Comparatively examining of the apelin‐13 levels in the Capoeta trutta (Heckel, 1843) and Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758)

Apelin is a recently discovered peptide produced by several tissues in the various vertebrates and fish. Apelin has been suggested to have role in regulation of many diverse physiological functions including food intake, energy homoeostasis, immunity, osmoregulation and reproduction. In this study, apelin‐13 levels in the blood serum of Cyprinus carpio and Capoetta trutta were determined. Then the results were compared between two species and sexes of each species. Apelin‐13 level was analysed using the enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit (Rat apelin‐13 ELISA kit, catalog no: CSB‐E14367r). Apelin‐13 level in the blood serum of C. trutta was significantly higher than those of the C. carpio (p < 0.05). However, its levels were observed to be no significant difference (p > 0.05) that compared to between sexes of each species. There was a significant negative correlation (r = ?0.829, p = 0.0001) between the apelin‐13 level and body weight of C. carpio. However, no significant correlation (r = ?0.022, p = 0.924) between the apelin‐13 level and weight of C. trutta observed.     

Age estimation in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) based on the closure of skull sutures and synchondroses

Age estimation of individuals is an important tool for the management of marine mammals and is mostly done by microscopic analysis of growth layer groups (GLGs) in teeth (cementum and dentin) and bone. The present study evaluated the use of sutural and synchondrosal closure in the skull of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) as a potential non-destructive alternative for age estimation. For that, we scored the ectocranial closure of 12 selected sutures and synchondroses in a sample of 303 Eastern Atlantic harbour seals (P. v. vitulina; 138 males, 165 females), for which data on age at death were available, based on determined gross-morphological criteria in individuals younger than 1 year and cement layer analysis in canines in older individuals. A strong positive relationship between the sum of closure level scores (SCS) and age (males: r = 0.8797, females: r = 0.8825) was recorded, which was stronger than that for the relationship between age and condylobasal length (CBL, males: r = 0.7085, females: 0.7086) (all p-values <0.0001). In adult individuals (≥5 years), CBL was higher in males than females (p < 0.0001), while SCS did not significantly differ between the two sexes (p = 0.148). Our findings show that the analysis of sutural/synchondrosal closure is a valid alternative for age estimation in harbour seals, thereby confirming results of previous studies on other pinniped species.     

Effect of Leptin on In Vivo Goat Embryo Production

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leptin administration during superovulation on in vivo goat embryo production. Ten mature does were superovulated with 133 mg follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) i.m. in six descending doses at 12‐h intervals. The goats received 4.8 μg/kg human recombinant leptin s.c. (leptin group, n = 5) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) (control group, n = 5) with the first and second FSH doses. The does were mated and subjected to embryo collection by transcervical technique 6 days later. The total number of cells per embryo and the number of cells with fragmented DNA were assessed in selected blastocysts by combining Hoechst 33342 and terminal dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) staining. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) were determined by electrochemiluminescence from the day of FSH treatment, on the day of superovulatory oestrus and on the day before embryo collection. Compared with the control group, the does that received leptin had a higher number of transferable embryos (p < 0.005), fewer embryos classified as degenerated (p < 0.001) and fewer TUNEL‐positive cells/blastocyst (p < 0.001). The number of transferable embryos was positively correlated with E₂ concentrations on day of oestrus (r = 0.562; p < 0.01) and P₄ concentrations on the day of embryo collection (r = 0.912; p < 0.001). We concluded that in vivo leptin administration during FSH treatment improved embryo quality and affected ovarian steroidogenesis in superovulated goats.     

