TLR4介导大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中PGE_2分泌研究

为了探讨TLR4与大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中前列腺素E_2(PGE_2)蓄积的相关性,试验分别用1×10-5mol/L和1×10-6mol/L的TLR4抑制剂处理体外培养的大肠杆菌DH5α感受态细胞和大肠杆菌突变株JE5505(脂蛋白缺失菌)感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织,用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测组织中COX-2和mPGES-1 mRNA的表达,用ELISA法检测组织上清液中PGE_2的分泌情况。结果表明:大肠杆菌DH5α感受态细胞和大肠杆菌突变株JE5505感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中COX-2和mPGES-1 mRNA的表达量及组织上清液中PGE_2的分泌量明显升高,而TLR4抑制剂能明显降低大肠杆菌DH5α感受态细胞和大肠杆菌突变株JE5505感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中COX-2和mPGES-1 mRNA的表达量及组织上清液中PGE_2的分泌量。说明TLR4可调控大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中炎症介质PGE_2的分泌。     

EP2受体对大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA表达的影响

为了研究前列腺素E2(PGE_2)受体-EP2受体对大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中炎性因子的影响,本试验分别用1×10~(-8)～1×10~(-5 )mol/L的EP2受体激动剂(Butaprost)处理大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织,培养12 h,并选取Butaprost的有效作用浓度处理大肠杆菌感染的子宫内膜组织8,12和24 h,用RT-qPCR法检测IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA的表达,同时用HE染色技术观察组织形态结构。最后,在大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中加入1×10~(-5 )mol/L的EP2受体阻断剂(AH6809),以验证EP2受体对IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA表达的特异性作用。结果显示:当10~(-7)mol/L的Butaprost处理大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织12 h时,对IL-1β和IL-6基因表达的促进作用最为明显,并且能够加剧大肠杆菌引起的奶牛子宫内膜组织的病理性损伤;AH6809能够有效阻断Butaprost对IL-1β和IL-6基因表达的促进作用。结果表明,EP2在调控大肠杆菌引起的奶牛子宫内膜组织的炎性损伤中发挥重要的作用,为更加高效地治疗细菌性奶牛子宫内膜炎提供理论依据。     

大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织细胞因子表达及损伤程度的影响

本试验旨在研究体外感染金黄色葡萄球菌与大肠杆菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织中细胞因子白介素-6(IL-6)、IL-1β和IL-8的表达及损伤程度的影响。以体外培养的奶牛子宫内膜组织作为研究对象,采用1×10~5～1×10~9 CFU/mL大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织进行体外感染,通过实时荧光定量PCR和ELISA方法检测两种细菌刺激后奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-6、IL-1β及IL-8 mRNA与蛋白的表达量,并用HE染色法观察两种细菌感染后奶牛子宫内膜组织病理学切片。结果显示,1×10~5～1×10~9 CFU/mL大肠杆菌体外感染后,奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-6、IL-1β和IL-8 mRNA表达量均极显著高于空白对照组(P0.01);金黄色葡萄球菌感染浓度为1×10~5、1×10~6 CFU/mL时,IL-6、IL-1βmRNA表达量极显著高于空白对照组(P0.01),感染浓度为1×10~7 CFU/mL时,IL-6、IL-1βmRNA表达量显著高于空白对照组(P0.05),感染浓度为1×10~6 CFU/mL时,IL-8 mRNA表达量显著高于空白对照组(P0.05),其他感染浓度均与空白对照组无显著差异(P0.05)。奶牛子宫内膜组织感染1×10~5～1×10~9 CFU/mL金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠杆菌时,IL-6、IL-1β及IL-8蛋白表达量均极显著高于空白对照组(P0.01)。相同浓度的大肠杆菌感染奶牛子宫内膜组织后,IL-6、IL-1β及IL-8 mRNA与蛋白表达量均极显著高于金黄色葡萄球菌感染组(P0.01)。HE切片染色结果显示,大肠杆菌感染后仍有部分上皮细胞保留,而金黄色葡萄球菌感染后上皮细胞全部脱落。本试验结果表明,大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌感染奶牛子宫内膜组织后,引起的炎症反应不同。大肠杆菌感染后,促炎性细胞因子被显著上调,而金黄色葡萄球菌感染后破坏子宫内膜上皮细胞程度更加严重。     

