Influence of dietary phospholipids on early ontogenesis of fish

The aim of this paper is to provide explanations of how dietary phospholipid (PL) globally improves fish larval development, including growth and survival, digestive functions and skeletal development, and to propose optimal PL levels and sources in fish larval diets. Dietary incorporation of 8–12% PL related to dry matter (d.m.) promotes growth and enhanced survival in various species. Marine source PL, incorporating highly unsaturated fatty acids, was most efficient than soybean lecithin. This beneficial effect was explained by an enhancement in digestive functions, assessed by digestive enzyme activities and histomorphology. Nevertheless, 1.5–2.5% highly unsaturated fatty acids related to diet d.m. supplied by PL improved growth, survival and skeletal development, while 5% induced different skeletal deformities. The high incidence of deformities was associated with the down-regulation of genes involved in development, such as RXRα, RARα, RARβ and BMP-4, observed in the early stages in larvae fed a high highly unsaturated fatty acids level.     

Toll‐like receptor and related cytokine mRNA expression in bovine corpora lutea during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy

Improving our understanding of the mechanisms controlling the corpus luteum (CL) and its role in regulating the reproductive cycle should lead to improvements in the sustainability of today's global animal industry. The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine organ composed of a heterogeneous mixture steroidogenic, endothelial and immune cells, and it is becoming clear that immune mechanisms play a key role in CL regulation especially in luteolysis. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) mediate innate immune mechanisms via the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, especially within various tissues, although the role of TLR within CL remains unknown. Thus, the objectives of this study were to characterize TLR mRNA expression in the CL during the oestrous cycle and in pregnancy (day 30–50), and to examine the role of TLR signalling in luteal cells. Corpora lutea were collected at various stages of the cycle and pregnancy and analysed for TLR and cytokine mRNA expression. In addition, luteal cells were cultured with the TLR4 ligand (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) for 24 h to evaluate the role of TLR4 in regulating luteal function. Toll‐like receptors 1, 2, 4, 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN‐G), and interleukin (IL)‐12, mRNA expressions were greatest in regressing CL compared with earlier stages (p < .05), whereas no change was observed for IL‐6 mRNA expression. Cytokine mRNA expression in cultured luteal cells was not altered by LPS. Based on these data, one or more of the TLRs found within the CL may play a role in luteolysis, perhaps via pro‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression.     

Aortic catheterization in cattle via the costoabdominal artery and validation for progesterone and estradiol-17 beta sample collection

The abdominal portion of the aorta was catheterized in 27 cows. Local analgesia was achieved by infiltration of anesthetic agents. A 10-cm skin incision was made caudal and parallel to the 13th rib at the lateral border of the epaxial muscles. The dorsal costoabdominal artery was exposed at its first lateral cutaneous branch by careful dissection through fascial layers. A sterile polyvinyl catheter (1.52 mm OD) was inserted into the artery and was advanced 35 to 40 cm to the abdominal portion of the aorta. Catheter patency was maintained for up to 5 weeks. Concentrations of plasma progesterone and estradiol-17 beta in samples obtained from the abdominal portion of the aorta were similar to simultaneously obtained concentrations in samples from the jugular vein before and after parturition.     

A new approach in the prevention of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in cattle

The efficacy of a morantel long-acting device in preventing parasitic gastroenteric infections throughout a whole year was evaluated in heifers and steer calves in south central Québec. Thirty-two calves, comprising nine Hereford steers, one Hereford heifer, fourteen Holstein crossbred steers and eight Holstein crossbred heifers, were allotted into two treatment groups and maintained throughout the grazing season on adjacent pastures resulting from equivalently dividing one original pasture. One morantel long-acting device was administered to each animal in one group at the time of turnout onto the pasture in the spring while the calves in the other group remained as nonmedicated controls. The parasitic infections incurred during the pasture season were primarily Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia and Nematodirus.

