Haematological and biochemical alterations in Korean catfish, Silurus asotus, experimentally infected with Edwardsiella tarda

This study determined the haematological changes in Korean catfish, Silurus asotus , experimentally infected with Edwardsiella tarda . Twenty-four or 48 h after infection with 1 × 10⁴ colony-forming units (CFU) mL⁻¹ of E. tarda , the fish were anaesthetized and the blood was collected. The haematological and biochemical tests included haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin (Hb), leucocyte counts (Lc), total calcium (Ca), total protein (TP) concentration, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase, lysozyme and differential leucocyte populations. After 24- and 48-h infection, the values of Ht, Hb, Lc, TP, ALP and GLU were significantly decreased with respect to the control. Aspartate aminotransferase and lysozyme activity in both the 24- and 48-h groups exhibited higher levels compared with those in the control. However, the bacterial infection did not induce any significant alteration in the Ca concentration. After the 48-h infection, neutrophils and macrophage populations were reduced whereas lymphocytes were increased with respect to those in the control and the 24-h infection groups. The present study demonstrates that E. tarda infection causes haemato-biochemical responses that are related to the general physiological condition and defence system in catfish.     

Effect of dietary nutrient composition on the growth of olive flounder (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>) with different feeding regimes

We have examined the effect of dietary nutrient composition on the growth, body composition and blood chemistry of juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) maintained on two different feeding regimes. Three experimental diets [HP (high protein), HE (high energy) and IPE (intermediate protein and energy)] were crossed in a two-factor design with the two feeding regimes, which consisted of 2WS + 2WF (2-week starvation and then 2-week feeding) and 4WS + 4WF (4-week starvation and then 4-week feeding)], for 8 weeks. The total days of feeding in all treatments were the same. The final weight of fish was affected by feeding regime, but not by dietary nutrient composition. Long-term starving and feeding (the 4WS + 4WF treatments) yielded higher growth than the alternating short-term starving and feeding regime (2WS + 2WF treatments). The feed consumption of fish was affected by dietary nutrient composition, but not by feeding regime, while the feed efficiency of fish was affected by feeding regime, but not by dietary nutrient composition. Moisture, crude protein and crude lipid contents of the liver of the fish were affected by dietary nutrient composition, but not by feeding regime.     

Laparoscopy vs. laparotomy for embryo transfer to produce transgenic goats (Capra hircus)

This study was performed to produce transgenic Korean native goat (Capra hircus) by laparoscopic embryo transfer (ET) to overcome the limitations of ET performed by laparotomy. Transgenic embryos were produced by DNA pronuclear microinjection of in vivo zygotes. The recipient goats were synchronized for estrus by using an introvaginal progesterone devices as a controlled internal drug-releasing insert (CIDR) for 13 days and injection of 400 IU PMSG 48 h before removal of the insert. Embryos were transferred on day 3 and 4 after removal of the insert. Recipient goats were deprived of feed for 48 h, then suspended in a laparotomy cradle at an angle of 45°. After obtaining a sufficient pneumoperitoneum, the laparoscope and forceps were inserted abdominally through 5 mm trocar sleeves. Examination of the ovaries and uterus was performed and then 213 embryos were transferred into the oviducts via the infundibula of 76 recipient goats. To compare pregnancy rates, ET was also performed by laparotomy in 82 recipient goats. The pregnancies in the recipient goats were diagnosed by ultrasound on day 30 after embryo transfer. The pregnancy rate with laparoscopic ET was significantly higher than with ET performed by laparotomy (46.1% vs. 28.6%, p < 0.05). In addition, the pregnancy rates were compared between ovulated and non-ovulated ovaries of the recipient goats in the laparoscopic ET group. No significant difference was observed between the pregnancy rates of ovulated and non-ovulated ovaries (41.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05) suggesting that ET may also be possible in non-ovulated recipients through artificial rupture of Graafian follicles. These results suggest that laparoscopic ET is a highly efficient method for the transfer of goat embryos.     

关于澳洲坚果主要推广品种的建议

为了筛选出适合我国种植的澳洲坚果品种,对我国澳洲坚果主产区9个主要品种的产量和品质进行分析。结合澳洲坚果产业的健康发展,建议我国目前的澳洲坚果主要推广品种使用桂热5号(Own choice)和桂热6号(900#),在广西、广东和攀枝花等地的辅助品种可使用桂热7号(695#)和桂热8号(788#)等,在云南辅助品种可使用桂热7号(695#)、桂热8号(788#)、344#、660#和741#等。     

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 in broiler breeders, Korea

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was diagnosed in broiler breeders, submitted to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service in South Korea. Grossly, the dead breeders had lesions consistent with HPAI, including pancreatic mottling, splenomegaly, pulmonary edema and congestion, and hemorrhages in the mucosa of the proventriculus, gizzard and small intestine, and on the serosal surface. Microscopically, there were necrotized hepatitis and pancreatitis, lymphocytic meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and interstitial pneumonia. Influenza viral antigen was demonstrated in areas closely associated with histopathologic lesions. The AI virus was isolated from cecal tonsils, feces, trachea, and kidney of the chickens. The isolated virus was identified as the highly pathogenic H5N1, with a hemagglutinin proteolytic cleavage site deduced amino acid sequences of QREKRKKR/GLFGAGLFGAIAG. In order to determine the pathogenicity of the isolate, eight 6-week-old specific pathogen free chickens were inoculated intravenously with the virus, and all the birds died within 24 hr after inoculation. This is the first report of an outbreak of HPAI in the chickens in South Korea.     