大肠杆菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织合成分泌IL-1β、IL-6和PGE_2的影响

基于奶牛子宫内膜组织体外培养方法,分别采用浓度为1×10~5,1×10~6 CFU/mL的致病性大肠杆菌处理体外培养的子宫内膜组织12,24 h后用HE染色方法评价组织损伤情况,ELISA法检测组织培养液上清中IL-1β,IL-6和PGE_2的分泌变化,RT-qPCR法检测IL-1β和IL-6基因表达变化。结果显示:与对照组相比,大肠杆菌分别处理12,24 h后奶牛子宫内膜组织中子宫内膜上皮细胞和腺上皮细胞脱落、坏死、崩解,并且显著提高奶牛子宫内膜组织IL-1β,IL-6和PGE_2的分泌及IL-1β和IL-6的mRNA的表达量。结果表明:成功建立了体外大肠杆菌型奶牛子宫内膜炎模型,且IL-1β,IL-6和PGE_2在大肠杆菌引起的奶牛子宫内膜组织炎症反应中发挥着重要的调控作用。     

EP2受体介导大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织损伤机制研究

为了探索EP2受体是否参与调节大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织损伤,试验以体外培养的奶牛子宫内膜组织为研究对象,采用实时荧光定量PCR、免疫荧光和H.E.染色等方法对EP2受体激动剂处理的大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中损伤因子HMGB-1和HABP1的表达以及子宫内膜组织损伤情况进行了研究。结果表明:与空白对照组相比,用大肠杆菌处理后可极显著上调奶牛子宫内膜组织中HMGB-1和HABP1 mRNA及蛋白的表达,而用大肠杆菌和EP2受体激动剂共同处理组织后HMGB-1和HABP1 mRNA及蛋白的表达进一步升高。用大肠杆菌处理的子宫内膜组织上皮细胞部分脱落,腺细胞崩解、坏死,腺体轮廓不清晰;而用大肠杆菌和EP2受体激动剂共同处理时,子宫内膜组织损伤情况进一步加强,上皮细胞完全脱落,腺体崩解融合更加严重。说明EP2受体能够介导大肠杆菌引起的奶牛子宫内膜组织损伤。     

EP4受体参与调控大肠杆菌感染后奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的表达、分泌及组织损伤

为了研究EP4受体是否参与调控大肠杆菌感染后的奶牛子宫内膜组织中促炎性细胞因子的表达及组织损伤,试验以体外培养的奶牛子宫内膜组织为研究对象,利用实时荧光定量PCR、ELISA和石蜡切片H.E.染色法检测EP4受体途径对大肠杆菌感染后的奶牛子宫内膜组织中白介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的表达和分泌情况,并观察EP4受体激动剂(CAY10598)对子宫内膜组织损伤情况的影响。结果表明:与空白对照组比,大肠杆菌感染组感染12 h后IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的表达和分泌量均极显著升高(P0.01);与大肠杆菌感染组比,大肠杆菌+CAY10598共同作用组共同培养12 h后,IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的表达和分泌量均极显著升高(P0.01),奶牛子宫内膜上皮细胞和腺细胞崩解、脱落。说明EP4受体参与大肠杆菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的表达和分泌及组织损伤。     

