Milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a tool to investigate ovarian cyclicity of water buffaloes in relation to body condition score and milk production

Background

Application of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes is limited to some extent by farmers’ inability to detect oestrus because of its poor expression. The present study aimed at investigating reliability of a milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the ovarian cyclicity during post partum, oestrus and post-breeding periods in water buffaloes.

Methods

Progesterone concentrations were measured by an ELISA in milk of 23 postpartum buffaloes in relation to oestrus, pregnancy, body condition score (BCS) and milk production. Two milk samples were taken at 10 days intervals, every month starting from day 30 and continued to day 150 post partum. BCS and milk production were recorded during sample collection. Milk samples from bred buffaloes were collected at Day 0 (day of breeding), Days 10–12 and Days 22–24. Defatted milk was preserved at −80°C until analysis. Pregnancy was confirmed by palpation per rectum on Days 70–90.

Results

Seventeen buffaloes had 47 ovulatory cycles, one to four in each, 13 were detected in oestrus once (28 % oestrus detection rate). Progesterone concentration ≥1 ng/ml in one of the two 10-day-interval milk samples reflected ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The intervals between calving to first luteal activity and to first detected oestrus varied from 41 to 123 days (n = 17) and 83 to 135 (n = 13) days, respectively. Eight buffaloes were bred in the course of the study and seven were found pregnant. These buffaloes had a progesterone profile of low (<1 ng/ml), high (≥ 1 ng/ml) and high (≥ 1 ng/ml) on Day 0, Days 10–12 and Days 22–24, respectively. Buffaloes cycling later in the postpartum period had fewer missed oestruses (P < 0.05). Buffaloes with a superior BCS had a shorter calving to oestrus interval and produced more milk (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Milk progesterone ELISA is a reliable tool for monitoring ovarian cyclicity and good BCS may be an indicator of resuming cyclicity in water buffalo.     

Using arbuscular mycorrhiza to reduce the stressful effects of soil compaction on corn (Zea mays L.) growth

Soil compaction is of great importance in agriculture, because its high levels may adversely affect plant growth and the environment. Since mechanical methods are not very efficient and economical, using biological methods to alleviate the stress of soil compaction on plant growth may be beneficial. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the effects of soil compaction on corn (Zea mays L.) growth, and (2) test the hypothesis that applying arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) with different origins can partially or completely overcome the stressful effects of soil compaction on corn growth under unsterilized and sterilized conditions. Corn was planted in unsterilized and sterilized compacted soils, while treated with three species of AM including, Iranian Glomus mosseae, Iranian Glomus etunicatum, and Canadian Glomus mosseae, received from GINCO (Glomales in vitro Collection), Canada. Plant growth variables and soil resistance parameters were determined. AM significantly increased root fresh (maximum of 94% increase) and dry (maximum of 100% increase) weights in the compacted soil. AM with different origins may improve corn growth in compacted soils, though its effectiveness is related to the level of compaction and also to the interaction with other soil microorganisms.     

A 192bp allele at the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xgwm261</Emphasis> locus is not always associated with the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rht8</Emphasis> dwarfing gene in wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

The height-reducing gene Rht8 was introduced into Italian wheats by breeder Nazareno Strampelli from the Japanese landrace Akakomugi, and has been widely used in wheats adapted to southern and eastern European conditions. Following identification of a close linkage to Rht8, microsatellite marker Gwm261 has been used extensively to screen large numbers of diverse international germplasm. A 192bp allele at this locus has been taken as “diagnostic” for Rht8 and used to infer the international distribution of Rht8. In this paper, we report several instances of cultivars and mapping populations that vary for the presence of the 192bp allele at the Xgwm261 locus (Xgwm261 ₁₉₂ ), but with no associated reduction in height, suggesting a lack of association with Rht8. For instance, in the population derived from a cross between Sunco (Rht-B1b, Xgwm261 ₁₆₅ ) and Tasman (Rht-D1b, Xgwm261 ₁₉₂ ), there were significant height differences associated with the segregation of Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b, but no height differences between Xgwm261 genotypes. Similar results were obtained in a population derived from the cross between Molineux (Rht-B1b, Xgwm261 ₁₉₂ ) and Trident (Rht-D1b Xgwm261 ₂₀₈ ). In contrast, the cross between Trident and Chuanmai 18 (Xgwm261 ₁₉₂ ) gave significant height effects at both the Rht-D1 and Xgwm261 loci, with no epistatic interaction between loci. Chuanmai 18 is closely related to the Strampelli wheat Mara (ancestrally derived from Akakomugi) and is therefore likely to carry Rht8. The old Japanese cultivar Norin 10, used by Norman Borlaug to introduce Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b into Mexican wheats, also has a 192bp allele at the Xgwm261 locus, and the sequence of the amplified product is identical to that of Akakomugi. We suggest that the widespread use of Norin 10-derived germplasm during and after the Green Revolution introduced a second haplotype into international germplasm, in which Xgwm261 ₁₉₂ has no association with Rht8. Therefore, the presence of Xgwm261 ₁₉₂ is only indicative of Rht8 in wheat cultivars that have inherited this allele from Akakomugi or a Strampelli wheat ancestor.     

A review on breeding and genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>)

The aim of current study was to review breeding progress and update information on genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes. Iranian buffalo is one of the vital domestic animals throughout north, north-west, south and south-west of Iran with measurable characteristics both in milk and meat production. The species plays an important role in rural economy of the country due to its unique characteristics such as resistance to diseases and parasites, having long productive lifespan and showing higher capability of consuming low-quality forage. In Iran, total production of milk and meat devoted to buffaloes are 293,000 and 24,700 tons, respectively. Selection activities and milk yield recording are carrying out by the central government through the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran. The main breeding activities of Iranian buffaloes included the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for performance traits using different models and methods, estimation of economic values and selection criteria and analysis of population structure. Incorporating different aspects of dairy buffalo management together with improved housing, nutrition, breeding and milking, is known to produce significant improvements in buffalo production. Therefore, identifying genetic potential of Iranian buffaloes, selection of superior breeds, improving nutritional management and reproduction and developing the education and increasing the skills of practical breeders can be useful in order to enhance the performance and profitability of Iranian buffaloes.     

