Effect of immunization against melatonin on prolactin concentrations and the timing of reproductive transitions in ewes

The objective of this experiment was to develop a procedure for immunizing ewes against melatonin that would alter the effects of changing photoperiod on seasonal reproduction and prolactin secretion. Ewes were immunized against human serum albumin (HSA) as controls (n = 9) or a melatonin-human serum albumin conjugate (0.25 mg; n = 10) on December 14th (Day 0) and boosted 9 times. They were maintained on natural photoperiod and then transferred indoors and exposed to long days for 35 d, followed by short days for 146 d, long days for 93 d, and short days for a further 123 d. Antibody titers to melatonin (at a serum dilution of 1:1,250) were significantly higher in immunized ewes (27.3 ± 6.6%) than controls (0.7 ± 0.1%; P < 0.001). At the end of the experiment, antibody titers in immunized ewes (at dilution of 1:50) were higher in blood (43.7 ± 8.2%) than in cerebrospinal fluid (10.8 ± 3.9%; P < 0.05), and highly correlated (r² = 0.746). Onset of the breeding season was advanced slightly after the second transfer from long to short days in immunized ewes (April 12 ± 3 d) compared with controls (April 25 ± 3 d; P < 0.05). Mean serum prolactin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in melatonin-immunized ewes compared with controls on natural photoperiod, after transfer from long to short days, during long days, and after the second transfer from long to short days. In conclusion, despite melatonin-immunization increasing antibody titers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and decreasing prolactin concentrations over much of the experiment, minimal effects on the timing of reproductive transitions in the ewes were evident. This discrepancy between the response of the prolactin and reproductive axes to melatonin immunization supports the hypothesis of a dual site of action of melatonin, with melatonin acting in the pituitary gland to mediate the effects of photoperiod on prolactin secretion and in the mediobasal hypothalamus to affect reproductive responses.     

Lambing date and lamb production of spring-mated Rambouillet, Dorset and Finnsheep ewes and their F1 crosses

The reproductive performance of 255 Rambouillet (R), Dorset (D), Finnsheep (F) and F1 ewes born in 1978-1979 (group I) and 1979-1980 (group II) and managed in a semiconfinement fall/winter lambing system was evaluated through 4 yr of age of all ewes and through 5 yr for a portion of group I ewes. Ewes were with rams from approximately May 1 to late September each year, with a 2-wk break late in July/early August. Traits considered were fertility (ewes lambed/ewes exposed), lambing date, litter size, lamb survivial and 70-d lamb weights. Breeds and crossbred groups differed significantly in lambing date, with DR crossbred ewes earliest and F ewes latest. Repeatabilities for groups I and II were .31 and .22, .24 and .24 and .11 and .07 for lambing date, fertility and litter size, respectively. There was no significant heterosis in lambing date, although DR ewes in both groups I and II were superior to (D + R)/2, by about 1 wk on average. There was significant positive heterosis for fertility and traits of which fertility is a component in FR ewes in group I, but none in group II. The FD ewes showed negative heterosis for litter size, -.23 (P less than .05) for group I and -.09 for group II. The results indicate: F and FD ewes are not well adapted to the Mediterranean climate where this experiment was conducted; there is little, if any, useful heterosis in crosses among these three breeds for lambing date or other reproduction traits and RD and R ewes are most suitable of the groups tested, while late onset of the breeding season limits the usefulness of even 50% Finnsheep ewes for an autumn lambing system in this environment.     