大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织细胞因子表达及损伤程度的影响

本试验旨在研究体外感染金黄色葡萄球菌与大肠杆菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织中细胞因子白介素-6（IL-6）、IL-1β和IL-8的表达及损伤程度的影响。以体外培养的奶牛子宫内膜组织作为研究对象,采用1×10⁵~1×10⁹ CFU/mL大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌对奶牛子宫内膜组织进行体外感染,通过实时荧光定量PCR和ELISA方法检测两种细菌刺激后奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-6、IL-1β及IL-8 mRNA与蛋白的表达量,并用HE染色法观察两种细菌感染后奶牛子宫内膜组织病理学切片。结果显示,1×10⁵~1×10⁹ CFU/mL大肠杆菌体外感染后,奶牛子宫内膜组织中IL-6、IL-1β和IL-8 mRNA表达量均极显著高于空白对照组（P<0.01）;金黄色葡萄球菌感染浓度为1×10⁵、1×10⁶ CFU/mL时,IL-6、IL-1β mRNA表达量极显著高于空白对照组（P<0.01）,感染浓度为1×10⁷ CFU/mL时,IL-6、IL-1β mRNA表达量显著高于空白对照组（P<0.05）,感染浓度为1×10⁶ CFU/mL时,IL-8 mRNA表达量显著高于空白对照组（P<0.05）,其他感染浓度均与空白对照组无显著差异（P>0.05）。奶牛子宫内膜组织感染1×10⁵~1×10⁹ CFU/mL金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠杆菌时,IL-6、IL-1β及IL-8蛋白表达量均极显著高于空白对照组（P<0.01）。相同浓度的大肠杆菌感染奶牛子宫内膜组织后,IL-6、IL-1β及IL-8 mRNA与蛋白表达量均极显著高于金黄色葡萄球菌感染组（P<0.01）。HE切片染色结果显示,大肠杆菌感染后仍有部分上皮细胞保留,而金黄色葡萄球菌感染后上皮细胞全部脱落。本试验结果表明,大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌感染奶牛子宫内膜组织后,引起的炎症反应不同。大肠杆菌感染后,促炎性细胞因子被显著上调,而金黄色葡萄球菌感染后破坏子宫内膜上皮细胞程度更加严重。     

奶牛子宫内膜组织α7-nAChR介导的抗炎效应

产后奶牛子宫内膜炎高发并导致严重的繁殖机能障碍使该病防治成为当前研究重点。胆碱能抗炎症通路为新药开发提供新的靶点,主要通过烟碱乙酰胆碱受体(α7-nAChR)发挥抗炎作用,但α7-nAChR能否成为治疗奶牛子宫内膜炎的潜在药物靶点尚无数据报道。本研究的目的是调查奶牛子宫内膜组织α7-nAChR是否参与抗炎效应。结果表明,LPS刺激子宫内膜组织8和12 h il-6 mRNA表达量最高,因此选择8和12 h作为本研究炎症模型最佳LPS作用时间;α7-nAChR特异性激动剂PNU-282987在5,10和15mmol/L浓度下可显著下调促炎细胞因子il-1β、il-6、tnf-α及炎症趋化因子il-8 mRNA表达,同时环氧合酶-2(cox-2)和微粒体前列腺素E合成酶-1(mpges-1)表达水平明显下降,这种效应可被α7-nAChR特异性拮抗剂甲基牛扁碱(MLA)逆转。上述结果初步表明激动子宫内膜α7-nAChR具有抑制炎症效应。     

奶牛子宫组织a-7nAChR介导LPS上调PGE_2合成抑制效应

产后奶牛子宫内膜炎是我国奶牛养殖业高发病之一,因此开发防治子宫内膜炎的药物及筛选药物靶点是当前研究热点。前期研究表明,脂多糖(Lipopolysaccharides,LPS)可明显促进奶牛子宫组织前列腺素E_2(PGE_2)合成, PGE_2是炎症反应中疼痛和发热的重要介质,抑制PGE_2合成可有效控制炎症损伤。在多种组织中激动α-7烟碱乙酰胆碱受体(α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor,α-7 nAChR)具有抗炎效应,但是否通过PGE_2合成途径发挥抗炎作用尚有争议。本研究目的在于调查在LPS刺激奶牛子宫内膜组织中,α-7nAChR能否调控PGE_2合成。结果表明,LPS刺激子宫内膜组织12 h IL-6 mRNA表达量最高,因此作本研究炎症模型最佳LPS作用时间;α-7nAChR特异性激动剂PNU-282987 5,10和15μmol/L浓度下可显著抑制环氧合酶-2(cyclooxygenase 2,COX-2)和微粒体前列腺素E合成酶-1(Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1,m PGES-1)mRNA和蛋白表达及PGE_2分泌,该抑制效应可被α-7nAChR特异性抑制剂甲基牛扁碱(MLA)逆转。上述结果表明奶牛子宫内膜组织α-7nAChR可抑制LPS上调PGE_2合成效应,是防治奶牛子宫内膜炎潜在的药物靶点。     

