The effect of continuous aeration on the fertility of fowl and Turkey semen stored above 0 °C

1. Fowl and turkey spermatozoa were found to utilise oxygen when stored in tubes at 5 and 10 °G respectively; the storage medium becoming rapidly anaerobic.

2. This aerobic metabolism was encouraged by continuous introduction of air into the semen during storage.

3. Fertility of turkey semen stored at 10 °C for 24 h in a diluent containing glucose was increased 24‐fold by simple aeration and reached 99% of that achieved with fresh semen.

4. Fertilities of greater than 90% were also achieved with fowl semen stored aerated for 48 h at 5 °C in a diluent with or without glucose. The increased fertility on aeration was greater (2.2‐fold) with fowl semen stored in the absence of glucose.     

Plumping fluid added to storage medium increases twofold the functional life span of fowl spermatozoa in vitro at 4°C

1. The objective of this study was to examine whether addition of plumping fluid (PF) to Lake's solution (LS) for storage of fowl spermatozoa in vitro at 4°C can prolong survival and improve the quality of spermatozoa.

2. In experiment 1, aliquots of spermatozoa were stored in vitro in LS alone and LS containing 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% (v:v) PF for 0.5, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h at 4°C. After the end of each storage period, spermatozoa were evaluated for their viability, mobility and penetrability. Viability was determined using SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Mobility was assessed using an Accudenz assay. Penetrability was assessed using spermatozoa-inner perivitelline layer (IPL) interaction assay.

3. In experiment 2, aliquots of spermatozoa were stored in vitro in LS alone and LS containing 25% and 50% (v:v) PF for 0.5, 24, 48 and 72 h at 4°C, and then fertility of the spermatozoa was evaluated using intravaginal artificial insemination (AI) in hens.

4. Storage of spermatozoa in LS alone resulted in loss of viability, mobility, penetrability and fertility within 48 h. In contrast, no loss of viability and penetrability was observed for the spermatozoa stored for 48, 96, 72 and 48 h in LS containing 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% (v:v) PF, respectively. In particular, fertilising capacity was not lost for the spermatozoa stored in the presence of 25% or 50% PF in LS for 48 and 24 h, respectively.

5. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that in vitro exposure of fowl spermatozoa to PF during hypothermic storage in LS prolonged spermatozoa survival. A 25% (v:v) level of inclusion of PF in LS may be effective for the improvement of viability, penetrability and fertilising ability of the stored spermatozoa.     

Effect of different egg yolk-based extenders on the quality of ovine cauda epididymal spermatozoa during storage at 4°C

Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were obtained from testicles collected from abattoir(s). The pooled sperm samples were divided into four aliquots. Each aliquot was washed separately with the buffer of respective extender and finally extended with the four extenders viz. egg yolk–citrate (EYC), egg yolk–citrate–fructose (EYCF), Tris–citric acid–egg yolk–fructose (TCEYF) and egg yolk–Mcillvaine glucose (EYMG) and preserved at 4°C. The per cent sperm motility for EYC, EYCF, TCEYF and EYMG at 0 h was 50.83%, 56.67%, 75.00% and 31.67%, respectively, and at 72 h was 24.17% (EYC), 30.83% (EYCF), 51.67% (TCEYF) and 7.50% (EYMG). The corresponding figures for live sperm count at 0 h was 83.17%, 86.33%, 90.42% and 81.75% and at 72 h was 64.75%, 73.92%, 76.00% and 57.67%. The corresponding figures for mean per cent intact acrosome at 0 h was 95.33%, 95.50%, 90.92% and 97.25% and at 72 h was 86.17%, 83.92%, 77.58% and 86.33%. The sperm motility was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for TCEYF at different h of preservation from 0 h through 72 h. The sperm motility, live sperm count and per cent intact acrosome declined significantly (p < 0.05) with the advancement of storage time in all the four extenders. Our study concluded that TCEYF was best out of the extenders studied for preservation of cauda epididymal spermatozoa after double centrifugation and extension at 4°C up to 72 h of preservation. However, EYCF also has better potential for the preservation of cauda epididymal spermatozoa as viability was in close proximity and acrosomal integrity was higher compared with TCEYF extender.     

Effect of thyroxine on testicular function,circulating luteinising hormone and pituitary sensitivity to luteinising hormone‐releasing hormone in the cockerel (Gallus domesticus)

1. The effect of thyroxine (T4) on reproductive function in the adult cockerel was followed for 11 weeks. Broiler cockerels aged 96 weeks were fed on diets containing either 0, 2 or 5 mg T4/kg for 4 weeks.

