Effect on production and carcass quality characteristics of wether lambs of crossing Blackheaded Mutton,Ile de France and Texel rams with Polish Merino ewes

During the period 1972–1974 investigations were made on 120 wethers fattened semi-intensively to a weight of 45 kg liveweight. These lambs originated from commercial crosses of the Polish Merino with rams of the breeds Blackheaded Mutton (B), Ile de France (IF) and Texel (T) as well as pure Merino (M) in the control group.The use of rams of these meat-producing breeds as compared with Merino gave a better growth rate: an increase in the group IF × M of 6.2%, B × M of 7.8% and T × M of 8.8% respectively. The feed consumption, expressed in starch equivalents per kg of weight, decreased in group IF × M by 11.6%, B × M by 15.1% and T × M by 15.6%, and total digestible protein decreased in the group IF × M by 12.1%, B × M by 16.6% and T × M by 16.9%.Crosses with Blackheaded Mutton and Ile de France rams did not fundamentally change the tissue composition of the lamb carcasses. However, the use of Texel rams resulted in carcasses with a higher lean content and less fat as compared with pure Merino (difference 5.7%) as well as with other crosses (differences 4.2–4.8%).Rams of the meat breeds tested did not greatly influence dressing percentage and carcass yield in terms of bone content and the proportion of valuable cuts; nor were dimensions affected, except for a decrease in length of 2–3.5% compared with Merino.     

The influence of different factors on selenium levels in dairy cow herds in the central-eastern region of Poland

Selenium has been recognised as a basic bioelement that determines normal development and health of animals and humans alike. Studies of many authors revealed the influence of selenium deficiency on immunity, health, reproduction and production of dairy cows. Selenium deficiency have been reported in a number of countries, for example in different regions of Poland. The aim of the study was to determine the Se levels in blood serum of dairy cows in the Lublin region. In the periods: autumn 2003, winter 2003 and autumn 2004 selenium concentrations were investigated in serum samples from 180 dairy cows. The samples were obtained from 11 farms. The selenium concentrations were estimated with the ASA method. The monitoring studies have found that Se serum levels are dependent on season of the year, physiological period, maintenance systems and methods of feeding. Mean selenium serum levels observed in the study were between 0.21-0.92 micromol/l, especially (micromol/l): lactation 0.74 +/- 0.13, drying-off period 0.67 +/- 0.15, autumn 2003 0.38 +/- 0.17, winter 2003 0.48 +/- 0.16, autumn 2004 0.69 +/- 0.18. These results suggest that selenium should be supplemented, especially in high-producing dairy cow herds.     

Immunohistochemical characterization of neurons in the porcine ciliary ganglion

The present study was aimed at disclosing the chemical coding of nerve structures in the porcine ciliary ganglion (CG) using immunohistochemical methods. The substances under investigation included markers of "classical" neurotransmitters, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH) as well as neuropeptides, somatostatin (SOM), galanin (GAL), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Immunoreactivity to ChAT and VAChT was found virtually in all the neuronal somata and in numerous intraganglionic, varicose nerve fibres which often formed basket-like formations around the nerve cell bodies. Many CG neurons contained immunoreactivity for SOM (46%) or GAL (29%). Interestingly, a small number (approx. 1%) of the cholinergic somata stained for TH but not for DbetaH; nevertheless, some extra- and intraganglionic nerve fibres displayed immunoreactivity for DbetaH or TH. The CG perikarya stained neither for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) nor for neuropeptide Y (NPY), but some NPY- or VIP-positive nerve terminals were observed within nerve bundles distributed outside the ganglion. SP- and CGRP-immunoreactivity was found in some intraganglionic nerve fibres only. The present study revealed that the porcine CG consists of cholinergic neurons many of which contain SOM and GAL. Thus, it can be assumed that in the pig, these neuropeptides are involved, complementary to acetylocholine, in the parasympathetic postganglionic nerve pathway to structures of the eye including the ciliary and iris sphincter muscles.     

The effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. administration on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas in piglets

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of administration of probiotic bacteria on morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. The experiment was performed on 15 piglets at the age from 3 to 35 days, intragastrically administered with Bifidobacterium breve, B. animalis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. In all piglets examined, the development of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas was observed to progress normally. After microflora administration to the piglets, an increase in the number of fibrocytes and fibroblasts was observed in the mucosa lamina propria of stomach and intestines. An increase was also reported in the number and activation of endocrine cells in the stomach and small intestines. The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases, as well as succinic (SDH) and lactic (LDH) dehydrogenases, was found to be higher after the administration of probiotics. The administration of bacteria, especially of Lactobacillus acidophilus, caused an increase in the number of lymphocytes and lymphoid cells in lamina propria and intraepithelial lymphocytes in the small intestine. Enhanced proliferation of crypt cells was observed in the crypts of intestinal glands; however, there were no statistically significant differences in the PCNA index between the control and probiotic-administered groups. The performed study showed that the administration of probiotic bacteria has no negative impact on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas and is found beneficial to its functioning and immune processes.     

Über die unterschiedliche Reaktion der Chromosomen des Sproß-und Wurzelmeristems von Gerste gegenüber mutagener Behandlung

Zusammenfassung Nach Einwirkung von Nitrosomethylharnstoff (NMH) auf Gerstenkaryopsen wurden die Prozentsätze geschädigter Zellen mit Chromosomenaberrationen in der mittleren Anaphase bis frühen Telophase für Wurzel- und Sproßmeristem im 1. Mitosezyklus der Keimung ermittelt. Eine geringfügig stärkere Wirkung auf das Wurzelmeristem ist nicht signifikant.Eine Vorbehandlung mit Äthylendiaminotetraessigsäure (ÄDTE) sensibilisierte die Chromosomen gegenüber der radiomimetischen Wirkung von NMH in beiden Meristemen. Der durch ÄDTE verursachte Sensibilisierungseffekt betraf das Wurzelmeristem in signifikant stärkerem Maße als das Sproßmeristem.Unterschiede in der Permeabilität und im Mitoserhythmus zwischen Sproß-und Wurzelmeristem konnten als mögliche Ursachen der beobachteten Differenzen ausgeschlossen werden. Es wird vermutet, daß die ermittelten Differenzen in kausalem Zusammenhang mit stoffwechselphysiologischen Verschiedenheiten zwischen beiden Meristemen stehen.Die Befunde zeigen, daß im Wurzelmeristem ermittelte Chromosomenaberrationsfrequenzen nicht ohne weiteres auf das Sproßmeristem übertragen werden dürfen, wie das vielfach geschieht.

---

Summary The percentages of damaged cells with chromosomal bridges or fragments in the middle ana- to early telophase were determined in barley seeds treated with nitrosomethylurea (NU), after various recovery times in the first mitotic cycle, both for shoot and root meristems. A slightly higher effect in the root meristem is not significant.Pretreatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) sensitized the chromosomes against the radiomimetic effects of NU in both meristems. This EDTA-dependent sensitization affected the root meristem to a significantly greater extent than the shoot meristem.Differences in permeability or in duration of mitosis could be excluded as a possible cause for the observed differences. It appears probable that the found differences are caused by specific metabolic features of both meristems.These findings indicate that one cannot infer, as sometimes done, the situation in the shoot meristem directly from the known frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in the root.

---

am ¶rt;au - () « » . . - () . , , . ; , . , , , .

     

Effects of barley variety fed to steers on carcass characteristics and color of meat

This study evaluated the effect of barley varieties in the diets of finishing steers on carcass composition, fat, and lean color and the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat. Crossbred steers (391 kg initial BW) were assigned randomly to one of five finishing diets composed primarily of corn (n = 9), Morex barley (n = 9), Steptoe barley, (n = 9), or two experimental barley varieties SM3 (n = 9) and SM5 (n = 9). Grains were cracked prior to feeding. Diets were formulated (DM basis) to be isonitrogenous (2.24% N) and isocaloric (2.01 Mcal/kg NEm and 1.35 Mcal/kg NEg). Steers were slaughtered according to industry-accepted procedures when it was visually estimated that 70% of carcasses would grade USDA Choice. After a 24-h chill at 4 degrees C, carcass quality and yield grade data were collected by trained, experienced university personnel. Objective color (L*, a*, and b*) of both the LM and subcutaneous fat were measured, and samples of subcutaneous fat were removed from the 10th- to 12th-rib region for fatty acid analysis. Diet did not affect hot carcass weight (P = 0.15), fat thickness (P = 0.58), LM area (P = 0.57), percentage of internal fat (P = 0.52), yield grade (P = 0.96), marbling (P = 0.73), or quality grade (P = 0.10). However, the LM from steers fed diets formulated with Morex and SM5 barley varieties tended to be lighter (higher L* values, P = 0.08) than the LM from steers fed the corn-based diet. Additionally, fat from steers fed corn tended to be more yellow (higher Hunter b* values, P = 0.09) than fat from steers fed barley-based diets. Although grain source had only minimal effects on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat samples, pentadecanoic acid (15:0) was greater (P < 0.05) in fat from steers fed SM3 and Steptoe barley varieties than in fat from steers fed corn. Stearic acid (18:0) concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in fat samples from steers fed corn than in those fed the experimental barley lines (SM3 and SM5). Conversely, fat samples from steers fed Steptoe and SM5 barley had greater (P < 0.05) gadoleic acid (20:1) concentrations than fat from steers fed corn or Morex variety. Although the variety/line of barley included in the finishing diet may affect LM and fat color, grain-source (barley vs. corn) had little effect on beef carcass quality and yield grades and did not greatly alter the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat.     

