bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of extended lactations on cow milk and reproductive performance
Authors: Sawa A. , Bogucki M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Frequency of extended lactations and their effect on milk and reproductive performance of cows from the active population of 11 891 Black and White cows with different proportions of Holstein Fresian inheritance were analysed. It was found that lactations longer than a 305-day standard lactation were quite common in the analysed population of Black-and-White cows improved with the Holstein-Friesian breed. The age of cows, the level of yield in a standard lactation and season of the year had a significant effect on the proportion of extended lactations. Lactation extension had a beneficial effect on milk yield in full lactation but was detrimental to fertility. The efficiency of lactation extension was found to increase with the increasing level of yield in the standard lactation.
Der Einfluss des Kuhgewichts auf die Betriebsrentabilität und auf die ökonomischen Gewichte der Fleischrindmerkmale
Authors: Keller K. , Wolfová M. , Wolf J. , Fekete Z. , Komlósi I. , Szabó F.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Title of paper: Impact of mature cow weight on farm profitability and economic weights of beef cattle traits The impact of mature cow weight on the profitability of beef cattle farming and on the economic importance of 10 performance and functional traits was analyzed. The examined traits were: calving performance, stillbirth and calf losses till weaning, weight of calves at birth, at 120 and at 205 days of age, mature weight of cows, conception rates of heifers and cows and productive lifetime of cows. The cow weight was varied from 500 to 700 kg in 50 kg intervals. The economic efficiency of all farming systems was expressed as profit per cow and year. The economic importance of a trait (marginal economic value) was defined as partial derivative of the profit function with respect to trait mean. The program package ECOWEIGHT was used for all calculations. The results showed that beef cattle farming with all cow weight classes could be profitable when including subsidies in the incomes of a farm. Without subsidies, a positive profitability can be reached only when keeping small-framed cows (500 to 550 kg). In all modelled production systems, the most important trait was conception rate of cows followed by weaning weight of calves (at 205 days of age) for light cows or productive lifetime of cows in systems with heavy cows.
Effects of ascorbic acid and lighting schedule on tibiotarsus strength and bone characteristics in broilers
Authors: Yildiz H. , Gunes N. , Sule Gezen S. , Ozcan R. , Petek M. , Yilmaz B. , Arican I.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study was conducted to determine the effects of two lighting programs (continuous program; 24 h lighting or intermittent; 12 h daylight followed by three cycles of 1 h lighting and 3 h dark program during the night period) and three different ascorbic acid (AA) supplementations (0, 200 and 400 mg/l, added to water) on some serum parameters, ash content and mechanical properties of tibiotarsus. For this purpose one-day-old male commercial (Ross PM3) broiler chicks (n=600) were divided into 6 treatment groups (2×3) with random replicates (4 replicates per treatment). At the end of 6 weeks, intermittent lighting program negatively influenced serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium (Ca) levels (P<0.001) while continuous lighting program had positive influence on bone ash, Ca and phosphorus (P) content (P<0.001). The AA addition decreased serum inorganic phosphorus (Pi) level and positively affected bone chemical characteristics (P<0.001). On the mid-section of the bone, although intermittent lighting had positive effect on bone mechanical parameters (P<0.001), no remarkable effect was observed by AA supplementation. The results of the present study suggest that interaction of intermittent lighting and AA supplementation (200 mg/ l) may have positive effect on chemical composition and mechanical characteristics of bone in broilers.
The effect of some seasonal conditions on oestrus occurrence in cows
Authors: Bülbül B. , Ataman M. B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In this study, the effect of climatic conditions on oestrus occurrence was investigated by using 9 972 oestrus records of cows recorded between 1995 and 2003. A distinct seasonal variation in the oestrus occurrence was determined. Oestrus occurrence observed in January, March, November and December was less than that in June and September (P<0.05). Annual distribution of the oestrus occurrence was positively correlated with environment temperature and insulation duration, but it was negatively correlated with rainfall (P<0.01). However, there was no relationship between oestrus occurrence and relative humidity. In addition to these, there was a slight decrease in the oestrus response when the temperature-humidity index (THI) was above 72; nevertheless, this decrease was not significant (P >0.05). The data presented in this study demonstrated that the increase in the environmental temperature up to 23 °C did not cause a suppressive effect on the ovarian activity. In conclusion, annual distribution of the oestrus occurrence is positively correlated with environment temperature and insulation duration whereas it is negatively correlated with rainfall in Holstein cows, in this study.