2. Daily sperm output (DSO) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in the T4‐treated groups compared with that of controls at weeks 5 and 7. In the group given 5 mg T4/kg, plasma testosterone concentration was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) compared with that in controls during the T4 treatment, in spite of the fact that there was a decrease in concentration in both control and experimental birds. Plasma luteinising hormone (LH) concentration was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both of the groups given T4 treatments after 3 weeks.

3. Plasma testosterone concentrations and DSO had returned to control values at weeks 5 and 11 respectively, while plasma LH showed a transient but significant (P < 0.001) rebound after removal of thyroxine from the food.

4. In contrast to other variables, the pituitary responsivity to cLHRH‐I injections, was not decreased during the feeding of the T4 diet but was, on the contrary, significantly increased (P < 0.05) during treatment with 5 mg T4/kg diet, and after the end of the treatment with 2 mg T4/kg diet.

5. These results provide some evidence for an inhibitory effect of large doses of T4 on the reproductive function in the adult cockerel. Although the possibility of a direct effect of T4 on the testes cannot be excluded, T4 is likely to act, at least in part, at the hypothalamo‐pituitary level, and not through a reduction in the pituitary sensitivity to LHRH.     

Effect of olive-derived antioxidants (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol and 3,4 dihydroxyphenylglycol) on sperm motility and fertility in liquid ram sperm stored at 15°C or 5°C

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of two olive oil-derived antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol, HT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), on ovine semen during liquid storage at 5°C and 15°C. Semen was collected, pooled, diluted and then divided into aliquots supplemented with different concentrations (5 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) of HT, DHPG and a mixture (MIX) of both antioxidants. Sperm motility characteristics were assessed in the different samples at 0, 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr after cooling, and a fertility trial was also conducted. The results showed that the antioxidant addition did not significantly improve total and progressive motility in ovine cooled sperm maintained at 15° or 5°C. However, in samples stored at 5°C, LIN (48, 72, 96 hr), STR (0 hr) and WOB (0, 48, 72, 96 hr) values significantly decreased in comparison with control treatment when high antioxidant concentrations were added (MIX100 or HT100). When samples were maintained at 15°C, MIX50 showed significantly higher VCL values than the control treatment after 6 hr cooling, and MIX100 showed significantly lower VCL values at 96 hr after cooling. According to the artificial insemination trial, no significant differences were observed when antioxidants were added. In conclusion, the use of HT and DHPG showed small impact in sperm motility and fertility was not affected (nor detrimentally nor positively) when insemination was carried out using antioxidant-supplemented liquid sperm.     

Thymus satureioides and Origanum majorana essential oils improve the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen during storage at 4°C

This study aims to investigate the effects of essential oils (EOs), extracted from Thymus satureioides (TS) and Origanum majorana (OM), on Beni Arouss buck semen quality stored in skimmed milk at 4°C. EOs were extracted by hydro-distillation, and the chemical compounds were determined. Ejaculates were collected from six Beni Arouss bucks, once a week for 10 weeks, and they were pooled, divided into five equal aliquots and diluted to 400 × 10⁶ sperm/ml with skimmed milk supplemented with 0.01% of OM EO, 0.01% of TS EO, 0.05% of OM EO and 0.05% of TS EO. Non-supplemented skimmed milk was considered as a control. Semen motility, kinematic parameters, viability, abnormality, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation were evaluated at 0, 4, 8, 24, 28, 32 and 48 hr of liquid storage at 4°C. The main EO components were carvacrol (31.7%), thymol (28.0%) and borneol (14.4%) for TS, and terpinene-4-ol (31.2%), γ-terpinene (17.4%) and α-terpinene (12.7%) for OM. The results highlighted a dose-dependent effect of TS and OM EOs on all semen quality parameters. 0.01% of both EOs had a beneficial effect on the sperm preservation stored at 4°C compared with control (p < .05) excepted for the straight-line velocity. The 0.05% EO addition had harmful effects during storage particularly for TS EO. In conclusion, 0.01% of TS and OM EOs are recommended to improve the Beni Arouss buck semen preservation at 4°C.     