Correlations between circulating leptin concentrations and growth performance,carcass traits,and meat quality indexes in finishing Simmental × Luxi bulls fed high‐concentrate diets

Circulating leptin concentrations could potentially be used as a predictor of production traits in cattle. This study aimed to clarify the correlations between circulating leptin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality indexes in finishing bulls fed high‐concentrate diets (concentrate‐to‐forage ratio 70:30). Fifty‐seven Simmental × Luxi F1 crossbred bulls were used for 112‐day finishing experiment. Circulating leptin concentrations and relevant indexes of growth performance, and carcass traits and meat quality were measured during or after finishing trail. The results indicated that the leptin concentrations tended to be negatively correlated with dry matter intake (DMI) (r = ?.233, p = .081), and were positively correlated with 12th‐rib fat thickness (r = .330, p = .012), marbling score (r = .336, p = .011), and intramuscular fat content (r = .368, p = .021). Moreover, the leptin concentrations were negatively correlated with cholesterol content (r = ?.339, p = .037) and were not correlated with sensory indexes including tenderness, juiciness, and like flavor (p > .05). In conclusion, circulating leptin concentrations may potentially be used as a predictor of carcass traits related to content of fat and beef quality traits related to content of cholesterol in finishing bulls fed high‐concentrate diets.     

Carcass characteristics,chemical and fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of meat from broiler chickens fed black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds

A study was conducted to investigate the dietary supplementation of black cumin seeds (BCS) on carcass characteristics, chemical and fatty acid (FA) composition and antioxidant properties of thigh and breast meat of broiler chickens at 42 days of age. Three hundred sixty 1‐day‐old broiler chickens were allocated to five dietary treatment groups (each group containing eight replicate pens with each pen containing nine broiler chickens): basal diet (control; CON), CON + 0.05 g/kg of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (AB), CON + 5 g/kg of BCS (low dose of BCS), CON + 10 g/kg of BCS (medium dose of BCS) and CON + 20 g/kg of BCS (high dose of BCS). Weight (g) of slaughtered birds (p = .03), hot carcass (p = .007), breast (p = .03), thigh (p < .001), wing (p = .06), neck (p = .01), liver (p = .09), abdominal fat (p = .01) and total edible parts (p = .01) increased or tended to increase due to BCS supplementation compared with the CON. The concentrations of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract in chicken thigh and breast meat increased (p = .038 to <.001) with increasing doses of BCS in diets. The ferric reducing antioxidant activity in blood and meat increased linearly with increasing doses of BCS in the diets. However, peroxide values in meat were not affected by BCS and AB on both days 1 and 7 of storage at 4°C. Supplementation of BCS increased the concentrations of C14:1, C18:3n‐6, C20:1, C20:2 FA and PUFA linearly (p < .05) and tended to increase (p = .098) the concentration of C18:2cis linearly. However, the concentrations of C16:0 and C16:1 FA decreased linearly with increasing doses of BCS in the diets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of BCS at 20 g/kg diet may improve slaughter body weight, beneficial FA concentrations and antioxidant properties of broiler chicken meat.     

Relationships between body weight,fasting blood glucose concentration,sex and age in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis)

The tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) is a squirrel‐like lower primate or a close relative of primates, commonly used as an animal model in biomedical research. Despite more than three decades of usage in research, the clear relationships between body weight, fasting blood glucose concentration, sex and age among tree shrews remain unclear. Based on an investigation of 992 tree shrews (454 males and 538 females) aged between 4 months and 4 years old, we found that male tree shrews have significantly higher body weight and fasting blood glucose concentration than female tree shrews (p < 0.001). The concentration of fasting blood glucose slightly increased with body weight in males (r = 0.152, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, in females, the body weight, concentration of fasting blood glucose and waist circumference positively increased with age (p < 0.001). Additionally, 17 tree shrews with Lee index [body weight (g)*0.33*1000/body length (cm)] above 290 had significantly higher body weight, waist circumference and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) than non‐obese tree shrews with a Lee index score below 290 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, 6 of 992 tree shrews (three males and three females, 2–4 years old) displayed impaired plasma triglycerides, HbA1c, low‐density lipoprotein and oral glucose tolerance test, suggestive of the early symptoms of metabolic syndrome. This study provides the first clear relationships between body weight, fasting blood glucose concentration, sex and age in tree shrews, further improving our understanding of this relationship in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Given the similarity of tree shrews to humans and non‐human primates, this finding supports their potential use as an animal model in the research of MetS.     

