Efficacy of ivermectin delivered via a controlled-release capsule against small lungworms (Protostrongylidae) in sheep

To evaluate the efficacy of an ivermectin controlled-release capsule (CRC), which delivers 1.6 mg ivermectin per day intraruminally for 100 days to sheep weighing 40-80 kg (IVOMEC Maximizer CR Capsule for adult sheep, Merial), against small lungworms two studies with 48 naturally infected adult female Merino Landrace sheep were conducted. The sheep were allocated by restricted randomization based on bodyweight to untreated controls or received an ivermectin CRC. Eight sheep per group were necropsied 35, 70 or 105 days post-treatment. Lungworms were recovered by dissection or peptic digestion of the lungs. Baermann/Wetzel technique was used for faecal lungworm larval counts at weekly intervals. The efficacy of treatment was 100% against Dictyocaulus filaria and Protostrongylus rufescens (P < 0.05) at each necropsy day. The efficacy against Protostrongylus brevispiculum, Cystocaulus ocreatus and Neostrongylus linearis increased from 35 to 105 days after administration of the CRC and was found to be 100% (P < 0.01), 96.6% (P < 0.01) or 99% (P < 0.01), respectively, at 105 days post-treatment. The reductions of Muellerius capillaris counts varied and were 96.2% (P < 0.05) at 70 days post-treatment and 44.6% (P > 0.1) at 105 days post-treatment. Faecal lungworm larvae disappeared nearly completely from at least 3 weeks after the ivermectin CRC administration for all protostrongylid species including M. capillaris so that pasture infectivity will be subsequently significantly reduced.     

Persistent anthelmintic activity of topically administered ivermectin in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) against lungworms (Dictyocaulus viviparus)

A controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the persistent anthelmintic effect of ivermectin as a topical treatment at 500 μg/kg against induced infection with lungworm (Dicryocaulus viviparus) in red deer (Cervus elaphus). The results showed a highly significant (p < 0.01) anthelmintic activity for at least 28 days against a newly acquired infection with Dictyocauus viviparus (> 99% efficacy).     

Efficacy of Tilmicosin Phosphate (Pulmotil® Premix) in Feed for the Treatment of a Clinical Outbreak of Actinobacilluspleuropneumoniae Infection in Growing–Finishing Pigs

A double‐blind randomized clinical trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy of tilmicosin (Pulmotil^® premix) for the treatment of a clinical outbreak of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in growing–finishing pigs. The effects of tilmicosin administration in the feed at 400 mg/kg and an injection therapy of clinically diseased pigs with long‐acting oxytetracycline (Terramycine^® LA) at 20 mg/kg bodyweight were compared. Both groups, totalling 147 pigs, were compared during a medication period of 15 days and a post‐medication period of 11 days by means of different clinical and performance parameters. During the medication period, the tilmicosin group showed a significant advantage with respect to the number of new disease cases (P < 0.01), and a non‐significant advantage regarding the number of removed pigs (P=0.16), the number of sick pigs that recovered (P=0.27) and the time to recovery (P=0.42). During the post‐medication period, the pigs of the tilmicosin group showed numerical non‐significant benefits (P > 0.05) with respect to the clinical parameters. During the overall study period (26 days), the average daily gain and the feed conversion ratio were both significantly (P < 0.01) better in pigs from the tilmicosin group compared with pigs from the oxytetracycline group. This study demonstrated that in‐feed medication of tilmicosin at a dosage of 400 mg/kg is efficacious for the treatment of a clinical respiratory disease outbreak of A. pleuropneumoniae infection in growing–finishing pigs. Compared with oxytetracycline injection of clinically diseased pigs, the tilmicosin treatment is particularly beneficial in the prevention of new disease cases while increasing or maintaining the performance of the pigs.     