Genetic parameters for calving ease, gestation length and stillbirth in three endangered Austrian blond cattle breeds
Authors: Manatrinon S. , Fürst-Waltl B. , Baumung R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Genetic parameters were estimated for stillbirth, calving ease and gestation length in three endangered Austrian blond cattle breeds, Carinthian Blond, Murboden and Waldviertel Blond. REML analysis based on an animal model including direct and maternal genetic effects was applied. Direct heritability estimates for calving ease, stillbirth and gestation length varied from 0.003 to 0.111, 0.006 to 0.044 and 0.235 to 0.512, respectively, while maternal heritabilities ranged from 0.001 to 0.007 for calving ease, 0.005 to 0.014 for stillbirth, and 0.002 to 0.063 for gestation length. All pairwise genetic correlations for direct traits were generally moderate to high except for stillbirth-calving ease (−0.077, Carinthian Blond). The genetic correlations of all pairs of the 3 direct traits were positive for Murboden (0.520 to 0.700) and Waldviertel Blond (0.253 to 0.707) while negative genetic correlations were detected for Carinthian Blond (−0.077 to −0.943). Close positive genetic correlations were found between direct stillbirth and calving ease of Murboden (0.700) and between direct calving ease and gestation length of Waldviertel Blond (0.707), while a close negative genetic correlation was found between direct calving ease and gestation length of Carinthian Blond (−0.943).
Quantitative results for methane production of cattle in Germany
Authors: Jentsch W. , Piatkowski B. , Schweigel M. , Derno M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. An extensive number of investigations on the energetic utilization efficiency of nutrients and feedstuffs by cattle were carried out in the former Oskar-Kellner-Institute (now the »Oskar Kellner« Research Unit of Nutritional Physiology at the Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals (FBN), Dummerstorf). The amounts of methane (CH4) that they produced were compiled and stratified with regard to various performances, dietary nutrient composition and nutrition levels. With increasing food intake and performance, an increase of CH4 emission per animal was observed. However, with increasing performance, a strong decrease of CH4 production per unit of product was determined. Altogether, the 12.74 million cattle in Germany produce 1.04 million tons of CH4 per year. This represents 1.25 % of the CH4 production of the 1.3 thousand million (UK)/billion (US) cattle in the world or 0.22 % of the total emission on the earth. As a greenhouse gas, CH4 from cattle worldwide and from cattle in Germany account for 3.5 % and 0.04 % of global warming, respectively. In addition, opportunities for a further reduction of enteric CH4 release are discussed.
Analysis of agonistic interactions between sows with different rank position during mixing
Authors: Borberg C. , Hoy S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Ninety-six sows in twelve groups of eight sows were continuously video-observed during 48 hours after weaning and mixing. The occurrence and the outcome of all agonistic interactions (AI) were recorded and data of wins and defeats were transformed into a 8 × 8 (winner-loser) matrix. Aggressor and receiver of the attacks and fights in the dyads have been determined and the rank index for each sow was calculated leading to the individual rank place RP (1 to 8) and to the classifying into high ranking (HRS: RP 1 to 4) and low ranking sows (LRS: RP 5 to 8). Based on a total number of 2 414 AI dominant sows with RP=1 initiated 94.3 % of the AI they were involved in and were the receiver in 5.7 % of the AI. In contrast, every fourth AI was orientated towards the subdominant sow with RP=8. The sows with RP 7 or 8 were the receivers in nearly half of all AI (44.9 %). Fights occurred more frequently between sows with a low rank place difference. More than 60 % of the attacks and more than 40 % of the fights were initiated from high ranking sows towards low ranking sows even though 28.6 % was the estimated value for those dyads. In only 2 % of the attacks and 18.8 % of the fights LRS engaged HRS which means that HRS usually react with a counter-attack when being attacked by a LRS.
Amplification created restriction sites for genotyping SNPs in the bovine ABCG2 and its association with milk production traits (Brief Report)
Authors: Kowalewska-Łuczak I. , Kulig H. , Kmieć M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. ABCG2 (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2) belongs to the superfamily of ATPbinding cassette (ABC) transporters. In ATP-dependent processes, ABCG2 is responsible for transporting xenobiotics and cytostatic drugs across various cellular membranes. The ABCG2 gene is expressed in the apical membrane of alveolar mammary epithelial cells and is responsible for the active secretion of substrates into mouse milk. Other members of the ABC subfamily G are sterol transporters. It therefore appears that ABCG2 might transport cholesterol into milk (COHEN-ZINDER et al. 2005). In the study by COHEN-ZINDER et al. (2005), several SNPs were detected in the ABCG2 gene but only two were genotyped – in exon 14 and in intron 3. In the case of SNP A/C in exon 14 resulting in an amino acid change Y581S, it was demonstrated that this substitution affects milk yield and composition. To detect theses polymorphisms in our study we used a new PCR-RFLP method based on an amplification created restriction site (ACRS). This method has been frequently used by various researchers in recent times (e.g. ZYCH et al. 2007). The aim of this study was to estimate the frequencies of genotypes and alleles and to investigate possible associations between ABCG2 polymorphisms and milk production traits in Jersey cows.
