哺乳期幼驼与成年母驼粪便菌群多样性分析

【目的】探究准噶尔双峰驼哺乳期幼驼和成年母驼粪便菌群结构组成及多样性变化,为幼驼肠道健康发育提供重要依据。【方法】选取6～7岁体况相近的健康成年母驼12峰,以及出生日期相近(3月龄)的哺乳期母幼驼12峰,母驼与幼驼在相同饲养环境下饲养。采用直肠取粪法采集粪样,用于粪便内容物细菌16S rDNA的V3-V4区测序,并对测序数据进行相应分析。【结果】母驼粪便菌群Chao1和Shannon指数均显著高于幼驼(P<0.05);在门水平上,母驼和幼驼粪便中位于前十的菌均为厚壁菌门、拟杆菌门、疣微菌门、变形菌门、软壁菌门、螺旋体门、TM7、放线菌门、蓝藻菌门和纤维杆菌门,其中幼驼粪便中变形菌门和软壁菌门丰度均极显著高于母驼(P<0.01);在科水平上,母驼与幼驼粪便中位于前十的菌均为瘤胃球菌科、消化链球菌科、毛螺菌科、梭菌科、克里斯滕森菌科、理研菌科、疣微菌科、拟杆菌科、艰难杆菌科和普雷沃氏菌科,其中母驼粪便中消化链球菌科和梭菌科的丰度均极显著高于幼驼(P<0.01),而幼驼粪便中毛螺菌科的丰度极显著高于母驼(P<0.01);在属水平上,母驼与幼驼粪便中位于前十的菌属均为梭...     

Influences of Northern Leaf Blight on corn silage fermentation quality,nutritive value and feed intake by sheep

This study examined the differences between non‐inoculated (control) corn and Northern Leaf Blight (NLB)‐damaged corn (inoculated corn); dry matter (DM) yield, silage fermentation quality, nutritive value and feed intake by sheep were compared. Leaf, stem and grain dry weights and gross yield of inoculated corn were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased compared with control corn. The contents of water‐soluble carbohydrate and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) were decreased in inoculated corn compared with control corn. Silage made from both inoculated and control corn showed good fermentation quality. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, ether extract, NFE, and energy of silage made from inoculated corn were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, and contents of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible energy (DE) were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with silage made from the control corn. DM intake showed no significant discrepancy between the two types of silage. TDN and DE intakes from inoculated silage were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with control silage. From the above results it was shown that NLB caused a decrease in DM yield and NFE content in corn and a decrease in the nutritive value and feed intake of silage.     

荞麦花粉甲醇提取物对羟基自由基致DNA损伤的保护作用

【目的】研究荞麦花粉甲醇提取物的抗氧化作用。【方法】以羟基自由基诱导2-脱氧核糖和pBR322DNA氧化损伤为模型,研究荞麦花粉甲醇提取物对羟基自由基致DNA氧化损伤的保护作用。【结果】荞麦花粉甲醇提取物的还原力,Fe2+的络合能力和对羟基自由基的清除能力均与其在反应体系中的含量成正相关。【结论】荞麦花粉是一种有效的羟基自由基清除剂;且在体外环境,对羟基自由基氧化损伤的pBR322 DNA有保护作用。     

红芪粗多糖对免疫应激断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标和抗氧化能力的影响

本试验旨在研究红芪粗多糖(CHPS)对细菌脂多糖(LPS)刺激断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标和抗氧化能力的影响。选择健康的32头断奶仔猪,按体重相近的原则随机分为5组:对照组(基础饲粮)、LPS组(基础饲粮+LPS)、CHPS低剂量组(基础饲粮+LPS+200 mg/kg CHPS)、CHPS高剂量组(基础饲粮+LPS+800 mg/kg CHPS),每组8个重复,每个重复1头仔猪。试验期为28 d。试验期间记录每头猪日采食量,试验第1、21、28天称重,计算各阶段平均日采食量、平均日增重和料重比。试验第21天,LPS组以及CHPS低、高剂量组仔猪腹膜注射100μg/kg BW LPS,对照组注射等量的生理盐水,注射后3 h,前腔静脉采血,分离血清,测定血清生化指标。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,应激期(22～28 d)LPS组平均日采食量和平均日增重均极显著下降(P<0.01);血清碱性磷酸酶、谷丙转氨酶活性及甘油三酯、总胆固醇、尿素氮和丙二醛含量均显著或极显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),一氧化氮合酶活性显著下降(P<0.05)。2)与LPS组相比,CHPS高、低剂量组平均日采食量和平均日增重均显著升高(P<0.05);CHPS低剂量组血清甘油三酯、总胆固醇和丙二醛含量均显著或极显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01);CHPS高剂量组血清碱性磷酸酶活性极显著降低(P<0.01)。结果提示,在饲粮中添加一定剂量的CHPS能够有效缓解LPS所致免疫应激引起的断奶仔猪生长性能下降,可降低血清甘油三酯、总胆固醇、丙二醛含量及碱性磷酸酶活性,说明CHPS可以有效缓解LPS所致仔猪免疫应激。     