Pharmacokinetics of an extended‐release formulation of eprinomectin in healthy adult alpacas and its use in alpacas confirmed with mange

The study objective was to determine the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of an extended‐release 5% eprinomectin formulation (Longrange^®) following subcutaneous (s.c.) injection in healthy (n = 6) and mange‐infected (n = 4) adult alpacas. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze plasma samples obtained at regular intervals for 161 days following a single 5 mg/kg injection s.c. in healthy alpacas, and for 5 days following each dose (3 treatments, 2 months apart) in mange‐affected animals. Skin scrapings and biopsies were performed pre‐ and post‐treatment at two comparable sites in alpacas with mange. Four alpacas served as healthy controls. Eprinomectin plasma concentrations showed a biphasic peak (C_MAX‐1: 5.72 ± 3.25 ng/mL; C_MAX‐2: 6.06 ± 2.47 ng/mL) in all animals at 3.88 ± 5.16 days and 77 ± 12.52 days, respectively. Eprinomectin plasma concentrations remained above 1.27 ± 0.96 ng/mL for up to 120 days. Hematocrit (35.8 vs. 31.3%, P < 0.003) and albumin (3.5 vs. 2.8 g/dL P < 0.006) reduced significantly over 6 months in multidose animals, while fecal egg counts did not differ between groups. Self‐limiting injection site reactions occurred in 9 of 10 animals. Pre‐ and post‐treatment skin biopsies showed reduced hyperkeratosis, but increased fibrosis, with 1 of 4 alpacas remaining positive on skin scraping for mange. In conclusion, alpacas require a higher eprinomectin dose (5.0 mg/kg s.c.) than cattle, to reach comparable plasma concentrations.     

Duration of Anthelmintic Effect of Three Formulations of Ivermectin (Oral,Injectable and Pour-on) Against Multiple Anthelmintic-Resistant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haemonchus contortus</Emphasis> in Sheep

We report the results of investigations that were conducted in a sheep flock in Uttaranchal, India where repeated failure of anthelmintic medication was noted. The study revealed that Haemonchus contortus in sheep had developed resistance to benzimidazoles (fenbendazole, mebendazole and albendazole), imidazothiazole (levamisole) and salicylanide (rafoxanide), while it was fully susceptible to avermectins (ivermectin). Further, the suppression of nematode egg output in faeces of sheep naturally infected with multiple anthelmintic-resistant H. contortus following treatment with ivermectin tablet (0.4 mg/kg body weight (bw), orally), ivermectin injection (1% w/v, 0.2 mg/kg bw, subcutaneously) and ivermectin pour-on (0.5 w/v, 0.5 mg/kg bw) was also studied over a period of 10 weeks post treatment. It was noted that ivermectin tablet after initial clearance of infection (faecal egg count reduction 100%), could not prevent establishment of new patent natural infection for even a single day, while ivermectin pour-on and injection prevented the establishment of new infection for 7 and 14 days post treatment, respectively. Maximum protection period (duration for which mean faecal egg count of sheep reaches 500 eggs per gram of faeces or more) of 68 days was recorded in sheep treated with injectable ivermectin, followed by pour-on (60 days) and oral (53 days) preparations.     

Efficacy of an ivermectin controlled-release capsule against some rarer nematode parasites of sheep

A controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the intraruminal ivermectin controlled-release capsule (CRC) (IVOMEC Maximizer CR Capsule for Sheep, Merial Ltd.) against induced incoming third-stage larvae and established adult infections with some rarer gastrointestinal nematode parasites of sheep. Twenty-one worm-free lambs were allocated by restricted randomisation based on body weight within sex to one of the following treatments: unmedicated control, ivermectin CRC given on Day 0 prior to induced infection, and ivermectin CRC given on Day 70 after establishment of induced infection. The ivermectin CRC delivers ivermectin at a minimum dose rate of 20 microg/kg/day for 100 days. Infections were induced by daily administration of third-stage larvae for five consecutive days. Nematodes were counted on Day 84, 14 days after treatment of established infection. The treatment with the ivermectin CRC prevented the establishment of Ostertagia leptospicularis, O. ostertagi, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Cooperia oncophora, C. punctata, C. surnabada, Nematodirus helvetianus, N. roscidus and Strongyloides papillosus by >99% as compared with the untreated controls (p < 0.01). The administration of the ivermectin CRC reduced established adult infections of O. ostertagi, B. trigonocephalum, C. oncophora, C. punctata, C. surnabada, N. roscidus and S. papillosus by >99% (p < 0.01), and reduced established adult infections of O. leptospicularis and N. helvetianus by 96.5 and 98.4% (p < 0.01), respectively.     