Effect of gradual acclimation to temperatures up to 44 °C on productive performance of the desert Bedouin fowl,the commercial White Leghorn and the two reciprocal crossbreds

1. The effect of daily exposures to increasing ambient temperatures (for 7 months) on egg production was evaluated in the desert Bedouin fowl of Sinai, a commercial White Leghorn and the two reciprocal cross breds.

2. High ambient temperatures did not adversely affect egg weight, laying rate or output per bird (g egg per day per g body weight) of the acclimated hens.

3. Best productivity was attained during periods of exposure to 38 to 40° C in all breeds.

4. Rates of decrease from maximal productivity to productivity at 42 and 44 °G differed with breed. Productivity of Leghorn and Leghorn x Sinai crossbred decreased curvilinearly above 40 °C, while productivity of Sinai and Sinai ( Leghorn crossbred decreased at 42 °C and then stabilised.

5. When changes in egg weight and laying rate were examined on an individual basis (comparison between successive months), the differences between Sinai and the Leghorn were more pronounced.

6. The results support previous findings that the Sinai breed and its crosses are able to withstand extreme environmental temperatures, reflecting genetic adaptation to desert conditions.     

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship

Instrumental learning plays an important role in dog–human interactions. The recent demand for pet dog training has resulted in the development of various training methods. The present exploratory study aims to compare the effects of 2 training methods on both the behavioral welfare of the dog and the dog–owner relationship: the first method is based on positive reinforcement (appearance of an appetitive stimulus), whereas the second method is based on negative reinforcement (disappearance of an aversive stimulus). The study compared behaviors linked to signs of stress and attentive behaviors toward the owner in 2 dog training schools, which used different methods. Walking on-leash activity and obeying the “sit” command were studied. The results show that dogs from the school using a negative reinforcement–based method demonstrated lowered body postures and signals of stress, whereas dogs from the school using a positive reinforcement–based method showed increased attentiveness toward their owner. However, neither method affected avoidance behaviors. This exploratory study reveals the differential effects of the 2 training methods on dogs' behaviors; it suggests that training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful and potentially better for their welfare.     

Analysis of domestic animal movements in Colombia (2006–2014) and their possible influence on the bovine brucellosis spread

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes great economic losses. The disease is endemic in Colombia and animal movements from infected herds carry...     

Comparative quality assessment of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen chilled (5°C) in egg yolk- and soya milk-based extenders

Egg yolk-Tris is most commonly used semen extender; however, its use involves hygienic risk, interference with fertility and poor microscopic examination. Therefore, replacement of egg yolk with a plant-based component with protective effects on spermatozoa would be advantageous. In present study, we observed effect of soya milk-based extenders on dilution and liquid preservation of Murrah buffalo bull semen at 5°C up to 72 h in comparison with conventional egg yolk-Tris extender (Ext.1). In experiment one, a total of 32 buffalo semen ejaculates from four animals were extended and preserved at 5°C for 72 h in soya milk-based extender (Ext.2) with different percentages (10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) of soya milk for optimization of soya milk concentration. Semen quality was assessed for individual motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of liquid preservation. The results of experiment one indicated that 25% soya milk is an optimum concentration for buffalo bull semen extender preparation. A modified method was used to prepare another soya milk-based extender (Ext.3). In the second experiment, two soya extenders (Ext.2 and 3) with optimized concentration (25%) of soya milk were comparatively assessed with egg yolk-Tris extender (Ext.1) for semen quality parameters at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of liquid preservation. The individual sperm motility at 0 and 24 h following dilution were found non-significant among extenders. However, after 48 h of dilution, individual motility in Ext.3 was observed significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Ext.1. After 24, 48 and 72 h of dilution sperm membrane integrity in Ext.3 was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Ext.1. Overall, comparative evaluation of sperm parameters obtained revealed that Ext.3 containing 25% soya milk can be used as a substitute of egg yolk-based extender for buffalo semen liquid preservation.     

Effects of different formulations of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) on growth performance,meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens

1. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E (VE)) and microencapsulated VE (MVE) on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.

2. A total of 360 d-old broiler chicks were procured and randomly allocated into three groups with 6 replicates. Each replicate had 20 chickens. Chickens were fed with basal diets (CON group) or experimental diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg VE (VE group) or 20 mg/kg MVE (MVE group) for 42 d.

3. The results showed that the MVE group had higher body weight gain (BWG) than the CON and VE groups, and higher gain/feed ratio (G/F ratio) than the CON group during the period of 22–42 d. During the whole experiment, a higher increase in BWG was found in the MVE group than the CON group.