Leptin in sow: Influence on the resumption of cycle activity after weaning and on the piglet gain

In sows, a strong relationship exists between body condition and reproductive efficiency and milk yield. Leptin may act as a metabolic gate which permits the activation of reproductive axis: in the sow, serum concentration of leptin was positively correlated with adiposity at farrowing. An interesting aspect useful to clarify the biology of leptin, was the discovery that the placenta expresses the ob gene, the ob receptor gene and it is a site of leptin production, suggesting a possible role of the hormone in fetal growth; after birth, the placenta functions were taken over from milk, especially to the delivery of maternal hormones and growth factors to the neonate. The exact role of maternal leptin in the physiology of neonatal piglets remains to be determined. Our aim was to evaluate if maternal leptin levels at the beginning of lactation and at weaning could predict the resumption of cycle activity and/or the piglet gain. Thirty-eight Large White × Landrace pregnant sows (16 nulliparous and 22 pluriparous) were used. Blood samples were taken from sows and piglets at d 5 and d 21 after farrowing; in the same days, milk samples were taken after oxytocin injection by means of complete manual milking of all mammary glands of one side. On the basis of the blood leptin at d 5, sows were divided into 3 groups (Low: < 2.3 ng/ml; Medium: 2.3 to 2.6 ng/ml; High: > 2.6 ng/ml). Our results show a correlation at d 5 between backfat thickness and blood leptin (r = 0.342; P < 0.05). The resumption of the cyclic activity was faster in sows with a leptin level at d 5 greater than 2.3 ng/ml (P < 0.01). Milk composition at d 5 and 21 was not affected by parity and leptin. Piglet ADG was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by sow leptin groups (0.180 kg day^− 1 for piglets from Low group and 0.224 for High group). Piglets weaned by High group sows have shown a greater blood leptin content at weaning (P < 0.01) than other groups. In conclusion we have found a significant correlation between leptin and productive and reproductive performances of pigs. This paper underlines the pleiotropic actions exerted by leptin in the productive sow.     

Atmospheric ammonia alters lipid metabolism‐related genes in the livers of broilers (Gallus gallus)

Atmospheric ammonia in animal housing is reported to have adverse effects on livestock performance and animal health. Previous experiments have found that 75 ppm ammonia reduced the production performance and altered body fat distribution quality of broilers. In this study, we examined the body fat distribution, serum metabolites and lipid metabolism gene expression of broiler exposed to ammonia. A total of 400 chickens were randomly allocated to four groups with four replicates and received ammonia treatments at 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm, respectively, for 3 weeks. The average daily feed intake and weight gain were decreased when broiler was exposed to ammonia concentration exceeding 50 ppm (p < .05). The increased abdominal fat and reduced thickness of subcutaneous adipose were found in broilers of 75 ppm group (p < .05). When ammonia exceeded 50 ppm, the content of fat in breast muscle of broiler was increased, and when ammonia was higher than 25 ppm, the fat in liver was increased (p < .05). It showed that the fat content in liver was a sensitive index for broilers exposed to ammonia. Furthermore, ammonia exposure had no significant effect on total cholesterol and triglyceride in serum, but significantly increased the relative mRNA expression of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (p = .046) and malic enzyme in liver (p = .038), which indicated that ammonia exposure may increase the de novo fat synthesis in liver. In addition, ammonia increased the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = .02) and activity of hepatic lipase in serum (p < .001), which indicated that ammonia exposure may improve the transportation of cholesterol to liver. To conclude, our results indicated that ammonia exposure might increase the de novo fat synthesis in liver and increased the transportation of cholesterol to liver. In addition, the concentration of ammonia in poultry house should be limited lower than 25 ppm based on the variation of hepatic fat content.     