Serum Biomarkers of Clinical and Cytologic Response in Dogs with Idiopathic Immune‐Mediated Polyarthropathy

Background

Immune‐mediated polyarthopathy (IMPA) is common in dogs, and is monitored by serial arthrocenteses.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and CXCL8 (interleukin‐8) would serve as noninvasive markers of joint inflammation in IMPA.

Animals

Nine client‐owned dogs with idiopathic IMPA; 6 healthy controls.

Methods

Prospective study. Plasma CRP, IL‐6, and CXCL8 were measured by ELISA at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks during treatment with prednisone at 50 mg/m²/day. Arthrocenteses, the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI), and accelerometry collars were used to assess joint inflammation, lameness, and mobility at all 3 time points.

Results

C‐reactive protein concentrations were higher in IMPA dogs (median 91.1 μg/mL, range 76.7–195.0) compared with controls (median <6.3 μg/mL, <6.3–13.7; P = .0035), and were significantly lower at week 2 (10.6 μg/mL, <6.3–48.8) and week 4 (<6.3 μg/mL, <6.3–24.4; P < .001).C‐reactive protein was correlated with median CBPI scores (r = 0.68; P = .0004), joint cellularity (r = 0.49, P = .011), and mobility by accelerometry (r = −0.42, P = .048). Plasma IL‐6 concentrations were also higher in IMPA dogs (median 45.9 pg/mL), compared with controls (median <15.7 pg/mL; P = .0008). IL‐6 was lower in IMPA dogs by week 4 (<15.7 pg/mL; P = .0099), and was modestly correlated with CBPI scores (r = 0.47, P = .023). CXCL8 did not differ significantly between IMPA and healthy dogs.

Conclusions

Plasma CRP and IL‐6 might be useful surrogate markers of synovial inflammation and disease activity in dogs with IMPA.     

Increasing number of Salmonella paratyphi B isolates from slaughtered poultry sent in to the national Salmonella reference laboratory.]

In the last years the number of isolations of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar paratyphi B (S. paratyphi B) sent to the national salmonella reference laboratory of Germany has increased steadily. Most of the isolates originated from fowl or poultry products. The bacteriological, serological and biochemical properties of the isolates were investigated. Special emphasis was given to the utilization of d-tartrate which subgroups the serovar. All of them belonged to the d-tartrate positive variant, which is generally considered less virulent for humans and was formerly called S. java. The performance of various tests is compared and in addition the possibility of the spread within the production line is discussed.     

Contrasting phenology and female cone characteristics of the two Macaronesian island endemic cedars (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus cedrus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">J. brevifolia</Emphasis>)

Phenology and female cone characteristics of the two endemic cedars (Juniperus cedrus and J. brevifolia) from the Macaronesian islands were studied. Despite their closely taxonomic affinity and their evolution under insular conditions, different trends were recorded. Mature J. cedrus female cones were present throughout the year, while those from J. brevifolia were only present in summer and autumn. J. cedrus female cone size was significantly larger than that of J. brevifolia, a trend consistent with the presence of larger vertebrates (lizards and birds) in the Canary Islands. However, water content was four times higher in J. brevifolia female cones, which can be related with the higher rainfall existing in the Azores. J. cedrus has two or three seeds per cone, whereas J. brevifolia frequently had three. Seeds from J. cedrus were clearly larger and heavier, coinciding with the female cone size trend. However, tetrazolium tests revealed higher viability values in J. brevifolia. The relatively low percentage of filled seeds in J. cedrus could be a consequence of the climatic stress and limits to pollination due to fragmented populations as described for other Juniperus species. In summary, our results reveal that some environmental factors such as the harsh conditions, high population fragmentation and the dependence on large dispersers have compromised the fitness of J. cedrus in the Canary Islands.     

Plasma levels of prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite and progesterone in repeat breeder heifers.

A detailed clinical-endocrine investigation was performed in 6 repeat breeder heifers (RBH) with the aim being to ascertain whether endocrine asynchronism exists at luteal regression and during early pregnancy. The heifers were first studied during an open cycle and then after insemination when 3 heifers became pregnant. Circulating plasma levels of PGF2 alpha metabolite were measured every 2nd h, while progesterone (P4) levels were measured every 6th h. The oestrous period and intervals between the onset of oestrus and ovulation were relatively longer, compared with what is normally seen in heifers. Plasma levels of P4 at the onset of oestrus were higher than normal, but it was concluded that the plasma levels of PGF2 alpha metabolite and P4 in RBH at luteal regression and early pregnancy were normal.     

Restoration of the anterior dentition of a Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis)

An eight-year-old beaver lost one of its upper central incisors through unknown causes. As the anterior teeth of this species continually erupt in a similar manner to rodents' teeth, the unopposed lower incisor had over-erupted perforating the palate and entered the nasal cavity. The height of the lower incisor tooth was reduced and a cobaltchromium alloy bridge was constructed which was attached to the remaining upper incisor. The occlusal surface of the bridge was of sufficient width that both incisors could contact it. It was cemented into place with composite resin cement and cross-pinned through the labial surface of the metal into the tooth substance. It is unknown how such treatment will affect the biological processes underlying the continually erupting incisor and the animal is being monitored for any adverse effects.