Regulatory role of l-proline in fetal pig growth and intestinal epithelial cell proliferation

l-proline (Pro) is a precursor of ornithine, which is converted into polyamines via ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Polyamines plays a key role in the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. The study investigated the effect of Pro on polyamine metabolism and cell proliferation on porcine enterocytes in vivo and in vitro. Twenty-four Huanjiang mini-pigs were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 groups and fed a basal diet that contained 0.77% alanine (Ala, iso-nitrogenous control), 1% Pro or 1% Pro + 0.0167% α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) from d 15 to 70 of gestation. The fetal body weight and number of fetuses per litter were determined, and the small and large intestines were obtained on d 70 ± 1.78 of gestation. The in vitro study was performed in intestinal porcine epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells cultured in Dulbecco''s modified Eagle medium-high glucose (DMEM-H) containing 0 μmol/L Pro, 400 μmol/L Pro, or 400 μmol/L Pro + 10 mmol/L DFMO for 4 d. The results showed that maternal dietary supplementation with 1% Pro increased fetal weight; the protein and DNA concentrations of the fetal small intestine; and mRNA levels for potassium voltage-gated channel, shaker-related subfamily, member 1 (Kv1.1) in the fetal small and large intestines (P < 0.05). Supplementing Pro to either gilts or IPEC-J2 cells increased ODC protein abundances and polyamine concentrations in the fetal intestines and IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). In comparison with the Pro group, the combined administration of Pro and DFMO reduced the expression of ODC protein and spermine concentration in the fetal intestine, as well as the concentrations of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the percentage of cells in the S-phase and the mRNA levels of proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-myc were increased in response to Pro supplementation, whereas depletion of cellular polyamines with DFMO increased tumor protein p53 (p53) mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Taken together, dietary supplementation with Pro improved fetal pig growth and intestinal epithelial cell proliferation via enhancing polyamine synthesis.     

Growth of the conceptus in alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To determine growth of the alpaca conceptus during early gestation, using ultrasonography. ANIMALS: 40 pregnant alpacas (20 multiparous, 20 nulliparous). PROCEDURE: Transrectal ultrasonography with a 5-MHz probe was performed 3 times weekly from days 7 through 45 after copulation (day of copulation = day 0). Blood samples were collected for progesterone assay on days of ultrasonography. RESULTS: Forty embryonic vesicles and embryos were identified and measured. Embryonic vesicles were first detected on day 12 after copulation and appeared spherical. Cumulative percentage of embryonic vesicles detected was 50, 82.5, and 100% on days 12, 14, and 16, respectively. Embryos were first detected by day 22 and heartbeats by day 24. Similarly, cumulative percentage of embryos detected was 17.5, 82.5 and 100% for 22, 24, and 26 days after copulation, respectively. Embryonic vesicles occupied both uterine horns beginning on day 19. A positive correlation existed between length and width of embryonic vesicles. Size of embryonic vesicles and embryos and progesterone concentrations did not differ between multiparous and nulliparous females. Five sets of twins were detected from days 21 through 33 after copulation, but the conceptus identified in the right uterine horn became nondetectable between days 28 and 33. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography was useful in detecting the earliest appearance of alpaca embryonic vesicles and determining the changes in growth from days 12 through 45 after copulation. Embryos were first detected by day 22. Transrectal ultrasonography was not harmful to animals and did not provoke embryonic death in this study.     

Growth hormone at breeding modifies conceptus development and postnatal growth in sheep

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of components of the GH-IGF axis on conceptus development and postnatal growth in sheep. In Exp. 1, ewes received one of the following treatments: 1) sustained release GH at breeding, 2) sustained release GH at breeding and estradiol-17beta at d 5 and 6, 3) only estradiol-17beta at d 5 and 6, or 4) no treatment. Uteri were flushed on d 7, and flushings were analyzed for content of IGF-I. A single injection of sustained-release bovine GH at breeding increased IGF-I content in uterine luminal flushings compared with control ewes (P < 0.05). Treatment with estradiol-17beta on d 5 and 6 after breeding did not alter IGF-I content compared with control ewes, and it blocked the effect of GH on uterine luminal IGF-I content. In Exp. 2, sustained release GH or no treatment was administered at breeding, and gravid uteri were collected at d 25, 80, or 140 of gestation. On d 80, GH-treated ewes had smaller chorioallantoic weights (P < 0.05) and tended to have more efficient placentae (fetal weight/total placental weight; P = 0.052), with a higher percentage of placental weight as cotyledons (P = 0.068) compared with control ewes. In Exp. 3, ewes were treated with or without sustained release GH at progesterone withdrawal. Lambs from GH-treated ewes were heavier at birth (P < 0.05). Lambs from GH-treated ewes reared as singles, but not lambs reared as multiples, were heavier at 30, 60 (P < 0.05), and 75 d (P = 0.075) of age than lambs from control ewes. In conclusion, ewes treated with sustained-release GH at breeding developed smaller, more efficient placentas, and had larger lambs at birth.     

