Vitamin values ofPleurotus mushrooms

Ascorbic acid, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid contents were determined in four different species ofPleurotus mushroom grown on wet chopped unfermented rice straw. The estimated values for the respective vitamins ranged from 92–144, 1.36–2.23, 60.6–73.3, 6.66–8.97, 21.1–33.3 mg and 1222–1412 µg per 100g mushrooms on dry weight basis. These vitamin values were comparable with those ofAgaricus bisporus, but were higher than those ofAuricularia, Lentinus andVolvariella.     

Biological control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ascaris suum</Emphasis> eggs by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pochonia chlamydosporia</Emphasis> fungus

Ascaris suum is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of swines. The aim of this study was to observe Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus on biological control of A. suum eggs after fungus passage through swines gastrointestinal tract. Eighteen pigs, previously dewormed, were randomly divided into three groups: group 1, treated with the fungus isolate VC4; group 2, treated with the fungus isolate VC1 and group 3 did not receive fungus (control). In the treated groups, each animal received a 9 g single dose of mycelium mass containing P. chlamydosporia (VC1 or VC4). Thereafter, animal fecal samples were collected at the following intervals: 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after treatment beginning and these were poured in Petri dishes containing 2% water-agar culture medium. Then, 1,000 A. suum eggs were poured into each dish and kept in an incubator at 26°C and in the dark for 30 days. After this period, approximately 100 eggs were removed from each Petri dish and morphologically analyzed under light microscopy following the ovicidal activity parameters. The higher percentage observed for isolated VC4 eggs destruction was 57.5% (36 h) after fungus administration and for isolate VC1 this percentage was 45.8% (24 h and 72 h) (p > 0.01). P. chlamydosporia remained viable after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of swines, maintaining its ability of destroying A. suum eggs.     

Marine-Derived Penicillium purpurogenum Reduces Tumor Size and Ameliorates Inflammation in an Erlich Mice Model

Background: This study addresses the antitumoral properties of Penicillium purpurogenum isolated from a polluted lagoon in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Ethyl Acetate Extracellular Extract (EAE) was used. The metabolites were studied using direct infusion mass spectrometry. The solid Ehrlich tumor model was used for antitumor activity. Female Swiss mice were divided into groups (n = 10/group) as follows: The negative control (CTL−), treated with a phosphate buffered solution; the positive control (CTL+), treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg); extract treatments at doses of 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg; animals without tumors or treatments (Sham); and animals without tumors treated with an intermediate dose (EAE20). All treatments were performed intraperitoneally, daily, for 15 days. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and the tumor, lymphoid organs, and serum were used for immunological, histological, and biochemical parameter evaluations. Results: The extract was rich in meroterpenoids. All doses significantly reduced tumor size, and the 20 and 100 mg/kg doses reduced tumor-associated inflammation and tumor necrosis. The extract also reduced the cellular infiltration of lymphoid organs and circulating TNF-α levels. The extract did not induce weight loss or renal and hepatic toxic changes. Conclusions: These results indicate that P. purpurogenum exhibits immunomodulatory and antitumor properties in vivo. Thus, fungal fermentation is a valid biotechnological approach to the production of antitumor agents.     

Chemical and biochemical changes in the rice straw substrate related to the morphogenesis,cropping patternand yield of Pleurotus florida (Block & Tsao.)

Summary

Growth and yield of Pleurotus florida on rice straw were studied as a function of temperature. At an ambient temperature of 20?C, a maximum bioconversion efficiency (yield to substrate ratio, both on a dry-weight basis) of 14.5% was recorded. The net yield was observed over 2–3 flushes, with an interflush period of ca. 7.d. Increase in bioconversion efficiency (BCE) decreased left-over spent substrate and increased the loss of growth substrate as CO₂ and H₂O. An increased solubility of the growth substrate was observed with increase in BCE. In general, increase in sugars, amino acids, and decrease in phenols, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were observed; however amino acids decreased at high levels of BCE. Likewise, the decrease in lignin content was not important above a 10% increase in BCE. Flush co-ordinated operation of the degradatory enzymes in the rice straw substrate was studied. Whilst CMC-ase, b-glucosidase, hemicellulase and protease showed a continuous increase over all the flushes, laccase showed a decline only after the first flush, reflecting the possible non-requirement for lignin degradation thereafter. The growth of the fruiting primordium into a mature fruiting body took 72.h was characterized by an active increase in cellulase(s), hemicellulase(s) and, protease in particular. Laccase activity declined. This observation is associated with the requirement for carbohydrates and protein for growth and development of the fruiting bodies. Hexosamine content in the rice straw substrate increased until the end of spawnrun and declined thereafter, in accordance with the fructification.     

Zinc deficiency in sheep: Field cases

Summary Zinc deficiency was diagnosed in a sheep farm in Khartoum Province; the young sheep and lambs were mostly affected. Skin lesions, depression, wool eating, flexed knees and a markedly stiff gait were observed. Histopathology of the skin revealed mainly hyperkeratosis accompanied sometimes by parakeratosis. The animals responded rapidly to oral administration of zinc oxide.

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Deficiencia De Zinc En Ovejas: Casos De Campo

Resumen Se diagnosticó deficiencia de zinc, en una granja ovina localizada en la provincia de Cartum; las ovejas jóvenes y los corderos fueron los más afectados. Los síntomas clínicos se caracterizaron por lesiones en la piel, trastornos locomotivos e ingestión de lana. El examen histopatológico reveló hiperqueratosis y paraqueratosis. Los animales enfermos respondieron bien a la administración de óxido de zinc.