4. Chickens fed on diets supplemented with the VE or MVE had lower abdominal fat percentage, higher pH and antioxidant enzyme activity than the CON group in the breast meat.

5. There was an increased tendency in the hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activity of the VE and MVE groups than the CON group. The hepatic mitochondrial total antioxidant capacity and GSH-Px enzyme activity in the MVE group were higher than the CON group. Hepatic 2,2-dipheny-?-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the MVE group was higher than the CON group.

6. These results suggested that the dietary addition of VE or MVE could improve breast meat quality in broilers. MVE supplementation may improve growth performance, hepatic mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging capacity in chickens. In addition, dietary supplementation of MVE gave better broiler growth performance than VE.

     

Effects of dietary lipid levels on lipid deposition and activities of lipid metabolic enzymes in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus)

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance, lipid deposition and activities of lipid metabolic enzymes in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus). Four isonitrogenous (300 g/kg crude protein) experimental diets containing graded levels of lipid (25, 55, 85 and 115 g/kg) were randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 180 juvenile fish. Fish were fed twice daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the growth performance and proximate composition of fish were determined. The activities and gene expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were assessed as well. Fish fed the diets with 55 and 85 g/kg lipid had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain than those fed the diets with 25 and 115 g/kg lipid. The whole-body and liver lipid contents were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated with increasing dietary lipid levels. Moreover, the activities and mRNA abundances of LPL and HSL in the liver, dorsal muscle and fat tissues were markedly altered by dietary lipid levels. Our data demonstrate a profound influence of dietary lipid levels on the growth and lipid deposition in hybrid tilapia, which is likely associated with the regulation of lipid metabolic enzymes including LPL and HSL.     

Combination of cell culture and quantitative PCR (cc–qPCR) to assess disinfectants efficacy on Cryptosporidium oocysts under standardized conditions

Oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum are resistant to environmental conditions and many disinfectants. A combination of cell culture and quantitative real time PCR (cc–qPCR) is established for evaluation of anticoccidial disinfectants against C. parvum. C. parvum oocysts were treated with disinfectants, washed and oocysts were incubated with HCT-8 cell monolayers in the presence of excystation medium for 3 h. Subsequently, unbound parasites were removed by washing with growing medium and the infected monolayers were further maintained in fresh growing medium for 48 h. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and qPCR performed targeting a specific sequence of the 70 kDa heat shock protein gene in order to quantify development. Treatment of oocysts with cresolic disinfectants demonstrated dose dependent reduction of viability of oocysts. More than 98% inactivations were recorded with at least 2% concentration of cresolic disinfectants after 2 h of treatment. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) at 6% solution induced 92.7% inactivation of C. parvum oocysts after 2 h. Thermally treated oocysts (56 and 70 °C for 20 min) demonstrated complete inactivation, whereas at 38 °C no inactivation was observed. Application of Neopredisan^® 135-1 and Aldecoc^® TGE (4% for 2 h) as recommended according to the current guidelines stipulated by DVG (German Veterinary Society) consistently inactivated more than 99.5% of oocysts. The suggested cc–qPCR method appeared to be suited for standardized testing of inactivation measures, particularly for evaluation of chemical disinfectants and thus cc–qPCR is proposed as an alternative to the established chicken infectivity model for Eimeria tenella for testing anticoccidial disinfectants. A minimum inactivation of 99.5% in cc–qPCR model is claimed as a suitable threshold for certification of chemical products for disinfection of coccidia oocysts.     