PGD2/DP1途径对细菌感染奶牛子宫内膜组织中HMGB-1和PAFR表达的影响

为了研究前列腺素D₂（prostaglandin D₂,PGD₂）/DP₁受体途径对大肠杆菌（Escherichia coli）和金黄色葡萄球菌（Staphylococcus aureus）感染奶牛子宫内膜组织中炎症介质HMGB-1和PAFR的表达及对组织损伤程度的影响,试验以体外培养奶牛子宫内膜组织为研究对象,应用1×10^-6 mol/L DP₁受体激动剂（BW-245C和15d-PGJ2）和等量（1×10⁶ CFU/mL）大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌共同处理奶牛子宫内膜组织,采用实时荧光定量PCR、免疫组化和HE染色法检测奶牛子宫内膜组织中HMGB-1和PAFR的表达并评价组织损伤情况。结果显示,与空白对照组相比,大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌感染奶牛子宫内膜组织中HMGB-1和PAFR表达量显著升高（P<0.05）,而DP₁受体激动剂与大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌共处理奶牛子宫内膜组织中DP₁受体激动剂显著抑制奶牛子宫组织中HMGB-1和PAFR的表达（P<0.05）。HE染色结果显示,大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织上皮细胞和腺上皮细胞完全脱落、坏死、崩解;而DP₁受体激动剂、大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌共同处理奶牛子宫内膜组织中,DP₁受体激动剂的加入显著减轻奶牛子宫内膜组织的损伤程度（P<0.05）。免疫组化染色法结果与以上两种方法结果一致。结果表明,PGD₂能够抑制大肠杆菌与金黄色葡萄球菌感染的奶牛子宫内膜组织中损伤相关因子HMGB-1、PAFR的表达,减轻组织损伤程度,这一作用可能是由DP₁受体所介导的。     

Low‐density lipoproteins and milk serum proteins improve the quality of stallion sperm after vitrification in straws

Lipids and proteins can be used for sperm vitrification to preserve the integrity of sperm membranes or to increase the viscosity of the medium. This study evaluated the effect of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and milk serum proteins (Pronexcell) for stallion sperm vitrification. Hippex extender (Barex Biochemical Products, The Netherlands), plus 1% of bovine serum albumin and 100 mM of trehalose, was used as control for sperm vitrification. In experiment 1, different concentrations of LDL (L1 = 0.25, L2 = 0.5, L3 = 1%) and in experiment 2 of Pronexcell (P1 = 1, P2 = 5, P3 = 10%) were added to control extender. Vitrification was performed in 0.25‐ml straws directly plunged into liquid nitrogen. Total motility (TM, %) and progressive motility (PM, %) were analysed by CASA, and plasma membrane (IMS, %) and acrosome membrane integrity (AIS, %) were assessed under epifluorescence microscopy. Post‐warmed sperm parameters were compared between treatments by ANOVA. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM. In both experiments, the minimum concentration of LDL and Pronexcell obtained significantly higher values (p < 0.01) than the control extender for TM (L1 = 52.95 ± 4.4; P1 = 58.99 ± 4.6; C = 30.88 ± 3.0), PM (L1 = 36.79 ± 5.5; P1 = 47.25 ± 4.3; C = 19.20 ± 2.4), IMS (L1 = 68.88 ± 3.6; P1 = 47.25 ± 4.3; C = 52.81 ± 2.6) and AIS (L1 = 45.88 ± 3.6; P1 = 47.25 ± 4.3; C = 26.00 ± 2.1). No differences in sperm parameters were found among different concentrations of LDL or Pronexcell. In conclusion, the addition of 0.25% LDL and 1% Pronexcell to the vitrification extender is recommended to improve the quality of stallion sperm after vitrification.     

