Growth,survival rate and fatty acid composition of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) larvae fed fatty acid‐enriched Artemia nauplii

We evaluated the growth and survival rate of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) larvae fed Artemia nauplii enriched with Olioω3 or Red Pepper commercial emulsions (BernAqua NV, Belgium). Sterlet larvae, 0.022 ± 0.002 g body weight, were randomly assigned to one of three feeding regimes with two different feeding durations. After administering live feed for 7 or 14 days, larvae were weaned onto commercial food and reared to 36 days posthatching (28 days of feeding). There were no significant differences in body weight among groups at the end of the trial. A significantly higher survival rate (p < 0.05) was observed in larvae fed Artemia enriched with Red Pepper for 14 days compared to other feeding regimes. Based on the analysis of growth parameters, we can conclude that 7 days of live feeding to be sufficient for efficient rearing of sterlet larvae. And longer duration of live feeding with use of special enrichment can be recommended for a higher survival rate.     

Presence and genetic variability of Piscine orthoreovirus genotype 1 (PRV‐1) in wild salmonids in Northern Europe and North Atlantic Ocean

Piscine orthoreovirus genotype 1 (PRV‐1) is widespread in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) populations in northern Europe, Canada and Chile. PRV‐1 occurs in wild fish in Norway and Canada; however, little information of its geographical distribution in wild populations is currently available, and the effect of PRV‐1 infection in wild populations is currently unknown. In this study, we present the findings of a survey conducted on 1,130 wild salmonids sampled in Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Faroe Islands, France, Belgium and Greenland between 2008 and 2017. PRV‐1 is reported for the first time in wild salmonids in Denmark, Sweden, Faroe Island and Ireland. The annual PRV‐1 prevalence ranged from 0% in France, Belgium and Greenland to 43% in Faroe Islands. In total, 66 samples tested positive for PRV‐1, including Atlantic salmon broodfish returning to spawn and Atlantic salmon collected at the feeding ground north of Faroe Islands. The phylogenetic analysis of S1 sequences of the PRV‐1 isolates obtained in this survey did not show systematic geographical distribution. This study sheds light on the spread and genetic diversity of the virus identified in populations of free‐living fish and provides rationale for screening wild broodfish used in restocking programmes.     

Environmental influences on life history strategies in partially anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta,Salmonidae)

This paper reviews the life history of brown trout and factors influencing decisions to migrate. Decisions that maximize fitness appear dependent on size at age. In partly anadromous populations, individuals that attain maturity at the parr stage typically become freshwater resident. For individual fish, the life history is not genetically fixed and can be modified by the previous growth history and energetic state in early life. This phenotypic plasticity may be influenced by epigenetic modifications of the genome. Thus, factors influencing survival and growth determine life‐history decisions. These are intra‐ and interspecific competition, feeding and shelter opportunities in freshwater and salt water, temperature in alternative habitats and flow conditions in running water. Male trout exhibit alternative mating strategies and can spawn as a subordinate sneaker or a dominant competitor. Females do not exhibit alternative mating behaviour. The relationship between growth, size and reproductive success differs between sexes in that females exhibit a higher tendency to migrate than males. Southern populations are sensitive to global warming. In addition, fisheries, aquaculture with increased spreading of salmon lice, introduction of new species, weirs and river regulation, poor water quality and coastal developments all threaten trout populations. The paper summarizes life‐history data from six populations across Europe and ends by presenting new research questions and directions for future research.     

Book reviews

Marilyn Holly is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Florida. Her special interests include political philosophy, ethics and ecology, Jungian thought, and Native American spirituality in its relation to the environment. She is currently at work on a monograph-length piece on the latter topic. She has taught an undergraduate course in ethics and ecology, and plans to do so again. The following essay emerged from her search for a suitable text for such a course.     