The curative and antioxidative efficiency of ivermectin and ivermectin + vitamin E-selenium treatment on canine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcoptes scabiei</Emphasis> infestation

The objective of the present study was to investigate the curative and antioxidative efficacy of ivermectin and ivermectin + vitamin E-selenium, and the influence of these agents on oxidative stress parameters in canines infested by Sarcoptes scabiei. Twenty two sarcoptic mites infested dogs and nine healthy dogs of 6 months to 2 years of age were divided into three groups. Group I comprised of healthy dogs (n = 9) whereas animals in group II (n = 11) and III (n = 11) were positive for scabies. Group II animals were treated with only 1% ivermectin @ 0.2 mg/kg SC whereas group III were additionally treated with Vitamin E and selenium (tocopherol 50 mg + Se 1.5 mg/ml) @0.5 ml/20 kg IM at weekly intervals for three times. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and 28 post therapy. The values for hemato-biochemical parameters and activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) whereas level of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in all the infested dogs in comparison to the healthy dogs on day 0 which approached normalcy by day 28 post therapy. The dogs of group III showed better clinical recovery in comparison to group II at the end of therapy. Thus, administration of vitamin E and selenium in addition to standard therapy can alleviate these alterations hastening the clinical recovery of diseased dogs and can be recommended as an adjunct therapy with miticides for canine sarcoptic mange.     

Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome after single and repeated subcutaneous administrations in sheep

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (CFQ) following single and repeated subcutaneous (SC) administrations in sheep. Six clinically healthy, 1.5 ± 0.2 years sheep were used for the study. In pharmacokinetic study, the crossover design in three periods was performed. The withdrawal interval between the study periods was 15 days. In first period, CFQ (Cobactan, 2.5%) was administered by an intravenous (IV) bolus (3 sheep) and SC (3 sheep) injections at 2.5 mg/kg dose. In second period, the treatment administration was repeated via the opposite administration route. In third period, CFQ was administrated subcutaneously to each sheep (n = 6) at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg q. 24 hr for 5 days. Plasma concentrations of CFQ were measured using the HPLC‐UV method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non‐compartmental methods. The elimination half‐life and mean residence time of CFQ after the single SC administration were longer than IV administration (p < 0.05). Bioavailability (F%) of CFQ following the single SC administration was 123.51 ± 11.54%. The area under the curve (AUC_0‐∞) and peak concentration following repeated doses (last dose) were higher than those observed after the first dose (p < 0.05). CFQ accumulated after repeated SC doses. CFQ can be given via SC at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg every 24 hr for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible pathogens, which minimum inhibitory concentration is ≤1.0 μg/ml in sheep.     

Behavior of sheep fed babassu cake (Orbygnia speciosa) as a substitution for elephant grass silage

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of sheep fed babassu cake as a substitution for elephant grass silage. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia (Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia ‐ UFRA), Brazil, using 45 sheep housed in individual stalls, with unlimited access to feed and distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% inclusion of babassu cake) and nine replications. All of the treatments contained a roughage‐to‐concentrate ratio of 40:60. No differences were observed in the time spent feeding (P > 0.05), regardless of the source of roughage used. However, there was a reduction in the time spent in rumination (P < 0.05) and an increase in time spent idling (P < 0.05) when babassu cake was included in the diet. Although there was a reduction in the time spent chewing the ruminal bolus (P < 0.05), the total daily chewing time was the same for all animals (P > 0.05). However, the sheep fed babassu cake showed higher feeding and rumination efficiency (P < 0.05). Therefore, the substitution of elephant grass silage with babassu cake can be performed at up to 50% without compromising the total time spent eating and chewing, which allows increased feeding and rumination efficiency.     