Effect of reproductive methods and GnRH administration on long-term protocol in Santa Ines ewes

This study aimed to determine whether reproductive performance of ewes submitted to laparoscopic timed artificial insemination (TAI) would be similar to ante meridiem (AM)/post meridiem (PM) rule and assisted natural mating (NM), and whether GnRH may enhance the pregnancy rate in TAI. In experiment I, 191 non-lactating ewes were synchronized, then TAI was performed either 48 h after progesterone (P4) removal (TAI-48 h) or 12 h after estrus detection (AM/PM); moreover, some ewes were submitted to NM (NM) as control treatment. In experiment II, 247 non-lactating ewes were allocated in five treatments, a control (no-GnRH on protocol) and four treatments arranged in a factorial design 2 × 2. The factors were time and dose of GnRH: ewes that received either 10 μg (TAI-10 μg-36 h) or 25 μg of GnRH (TAI-25 μg-36 h) 36 h after P4 removal and ewes that received either 10 μg (TAI-10 μg-48 h) or 25 μg of GnRH (TAI-25 μg-48 h) at time of insemination, 48 h after P4 removal. In experiment I, pregnancy rate in TAI-48 h was lower (P = 0.03) than AM/PM and NM. Moreover, the probability of pregnancy in TAI-48 h was higher (P = 0.06) in ewes detected in estrus early. In experiment II, the use of GnRH in TAI protocols increased (P < 0.01) pregnancy rate at synchronization, and TAI-25 μ-48 h and TAI-10 μg-36 h treatments increased (P = 0.02) pregnancy rate compered to TAI-10 μg-48 h. We conclude that TAI decreased pregnancy rate compered to NM and AM/PM, which may be improved by GnRH use in TAI to synchronize ovulation.

     

补饲矿物元素和维生素对多浪羊母羊繁殖性能影响的研究

2009年3月至10月,在新疆喀什地区麦盖提县多浪羊繁育基地,研究补饲矿物元素和维生素对多浪羊母羊繁殖性能的影响.将试验羊按年龄和体重配对分成3组:对照组(自然发情组),不做任何处理;试验Ⅰ组,在催情补饲阶段,每天每只羊补饲铜50 mg、碘50 mg、锌600 mg、硒2 mg,妊娠阶段每天每只羊补饲铜20 mg、碘2.5 mg、锌100 mg、硒0.5 mg;试验Ⅱ组,在催情补饲阶段,每天每只羊补饲维生素A 50万u、维生素E 800u,妊娠阶段每天每只羊补饲维生素A 5万u、维生素E 500 u.结果表明:①气温升高会降低多浪羊的发情率和受胎率;②补饲VA和VE或矿物元素铜、锌、硒、碘会提高多浪羊的产双羔率,特别是补饲VA和VE对提高双羔率效果明显.     

Effects of trichostrongyle larval challenge on the reproductive performance of immune ewes

Ostertagia circumcincta larvae were administered to adult immune ewes either during the breeding period or around parturition to investigate whether reproductive performance was affected. Two groups of 25 ewes were given water or 12,000 ostertagia larvae three times weekly for five weeks before and five weeks after breeding to synchronised oestrus. Plasma pepsinogen levels were raised in the larval-challenged ewes during the treatment period but no significant effect of treatment was observed on ovulation rate or plasma progesterone concentration. Neither ewe live-weight nor body condition score differed between groups throughout gestation or for four weeks post partum and there was no effect from larval challenge during the breeding period on lambing rate, lamb birthweight or liveweight at four weeks old. A second experiment involved 20 twin-bearing immune ewes which were administered 17,000 ostertagia larvae three times weekly for three weeks before and three weeks after parturition. Plasma pepsinogen concentration was elevated during the larval challenge period and nematode eggs were detected in the faeces after parturition but there was no effect from treatment either on ewe liveweight and body condition score or on lamb birthweight and lamb liveweight at four weeks old. These results indicate that larval challenge with ostertagia larvae at dose rates comparable to larval intake from heavily contaminated pasture did not affect the general well being and reproductive performance of immune Greyface ewes.     

Effects of melatonin implantation on cashmere yield,fibre characteristics,duration of cashmere growth as well as growth and reproductive performance of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats

Background

Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth. However, induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth, resulting in earlier shedding followed by another cycle of cashmere growth. To address this issue, we examine the effects on the cashmere yield, fibre characteristics, and the growth and reproductive performance of cashmere goats of planned administration of melatonin.

