Single layer centrifugation of fresh dromedary camel semen improves sperm quality and in vitro fertilization capacity compared with simple sperm washing

Single layer centrifugation (SLC) through a colloid is a tool for selecting viable mammalian spermatozoa but has not been used previously for fresh dromedary camel sperm. Semen from six camels (2 ejaculates/male) was diluted 1:5 (v:v) or 1:10 (v:v) in a Tris–citrate–fructose buffer for mechanical liquefaction by gentle pipetting. Following liquefaction, semen was processed either by SLC or by centrifugation without a colloid (control). Total and progressive motilities, CASA kinematics, vitality and acrosome integrity (eosin–nigrosin) and plasma membrane integrity (Hypo‐osmotic swelling test; HOST), and fertilizing ability in a heterologous assay (zona‐free goat oocytes) were evaluated. Both total (p = .003) and progressive motilities (p = .003) were higher in SLC‐processed than in control semen samples, irrespective of dilution. Positive HOST values increased when using colloid in 1:5 (p = .001) and 1:10 dilution (p = .010). Colloid‐selected sperm had higher penetration rates than controls (p < .001 and p = .02 for 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions, respectively). However, only the SLC sperm at 1:5 dilution showed higher percentages of pronuclear formation (p = .02) than controls. Dilution effect was only significant for total motility before in vitro fertilization, with higher values for the 1:5 dilution (p = .033). The recovery rates of motile sperm between dilutions were similar (26.1% vs 35.4%; p = .226). In conclusion, SLC is a promising tool for selecting functional dromedary camel sperm and warrants more research.     

Injuries and deformities in fish: their potential impacts upon aquacultural production and welfare

Fish can be the recipients of numerous injuries that are potentially deleterious to aquacultural production performance and welfare. This review will employ a systematic approach that classifies injuries in relation to specific anatomical areas of the fish and will evaluate the effects of injury upon production and welfare. The selected areas include the (1) mouth, (2) eye, (3) epidermis and (4) fins. These areas cover a large number of external anatomical features that can be injured during aquacultural procedures and husbandry practices. In particular, these injuries can be diagnosed on live fish, in a farm environment. For each anatomical feature, this review addresses (a) its structure and function and (b) defines key injuries that can affect the fish from a production and a welfare perspective. Particular attention is then given to (c) defining known and potential aquacultural risk factors before (d) identifying and outlining potential short- and long-term farming practices and mitigation strategies to reduce the incidence and prevalence of these injuries. The review then concludes with an analysis of potential synergies between risk factors the type of injury, in addition to identifying potential synergies in mitigation strategies. The paper covers both aquaculture and capture-based aquaculture.     

Plasma Concentrations of 13, 14‐Dihydro‐15‐keto‐Prostaglandin F2α, Progesterone and Cortisol During Periparturient Period in Yaks (Poephagus grunniens L.)

An attempt was made to determine plasma concentrations of, 13, 14‐dihydro‐15‐keto‐prostaglandin F_2α (PGFM), cortisol and progesterone during periparturient period in yak. Plasma PGFM level showed an increasing trend beginning day 5 prior to parturition (0.48 ± 0.14 ng/ml) and increased steeply thereafter to reach a peak level (17.16 ± 1.31 ng/ml) on the day of parturition. The levels, then, declined sharply on day 1 postpartum to reach 1.20 ± 0.40 ng/ml and thereafter declined gradually over the days to reach 0.28 ± 0.09 ng/ml on day 20 postpartum and this level was maintained with fluctuation within narrow limits thereafter till conclusion of the blood sampling on day 90 post‐calving. The plasma progesterone concentration on days 7 and 6 before parturition was high (2.10 ± 0.10 and 2.12 ± 0.10 ng/ml, respectively). The level then decreased gradually and abrupt fall was observed 1–2 days before parturition and became basal on day of parturition (0.24 ± 0.04 ng/ml). This basal level was maintained till the end of the blood sampling on day 90 postpartum. Plasma cortisol level showed an increasing trend beginning day 2 prior to parturition (2.36 ± 0.65 ng/ml) and increased steeply thereafter to reach a peak level (26.65 ± 5.28 ng/ml) on the day of parturition. The levels, then, declined gradually over the days and touched 2.36 ± 0.25 ng/ml on day 3 postpartum and this level was maintained with fluctuation within narrow limits thereafter till day 7 post‐calving.     