Oxidative stress parameters in bitches with mammary gland tumours

The aim of the present study was to describe some of the oxidative stress parameters in bitches suffering from spontaneously occurring mammary gland tumours. The experiment involved 28 bitches which had mammary gland tumours removed surgically (15 bitches with malignant tumour and 13 with benign tumour) as well as 10 clinically healthy bitches. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined in haemolysates of erythrocytes derived from the animals. The concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as well as -SH groups, were determined in blood plasma. GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in the malignant tumour group than in healthy animals. SOD activity was significantly higher in animals with tumours compared with the control group. Activities of both enzymes were higher in animals with malignant tumours than in benign groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. The concentrations of TBARS and -SH groups were similar in all examined groups. The increase of antioxidative enzyme activities in these animals may suggest the activation of antioxidative defence mechanisms in mammary gland carcinogenesis. Moreover, it might indicate the participation of oxidative stress in malignancies. Further experiments involving more animals, with more frequent sample collection and the use of other oxidative stress markers are necessary.     

The coagulation system in horses with colic

Colic in horses very often induces changes in the coagulation system causing the development of disseminated intravascular clotting. It is promoted by blood concentration and an increase in exposition of coagulation activators with a simultaneous decrease in coagulation inhibitors activity, mainly antithrombin III. Progressing blood platelets aggregation supports production of microthromboses and plugging capillary vessels. The progression of this processes causes complications in basic disease and becomes the reason for therapeutic failure. Determination of coagulation system indexes such as the number of platelets, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, concentration of fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation products, and D-dimmer and antithrombin III contents enables diagnosis and facilitates appropriate therapy of colic in horses.     

Preliminary results of monitoring research on zearalenone presence in blood of women with neoplastic lesions in reproductive system

The aim of the monitoring of zearalenone presence in the blood plasma of women with neoplastic lesions in the reproductive tract was to asses whether the phytosteride is noted in the patients blood and whether the correlation exists between its presence and the incidence of particular neoplasm. The presence of zearalenone or its metabolite--alpha-zearalenole, was noted in 13.51% of the examined women. In 60% of the patients with the confirmed presence of the xenobiotic it was noted in the lowest concentrations. These patients had neoplastic lesions of Carcinoma corpus uteri type.     

Thyroid hormones concentrations and ECG picture in the dog

Disorders of the thyroid gland activity are the most commonly encountered disturbances of endocrine origin in the dog. Hypo- or hyperthyroidism may disturb the function of the cardiovascular system and cause arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of thyroid gland activity on electrocardiogram (ECG) picture in the dog by comparing ECG curves of healthy dogs, dogs with hypothyroidism and dogs with cardiac insufficiency caused by endocardiosis of the mitral valve. The study was performed on 38 dogs, patients of the Department of Internal and Parasitic Diseases with Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats in Wroc?aw. The animals were assigned to 3 groups: Group I--control group, 13 clinically healthy dogs; Group II--14 dogs with diagnosed cardiac insufficiency caused by endocardiosis of the mitral valve; Group III--11 dogs with hypothyroidism. Clinical examination of the animals was conducted according to the following pattern: anamnesis, general clinical examination, cardiological examination (ECG, USG of the heart) and laboratory analysis (triacylglycerydes, cholesterol, T3, T4, FT4). In this study, the significant influence of thyroid gland activity on ECG picture of the evaluated dogs was found. In the dogs with hypothyroidism a decrease in the sino-atrial node activity was observed, which led to decreased heart rate. In dogs with hypothyroidism, the innerheart conduction was reduced, which was demonstrated by prolongation of the P wave, QRS complex and the QT interval.