Can Microfiltered Seminal Plasma Preserve the Morphofunctional Characteristics of Porcine Spermatozoa in the Absence of Antibiotics? A Preliminary Study

Artificial insemination is extensively performed in pig farms in Europe, the United States and Canada. Antibiotics are typically added to the inseminating dose to limit bacterial growth during liquid phase storage at 16°C, as bacterial contamination is unavoidable. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) take action to control and reduce antibiotic use in animals as more bacteria are becoming resistant to antimicrobials. To avoid the use of antibiotics, we prepared inseminating doses using microfiltered seminal plasma (SP). Microfiltration is a common technology used to reduce bacterial contamination but may retain seminal substances, influencing sperm quality during storage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphofunctional parameters of spermatozoa during storage at 16°C in doses prepared with or without microfiltered SP, with or without the addition of antibiotics, in a Latin square design. Artificial insemination doses with microfiltered SP and without antibiotic addition preserved spermatozoa viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome integrity and objective motility, with absolute values equal or even better than those observed in conventional doses. In conclusion, although the results could be considered preliminary due to the small sample size, this study suggests that microfiltration of SP can be a simple method, feasible on farms, to replace antibiotic use in extended doses stored in the liquid phase at 16°C for up to 7 days.     

Addition of Seminal Plasma to Post‐thawing Equine Semen: What is the Effect on Sperm Cell Viability?

Effect of seminal plasma addition after thawing on viability or cryocapacitation is not definitively established. This experiment was performed to verify the effect of adding seminal plasma, autologous or homologous (from an animal with good semen freezability). Five ejaculates from each of four stallions with proven fertility were collected and cryopreserved. The semen was subsequently thawed and divided into the following three treatment groups: no seminal plasma addition after semen thawing (NOSP); the addition of homologous seminal plasma after semen thawing (HSP) and the addition of autologous seminal plasma after semen thawing (ASP). The addition of 20% of seminal plasma led to an increase in the cell population that simultaneously show plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The addition of seminal plasma did not alter the total motility, the amount of cells with mitochondrial membrane potential or the sperm velocities (average path velocity, straight-line velocity and curvilinear velocity). However, the beat/cross-frequency, straightness and linearity were reduced in ASP and HSP groups (p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, the addition of homologous seminal plasma reduced the proportion of cells with progressive motility (p < 0.05) and the addition of autologous seminal plasma reduced the amplitude of the lateral head displacement (p < 0.05). Based on the increase in the cell populations that had the plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity simultaneously identified in this study, we proposed that the addition of seminal plasma (autologous or homologous) into post-thawed semen before insemination could increase semen fertility.     

Can Nutraceuticals Affect the Structure of Intestinal Mucosa? Qualitative and Quantitative Microanatomy in L -Glutamine Diet-Supplemented Weaning Piglets

Weaning piglets were fed an L -glutamine-supplemented diet with the aim of monitoring the effects on gut mucosal turnover and barrier function, to elucidate the potential preventive or therapeutic roles of glutamine as a nutraceutical or ‘functional food’. Sixteen female weaning piglets were divided into two groups, which were fed a control diet (Ctr group: n = 8) or a Ctr + 0.5% L -glutamine diet (G group: n = 8) for 28 days. In the ileum of group G piglets the villus height (V) and crypt depth (C) were increased, and the V:C ratio was decreased (p < 0.01). The PCNA and TUNEL immunoreactivities were also tested. The number of mitotic mucosal cells (M) was increased, and that of mucosal cells with apoptotic nuclei (A) decreased in such a way that the A:M index diminished (p < 0.01). The A:M index also decreased at the level of some components of the gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT), thus indicating a positive effect on the gut barrier function. This trial showed that L -glutamine supplementation influenced some morphofunctional characteristics of piglet ileal mucosa. These data corroborate the nutraceutical role of glutamine as a trophic agent for mucosal repair, improvement of barrier function and gut adaptation in the swine per se and as an animal model.     

Does the Microbial Flora in the Ejaculate Affect the Freezeability of Stallion Sperm?

