Changes in Serum Concentrations of Prolactin,Progestagens, and Estradiol-17β and Biochemical Parameters During Peripartum in an Agalactic Mare

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL), progestagens, and estradiol-17β and biochemical parameters during peripartum in an agalactic mare, as well as to study the periparturient indices of the foal. A 4-year-old Thoroughbred, primiparous, pregnant mare was diagnosed as agalactic from clinical conditions such as absence of observable udder development and weight loss of her foal after parturition. Serum PRL concentrations of the agalactic mare during prepartum tended to be lower than those of the control mares (19.5 ng/mL and 67.0 ± 15.0 ng/mL on the day of parturition, respectively). The progestagens and estradiol-17β concentrations were not markedly different between the agalactic mare and the control mares. Concentrations of γ-glutamyl transferase of the agalactic mare were higher than those of the control mares (P < .05). Although the serum immunoglobulin G concentrations of the foal of the agalactic mare after 24 hours of age were lower than those of the foals of the control mares (P < .05), all periparturient indices regarding the agalactic mare were considered to be within the normal range. In contrast, insufficient udder development and milk production was observed in the agalactic mare through the pre- and postpartum periods. We have ruled out the known causes for agalactia in mares based on other parameters, clinical symptoms, and nutritional causes. Clinical symptoms and PRL parameters in this case report are consistent with the category of agalactia in mares of unexplained causes, and we have determined additional blood parameters associated with agalactia in mares that are consistent with this category.     

The Effects of Frequent Electroejaculation on the Semen Characteristics of a Captive Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)

Artificial insemination (AI) can help to avoid inbreeding and genetic degeneration for sustaining genetically healthy populations of endangered species in captivity. Collection of a sufficient quantity of viable sperm is an essential first step in the AI process. In the present study, we examined the effects of frequent electroejaculation on semen characteristics in a Siberian tiger. We collected semen in all 17 trials during 6 breeding seasons (6 years). The mean number of sperm and the percentage of motile sperm were 294.3 ± 250.2×10⁶/ejaculate and 82.4 ± 11.4%, respectively. The number of motile sperm tended to increase during frequent electroejaculation in the same breeding season. Semen collection by electroejaculation can be performed effectively up to the fourth sequential ejaculate, which contained the most sperm in the study. In conclusion, frequent collection of sperm by electroejaculation from tigers may be effective for collection of a large number of motile sperm.     

Dual potential of microalgae as a sustainable biofuel feedstock and animal feed

The rise in global population has led to explorations of alternative sources of energy and food. Because corn and soybean are staple food crops for humans, their common use as the main source of dietary energy and protein for food-producing animals directly competes with their allocation for human consumption. Alternatively, de-fatted marine microalgal biomass generated from the potential biofuel production may be a viable replacement of corn and soybean meal due to their high levels of protein, relatively well-balanced amino acid profiles, and rich contents of minerals and vitamins, along with unique bioactive compounds. Although the full-fatted (intact) microalgae represent the main source of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids including docohexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the de-fatted microalgal biomass may still contain good amounts of these components for enriching DHA/EPA in eggs, meats, and milk. This review is written to highlight the necessity and potential of using the de-fatted microalgal biomass as a new generation of animal feed in helping address the global energy, food, and environmental issues. Nutritional feasibility and limitation of the biomass as the new feed ingredient for simple-stomached species are elaborated. Potential applications of the biomass for generating value-added animal products are also explored.     

热杀菌条件对NFC冬枣汁成分及抗氧化活性的影响研究

为了研究不同热杀菌条件对NFC冬枣汁理化性质、活性成分及抗氧化活性的影响,本文以冬枣为研究对象,设置了低温长时杀菌(75℃,5、10、15、20、25 min)和高温短时杀菌(90℃,0.25、0.50、0.75、1.00、1.50 min)两个处理,考察了NFC冬枣汁的可溶性固形物含量、pH值、总酸含量、VC含量、DPPH清除率、亚铁离子还原率等指标。研究结果表明,两种杀菌方式对NFC冬枣汁基本理化性质影响不显著(P>0.05)。相比于低温长时杀菌,高温短时杀菌的△E值更低,更能保持冬枣汁原有的色泽。两种杀菌处理后多酚、VC含量均显著降低(P<0.05),低温长时杀菌25 min后VC含量未检出,抗氧化活性也显著低于高温短时杀菌(P<0.05)。因此,通过对NFC冬枣汁品质变化的分析,发现高温短时杀菌能更好地保持原有的色泽和营养成分。     

Secretion of inhibin in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) from one week of age to sexual maturity