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Fructooligosaccharides on Growth Performance,Nutrient Digestibility and Serum Biochemical Indices of Arctic Foxes (Alopex lagopus) during Early Growth Period北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical indices of Arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) during early growth period. Sixty male post-litter Arctic foxes with the average body weight of (1.16±0.15) kg and at the age of (45±3) days were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 3 replicates per group and 5 foxes per replicate. The foxes were fed the following diets, respectively: basal diet (control group), basal diet+3×109 CFU / kg LAB (LAB group), basal diet+5 g / kg FOS (FOS group) and basal diet+3×109 CFU / kg LAB+5 g / kg FOS (LAB+FOS group). The experiment lasted for 30 days. The results showed as follows: 1) on the days 1 to 15, the diarrhea rate of foxes in the LAB group and LAB+FOS group was significantly lower than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05). On the days 16 to 30, the average daily gain of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly higher than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB group (P>0.05); the diarrhea rate of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly lower than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB group (P>0.05); compared with the FOS group, the feed to gain ratio of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). 2) The dry matter digestibility of foxes in the LAB + FOS group was significantly higher than that in the control group and FOS group (P < 0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB group (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in nitrogen intake, fecal nitrogen, urine nitrogen, nitrogen deposition, net protein utilization and protein biological value among all groups (P>0.05). 3) Serum total protein (TP) content of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly higher than that in the FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with control group and LAB group (P>0.05). Serum albumin (ALB) content of foxes in the LAB group was significantly higher than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB+ FOS group (P>0.05). Serum urea nitrogen (UN) content of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0. 05). In conclusion, the combined supplementation of 3 × 109 CFU / kg LAB and 5 g / kg FOS in the diet is beneficial to reduce diarrhea rate, improve dry matter digestibility, improve body immune level, and promote the growth of Arctic foxes during early growth period. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Urology. All rights reserved.     

Effects of Dietary Tributyrin on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Immune Function and Antioxidant Capacity of Juvenile Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary tributyrin on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, immunity function and antioxidant capacity of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). A total of 480 juvenile yellow catfish with an initial body weight of (5.53±0.02) g were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates in each group, and 40 fish in each replicate. Four isonitrogenous and isolipid experimental diets were fed with 0 (G0), 500 (G1), 1 000 (G2) and 2 000 mg/kg (G3) triglyceride, respectively. The experiment lasted for 56 days. The results showed as follows: 1) weight gain rate and feed efficiency rate in G2 group were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). The fatness in G1 group was significantly lower than that in G0 and G3 groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between G1 group and G2 group (P>0.05). 2) The serum glucose content in G3 group was significantly higher than that in G1 and G2 groups (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in the serum contents of total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, urea nitrogen and the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase among all groups (P>0.05). 3) Compared with G0 group, serum lysozyme activity in G1, G2 and G3 groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), serum alkaline phosphatase activity in G1 and G2 groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), and serum immunoglobulin M content in G2 group was significantly higher than that in G3 group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum complement C3 content among all groups (P>0.05). 4) Compared with G0 group, serum total antioxidant capacity in G1 group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and serum super-oxide dismutase activity in G1, G2 and G3 groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum catalase activity in G3 group was significantly higher than that in G0, G1 and G2 groups (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in serum glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione and malondialdehyde contents among all groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 500 to 2 000 mg/kg triglyceride can significantly improve non-specific immune and antioxidant capacity of yellow catfish, and dietary supplementation of 1 000 mg/kg triglyceride can significantly improve weight gain rate and feed efficiency of yellow catfish. Combined with the comprehensive evaluation of growth performance, serum immunity and antioxidant indexes, the optimal supplemental level of triglyceride in yellow catfish diet is 1 000 mg/kg. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.     

Effects of Faba Bean Supplementation on Growth Performance,Intestinal Digestive Enzyme Activities,Intestinal Morphology and Intestinal Flora of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)北大核心CSCD

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of faba bean supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology and intestinal flora of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 600 genetic improvement of farmed tilapia with an initial body weight of (500.23± 0.34) g were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates per group and 50 fish per replicate. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets containing 0 (C0 group, as control), 15% (C15 group), 30% (C30 group) and 60% (C60 group) faba bean were fed to fish during the 100-d feeding trial. Results showed as follows: 1) there were no significant differences in the weight gain rate, specific growth rate, feed coefficient ratio and hepatosomatic index among the groups (P>0.05), the protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in C60 group were significantly higher than those in C0 and C15 groups (P<0.05). 2) There were no significant differences in the activities of amylase, lipase and trypsin among the groups (P>0.05). 3) Compared with the C0 group, the C15, C30 and C60 groups had significantly lower intestinal villus height, villus thickness and muscle thickness (P<0.05). 4) The Simpson index of intestinal flora of tilapia in C15, C30 and C60 groups was lower than that in C0 group, and the difference was significant between C30 and C0 groups (P< 0.05). 5) The intestinal core flora of the four groups of tilapia were mainly Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteriota. Compared with the C0 group, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in C15, C30 and C60 groups had a significant reduction (P<0.05), and the relative abundances of Fusobacteriota and Cetobacterium in C15 and C60 groups had a significant reduction (P<0.05). To conclude, under the conditions of isonitrogenous and isolipidic, diets supplemented with 15% to 60% faba bean have no significant effects on the growth performance and intestinal digestive enzyme activities of tilapia, but can significantly reduce the intestinal villi height, villus width and muscle thickness, decrease the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and the diversity of intestinal flora. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.     

