Antibody-ELISA for Trypanosoma evansi: Application in a serological survey of dairy cattle, Thailand, and validation of a locally produced antigen

Trypanosoma evansi is generally considered a mild pathogen in bovines. However, in Asia, acute and chronic signs have been observed in cattle, with high levels of parasitaemia, abortion and death. Investigations in Asian cattle are needed to better understand this epidemiological situation. To generate comparable data at a regional level, development and standardization of an antibody-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for T. evansi (ELISA/T. evansi) was initiated and applied in an epidemiological survey carried out in dairy cattle in Thailand. A batch of 1979 samples was collected from dairy farms located throughout the country's four regions. Soluble T. evansi antigens initially produced in France were also produced in Thailand for comparison and technology transfer. Screening of 500 samples allowed us to identify reference samples and to determine the cut-off value of the ELISA. Seropositive animals – some of them confirmed by PCR – were found in the four regions, in 12 out of 13 provinces, in 22 out of 31 districts, in 56 farms out of 222 (25%, 95%CI ± 6%) and in 163 animals out of 1979 (8.2, 95%CI ± 1.2%). Estimated seroprevalence in 35 farms ranged between 1% and 30%, and in 21 farms it was >30%. Approximately 25% of survey cattle were exposed to the infection, in various situations. A sub-sample of 160 sera was tested on both antigens. Wilcoxon's (Z = 1.24; p = 0.22) and McNemars's tests (CHI2 = 3.55; p = 0.09) did not show any significant differences, showing that the locally produced antigen is suitable for further evaluation in the surrounding countries. Use of this standardized serological method will broaden knowledge of the prevalence and impact of the disease at the regional level in South-East Asia. Further validation of this ELISA will be necessary in other host species such as buffalo, horse and pig.     

Effect of season and superstimulatory treatment on in vivo and in vitro embryo production in wood bison (Bison bison athabascae)

Two experiments were done using a two-by-two design to determine the effects of season and superstimulatory protocol on embryo production in wood bison. In Experiment 1 (in vivo-derived embryos), ovarian superstimulation was induced in female bison during the ovulatory and anovulatory seasons with either two or three doses of FSH given every-other-day (FSH × 2 vs. FSH × 3, respectively). Bison were given hCG to induce ovulation, inseminated 12 and 24 hr after hCG, and embryos were collected 8 days after hCG (n = 10 bison/group). In Experiment 2 (in vitro embryo production), ovarian superstimulation was induced in female bison during the ovulatory and anovulatory seasons with two doses of FSH, and in vivo maturation of the cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) was induced with hCG at either 48 or 72 hr after the last dose of FSH. COC were collected 34 hr after hCG, and expanded COC were used for in vitro fertilization and culture. In Experiment 1, the number of follicles ≥9 mm, the proportion of follicles that ovulated, the number of CL, and the total number of ova/embryos collected did not differ between seasons or treatment groups, but the number of transferable embryos was greater (p < .05) in the ovulatory season. In Experiment 2, no differences were detected between seasons or treatment groups for any end point. The number of transferable embryos produced per bison was greatest (p < .05) using in vitro fertilization and was unaffected by season (1.5 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.3 during anovulatory and ovulatory seasons, respectively), in contrast to in vivo embryo production which was affected by season (0.1 ± 0.01 and 0.7 ± 0.2 during anovulatory and ovulatory seasons, respectively). Results demonstrate that transferable embryos can be produced throughout the year in wood bison by both in vivo and in vitro techniques, but the efficiency of embryo production of in vivo-derived embryos is significantly lower during the anovulatory season.     

Immunohistochemical and qPCR determination of the expression and serum level of anti‐Müllerian hormone in pre‐pubertal,intact and ovarian remnant syndrome detected bitches

