Effect of feeding calcium salts on performance of nursing Awassi ewes

Twenty nursing Awassi ewes (BW = 50 ± 2.35 kg, age = 4.5 ± 1.2 years) with their lambs were used to evaluate the effects of feeding calcium salts in lactation diets on performance and pre-weaning growth of their lambs. Treatments were 0% calcium salts (CON) or 5% calcium salts (FAT). At the end of the study, a digestibility experiment was performed. Milk yield was greater (P < 0.05) for ewes fed the FAT diet than the CON diet. Milk composition was similar (P > 0.05) between diets. However, milk energy value (kcal/day) tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for the FAT diet than the CON diet. Concentrations of milk C18:1c9 and C20:0 were greater (P < 0.05) in ewes fed the FAT diet than the CON diet. However, concentration of trans-10, cis-12 CLA was lower (P = 0.05) in the FAT diet than in the CON diet. No differences in feed intake and body weight change were detected between diets. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were similar (P > 0.05) for diets. For lambs, weaning weight was not affected by treatments. However, average daily gain and total gain were greater (P = 0.053) for the FAT diet than the CON diet. Results suggest that supplementing lactating ewes with calcium salts at the beginning of lactation phase improves daily milk yield of ewes and pre-weaning growth of their lambs with no major negative impact on feed intake and digestibility.     

Intermediate Filament Proteins Expression and Carbohydrate Moieties in Trophoblast and Decidual Cells of Mature Cat Placenta

The aim of this study was to characterize cytoskeletal intermediate filament proteins and glycoconjugates of syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast and decidual cells of feline endotheliochorial placenta. Samples from 12 normal pregnant female cats, after 45 ± 5 days of gestation, were obtained removing the uterine horns by hysterectomy. Sections were processed for routine observation and for immunohistochemistry using anticytokeratin, antivimentin and antidesmin antibodies. In addition, lectin histochemistry was performed using a panel of several biotinylated lectins to characterize glycosides expression profile. Cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast showed immunoreactivity only with acidic and basic cytokeratins. Decidual cells were only positive to vimentin, consistent with their origin from endometrial fibroblasts. Trophoblast expressed a broad population of glycans, highly exposing terminal N‐acetyl glucosamine residues and non‐sialylated galactose and N‐acetyl galactosamine oligomers. Oligosaccharides bound by Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin were the only highly branched N‐linked residues evidenced in cats, and they were restricted to the syncytium. Unlike results reported on humans, mice and rats on lectin affinity of decidual cells, sialid acids and complex N‐linked oligosaccharides were not demonstrated in cats. Glycosylation of proteins determines many of their final properties, thus becoming essential for the embryo‐maternal dialogue during implantation and placentation. Changes in glycosylation pattern have been related to pathological pregnancies in other species. Hence, the knowledge about glycosylation profile of the normal cat placenta may lead to a better understanding of both normal and pathological reproductive events.     

Climate and groundwater recharge during the last glaciation in an ice-covered region

A multitracer study of a small aquifer in northern Switzerland indicates that the atmosphere in central Europe cooled by at least 5 degreesC during the last glacial period. The relation between oxygen isotope ratios (delta18O) and recharge temperatures reconstructed for this period is similar to the present-day one if a shift in the delta18O value of the oceans during the ice age is taken into account. This similarity suggests that the present-day delta18O-temperature relation can be used to reconstruct paleoclimate conditions in northern Switzerland. A gap in calculated groundwater age between about 17,000 and 25,000 years before the present indicates that during the last glacial maximum, local groundwater recharge was prevented by overlying glaciers.     

Apoptosis‐Related Protein Expression During Pre‐ and Post‐Natal Testicular Development After Administration of Glucocorticoid in utero in the Sheep

Pre‐natal glucocorticoids are used in women at risk of preterm delivery to induce foetal lung maturation. However, glucocorticoids can produce negative outcomes for other tissues such as the reproductive system. We therefore tested the effects of pre‐natal betamethasone on testicular morphology and apoptotic protein immune expression during pre‐ and post‐natal development. Pregnant ewes (n = 42) bearing singleton male foetuses were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular injections of saline or betamethasone (0. 5 mg/kg) at 104, 111 and 118 days of gestation (DG). Testes were collected at 121 and 132 DG, and at 45 and 90 post‐natal days (PD) and subjected to morphometric analysis (volume densities of sex cords and interstitial tissues; sex cord diameter). Immunohistochemistry (% stained area) was used to assess active caspase‐3, Bax, Bcl‐2 and cell‐cycle proteins (PCNA). Compared with control values, betamethasone treatment decreased sex cord diameter at 121 DG, 45 and 90 PD, and sex cord volume at 90 PD. Active caspase‐3 was decreased by betamethasone at 121 DG and 90 PD, but Bax was increased in all betamethasone groups. Bcl‐2 and PCNA decreased in the betamethasone groups at 121 DG and 45 PD, but increased at 132 DG and 90 PD. We conclude that high levels of pre‐natally administered glucocorticoid reduce foetal testicular development, perhaps via changes in the balance between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic proteins and cell‐cycle proteins. These outcomes could compromise the future spermatogenic potential of male offspring.     