Efficacy of Ovsynch Protocol with Antiprolactin Treatment for Timed Artificial Insemination During Non‐breeding Seasons in Yaks (Poephagus grunniens L.)

An attempt was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI) with or without Norprolac (antiprolactin) treatment during non‐breeding season (winter months) in yaks (n = 25). During non‐breeding season, plasma prolactin profile has been reported high due to cold and nutritional stress. The Norprolac dose of i.m. administration was standardized for prolactin suppression. Three different doses viz. 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg were attempted and the dose of 7.5 mg Norprolac i.m. per animal was found to be suitable for suppression of prolactin levels up to 30 h. Ovsynch treatment with Norprolac induced more number of oestrous symptoms per animal (4.8 vs 2.1), higher LH peak concentration (24.01 vs 16.16 ng/ml), longer duration of LH surge (6.8 vs 5.2 h) and higher conception rate (70 vs 30%) in Ovsynch plus Norprolac treated animals compared with animals treated with Ovsynch alone. Therefore, this study clearly indicates the opportunity for practical application of the Ovsynch plus Norprolac protocol for TAI in yaks during non‐breeding seasons.     

The Bacteria Isolated from the Skin of 20 Horses at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The objective of this study was to isolate bacteria on the skin of the proximal to distal equine limb to guide the practitioner in the selection of prophylactic antimicrobial protocols. This prospective study involved 20 client-owned horses that were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for routine elective surgery. Each horse spent between 12 and 36 hours at our hospital before sampling. Samples were collected from the skin of the left mid-thorax and the dorsal aspect of nine joints on the left side of each horse: front and hind coffin and fetlock joints, carpi, elbows, shoulders, hocks, and stifles. Samples were cultured aerobically and speciated when possible. When evaluating bacterial composition by location, a 40% difference was considered clinically significant. When comparing proximal sites above the fetlock to distal sites, the odds of isolating gram-positive bacteria were 1.23 times (P = .0124) higher at proximal sites; the odds of isolating coliform bacteria were 1.32 times (P = .023) higher at distal sites; and the odds of isolating a common septic arthritis pathogen were 1.16 times (P = .018) higher at distal sites. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was not isolated in this study. All comparisons between sites and between the proximal and distal limb were <40%, and thus were not considered clinically significant. No coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was isolated from any of the 200 sites in this study, suggesting that iatrogenic infections by that organism may not be because of preexisting flora. These data suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis targeting preexisting normal flora should be similar regardless of the area of interest on the limb.     

Hoof Conformation and Palmar Process Fractures of the Distal Phalanx in Warmblood Foals

This study evaluated onset and incidence of palmar process fractures in foals and investigated corresponding changes in hoof conformation. Radiographs of 17 warmblood foals were taken at 1 week and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 months of age and examined for evidence of palmar process fractures. Hoof parameters were measured from the radiographs, and comparisons were made between fractured and nonfractured feet. All foals suffered at least one fracture during the study period, with an average age of 3.68 ± 0.20 months at fracture occurrence. Hoof conformation and fracture occurrence were not significantly correlated. Foals consistently demonstrated higher lateral heights in the right foot and higher medial heights in the left foot. Hoof angle increased until 3 months of age and then gradually dropped. Hoof-pastern axis exhibited a broken forward conformation, but approached a more correct conformation by 12 months of age. There was a significant reduction in variation of variables for hoof and pastern angle in both feet, and hoof-pastern axis in the right foot. Hoof conformation does not appear to be a causative factor of palmar process fractures. It is possible that these fractures are a normal part of bone remodeling.     

Identification and characterization of serum complement activity in the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)

Incubation of unsensitized sheep red blood cells with serum from the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) resulted in a concentration-dependent hemolysis. The hemolytic activity was heat-sensitive, and inhibited by EDTA in a concentration-dependent manner. The EDTA-inhibited SRBC hemolysis could be restored by the addition of excess Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺, but not Ba²⁺ or Cu²⁺, revealing the specificity of this activity for these two divalent cations. The hemolytic activity of crocodile serum was titer-dependent, with 329 μL producing 50% of maximal SRBC hemolysis. The complement activity was also temperature-dependent, with decreased activity at lower temperatures (5–15 °C) and maximal activity occurred at 30–40 °C. The hemolysis occurred relatively slowly, with near zero activity after 10 min, 40% of activity observed within 15 min of exposure to SRBCs, and maximal activity at 30 min.