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations, ovarian presence and expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in pre‐pubertal, bitches with signs of ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) and intact bitches. In addition, we aimed to verify the suitability of serum AMH concentrations for diagnostic purposes in sterilized bitches and/or in suspected cases of ORS in the field of veterinary medicine. For this purpose, 36 healthy female dogs divided into six groups: proestrus, oestrus, dioestrus, anoestrus, pre‐pubertal and ORS. Serum AMH concentrations were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and ovarian presence and distribution of AMH was confirmed by immunohistochemical and qPCR techniques. According to the results of qPCR, while the expression values of AMH were at the highest concentrations in the proestrus and oestrus, there was a statistically significant decrease in these values at the later stages of the cycle (p < 0.05). According to hormone analysis, the serum AMH values of the ORS group had decreased significantly compared with the proestrus and oestrus (p < 0.05). Although serum AMH levels of ORS group were increased compared with anestrus and pre‐pubertal groups, this increase was statistically non‐significant (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemically, AMH expression was first observed in the granulosa cells of primordial follicles in folliculogenesis. Expression values were the highest in the proestrous and oestrus groups, but values from bitches in later stages of the cycle were statistically significant decrease in comparison with these groups (p < 0.05). As a result, AMH concentration and expression were found to be higher in proestrus and oestrus than in other periods (p < 0.05). In addition, the measurable level of AMH concentration in bitches with ORS is an indication that it can be used in the diagnosis of ORS.     

Fluctuations of serum cortisol,insulin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in growing ewes over the year

Background

The physiological levels of endocrine and metabolic parameters in Slovene autochthonous breeds of sheep are not yet well known, nor are the mechanisms of their adaptability and responses to climate and environmental factors.Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate fluctuations of cortisol, insulin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in growing ewes over an one-year period. Blood samples were collected monthly from 10 yearling Jezersko-Solchava, 10 Bovec and 10 Istrian ewes. Serum cortisol, insulin and NEFA were measured with commercial kits.

Results

Mean monthly cortisol values fluctuated with low levels in summer and high levels in autumn. Significant peaked cortisol values of 25.69 ± 6.89, 14.67 ± 2.43 and 21.11 ± 7.25 μg/L in Jezersko-Solchava, Bovec and Istrian breed, respectively, were found in September (Bovec breed) and October (Jezersko-Solchava and Istrian breed). Mean monthly insulin values increased during the observation period. The highest levels of 14.60 ± 3.15, 16.03 ± 5.35 and 12.56 ± 2.52 μIU/mL in Jezersko-Solchava, Bovec and Istrian breed, respectively, were observed in the last sample collection in May. NEFA concentrations were found to be low except in some autumn and spring months. The peak values were observed in March for Jezersko-Solchava and Istrian breed (0.60 ± 0.05 and 0.66 ± 0.10 mmol/L), and in April for Bovec breed (0.71 ± 0.11 mmol/L).

Conclusions

Monthly fluctuations of cortisol, insulin and NEFA were measured in all observed sheep breeds, but between-breed differences in monthly values of examined parameters were insignificant. Significantly increased serum cortisol levels were found in autumn for all breeds and were probably associated with the onset of puberty and low environmental temperature. A gradual increase of insulin level in the examined ewes was in parallel with their growth. Significantly higher NEFA values in spring suggest qualitatively insufficient feed supply during that period.     

Cloning and expression analysis of PRL and PRLR genes in black Muscovy duck

ABSTRACT

1. Prolactin hormone (governed by the PRL gene) is secreted by the anterior pituitary of animals, which combines with its receptor (prolactin receptor, PRLR) to act on target cells. Both PRL and PRLR are mainly associated with reproductive performance. The genetic mechanism of nesting in poultry is not yet clear, and so the aim of the current study was to determine expression patterns of PRL and PRLR at different times across the breeding stages of black Muscovy ducks.

2. In this study, the CDS regions of PRL and PRLR were determined by RACE sequencing. The expression levels of PRL and PRLR in the pituitary, ovary and uterus from the black Muscovy duck were compared and analysed during the pre-laying, laying and nesting periods.

3. The results showed that PRL and PRLR are highly homologous in a variety of poultry species. The expression of the PRL gene in the pituitary was the highest, which was significantly higher than seen in the ovary and uterus. This trend ran through the entire prenatal period, i.e. the laying period and the nesting period. The expression level of the PRLR gene in the pituitary and ovary was generally low, and expression in the uterus was the highest. There was no significant difference in expression of the PRLR gene between pituitary and ovary during different periods, but the expression level of the PRLR gene in the uterus reached its highest level during the nesting stage, which was significantly higher than seen in the early laying period.     