A meta-analysis on effects of supplementing low-quality roughages with foliages from browses and tree fodders on intake and growth in sheep

A meta-analysis of data obtained from previous studies was conducted to understand the responses of foliage supplementation on intakes of basal DM (BDMI) and total DM (TDMI), and daily gain (ADG). Thirty-four published studies containing 223 treatments and 1127 sheep met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Major predictive variables considered were percentages of foliages in diet (SD), CP in foliages (PS), NDF in foliages (FS), NDF in forages (FB), CP in basal roughages (PB), CP in diet (PD) and foliage CP intake (SPI). TDMI (g/d) increased quadratically (P < 0.001) with increasing PS, FS, SPI (R² = 0.66), PB, SD (R² = 0.58) and PD (R² = 0.73). The maximal response of TDMI were 778 g/d at 42% of SD, 894 g/d at 19.8% PD, 893 g/d at 148 g/d SPI and 749 g/d at 26.4% PS (P < 0.001; R² = 0.58, 0.73, 0.66, and 0.37, respectively). BDMI increased quadratically with increasing SD, PD and PB, but decreased quadratically (P < 0.001) with increasing PS (P < 0.001; R² = 0.07). The breakpoint of BDMI was 570 g/d at 6.58% of PD in the diet (P < 0.001, R² = 0.28). Overall, BDMI responded at very low level of SD in the diet, peaking at 7.6% SD with BDMI of 572 g/d (P < 0.001, R² = 0.72). However, when PB was less than 3%, the maximal BDMI was 489 g/d at foliage levels of 25.7%. When PB was between 3 and 6%, maximal BDMI was at 13% of foliage in the diet and the basal forage intake of 597 g/d; whereas, BDMI decreased linearly with SD when PB was greater than 6%. BDMI (g/d) decreased quadratically when foliage CP percentages were lesser than 10%, but increased quadratically with PS when foliage CP percentages were greater than 10%. ADG responded positively and quadratically to PS, SPI, SD, PD and TDMI (g/d) and the relationships were moderate to high. However, ADG (g/d) decreased linearly with increasing FS (P < 0.001, R² = 0.35). The maximal ADG was 42 g/d at 43% of SD, 41 g/d at 9.4% PD, 42 g/d at 53 g/d SPI, 35 g/d at 25% PS and 46 g/d at TDMI of 889 g/d (P < 0.001; R² = 0.74, 0.84, 0.74, 0.29 and 0.74, respectively). It is concluded that the interactions of quality and quantity of foliage supplements and quality of basal forages affect intakes of basal and total DM, and growth in sheep.     

Comparison of the sedative effects of intranasal or intramuscular dexmedetomidine at low doses in healthy dogs: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo compare the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine administered either intranasally or intramuscularly to healthy dogs.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial.AnimalsA group of 16 client-owned healthy dogs.MethodsDogs were randomly allocated to one of two groups that were administered dexmedetomidine 5 μg kg^–1 via either the intranasal route (IN_Dex), through a mucosal atomization device in one nostril, or the intramuscular route (IM_Dex), into the epaxial muscles. Ease of intranasal administration, sedation score, onset of sedation, cardiopulmonary variables, mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) and response to venous catheterization were recorded at 0 (baseline), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 minutes, following drug administration. Data were compared with the one-way anova, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test, where appropriate.ResultsGroups were not different for age, sex, weight, body condition score or temperament. Sedation scores, MNTs and response to intravenous catheter placement were not different when dexmedetomidine was administered by either route (p = 0.691; p = 0.630 and p = 0.435, respectively). Onset of sedation was not different between groups IN_Dex and IM_Dex reaching a score of 4.2 ± 0.9 and 5.5 ± 1.2 at 9 ± 5 and 8 ± 4 minutes, respectively (p = 0.467). The highest sedation score was achieved at 30 and 35 minutes and sedation scores were 9.7 ± 2.0 and 9.5 ± 2.3 in groups IN_Dex and IM_Dex, respectively (p = 0.799). Respiratory rate was higher in group IN_Dex (p = 0.014), while there were no differences between routes in heart rate (p = 0.275), systolic (p = 0.957), diastolic (p = 0.837) or mean arterial pressure (p = 0.921).Conclusions and clinical relevanceIntranasal administration of dexmedetomidine at 5 μg kg^–1 provides effective sedation in healthy dogs.     