Does closantel in therapeutic doses display thyroid hormone‐like activity in sheep?

The aim of this study was to define the thyroid hormone‐like activity of closantel in sheep by measuring some blood parameters that are known to be influenced by thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Our hypothesis was that, if closantel possesses thyroid hormone‐like activity, its use under in vivo conditions will result in changes similar to those in hyperthyroidism. The study was conducted in 20 Jezersko‐Solchava breed sheep. Blood sampling was performed before and 10 days after routine anthelmintic treatment with closantel. Complete blood count, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, protein, and albumin levels, as well as those of serum T3 and T4, were compared before and 10 days after closantel administration. This routine anthelmintic treatment of sheep with closantel did not significantly influence hematological parameters, thyroid hormone levels, or most of the biochemical parameters. No evidence was found for thyroid hormone‐like activity of closantel in sheep. However, significantly (P < 0.01) elevated levels of plasma triglycerides were present 10 days after closantel administration.     

Growth performance,carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of West African dwarf sheep fed varying levels of maize and cassava hay

A study was conducted to determine the growth performance and meat yield and quality of West African dwarf sheep. Twenty rams weighing an average of 15.3 ± 0.79 kg live weight and with an average age of 18 months were allotted at random to five dietary treatments of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% maize hay (MH) for a period of 105 days. Dry matter (DM) intake and growth rate of the rams were improved as the level of cassava hay (CH) increased in the diets. Live weight gain varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the treatments, ranging from 38.8 to 47.9 g/day. The carcass weight of the rams fed 100% MH was significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with the other treatments. Dressing percentage ranged from 56.5% to 61.0% with no significant (P > 0.05) difference observed across the treatments, while the distribution of the slaughtered parts was similar (P > 0.05) regardless of the dietary treatment. Proximate composition of the meat from the loin indicated that the DM, crude protein, fat and ash contents were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the dietary treatments. Panellists rated the meat to be similar (P > 0.05) in flavour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability while colour and texture varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the treatments. In conclusion, this study indicated that better growth performance and meat production in West African dwarf sheep can be improved in form of body weight and carcass production when fed 25%MH and 75% CH diet.     

Efficacy of ivermectin in a controlled-release capsule for the control of breech strike in sheep

Objective To investigate the efficacy of ivermectin in an intraruminal controlled-release capsule (CRC) against blowfly strike.
Design Pen and field trials with controls.
Animals Pen studies: Two breech strike trials involving 60 Romney and 60 Merino sheep. One body strike trial using 100 Merino sheep.
Field trials: Eight trials in New Zealand used 1000 Romney and Romney-cross sheep. Fifty Merino lambs in one trial in Australia.
Procedure Pen studies: Sheep were allocated to two equal groups. One was not treated, the other sheep received a CRC that delivered ivermectin at 20 μg/kg/day for 100 days. In the breech strike trials, each animal was given an oral laxative 2 days before exposure to adult Lucilia cuprina . In the body-strike trial, the sheep sheep were kept wet to increase susceptibility prior to the release of blowflies.
Field trials: Fifty or 200 sheep allocated to equal groups of nontreated or treated with the CRC and grazed at pasture exposed to natural blowfly challenge.
Results Pen studies: Breech strikes developed in 24 of 60 controls but in none of 60 CRC-treated sheep. There was a 35% reduction in the number of CRC-treated sheep struck on the body.
Field trials: The average number of breech strikes in CRC-treated sheep was reduced by 86% (P < 0.001). The number of body strikes in the treated groups was a reduced by 27% (P < 0.05).
Conclusion The ivermectin CRC is a useful aid in controlling breech strike, but provides only moderate reduction in the incidence of body strike.     