The following fall, after twelve calves were necropsied for worm counts, the twenty remaining ones were brought into the barn where they were kept throughout the winter with access to an outside yard. They received good quality hay and rolled barley (1 kg/head/day) up until the following May, at which time they were weighed and had fecal samples taken for egg counts. In contrast to the results observed among controls, the morantel long-acting device treatment group had an 87% reduction in fecal worm egg excretion and a 67.3 kg per calf increased weight gain after one year.

     

Ovarian morphology and follicular development in sex‐linked imperfect albino (sal‐s) and nonalbino hens before or after a forced moult

1. The effects of the S^al‐s gene on ovarian morphology and the development of ovarian follicles in old laying hens before and after a forced moult were investigated by measuring and weighing the ovaries and follicles.

2. The laying rate of albinos was higher than that of nonalbinos before the forced moult but not afterwards. Hierarchical follicles in albino hens were smaller than those of nonalbinos before but not after the moult.

3. Growth intensity of hierarchical follicles was greater in albino hens before the moult, suggesting that follicular maturation was more rapid, possibly explaining the higher egg production observed.

4. All differences between genotypes disappeared after the moult, suggesting that the state of the ovary before a moult is independent of that afterwards.     

Can the Genetic Origin Affect Rabbit Seminal Plasma Protein Profile along the Year?

The study was designed to evaluate the influence of genetic origin on rabbit seminal plasma protein profile variation along the year. Seminal plasma of rabbits from line A (maternal line) and R (paternal line) collected during a natural year was subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). The electrophoretic profile of rabbit seminal plasma resulted in multiple protein bands of different intensity ranging from 9 to 240 kDa. Results showed that seven protein bands were significantly different between genetic lines, and among these, three protein bands were significantly different between seasons. The differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF or LC‐MS/MS analysis and were the following ones: FAM115E‐like (220, 113 and 59 kDa), ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 3 isoform X2 (72 kDa), annexin A5 (32 kDa), lipocalin allergen Ory c 4 precursor (19 kDa), and haemoglobin subunit zetalike (13 kDa) between genetic lines and FAM115E‐like (113 kDa), haemoglobin subunit zetalike (13 kDa) and β‐nerve growth factor (12 kDa) between seasons. These results indicate that proteins from rabbit seminal plasma are under both seasonal control and genetic control. Furthermore, the differential presence of these proteins could be one of the causes explaining the differences observed in fertility and seminal parameters between these two lines in earlier studies.     

The effect of autonomic manipulation on heart rate variability in dogs

Beat‐to‐beat variation of heart rate is reflective of autonomic balance and has been used to assess pain and stress in human beings. The purpose of this investigation was to pharmacologically manipulate the autonomic nervous system and to determine the effect of these manipulations on heart rate variability (HRV) in dogs. Four adult male hound dogs (27 ± 1 kg) were used in the investigation. Each dog was given five treatments: Parasympathetic blockade (glycopyrrolate; 0.01 mg kg^–1 IV and 0.01 mg kg^–1 IM), parasympathetic stimulation (phenylephrine; 0.005 mg kg^–1 IV + 0.05 mg kg^–1hour^–1), sympathetic blockade (propranolol; 0.11 mg kg^–1 IV), sympathetic stimulation propranolol; 0.01 μg kg^–1 minute^–1), and saline control. At least 48 hours were allowed between treatments. ECG recordings were obtained using an ambulatory ECG monitor. A 5‐minutes period of continuous recording obtained ~30 minutes after initiation of drug administration was used for data analysis. Changes in HRV were evaluated by time and frequency‐domain analysis. The standard deviation of normal R‐R intervals (SDNN), as well as the standard deviation of successive differences in RR intervals (SDSD) were assessed for each treatment. Low frequency (LFP; 0.05–0.15 Hz), high frequency (HFP; 0.15–0.35 Hz), and total (TP; 0.017–0.5 Hz) spectral power were also determined. The LFP:HFP ratio was also evaluated. A two‐way anova with a Tukey's test was used to detect differences (p < 0.05). Administration of glycopyrrolate or isoproterenol increased HR and decreased SDNN and SDSD below control levels. Phenylephrine or propranolol administration were without effect. LFP was diminished by glycopyrrolate and isoproterenol, but was unaffected by phenylephrine and propranolol. HFP, TP, and LFP:HFP were unaffected by treatment. Both branches of the autonomic nervous system influence SDNN and LFP. SDSD, in contrast, is altered primarily by parasympathetic activity. Thus, it appears that parasympathetic activity modulates HRV in the resting dog, as either withdrawal of parasympathetic influence or accentuated sympathetic activity led to significant changes in these measures of HRV. Conversely, augmentation of parasympathetic activity or withdrawal of sympathetic tone minimally affected HRV.     

