Analysis of testicular variables,semen motility and kinematics-derived indexes in boar using a CASA-Mot system

The present study aimed to evaluate differences in area, volume and testicular weight among groups related to breed and age of boar and establish associations between testicular parameters and seminal characteristics. Seminal quality has been studied using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems that reduce the subjectivity of kinematic parameters. Based on the data obtained through this system, sperm quality indexes and their derived parameters have been assessed to identify a better estimator for determining movement and velocity parameters. We also established indexes of velocity and sperm movement for boar semen. To this end, we evaluated 191 ejaculate samples from 63 boars. Differences related to the effects of season and age on quality boar semen were found (p ≤ .05) in the animal groups. Indexes were established for velocity and sperm movement based on CASA-Mot, and we proposed a sperm movement index (SMI) and sperm velocity index (SVI) with the CASA-Mot variables. Correlations were found (p < .05) among sperm indexes and CASA-Mot variables. Boar characteristics were found to be associated with some CASA-Mot variables, and the estimated SMI and SVI indexes predicted a greater variation in kinematic characteristics compared to the parameters evaluated separately using the CASA-Mot system.     

Evaluation of reproductive parameters in male Neotropical bats during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome

The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive aspects of male bats of three common species of the Phyllostomidae family: Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus and Sturnira lilium, during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Body weight was significantly higher during the dry months for S. lilium. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and testicular weight were not significantly different between dry and rainy periods. The tubular parameters were significantly bigger in A. lituratus than in the other two species during both periods. No difference in the tubular/interstitial ratio was observed in any of the species during both periods. In both periods, all sperm cells and germ cell developmental stages were visible on seminiferous tubules whereas sperm cells were observed in epididymides of all sampled animals. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was low (35%–60%), with no difference between periods. Spermatozoa from A. lituratus presented a leaf-shaped head, while the head was round-shaped in the other two species. In conclusion, our data suggest that males from the three studied species did not present reproductive latency during the most critical weather periods (dry and rainy months) in the metropolitan region of Brasilia, Brazil.     

Dry heat popping of amaranth seed might damage some of its essential amino acids

Amaranth was a major crop among the Aztecs. In Mexico the seed is popped and eaten with brown sugar. The crude protein content of the seed is 14±2% but its contents of lysine and tryptophan are 6.2 and 1.6 g/16 g N respectively. We developed a popping method based on a fluid bed system (FBS) whereas the traditional method (TM) is just to pop the seeds manually in a hot plate. Assays carried out were evaluation of racemization of the amaranth protein due to heat treatment, amino acid composition of the raw and heat treated seeds and a biological experiment testing whether leucine was the most limiting amino acid of amaranth protein. Male rats were fed both popped amaranths and roasted amaranth. Parboiled amaranth and casein were controls. The results were: (a) Lys, Arg and Cys were damaged in the heat treated seeds; (b) Asp, Met, Glu, Ala and Phe were racemized in that decreasing order in the seeds popped and roasted by the TM; (c) the estimated net protein retention (NPR) and estimated net protein utilization (NPU) of popped amaranths by either method were not different, but were lower than for the parboiled amaranth. The parboiled amaranth was not different from casein; (d) Leu was not the most limiting amino acid in any of the amaranth seeds tested. After Lys, sulfur amino acids appear to be the next most limiting in severely heat treated amaranth. The FBS seems to be a promising method for popping amaranth at industrial level.     

Genetics components of rice root architecture and carbon isotopic fractionation parameters: a tracer for breeding in a water-saving irrigation management

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Phenotyping is the major bottleneck in the effort to develop varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) suitable for growing under a water-saving irrigation...     

Mineral salt intake effects on faecal-N concentration and the volume and composition of beef cattle urine

The effect of mineral salts on water ingestion and urine volume in cattle has been extensively studied. However, recently, this effect has been investigated as a potential mitigator of environmental aspects related to the nitrogen (N) cycle, such as nitrate (NO₃^?) lixiviation, ammonia (NH₃) volatilisation, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. The effect of mineral salts, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl), on urine-N concentration, urine volume, the proportion of N compounds in the urine, and faecal-N concentration has not yet been explored in field conditions with respect to environmental aspects of beef cattle production. The present study investigated the effect of dietary mineral salt rates on these parameters. A Latin square (5?×?5) experimental design was utilised with five concentrations of mineral salts in the diet: 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 g based on dry matter (DM) ingestion (g/kg DM). The nitrogen concentration in the urine and urine volume increased linearly. The total N excreted (g/day) via urine did not vary with increasing mineral salt concentrations. When evaluated, the N compounds of urine (urea-N, allantoin-N, and hippuric acid-N) also reacted to the increased mineral salt concentrations, while creatinine-N did not. Urea-N, allantoin-N, and hippuric acid-N linearly increased their proportions in total N-urine. The N concentration in faeces was not affected by mineral salt concentrations. The urine volume, concentration of N, and proportion of N compounds in the urine affected N₂O emissions and NH₃ volatilisation. Therefore, mineral salt utilisation may be an option for mitigating N pollution from beef cattle, especially for grasslands in tropical countries.