Effects of eight vehicles on transdermal lidocaine penetration in sheep skin in vitro

This study investigated the effects of vehicles on penetration and retention of lidocaine applied to sheep skin in vitro. Thoracic skin from two sheep was clipped of wool and stored at −20 °C, until used. Skin samples were defrosted and mounted in Franz‐type diffusion cells, and then one of the following formulations, each saturated with lidocaine, was added: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) 0.5% in water, SLS 1% in water, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) 50% in water (wt/wt), DMSO 100%, isopropyl myristate 100% (IPM), water alone, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME) 50% in water (wt/wt) and DGME 100%. The penetration of lidocaine in each skin sample was measured over 8 h. Significantly greater lidocaine skin concentrations and flux (J_SS) were achieved with the nonaqueous vehicles, DMSO 100% (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.01, respectively), followed by DGME 100% and IPM (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.01, respectively). The lag time (t_lag) for lidocaine penetration in the DMSO 100% vehicle was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) compared with all other vehicles except water. Improved transdermal penetration of lidocaine in the DMSO 100% vehicle was likely due to skin barrier disruption, as determined by differences in pre‐ and post‐treatment transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This study has shown that nonaqueous vehicles enhanced penetration of lidocaine in sheep skin to a greater extent than aqueous vehicles, which has implications for topically applied local anaesthesia in sheep.     

GnRH and prostaglandin‐based synchronization protocols as alternatives to progestogen‐based treatments in sheep

The study investigated, for cycling sheep, synchronizing protocols simultaneously to the standard “P” protocol using progestogens priming with intravaginal devices and gonadotropin. In November 2014, 90 adult Menz ewes were assigned to either the “P” protocol, “PGF” treatment where oestrus and ovulation were synchronized using two injections of prostaglandin 11 days apart or a “GnRH” treatment where the ewes had their oestrus and ovulation synchronized with GnRH (day 0)–prostaglandin (day 6)–GnRH (day 9) sequence. The ewes were naturally mated at the induced oestrus and the following 36 days. Plasma progesterone revealed that 92% of the ewes were ovulating before synchronization and all, except one, ovulated in response to the applied treatments. All “P” ewes exhibited oestrus during the 96‐hr period after the end of the treatments in comparison with only 79.3% and 73.3% for “PGF” and “GnRH” ewes, respectively (p < .05). Onset and duration of oestrus were affected by the hormonal treatment (p < .05); “GnRH” ewes showed oestrus earliest and had the shortest oestrous duration. Lambing rate from mating at the induced oestrus was lower for “P” than for “PGF” ewes (55.6% and 79.3%, respectively; p < .05). The same trait was also lower for “P” than for “PGF” and “GnRH” ewes (70.4%, 89.7% and 86.7%, respectively; p < .05) following the 36‐day mating period. Prostaglandin and GnRH analogue‐based protocols are promising alternatives for both controlled natural mating and fixed insemination of Menz sheep after the rainy season when most animals are spontaneously cycling.     

Supplementation with linseed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Linum usitatissimum</Emphasis>) cake and/or wheat bran on feed utilization and carcass characteristics of Arsi-Bale sheep

Thirty yearling male intact Arsi-Bale sheep with initial body weight (BW) of 15.5 ± 0.21 kg (mean ± SD) were used in 90 days feeding trial, 10 days digestibility trial followed by evaluation of carcass parameters at Bokoji, Ethiopia. The objectives were to evaluate effects of supplementation with linseed (Linum usitatissimum) cake (LSC), wheat bran (WB), and their mixtures at 2:1 and 1:2, respectively on feed intake, digestibility, daily BW gain, and carcass parameters. The five treatments included ad libitum feeding of natural pasture hay (control) and with daily supplementation of 300 g dry matter (DM) sole LSC, 2LSC:1WB mix, 1LSC:2WB mix, and sole WB. Six sheep were randomly assigned to each treatment using randomized complete-block design. Four sheep in each treatment were randomly selected and used for determination of digestibility and carcass characteristics using a completely randomized design. The intake of hay DM was higher (P < 0.001) for the non-supplemented sheep compared with the supplemented ones, but the contrary was true for total DM intake. Sheep in the control treatment lost BW (−1.5 g/day), while the supplemented ones gained 69.0–104.1 g BW/head/day. Digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.001) for supplemented sheep as a result of higher (P < 0.001) CP intake. Slaughter weight, empty BW, and hot carcass weight were lower (P < 0.001) for sheep in the control treatment compared with the rest. Sheep supplemented with LSC and its mixtures with WB had better (P < 0.001) performance in daily BW gain than sole WB supplemented ones indicating the advantages of using supplements as mixed rations. Moreover, supplementation proved to be profitable, whereas feeding hay alone led to economic loss.     