根据猪体发育进行猪饲料的销售与服务

1猪体发育成年之后,猪体内营养物质的沉积变异极大,有的体内脂肪含量仅为5%,有的高达12%,蛋白质含量也变异较大。造成这种现象的原因,是平时的饲养管理和饲料营养成分比例及采食量交互作用的结果。由于肌肉组织水分含量达到65%左右,而脂肪组织水分含量仅有5%,这是脂肪组织消耗的饲料是瘦肉组织3倍多的直接原因。2猪饲料状况及对猪体发育的影响目前的饲料,只能够做到化学分析基础上的营养平衡,实际上,即使这样的平衡,也是估测值,因为每批原料之间都存在变异,我们假设没有这种变异。饲料的消化吸收利用率也受原料消化率、动物胃肠道机能、健康…     

猪遗传学在全球养猪业可持续性发展中的作用

目前,养猪业在降低对气候的影响方面已经取得了巨大的成就,今后将会取得进一步的进展。在过去的10年里,人们对诸如气候变化和可持续发展方面的环境问题日益重视,为此人们成立了联合国政府间气候变化专门委员会（IP-PC）,用来评估技术、科学和社会的影响,包括农业在全球变暖中所起的作用。     

小肽制剂对生长育肥猪生产性能的影响

选择平均体重约15kg左右的三元杂交生长猪24头,随机分成三个处理组,每个处理设两个重复,每个重复4头仔猪。试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅱ组分别在日粮中添加0 5%和0 3%的小肽制剂,经过30d试验,与对照组相比平均日增重分别提高8 34%(P<0 05)和3 91%(P>0 05),料肉比降低8 40%和5 04%,生长猪腹泻率分别降低5 16%(P<0 05)和4 45%(P<0 05)。     

华南虎原野式环境中的饲养管理与部分行为的观察

1998年 9月从苏州引进 2雄 1雌共 3头亚成体华南虎在梅花山原野式环境中进行饲养、管理、野化训练和生殖等移地保护研究。结果表明 ,原野式环境中的华南虎 ,其饲养、管理、体质和许多行为表现与笼舍环境里的华南虎有显著差异。1　材料与方法1 1　种虎及其生活环境从苏州引进 1 997年 1月和 6月出生的国际编号 2 78号雌虎和 2 84、 2 85号雄虎共 3头亚成华南虎作为本研究的华南虎材料 ,于 1 998年 9月 2 6日进入梅花山原野式环境中。在海拔 70 0ｍ福建省梅花山的山顶上建靠原野式环境 ,四周设 4 5ｍ高铁丝网围栏 ,内植草皮、茅草、常绿树、…     

Inhibitory effect of the bovine conceptus on lymphocyte stimulation

Experiments were conducted to determine whether the preimplantation bovine conceptus produces an immunosuppressant as measured by the inhibition of lectin-induced incorporation of thymidine into lymphocytes. The results of the experiments clearly indicated that media from cultured 18-d-old embryos inhibited lectin-induced incorporation of thymidine into bovine lymphocytes. The inhibitory substance was not produced by heat-killed cells from the conceptus, was not toxic to lymphocytes, was not lectin-specific, but did act in a partially reversible manner. The inhibitor had no apparent effect on porcine lymphocytes, a moderate effect on ovine lymphocytes and a potent effect on bovine lymphocytes. The substance appeared to have a molecular weight of between 500 and 10,000 and was ether insoluble and heat stable. The possible chemical nature of the inhibitor and its potential effect on survival of the preimplantation conceptus are discussed.     