Both anti-oxidation and lipid-carbohydrate conversion enhancements are involved in priming-improved emergence of Echinacea purpurea seeds that differ in size

This study evaluated the effects of priming on emergence responses of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L. Moench) seeds. The seeds that differ in seed size were either primed with moistened vermiculite (solid matrix priming) or primed in non-aerated −0.5 MPa polyethylene glycol 6000 solution at 25 °C for 6 days (osmopriming), followed by air-drying to their initial moisture level. The tetrazolium staining tests indicated that both large and small seeds were biochemically viable. No notable difference in germination percentage was found between large and small seeds. However, extensive cavity was visible in portions of small seeds in comparison with large seeds. Large seeds accumulated more antioxidants and had greater activities of anti-oxidative enzymes than small seeds. They also had greater isocitrate lyase and malate synthase activities than small seeds. As a result, large seeds had higher emergence percentage and faster emergence speed as compared to that of small seeds. Both solid matrix priming and osmopriming increased emergence percentage and shortened mean emergence time of purple coneflower seeds by increasing the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes and decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde and total peroxide accumulation. Moreover, priming also enhanced the anti-oxidative activities of treated seeds. The activities of isocitrate lyase and malate synthase were also increased in primed seeds. The enhanced anti-oxidation and lipid-carbohydrate conversion activities might explain in part why primed purple coneflower seeds emerged better than non-primed seeds.     

Effects of corn dried distiller's grains with solubles and enzyme premix supplements on growth performance,carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters in finishing pigs

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of corn dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) and enzyme premix (mannanase + phytase) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality parameters in finishing pigs. Sixty hybrid pigs (L × LW × D) with initial weight of 63.92 ± 1.50 kg were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design with main effects of DDGS levels (0, 10 and 20%) and enzyme premix levels (0% vs. 0.14%). Average daily gain (ADG, P < 0.01) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, P < 0.05) were decreased due to an increased level of DDGS additive while the feed conversion ratio was improved (P < 0.05) by adding enzyme premix. The diet cost/gain (won/kg) was saved (P < 0.01) due to an increased level of DDGS additive. There were no significant differences in carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters of Longissimus dorsi muscle by DDGS level and enzyme premix. Palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased (P < 0.05) according to DDGS level. The results indicate that DDGS may be used in feeds for finishing pig as a replacement of corn and soybean meal without affecting their carcass characteristics and meat quality.     

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of the fungicide fenarimol

To develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the fungicide fenarimol, two synthesized haptens, haptens-1 and -2, and the purchased 4,4'-DDA were conjugated to carrier proteins (BSA, KLH, and OVA). Polyclonal antibodies raised against hapten-1,2-KLH conjugates in rabbits and the coating antigens of hapten-1,2-BSA conjugates, hapten-2-OVA conjugate, and 4,4'-DDA-BSA conjugate were screened and selected for the homologous and/or heterologous ELISA formats. Two competitive indirect ELISAs were selected: assays I and II. The optimized ciELISAs of assays I and II showed average IC(50) values of fenarimol of 5.4 and 9.4 ng/mL, detection ranges of 1.1-25.9 and 1.1-82.7 ng/mL, and lowest detection limits of 0.3 and 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. The cross-reactivities with several structurally related compounds indicated the importance of the steric fitness in the antigen-antibody interaction. Recoveries of fenarimol from apple and pear samples spiked with the analyte by assay I were in the range of 93-113% by simple extraction, concentration, and dilution. This assay could be a convenient and supplemental analytical tool for monitoring fenarimol residues in environmental and agricultural samples.     

The induction of Hsp70 synthesis by non‐lethal heat shock confers thermotolerance and resistance to lethal ammonia stress in the common carp,Cyprinus carpio (Linn)

Exposure to heat‐shock protein (Hsp) stimulating factors induces Hsp accumulation and confers tolerance to lethal ammonia stress on the common carp Cyprinus carpio. This study investigated whether a non‐lethal heat shock bestowed similar protective effects against ammonia and induced thermotolerance, both thought to be rendered by increased amounts of Hsps. The 30‐min lethal temperature (30 min LHT) and 1‐h lethal ammonia concentration (1 h LCT) for this species occurred at 41°C and 14.2 mg/L NH₃ respectively. Heating juvenile carp (5 cm) from 28°C to 32, 34 and 38°C, with a subsequent 8‐h recovery period augmented tolerance to lethal heat and ammonia perturbation by two to threefold as compared with animals held at 28°C. Protection occurred in conjunction with Hsp70 accumulation in gills, substantiating the role of this Hsp in enhancing the stress tolerance of common carp.