The response of Japanese quails (heavy body weight line) to dietary energy levels and graded essential amino acid levels on growth performance and immuno-competence

The response of growing quails (n = 900, divided into 36 subgroups) to dietary levels of essential amino acids (EAA) at different energy levels on growth and immunity was investigated. Nine diets including three levels of metabolizable energy (ME, 11.30, 12.13 and 12.97 MJ ME kg^− 1) each at three levels of EAA (low, medium and high) in a 3 × 3 factorial design were formulated. Each diet was offered to 4 replicated groups up to 5 weeks of age. The ratio of lysine to protein and the level of methionine and threonine to lysine remained almost similar in all the diets as specified by NRC [NRC, 1994. Pages 44–45 in Nutrients requirements of poultry. 8th ed. Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, DC.]. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ statistically due to the treatments i.e. interaction of ME and EAA levels. However, there was linear increase in body weight gain with increased EAA levels during 0–3 or 0–5 weeks of age. Feed intake increased linearly with the decreased ME (P < <0.01) and increased EAA (P < 0.01) in diets. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved (P < 0.01) linearly with increase in dietary ME concentration from 0–3 or 0–5 weeks of age. FCR and energy efficiency improved in diets with medium and high levels of EAA during 0–3 weeks, while it did not differ during 0–5 weeks of age. Protein efficiency (PE) improved linearly (P < 0.01) with decreased EAA levels during 0–3 or 0–5 weeks of age, and also with the increase in dietary ME level during 0–5 weeks growth phase. Nitrogen retention per unit energy intake was significantly higher in diet containing 12.97 MJ ME kg^− 1 with high level of EAA. Humoral (SRBC) and cellular (PHA-P) immune response and yield of immune organs did not differ due to ME, EAA or ME x EAA. Therefore, it can be concluded that the optimum level of dietary ME is 11.30 MJ kg^− 1 with CP 25.83%, lysine 1.49%, methionine 0.58% and threonine 1.17% on dry matter basis during 0–5 weeks of age for gain. However for optimum feed conversion, the growing quails require diet with ME 12.97 MJ kg^− 1 with CP 23.23%, lysine 1.30%, methionine 0.50% and threonine 1.02% for 0–5 weeks of age.     

Influence of Heat Stress on the Cortisol and Oxidant‐Antioxidants Balance During Oestrous Phase in Buffalo‐Cows (Bubalus bubalis): Thermo‐protective Role of Antioxidant Treatment

In the present study, the effect of heat stress, which is commonly observed in the animals of Upper Egypt area in summer, as well as the effect of antioxidant treatment as a thermo‐protective was examined. In this study, the animals (n = 120) were divided into winter group (n = 40, bred during winter) and summer group (n = 80, bred during summer) as well as, animals in the summer group were divided into first subgroup animals (n = 40) and injected with Viteselen intramuscularly (15 ml) twice weekly for 10 weeks and second subgroup animals (n = 40) were not treated (as control). Serum levels of progesterone (P4), oestradiol (E2), cortisol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidase (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. The pregnancy rate of all animals was detected rectally. The levels of oestradiol and the activity of the antioxidant SOD were decreased in serum of animals in behavioural oestrus during summer as compared with those in winter. During the same time period the levels of oxidants such as LPO and NO were increased in the serum of animals again in the phase of oestrus. In another group of animals treated by intramuscular injection with 15 ml viteselen (antioxidant) twice weekly for 6 weeks during hot months, the activities of serum SOD showed an increase and the levels of oxidants and cortisol decreased. Moreover, the levels of oestradiol were increased during the oestrous behaviour. The pregnancy rate was decreased in animals under heat stress and the pregnancy rate was enhanced dramatically when these animals received antioxidants during the heat stress. This means that the heat‐stress in Upper Egypt may affect the fertility of animals and pregnancy rate and this effect may be through an increased production of free radicals and decreased production of antioxidants as well as increased levels of cortisol. Treatment of animals or supplementation with antioxidants before the beginning of months of heat‐stress and also during the stress period may correct the infertility due to heat‐stress through the decrease in cortisol secretion and a decrease in the oxidative stress. These results resulted in an increase in pregnancy rate in treated animals.     

Effects of seasonal variation,group size and sex on the activity budget and diet composition of the addax antelope

Behaviour and diet composition are critical elements in conservation biology within the scope of reintroduction programs. Here we focused on addax (Addax nasomaculatus), a Critically Endangered antelope species, in the Jbil National Park, Tunisia. In this study, we advanced the hypothesis that season, day period, sex and social structure have an effect on the activity budgets and diet composition of addax. Three groups were selected (large group, adult pair and solitary male). Resting, moving, grazing, vigilance and other behaviours were recorded during two seasons (dry and wet) and in the morning and the afternoon. In addition, faecal samples were collected. The results indicate that season and day period were the main factors affecting the activity budgets. The resting behaviour increased from the wet to the dry season, and from morning to afternoon. The grazing and moving behaviours increased during the wet season and decreased from morning to afternoon. Addax select a mixed diet composed of perennial and herbaceous plant species notably during the wet season. In addition, we observed that addax modify their behaviour according to the season and forage availability. This represents an adaptive strategy to survive in a desert climate with a stochastic low-resource environment and depending on ambient climatic conditions.     