Cloning and Characterization of Boar Epididymal Secretory Proteins by Homology to the Human

Northern blot analysis suggested that the boar epididymis produces closely related counterparts to human epididymal proteins HE1, HE3, HE4, HE5 and HE12. ‘Full‐length’ cloning by nucleic acid and amino acid sequence similarity was achieved by RT‐PCR methods in the case of the porcine counterparts of HE3 and HE4, while the homologues of HE5 and HE12, despite their cross‐hybridization during Northern blot analysis, have not yet been cloned. The two novel porcine cDNAs were derived from moderately abundant epididymal mRNAs that were 75 and 83% identical to HE3 and HE4 cDNAs, respectively. To emphasize their relationship to the corresponding HEs, they were named Se3 and Se4 cDNAs. Their open reading frames predicted small secretory proteins with 55% (Se3) and 76% (Se4) conserved amino acids. Monospecific antipeptide antibodies to HE secretory proteins identified He3‐ and HE12‐related proteins on Western blots of porcine epididymal fluid and semen. Both Northern and Western analyses indicated that the Se proteins were produced in a regionalized pattern and accumulated in the cauda fluid.     

Effect of growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) on the progression of buffalo follicles in vitrified–warmed ovarian tissues

To improve the reproductive performance of water buffalo to level can satisfy our needs, the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development should be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the expressions of growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) in buffalo ovaries were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the effects of GDF‐9 treatment on follicle progression were investigated using a buffalo ovary organ culture system. Frozen–thawed buffalo ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 14 days in the presence or absence of GDF‐9. After culture, ovarian slices were fixed, sectioned and stained. The follicles were morphologically analysed and counted. Expression pattern of GDF‐9 was detected in oocytes from primordial follicles onwards, besides, also presented in granulosa cells. Moreover, GDF‐9 was detected in mural granulosa cells and theca cells of pre‐antral follicles. In antral follicles, cumulus cells and theca cells displayed positive expression of GDF‐9. In corpora lutea, GDF‐9 was expressed in both granulosa and theca lutein cells. After in vitro culture, there was no difference in the number of primordial follicles between cultured plus GDF‐9 and cultured control that indicated the GDF‐9 treatment has no effect on the primordial to primary follicle transition. GDF‐9 treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of primary and secondary follicles compared with controls accompanied with a significant increase in pre‐antral and antral follicles. These results suggest that a larger number of primary and secondary follicles were stimulated to progress to later developmental stages when treated with GDF‐9. Vitrification/warming of buffalo ovarian tissue had a little remarkable effect, in contrast to culturing for 14 days, on the expression of GDF‐9. In conclusion, treatment with GDF‐9 was found to promote progression of primary follicle that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development and to improve therapies for the most common infertility problem in buffaloes (ovarian inactivity).     

Reproductive performance of seasonal ewes and does fed dry fat during their postpartum period

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding a dry fat source to seasonal ewes and does on their postpartum reproductive performance. Forty five multiparous Awassi ewes (LW = 60.1 ± 3.2 kg) and 45 Shami does (LW = 49.6 ± 2.4 kg) were randomly assigned into 3 dietary treatments (n = 15/spp) for 60 days postpartum in a completely randomized design (CRD) set. Females were housed with their offsprings and fed one of three isonitrogenous total mixed rations (TMR) containing 0, 3, or 5% of dry fat. Blood samples were taken individually every 3 days to determine serum progesterone concentration levels starting one week postparturition via radioimmunoassay kits. Progesterone concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in ewes fed 3% fat addition but not for 5% level. Meanwhile, those of doe were not affected by adding supplemental fat. No differences were observed in days to 1st or 2nd postpartum ovulation in both species. Milk production was higher (P < 0.05) for fat treated ewes with no differences between the 2 fat levels, while it was not different among does groups. Final live weight of females in both species was also not affected by fat supplementation. However, live weight changes were higher (P < 0.05) for ewes with no differences between 3% fat level and control groups, and lower in does with increased fat level and with no differences between the 2 treatment groups. Weaning weight and average daily gain of the newborn in both species were not affected by fat supplementation. Litter weight was not different for ewes, but it was higher (P < 0.05) for treated does with no differences between 3% and 5% supplemented fat groups. Therefore, one can conclude that supplemental fat to ewes at 3% during their postpartum period might recover their cyclicity late in the breeding season, but not at high levels (5%), and can improve their milk production and affect live weight change during that period with no effect on weaning weight or litter weight of lambs. For does, supplemental fat is not capable of affecting their postpartum cyclicity, milk production, and weaning weight of their kids, but reduces their live weight change and litter weight.     