Serum concentrations of leptin in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches

Leptin regulates body weight and several physiological processes including reproduction. We evaluated the circulating levels of leptin in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches as well as their correlation with body weight, food intake and number of foetuses. Nineteen healthy German shepherd bitches were used and divided in two groups (pregnant n = 12 and non-pregnant n = 7). Blood samples were collected every 15 days starting from ovulation (Day 0) throughout pregnancy (pregnant group, P) or throughout luteal phase (non-pregnant group, NP) In pregnant bitches, leptin concentrations increased from the day of ovulation (1.32 ± 0.06 ng/ml) up to day 45 (1.51 ± 0.06 ng/ml; p < .01) and returned to baseline values from day 60 post-ovulation. In non-pregnant bitches, leptin concentrations remained constant throughout the whole observation period (estimated marginal mean ± SE=1.33 ± 0.38 ng/ml). Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between P and NP at day 45 post-ovulation (p < .05). Multivariable models indicated that, controlling for time and litter size, there was a positive relationship between leptin concentration and BW (p < .05) although Pearson coefficients showed that the correlation between BW and leptin was only significant in NP animals at day 45 (r = 0.76, p < .05). The multivariable approach also suggested that, holding BW and time constant, leptin concentrations tend to increase as the number of puppies increased (p = .06). Our study supports indirectly the contribution of the feto-placental unit to the circulating maternal leptin concentration.     

Morphometric analysis of the spinal cord of the Sus scrofa (large white and landrace crossbreed)

The incidence of spinal cord (SC) injury in developed and undeveloped countries is alarming. The pig (Sus scrofa) has been recommended as a suitable research model for translational studies because of its morphophysiological similarities of organ systems with humans. There is a dearth of information on the SC anatomy of the large white and landrace crossbreed (LW-LC) pigs. We therefore aim to describe the gross morphology and morphometry of its SC. Twelve juvenile LW-LC pigs (six males and six females) were used. The skin and epaxial muscles were dissected to expose the vertebral column. The SC was carefully harvested by laminectomy, and 13 gross SC morphometric parameters were evaluated. Thirty-three spinal nerves were seen emanating from either side of the SC by means of dorsal and ventral spinal roots. The overall average of SC length and weight was 36.23 ± 1.01 cm and 16.60 ± 0.58 g, respectively. However, the mean SC length and weight were higher in females compared with males, with SC weight being statistically significant. A positive relationship between SC length and weight was significant for males (p = 0.0435) but not for females (p = 0.42). Likewise, the strength of the relationship between SC length and weight was significant in males (r = 0.82) but not significant in females (r = 0.41). Baseline data for the morphometric features of the spinal cord in the LW-LC pigs were generated, which will contribute to the knowledge of this species anatomy and useful information on regional anaesthesia that should further strengthen the drive in adopting the pig as a suitable research model for biomedical research.     

Intestinal development of bovine foetuses during gestation is affected by foetal sex and maternal nutrition

We aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal nutrition (MN) and foetal sex on the intestinal development of bovine foetuses throughout different days of gestation (DG). Forty‐four multiparous, dry Holstein × Gyr cows with average initial body weight of 480 ± 10 kg were fed the same diet of either restricted feeding at 1.15% of body weight (CO, n = 24) or fed ad libitum (overnourished, ON, n = 20). Six cows from CO group and five cows from ON group were slaughtered at 139, 199, 241 and 268 DG, and foetuses were necropsied to evaluate the intestinal development. The mass, length and density of foetal intestines were not affected by MN (p ≥ 0.260). An interaction between MN and DG was observed for the villi length of jejunum (p = 0.006) and ileum (p < 0.001). Villi length of jejunum and ileum was higher (p < 0.10) in foetuses from ON‐fed cows than in foetuses from CO‐fed cows at 139 DG. However, at 199 DG, the villi length of jejunum and ileum of foetuses from CO‐fed cows was higher than in foetuses from ON‐fed cows. Despite these differences, MN did not affect the villi length of jejunum and ileum at 268 DG (p > 0.10). Female foetuses had greater small intestine mass (p = 0.093), large intestine mass (p = 0.022), small intestine mass in proportion to body mass (p = 0.017) and large intestine mass in proportion to body mass (p < 0.001) than male foetuses. Female foetuses had also longer small intestine (p = 0.077) and greater small intestine density (p = 0.021) and villi length of jejunum (p = 0.001) and ileum (p = 0.010) than males. We conclude that MN affects the pathway for the development of foetal villi length throughout the gestation in bovine foetuses without changing the final villi length. Female foetuses had higher intestinal mass, density and villi length than males during the foetal phase in bovines.     