Implementation of herd health program to improve survival of Boer goats in Malaysia

A Boer goat breeding farm with 800 heads of breeder females, 50 breeder males, and 400 growing goats of various ages in Sabah, Malaysia was selected to study the effect of implementing herd health program. This included vaccination program against pneumonic mannheimiosis; fecal monitoring for helminthiasis, coccidiosis, and colibacillosis; and introduction of modified feeding regime comprised of day-time grazing and feeding of cut grass and supplemented feed. The herd health program was implemented in September 2007 and the impact was observed on body weight gains, body scoring, and annual mortality among adults and kids. It was found that implementation of herd health program significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average body weight gains in both adults and kids from 1.8 g per kid and 0.6 g per adult in 2006 to 3.7 g per kid and 2.2 g per adult in 2008. The percentage of adults with body scoring of <3 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 82.3% in 2006 to 77.6% in 2007 and 4% in 2008. Similarly, the annual mortality rate was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 6.5% among kids and 58.2% among adults in 2006 to 12.1% among kids and 10.4% among adults in 2007, and to 9.1% among kids and 1.1% among adults in 2008. Therefore, it was concluded that implementation of herd health program significantly improved the survival and performance of goats.     

Diet composition, herbage intake and digestibility in Inner Mongolian Cashmere goats grazing on native Leymus chinensis plant communities

The botanical composition, intake and digestibility of the diet selected by Inner Mongolian Cashmere goats grazing on a native Leymus chinensis plant community were measured in two grazing periods (June and August) using the n-alkane markers. In each grazing period, 48 Inner Mongolian Cashmere goats (24 wethers and 24 does with an average live weight of 22.1 ± 1.2 kg and 19.6 ± 0.8 kg, respectively) were divided in two groups (G1: grazing group; G2: cage-fed group) of 24 animals each. Based on the observation of G1 grazing behaviour, G2 goats were fed on herbage obtained by a simulative method and were housed in metabolism cages to determine the alkane faecal recoveries. Diet composition was estimated by comparing the odd-chain n-alkane pattern (C₂₅–C₃₅) of the selected plant species with the n-alkane faecal concentrations, corrected for their incomplete faecal recovery. The alkane pair C₃₂:C₃₃ and C₃₆ alkane were used to estimate intake and diet digestibility, respectively. The results showed that the increase of herbage availability from June to August, resulted in higher (P < 0.05) DM, CP, ME, ADF and NDF intake of both wethers and does, with no evident changes in ADF and NDF intake in does., The intake of nutrients differed significantly between wethers and does in both experimental periods, except for NDF in EP1 and ME in EP2. Differences between grazing seasons and goats' sex in nutrients digestibility were not observed. Diet composition indicated seasonal differences, being Sonchus brachyotus, Artemisia frigida and Phragmites communis the main components of the diet in June. However, Suaeda corniculata, Chloris virgata, Xanthium sibiricum and Echinochloa crusgalli became the main diet components in August. Moreover, the sex affected significantly the diet choices in both grazing periods.     

Fat deposition in tropical sheep as adaptive attribute to periodic feed fluctuation

Ruminants adapt to periodic fluctuation in feed resources by accumulating fat stores during favourable periods. Thus, genetic variations, among ruminant genotypes, in the capacity to deposit fat could be exploited through breeding to improve animal productivity in traditional tropical production systems. Based on this premise, breed differences among weights of principal adipose depots and total body fat were estimated in Menz (n = 303) and Horro (n = 151) sheep of Ethiopia. Animals were kept on supplemental feeding, for about 3.5 months, until slaughter at about 17 months of age and pre‐slaughter live weight of 25 kg. Except the combined weight of tail and rump fat (TRF) which was similar (p > 0.05) in the two breeds, weights of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat (SIF), internal fat (IF) as well as total dissected body fat (TotDF), total ether‐extracted body fat (TotEE) and TotFAT (TotDF plus ‘residual’ fat, fat recovered by ether‐extraction from non‐adipose tissues) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the Menz. TotDF, TotEE and TotFAT were 1.91 ± 0.04, 2.05 ± 0.06 and 2.64 ± 0.06 kg, respectively, in the Menz and 1.50 ± 0.05, 1.44 ± 0.06 and 2.02 ± 0.07 kg, respectively, in the Horro. Implications of breed differences in fat distribution among depots, and possible consequences of genetic improvement of some of the depots on adaptation to climatic and nutritional stresses as well as some production objectives are discussed.     