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Deficience En Zinc Chez Le Mouton: Cas Cliniques

Résumé Une déficience en zinc a été diagnostiquée dans une ferme ovine de la province de Khartoum; ce sont les jeunes moutons et les agneaux qui sont principalement affectés. On a observé des lésions cutanées, de l'ingestion de laine, des genous fléchis et une démarche sautillante. L'examen histopathologique de la peau révèle essentiellement de l'hyperkératose, parfois accompagnée de parakératose. Les animaux répondent rapidement à l'administration orale d'oxyde de zinc.

     

Effects of dietary meals containing different levels of phytoestrogens on reproductive function in Bilgoraj ganders

The aim of this study was to investigate how long-term feeding of ganders with diets containing different levels of phytoestrogens affects the morphometry of testes, plasma steroid levels, sperm parameters and reproductive performance. Male Bilgoraj geese were fed diets containing grass meal (with low phytoestrogen levels) and those containing alfalfa meal and soybean meal (with higher levels of phytoestrogens). Testes were obtained from ganders at the peak of mating and the ongoing laying period as well as at the beginning of photorefractoriness. The morphometric parameters were measured in frozen testicular sections. Blood was collected monthly from December to June, and plasma testosterone, androstenedione and corticosterone concentrations were determined. During the mating season, semen was collected and its quantity and quality were investigated. In the flocks (ganders with geese) reproductive output was noted. Seasonal changes were observed in the morphology of testes and in plasma testosterone, androstenedione and corticosterone concentrations in ganders. The feeding of ganders with dietary meals containing higher levels of phytoestrogens did not affect the plasma steroid contents or the majority of the morphometric parameters of testes, except for the height of the seminiferous epithelium, which was lowered. Moreover, diets with higher levels of phytoestrogens decreased the volume of ejaculates and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. However, these changes were not reflected in the fertilisation rates.     

Sabulous cystitis in the horse: 13 cases (2013–2020)

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical findings, medical management, and outcomes of horses with sabulous cystitis, and to describe a high flow bladder lavage procedure in horses that are standing or under general anesthesia. The medical records of 13 horses diagnosed with sabulous cystitis via cystoscopy between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Geldings (92%) and Warmbloods (46%) were overrepresented. The most common presenting complaint was urinary incontinence (69%). Complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry profile and urine cytology results were non-specific. Six (46%) horses had various degrees of erosion, ulceration, and hemorrhage of the bladder mucosa. All horses were treated with bladder lavage either with standing sedation (n = 12) or general anesthesia (n = 2), as well as antimicrobials (54%), anti-inflammatory drugs (62%), bethanechol (15%), and phenazopyridine (15%). Most horses (85%) were discharged from the hospital, but only a small percentage (23%) was reported as having no urinary abnormalities on follow-up communication.Key clinical message:Copious bladder lavage with a high flow rate system could mitigate the acute clinical signs and improve the quality of life of horses with sabulous cystitis, but the prognosis for return to previous level of athletic performance and long-term survival is guarded.     

Performance and serum parameters of calves (Bos taurus) subject to milk restriction associated with supplementation with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid

Our aim with this study was to evaluate the consumption, performance, quantitative characteristics of carcasses, biochemical profile, plasma levels of ghrelin and leptin, expression of the receptor for ghrelin (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and duodenum, and the number of goblet cells in the duodenum of calves subjected to milk volume restriction and supplemented with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBa). We used 21 Holstein mixed-breed calves, aged between 3 and 15 d with an average weight of 36.8 kg, and housed in pens with troughs for hay, concentrate, and water. The study included two consecutive experimental periods (first period [P1] and second period [P2]) of 21 d each, with 7 d of adaptation to the diet and facilities. The calves were distributed in a completely randomized design in three treatments with seven repetitions. 1) Control: 6 liters of milk/d during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2; 2) RES (milk restriction): 3 liters of milk/day during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2; and 3) RES + HMTBa: 3 liters of milk/day during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2 + 3.3 g of HMTBa/day in both periods. HMTBa was supplied in milk, and the amount of concentrated ration and hay provided and leftovers were recorded daily to estimate dry matter (DM) and crude protein consumption. Mean daily weight gain (DWG), final weight (FW), and feed conversion (FC) were obtained at the beginning and at the end of each 21-d period. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin and leptin, triglycerides, total protein, urea, lactate, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol were measured for P1 and P2 at the end of each 21-d period. At the end of P2, animals were slaughtered; sections of the duodenum were collected to evaluate the expression of GHS-R1a and quantity of goblet cells; hypothalamus was used to evaluate the expression of GHS-R1a; rumen was used to evaluate the thickness of epithelium and keratin and the density, height, and width of ruminal papillae. In P1, total DM consumption, FW, DWG, glucose, and triglycerides were lower in the RES and RES + HMTBa groups (P < 0.001). In P2, there was an improvement in the FC of the RES + HMTBa group (compared with Control and RES groups) and a lower urea concentration in the RES group (compared with Control and RES + HMTBa groups) (P < 0.001). No differences were observed among groups regarding hormonal concentrations, histological parameters, and GHS-R1a expression in the duodenum and hypothalamus. Therefore, milk restriction combined with HMTBa supplementation promoted greater compensatory gain by a mechanism independent of changes in GHS-R1a expression and hormone levels of ghrelin and leptin.