Exogenous leptin advances puberty in domestic hen

The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of recombinant chicken leptin administered to fed ad libitum and feed-restricted immature chickens of a layer strain on ovarian development and the timing of sexual maturity. In the first experiment 11-week-old pullets (77 days of age) fed ad libitum were injected daily with leptin at four dose levels (4, 16, 64 and 256 microg/kg body weight) until sexual maturity (lay of the first egg). Leptin treatment at the highest dose significantly (P<0.05) advanced the onset of puberty (day 116.3+/-1.0) in comparison to controls (day 121.3+/-1.2). The rises of luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone in blood plasma were also advanced by leptin treatment. In the second experiment, both full-fed and feed-restricted pullets (79 days of age) were injected daily with leptin (256 microg/kg body weight). In birds fed ad libitum, exogenous leptin again significantly (P<0.05) advanced first ovipostion (day 118.4+/-1.4 versus day 124.4+/-1.7), while abolishing the significant (P<0.05) delay caused by feed restriction (day 131.5+/-1.6) and restoring the normal onset of sexual maturity (day 125.7+/-1.6). Analysis of the ovaries in 106-day-old pullets revealed that leptin injections advanced follicular development, particularly in birds fed ad libitum, and significantly (P<0.01) reduced follicular apoptosis both in full-fed and feed-restricted birds. In conclusion, we have shown that in female chickens exogenous leptin advances the onset of puberty by attenuation of ovarian apoptosis and enhancement of folliculogenesis.     

Effect of the β‐carotene oxygenase 2 genotype on the content of carotenoids,retinol and α‐tocopherol in the liver,fat and milk of rabbit does,reproduction parameters and kitten growth

Mutations in the β‐carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) gene can impair the function of the enzyme that breaks down carotenoids. As a result, gradual accumulation of unoxidized carotenoids in animal tissues gives them a yellow colour. The aim of the study was to determine the content of carotenoids, retinol and α‐tocopherol in the liver, fat and milk of rabbit does with three different genotypes determined by AAT‐deletion mutation at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene and to find out whether differences in the concentrations of the above compounds in the tissues and milk of the does affect reproduction parameters and the rearing rate of kittens. The experimental materials comprised 36 does, 12 of each genotype of the BCO2 gene, with their litters. Females with their litters were placed in individual cages, on deep litter. Between days 7 and 13 of lactation, samples of milk were collected from the does. The kittens stayed with their mothers until 35 days of age. After weaning, the does were sacrificed. Tissue samples of liver and perirenal fat were collected for chemical analyses. Additionally, based on samples taken from one female, RNA expression levels were determined from the mammary gland and liver, adipose tissue and skin. It was found that homozygous does with deletion at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene were characterized by considerably higher concentrations of xanthophylls and beta‐carotene in the liver, adipose tissue and milk than does with the remaining genotypes. However, the differences in the content of the above compounds in milk had no influence on litter weight or the number and rearing rate of kittens. Additionally, RNA expression of the BCO2 gene was found in the mammary tissue of lactating doe and its level was similar to those noted in the liver and adipose tissue.     

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol and thiamphenicol in ducks

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF) and thiamphenicol (TP) after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration was investigated in Mulard ducks. Both antibiotics were administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight, and their concentrations in plasma samples were assayed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a noncompartmental method. After IV administration, significant differences were found for the mean residence time (2.25 ± 0.21 hr vs. 2.83 ± 0.50 hr for FF and TP, respectively) and the general half‐life (1.56 ± 0.15 hr vs. 1.96 ± 0.35 hr for FF and TP, respectively) indicating slightly slower elimination of TP as compared to FF. The clearance, however, was comparable (0.30 ± 0.07 L/hr/kg for FF and 0.26 ± 0.04 L/hr/kg for TP). The mean volume of distribution was below 0.7 L/kg for both drugs. Pharmacokinetics after PO administration was very similar for FF and TP suggesting minor clinical importance of the differences found in the IV study. Both antimicrobials showed rapid absorption and bioavailability of more than 70% indicating that PO route should be an efficient method of FF and TP administration to ducks under field conditions.     

Pharmacokinetics of levosulpiride after single‐dose administration in goats (Capra hircus) by different routes of administration

Levosulpiride (LSP) is the l‐enantiomer of sulpiride, and LSP recently replacing sulpiride in several EU countries. Several studies about LSP in humans are present in the literature, but neither pharmacodynamic nor pharmacokinetic data of LSP is present for veterinary species. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of LSP after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and oral (PO) administration in goats. Animals (n = 6) were treated with 50 mg LSP by IV, IM, and PO routes according to a randomized cross‐over design (3 × 3 Latin‐square). Blood samples were collected prior and up to 24 hr after LSP administration and quantified using a validated HPLC method with fluorescence detection. IV and IM administration gave similar concentration versus time curve profiles. The IM mean bioavailability was 66.97%. After PO administration, the drug plasma concentrations were detectable only in the time range 1.5–4 hr, and the bioavailability (4.73%) was low. When the AUC was related to the administered dose in mg/kg, there was a good correlation in the IV and IM groups, but very low correlation for the PO route. In conclusion, the IM and IV administrations result in very similar plasma concentrations. Oral dosing of LSP in goats is probably not viable as its oral bioavailability was very low.     

Determination and toxicity of saponins from Amaranthus cruentus seeds.

