acid contents in the milk compared with animals fed control diet or cupuaçu cake (24.27% vs. 25.24% vs. 25.08%). The n-6/n-3 ratio was 2.6, 1.97, and 2.0 in the control, cupuaçu, and murumuru groups, respectively. Based on this parameter, cakes made from cupuaçu as well as murumuru could be considered to be adequate for inclusion in dairy water buffalo feed. However, the murumuru cake addition requires some caution because its use induces the secretion of higher levels of lauric and myristic fatty acids that are related to human cardiovascular disease.     

Free-range system and supplementation of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol increases the performance and serum vitamin levels in mixed-parity sows

Improvements in sow productivity have raised questions regarding dietary vitamin D recommendations. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the housing system with access to sunlight exposure and supplementation of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol on performance and serum levels of 25(OH)D₃ in sows during gestation and lactation. Sows were distributed in an experimental design with two housing systems: gestation crates or gestation free-range system with external area for sunlight exposure; and two diets: 0 or 50 μg of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol kg⁻¹. The use of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol tended (P = 0.052) to improve total born and influenced (P = 0.046) on number of born alive. Litter weight at birth was also increased (P = 0.01) by 25-hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation; 25-hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation and housing system (free-range with sunlight exposure) tended to increase weaning weight (P = 0.07) and litter daily gain (P = 0.051) during lactation. Exposure to sunlight and 25-hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation increased 25(OH)D₃ serum levels when compared with control treatment during gestation (136.95 vs. 113.92 ng mL⁻¹; P = 0.035) and lactation (120.29 vs. 88.93 ng mL⁻¹; P = 0.026). In conclusion, the association of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation with exposure to sunlight during gestation improved significantly 25(OH)D₃ serum levels and consequently performance traits in gestation and lactation.     

Hemodynamic effects of incremental doses of acepromazine in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of incremental doses of acepromazine on hemodynamics in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.Study designProspective, experimental study.AnimalsHealthy, adult, mixed-breed dogs (two male and four female) weighing 16.8 ± 5.1 kg (mean ± standard deviation).MethodsDogs were anesthetized with propofol (7 mg kg^–1) intravenously (IV) and isoflurane. Thermodilution and arterial catheters were placed for hemodynamic monitoring and arterial blood sampling for blood gas analysis. Baseline measurements were performed with stable expired concentration of isoflurane (Fe′Iso) at 1.8%. Each dog was then administered four incremental acepromazine injections (10, 15, 25 and 50 μg kg^–1) IV, and measurements were repeated 20 minutes after each acepromazine injection with Fe′Iso decreased to 1.2%. The four acepromazine injections resulted in cumulative doses of 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg kg^–1 (time points ACP₁₀, ACP₂₅, ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀, respectively).ResultsCompared with baseline, cardiac index (CI) increased significantly by 34%, whereas systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased by 25% at ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀. Arterial oxygen content (CaO₂) was significantly lower than baseline after all acepromazine injections (maximum decreases of 11%) and was lower at ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀ than at ACP₁₀. No significant change was found in heart rate, stroke index, oxygen delivery index and systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures. Hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg) was observed in one dog at baseline, ACP₁₀, ACP₂₅ and ACP₁₀₀, and in two dogs at ACP₅₀.Conclusions and clinical relevanceCompared with isoflurane alone, anesthesia with acepromazine–isoflurane resulted in increased CI and decreased SVRI and CaO₂ values. These effects were dose-related, being more pronounced at ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀. Under the conditions of this study, acepromazine administration did not change blood pressure.     

Questionnaire on the process of recovering horses from general anesthesia and associated personnel injury in equine practice

ObjectiveTo collect data about the current practice of recovering horses from general anesthesia and recovery personnel safety.Study designOnline survey.MethodsAn online questionnaire, including questions on general demographic data, recovery drugs, modality and characteristics of equine recovery and morbidity and mortality, was designed and distributed via e-mail to equine practitioners worldwide.ResultsPractitioners from 22 countries completed 373 questionnaires; 53% of the participants were board-certified equine surgeons, and the remainder were board-certified anesthesiologists (18%), large animal residents (8%), general practitioners (7%), large animal interns (6%), anesthesia residents (4.5%) and veterinary technicians (1.6%). Respondents were employed by academia (58%) or private practice (42%). Of the respondents employed at a university, 93% had a board-certified anesthesiologist on staff compared with 7% of respondents employed at a private practice. Most of the respondents assist horses during recovery, with 23% assisting every recovery and 44% assisting recovery in the majority of cases. Reasons for choosing to assist horses during recovery were: orthopedic procedures (57%), neurological deficits (49%), bad health (47%), history of poor recovery (44%), foals (42%), draft breeds (30%), magnetic resonance imaging (17%) and computed tomography (16%). Unacceptable recoveries were reported by 77% of participants. Commonly reported complications during recovery with any method were: orthopedic injury (66%), myopathy (54%), skin abrasion (53%) and airway obstruction (37%). The incidences of unacceptable quality of recovery (p = 0.09) or personnel injury (p = 0.56) were not different between assisted and nonassisted recoveries; however, more equine fatalities were reported for assisted recoveries (p < 0.006). Practitioners in academia reported more unacceptable recoveries (p < 0.0007) and personnel injuries (p < 0.002) compared with those in private practice.ConclusionsThe method of recovery differs among hospitals. Recovery personnel injuries associated with assisting horses during recovery are an important and previously unreported finding.     

Socio-spatial organization reveals paternity and low kinship in the Honduran white bat (Ectophylla alba) in Costa Rica

Ectophylla alba is a tent-making bat that roosts in mixed-sex clusters comprising adults and offspring. Our goal was to determine the genetic identity of individuals belonging to different roosting groups. We tested the hypothesis of kin selection as a major force structuring group composition. We used 9 microsatellites designed for E. alba to determine the genetic identity and probability of parentage of individuals. We analyzed parentage and kinship using the software ML-Relate, GenAIEx, and Cervus. The obtained relationship probabilities (0.5) revealed a clear maternal relationship between female adults and offspring with allele compatibility, and at least 5 relationships between male adults and pups. We found a low degree of relatedness within roosting groups. Between roosting groups at different sites, the mean probability of a half-sibling relationship ranged from 0.214 to 0.244 and, for full-sibling relationship, from 0.383 to 0.553. Genetically, adult individuals were poorly related within clusters, and kinship as an evolutionary force could not explain group membership.