Confirmation of resistance to ivermectin by Cooperia curticei in sheep

AIM: To investigate the occurrence of resistance to a full dose of oral ivermectin by Cooperia curticei in sheep.

METHODS: Twelve lambs on a sheep and cattle property in the North Island of New Zealand were randomly allocated to one of two equal-sized groups. One group was treated orally with a single dose of ivermectin at the manufacturer's recommended dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg, while the other remained as an untreated control. Worm counts were carried out post mortem on the abomasa and small intestines of all animals in both groups 7 days after treatment.

RESULTS: While treatment with ivermectin reduced the numbers of all other worm genera to almost zero, those of Ostertagia (= Telodorsagia) circumcincta and C. curticei were reduced by only 37% and 19%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: These results provide clear evidence of resistance to ivermectin by O. circumcincta and C. curticei. They also appear to represent the first record of macrocylic lactone (ML) resistance in C. curticei in sheep in New Zealand or elsewhere.     

Influence of Gonadotrophin‐Induced First Oestrus on Gilt Fertility

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the oestrous response of pre‐pubertal gilts to gonadotrophin injection or boar exposure and their subsequent farrowing rate and litter size. At 154 days of age, randomly selected pre‐pubertal gilts received an intramuscular injection of 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin plus 200 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (PG600^®; Merck Animal Health; n = 181). From the remaining pool of animals not treated with hormones, the first gilts showing signs of oestrus were selected to act as controls (n = 201). Boar exposure began at 155 days of age for both groups, and gilts were bred at a weight of approximately 130 kg. Comparisons were made between PG600^®‐treated gilts exhibiting oestrus or not within 7 days post‐injection (early and late responders, respectively) and control gilts exhibiting oestrus or not within 30 days after beginning of boar exposure (select and non‐select control gilts, respectively). By 162 days, oestrus was detected in 67.5% of PG600^®‐treated gilts compared with 5.7% of control gilts (p < 0.0001). The proportion of animals observed in oestrus at least three times before breeding was greater for select control gilts compared with early and late responder PG600^®‐treated gilts (p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences in farrowing rate and litter size between the four treatment groups. These data indicate that PG600^® is an effective tool to induce an earlier oestrus in gilts, that subsequent farrowing rate and born alive litter size compare favourably to that of select gilts and that gilts failing to respond promptly to hormonal stimulation do not exhibit compromised fertility.     

Effects of butafosfan with or without cyanocobalamin on the metabolism of early lactating cows with subclinical ketosis