     

Label‐free proteome of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) seminal plasma

The study aimed to describe the Bubalus bubalis seminal plasma proteome using a label‐free shotgun UDMS^E approach. A total of 859 nonredundant proteins were identified across five biological replicates with stringent identification. Proteins specifically related to sperm maturation and protection, capacitation, fertilization and metabolic activity were detected in the buffalo seminal fluid. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive proteomic profile of buffalo seminal plasma, which establishes a foundation for further studies designed to understand regulation of sperm function and discovery of novel biomarkers for fertility. MS data are available in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003728.     

The impact of direct‐fed microbials and enzymes on the health and performance of dairy cows with emphasis on colostrum quality and serum immunoglobulin concentrations in calves

Thirty‐six cows were blocked by calving date and randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Cows were on treatments 3 weeks prepartum through 8 weeks post‐partum. Treatments were as follows: (i) no direct‐fed microbial (DFM) or cellulase and amylase enzymes (C), (ii) 45.4 g/day of DFM (D) or (iii) 45.4 g/day of DFM and 18.2 g/day of enzyme (DE). Total mixed ration fed and refused were measured daily to determine dry matter intake (DMI). Blood samples were taken three times weekly and analysed for β‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose and non‐esterified fatty acids. Body weight (BW) was measured weekly. Colostrum was weighed and analysed for IgA and IgG concentration. Calves were fed 4 L of colostrum within 2 hr of birth. Calf blood samples were taken at 0 and 24 hr for analysis of IgA and IgG concentrations and apparent efficiency of absorption. Milk yield was measured daily and samples collected weekly. Initial BW was different among treatments with D being lesser than C or DE treatments. Body weight, weight gain, efficiency of gain, DMI and blood parameters were unaffected. Treatment did not affect colostrum yield. Ash percentage of colostrum tended to increase with D and DE, while IgA and total solids yield decreased with D. Colostrum fat yield was decreased in D and DE. Treatments did not impact BW, serum IgA and IgG concentrations or apparent efficiency of absorption of calves. Post‐partum BW, DMI, blood parameters, milk production and composition were unaffected by treatment. However, cows on D gained more BW and tended to have greater efficiency of gain compared to those on DE, but were similar to C. Somatic cell scores were greatest for D. Results indicate that DFM and enzyme supplementation did not improve health and performance of dairy cattle during the pre‐ and post‐partum periods under conditions of this study.     

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal propagules on the growth of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) under Mn toxicity in ex situ experiments

The role of intact extraradical mycelium (ERM) as the most effective fungal propagule in the formation of the tripartite symbiosis between indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), rhizobia and subterranean clover was investigated under conditions of Mn toxicity. ERM was previously developed in 8 L pots under greenhouse conditions by growing plants, which exhibited various levels of mycotrophicity and were tolerant to the levels of Mn in the soil used in the experiment (Silene gallica L, Lolium rigidum L, Ornithopus compressus L. and Rumex bucephalophorus L). Contrasting conditions of the integrity of the ERM at the planting of subterranean clover were created by soil disturbance (ERM fragmented – soil disturbed; ERM intact – soil undisturbed). Where an intact ERM was present at the time of planting, growth of subterranean clover was 2.5 times greater after 21 days and 3.9 times after 42 days relative to other forms of AMF propagule. This enhanced growth was associated with a reduction in the Mn concentration of roots due to a greater AMF colonization at 21 days after planting. The protection granted by an enhanced AMF root colonization allowed a greater root nodule development, leading to more N acquisition and plant growth. The ERM can be developed in the soil by mycotrophic plants tolerant to the stressing agent and kept intact at the seeding of the crop to be protected by adopting appropriate tillage techniques.     

The anatomical distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of yeast species isolated from healthy dogs

The aim of this work was to identify the predominant yeast species present at different anatomical sites in healthy dogs and to determine their in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility using a broth microdilution assay. Samples were collected from the preputial, vaginal, oral and perianal mucosae and the isolates cultured were identified according to their morphological characteristics and biochemical profile. Malassezia pachydermatis was the most commonly isolated yeast, followed by Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula spp.Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the azole derivatives ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole against Candida spp. were 0.03–16 μg/mL, 0.06 to >16 μg/mL and 0.5–64 μg/mL, respectively and Candida isolates were sensitive to caspofungin and amphotericin B. Although all isolates of M. pachydermatis were sensitive to itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B, they were found to be resistant to caspofungin. The study has highlighted that Candida spp., M. pachydermatis, S. cerevisiae and Rhodotorula spp. are part of the normal canine surface microbiota and some of these organisms exhibit in vitro resistance to commonly used antimicrobials.