Effects of threshold choice on the results of gene expression profiling, using microarray analysis, in a model feeding experiment with rats
Authors: Hartmann A. , Nuernberg G. , Repsilber D. , Janczyk P. , Walz C. , Ponsuksili S. , Souffrant W.-B. , Schwerin M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Global gene expression studies using microarray technology are widely employed to identify biological processes which are influenced by a treatment e.g. a specific diet. Affected processes are characterized by a significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (functional annotation analysis). However, different choices of statistical thresholds to select candidates for differential expression will alter the resulting candidates list. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of applying a False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction and different fold change thresholds in statistical analysis of microarray data on diet-affected biological processes based on a significantly increased proportion of differentially expressed genes. In a model feeding experiment with rats fed genetically modified food additives, animals received a supplement of either lyophilized inactivated recombinant VP60 baculovirus (rBV-VP60) or lyophilized inactivated wild type baculovirus (wtBV). Comparative expression profiling was done in spleen, liver and small intestine mucosa. We demonstrated the extent to which threshold choice can affect the biological processes identified as significantly regulated and thus the conclusion drawn from the microarray data. In our study, the combined application of a moderate fold change threshold (FC≥1.5) and a stringent FDR threshold (q≤0.05) exhibited high reliability of biological processes identified as differentially regulated. The application of a stringent FDR threshold of q≤0.05 seems to be an essential prerequisite to reduce considerably the number of false positives. Microarray results of selected differentially expressed molecules were validated successfully by using real-time RT-PCR.
Association of polymorphisms of the DCN gene with growth traits in cattle (Brief Report)
Authors: Sun J. , Gu C. , Zhang C. , Lei C. , Fang X. , Jin Q. , Chen D. , Shi X. , Du Y. , Chen H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Mammalian decorin (DCN) consists of a protein core and a single dermatan or chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chain (CHOPRA et al. 1985), contributing multifunctionally to processes like matrix assembly, modulation of the activity of growth factors and cell migration and proliferation. Recently, LINDA et al. (2008) have reported that eight SNPs were identified in human. However, the related information in bovine is scarce. Hence, in the present experiment the exons and intron/exon boundaries of DCN were scanned for SNPs in the predominant cattle breeds of China.
Investigation of effects of the MKK3 and MKK6 genes on meat production traits in the pig (Brief Report)
Authors: Wu H. , Zhao S. , Fan B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Skeletal muscle development is a complexity process involved in spatial and temporal expressions of numerous muscle differentiation-specific genes, which are controlled by a series of basic helix-loop-helix myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) (HOUBA and TE PAS 2004). The recent studies have demonstrated that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is probably one of the major intracellular signaling pathways affecting myogenesis (KEREN et al. 2006, LIUÍS et al. 2006). The p38 MAPKs regulate the transcriptional activities of MRFs and function in the remodeling of chromatin at specific muscle-regulatory regions (LI et al. 2000, ZARUBIN et al. 2005). The genes involved in the p38 MAPK pathway have been poorly studied in pigs. The primary work on SNP discovery and association analyses of two important MAPK kinases encoding genes MKK3 (MAP2K3) and MKK6 (MAP2K6) was presented in the study, so as to identify the potential genetic markers useful for marker assisted selection (MAS) improving lean meat production.
Sensitivity analysis of a stochastic simulation model for foot and mouth disease
Authors: Traulsen I. , Rave G. , Krieter J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. A spatial and temporal Monte-Carlo simulation model was developed to analyse the epidemiology and control of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Animal, people and vehicle contacts as well as airborne and local spread represented the FMD virus transmission between farms housing cattle, pigs or sheep. Contacts were explicitly modelled by routes, airborne transmission by the Gaussian Dispersion model and local spread by distance dependent transmission probabilities. Control measures were implemented according to the EU Directive (2003/85/EG). A sensitivity analysis with a two-level fractional factorial design was used to examine the robustness of the simulation model to extreme input values. The influence of eleven input parameters and interactions between them were estimated: ability of airborne spread, duration of the incubation period, time from infection until infectivity, time from onset of clinical signs until diagnosis, farm density, type of index case, number of farms visited per route, visiting interval, type of the animal sales, control strategy, and delay until start of control strategies. The considered parameters as well as certain two-factor interactions between them showed a significant impact on the epidemic duration and the number of infected and culled farms. Particularly, the parameter airborne spread, farm density, number of farms visited per route and control strategy influenced the course of the epidemic. The consideration of airborne spread as well as the implementation of contacts between farms with routes allowed a detailed analysis of these transmission paths.