二元和三元后备母猪批次化生产技术应用效果分析

本试验于2018年5~10月在天津某猪场对二元(长×大)和三元(杜×长×大)后备母猪应用批次化生产技术后的静立率、淘汰率、妊娠率和窝产仔数等繁殖力指标进行了统计分析。试验分为常温(5—7月)和高温(8—10月)两个阶段,每批参与试验的二元和三元母猪均大于30头。结果表明:在常温季节,三元后备母猪在静立率、妊娠率和总体妊娠率等方面与二元后备母猪无显著性差异(P>0.05);而在高温季节,三元后备母猪的静立率、妊娠率和总体妊娠率等方面均显著低于二元后备母猪(P<0.05)。相对于常温季节,高温季节里二元和三元母猪的妊娠率和总体妊娠率均显著降低,但在静立率方面只有三元母猪显著降低(P<0.05)。不论是在高温季节还是在常温季节,三元后备母猪的窝产仔数和窝均产仔数均显著低于二元后备母猪,而淘汰率却显著高于二元后备母猪(P<0.05)。结论:在常温季节,三元母猪静立率和妊娠率均与二元母猪差异不显著;但在高温季节三元母猪静立率和妊娠率均显著低于二元母猪;不论是高温还是常温季节,三元母猪的窝产仔数都显著低于二元母猪,而淘汰率显著高于二元母猪。     

Androgen and oestrogen receptors in the growing antlers velvet of adult and yearling pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) males

To determine the presence, quantity and distribution of androgen (AR) and oestrogen receptors (ER) in the antler velvet (AV), samples were collected from adult and yearling pampas deer males, as well as skin from the ventrolateral abdominal area (ASK). Samples were analysed with ligand-binding assays for AR and ER activity and processed for AR and ERβ immunohistochemistry. There was more content of AR in adults than in yearling males (p = 0.02), as well as a category and type of tissue interaction (p = 0.03). There was more ER content in adults than in yearling males (p = 0.005) and in the AV than in the skin (p = 0.0001). The AR-positive score (PS) was greater in AV than in ASK in the surface stroma (p = 0.0007). In the intermediate epidermis, the AR PS was greater in adults than in yearling males (p = 0.04) and in the ASK than in the AV (p < 0.0001). There was a male category and type of tissue interaction for AR PS in the sebaceous glands (p = 0.014). The ERβ PS in the surface stroma was greater in ASK than in AV (p = 0.004) and tended to be greater in yearling than in adult males (p = 0.093). The ERβ PS in the intermediate epithelium and the sebaceous glands was greater in adults than in yearlings (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, we reported for the first time the presence of AR and ER in the velvet skin of growing antlers in pampas deer males. Therefore, the velvet skin is sensitive to both androgens and oestrogens. Furthermore, the greater content of oestrogen receptors in the velvet of adult males suggests that adults are more sensitive to this hormone than yearlings, and thus, oestrogens have greater importance in velvet activity regulation in adult males.     

Multi‐level mixed models for evaluating factors affecting the mortality and weaning weight of piglets in large‐scale commercial farms in central China

This study investigated the factors affecting piglet mortality (square root of mortality, SQRM) and average weaning weight (AWW) in commercial farms in central China. Information on sow diets, management and climate from 2478 weaning batches completed in 16 pig farms was collected from 2009 to 2013. Multi‐level mixed models, which included batch level (level 1) and farm level (level 2), were used to analyze the factors associated with SQRM and AWW. The mean values of SQRM and AWW were 2.52% (SD = 0.96) and 7.31 (SD = 0.77), respectively. Lactation sow diets supplemented with oregano essential oils (OEOs) decreased the SQRM (P < 0.05) and increased the AWW of piglets (P < 0.01). The SQRM was lower in period 2 (June to September, hot) than in period 1 (February to May, warm) and period 3 (October to January, cold; P < 0.05 and 0.001, respectively). The AWW was lower in periods 2 and 3 than in period 1 (P < 0.01). In conclusion, supplying OEOs to lactation diets can increase the weaning weight and reduce the mortality of piglets. The sources of variations in SQRM and AWW are of greater concern in the warm season than in the hot season.     

Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis vogeli in rural areas of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil and factors associated with its seroprevalence

This epidemiological survey on canine babesiosis was carried out in three distinct rural regions (Lavras, Belo Horizonte and Nanuque) of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ticks and blood samples were collected during a dry season (Lavras, n = 92; Belo Horizonte, n = 50; Nanuque, n = 102) and the subsequent rainy season (Lavras, n = 71; Belo Horizonte, n = 28; Nanuque, n = 66) from dogs living on farms. Plasma samples were analyzed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for detection of anti-Babesia canis vogeli antibodies. DNA was extracted from blood of serologically positive dogs and molecular characterization of Babesia species was performed. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense and Boophilus microplus were the tick species identified in all regions. In Lavras, in addition to those tick species, A. tigrinum and A. ovale were also identified. The most prevalent tick species was A. cajennense (35.3%), followed by R. sanguineus (19%) and B. microplus (4.0%). Dogs living in Nanuque region were more heavily infested with ticks than dogs living in Belo Horizonte and Lavras regions. The overall frequency of anti-B. c. vogeli antibodies in the canine population in rural areas of Minas Gerais was 28.7%, with prevalence rates of 49.0% in Nanuque, 34.0% in Belo Horizonte and 3.3% in Lavras. The age of the animals and tick infestation were associated with seroprevalence of B. c. vogeli. The sequence analysis showed that B. c. vogeli was the only Babesia species present in all three regions. This study showed different rates of prevalence and incidence of canine babesiosis among the three rural regions sampled in Minas Gerais State. The results point to the importance of canine babesiosis in rural areas and to the need for further studies related to its transmission and maintenance in nature.     

A survey of Culicoides developmental sites on a farm in northern Spain,with a brief review of immature habitats of European species

Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) belonging to the Obsoletus and Pulicaris groups are considered to be the main vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV) in non Mediterranean Europe. Selected terrestrial microhabitats (n = 17) on a farm in northern Spain were sampled repeatedly over a year-long period and characterized for use by Culicoides species for immature development. Concurrent use of CDC light traps showed the presence of 37 species and 66,575 specimens of adult Culicoides. A total of 28 species and 11,396 individuals emerged from laboratory-maintained soil samples. Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides scoticus (pooled as Obsoletus complex) were particularly abundant (comprising 58.6% and 74.5% of the total collections in light traps and emergence traps respectively). Potential key vectors of animal viruses (such as BTV) were found in two main terrestrial types of microhabitats. In the case of C. obsoletus, different types of manure (old and composted manure, manure mixed with organic matter, and fresh manure) produced most of the specimens. In contrast, larvae of C. scoticus and Culicoides lupicaris were associated with soil substantially comprised of rotting leaf litter that included the parasitic plant Lathraea clandestina. Several species, Culicoides festivipennis, Culicoides punctatus and Culicoides brunnicans, were very common in mud at pond margins. Indeed, pond microhabitats and runoff below barn rooflines supported the greatest species richness. In the pond habitat, 49.4% of Culicoides specimens emerged from mud at the water edge, as opposed to 50 cm above (32.4%) and 1 meter above waterline (18%). Similar species richness, but statistically significant differences in abundance, were observed among the four pond microhabitats. Overall, the majority of the specimens were found in the upper layer (0–3 cm), except in manure, where they preferred deeper layers (>6 cm). Maximum peaks of abundance occurred in both light traps and soil samples in summer months, whereas increased captures in autumn were noticed only in light traps. Both trapping systems failed to collect adult Culicoides midges in the coldest months of December, January and February. The literature on immature habitats of species suspected in BTV transmission in Europe, the Pulicaris group and particularly the Obsoletus group, is briefly reviewed.     

Les électrolytes du sang et des sécrétions endométriales de la vache à la suite d'une glucocorticothérapie

The effect of two synthetic glucocorticoids, 9_α-fluoroprednisolone acetate and dexamethasone (9_α-fluoro, 16_α-methylprednisolone) was studied on 12 normally breeding cows. Na, Mg, K, Ca and P concentrations were evaluated in the serum and in the uterine fluid at four stages of the estrous cycle.

No significant changes were noted in Na and Ca concentration in either serum or uterine fluid. On the other hand, significant changes in the Mg, K and P were observed. Both drugs have caused a decrease in the content of Mg in the serum (P<0.05) during diestrus, a fall in the level of uterine K (P<0.01) during proestrus and a decrease of P during proestrus both in serum (P<0.001 after dexamethasone treatment) and in uterine fluid (P<0.001 for both drugs).

It is obvious that the two drugs change the chemical composition of blood and endometrial secretions. This could jeopardize the survival of the spermatozoids and of the ovum as well as the fertilization and the implantation processes.

