Serum Progesterone Concentrations and Blood Neutrophil Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Cows Following Normal and Abnormal Parturition

Serum progesterone concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of blood neutrophils were determined in 3 groups of cows (n = 5 each) on days 1 and 2 and then at 3-day intervals up to 32 days post-partum. Group I cows had a normal delivery, Group II cows had dexamethasone-induced parturition and Group III cows were subjected to a caesarian section. All cows in Group III and 2 cows in Group II retained their fetal membranes. Mean serum progesterone concentrations declined the second day after calving (to < 0.67 ng/ml) and remained at low levels (< 0.54 ng/ml) throughout the observation period, except for the values in Group III, which were elevated on day 16 (0.94 ng/ml), declined again on day 26 (0.46 ng/ml) and peaked (1.05 ng/ml) on day 32 portpartum. Significant (P < 0.01) differences were found between serum progesterone concentrations on day 1 and on each of the other sampling days in Groups I and III. Day X parturition group interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for the progesterone concentrations. No significant differences were found between the overall means of ALP activity of blood neutrophils in the 3 parturition groups nor between days of the experiment. No significant correlation was found between serum progesterone concentrations and ALP activity values of blood PMN during the first 32 days post-partum. Inhalt: Serum Progesteron Konzentrat und Aktivität der alkalischen Phosphatase in neutrophilen Blutzellen bei Küken mit normalem und abnormalen Geburtsverlauf Serum-Progesteronkonzentrationen und alkalische Phosphatase- (ALP) Aktivität von neutrophilen Granulozysten, nach der Abkalbung am Tag 1 und 2 und dann im Abstand von 3 Tagen bis zum 32. Tag p.p. bei Kühen untersucht, die in drei Untersuchungsgruppen (n = 5) eingeteilt waren. Gruppe I kalbte normal ab, in Gruppe II wurde die Geburt durch Dexamethason eingeleitet, und Kälber der Gruppe III wurden via Kaiserschnitt gewonnen. Alle Tiere der Gruppe III und 2 Kühe der Gruppe II wiesen Nachgeburtsverhaltungen auf Der mittlere Serum-Progesterongehalt sank am 2. Tag p.p. auf < 0,67 ng/ml ab und blieb auf niederigem Niveau (< 0,54 ng/ml) während der gesamten Untersuchungs-periode. Lediglich in Gruppe III, mit erhöhten Werten (0,94 ng/ml) an Tag 16 p.p., sanken die Werte wieder an Tag 26 p.p. (0,46 ng/ml) und erreichten einen Maximalwert an Tag 32 p.p. mit 1,05 ng/ml. Signifikante (P 0,01) Unterschiede in der Serum-Progesteronkonrentration wurden zwischen Tag 1 p.p. und allen anderen Untersuchungstagen in den Gruppen I und III gefunden. Interaktionen zwischen den Gruppen für Tag X waren signifikant (P 0,05). Keine signifikanten Unterschiede wurden für den Gesamtmittelwert der ALP-Aktivität in den neutrophilen Granulorysten zwischen den Gruppen und im Vergleich der Untersuchungstage gefunden. Es wurden auch keine signifikanten Korrelationen zwischen den Serum-Progesteronkonzentrationen und der ALP-Aktivität der PMN während der ersten 32 Tage p.p. nachgewiesen.     

Reproductive performance of nili-ravi buffaloes after a single injection of GnRH earlypost partum

Summary Sixty dairy buffaloes (second to fourth lactation) from a large buffalo farm were used to compare the effects of single intramuscular injections of 100 µg gondadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), 250 µg GnRH or saline given on day 14post partum. The buffaloes had calved at the end of the breeding season (December). Milk samples for progesterone determination were taken at the time of injection and then three times a week either until first insemination or until around day 90post partum. GnRH given at 14 dayspost partum resulted in quicker completion of uterine involution, earlier resumption of ovarian activity, shorter intervals between calving and conception and a better first service conception rate in non-suckled dairy buffaloes. Differences between the results obtained by a GnRH dose level of 100 µg and 250 µg were non-significant. In the post-treatment period cases of prolonged luteal activity were common in all groups of buffaloes. Therefore the sequential administration of GnRH and prostaglandin is suggested for the management of post-partum reproductive activity in problem herds.

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Desempeno Reproductivo De Bufalos Nili-Ravi Despues De Una Sola Inyeccion De GnRH Temprano Despues Del Post-Parto

Resumen Sesenta búfalos lecheros (segunda a cuarta lactancia) pertenecientes a un hato grande fueron utilizados para comparar los efectos de inyecciones intramusculares de 100 µg de GnRH, 250 µg y de solución salina, aplicadas 14 días después del parto. Los búfalos habian parido al final de la estación de pariciones (diciembre). Se tomaron muestras de leche para medir progesterona, en el momento de la inyección y después tres veces por semana hasta la primera inseminación, o hasta cerca de los 90 días post-parto. La GnRH administrada 14 días post-parto, dio como resultado una rápida involución uterina, más rápido retorno a la actividad ovárica, más cortos intervalos entre partos y concepción, y un mejor índice servicio-concepción en búfalos lecheros que no estaban amamantando. Los resultados de dosis de 100 µg y 250 µg no fueron significativos. En el período post-tratamiento, los casos de actividad luteal prolongada fueron comunes en todos los grupos de búfalos. Se sugiere entonces, la administración secuencial de GnRH y prostaglandina, parar el manejo de la actividad reproductiva post-parto en hatos problema.