The concentrations of four triterpene saponins present in amaranth seeds were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. It was shown that the total concentration of saponins in seeds was 0. 09-0.1% of dry matter. In germinating seeds an increase in concentration to 0.18% was observed after 4 days of germination, which remained stable for the next 3 days and later dropped to 0.09%. Highly purified extracts from the seeds were tested for their toxicity against hamsters. The hydrophobic fraction obtained by the extraction of seeds with methylene chloride showed no toxicity; the behavior of tested animals was similar to that of the group given an equivalent dose of rapeseed oil. A crude saponin fraction, containing approximately 70% of pure saponins in the matrix, showed some toxicity; the approximate lethal dose was calculated as 1100 mg/kg of body weight. It is concluded that low contents of saponins in amaranth seeds and their relatively low toxicity guarantee that amaranth-derived products create no significant hazard for the consumer.     

Yersinia ruckeri—A threat not only to rainbow trout

Yersinia ruckeri (Y. ruckeri) can cause mortalities that are contributing to substantial economic losses in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture sector. Because of its most characteristic clinical signs, the disease in rainbow trout caused by this pathogen is called enteric redmouth disease. Although it is considered to affect mainly salmonids, there are reports in the available literature of isolating this bacterium from other fish species, both clinically healthy and diseased. The aim of this study was to analyse the available data concerning yersiniosis in non‐salmonid fish. The analysed data indicate that Y. ruckeri is a threat not only to rainbow trout. Some of the affected species have high commercial importance and mortalities may contribute to high economic losses. The disease symptoms may not be specific and can be different from those characteristic for enteric redmouth in trout, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Collected information indicates that infection with Y. ruckeri should be taken into account in the diagnostic procedures not only in salmonids.     

Effects of genotype and environment on seed quality traits variability in interspecific cross-derived <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis> lines

Genotype (G), environment [i.e. year (Y) and location (L)] and their interaction (GYL) play an important role in the final expression of quality attributes. A multi-environment trial in selected interspecific cross-derived Brassica lines was conducted to evaluate the magnitude of G, Y, L and GYL effects on seed quality traits of Brassica genotypes under three locations in Poland, during the 2011–2013 cropping season. The oil, protein, fiber (Acid Detergent Fiber and Neutral Detergent Fiber) as well as glucosinolate contents was determined by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and significant differences were observed between tested Brassica genotypes and across harvesting years and growing locations. Generally, all tested hybrid lines displayed wider genetic variability for studied quality traits than control genotypes. Analysis of variance indicated that the main effects of genotypes, years and locations as well as all interactions were significant for all traits of study (except year?×?location interaction for glucosinolates). However, location had the most significant effect on oil, protein and fiber content while genotype had significant impact on glucosinolates content in Brassica seeds. Moreover, the individual lines having combination of desirable traits were also identified from F₅ to F₇ generations of tested hybrids.     

Urban soil resources of medium-sized cities in Poland: a comparative case study of Toruń and Zielona Góra

Purpose

Despite the many studies of urban soils, a comparative analysis for cities of a similar size has not yet been conducted. Thus, the aim of this review paper was to compare the soil distribution patterns in the area of two medium-sized Polish cities (Toruń and Zielona Góra). The authors attempted to answer the question of how natural and technogenic factors contributed to the transformation of urban soils and what the similarities and differences are between these two studied cities.

Materials and methods

First, both the natural and the human-related (including historical) factors influencing the soil formation in the studied cities were analysed. Then, a comparison of the degree of transformation of the urban soil environment was presented. The data obtained by the authors during nearly two decades of research (over 200 soil profiles) were used.

Results and discussion

Intensive development of the built-up areas in Toruń brought heavy and long-term transformations of soils, which demonstrate the typical properties of Urbic Technosols, Ekranic Technosols and other technogenic soils. Zielona Góra showed a similar state of soil transformation over a considerably smaller area. Currently, the differences in the soil properties in many built up areas have been blurred, despite the habitat and historical base. The similarities of the soil properties concerned, in particular, a high content of skeletal remains (from a few to over 30%), elevated pH (in KCl) values (even above 8.0) and the artificial soil horizons formation. Both cities struggle with similar problems regarding the changes in the land use within the areas covered by these soils.

Conclusions

It was found that, despite the significant habitat and historical differences between the two studied cities, most of the urban soils, especially Urbic Technosols, Ekranic Technosols and Regosols (Relocatic and Technic), are characterised by similar morphology and properties. The most important differences are the time and scale of the area transformation, which influence the extent of Technosols and Anthrosols within the city borders. The most distinct differences concern the natural and slightly transformed soils, which are the results of various soil-forming factors.

     

Ultrasound evaluation of the gonadal structure in sex-reversed rainbow trout females

Ultrasound approach has been used to assess morphology of the gonadal structure in the sex-reversed rainbow trout females (neomales) provided in the course of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione treatment applied within gonadal differentiation period. Eighteen matured individuals (in range 38.0–48.6 cm of body length and 802–1644 g of body weight) were scanned using digital ultrasound apparatus (DP-6900 model) Mindray Ltd., during the spawning season. After screening, fishes were killed to validate the morphological configuration and position of the gonads in the body cavity. The favorable place for cross-sectional imaging of gonadal lobes was half of the distance between the pectoral and pelvic fins below lateral line of neomales. Most of the examined specimens (61 %) had properly shaped, paired testis. Moreover, presence of individuals with asymmetrical gonads (33 %) and one bisexual fish was confirmed. There were no differences between total volume of sampled semen and sperm motility, but statistically significantly different in sperm concentration within selected (with symmetrical and asymmetrical testis) groups of neomales. It was confirmed that ultrasonic imaging is an efficient and accurate method to determine the state of gonads of mature sex-reversed rainbow trout females during spawning season and offers the opportunity for non-invasive detection of any morphological anomalies in their gonads.