Screening for reproductive biomarkers in Bactrian camel via iTRAQ analysis of proteomes

Bactrian camel is an ancient and precious species of livestock; that is, unique resources exist in the desert and have important economic and scientific value. In recent years, the number of Bactrian camels has declined sharply. Due to its long reproductive cycle and seasonal oestrus, the mechanism of oestrus is unknown. To identify candidate biomarkers of reproduction, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis of serum from Bactrian camel in oestrus and non-oestrus, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We identified 359 proteins, of which 32 were differentially expressed: 11 were up-regulated and 21 were down-regulated in samples from camels in oestrus. We validated the differential expression of a subset of these proteins using qPCR and Western blot. Gene ontology annotation identified that the differentially expressed proteins function in cellular processes, metabolic processes and immune system processes. Notably, five of the differentially expressed proteins, PCGF5, histone H1.2, RBP4, FOLR1 and ANTXR2, are involved in reproductive regulatory processes in other animals. KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated significant enrichment in several cardiac-related pathways, such as ‘dilated cardiomyopathy’, ‘hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’, ‘cardiac muscle contraction’ and ‘adrenergic signalling in cardiomyopathy’. Our results suggest that candidate biomarker (PCGF5, histone H1.2, RBP4, FOLR1 and ANTXR2) discovery can aid in understanding reproduction in Bactrian camels. We conclude that the profiling of serum proteomes, followed by the measurement of selected proteins using more targeted methods, offers a promising approach for studying mechanisms of oestrus.     

Serum amyloid A (SAA) mRNA expression in chicken and quails in response to bacterial stress

Monitoring of acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A at gene expression level may provide quick information about immune status of the host and its susceptibility towards common infections. Present study was carried out to evaluate and compare the mRNA expression of SAA gene in Rhode Island Red chicken (RIR) and Japanese quails using real time PCR analysis in response to inactivated Salmonella gallinarum culture. The results showed that expression of SAA gene was approximately 17–33 folds higher in case of birds administered with bacterial culture when compared to un-inoculated controls and expression was higher and quicker in case of quails than RIR chicken. The SAA genes from chicken and quail were cloned and upon sequence analysis it was observed that deduced amino acid sequence of SAA from chicken and quails were having approximately seven percent variation which might have significance in function of this protein in these species.     

Early resynchronization protocols for goats: Progestogens can be used prior to an early pregnancy diagnosis without affecting corpus luteum functionality

This study aimed to evaluate the exogenous progesterone (P4) effect on the luteal function from Day 16 to Day 21 of the oestrous cycle in inseminated goats with unknown pregnancy status. A total of 54 does passed through a short progestin-based synchronization protocol and, on Day 16 of the following oestrous cycle, 27 does received a new P4 device which was retained until Day 21. Blood samples were collected daily from all does during this period, as well as on Day 24. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on Day 30. Serum P4 values from 26 animals (G_NPSP: Group of non-pregnant does with second sponge: n = 8; G_NPNSP: Group of non-pregnant does without second sponge: n = 6; G_PSP: Group of pregnant does with second sponge: n = 5; G_PNSP: Group of pregnant does without second sponge: n = 7) were determined by radioimmunoassay commercial kits. No P4 differences were found between groups (G_NPSP: 3.1 ± 2.8; 1.7 ± 1.8; 0.4 ± 1.0; and 0.0 ± 0.0 vs. G_NPNSP: 4.4 ± 1.8; 3.0 ± 2.2; 0.8 ± 0.8; and 0.0 ± 0.0 or G_PSP: 4.2 ± 1.0; 3.4 ± 0.6; 3.3 ± 1.6; 3.2 ± 0.9; 3.6 ± 1.2; 3.5 ± 1.3; 2.7 ± 1.3 vs. G_PNSP: 4.4 ± 1.6; 3.6 ± 1.5; 3.7 ± 1.5; 3.8 ± 1.4; 3.2 ± 1.2; 3.1 ± 1.2; 3.6 ± 1.1; D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D24, respectively) or for the interaction of group and time. In conclusion, a second progestogen device had no effect on luteolysis or early pregnancy in the following oestrous cycle.     