蘑菇废弃菌棒及其与猪粪混合发酵对沼气产量及质量的影响

为了研究厌氧消化过程中日产气量、累计产气量和甲烷含量随厌氧消化时间的变化规律,在中温35℃±1℃条件下,采用批式单相厌氧消化工艺,分别用香菇、杏鲍菇和平菇废弃菌棒与猪粪混合发酵。结果表明,蘑菇菌棒具有很好的产气潜力,其中香菇菌棒TS产气量最高,为142.9mL.g-1,平均产气量664.1mL.d-1,杏鲍菇菌棒所产气体甲烷含量最高,平均63.8%;添加猪粪调节蘑菇菌棒C/N至25/1,对香菇菌棒前期严重酸化现象起到了很好的缓冲作用,使香菇菌棒、杏鲍菇菌棒和平菇菌棒累计产气量较单一物料分别提高了131.5%、97.9%和79.9%。研究结论为:香菇、杏鲍菇和平菇废弃菌棒均具有良好的产气潜力;添加猪粪能显著提高蘑菇菌棒累计产气量,同时提高香菇菌棒甲烷含量,降低杏鲍菇菌棒甲烷含量,对平菇菌棒甲烷含量影响不大。     

Ability of surface-active antioxidants to inhibit lipid oxidation in oil-in-water emulsion

Lipid oxidation in dispersed lipids is prevalent at the oil-water interface where lipid hydroperoxides are decomposed into free radicals by transition metals. Free radical scavenging antioxidants are believed to be most effective in lipid dispersions when they accumulate at the oil-water interface. The surface activity of antioxidants could be increased by their conjugation to hydrocarbon chains. In this study, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPA) was conjugated with either a butyl or dodecyl group. The HPA conjugates were more effective at decreasing interfacial tension than unconjugated HPA, indicating that they were able to adsorb at lipid-water interfaces. However, free HPA was a more effective antioxidant than butyl and dodecyl conjugates in Menhaden oil-in-water emulsions as determined by both lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The increased antioxidant activity of free HPA could be due to its more effective free radical scavenging activity and its higher concentration in the lipid phase of oil-in-water emulsions in the presence of surfactant micelles where it can act as a chain-breaking antioxidant.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Carica papaya</Emphasis> Lipase: A Naturally Immobilized Enzyme with Interesting Biochemical Properties

Triacylglycerol (TAG) lipases have been thoroughly characterized in mammals and microorganisms, whereas very little is known about plant TAG lipases. The lipolytic activity occurring in all the laticies is known to be associated with sedimentable particles, and all attempts to solubilize the lipolytic activity of Carica papaya latex have been unsuccessful so far. However, some of the biochemical properties of the lipase from Carica papaya latex (CPL) were determined from the insoluble fraction of the latex. The activity was optimum at a temperature of 37°C and a pH of 9.0, and the specific activities of CPL were found to be 2,000 ± 185 and 256 ± 8 U/g when tributyrin and olive oil were used as substrates, respectively. CPL was found to be active in the absence of any detergent, whereas many lipases require detergent to prevent the occurrence of interfacial denaturation. CPL was inactive in the presence of micellar concentrations of Triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and tetradecyl trimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), and still showed high levels of activity in the presence of sodium taurodeoxycholate (NaTDC) and the zwitterionic Chaps detergent. The effects of various proteases on the lipolytic activity of CPL were studied, and CPL was found to be resistant to treatment with various enzymes, except in the presence of trypsin. All these properties suggest that CPL may be a good candidate for various biotechnological applications.