Comparison on the physico‐chemical and nutritional qualities of normal and abnormal colored fresh chicken liver

This study evaluated the differences of physico‐chemical and nutritional qualities between abnormal colored chicken livers (ANCCLs) and normal colored chicken livers (NCCLs) and the safety of the both livers. Compared with NCCLs, ANCCLs were lower in protein, water contents (P < 0.01), pH and pigment contents (P < 0.05). NCCLs contained higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P < 0.05). The PUFA/SFA ratio of NCCLs was 0.453, higher (P < 0.05) than that of ANCCLs. The contents of alanine, valine, tyrosine, lysine and histidine in NCCLs were higher (P < 0.05) than in ANCCLs. The contents of K, Na, P, Cu, Fe and Se of NCCLs were higher (P < 0.05), but the Ca content was lower (P < 0.05). The content of the heavy metals (As, Hg, Pb and Cd) of the two types of livers complied with food safety requirements. Although NCCLs had higher nutritional value than ANCCLs, both livers were acceptable for human consumption.     

Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of oral cefuroxime axetil in dogs

Cefuroxime axetil pharmacokinetic profile was investigated in 12 Beagle dogs after single intravenous and oral administration of tablets or suspension at a dose of 20 mg/kg, under both fasting and fed conditions. A three-period, three-treatment crossover study (IV, PO under fasting and fed condition) was applied. Blood samples were withdrawn at predetermined times over a 12-hr period. Cefuroxime plasma concentrations were determined by HPLC. Data were analyzed by compartmental analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed between formulations and feeding conditions on PK parameters. Independently of the feeding condition, absorption of cefuroxime axetil after tablet administration was low and erratic. The drug has been quantified in plasma in 3 out of 6 and 5 out of 6 dogs in the fasted and fed groups. For this formulation, the bioavailability (F), peak plasma concentration (C_max), and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) of cefuroxime axetil were significantly enhanced (p < .05) by the concomitant ingestion of food (32.97 ± 13.47–14.08 ± 7.79%, 6.30 ± 2.62–2.74 ± 0.66 µg/ml, and 15.75 ± 3.98–7.82 ± 2.76 µg.hr/ml for F, C_max, and AUC in fed and fasted dogs, respectively), while for cefuroxime axetil suspension, feeding conditions affected only the rate of absorption, as reflected by the significantly shorter absorption half-life (T_½(a)) and time to peak concentration (T_max) (0.55 ± 0.27–1.15 ± 0.19 hr and 1.21 ± 0.22–1.70 ± 0.30 for T_½(a) and T_max in fed and fasted dogs, respectively). For cefuroxime axetil tablets, T > MIC (≤1 µg/ml) was <2 hr in fasted and ≈4 hr in fed animals, and for cefuroxime axetil suspension, T > MIC (≤1 µg/ml) was ≈5 hr and for T >MIC (≤4 µg/ml) was ≈2.5 hr for fasted and fed dogs, respectively. Cefuroxime axetil as a suspension formulation seems to be a better option than tablets. However, its short permanence in plasma could reduce its clinical usefulness in dogs.     