Methods

Eighteen half-sib, female goats were assigned to two treatments (n = 9) including a control and a treatment where melatonin (2 mg/kg BW) was implanted at the end of April and end of June. Cashmere growth and shedding were observed for approximately 1 year following implantation. Fibre samples were collected monthly to determine cumulative cashmere length. Initiation and cessation dates for cashmere growth as well as the rate of cashmere growth were calculated. Cashmere yield, weight gain of dam, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were also recorded.

Results

Melatonin implantation increased cashmere yield by 34.5 % (control 553.7 g vs. melatonin 745.0 g; P < 0.01), cashmere length by 21.3 % (control 95.2 mm vs. melatonin 115.4 mm; P < 0.01), and decreased fibre diameter by 4.4 % (control 14.6 μm vs. melatonin 14.0 μm; P < 0.03). In melatonin-treated goats, the average initiation date was earlier than in control goats (May 18, 2013 vs. July 2, 2013; P < 0.01) but there was a similar cessation date (March 22, 2014 vs. March 27, 2014). Consequently, the duration of cashmere growth was longer in melatonin-treated goats than in control goats (307 vs.270 days; P < 0.01). The final BW, average daily gain, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were not influenced by melatonin implantation.

Conclusions

These data indicate that melatonin implantation (2 mg/kg BW) on two occasions (late April and June) increased cashmere yield by combining the induced growth of cashmere fleece with the typical growth and decreased the fibre diameter without changing dam growth rate or reproductive performance.     

Effects of melatonin implantation on cashmere yield,fibre characteristics,duration of cashmere growth as well as growth and reproductive performance of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats

Background:Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth.However,induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth,resulting in earlier shedding followed by another cycle of cashmere growth.To address this issue,we examine the effects on the cashmere yield,fibre characteristics,and the growth and reproductive performance of cashmere goats of planned administration of melatonin.Methods:Eighteen half-sib,female goats were assigned to two treatments(n = 9) including a control and a treatment where melatonin(2 mg/kg BW) was implanted at the end of April and end of June.Cashmere growth and shedding were observed for approximately 1 year following implantation.Fibre samples were collected monthly to determine cumulative cashmere length.Initiation and cessation dates for cashmere growth as well as the rate of cashmere growth were calculated.Cashmere yield,weight gain of dam,kidding date,litter size,and birth weight were also recorded.Results:Melatonin implantation increased cashmere yield by 34.5%(control 553.7 g vs.melatonin 745.0 g;P 0.01),cashmere length by 21.3%(control 95.2 mm vs.melatonin 115.4 mm;P 0.01),and decreased fibre diameter by 4.4%(control 14.6 μm vs.melatonin 14.0 μm;P 0.03).In melatonin-treated goats,the average initiation date was earlier than in control goats(May 18,2013 vs.July 2,2013;P 0.01) but there was a similar cessation date(March 22,2014 vs.March 27,2014).Consequently,the duration of cashmere growth was longer in melatonin-treated goats than in control goats(307 vs.270 days;P 0.01).The final BW,average daily gain,kidding date,litter size,and birth weight were not influenced by melatonin implantation.Conclusions:These data indicate that melatonin implantation(2 mg/kg BW) on two occasions(late April and June)increased cashmere yield by combining the induced growth of cashmere fleece with the typical growth and decreased the fibre diameter without changing dam growth rate or reproductive performance.     

棉茬地放牧对母羊繁殖性能及血液性状的影响

利用能繁母羊在棉茬地进行冬季放牧,探讨了棉茬地放牧对母羊繁殖性能及血液生化指标的影响。结果表明,棉茬地地上生物量为6 178.6 kg·hm-2,其中棉叶、棉桃壳等可采食部位约占65%。母羊的日均干物质采食量为1.98kg·只-1。与该区域舍饲母羊群相比,棉茬地放牧母羊后羔羊初生重偏低而死亡率高达12.87%,繁殖成活率降低(P0.05);随着放牧时间的推移,母羊血液游离棉酚浓度呈上升趋势,放牧结束时血液游离棉酚浓度达到131.70mg·L-1;放牧组母羊的血液中白细胞数量显著高于舍饲组(P0.05),而血小板数目、尿素氮浓度和镁浓度显著低于舍饲为主的母羊群(P0.05)。棉茬地作为冷季放牧利用地,能降低饲养成本,但对母羊的繁殖能力和健康有一定影响,建议在棉茬地放牧的同时进行适当补饲。     