In an attempt to evaluate the possible relationship between the microbial flora in the stallion ejaculate and its ability to freeze, three ejaculates from five stallions were frozen using a standard protocol. Before freezing, an aliquot was removed for bacteriological analysis. Bacterial growth was observed in all the ejaculates studied. The isolated microorganisms were: Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. (in all the stallions), β-haemolytic Streptococcus (in stallions 3 and 4), Corynebacterium spp. (in stallions 1, 3–5), Rhodococcus spp. (in stallion number 2), Pseudomonas spp. (in stallion number 1) and Klebsiella spp. (in stallions 1, 3 and 5). The presence and richness of Klebsiella and β-haemolytic Streptococcus in the ejaculate were related to two sperm variables post-thaw, namely the proportion of dead spermatozoa (ethidium+ cells; r = 0.55, p < 0.05) and the amplitude of lateral displacement of the sperm head (ALH, μm; r = −0.56, p < 0.05), respectively. The degree of growth of Corynebacterium spp. in the ejaculate was positively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa showing high caspase activity post-thaw (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). The presence and number of colonies of β-haemolytic Streptococcus were negatively correlated (r = −0.55, p < 0.05) with low sperm caspase activity. It is concluded that the microbial flora of the equine ejaculate may be responsible for some of the sublethal damage experimented by the spermatozoa during cryopreservation.     

The Concentrations of LH,FSH, Oestradiol-17β and Progesterone in the Blood Plasma of the Female Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) before and after Intramuscular Injection of Seminal Plasma

The concentrations of LH, FSH, oestradiol-17beta and progesterone in the blood plasma of the female Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) before and after intramuscular injection of seminal plasma.     

Can complaints to the Veterinary Disciplinary Board be prevented?

Over the past few years the general public's perception of animals has changed in the Netherlands. Animals are increasingly thought of as 'noble animals" and not merely as beasts to serve humankind. This changed sentiment can best be exemplified by the fact that the Party for Animals won two seats in the recent parliamentary elections. To see whether this change is also mirrored in the development of Veterinary Disciplinary Law, the rulings of the Veterinary Disciplinary Board between 1992 and 2005 were retrieved and studied (first aim of the study). The Board, which is an independent court of justice, was set up in The Hague 1992 in accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act to improve the quality of veterinary practice. Any animal owner can submit a complaint about a veterinary practitioner, a veterinary nurse, an animal physiotherapist, or a lay obstetrician. A second aim of the study was to investigate why owners submit complaints, because these procedures are time-consuming and unpleasant for both parties. If the underlying causes of complaints can be identified, it may be possible to reduce the number of complaints. In total, 1023 rulings passed by the Veterinary Disciplinary Board between October 1992 and December 2005 were evaluated, using a standardized questionnaire. The results showed that in this period the rulings did not reflect the increased public interest in the position of animals: the case load did not change (on average 78 cases/year; varying between 58-103 cases/year), the proportion of complaints that were upheld did not change, and more severe penalties were not imposed. However; findings revealed that the underlying cause of the complaint was often (partly) 'emotional'. Different standards and values, treatment that does not meet the owner's expectations, a lack of empathy on the part of the veterinary practitioner, and communication problems all played an important role. Insight into these underlying problems may reduce the number of the complaints submitted to the Veterinary Disciplinary Board.     

Can gene technology in agriculture prevent hunger in the world?

The world population grows rapidly: the number of mouths to feed increases. Is an agriculture without gene technology able to produce sufficiently in order to prevent hunger? Research indicates that hunger is not the result of short comings in agricultural outputs. It is however the result of poverty. This problem will not be solved by gene technology based agricultural production. This article explains the basic principles of mainstream and organic farming. Literature shows that the production potentials of both kinds of farming are, by far most, not yet exhausted. Gene technology is therefore unnecessary.     

Low survey response! Can I still use the data?

Natural resource agencies often use mail surveys to collect stakeholder information. A major concern of mail surveys, however, has long been relatively low response rates compared to telephone or face-to-face interviews. Survey research has largely focused on achieving high response rates; however, in some situations even well-designed surveys can have low response rates. We present an example of a three-page (25 questions) survey measuring opinions and attitudes about native fish management in the South Dakota Black Hills region that received a relatively low response rate (21%) using a mailing, postcard reminder, and second mailing of the questionnaire. We compared response rate and data quality of a third mailing of the full questionnaire with a one-page (five questions) questionnaire measuring key variables to evaluate possible nonresponse bias. Within the total survey error (TSE) paradigm we provide evidence that reliable and useful information was collected by this survey.     