Performance traits in different generations of imported Danish Landrace pigs
Authors: Klimas R. , Klimienė A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The number of foreign pig breeds imported to Lithuania has increased, especially Landraces. Animals imported from other countries get into different environmental conditions. Decisions about adaptation of Danish Landraces were made when analysing the changes in the data for productivity of imported pigs and their offsprings of F1-F6 generations born in Lithuania. The work was carried out in the years 1998–2006. Because of adaptation to new environmental conditions, litter size, litter weight of piglets at 21 days of age and survival rate percent of piglets for primaparous sows of Danish Landrace breed, born and grown in Lithuania, was improving, in comparison with imported primaparous sows. According to evaluation data analysis of the control fattening and carcass for Danish Landrace progeny born in the country, offspring of sixth generation (F6) distinguished by the best fattening performance. However, tendency manifested, that with increasing daily gain in many cases meatiness traits of pigs are getting worse. Muscularity of F6 Landraces was 1.7–2.9 % lower than of F2-F5 progeny of this breed (P<0.05–0.01). Therefore, when striving in the adaptation process to stabilise specific traits of Landrace pigs, especially fattening performance and meatiness, besides balanced feeding and making of good keeping conditions, it is also purposeful regularly to import boars (each 3–4 years) of this breed into breeding centres or to use Al stations services.
Assessment of haplotype variation in bovine AMPD1 gene for association with growth and carcass traits in Qinchuan beef cattle
Authors: He H. , Liu X. , Gu Y. , Liu Y.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The AMPD1 gene plays an important role in the purine nucleotide cycle and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. In the present study polymorphisms of the AMPD1 gene were detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing of 215 individuals of the Qinchuan beef cattle breed. DNA sequencing revealed two mutations by comparisons with the bovine genome sequence (acc. no.: NC_007301). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; g.19416T>C and g.19421A>G) were detected in intron 11 of the bovine AMPD1 gene. The sequencing of PCR products of animals providing different PCR-SSCP banding patterns showed that four kinds of haplotypes, named: A (T-A), B (T-G), C (C-A) and D (C-G); and the five diplotypes were segregating: AA (T-A/T-A), BC (T-G/C-A or C-G/T-A ), AC (T-A/C-A), CC (C-A/C-A) and CD (C-A/ C-G). A significant association of AMPD1 with carcass weight was shown. Animals with the new heterozygote diplotype BC (P<0.05, n=56) had greater carcass weight than those with the other diplotypes. The SNPs in AMPD1 may be used as a possible candidates for markerassisted selection in Qinchuan beef cattle breeding program.
Influence of propylene glycol and glycerin in Simmental cows in periparturient period on milk yield and metabolic changes
Authors: Adamski M. , Kupczyński R. , Chladek G. , Falta D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of propylene glycol and glycerin added to Total Mixed Ration (TMR) dose on lipid-carbohydrate metabolism, activity of selected liver enzymes and milk yield of Simmental cows in periparturient period. Forty two cows of Simmental breed were divided into 3 groups (n=14). Cows from the experimental groups were given 300 ml/d of either propylene glycol or glycerin from 7th day prepartum to 21st day postpartum. In week 5 of lactation in cows that were given propylene glycol and in week 12 in cows receiving glycerin Body Condition Score (BCS) was higher as compared to control cows. An application of glycerin resulted in the highest milk yield. Higher glucose content in groups that were given propylene glycol and glycerin would have contributed to the reduction of negative energy balance at the beginning of lactation. The lowest increase in aspartate transaminase (AST) and bilirubin level was observed in cows receiving glycerin. The study demonstrated that metabolic changes in Simmental breed cows in the periparturient period are dramatic, and an application of glucogenic precursors may improve metabolic efficiency.
Genetic and phenotypic trends for age at first calving and milk yield and compositions in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Hossein-Zadeh N. G.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Calving records from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran collected from January 1990 to December 2007 and comprising 207 106 first calving events of Holsteins from 2 506 herds were analysed using linear sire models to estimate genetic trends for age at first calving (AFC) and milk traits. Genetic trends were obtained by regressing yearly mean estimates of breeding values on year of birth. In general, there were decreasing genetic trends for AFC, fat percentage and protein percentage over the years but there were increasing genetic trends for milk yield, mature-equivalent milk yield, fat yield, mature-equivalent fat yield, protein yield and mature-equivalent protein yield over the years. On the other hand, there was a decreasing phenotypic trend for AFC but estimates of phenotypic trends were positive for milk yield and compositions over the years. It seems that the decline in calving age in this study over time resulted primarily from increased turnover rate and increased culling of heifers that failed to get pregnant. On the other hand, increasing trend for yield traits over time in this study indicated that Iranian dairy producers were successful in choosing progressively better semen and sires from imported and local sources over the years.
Prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene polymorphism in Chios, White Karaman and Awassi sheep breeds
Authors: Ozmen O. , Seker I. , Ertugrul O. , Ozkan E. , Tekin N.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of the present study was to determine the polymorphism in the prolactine receptor (PRLR) gene in Chios, White Karaman and Awassi, which are native sheep breeds in Turkey. By means of PRLR gene sequence homology between sheep and humans, two primer pairs were designed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification within intron 1 and exon 10 of the PRLR gene in sheep. A total of 160 amplicons (99 for intron 1 and 61 for exon 10) were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. For intron 1, 6 different haplotypes were determined. For exon 10, 7 different haplotypes were obtained. Some variations determined for exon 10 (g.14A>T p.Q14L; g.160G>A p.D160N; g.166G>A p.E166K; g.167A>T p.E167V; g.176A>T p.H176L; g.206G>A p.S206N; g.208G>A p.G208R) led to changes in the amino acids, but no amino acid changes were determined in g.2A>T, g.81A>G, g.138A>G, g.186C>T, g.207T>C. It was noted in particular that White Karaman and Awassi were similar to each other in both PRLR exon 10 and intron 1 haplotypes, whereas the Chios breed had a different variation.
Polymorphic sites in the 5´-region of the porcine C8A gene
Authors: Khoa D. V. A. , Ponsuksili S. , Muráni E. , Wimmers K.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system is known as a natural immune mechanism of hosts against invading pathogens. This study was undertaken to structurally characterize and computationally analyzed the 5´-region, i.e. the downstream promoter region and the 5´-UTR nucleotide sequence of the porcine C8A, one of the components of the MAC. Sequencing approximately 950 bp of the 5´-region and analyzing in silico revealed the transcription start site, the TATA-box, the CAAAT-box, and the GATAAbox. High identity was found in range of 37–74 % among the sequences of pig, human, cattle, and mouse. Transcription factor binding sites, such as NFκB, Oct-1, HNF1, CDP, and C/EBP, showed high conservation between vertebrate animal species, especially between human and mouse, or pig and cattle. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the breeds Hampshire, Duroc, German Landrace, Large White, Pietrain, Berlin Miniature Pig, and Muong Khuong. Nucleotide exchanges could cause the generation of new binding motifs, which may affect the expression of the porcine C8A, particularly the C/EBP regulation of the porcine C8A gene – as described in the human C6 and C7 promoter.
Effect of rank, group size and number of group changes ante partum on the occurrence of milk ejection disorders in primiparous cows – a field study
Authors: Heidig K. , Geidel S. , Kaufmann O.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In the present study causes for the development of milk ejection disorders (MED) in primiparous cows of two herds were investigated. We hypothesised that MED are provoked by social problems within the herd that appear close to calving. Data were collected on 67 heifers of herd A and 60 heifers of herd B. In herd A, heifers were introduced into existing groups of cows 2–4 weeks prior to calving. They were kept in a group housing system with deep bedding. All animals were hornless. In herd B, heifers were kept separated from the cows from 2–4 weeks a.p. in a three-row cubicle barn. In contrast to herd A, all animals had horns. The animals´ reactions regarding the milking process and MED were analysed during the first four milkings p.p. We evaluated the correlation between social rank, group size and frequency of group changes in the antepartal period and the occurrence of MED. 12 % of the animals in herd A and 47 % of the animals in herd B showed MED. In herd A, lowranking heifers had significantly more often MED than higher-ranking heifers. A correlation between low rank, increasing strain due to rank order fights and increasing frequency of MED can be assumed here. In herd B, a correlation between stocking rate and frequency of MED could be observed.
Selection of a suitable data set and model for the genetic evaluation of the linear description of conformation and type description in Old Kladruber horses
Authors: Vostrý L. , Mach K. , Přibyl J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this paper was to select a suitable data subset and statistical model for the estimation of genetic parameters for 36 traits of the linear type in 977 Old Kladruber horses. Two subsets were tested to identify a suitable subset for analysis. One subset included repeated evaluation of certain individuals, whereas the other did not. The most suitable subset included repeated evaluation (n=1 390). The selection of a suitable model was made from 4 candidate models. These models comprised a number of random effects (direct individual effect and animal permanent environmental effect of the animal) and a number of fixed effects (colour variant, stud, colour variant × stud interaction, sex, age at description, year of birth, year of description). The model was selected based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC, Akaike 1974), residual variance and heritability coefficient. The model that included colour variant, stud, colour variant × stud interaction, sex, age at description, and year of description as fixed effects and direct individual and animal permanent environment as random effects was the most suitable model for the estimation of genetic parameters and for the subsequent estimation of breeding values.