日粮能量水平对母羊繁殖性能影响的研究进展

能量是影响母羊繁殖性能的重要因素之一.满足母羊不同时期的能量需求是提高母羊生产效益的重要措施,对保证母羊繁殖和羔羊健康生长有重要意义.能量主要通过下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴来影响母羊的繁殖性能.文章综述不同能量水平对母羊的发情、胚胎发育、泌乳和羔羊生长的影响,以期为母羊合理的日粮能量水平提供依据.     

褪黑素对肉鸡生长性能及免疫功能的影响

采用对比试验,将120只1日龄AA肉鸡分为2组(对照组和试验组),每组3个重复,每个重复20只鸡。对照组不添加褪黑素,试验组添加褪黑素10mg/kg,研究褪黑素对肉鸡生长性能及免疫机能的影响。试验结果表明:试验期间,鸡的平均日增重(ADG)、饲料转化率(FCR)差异显著(P<0.05);平均日采食量(ADFI)差异不显著(P>0.05);胸腺、脾脏、法氏囊指数试验组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。     

Influence of organic phosphorus on reproductive performance and metabolic profiles of anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics at the end of breeding season

The effect of organic phosphorus on metabolic, haematological and hormonal status, restoration of ovarian functions and conception rate in anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics were evaluated. Anoestrous Farafra ewes (n  = 24; 34.72 ± 0.52 kg body weight) were allocated into two equal groups: control and phosphorus groups. The ewes of phosphorus group were treated with sodium 4‐dimethylamino‐2‐methyl‐phenyl‐phosphonate as an organic bound phosphorous twice a week for successive 3 weeks. Ovarian follicle development and corpora lutea were checked three times a week till occurrence of oestrus using ultrasonography while pregnancy was confirmed at 30 days post‐service. Plasma metabolites, reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and minerals were detected at weeks ?2, ?1, 0 (mating day) and + 4 weeks post‐oestrus. Phosphorus group had significantly (p  < .05) short interval to oestrous resumption if compared to control ewes (2.1 ± 0.8 weeks vs . 4.6 ± 1.1 weeks). In addition, phosphorous supplementation significantly (p  < .05) increased the number of antral follicles (developed and their sizes in addition to sizes of corpora lutea (8.72 ± 0.3 mm vs . 7.46 ± 0.9 mm) as well. Number of services per conception (2.6 vs . 1.4; p  < .01) was higher in control group than that of phosphorus group. Pregnancy rate (80 vs . 50%) was significantly (p  < .01) higher in phosphorus group when compared to control. White blood cells in treated ewes (10.8 ± 0.44; p  < .05) and monocytes (2.93 ± 0.13; p  < .01) were higher than that of control group (white blood cells; 9.53 ± 0.50 and monocytes; 2.24 ± 0.14). Metabolic parameters did not differ between phosphorus and control groups during different times of treatment. It could be concluded that phosphorous administration to anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics could improve reproductive performance and restore ovarian activity at the end of spring and early summer.     

营养调控对山羊繁殖力的影响

山羊繁殖力是制约生产效率的主要因素之一,科学地运用生殖学的营养调控技术已使得山羊的实际繁殖力大大提高.但是,当前绝大多数山羊的繁殖率与真实潜在尚有很大的差距,本文就山羊的消化代谢特点、能量、蛋白质、碳水化合物、维生素以及无机矿物微量元素调控对山羊繁殖力影响作了阐述,以缩小这种差距.     