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Performances De Reproduction Du Buffle Nili-Ravi Apres Une Injection Unique PrecocePost Partum De Gonadotrophine (GnRH)

Résumé Soixante bufflesses laitières (de la seconde à la quatrième lactation), appartenant à une grande ferme d'élevage de buffles, ont été utilisées pour comparer les effets d'une injection unique intramusculaire de 100 µg de gonadotrophine, ou de 250 µg du même produit ou d'une solution de sérum physiologique. Les bufflesses avaient mis bas à la fin de la saison de reproduction soit en décembre. Des prélèvements de lait ont été effectués pour déterminer le taux de progestérone au moment de l'injection d'une part, puis trois fois par semaine d'autre part jusqu'à la première insémination ou aux alentours d'une période de 90 jours après le part. La gonadotrophine, libérée sous forme d'hormone (GnRH), injectée 14 jours après la mise bas a eu pour effet un retour complet plus rapide de l'involution utérine et des intervalles plus courts entre la mise bas et la conception ainsi qu'un meilleur taux de conception à la première monte chez les femelles laitières non allaitantes. Les différences entre les résultats obtenus par une dose de 100/µg ou de 250/µg de gonadotrophine (GnRH) n'étaient pas significatives. Pendant la période post-thérapeutique, des cas d'activité lutéale prolongée ont été courants dans tous les groupes de bufflesses. En conséquence, l'administration séquentielle de GnRH et de prostaglandine est conseillée pour contrôler l'activité post-partum de reproduction dans les troupeaux qui présentent des problèmes de cet ordre.

     

In situ provision of drinking water to grazing dairy cows improves milk production

AIMS: To determine the effect of providing water within the area grazed by dairy cows on milk yield and quality, compared to requiring cows to walk to a distant water trough, on a dairy farm in the Pampa region of Argentina during summer.

METHODS: Holstein dairy cows were allocated to two herds with similar parity, days in milk and milk production. They were grazed in one paddock that was divided in two, with a fixed water trough at one end. Cows were moved twice daily to grazing plots within the paddock. Control cows (n=66) could only access water from the fixed trough, whereas supplemented cows (n=67) also received water from a mobile trough within the grazing plot. Milk production of each cow, and water consumption of the two herds were measured daily over 62 days. Milk composition for each herd was determined weekly from Days 18 to 60 of the study, and grazing behaviour was observed between 08:00 and 16:00 hours on Days 11–15, 19–22 and 39–43.

RESULTS: Over the 62 days of the study, supplemented cows produced 1.39 (SE 0.11) L/cow/day more milk than Control cows (p=0.027). Estimated mean daily water intake was 50.4 (SE 2.1) L/cow/day for supplemented cows and 58.2 (SE 2.7) L/cow/day for Control cows (p=0.004). Percentage total solids in milk was higher for supplemented (12.5 (SE 0.06)%) than Control (12.4 (SE 0.04)%) cows (p=0.047). During the periods of behavioural observation, a higher percentage of cows in the water supplemented than the Control herd were observed in the grazing area (p=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This preliminary study demonstrated that provision of water to dairy cows within the grazing plot was beneficial for milk production and composition, and may be associated with longer periods spent within the grazing area, during hot weather in the Pampa region of Argentina.     

Spermatic and oxidative profile of domestic cat (Felis catus) epididymal sperm subjected to different cooling times (24, 48 and 72 hours)

Cooling stored epididymal samples for several days allows facilities to transport and process genetic material post‐mortem. Improvements to this practice allow the preservation of sperm from domestic cats, which are the ideal study model for wild felids. However, the modifications in spermatic features and the oxidative profile are not fully understood in cats. This information is necessary for the development of biotechniques, such as new extenders for cryopreservation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the spermatic and oxidative profile in samples from the epididymal cauda of domestic cats cooled at 5°C for 24, 48 and 72 hr. Spermatozoa were collected from the epididymis cauda. Evaluations consisted of computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), plasma membrane integrity (eosin/nigrosin), acrosome integrity (fast green/rose bengal), sperm morphology, sperm DNA integrity (toluidine blue), mitochondrial activity (3′3 diaminobenzidine), activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), measurement of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein oxidation. A decrease in sperm motility parameters was observed after 72 hr of cooling (i.e. total and progressive) with a higher percentage of minor (37.7 ± 6.3%) and total defects (53.4 ± 6.3%). Additionally, a decrease in high mitochondrial activity (Class I: 16.6 ± 2.2%) occurred after 72 hr. The decrease in motility rates after a long cooling time probably was caused by the increase in sperm abnormalities. A long cooling time causes cold shock and mitochondrial exhaustion, but there was no observed change with the oxidative stress condition. Therefore, cat epididymal sperm stored at 5°C appear to maintain a high quality for up to 48 hr of cooling time.     