     

Turnover of Se in adequately fed chickens using Se‐75 as a tracer

Inorganic selenium (Se) in the form of selenite is applied to livestock to avoid Se deficiency. Selenite is, however, an artificial Se source in diets of unsupplemented chickens. It is therefore hypothesized that organic Se sources, such as Se‐enriched yeast and wheat, could be a more suitable Se supply in animal nutrition, although information on the transition of Se from organic Se sources in fast‐growing chickens is scarce. In this work, chickens were fed a low Se diet (0.27 ± 0.01 mg Se/kg, Se‐enriched yeast) until 20 days of age, after which the Se concentration was increased to maximum concentration allowed by the poultry industry in Europe (0.5 p.p.m. Se). At the same time, a daily contribution of carrier‐free ⁷⁵Se tracer from labelled wheat was administered from day 20 to 27. The chickens showed S and Se homeostasis, as the concentration of S and Se in liver, blood or kidney remained about constant, and steady state of S and Se in the other organs was reached 1 day after the diet shift. The uptake of ⁷⁵Se was readily seen in all organs. After 1 week, the depuration of the ⁷⁵Se tracer was followed, and biological half‐lives and retention in individual organs were determined. The shortest biological half‐lives were observed in major metabolic organs, the liver, kidney and pancreas with half‐lives close to 4 days. There was a significant (p < 0.05) uptake in lung, brain and muscle that reached steady state when the administration of ⁷⁵Se was terminated. The half‐life of ⁷⁵Se in heart was 9 days and 7 days in blood. The longest half‐lives were observed in muscle (12 days), brain and lungs (13 days). All half‐lives were shorter than in Se deplete animals.     

Effects of E2 binding enzyme UBC9 on porcine oocyte maturation,apoptosis and embryo development

SUMOylation is a dynamic post-translational modification process. However, the function of small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) in the maturation of porcine oocytes and embryo growth is not well known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of E2 binding enzyme UBC9 on the expression of SUMO-1 protein during the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and embryo development after in vitro fertilization. Four groups were used: 0 (Control), 5, 10 and 15 µg/ml UBC9. Western blotting, flow cytometry and RT-qPCR were used to detect the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes, SUMO-1 content, viability and the expression of apoptotic genes. Compared to those in the control treatment, the maturation rate (p < .05) and viability (p < .01) of oocytes in the 5 μg/ml treatment group decreased significantly. SUMO-1 protein markers appeared at 59 and 71 kDa and the content of SUMO-1 protein in the 10 µg/ml treatment group decreased significantly (p < .05). In the expression of apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2 gene expression was significantly downregulated in the 10 μg/ml treatment group (p < .05). However, Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly upregulated in the 5 μg/ml treatment group (p < .05). During embryonic development, the cleavage rate of oocytes in the 10 µg/ml treatment group was significantly reduced (p < .05), whereas blastocyst formation rate in the 5 µg/ml treatment group was significantly reduced. UBC9 regulates SUMO-1 content in mature pig oocytes in vitro, which affects oocyte maturation rate, viability, apoptotic genes expression and embryo development after fertilization.     

Microbial Composition before and after Conservation of Grass-Dominated Haylage Harvested Early,Middle, and Late in the Season

Haylage for horses is often harvested in late plant maturity, which could be associated with an increased risk of impaired hygienic quality in the forage and short aerobic storage stability after bale opening, but knowledge in this area is scant. An experiment was conducted in which the microbial composition was analyzed before and after conservation of primary growth haylage harvested early (June), middle (July), and late (August) in the season during 1 year. The counts of yeast, enterobacteria, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in preconserved herbage increased with the advancing harvest time (P ≤ .02). After conservation, the August haylage had increased counts of enterobacteria (log 4.3 colony-forming unit [CFU]/g) and LAB (log 6.5 CFU/g), compared with the June and July haylage (log ≤1.7 CFU/g for enterobacteria and ≤5.7 CFU/g for LAB, P < .001). The yeast counts were the lowest in the June haylage (log 5.0 CFU/g) compared with the July and August haylage (log ≥6.3 CFU/g, P < .001). After conservation, the mold counts were lower in the June haylage and greater in the August haylage (P = .01). In the preconserved herbage, Cladosporium cladosporioides was the most common mold species in June but Fusarium poae was in July, and Mucor fragilis in August. After conservation, Penicillium carneum was the only species found in the June haylage, with M. circinelloides most frequently found in the July haylage and M. hiemalis and M. circinelloides found at similar frequencies in the August haylage. An advanced harvest time resulted in greater counts of enterobacteria, yeast, and LAB and an increased number of mold species in the conserved haylage. The aerobic storage stability of the opened haylage bales measured by temperature was similar among the harvests.     