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in secretion of inhibin and cellular localization of the inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin (beta(A) and beta(B)) subunits in male Japanese quail from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. The post-hatch profile of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), immunoreactive (ir) inhibin and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Testes were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC) using polyclonal antisera raised against inhibin alpha, inhibin/activin beta(A) and inhibin/activin beta(B) from one week of age to sexual maturity. Testicular weight increased gradually until 4 weeks and abruptly increased from 5 weeks of age onwards. The plasma concentrations of LH and ir-inhibin increased significantly at 5 weeks of age, and the plasma concentration of testosterone increased significantly at 6 weeks of age. Pituitary contents of LH showed a steady increase until 6 weeks of age and then abruptly increased at 7 weeks of age. Coincident to the increase in plasma testosterone, the testicular contents of testosterone significantly increased from 5 weeks through sexual maturity. Immunohistochemically, localization of the inhibin/activin alpha, beta(A) and beta(B) subunits was found in the Sertoli and Leydig cells at all ages of development from one week of age to sexual maturity. These results suggest that Sertoli and Leydig cells are the major source of inhibin secretion during development in male Japanese quail.     

Secretion of inhibin in female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) from hatch to sexual maturity

To clarify the cellular source and secretory pattern of inhibin in the Japanese quail during follicular development, the plasma concentrations of immunoreactive (ir) inhibin were measured from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. Localization of the inhibin/activin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits was investigated by immunohistochemistry. To monitor development of the pituitary and ovarian functions, the plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations were also measured. Ovarian weight increased gradually until 6 weeks of age and then abruptly increased at 7 weeks of age just at the onset of egg production. Plasma concentrations of LH increased significantly at 6 weeks of age. The plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin and progesterone and the pituitary contents of LH also increased significantly at 7 weeks of age. Immunohistochemically, the inhibin/activin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits were localized in the granulosa cells of all follicles during different stages of development from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. The inhibin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits were also found in the interstitial cells but not theca cells of all follicles. These results demonstrated that the plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin of the female Japanese quails rose with ovarian development. The immunohistochemical results suggested that granulosa and interstitial cells are the major source of ovarian inhibins in female Japanese quails.     

Expression of nerve growth factor and its receptors trkA and p75 and inhibin alpha-subunit in the ovarian interstitial cells of lactating golden hamsters

Characteristic daily increases in the plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) are present every afternoon during lactation in golden hamsters. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the diurnal rhythm of increases in LH on expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), its receptors trkA and p75 and inhibin alpha-subunit in the ovarian interstitial cells of lactating golden hamsters. Both lactating and non-lactating groups of postpartum golden hamsters were used in this study. The expression of NGF, its receptors trkA and p75 and inhibin alpha-subunit were determined by immunohistochemistry. Positive staining of NGF, trkA and p75 was found in the interstitial cells of the lactating group, and no immunoreactivity for NGF, trkA or p75 was observed in the ovarian interstitial cells of the non-lactating group. In addition, immunostaining of inhibin alpha-subunit was also observed in the interstitial cells of the lactating group but not in those of the non-lactating group. Immunostaining of the inhibin/activin beta(A)- and beta(B)-subunits was observed in the granulosa cells of antral follicles, but not in the interstitial cells of the lactating and non-lactating animals. These results suggest that the diurnal rhythm increases in LH can induce expression of NGF, trkA, p75 and inhibin alpha-subunit in the ovarian interstitial cells of lactating golden hamsters and that NGF, its receptors trkA and p75 and inhibin alpha-subunit may have the capacity for autocrine or paracrine modulation of interstitial cell differentiation in golden hamsters.     

Oral administration of Kaempferia parviflora did not disturb male reproduction in rats

To investigate the androgenic effect of Kaempferia parviflora (KP), a Thai herbal plant, adult male rats were randomized into control and KP-treatment groups. Rats were treated orally with water in the control group and with 1,000 mg/kg/day of KP in the treatment group for 45 days. Blood samples were collected on days 10, 20, 30 and 45 for measurement of the serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone levels. The reproductive and non-reproductive organs were dissected on day 45 and weighed. Mating behavior was also observed on days 20 and 30. Body weight was measured throughout the study period. The results showed that KP induced an increase in body weight compared with the controls. There were no significant differences in the weights of either reproductive (testis, seminal vesicle plus coagulating gland, levator ani muscle plus bulbocarvernosus muscle and glans penis, except the prostate gland) or non-reproductive organs (kidney, adrenal gland and gastracnemius muscle). There were no significant differences in serum levels of either FSH or LH between the two groups. The serum testosterone and progesterone levels were insignificantly lower in the KP group during the first 30 days. The serum corticosterone levels in the KP group were lower than those in the controls throughout the study period and were significantly low on days 20 and 30. There were no significant changes in mating behavior in the rats treated with KP. Although KP affected the body weight and serum corticosterone level, it did not affect mating behavior, reproductive and non-reproductive organ weights or hormones related to the reproductive system in the adult male rats. Therefore, we conclude that the testosterone-like effect of KP did not disturb the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis or male reproduction.