Incidence and molecular characterisation of lumpy skin disease virus in Zimbabwe using the P32 gene

Between January, 2013 and December, 2014, there was a lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreak that affected cattle in different localities of Zimbabwe. The outbreak resulted in severe economic losses to the livestock industry. A retrospective study was conducted by examining stored veterinary records of the LSD outbreak at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Over the 2-year period, a total of 10,038 cases and 880 deaths (8.77 %) were recorded. LSD was reported from all regions of the country, with the highest incidence occurring in Mashonaland West (30.95 %) and Midlands province (14.59 %). The frequency of reported outbreaks was highest in March and April, with the lowest reported cases occurring in November. A total of 25 representative specimens (skin biopsies) were collected from nodular skin lesions of infected cattle, and after viral DNA isolation, the P32 gene was successfully amplified, by using PCR, in 88 % (22/25) of all assayed specimens. Out of the 22 samples that showed amplification, 16 (73 %) were selected for DNA sequencing, and from these, 13 sequences were submitted to GenBank and assigned accession numbers: KX033494, KX033495, KX033496, KX033497, KXO33498, KX033499, KX033500, KX033501, KX033502, KX033503, KX033504, KX033505 and KX033506. Phylogenetic analyses of the 13 sequences was done by using MEGA 7 and showed that the viruses formed two major clusters implying that at least two strains of LSDV are in circulation in Zimbabwe. This study provides the first report on the incidence and molecular characterisation of LSDV in Zimbabwe.     

Nutraceutic effect of free condensed tannins of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lysiloma acapulcensis</Emphasis> (Kunth) benth on parasite infection and performance of Pelibuey sheep

Forty-five Pelibuey sheep were experimentally infested with nematodes to evaluate the effect of three free condensed tannin (FCT) levels of Lysiloma acapulcensis on fecal egg counts (FECs), packed cell volumes (PCV), ocular mucosa colors (OMC), average daily gain (ADG), and adult nematode count. Five treatments were used: 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 mg of FCT kg^?1 of body weight (BW); sterile water (control); and ivermectine (0.22 mg kg^?1 of BW) as chemical group. The data were processed through repeated measurement analysis. Even though the three FCT doses decreased (P?<?0.05) the FEC, the highest reduction was obtained with 37.5 mg kg^?1 of BW. No differences were observed in PCV and OMC. Higher ADG (P?<?0.05) was observed with 37.5 mg kg^?1 of BW of FCT. The count of adult nematodes (females and males) in the higher dose of FCT was similar to chemical treatment. Dose of 37.5 mg kg^?1 of BW decreased the parasite infection and improved the lamb performance. Therefore, this dose could be used as a nutraceutic product in sheep production.     

Apparent metabolizable energy value of whole date palm (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phoenix dactylifera</Emphasis> L.) and its possible use as a feedstuff for aged laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of whole date palm (WDP) with and without enzyme supplementation on aged laying hen’s performance. Apparent metabolizable energy value of WDP was determined by the total collection method using ten adult leghorn cockerels. WDP was substituted with a corn-soybean meal basal diet at 40% level, and then the metabolizable energy of this experimental diet and basal diet was determined. After that, a total number of 256 Bovanz 95-week-old hens were randomly allocated into eight groups consisting of four replicates of eight birds each, based on a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments. Eight iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets including one corn-soybean meal-based control diet and two, three, and four corn-soybean meal-based diets included 70, 140, and 210 g/kg ground WDP, respectively. Each of the diets supplemented with two levels of an enzyme (0.0 and 0.07 g/kg Natozim Plus). There was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg mass, eggshell thickness, and Haugh unit among the treatments (P > 0.05). However, yolk color score significantly decreased as dietary WDP level increased. The serum biochemical metabolites were not significantly affected by WDP and enzyme supplementation (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the relative weight of different organs except for abdominal fat. Our findings show that using WDP up to 21% of the diet was more economic and had no adverse effect on productive performance and serum metabolites of laying hens. However, WDP had an adverse effect on yolk color which can be ameliorated by carotenoid supplementation.     