Effects of a diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic,docosahexaenoic and glutamine on cytokines as immunological markers for systemic inflammation in bitches before and after ovariohysterectomy

The post-operative period can generate immunological stress and can be modulated through supplementation with the omega-3 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets enriched with high doses of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids and glutamine on inflammatory mediators in dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Twelve female dogs were divided into two groups: group A was fed a commercial diet without the addition of EPA and DHA, and group B was fed an experimental diet enriched with EPA and DHA (0.2 g/100 kcal). Experimental diet intake initiated 21 days before surgery and continued until 30 days after OVH. Parameters measured were serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), IGF-1, lymphoproliferation and body composition before and after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS software considering the effects of age and diet and their interactions, and means were compared by the Tukey test. There was no difference between groups in body weight (p = .682), lean mass (p = .101) and body fat (p = .103). There were no group differences in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IGF-1, CRP and the percentage of lymphocyte proliferation. However, a time effect for TNF-α was observed (p < .001), in which T_0P (10 days after the surgical procedure) presented lower values of this cytokine when compared to the other evaluation time points; and interaction effects between group and time were observed for serum concentrations of IL-6 (p < .001) and IL-10 (p = .002). OVH procedure was not considered invasive enough to increase inflammatory cytokines after 30 days of surgery, as well as the dosage of the EPA and DHA used before and after the surgery did not modulate the inflammatory markers.     

Impact of heat stress,nutritional restriction and combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on growth and reproductive performance of Malpura rams under semi‐arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the combined effect of heat stress and nutritional restriction on growth and reproductive performances in Malpura rams. Twenty‐eight adult Malpura rams (average body weight (BW) 66.0 kg) were used in this study. The rams were divided into four groups: CON (n = 7; control), HES (n = 7; heat stress), NUS (n = 7; nutritional stress) and COS (n = 7; combined stress). The study was conducted for a period of 2 months. CON and HES rams had ad libitum access to their feed while NUS and COS rams were under restricted feed (30% intake of CON rams) to induce nutritional stress. The HES and COS rams were kept in climatic chamber at 42 °C and 55% relative humidity for 6 h a day between 10 : 00 h and 16 : 00 h to induce heat stress. Body weight increased significantly (p < 0.05) in CON as compared to NUS and COS. When compared within groups, scrotal width morning, scrotal width afternoon, scrotal circumference morning and scrotal circumference afternoon were significantly (p < 0.05) larger in CON while smaller in COS rams. The higher testicular length was recorded both during morning (p < 0.05) and afternoon (p < 0.01) in COS rams while the lowest in NUS rams. The highest plasma testosterone concentration was recorded in CON and lowest in COS rams. Semen volume and mass motility also differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the groups. The highest semen volume and mass motility was recorded in CON and NUS while lowest in both HES and COS rams. It can be concluded from this study that when two stressors occur simultaneously, they may have severe impact on reproductive performance of rams.     

Serum profile of metabolites and hormones in obese (Iberian) and lean (Landrace) growing gilts fed balanced or lysine deficient diets