Effects of parenteral supplementation of Cu in female cattle with different levels of cupremia
Authors: García-Díaz J. R. , Joseph-Ajakaiye J. , Cuesta-Mazorra M. , Quiñones-Ramos R. , Munyori-Nderitu H. , Figueredo-Ross J. M. , Mollineda-Trujillo Á.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The experiment was carried out in two stages with the objective of determining the effect of parenteral supplementation of 50 mg Cu on the reproductive behaviour of both hypo- and normocupremic cyclic female cattle. In the first stage, 62 hypocupremic, cyclic animals were selected, 32 heifers (16 in the control group and 16 in the treatment group) and 30 cows (12 in the control group and 18 in the treatment group). In the second stage, 98 normocupremic, cyclic heifers were selected (49 in the control group and 49 in the treatment group). 50 mg of Cu were administered to the animals in the treatment groups parenterally (subcutaneously) every two months until three successive applications were completed, while the control animals were not given copper supplementation. The effects of the copper therapy on cupremia and the percentage of heat and gestations presented were determined. The relative risk of treated animals of presentating anoestrus and service repetition was evaluated by the formation of a 2 × 2 contingency table and the application of a χ² test. The levels of serum copper were compared using a t-test, while heat and gestations were compared using a proportion comparism test. The parenteral administration of 50 mg Cu in hypocupremic, cyclic heifers and cows led to significant increases of cupremia (P<0.001) and the percentages of heat presentations and gestations (P<0.01); in the normocupremic animals, there were significant increases in the values of serum copper (P<0.0001), heat presentations (P<0.01) and gestations (P<0.001), especially in animals with cupremia values below 14 mmol/L. The treatment reduced the relative risk of reproductive disorders. It is concluded that the parenteral administration of 50 mg Cu in female cattle with Cu blood serum level <14 mmol/L increased cupremia and the percentages of heat presentations and gestations, and reduced the relative risk of reproductive disorders.
Effect of the transport duration time and season on some physicochemical properties of beef meat
Authors: Marenčić D. , Ivanković A. , Pintić V. , Kelava N. , Jakopović T.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of season and transport time on beef quality. The study was conducted during 12 months of 2009 on 480 bulls and 480 heifers of Simmental breed. The cattle were divided into 2 transport groups and then into 4 season groups according to the journey. Quality indicators pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and meat colour values were measured 24 h post mortem on m. longissimus dorsi. Heifer beef compared to bull beef had better values of quality indicators (P<0.05). Differences in quality indicators were found between cattle slaughtered in the spring and summer seasons and between cattle slaughtered in the autumn and summer seasons (P<0.05). Bull beef had poorer colour, pH and EC values in the summer and winter seasons compared to the spring season, whereas heifer beef had poorer pH, EC and colour values in the summer period compared to other seasons (P<0.05). In the summer season, poorer pH, EC and colour (L* and h*) values were obtained in groups of heifers transported for a longer time compared to heifers transported for a shorter time (P<0.05). In groups of bulls transported for a shorter time during the winter period poorer pH, EC and colour values were obtained (P<0.05). This study suggests that the quality of Simmental beef was associated with the season and that environmental factors should be considered when deciding about the time of cattle transport, since this can reduce beef colour in a very short period of time.
Effect of amount of milk fed, weaning age and starter protein level on growth performance in Holstein calves
Authors: Ozkaya S. , Toker M. T.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of amount of milk fed, weaning age and difference of starter protein levels on growth performance of female Holstein Friesian calves. Forty Holstein calves were housed in individual boxes. Calves were divided into 2 groups (n=20); first group was fed with whole milk with the amount of 10 % of their body weight (BW), while the second group was fed with whole milk with the amount of 8 % of their BW. These 2 groups were divided into sub-groups of calves (n=10 for each) again. One of the sub-groups was fed with whole milk for a period of 8 weeks, while the other group was fed with whole milk for a period of 5 weeks. Once again the sub-groups were divided into 2 groups (n=5 for each). One of these groups was fed with starter diet containing 22 % crude protein (CP), while the other group was fed with starter diet containing 18 % CP ad libitum as the starting feed. After an 8-week period, Calves which were fed by the whole milk of %10 of their BW were defined to be heavier than those which were fed by %8 whole milk of their BW. The effect of weaning age and protein level of starter on BW was not statistically significant. The results showed that the body weight gains of the calves receiving milk at 10 % of BW were better, early weaning tended to increase feed consumption and the protein levels did not affect the performance of calves.