Effects of sex‐linked imperfect albinism in the chicken (s al‐c) on plasma luteinising hormone concentrations and early egg production

1. When measured before and after the onset of darkness, plasma LH concentrations in 40‐day‐old sex‐linked albino pullets (s^al‐c ) were slightly lower than those of nonalbinos (s ⁺ ).

2. This finding prompted an experiment in which plasma LH concentrations were measured between 12 and 33 weeks of age when daylength was increased at 15 or 21 weeks. Egg production of the early and late maturing albino hens was measured.

3. Plasma LH concentrations overall and at 17 weeks were lower for albinos than for nonalbinos. In the early maturing group egg production of albinos was higher than that of nonalbinos.

4. Results suggest that increased egg production of albinos is not the direct result of differences in plasma LH concentrations but may be a consequence of differences in the control of LH secretion.     

Effects of dietary supply of arginine on urinary orotic acid excretion,growth performance and blood parameters in growing mink (Mustela vison) kits fed low‐protein diets

Effects of dietary arginine levels of 1.2%, 1.7% and 2.2% of dry matter (DM) (4.8 g/16 g N, 6.4 g/16 g N and 8.0 g/16 g N, respectively) and excess dietary lysine (6.5% in DM, 22 g/16 g N) were investigated in male mink kits fed low‐protein diets supplemented with a mixture of amino acids in the growing period during 4 weeks in July‐August. Urinary excretion of orotic acid, growth performance, feed consumption, plasma concentrations of ammonia (NH₃), orotic acid, urea and glucose were studied. The results showed that arginine is an essential nutrient for mink kits in the growing period and that excess dietary lysine antagonizes arginine. An arginine supply of 2.2% of DM (8.0 g/16 g N) resulted in minimum urinary excretion of orotic acid and a supply of 1.7% of DM (6.4 g/16 g N) prevented increased plasma concentrations of NH₃. Growth performance was negatively affected by the low protein level in all diets. The plasma concentrations of orotic acid, urea and glucose were not affected by the dietary levels of arginine.     

Effects of Soybean Meal Replaced by Fermented Plant Protein Compound on Growth,Immune, Antioxidant and Intestinal Microflora Structure of Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of soybean meal replaced by fermented plant protein compound on growth, immune, antioxidant and intestinal microflora structure of black carp (Mylopharyn-godon piceus). The different proportions (1∶1 and 2∶1) of fermented cottonseed meal and fermented rapeseed meal were used to replace 0 (control group), 50% and 75% soybean meal in the basic diet, respectively, 5 kinds of isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets were prepared, and the black carp with initial weight of (6. 04 ± 0. 18) g were fed for 8 weeks. The results showed that there were no significant differences on growth performance, morphological indicators and body composition among all group (P>0.05). There were no significant differences on serum complement 3, malondialdehyde, albumin contents and lysozyme activity among all group (P>0.05). The serum complement 4 content in 50% replacement group was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05), and the serum immunoglobulin M content in 75% replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences on hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase activities and total antioxidant capacity and total cholesterol content among all group (P>0.05). There were no significant differences on intestinal α-amylase and lipase activities among all group (P>0.05), and the intestinal pepsin activity in fermented cottonseed meal and fermented rapeseed meal replacing 75% soybean meal with 1 ∶ 1 proportion group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The dominant microflora in intestine of black carp at the phylum level were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Planctomycotes, and the dominant bacteria at the genus level were Aeromonas, Cetobacterium, Ralstonia and Plesiomonas. There were no significant differences on the relative abundances of intestinal main microflora among all group (P>0.05). To sum up, under the experimental conditions, the high proportion (75%) of fermented plant protein replacing soybean meal do not cause hepatopancreas damage and intestinal microflora structure change of black carp, and even improve the activities of some immune indicators in serum and intestinal protease activity, and the compound proportion of fermented cottonseed meal and fermented rapeseed meal have no significant effects on growth performance, morphological indicators, body composition, hepatopancreas antioxidant indexes and intestinal microflora structure of black carp. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Urology. All rights reserved.