Methane emissions and δ13C composition from beef steers consuming increasing proportions of sericea lespedeza hay on bermudagrass hay diets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different proportions of ‘Au Grazer’ sericea lespedeza [SL, Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don], a legume rich in condensed tannins (CT), on nutrient intake and digestibility, and to estimate methane (CH₄) emissions and ¹³C isotopic composition (δ¹³C_CH4) from beef steers consuming a forage-based diet. Twenty-five Angus-crossbred steers were distributed in a randomized complete block design (344 ± 48 kg initial BW), and randomly assigned to one of five treatments: 0SL, 25SL, 50SL, 75SL, and 100SL, diets containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of SL hay, respectively, mixed with ‘Tifton-85’ bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). The study was carried out for two experimental periods of 21-d each. The statistical model included the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of block, experimental period, and their interaction. Apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was linearly decreased (P < 0.001) by the inclusion of SL. No effects were observed for total CH₄ emissions per day, nor for CH₄ relative to organic matter intake or digestible organic matter with the inclusion of SL. However, emission of CH₄ in relation to intake of CT was affected by treatment (P < 0.001). A linear (P < 0.001) decrease and a quadratic effect (P < 0.001) were observed for δ¹³C of diets and gas, respectively, in which diets and enteric CH₄ with greater inclusion of SL were more depleted in ¹³C. Moreover, the difference in δ¹³C between diets and gas (Δδ¹³C) had a linear decrease (P = 0.001) with the inclusion of SL. The model developed to predict the C₃ proportions in the enteric CH₄ fitted to predicted values (P < 0.0001). Therefore, greater proportions of SL resulted in lesser CH₄ emission when CT intake was considered and the isotopic composition from enteric CH₄ was able to predict the contribution of SL in the emissions.     

Net requirements of calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium for growth of Nellore × Red Angus bulls, steers, and heifers

A comparative slaughter trial was conducted to assess the net requirements for gain of Ca, P, Na, K and Mg of bulls, steers and heifers of Nellore and Red Angus crossbreds. Twenty seven F1 Nellore and Red Angus crossbred calves (9 steers, 9 bulls, and 9 heifers), averaging 274 kg BW, were used. At the beginning of the trial, three animals from each gender were slaughtered to determine the initial body composition. The remaining 18 animals (3 animals of each gender) were randomly assigned to two treatments: fed 0.75 or 1.5% of BW of concentrate. The diets were based on corn silage and were isonitrogenous (2% N, DM). After three growing periods of 28 d, all animals were slaughtered. The cleaned gastrointestinal tract, organs, carcass, head, hide, tail, feet, and tissues were weighed to determine the empty BW (EBW). These parts were ground separately and subsampled for chemical analyses. The log of the contents of each mineral in the empty body was regressed on the log of the EBW to estimate the net requirement for each mineral per kg of empty body gain (EBG). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the net requirements for growth of all macrominerals among genders. The equations of the pooled data of the net requirements for growth (g/kg EBG) were: 332.6 × EBW ^− 0.6367 for Ca, 112.1 × EBW ^− 0.5615 for P, 10.85 × EBW ^− 0.3992 for Na, 4.01 × EBW ^− 0.153 for K, and 3.589 × EBW ^− 0.462 for Mg. Our findings indicated that retained Ca and retained P were poorly related to the retained protein.     

Tilmicosin enteric granules and premix to pigs: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and comparative pharmacokinetics

The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of tilmicosin enteric granules and premix after oral administration at a dose of 40 mg/kg in pigs. Three kinds of different respiratory pathogens were selected for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to tilmicosin. Eight healthy pigs were assigned to a two‐period, randomized crossover design. A modified rapid, sensitive HPLC method was used for determining the concentrations of tilmicosin in plasma. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using WinNonlin 5.2 software. The MIC₉₀ of tilmicosin against Haemophilus parasuis, Actinbacillus pleuropneumoniae, and Pasteurella multocida were all 8 μg/ml. These results indicated that these common pig respiratory bacteria are sensitive to tilmicosin. The main parameters of time to reach maximum plasma concentration (T_max), elimination half‐life (t_1/2β), mean residence time (MRT), and apparent volume of distribution (V_F) were 2.03 ± 0.37 hr, 29.31 ± 5.56 hr, 25.22 ± 2.57 hr, 4.06 ± 1.04 L/kg, and 3.05 ± 0.08 hr, 17.06 ± 1.77 hr, 15.55 ± 1.37 hr, 2.95 ± 0.62 L/kg after the orally administrated tilmicosin enteric granules and premix. The relative bioavailability of tilmicosin enteric granules to premix was 114.97 ± 7.19%, according to the AUC_0‐t values. These results demonstrated that tilmicosin enteric granules produced faster tilmicosin absorption, slower elimination, larger tissue distribution, and higher bioavailability compared to the tilmicosin premix. The present study results manifest that tilmicosin enteric granules can be used as a therapeutic alternative to premix in clinical treatment.     