Detection of a polymorphic site of the porcine C8G gene and evaluation of association with haemolytic complement activity
Authors: Do V. A. K. , Ponsuksili S. , Muráni E. , Loan H. T. P. , Brunner R. M. , Wimmers K.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. C8 is a component of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system, which causes lysis of the target cells. C8 consists of three subunits C8A, C8B, and C8G. This study focus on the porcine C8G gene aiming to identify its cDNA sequence, to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and to analyse its association with haemolytic complement activity in the classical (CH50) and the alternative (AH50) pathway. The C8G is 840 bp in length encoding 202 amino acids. The C8G is similar (≥65 %) among mammalian species (pig, human, cattle, dog, and mouse) at both the cDNA and the protein level. One SNP was detected at nucleotide 423C→T (SNP c.423C>T; codon 124GAC→GAT). The SNP does not segregate among the European commercial breeds German Landrace and Pietrain but in the Vietnamese autochthonous breed Muong Khuong (Vietnamese potbelly pig) and an experimental F2 crossbreed population based on Duroc and Berlin Miniature Pig (DUMI). Haemolytic complement activity of animals of the DUMI populations obtained at about 6, 14 and 16 weeks of age before and after vaccinations showed short-termed increments due to the immune stimulation and long-term increase due to aging. Family based association tests indicate effects of C8G on AH50 and CH50 at 16 weeks of age immediately before PRRS vaccination (AH50_PRRS0, P=0.087; CH50_PRRS0, P=0.027). However, the results did not indicate a consistent effect of the respective alleles on haemolytic complement activity in the alternative and the classical pathway. The study provides weak evidence for the candidacy of the porcine C8G for innate immune response and disease resistance in pigs.
Genetic effect of growth hormone gene on yearling weight and wool traits in Zel sheep (Brief Report)
Authors: Yousefi S. , Azari M. A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The growth hormoe (GH) gene is a candidate for growth in sheep, since plays an important role in growth regulation and development (Boyd & Bauman 1989). Most genetic studies on the growth of sheep have concentrated on birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight (Bathaei & Leroy 1998). Pereira et al. (2005) found significant effect for bovine growth hormone (bGH) genotype on yearling weight. Tambasco et al. (2003) observed a positive association between genotype LV and daily body weight gain from weaning to yearling in Bos Taurs x Bos indicus crosses. Wool traits like greasy fleece weight, clean yield, fiber diameter and its coefficient of variation are very important selection goals in sheep breeding programs, however new traits such as staple strength and staple length are of increasing importance in the wool industry (Forgarty 2006). Initial observations using daily injections of crude pituitary extracts showed that wool growth decreased by 17 % during the second treatment period (Ferguson 1954). Allain et al. (1998) found segregation for coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and staple length on chromosomes 3 and 4 in a composite sheepline (INRA401). Zel sheep is raised in North of Iran. This sheep is a native non-fat tailed breed with small-sized (Saadat-Noori & Siah-Mansoor 1990). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GH genotypes and wool traits and yearling weight using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method in Zel sheep.
Crowding of dairy cows in a cubicle barn during the hot summer months
Authors: Erbez M. , Bøe K. E. , Falta D. , Chládek G.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm located in the South-Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Two video cameras (IP7330 and PZ6122, Vivotek Technology), located over cubicles below the ceiling, provided video recordings, which were taken in 15-min intervals from 02.00 to 08.00 (Period 1 – morning) and from 10.00 to 19.30 (Period 2 – afternoon) one day per week (i.e. on Thursday) from 2 July (week 27) to 15 October (week 42). Air temperatures and humidity were measured every fifteen minutes during the days of behavioural observations using three HOBO data loggers. In order to determine the spatial distribution of dairy cows, the research barn was visually divided into three sectors of equal size: A – closest to the middle of the barn, B – between and C – the edge of the stable. Inside the barn, air temperatures predominantly ranged between 22 °C and 30 °C during Period 2, while in Period 1 they were lower by 5 °C to 11 °C. During Period 1, dairy cows were distributed quite evenly among sectors. Since week 29, however, the number of cows in sector A began to increase in Period 2 and did not return to the normal distribution pattern before week 42. Interestingly, the crowding was observed only during Period 2 and not in Period 1. Crowding began to appear when average daily temperatures increased to 20 °C.