Serum hormones and metabolites of lean and obese gilts were determined. Fifteen Iberian and fifteen Landrace gilts, of approximately 20 kg body weight, were fed isoenergetic (13.6 kJ ME/g DM, semisynthetic diets either with equilibrated amino acid profile at two crude protein (CP) levels (12% (0.81% lysine (Lys)) and 16% CP (1.08% Lys) as-fed basis) or lysine deficient (12% (0.30% Lys) or 16% CP (0.36% Lys) as-fed basis for Iberian and Landrace, respectively). Lysine deficient diets were offered only at the optimal protein level for maximum protein accretion for each breed. Each dietary treatment was assayed in 5 animals. Gilts were allocated in metabolic cages at 21 ± 1.5 °C with free access to water and fed four times daily at 90% ad libitum during 10 days. On day 11th blood samples were taken 5–5.5 h postprandial and serum obtained and frozen at − 20 °C. Growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor I (IGF-1), insulin, leptin, glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. Landrace gilts had higher serum glucose (P < 0.05) and creatinine (P < 0.001) than Iberian while no differences (P = 0.122–0.494) were found for the rest of the biochemical variables. Higher serum levels of insulin, IGF-1 and leptin (60, P < 0.05; 79, P < 0.05 and 189%, P < 0.001, respectively) and no differences in GH (P = 0.512) were encountered in Iberian gilts compared to Landrace. Dietary crude protein did not alter the serum hormonal profile (P = 0.110–0.454). Serum cholesterol (total, P < 0.01; HDL, P < 0.05; LDL, P < 0.05) decreased and triglycerides and urea increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) as dietary crude protein increased. When lysine deficient diets were used, serum glucose decreased (P < 0.05) and urea increased (P < 0.001) compared to equilibrated diets. Serum insulin (P = 0.052), IGF-1 (P < 0.05) and leptin (P = 0.051) concentration decreased when lysine deficient diets were fed to the animals while GH remained unaffected (P = 0.214).These data suggest that Iberian and Landrace growing gilts have distinct hormone and metabolite serum profiles which are altered by a severe dietary lysine deficiency.     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> in sheep and goats in Rahim Yar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan

Toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by Toxoplasma (T.) gondii Apicomplexa protozoan, is widespread in humans and other animal species, having already been reported in many countries and different climates. In Pakistan, no data is available on this aspect among food animals. This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats. A total of 200 serum samples from sheep and goats, were collected from urban area of Rahim Yar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan and tested for Toxoplasmosis with a commercial latex agglutination kit (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. Japan). The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis was 19%. Goats had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) prevalence (25.4%) as compared to the sheep (11.2%); and higher (p < 0.01) in the female (24%) than in the males (19%) for both species. In the present study the male (both in sheep and goat) are found less seropositive T. gondii (OR = 0.23; 99% C.I. = 0.01, 1.81) as compared to female sheep and goat. The prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in adult sheep than younger animals. Among both the sheep and goats the group from 1–1.5 years are highly seropositive (OR = 1.75; 99% C.I. = 0.47, 6.51) as compared to the group less than one year of age followed by the 2–2.5 years age group (OR = 1.63; 99% C.I. = 0.50, 5.74) whereas group with more than 3 years of age least seropositive.     

Adiponectin and leptin are related to fat mass in horses

Plasma concentrations of adiponectin and leptin were measured in 23 mature Standardbred mares (age: 10 ± 3 years) and 12 weanling fillies (10 Quarter Horse/Belgian crossbreds and two Quarter Horses; aged: 4 ± 3 months) to test the hypothesis that adipocytokines are proportional to adiposity in horses. Rump fat thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasound and percent body fat (% fat) calculated using a published formula for the estimation of fatness in horses. Plasma adiponectin and leptin were determined using radioimmunoassay. In the absence of purified equine adiponectin or leptin, results were expressed as human equivalents (HE) of immunoreactive (ir) adipocytokines.Plasma ir-leptin HE concentration was positively correlated (r = 0.543; P < 0.001) with percent body fat and (r = 0.556; P < 0.001) to fat mass in all horses. The plasma ir-leptin HE concentration was lower (P = 0.03) in weanlings (1.90 ± 0.34 ng/mL HE) than in mature mares (3.47 ± 0.50 ng/mL HE). The ratio of ir-adiponectin HE to ir-leptin HE was negatively correlated (r = −0.621; P < 0.001) to percent fat and (r = −631; P < 0.001) to fat mass in all horses. The ratio of ir-adiponectin HE to ir-leptin HE was higher (P < 0.001) in weanlings (3.04 ± 0.51) than mature mares (1.03 ± 0.13). These data suggest that leptin is proportional while adiponectin is inversely proportional to adiposity in horses.     