Effects of Ca salt supplementation on milk yield and composition and on lamb growth rate of Awassi ewes

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of a Ca salt supplement on lactating Awassi ewes and their lambs. Ninety Awassi ewes (average BW = 55 kg ± 1.13) were allocated into three treatment groups of 30 each; 0%, 3%, or 5% Ca salt supplemented groups. The experiment started at lambing and lasted for 60 d. During this period, milk production and composition, final body weights, total feed intake, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, weaning weights of lambs, and milk fatty acid profile were tested. Milk production and energy corrected milk increased (P < 0.05) with Ca salt level in the diet. Milk fat content was higher (P < 0.05) at 3% treatment group compared to 0% and 5% treatment groups. However, no differences were detected in content of crude protein and total solids, and milk energy value. Milk fat yield (g/d) increased (P < 0.05) as Ca salt in the diet increased. Final body weight was higher (P < 0.05) for 5% group when compared to the 0% group with no differences between the 3% group when compared to 0% and 5% groups. No differences were observed in feed intake of ewes. Metabolizable energy intake was greater (P < 0.05) for the 3% and the 5% treatment groups when compared to the 0% treatment group. Feed to milk ratio increased (P < 0.05) when increasing the level of Ca salt in the diet. Serum cholesterol was greater (P < 0.05) in the 5% treatment group than the 0% and 3% treatment groups for ewes and lambs. Serum triglyceride was similar among treatment groups in ewes whereas serum triglyceride was greater (P < 0.05) for lambs in 5% treatment group than 0% and 3% treatment groups. However, serum triglyceride was similar in ewes among treatment groups. Weaning weights and average daily gain of male lambs were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Ca salt (3% and 5%) when compared to 0% treatment group. No differences were detected in weaning weights and average daily gain of female lambs among treatment groups. However, milk conversion ratio was better (P < 0.05) for the 5% group lambs than the 0% and 3% treatment groups. Ca salt reduced (P < 0.05) short and medium-chain milk fatty acids and increased (P < 0.05) content of long chain and unsaturated ones. These results of this indicate that Ca salt supplementation can improve milk production of lactating ewes, the growth rate of their lambs, and produce healthy quality value milk.     

Maximum vs minimum harmonization: what to expect from the institutional and legal battles in the EU on gene editing technologies

New plant‐breeding technologies (NPBTs), including gene editing, are widely used and drive the development of new crops. However, these new technologies are disputed, creating uncertainty in how their application for agricultural and food uses will be regulated. While in North America regulatory systems respond with a differentiated approach to NPBTs, the Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) has in effect made most if not all NPBT subject to the same regulatory regime as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This paper discusses from a law and economics point of view different options that are available for the EU's multi‐level legal order. Using an ex‐ante regulation versus ex‐post liability framework allows the economic implications of different options to be addressed. The results show that under current conditions, some options are more expensive than others. The least costly option encompasses regulating new crops derived from NPBTs similar to those used in ‘conventional’ breeding. The current regulatory situation in the EU, namely making the use of NPBTs subject to the same conditions as GMOs, is the most costly option. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma with scant epithelial components in an Angora cat

CASE HISTORY: A 6-year-old, neutered, female Angora cat presented with a history of lethargy and anorexia for 2 months and a clinically palpable and gradually enlarging, solid mass in the abdominal cavity extending from the last costal arch to the pelvic cavity.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Examination of the cat revealed jaundice, dehydration and hypothermia. Haematological manifestations included lymphopenia and substantial decrease in haematocrit value. Biochemical analysis of the blood revealed hypoglycaemia, three-fold elevated blood urea nitrogen values, increased level of serum aspartate aminotransferase and increased total bilirubin while the creatinine level was normal. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen showed a disrupted and large hypoechoic area around the left kidney. The cat was anaesthetised and the left kidney was removed, but the cat died following surgery.

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: On post-mortem examination, the left kidney was markedly enlarged and both the cortical and medullary parenchyma were replaced by confluent, multilobulated, pale tan-white, firm nodular masses protruding above the capsular surface. Metastasis was not observed. Cytological examination revealed a population of spindle-shaped cells of variable size, with abundant coarse chromatin and occasionally prominent nucleoli. Initial sections of the kidney were indicative of undifferentiated sarcoma confirmed by immunohistochemistry revealing vimentin-positive and cytokeratin-negative results in all tumour tissues. Additional sections showed very small amounts of both cytokeratin-positive and vimentin-positive areas.

DIAGNOSIS: Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC) with scant epithelial components originating from left kidney.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical and pathological features were similar to those of human SRCC, even though there was no evidence of metastases. Immunohistochemistry for vimentin and cytokeratin may be useful for definitive diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation, although staining of sections from several different parts of the tumour may be necessary. When a primary renal tumour is presented, SRCC should be considered as this diagnosis may influence treatment protocols and the clinical outcome.