固态发酵醋糟饲料对育肥猪生长性能、养分表观消化率、血清指标及粪便中挥发性脂肪酸含量的影响

本试验旨在研究固态发酵醋糟饲料(SFVD)对育肥猪生长性能、养分表观消化率、血清指标及粪便中挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)含量的影响。选择体况相近[(59.04±0.33)kg]的健康“杜×长×大”三元杂交生长育肥猪60头,随机分为2个组,每组3个重复,每个重复10头猪。对照组饲喂基础饲粮+150 mg/kg土霉素钙,试验组饲喂基础饲粮+5%的SFVD。预试期6 d,正试期35 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,基础饲粮中添加5%的SFVD对育肥猪平均日采食量(ADFI)具有一定的促进趋势(P=0.056);显著降低了育肥猪饲粮中干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、有机物(OM)和总能(GE)的表观消化率(P<0.05),对粗脂肪(EE)表观消化率有一定的促进趋势(P=0.052);显著提高了育肥猪血清谷草转氨酶(AST)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P<0.05),血清高密度脂蛋白(HDL)和免疫球蛋白A(IgA)含量也呈现出一定的升高趋势(P=0.055和P=0.077);显著提高了育肥猪粪便中丙酸含量(P<0.05),粪便中甲酸和总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)含量也呈现出一定的升高趋势(P=0.071和P=0.054)。由此可见,基础饲粮中添加5%的SFVD对育肥猪生长性能、肠道健康及免疫性能的提高具有潜在的促进作用。     

Puerarin improved growth performance and postmortem meat quality by regulating lipid metabolism of cattle under hot environment

This study aims to evaluate the effect of puerarin on performance, meat quality, and serum indexes of beef cattle under hot environment. Thirty-two bulls were divided into four groups and fed diet supplemented with puerarin at 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg. Results showed that heat stress was employed for 54 out of 60 days, 400 mg/kg group declined serum cortisol (COR) contents, all treatments increased the contents of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total superoxide dismutase activity; in addition, glutathione peroxidase activity of 200 mg/kg group were enhanced, only 800 mg/kg group enhanced immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents compared with the control (p < .05). Moreover, 400-mg/kg puerarin increased serum growth hormone levels compared with 200 mg/kg group but declined COR concentrations compared with 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups (p < .05). More importantly, average daily gain and daily matter intake, and intramuscular fat contents of 400 mg/kg group were enhanced, but the shear force of beef in 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg groups were declined compared with the control (p < .05). These findings indicated that supplemental with puerarin enhanced immune and antioxidant, and 400 mg/kg of puerarin improved performance and meat quality by normalizing levels of stress hormones and increasing intramuscular fat deposition of beef cattle under hot environment.     

Effect of dietary Moringa stem meal level on growth performance,slaughter performance and serum biochemical parameters in geese

Moringa stem meal (MSM) with a high level of crude fibre (CF) might be developed and utilized in herbivorous geese as an unconventional feedstuff. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the MSM level in the diet on the growth performance, slaughter performance, breast meat quality and serum biochemical parameters in geese from 22 to 70 days of age. A one-factor completely randomized design was adopted in our study. A total of one thousand eight 21-day-old geese were randomly divided into six groups, with six replicates per group and 28 birds per replicate. The geese were fed diets containing MSM levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 g/kg during day 22–70. The dietary MSM level had no effect (p > .05) on the final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). The feed/gain ratio (F/G) increased linearly (p < .001) as the dietary MSM level increased. No differences (p > .05) were observed in the slaughter performance, meat quality and the relative organ weight (except for thymus) of the geese (p > .05). The relative weight of the thymus in the geese fed diets with supplementation of MSM was higher than that in the non-supplemented MSM control group (p < .05). In addition, 100 g MSM/kg of diet decreased the serum glucose (GLU) level (p < .05) and increased the alanine transaminase (ALT) enzyme activity (p = .03). Dietary MSM levels of no more than 60 g/kg had no effects on the growth performance and slaughter performance, whereas diets with 100 g MSM/kg increased the F/G and serum ALT enzyme activity, as well as decreasing the serum GLU level. Therefore, MSM provided at a reasonable level could be developed as an unconventional feedstuff for geese at the finisher period.     