Needs Assessment: What Are the Barriers to Use of Equine Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing offers precise and accurate data to horse owners concerning their horse’s health and offers potential economic value increases of foal crops via genome-assisted selection. Despite availability of at least 96 commercially available markers, fewer than 20 are commonly used. This project seeks to identify the barriers to the incorporation of genomic tools in diverse equine operations. Based on studies examining public opinion of human medical testing, we expected that lack of genetic education and few industry requirements for testing may contribute to neutral or negative opinions regarding genomic tools for horses. We developed a 20 total question survey to capture demographic information such as facility size, type, and primary breed, as well as horse owner familiarity, use, and outlook regarding equine genetic testing. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type scale, and open-ended response. Recruitment through county extension agents and breed organizations supplied a broad sampling of the Florida horse industry. Responses were collected from February through May 2019. Data showed that 25% of horse owners had genetically tested their horses (n = 60). Of these consumers, 80% rated the quality of their experience as “excellent” or “good” (n = 15). There was a significant positive association between genetic education and likelihood to genetically test. Most respondents (65%) were interested in receiving information regarding genetic testing. Study participants preferred to find materials on genetic testing through Web-based articles and veterinarians. Results of this study will provide researchers with critical knowledge of their audience’s needs and a roadmap to tailor future educational resources.     

How to Teaching Language along with Culture in the Foreign Language(FL) Classroom?

Fоrеign lаnguаgеlеаrning is cоmprisеdоf sеvеrаl cоmpоnеnts,including grаmmаticаl cоmpеtеncе,cоmmunicаtivеcоmpеtеncе,lаnguаgеprоficiеncy,аs wеllаsаchаngеinаttitudеs according to different culture.Moreover,culturаl cоmpеtеncеis thеknоwlеdgеоf thеcоnvеntiоns,custоms,bеliеfs,аnd systеmsоf mеаningоfаnоthеr cоuntry,is indisputаblyаn intеgrаl pаrtоf fоrеign lаnguаgеlеаrning,аnd mаny tеаchеrs hаvеsееn itаs thеir gоаl tоincоrpоrаtеthеtеаchingоf culturеintоthеfоrеign lаnguаgеcurriculum.Thеaim of the present paper is to emphasize the importance of teaching culture and propose some useful suggestions on it in foreign language classroom.     

Ranching as a Conservation Strategy: Can Old Ranchers Save the New West?

Working ranches are often promoted as means of private rangeland conservation because they can safeguard ecosystem services, protect open space, and maintain traditional ranching culture. To understand the potential for generating broad social benefits from what have come to be called “working landscapes,” one must consider the synergies of people, environment, and institutions needed to accomplish conservation, as well as complicating factors of scale and uncertainty. Focusing on the problem as it has unfolded in the western United States, we review the state of knowledge about the extent of ranchland conversion; reasons why maintaining working ranches may benefit conservation; and the challenges and opportunities of rancher demographics, attitudes, values, and propensities for innovation. Based on this review, we explore whether the supply of traditional, full-time ranch owners is likely to be sufficient to meet conservation demand, and conclude that although demographic trends seem to suggest that it is not, there exist alternative enterprises and ownership forms that could achieve the goals of ranch conservation. We offer suggestions on how potential shortfalls might be addressed.     

Can the protozoan parasite Bonamia ostreae infect larvae of flat oysters Ostrea edulis?

Bonamia ostreae is an intracellular protistan parasite affecting flat oysters Ostrea edulis. It can be detected in juveniles but mortalities mainly affect oysters which are more than 2 years old. The parasite is usually observed inside haemocytes and sometimes free, notably in gill epithelia suggesting a parasite release through this organ. However, the infective form and ways of entry and release remain undetermined. Flat oysters incubate their larvae in their pallial cavity for 8-10 days before releasing them into the water column. Flat oysters in Bay of Quiberon in South Brittany (France) are known to be infected with B. ostreae since 1979 and is the most important area in France for O. edulis spat collection. Flat oysters incubating larvae were sampled in this area during summertime between 2007 and 2009. Both adults and larvae were preserved and assayed by PCR and in situ hybridisation (ISH). PCR tests revealed the presence of parasite DNA in some adults and larvae. Specific labelling could be detected by ISH in gills, digestive system, gonad and mantle in adults and in the epithelium surrounding the visceral cavity of some larvae. Our results demonstrate that larvae can be infected with B. ostreae. Larvae might thus contribute to the spread of the parasite during their planktonic life. In addition, their transfer for aquaculture purpose should be controlled especially when they are exported from infected zones.     

Gastric impaction and large colon volvulus: Can one lead to the other?

The possibility of stomach impaction resulting in large colon volvulus is raised by authors reporting the findings of both lesions in 7 horses. Although this combination of lesions has not been reported before, it is interesting to consider the effect of a gastric impaction compressing the colon as the stomach increases in size with firm ingesta. Anatomically, the stomach is dorsal to the colon, and might therefore compress the colon. As to how this might result in volvulus, it is interesting to speculate on the possible roles of gas accumulation or other changes in the intracolonic environment, such as composition in microbiota. The report of 7 horses also highlights the need to thoroughly explore any horse taken to surgery because of intractable colic in case there is more than one lesion.