Short‐term intake of β‐carotene‐supplemented diets enhances ovarian function and progesterone synthesis in goats

The effect of β‐carotene supplementation upon luteal activity, measured as number (CLT) and volume (VLT) of corpus luteum, and P4 synthesis in goats, was evaluated. Goats (n = 22, 34 months) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (i) β‐carotene [Beta, n = 10; body weight (BW = 44.8 ± 1.45 kg), body condition score (BCS = 3.25 ± 0.07)], and (ii) Control (Control, n = 12; BW = 45.30 ± 1.32 kg, BCS = 3.33 ± 0.06). Upon oestrus synchronization, the Beta group received 50 mg of β‐carotene per day during 35 days pre‐ and 17 days post‐ovulation. The day 4, 8, 12 and 16 post‐ovulation, blood samples were collected for quantification of serum P4 concentrations by radioimmmunoassay, and transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed at day 18 for evaluating CLT and VLT. Overall, CLT and VLT mean were 3.10 and 2211.1 mm³ respectively. The Beta‐goats depicted both the largest values for CLT (p = 0.07) and serum P4 levels (p = 0.05), with no differences (p = 0.53) for VLT between treatments. Results suggest a higher efficiency within the cellular‐enzymatic groups defining the steroidogenic pathways in the β‐carotene‐supplemented goats, generating a larger P4 synthesis. The last is essential for ovulation of healthy oocytes, maintenance of uterine quiescence, nourishment and survival of the embryo around implantation; all of them of paramount significance during the maternal recognition of pregnancy process.     

Congenital heart disease in boxer dogs: results of 6 years of breed screening

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and severity of ocular lesions in dogs with anemia (packed cell volume  20%) and/or thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150,000/μL). Dogs were divided into four groups: (1) anemic (n = 17); (2) thrombocytopenic (n = 36); (3) anemic and thrombocytopenic (n = 24); and (4) healthy controls (n = 26). The prevalence of ophthalmic lesions in these four groups was 12%, 42%, 42% and 0%, respectively. Anemia was not associated with the presence of ocular lesions (P = 0.41) or their severity. Thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with the presence of ocular lesions (P = 0.0016) and with their severity (P = 0.017). We conclude that thrombocytopenia, but not anemia, is associated with ocular lesions in dogs.     

Determining FAO-56 crop coefficients for peanut under different water stress levels

Accurate estimates of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) water requirements are needed for water conservation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the FAO-56 crop coefficients for peanut grown under various levels of water stress in a humid climate. Two experiments were conducted in three automated rainout shelters located at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus in Griffin, Georgia, USA in 2006 and 2007. Irrigation was applied when the modeled soil water content in the effective root zone dropped below a specific threshold of the available water content (AWC). The irrigation treatments corresponded to irrigation thresholds (IT) of 40, 60 and 90% of AWC. The soil water balance was used to compute observed evapotranspiration (ET _cm) from measured soil water content at six different soil depths. The length of the four developmental stages was different than the values listed in FAO-56. The 2-year average absolute relative error of K _cini was 8, 19 and 6% for 40, 60 and 90% IT, respectively. For the 90% IT, the FAO-56 K _cmid and K _cend were almost identical to the 2-year averages of the observed K _cmid and K _cend, respectively. The findings of this study confirmed that the FAO-56 procedure was reasonably accurate for estimating peanut ET under water stress in a humid climate.     

Structure-antifungal activity relationship of cinnamic acid derivatives

A structure-antifungal activity relationship (SAR) study of 22 related cinnamic acid derivatives was carried out. Attention was focused on the antifungal activities exhibited against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus niger. (E)-3-(4-methoxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl)acrylic acid (16) exhibited antifungal activity against A. niger, comparable to that of miconazole and a significant antifungal effect against A. flavus and A. terreus as well. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of related cinnamic acid derivatives has allowed a model to be proposed for the recognition of the minimal structural requirements for the antifungal effect in this series.     

Giant Galápagos tortoises; molecular genetic analyses identify a trans-island hybrid in a repatriation program of an endangered taxon

Background

Giant Galápagos tortoises on the island of Española have been the focus of an intensive captive breeding-repatriation programme for over 35 years that saved the taxon from extinction. However, analysis of 118 samples from released individuals indicated that the bias sex ratio and large variance in reproductive success among the 15 breeders has severely reduced the effective population size (N _e ).

Results

We report here that an analysis of an additional 473 captive-bred tortoises released back to the island reveals an individual (E1465) that exhibits nuclear microsatellite alleles not found in any of the 15 breeders. Statistical analyses incorporating genotypes of 304 field-sampled individuals from all populations on the major islands indicate that E1465 is most probably a hybrid between an Española female tortoise and a male from the island of Pinzón, likely present on Española due to human transport.

Conclusion

Removal of E1465 as well as its father and possible (half-)siblings is warranted to prevent further contamination within this taxon of particular conservation significance. Despite this detected single contamination, it is highly noteworthy to emphasize the success of this repatriation program conducted over nearly 40 years and involving release of over 2000 captive-bred tortoises that now reproduce in situ. The incorporation of molecular genetic analysis of the program is providing guidance that will aid in monitoring the genetic integrity of this ambitious effort to restore a unique linage of a spectacular animal.

     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid and curcumin on growth performance and oxidative stress enzymes in juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) feed with aflatoxins

Aflatoxicosis is a growing problem in aquaculture. A 42‐day study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and curcumin (CUR) to protect juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from aflatoxins. Growth parameters along with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activities were measured. Shrimps (36) with an average weight of 76 ± 0.9 mg were randomly allocated in eight experimental groups. Non‐contaminated diet (NCD) and aflatoxin‐contaminated diet (ACD) at 200 μg/kg were prepared. ACD was used to prepare six diets supplemented with CLA (4, 5 or 6 g/kg) and CUR (0.15, 0.2 and 0.3 g/kg). ACD reduced feed intake, growth rate and nitrogen retention efficiency, and increased ALP and GST activity. Improved nitrogen retention was observed for all groups feed with CLA. CUR supplementation at 0.2 g/kg increased feed intake and growth rate while at 0.15 g/kg increased nitrogen retention. ALP activity was reduced in all CUR groups and in 5 and 6 g/kg CLA groups. Reduction in GST activity was observed in 0.15 and 0.2 g/kg CUR groups and 4 g/kg CLA group. CLA supplementation and CUR supplementation can be beneficial to protect juvenile shrimp against aflatoxins.