A field study of reproductive performance and productivity of Pelibuey ewes in Southeastern Mexico

The objective was to evaluate the reproductive performance and productivity of Pelibuey ewes in two flocks in Southeastern Mexico. Animals grazed on irrigated star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus). In flock 1, lambs grazed with their mothers from 7 to 70 days of age (weaning age), whereas in flock 2, they were confined and offered chopped grass, a commercial concentrated and managed under restricted suckling until weaning at 60 days of age.. The statistical model included the fixed effects of flock, year and season of lambing, parity number, litter size at weaning, first order interactions and the random effects of ewe and the error term. The means ± SD for age at first lambing, prolificacy, lambing interval (LI), weaning weight, and productivity were 477?±?85.5 days, 1.41?±?0.51 lambs, 255.9?±?51.8 days, 16.5?±?4 kg, and 18.1?±?4.42 kg of lamb weaned, respectively. Repeatability estimates for the latter four traits were 0.09, 0.07, 0.11, and 0.13, respectively. All main effects in the models were significant (P?<?0.001), except for year on LI. Prolificacy and productivity increased with parity number. The shortest LI was in the rainy season. Ewes with two or three lambs produced 8 and 14 kg of lamb more at weaning than single lamb ewes. In conclusion, reproductive performance and productivity could be improved, and the low repeatability estimates suggest that management should be used in a short term rather than genetic approaches.     

The effects of melatonin and light treatment on the reproductive performance of yearling Suffolk rams

The effects of melatonin and light treatments on the reproductive performance of yearling Suffolk rams was investigated. One group (group A, n = 5) remained in the local light environment (lat. 51 degrees 43'N). The other two groups (group B, n = 5; group C, n = 5) were given a priming period of long days [18 h light (L):6 h dark (D)] during 26 January-9 March. During 9 March-16 October, group B was exposed to short days (9L:15D) and group C was given melatonin implants (Regulin) at 5-weekly intervals. Testis diameter, sexual behaviour and semen quality were used to assess reproductive performance. The responses of groups B and C were similar and peak reproductive performance occurred in these groups significantly earlier than in group A. Peak performance was not maintained in groups B and C throughout the short day and melatonin treatment periods and this has been attributed to refractoriness. The response of group C clearly indicates that melatonin treatment may be considered as an alternative to photostimulation for the preparation of rams for out-of-season breeding.     

Dependence of the lactation duration and efficiency on the season of lambing in relation to the prolactin and melatonin secretion in ewes

Changes in day length and the related secretion of melatonin and prolactin are of particular significance in sheep, as they determine reproductive processes, the last stage of which is lactation. The aim of the present study was to examine the dependence of the lactation duration and efficiency on the season of lambing (January—Group I/June—Group II) in relation to the hormonal status of milking ewes (Polish Longwool). The possibility of artificial extension of the milking period in late-lambing ewes by application of prolonged day length, 16 h of light–8 h of darkness (16L:8D), was introduced additionally (Group III). Measurements of plasma levels of prolactin and melatonin were used as parameters of season-dependent hormonal regulation of milk production in this seasonally breeding species. Although during the first 28 days of lactation sheep of all groups produced similar amounts of milk (based on the weight gains of the lambs), our results clearly showed that during the period of machine milking (from weaning at 56 day to the dry period) the level of milk production in Group I was almost twice that noted in Group II. Thus, the highest milk yield was obtained from sheep during the period when the days became longer, i.e. from March to May, which was accompanied by an increase in prolactin secretion. In both groups, melatonin secretion was found to increase while milk performance parameters and prolactin secretion decreased during the shortening photoperiod. The sustained decreases in milk production and prolactin secretion were also observed during the autumn months in sheep from Group III, despite the low level of melatonin. The present study showed that time of lambing and related photoperiod length could significantly affect the milk production of sheep that have a clear season of sexual activity. Maintenance of June-lambing sheep under the 16L:8D regime failed to extend the high prolactin level and lactation considerably into the autumn months. The spontaneous decrease in prolactin secretion observed under the long artificial photoperiod indicated for a development of refractoriness, which could also limit the lactation period.