Does virginiamycin supplementation affect the metabolism and performance of Nellore bulls grazing under low and high gain rates?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virginiamycin on the metabolism and performance of growing Nellore bulls under low and high gain rates on pasture. In experiment 1, 80 Nellore bulls (age = 12 ± 2 months, body weight = 258 ± 15 kg) were assigned to 16 paddocks in a 2 × 2 randomized block factorial arrangement. In experiment 2, 12 cannulated Nellore bulls were assigned to three 4 × 4 balanced Latin squares. The factors were: (1) mineral salt without or with virginiamycin, and (2) low or high gain rate. No interaction was noted between factors (p > .10). Animals fed virginiamycin had greater average daily gain (14%, p < .01), body weight (11 kg, p = .05), plasma nonesterified fatty acid (20%, p < .01), serum calcium concentration (2.62%, p = .04), and total protozoa (p = .03) and had the same bacterial proportion (p > .27). Animals with a low gain rate had greater serum urea concentration (19.6%, p < .01) and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (62%, p < .01). Thus, virginiamycin increases the performance and changes the metabolism of growing Nellore bulls under low and high gain rates on pasture.     

Effect of an extruded pea or rice diet on postprandial insulin and cardiovascular responses in dogs

Peas are increasing in popularity as a source of carbohydrate, protein and fibre in extruded canine diets. The aim of this study was to test the health effects of two canine diets with identical macronutrient profiles, but containing either yellow field peas or white rice as the carbohydrate source on metabolism, cardiovascular outcomes and adiposity. First, the acute glycemic, insulinemic and cardiovascular responses to the pea‐ or rice‐based diets were determined in normal weight beagles (n = 7 dogs). The glycemic index did not differ between the pea diet (56 ± 12) and rice diet (63 ± 9). Next, obese beagles (n = 9) were fed the yellow field pea diet or white rice diet ad libitum for 12 weeks in a crossover study. Adiposity (measured using computed tomography), metabolic (oral glucose tolerance test, plasma leptin, adiponectin, C‐reactive protein) and cardiovascular assessments (echocardiography and blood pressure) were performed before and after each crossover study period. After 12 weeks on each diet, peak insulin (p = 0.05) and area under the curve (AUC) for insulin after a 10 g oral glucose tolerance test (p = 0.05) were lower with the pea than the rice diet. Diet did not show a significant effect on body weight, fat distribution, cardiovascular variables, adiponectin or leptin. In conclusion, a diet containing yellow field peas reduced the postprandial insulin response after glucose challenge in dogs despite continued obesity, indicating improved metabolic health.     

Associations of Leptin and Pituitary‐Specific Transcription Factor Genes’ Polymorphisms with Reproduction and Production Traits in Dairy Buffalo

This study aimed to detect the genetic variability in Leptin and Pit‐1 genes using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing also to explore their possible associations with reproductive and productive traits of Egyptian buffaloes. Regarding Leptin gene, three genotypes (AA, AG and GG) were identified with frequency of 0.54, 0.40 and 0.06, respectively, and the genotypes were distributed according to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Allele A was comparatively higher than G with frequency of 0.74 and 0.26, respectively. For Pit‐1 gene, the association could not be performed due to the monomorphism (BB). The results showed that AA genotypes were found to be superior in most of production and reproduction traits. AA genotypes yielded more milk (2332.34 kg, p = 0.04) with higher fat% (6.10, p = 0.004) and fat yield (155.75 kg, p = 0.06), reach peak milk production at 42.19 days and required 2.19 services for conception in comparison with GG genotypes. Birthweight of animals with AA genotype was lesser than with GG genotype (39.35 and 43.67 kg, p = 0.02, respectively). The days open is numerically better in AA genotype animals (99.35 days), but the difference between the three genotypes was non‐significant. The distinct significant associations reported in this study suggested that Leptin is reputable candidate genetic marker, which might be used to enhance animals’ genetic potential for milk production in conjunction with reproduction.