Multiple-locus variant-repeat assay (MLVA) is a useful tool for molecular epidemiologic analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae strains causing bovine mastitis

Group B streptococci (GBS) were considered a major cause of mastitis in cattle until preventive measures succeeded in controlling the disease in the 1970s and 1980s. During the last 5-6 years an increasing number of cases have been observed in some Scandinavian countries. A total of 187 GBS isolates from mastitis cases were collected from 119 animals in 34 Norwegian farms in the period from April 2007 to November 2010. 133 (71%) of the isolates were from farms with automated milking systems. The strains underwent typing of capsular polysaccharides (CPS) and surface proteins, and were analyzed by multi-locus variable repeat assay (MLVA) to investigate the epidemiological relationship of strains within and between farms. The GBS strains were differentiated into 12 types by CPS and surface protein analysis, with CPS types V (54%) and IV (34%) predominating. MLVA was superior to CPS and protein typing for strain differentiation, resolving the 187 strains into 37 types. In 29 of 34 farms all GBS strains had identical MLVA profiles specific for each farm. However, in one farm represented with 48 isolates, four MLVA variants with differences in one repeat locus were observed during the almost 3-year long collection period. Similar variations were observed at four other farms. This might reflect the stability of repeat loci under in vivo conditions. Farms with automated milking systems were overrepresented in this material. In conclusion, the five-loci MLVA allowed rapid high-resolution genotyping of the bovine GBS strains within and between farms.     

Phosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor 1 during in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes

During fertilization in mammalian species, a sperm-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ signal ([Ca²⁺]_i) mediates both exit of meiosis and oocyte activation. Recently, we demonstrated in mouse oocytes that the phosphorylation levels of inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor type1 (IP₃R1), the channel responsible for Ca²⁺ release and oscillations during fertilization, changed during maturation and fertilization. Therefore, we examined the expression and phosphorylation of IP₃R1 during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes. Here, our present study shows that expression of IP₃R1 protein did not change during maturation, although the phosphorylation status of the receptor, specifically at an MPM-2 epitope, did. We found that while at the beginning of maturation IP₃R1 lacked MPM-2 immunoreactivity, it became MPM-2 reactive by 24 h and reached maximal reactivity by 36 h. Interestingly, the acquisition of MPM-2 reactivity coincided with the activation of p34^cdc2 kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which are involved in meiotic progression. Following completion of maturation, inactivation of MAPK by U0126 did not affect IP₃R1 phosphorylation, although inactivation of p34^cdc2 kinase by roscovitine dramatically reduced IP₃R1 phosphorylation. Neither inhibitor affected total expression of IP₃R1. Altogether, our results show that IP₃R1 undergoes dynamic phosphorylation during maturation and this might underlie the generation of oscillations at fertilization.     

Structural observations during androgenic microspore culture of the 4c1 genotype of Zea mays L.

Summary The capacity of the maize genotype 4c1 to regenerate microcalli and embryos from cultured microspores has been examined by comparing various cold pretreatments and culture media, using microspores and pollen at different stages of development. Viability of cultured cells was tested with FDA and their development was traced with light and fluorescence microscopy using DAPI as a nuclear dye.It was found that a pre-incubation of dissected flowers floating in a liquid nutrient medium at 8°C during 10–14 days was most successful for the induction of cell division. Among the developmental stages tested only the microspores appeared to regenerate. Subculture at 25°C in the same liquid medium, supplemented with 0.1 mg/l TIBA, gave highest rates of microspore division, i.e. up to 70% at 4 to 6 days of culture.All pathways described earlier for maize androgenic embryogenesis were observed within the 4c1 genotype. Symmetric divisions occurred in cultured microspores but most frequently asymmetric divisions lead to the formation of microcalli within 12 days of culture. In at least 60% of all dividing microspores cells were derived from the generative nucleus. Microcalli further developed either into loose or compact calli. Compact calli formed embryo-like structures.Abbreviations DAPI 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole - Dicamba 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy benzoic acid - 2,4D 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - FDA fluorescein diacetate - PAA phenylacetic acid - TIBA 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid - YP medium Yu-Pei basal salt medium     

Herd and sow-related risk factors for mortality in sows in group-housed systems

Mortality of sows is a major problem for pig production worldwide. In this study, we used hierarchical multivariable logistic analyses to investigate different risk factors for mortality at the sow and herd level in herds with group-housed pregnant sows. Data included 3652 pregnant and 1266 lactating sows from 34 sow herds. A clinical examination for 16 clinical signs was carried out for each sow, and information about 16 herd related factors was obtained by interviews. Farm records were used to obtain information about whether or not sows died suddenly or were euthanized within 3 months after the clinical examination. Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the gestation unit were solid pen floors (OR = 1.87), presence of vulva bites (OR = 1.73) and unwillingness to stand when approached (OR = 1.62). Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the lactation unit were pale vulva color (OR = 12.69), body leanness (OR = 4.11), and presence of shoulder ulcers (OR = 2.89). The estimated between herd variation was small. Thus, the findings for the sow level variables may be generally applicable for sows in herds with group housed systems.