Efficacy of the avermectins against filarial parasites: A short review

The avermectins are macrocyclic lactones produced byStreptomyces avermitilis. One of them has been chemically modified and given the non-proprietary name invermectin. The compounds have shown efficacy against various stages of filarial parasites. With respect to pre-adult stages in the mammalian host, activity has been observed againstDirofilaria immitis in ferrets and dogs, andDipetalonema viteae andLitomosoides carinii in jirds (Meriones); but activity has not been observed against the developing stages ofBrugia spp. in jirds orOnchocerca spp. in cattle. The compounds have not shown activity against adult filarial worms, except in the case ofSetaria equina in horses and possiblyDipetalonema viteae in jirds. With respect to the first stage larva (microfilaria) in the mammalian host, efficacy has been observed againstDirofilaria immitis in dogs,Brugia malayi in multimammate rats (Mastomys),Dipetalonema viteae andLitomosoides carinii in jirds andOnchocerca spp. in horses and cattle; but activity has not been observed against microfilariae ofBrugia pahangi in jirds or cats. Efficacy against filarial parasites has been observed following oral or parenteral administration of drug, sometimes at extremely low dosage. For example, a single oral dosage of 0.05 mg/kg was highly active against the third and fourth larval stages and microfilariae ofD. immitis in dogs.     

Estrus cycle effect on muscle tyrosine kinase activity in bitches

Estrus cycle is a well recognized cause of insulin resistance in bitches. The insulin receptor (IR) as well as the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor belong to the same subfamily of tyrosine kinase (TK) receptors. The objective of this study was to evaluate basal TK activity in muscle tissue of bitches during the estrus cycle. Twenty-four bitches were used in the study (7 in anestrus, 7 in estrus, and 10 in diestrus). Muscle samples, taken after spaying surgery to determine TK activity, were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and then stored at −80°C until the membranes were prepared by sequential centrifugation after being homogenized. TK activity was determined by Poly (Glu 4:Tyr 1) phosphorylation and expressed in cpm/μg of protein. TK activity was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the animals in estrus (104.5 ± 11.9 cpm/μg of protein) and diestrus (94.5 ± 16.9 cpm/μg of protein) when compared with bitches in anestrus (183.2 ± 39.2 cpm/μg of protein). These results demonstrate, for the first time, lower basal TK activity in the muscle tissue of female dogs during estrus and diestrus, which may represent lower insulin signaling capacity, opening a new field of investigation into the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in dogs.     

The Post‐Cervical Insemination does not Impair the Reproductive Performance of Primiparous Sows

The study evaluated the reproductive performance of primiparous sows submitted to post‐cervical insemination (PCAI) compared with cervical artificial insemination (CAI). Difficulty with catheter introduction, the occurrence of bleeding or semen backflow during insemination, and volume and sperm cell backflow up to 60 min after insemination were also evaluated. Sows were homogenously distributed, according to body weight loss in lactation, lactation length, weaned piglets, weaning‐to‐oestrus interval and total born in previous farrowing, in two treatments: PCAI (n = 165) with 1.5 × 10⁹ sperm cells in 45 ml (2.4 ± 0.04 doses per sow) and CAI (n = 165) with 3 × 10⁹ sperm cells in 90 ml (2.5 ± 0.04 doses per sow). During PCAI, sows were inseminated in the absence of boars. Transabdominal real‐time ultrasonography was performed at oestrus onset, immediately before the first insemination and at 24 h after last insemination. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between treatments in farrowing rate (91.5% × 89.1%) and litter size (12.5 × 11.9 piglets born, respectively for PCAI and CAI sows). Successful passage of the intrauterine catheter in all the inseminations was possible in 86.8% (165/190) of sows initially allocated to PCAI treatment. Difficulty of introducing the catheter in at least one insemination did not affect the reproductive performance of PCAI sows (P > 0.05). Bleeding during insemination did not affect (P > 0.05) the farrowing rate in both treatments, but litter size was reduced in CAI and PCAI sows (P ≤ 0.06). Percentage of spermatozoa present in backflow within 1 h after insemination was greater in CAI than PCAI sows (P < 0.01). More than 85% of primiparous sows can be successfully post‐cervical inseminated with doses containing 1.5 × 10⁹ sperm cells in the absence of the boar during insemination without impairing the reproductive performance.