饲料脂质对养殖鱼类品质的影响

目前,高脂饲料在鱼类养殖中的应用已越来越广泛。然而,目前全球每年鱼油产量虽然基本恒定,但水产饲料中鱼油的需求量却在持续上升,到2010年,鱼油的使用量将超出产量的70%。鱼油的有限供给和过量消耗,以及其中可能积蓄的二噁英和多氯联苯,使鱼类养殖业迫切需要采用其他脂肪源来代替饲料中的鱼油。然而,高脂饲料或用其他脂肪源替代饲料中的鱼油不仅影响养殖鱼     

Effect of Dietary Lactobacillus fermentum from Pig on Growth Performance,Nutrient Apparent Digestibility,Faecal Microflora Number and Serum Immune Indices in Weaned Piglets

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, faecal microflora number and serum immune indices of weaned piglets.A total of 160 weaned piglets with an average age of (30±2) days and averge body weight of (7.85±0.68) kg were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 4 replicates per group and 10 piglets per replicate feeding basal diet, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% Lactobacillus fermentum supplementation diets, respectively.The experiment lasted for 35 d.The results showed that, compared with the control group, the average daily gain, the feed conversion ratio, the apparent digestibility of crude protein, calcium and total phosphorusin of Lactobacillus fermentum groups were all increased in varying degrees.The optimum supplemental level of Lactobacillus fermentum should be 0.2%, and at this level, the average daily gain was significantly increased by 8.70% (P<0.05), the F/G was decreased by 4.62% (P<0.05), the apparent digestibility of crude protein, calcium and total phosphorus were significantly increased (P<0.05), the number of faecal E.coli was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the serum IgG was significantly increased by 8.39% (P<0.05).The results indicated that Lactobacillus fermentum supplementation could improve the immune function, growth performance, the apparent digestibility of crude protein, calcium and total phosphorus and reduce the number of faecal E.coli of weaned piglets.     

两种血清抗性检测方法的比较分析

采用流式细胞术法对大肠杆菌的血清抗性进行检测,并与传统涂板法相比较,探讨流式细胞术在血清抗性检测方法中的应用。结果表明,两者呈正相关关系(P=0.0340.05),流式细胞术法可以代替涂板法对大肠杆菌的血清抗性进行检测。该方法可以减少由于涂板不均匀、人工计数等造成的误差,且易操作、计算少、耗时少,数据更准确。     

鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶对肥胖模型大鼠体重、脂肪沉积及脂质代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶对肥胖大鼠体重、脂肪沉积及脂质代谢影响。随机选取雄性大鼠108只,体重220~240 g,适应性饲养3 d。分为对照组(Ⅰ组)、高脂组(Ⅱ组)和高脂模型组;高脂模型组造模成功后,将其按体重随机分为7组,每组3个重复,每个重复4只;各组在基础饲粮中分别添加0(Ⅲ组)、0.01%(Ⅳ组)、0.05%(Ⅴ组)、0.1%(Ⅵ组)、0.2%(Ⅶ组)、0.4%(Ⅷ组)、0.8%(Ⅸ组)的果胶酶。试验期8周。结果表明:1)鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶能够有效抑制肥胖模型大鼠体重的增长,降低Lee’s指数,控制体型发育。2)鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶能够降低肥胖模型大鼠机体脂肪沉积量。3)鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶能够有效地对肥胖模型大鼠由于摄入高脂饲粮引起的脂肪肝进行干预,使其恢复到正常水平。4)鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶能够降低肥胖模型大鼠血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、游离脂肪酸含量,提高血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量。5)鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶能够降低肥胖模型大鼠谷丙转氨酶和谷草转氨酶活性,提高血清脂蛋白酯酶和肝酯酶活性。由此可见,鹅源草酸青霉产果胶酶对肥胖模型大鼠脂肪沉积和脂质代谢具有显著干预修复作用,降脂效果明显。