二氢吡啶对育肥阶段猪促生长作用及机理研究

<正>1材料和方法1.1试验动物及分组选日龄相当、体重相近(60kg)的育肥猪14头,随机分为两组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮基础上添加50mg/kg二氢吡啶进行试验。     

The role of dietary fibre in pig production,with a particular emphasis on reproduction

Fibres from a variety of sources are a common constituent of pig feeds. They provide a means to utilise locallyproduced plant materials which are often a by-product of the food or drink industry. The value of a high fibre diet in terms of producing satiety has long been recognised. However the addition of fibre can reduce feed intake, which is clearly detrimental during stages of the production cycle when nutrient needs are high, for example in growing piglets and during lactation. More recently, fibre has been found to promote novel benefits to pig production systems,particularly given the reduction in antimicrobial use world-wide, concern for the welfare of animals fed a restricted diet and the need to ensure that such systems are more environmentally friendly. For example, inclusion of dietary fibre can alter the gut microbiota in ways that could reduce the need for antibiotics, while controlled addition of certain fibre types may reduce nitrogen losses into the environment and so reduce the environmental cost of pig production.Of particular potential value is the opportunity to use crude fibre concentrates as 'functional' feed additives to improve young pig growth and welfare. Perhaps the greatest opportunity for the use of high fibre diets is to improve the reproductive efficiency of pigs. Increased dietary fibre before mating improves oocyte maturation, prenatal survival and litter size; providing a consumer-acceptable means of increasing the amount of saleable meat produced per sow. The mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects remain to be elucidated. However, changes in plasma and follicular fluid concentrations of key hormones and metabolites, as well as effects of the hypothalamic satiety centre on gonadotrophin secretion and epigenetic effects are strong candidates.     

Growth and development of the ovine conceptus

This study was designed to characterize development of the ovine conceptus throughout gestation to establish the temporal relationships in metabolites, electrolytes, fluid volumes within the placenta, and hormonal changes with fetal growth. Length and weight of placentae, weight of cotyledons, and uterine weight increased between d 25 and 80 of gestation in advance of increases in fetal growth between d 80 and 140 of gestation. Allantoic fluid volumes changed (P < 0.01) between d 25 (21 mL) and 40 (91 mL), decreased to d 70 (32 mL), and then increased to d 140 (438 mL). Concentrations and total amounts of proteins in allantoic fluid were reduced between d 25 and 50, but total protein increased (P < 0.01) from d 40 (63 mg) to d 140 (2,991 mg). Concentrations of fructose in allantoic fluid varied between 2 and 6 mg/mL throughout gestation, but total fructose increased (P < 0.01) between d 25 (46 mg) and d 120 (679 mg). Concentrations of glucose ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/mL, and total glucose increased (P < 0.05) from d 25 (3 mg) to d 140 (63 mg) of gestation. Amniotic fluid volume increased (P < 0.01) between d 30 and 140. Concentrations of estrogens in allantoic fluid, maternal uterine artery, and uterine vein increased (P < 0.01) with advancing pregnancy, and concentrations of progesterone in allantoic fluid (P < 0.07) and plasma (P < 0.05) were affected by day of gestation. Concentrations of glucose were greater (P < 0.05) in uterine artery than uterine vein, but concentrations of electrolytes and osmolarity of plasma were not affected by day of gestation. Increases in weights of fetal organs were proportional to increases in fetal weight during gestation. Results of the present study of conceptus growth and development highlight areas of needed research and provide benchmarks for comparisons when evaluating effects of various treatments, environmental conditions, and epigenetics on successful outcomes of pregnancy in sheep.     

游离异亮氨酸对鲫鱼的促生长作用

分别采用菜粕和血粉为主要原料,按照鲫鱼肌肉必需氨基酸(EAA)模式添加和倍量添加晶体异亮氨酸(Ile)配制饲料,和缺乏Ile的饲料对比进行养殖试验,测定了鱼体的生长速度和对饲料的利用效率。结果表明,菜粕饲料中添加游离Ile对鲫鱼生长没有明显促进作用,也没有提高饲料效率,但在血粉饲料中的添加显示了明显的促生长效果,饲料效率也获得提高。     