High‐level exogenous trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid plays an anti‐lipogenesis role in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were treated by 0, 37.5, 75, 112.5, 150 μmol/L trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to evaluate the effects of different level trans10, cis12 CLA on lipogenesis in BMEC. Addition of 75–150 μmol/L trans10, cis12 CLA reduced significantly the triacylglycerol (TAG) content (P < 0.05), but did not have inhibiting action on cell proliferation (P > 0.05). Treatment with 150 μmol/L trans10, cis12 CLA for 48 h resulted in a 17.1% reduction (P < 0.0001) of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA, C14 < C < C16), a 26.5% reduction (P < 0.0001) of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and a corresponding reduction of the mRNA abundance of acetyl coenzyme A (acetylCoA) carboxylase (ACC) (P = 0.046), fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P = 0.017) and stearoylCoA desaturase1 (SCD1) (P = 0.002). Another finding was that trans10, cis12 CLA elevated expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase2 (DGAT2) (P = 0.020) and long chain acylCoA synthetases (ACSL) (P = 0.032). In conclusion, higher trans10, cis12 CLA, not low trans10, cis12 CLA, inhibited milk fat synthesis and changed fatty acid composition by regulating the expression of FAS, ACC, SCD1, DGAT2 and ACSL.     

Factors affecting dystocia and offspring vigour in different sheep genotypes

Birth difficulty and poor lamb vigour are significant causes of perinatal lamb mortality. In this study we investigated whether sheep breeds differing in appearance, muscularity and selection history also had differences in dystocia and lamb vigour, and considered some of the factors that may contribute to the variation in these traits. Data were collected at birth from a total of 3252 lambs of two terminal sire breeds selected for lean growth (Suffolk [S], n = 500 and Texel [T], n = 1207), from a Hill breed (Scottish Blackface [B], n = 610), which has been mainly selected for hardiness, and a crossbred (Mule × T [M], n = 935) representing a maternal line. For each lamb the degree of assistance at delivery, lamb presentation, amount of assistance to achieve successful sucking, sex, litter size and birth weight were recorded. T lambs required the most, and B and M lambs the least assistance at birth, S lambs were intermediate (% lambs assisted: T = 55.7, S = 30.7, B = 22.7, M = 24.9, P < 0.001). T and S lambs were equally likely to be malpresented at birth (29% of births) and more likely to be malpresented than B or M lambs (20%; P < 0.001). In T and S breeds lambs requiring veterinary assistance at delivery were mainly heavy and singleton lambs, whereas in B and M breeds these were exclusively low birth weight lambs in multiple litters. Although heavier lambs needed greater birth assistance, T lambs were lighter than S and M lambs, but heavier than B lambs (birth weight (kg): S = 4.66, M = 4.56, T = 4.32, B = 3.67, P < 0.001). S lambs were more likely to require assistance with sucking than other breeds, and T lambs also required more assistance than B or M lambs (% lambs assisted to suck: S = 56.0, T = 31.6, M = 19.8, B = 18.4, P < 0.001). Heavier lambs were more likely to suck unaided than lighter lambs (P < 0.001). The data suggest that the two terminal sire breeds, selected narrowly for greater productivity (muscle growth and conformation), are more likely to experience birth difficulty and poorer lamb vigour than the breed selected for hardiness, or the cross breed. Whether these effects arise as a consequence of genetic selection (e.g. for specific lamb conformation), or as a result of management practices to achieve selection goals (e.g. increased intervention at lambing) is unknown. Specific actions to improve birth difficulty and lamb vigour, such as including these traits in the selection index, would be beneficial in improving the welfare of ewes and lambs of the terminal sire breeds.