Histological and immunohistochemical investigations of ovarian interstitial glands during non‐breeding season in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The aim of this was to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of interstitial glands during non‐breeding season in camel ovaries. A total of 21 mature, non‐pregnant and apparently healthy camels aged between 8 and 12 years were slaughtered. The ovaries were removed within 15 min, cleaned from adipose tissue, weighted and examined grossly. The histological preparation was made, and then, the blocks were cut at 3–5 microns thickness and stained by H&E for histological examinations. Moreover, some sections were stained with Sudan Black for lipid detection. Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin‐embedded ovarian tissues was performed to detect the localization of S‐100, vimentin, progesterone receptors (PR) and oestrogen receptors (ER). Immunoreactive signals were detected using UltraVision Detection System. The results revealed that the interstitial glands were located in the cortical region and they were arranged in various arrangements either single, in couple or in groups rich in lipid droplet. All interstitial gland arrangements were enclosed by connective tissue capsules containing fibroblasts and collagenous fibres separated them from the surrounding ovarian structures. Both interstitial glands and their surrounding CT were penetrated by several blood vessels. There was a strong immunoreactive signal for S‐100 in the nuclei of interstitial cells, and no signals were detected either in cells of the interstitial glands or their connective tissue with PR. We could conclude that the interstitial gland is distinct in ovary of camel and further studies are needed to elucidate its rule in steroid synthesis.     

Effects of Exogenous Tumour Necrosis Factor-α on the Secretory Function of the Bovine Reproductive Tract Depend on Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Concentrations

The aim of study was to correlate tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF) infused doses used with the TNF concentrations achieved and with the secretory function of both the ovary and the uterus in cows. We evaluated the concentrations of progesterone (P4), prostaglandin (PG)F_2α, PGE₂ nitric oxide (NO) and TNF in the jugular vein and vena cava caudalis as parameters of exogenous TNF action on the female reproductive tract. Aortae abdominalis of cows (n = 18) were infused with saline or two doses of TNF (luteolytic – 1 μg or luteotrophic – 10 μg). In the peripheral blood, 1 μg TNF concentrations achieved within the range of 30–45 pg/ml, and 10 μg TNF provoked a sharp increase in achieved concentrations at a range of 250–450 pg/mL). The TNF concentrations achieved in vena cava caudalis were five to six times higher than that in peripheral blood (p < 0.001). One microgram TNF increased PGF_2α and NO (p < 0.001) and decreased P4 (p < 0.05). The higher TNF dose stimulated P4 and PGE₂ (p < 0.01). TNF infusion at luteolytic dose achieved its concentrations at the physiological range previously observed in cows. Luteotrophic TNF dose achieved the concentrations in vena cava caudalis that are much higher than physiological level and were previously noted in pathological circumstances (i.e. mastitis , metritis ).     

Onion seed productivity,nutrient use,and quality response to drip fertigation in semi-arid India

Crop productivity and nutrient use are mainly water restricted in semi-arid regions. This study was conducted to find out whether the onion seed crop productivity could be elevated through drip fertigation. The effects of irrigation and fertigation levels on yield, yield components, quality, and nutrient use of onion seed crop (Allium cepa L.) were investigated at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, western India on a sandy clay loam soil. Irrigation water applied at evapotranspiration (ETc) levels at 80% (I₁), 90% (I₂), and 100% (I₃), whereas drip fertigation levels at 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of recommended dose [120:60:60 nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) kg/ha] were investigated. Three-year experiment results showed no significant differences in number of seed per umbel, seed yield per umbel per plant, seed and straw yield per hectare from the comparison between 100% ETc and 90% ETc. In fertigation, 120% and 100% levels gave significantly higher values of yield components and seed yield than the 80% and 60% levels. The quality parameters decreased with decrease in ETc, but increased with increase in fertigation levels. Fertilizer-use efficiency (FUE) was highest in 60% fertigation and then declined with the increase in fertigation levels. Irrigation at 100% ETc and fertigation at 120% resulted in higher nutrient use, but the difference with 90% ETc and 100% fertigation was non-significant. The 90% ETc and 100% fertigation dose (120:60:60 NPK kg/ha) appears a useful practice to increase onion seed productivity under the semi-arid climate of western India.     

Isolation and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Bovine Umbilical Cord Blood

Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in veterinary clinical applications. Bone marrow and adipose tissue are the most common sources of stem cells derived from adult animals. However, cord blood which is collected non‐invasively is an alternative source of stem cells other than bone marrow and adipose tissue. Moreover, high availability and lower immunogenicity of umbilical cord blood (UCB) haematopoietic stem cells compared to other sources of stem cell therapy such as bone marrow have made them a considerable source for cell therapy, but MSCs is not highly available in cord blood and their immunogenicity is poorly understood. In this study, the cells with spindle morphology from 7 of 9 bovine UCB samples were isolated and cultured. These mesenchymal stromal cells were successfully differentiated to osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. In addition, Oct‐4 and SH3 were determined by RT‐PCR assay. It is the first report of isolation, culture, characterization and differentiation of bovine umbilical stem cells.     

Burst Conditions of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions Recorded on Microbarographs

Explosive volcanic eruptions generate pressure disturbances in the atmosphere that propagate away either as acoustic or as shock waves, depending on the explosivity of the eruption. Both types of waves are recorded on microbarographs as 1- to 0.1-hertz N-shaped signals followed by a longer period coda. These waveforms can be used to estimate burst pressures and gas concentrations in explosive volcanic eruptions and provide estimates of eruption magnitudes.