猪肌肉生长抑制素基因和肌细胞生成素基因多态性对早期生长性状的影响

为了分析肌肉生长抑制素(MSTN)和肌细胞生成素(MyoG)2个基因对猪生长性状的影响,采用PCR-RFLP方法检测沈阳地区3个引进猪种(长白、大白和杜洛克)MSTN和MyoG基因的多态性。结果显示:在3个种群内MSTN和MyoG基因都存在AA、AB和BB 3种基因型,各基因均处于遗传平衡状态,3个种群处于中度多态,具有较丰富的遗传多态性;单基因分析表明:MSTN基因长白猪、大白猪BB基因型的初生重显著高于AB型(P<0.05);而对杜洛克猪初生重无显著影响(P>0.05);MyoG基因大白猪BB基因型的初生重显著高于AA型(P<0.05);而对长白猪、杜洛克猪初生重无显著影响(P>0.05),2个基因初生重的优良基因型是BB型。2个基因合并分析表明:合并基因型对长白猪、杜洛克猪的初生重有显著影响(P<0.05),对大白猪的初生重有极显著影响(P<0.01),合并后BBBB为猪初生重的有利基因型,合并基因型的遗传效应显著高于单基因型效应。单基因及合并基因分析均表明2个基因对3个种群的断奶重无显著影响(P>0.05)。综上所述,2个基因的多态性对猪的初生重有着显著的影响,合并效应高于单基因效应之和。     

Impacts on conceptus survival in a commercial swine herd

An estimated 30 to 40% of potential piglets are lost before farrowing in U.S. or European pig breeds. Because these studies were conducted in limited numbers of university research herds, we decided to characterize the timing, pattern, and extent of conceptus loss in a commercial swine herd in Iowa (Pig Improvement Company; Camborough Line). Sows (parities 2 to 14) were slaughtered on d 25 (n = 83), 36 (n = 78), or 44 (n = 83) of gestation. These days coincide with periods before, during, and after uterine capacity becomes limiting to conceptus survival. At slaughter, numbers of corpora lutea (CL) and uterine horn length were determined, and conceptuses were removed and evaluated. Uterine horn length and CL number did not differ among these days of gestation, averaging 217 cm and 26.6 CL, respectively. In contrast, numbers of conceptuses decreased (P < 0.05) from 15.8 on d 25 to 12.9 on d 36, then remained relatively constant through d 44 (12.1). Thus, conceptus survival averaged 60.2% on d 25, 50.1% on d 36, and 46.3% on d 44, based on numbers of CL present. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.001; r = 0.50) between numbers of viable conceptuses on d 25 and ovulation rate, but this association was completely lost by d 36 (P > 0.10) when uterine capacity becomes limiting. In agreement with this premise, uterine horn length and conceptus number were not associated on d 25 but exhibited positive correlations (P < 0.05) on d 36 (r = 0.36) and d 44 (r = 0.40). On all 3 d examined, the numbers of viable conceptuses were not associated with fetal weight but were negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with placental weight. Compared with the commonly reported values for ovulation rate and percentage conceptus loss in university research herds, values from these production animals were extremely high. Data suggest that throughout this period, larger litters were associated with conceptuses exhibiting small placentae. These data lend support to the concept that increased placental efficiency (fetal weight/placental weight) may contribute to increased litter size in the pig.     

Serotonin markers show altered transcription levels in an experimental pig model of mitral regurgitation

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signalling is implicated in the pathogenesis of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) through 5-HT_1B receptor (R), 5-HT_2AR and 5-HT_2BR-induced myxomatous pathology. Based on increased tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1) and decreased serotonin re-uptake transporter (SERT) in MMVD-affected valves, increased valvular 5-HT synthesis and decreased clearance have been suggested. It remains unknown how haemodynamic changes associated with mitral regurgitation (MR) affect 5-HT markers in the mitral valve, myocardium and circulation. Twenty-eight pigs underwent surgically induced MR or sham-operation, resulting in three MR groups: control (CON, n = 12), mild MR (mMR, n = 10) and severe MR (sMR, n = 6). The gene expression levels of 5-HT_1BR, 5-HT_2AR, 5-HT_2BR, SERT and TPH-1 were analysed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the mitral valve (MV), anterior papillary muscle (AP) and left ventricle (LV). MV 5-HT_2BR was also analysed with immunohistochemistry (IHC) in relation to histological lesions and valvular myofibroblasts. All 5-HTR mRNAs were up-regulated in MV compared to AP and LV (P <0.01). In contrast, SERT and TPH-1 were up-regulated in AP and LV compared to MV (P <0.05). In MV, mRNA levels were increased for 5-HT_2BR (P = 0.02) and decreased for SERT (P = 0.03) in sMR vs. CON. There were no group differences in 5-HT_2BR staining (IHC) but co-localisation was found with α-SMA-positive cells in 91% of all valves and with 33% of histological lesions. In LV, 5-HT_1BR mRNA levels were increased in sMR vs. CON (P = 0.01). In conclusion, these data suggest that MR may affect mRNA expression of valvular 5-HT_2BR and SERT, and left ventricular 5-HT_1BR in some pigs.