An assessment of benzimidazole resistance against caprine nematodes in Central India

Current status of resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) group of anthelmintic drugs against caprine nematodes in Central India at Amanala goat farm, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (M. P.), was systematically investigated using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and egg hatch test (EHT). Besides, allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) was deployed to ascertain the susceptible genotype (alleles) especially of the Haemonchus contortus. Randomly selected 30 goats, irrespective of age and sex, were divided into three groups of 10 each, to serve as treated and untreated controls. It was ensured that the animals were not administered with an anthelmintic drug for the past 3 months prior to undertaking the study, and faecal egg counts were estimated. FECR test evidenced fenbendazole resistance by partial elimination (24.90%) copro-egg counts in the treated group of animals vis-à-vis controls with a lower confidence interval of ?26%. Further, EHT revealed ED-50 value of 0.335 μg of thiabendazole/ml, confirming benzimidazole resistance in the animals of that farm. AS-PCR showed that 62% of H. contortus larvae were homozygous resistant (rr), 24% heterozygous (rS) and 14% homozygous susceptible (SS). The genotypic frequencies of three genotypes (rr, rS and SS) were significantly (P < 0.01) different. The prevalence of benzimidazole resistance allele (r) was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher (74%) as compared to susceptible allele (S) (26%). The resistance to benzimidazole has been discussed while emphasizing improved managemental practices designed to reduce exposure of the goat population to parasites, minimize frequency of anthelmintic use at optimum dose and rotational use of different chemical groups of medicines with different mode of action, so as to overcome and combat the upcoming problem in the field.     

Current status of cattle production system in Nyagatare District-Rwanda

A study was conducted to characterize the cattle production systems in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province of Rwanda using pre-tested questionnaires, interviews with key informants as well as focus group discussions in a period of 2 months. The respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling at sector and cell levels. Based on the procedure of Krejcie and Morgan (Educational and Psychological Measurement 30:607–610, 1970) to determine the overall sample size, the result indicated that the majority (98.3%) of farms were privately owned by large families of five to seven members, and most farmers (53.9%) had only primary education. Most respondents (52.6%) were in the age bracket of 41–50 years and were mainly (48.3%) located within 3 km from trading centers. The farm size averaged 6.5 ± 0.8 ha and most farms (64.7%) were fenced except in Rukomo Sector (50%) where zero grazing prevailed. Natural pastures (savanna grass land) were the main feed resource; tethering (9%) and communal grazing had diminished. Napier grass was the main planted forage (93.2%), followed by Chloris guyana (3.1%) and Brachiara (1.2%). Leguminous forages were rarely (2.5%) reported. Vita-mineral and salt block supplements, hay, and crop residues were the predominant supplementary feed stuffs used except in Karangazi and Rwemiyaga Sectors where only vita-mineral block predominated. However, maize and rice brans were reported to be the main feed stuffs used in supplementary feeding of lactating cows. Most farmers (89.7%) reported shortage of water as most of the farmers trekked their cattle to the nearest valley dams (59.2%), rivers (21.1%), and a few 6% had water on farms. Indigenous cattle were predominant (67.03%) followed by cross-breeds (28.37%) and exotics (4.6%) while all farmers kept small ruminants. Natural breeding predominated (74.9%) and most farms (60.6%) had animal houses most of which were temporary (52.8%). The reported mean age at first calving (AFC) was highest (40.2 ± .33) for Ankole and the lowest (29.1 ± .50) months for exotic cattle. Calving interval was shorter in local breeds than 65.7 ± 3.0 in exotic. The mean dairy milk yield was lowest for Ankole cattle 2.4 ± .08 as compared to the exotics (10.42 ± .36) and their crosses (7.2 ± .34). The main challenges were diseases, shortage of water, feeds, and inadequate extension services. Same observation was reported by Okello (African Journal of Range and Forage Science 22(3), 2005) in Uganda.     

L-carnitine significantly decreased aging of rat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to divide continuously and tissue regeneration potential during the transplantation. Aging and loss of cell survival, is one of the main problems in cell therapy. Since the production of free radicals in the aging process is effective, the use of antioxidant compounds can help in scavenging free radicals and prevent the aging of cells. The aim of this study is evaluate the effects of L-carnitine (LC) on proliferation and aging of rat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rADSC). rADSCs were isolated from inguinal region of 5 male Rattus rats. Oil red-O, alizarin red-S and toluidine blue staining were performed to evaluate the adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of rADSCs, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis was done for investigating the cell surface markers. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to determine the cell proliferation of rADSCs following exposure to different concentrations of LC. rADSCs aging was evaluated by beta-galactosidase staining. The results showed significant proliferation of rADSCs 48 h after treatment with concentrations of 0.2 mM LC. In addition, in the presence of 0.2 mM LC, rADSCs appeared to be growing faster than control group and 0.2 mM LC supplementation could significantly decrease the population doubling time and aging of rADSCs. It seems that LC would be a good antioxidant to improve lifespan of rADSCs due to the decrease in aging.