Evaluating the role of seed priming in improving drought tolerance of pigmented and non‐pigmented rice

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seed priming on drought tolerance of pigmented and non‐pigmented rice. Seeds of pigmented (cv. Heug Jinju Byeo) and non‐pigmented (cv. Anjoong) rice were soaked in water (hydropriming) or solution of CaCl₂ (osmopriming). Seeds were sown in soil‐filled pots retained at 70 (well‐watered) and 35% (drought) water‐holding capacity. Drought stress caused erratic and poor stand establishment and decreased the growth of both rice types. More decrease in plant height and leaf area under drought stress was noted in pigmented rice, whereas decrease in root length and seedling dry weight, under drought, was more obvious in non‐pigmented rice. Pigmented rice maintained more tissue water and photosynthesis and had more polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity than non‐pigmented rice. Seed priming was effective in improving stand establishment, growth, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity; however, extent of improvement was more in pigmented rice under drought. In conclusion, drought caused erratic germination and suppressed plant growth in both rice types. However, pigmented rice had better drought tolerance owing to uniform emergence, and better physiological and morphological plasticity. Seed priming was quite helpful in improving the performance of both rice types under drought and well‐watered conditions.     

Pregnancy‐Induced ISG‐15 and MX‐1 Gene Expression is Detected in the Liver of Holstein–Friesian Heifers During Late Peri‐Implantation Period

The bovine embryonic signal interferon‐τ (IFN‐τ) produced by the trophoblast is known to pass through the uterine fluid towards the endometrium and further into the maternal blood, where IFN‐τ induces specific expression of interferon‐stimulated gene expression (ISG), for example in peripheral leucocytes. In sheep, it was shown experimentally by administration of IFN‐τ that ISG is also detectable in the liver. The objective was to test whether ISG can be detected in liver biopsy specimens from Holstein–Friesian heifers during early pregnancy. Liver biopsies were taken on day 18 from pregnant and non‐pregnant heifers (n = 19), and the interferon‐stimulated protein 15 kDa (ISG‐15) and myxovirus‐resistance protein‐1 (MX‐1) gene expression was detected. The expression of both MX‐1 (p: 24.33 ± 7.40 vs np: 9.00 ± 4.02) and ISG‐15 (p: 43.73 ± 23.22 vs 7.83 ± 3.63) was higher in pregnant compared to non‐pregnant heifers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, pregnancy induced ISG‐15 and MX‐1 gene expression in the liver already at day 18 in cattle.     

警惕种子传带的南方番茄病毒Southern tomatovirus对我国番茄产业的危害

南方番茄病毒Southern tomato virus (STV)是近年来新发现的一种侵染番茄的病毒, 通常与多种病毒复合侵染, 可能与番茄的褪绿、黄化、衰退、果实变小等症状相关。该病毒最早在1984年发现, 并于2005年命名。我国首先于2015年在山东寿光发现。最近, 我们在山东和北京市多地的番茄样品中均检测到了该病毒, 并通过检测发现国内一些主要品种番茄种子的STV携带率达40%。STV基因组为一条双链RNA, 隶属Amalgaviridae科Amalgavirus属, 是严格种传病毒, 不能通过汁液摩擦接种和嫁接传播。鉴于STV的潜在危害以及与其他病毒高度复合侵染造成的严重损失, 本文介绍了STV检测方法, 并提出应开展对主栽品种的种子检测和针对性防控。     

Effect of dietary oxidized oil and vitamin E on growth performance,lipid peroxidation and fatty acid profile of Labeo rohita fingerlings

A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted on Labeo rohita fingerlings to evaluate the effect of dietary oxidized oil and vitamin E. Nine experimental diets were made, based on three degrees of oil oxidation (fresh oil, low oil oxidation and high oil oxidation), and each level of oxidation was further supplemented with three levels of vitamin E (0, 100 and 1,000 mg/kg). Weight gain% and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed fresh fish oil and low oil oxidation level were significantly higher than highly oxidized oil. Moreover, vitamin E supplemented fish also showed better growth performance. Oil oxidation caused a significant reduction in the concentrations of α‐tocopherol and increase in TBARS level and antioxidant enzyme activities in fish liver and muscles. However, increasing the dietary vitamin E abrogated these effects. Dietary vitamin E supplementation improved the fatty acid, more specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids profile of oxidized oil fed fish. In conclusion, dietary oxidized fish oil increased the oxidative stress condition of fish but supplementation of high dose of vitamin E prevented lipid oxidation, improved growth performance and fatty acid profile of L. rohita.