Fifty‐one dairy cows with subclinical ketosis were used to investigate the effects of butafosfan alone or in combination with cyanocobalamin on metabolism. Treatments included i.v. injection of 10 ml/100 kg of body weight with butafosfan (BUT) or combined cyanocobalamin with butafosfan (BUTCO) at a similar concentration as in Catosal^®. Control cows (CON) received a 0.9% saline solution. Cows were injected on days 1–3 at 22.3 ± 0.7 days post‐partum. Milk production and composition were not affected by the treatments. In plasma, CON cows had a significantly higher plasma NEFA concentration (0.59 ± 0.03 mm ) across the study period than BUTCO cows (p < 0.05; 0.42 ± 0.03 mm ), whereas the plasma NEFA concentration of BUT was intermediate (0.52 ± 0.03 mm ) but not significantly different from CON. Both BUTCO and BUT cows had lower (p < 0.05) plasma BHBA concentrations (1.02 ± 0.06 mm and 1.21 ± 0.06 mm , respectively) across the study period than CON (1.34 ± 0.06 mm ). Plasma glucose was not different between treatments, but plasma glucagon concentrations were consistently high in BUT compared to BUTCO and CON. Lowest post‐treatment glucagon levels were observed in BUTCO. Hepatic mRNA abundance of liver X receptor α, a nuclear receptor protein involved in lipid metabolism, was higher in BUTCO compared to BUT and CON (p < 0.05) on day 7. Furthermore, on day 7, the mRNA abundance of beta‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 2 was higher in BUTCO compared to BUT and CON (p < 0.01). In conclusion, injections of combined cyanocobalamin with butafosfan post‐partum in early lactation ketotic dairy cows act on lipid metabolism with effects on plasma metabolites, most likely mediated via modified activity of key factors in the liver. Results indicate that the application of butafosfan only in combination with cyanocobalamin exhibits the expected positive effects on metabolism.     

An intrauterine catch‐up growth regimen increases food intake and post‐natal growth in rats

Nutritional conditions during the intrauterine stage are an important developmental programming factor that can affect the growth and metabolic status during foetal development and permanently alter the phenotypes of newborn offspring and adults. This study was performed to examine the effects of intrauterine catch‐up growth (IUCG) on food intake, post‐natal body growth and the metabolic status of offspring and growing rats. Control pregnant rats were fed ad libitum during the entire gestation period. For the IUCG regimen, pregnant rats were fed 50% of the food of the controls from pregnancy days 4 through 11 (8 days), followed by ad libitum feeding from pregnancy days 12 through parturition. The birth weight of offspring was not affected by the IUCG regimen. At weaning, offspring from each treatment group were assigned to two groups and given either a normal diet or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks until 103 days of age. In the normal diet group, the IUCG offspring showed a 9.0% increase (P < 0.05) in total food intake, were 11.2% heavier (p < 0.05) at 103 days of age and had an 11.0% greater (p < 0.05) daily weight gain compared with control offspring. The IUCG regimen did not affect body glucose and lipid metabolism. After exposure to the HFD, the IUCG regimen has not exacerbated metabolic disorders. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the IUCG nutritional regimen during pregnancy can increase the food intake and post‐natal body growth of offspring without inducing metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance. The IUCG nutritional regimen might be used to improve the food intake and post‐natal body growth of domestic animals.     

Early ovine preantral follicles have a potential to grow until antral stage in two‐step culture system in the presence of aqueous extract of Justicia insularis

The objective of this study was to determine whether preantral follicles cultured in vitro for 7 days within ovine ovarian cortical strips could be isolated at the secondary follicles (SF) and grown until antral stage during an additional 6 days period of in vitro culture in the presence of aqueous extract of Justicia insularis. Fresh ovarian fragments from 16 adult sheep were fixed for histological analysis (Control 1) or in vitro cultured individually in α‐MEM⁺ supplemented with 0.3 mg/ml J. insularis (Step 1) for 7 days. Part of the fragments then were fixed for histological analysis (in vitro culture group). Remaining fragments were exposed stepwise to increasing trehalose concentrations before immediate isolation of SF and viability assessment (Control 2) or after 6 days of culture in α‐MEM⁺⁺ supplemented with 0.3 mg/ml J. insularis (Step 2). In Step 1, percentage of follicular activation was 80%. In Step 2, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in follicular diameter and antrum formation within 6 days in vitro culture of isolated follicles was achieved. The total antioxidant capacity from both steps significantly increase (p < 0.05) from day 2 to day 6. Confocal analysis of oocytes showed 57.14% oocytes with homogeneous distribution and 42.86% with peri‐cortical distribution. In conclusion, SF can be successfully isolated from sheep ovarian cortex after 7 days of culture and are capable of surviving and forming an antral cavity if cultured in vitro for an additional 6 days in the presence of 0.3 mg/ml J. insularis.