Variants of the bovine retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C gene are in linkage disequilibrium with QTL for milk production traits on chromosome 3 in a beef × dairy crossbreed population
Authors: Krappmann K. , Widmann P. , Weikard R. , Kühn C.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The bovine retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C gene (RORC) is located on bovine chromosome 3 in the vicinity of several QTL for milk production traits, and an association of RORC genetic variants with carcass fatness traits had been confirmed by several studies. In a F2 resource population, a chromosome-wise QTL and association study with 26 genetic markers (microsatellites and SNPs from genes involved in fat metabolism) on BTA3 was performed. In the analysis, 183 first and 152 second lactation records of 183 cows were included. The QTL study revealed five QTL affecting milk yield (MY), fat percentage (FP) and protein percentage (PP) as well as the milk fat/milk protein ratio (FPR), respectively, in the chromosomal region harbouring the RORC gene. The association study displayed a significant association between RORC c.1138+65A>G and MY and also associations between RORC c.934-262T>G and MY, FP and FPR, respectively. A combined QTL association study showed that these SNPs included as fixed effect in the corresponding model resulted in a prominent drop of the QTL test statistic. For the RORC c.934-262T allele, which had been confirmed to increase intramuscular fat deposition, an increasing effect on milk fat content traits was detected. The RORC c.1138+65G allele that had been shown to positively affect rump fat thickness, was associated with increased MY in our study. In conclusion, we found indications that the RORC SNPs, which previously had been highlighted due to their effects on carcass fat deposition, are also associated with milk production traits.
Meat quality traits and muscle composition of cows differing in lactation performance
Authors: Hamada M. , Albrecht E. , El Bagory A.-R. , Edris A.-B. , Hammon H. M. , Nuernberg G. , Maak S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Beef and dairy cows differ in the way in which they utilise nutrients and in accretion or mobilisation of body reserves during lactation. Thus far, little is known about the impact of lactation performance on body composition, meat quality, and the related muscle structure of cows with a defined, combined beef and dairy genetic background. In the described experiment, 50 F2 cows, originating from mating Charolais bulls to German Holstein cows and a following intercross of F1 individuals, were slaughtered during the second lactation, 30 days after calving. Cows were assigned to 3 groups, each containing representatives of 3 families, according to lactation performance. Standard carcass and meat quality traits were determined. Additionally, samples from longissimus muscle were investigated by histology and computer image analysis for muscle fibre profile, intramuscular fat cell size, and marbling traits. Subcutaneous fat cell size was measured to estimate the impact of lactation on body fat reserves. The results suggest no influence of the duration of the first lactation on body composition, meat quality or muscle structure. However, the amount of milk per day influenced body weight, body composition, and marbling traits. Relationships between traits were low, but showed consistently that increasing milk yield was negatively correlated with tissue accretion. Changes of muscle fibre and fat cell profile, indicating protein or fat mobilisation by lactation, could not be detected. In the presented study, lactation had only minor consequences for meat quality.
Effect of different fattening methods on slaughter and carcass characteristics of Tuj male lambs
Authors: Sarı M. , Aksoy A. R. , Tilki M. , Kaya İ. , Işık S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study was conducted to determine effect of different fattening methods on slaughter and carcass characteristics of Tuj male lambs. Tuj lambs (n=18) were used in three groups with six lambs in each group. Group 1 was only grazed on the pasture and group 2 was supplemented 200 g concentrate with the pasture. Group 3 was supplemented 400 g concentrate with the pasture. Lambs were grazed on the pasture for 8 h/day. Concentrate with 18.5% CP and 2650 kcal/kg ME was fed to lambs in addition to pasture. At the end of three months of experiment, the lambs were slaughter and carcass characteristics and carcass measurements were evaluated. Slaughter weights of group 1, 2 and 3 were 44.10, 44.86 and 46.00 kg, respectively, and hot carcass weights were 20.66, 21.36 and 22.15 kg, respectively, hot dressing percentage 46.85, 47.56 and 47.64%, respectively. The differences between groups of slaughter and carcass characteristics and carcass measurements of lambs were not statistically significant (P>0.05). As a conclusion, supplementations of concentrate feed to grazing lambs on the pasture were no effect on slaughter and carcass characteristics and carcass measurement in lambs.
Mice long-term selected for high body mass are more susceptible to body fat deposition in response to a high fat diet due to insufficient increase in heat production
Authors: Derno M. , Langhammer M. , Renne U. , Hennig U. , Kuhla S. , Nürnberg G. , Klaus S. , Brockmann G. A. , Metges C. C.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Using a mouse model long-term selected for high body mass (DU6i), we investigated if their higher degree of body fat as compared to unselected controls (DUKsi) was due to a greater fat accumulation, attributable to differences in substrate oxidation in response to a higher fat intake. We measured energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation by indirect calorimetry at the ages of 42 d and 98 d in response to a fat rich diet compared to a standard diet (F, 20 %; C, 5 % fat) introduced at weaning (21 d). The EE to food energy intake ratio (Q) was calculated and uncoupling protein (UCP1) mRNA expression was analysed in brown adipose tissue in male mice of both strains. The F diet increased body and fat mass in DU6i (P<0.05) but not in DUKsi. Energy intake was not influenced by diet in both strains, but EE was lower in DU6i than in controls (P<0.05). In contrast to DU6i, fat oxidation was higher in DUKsi mice fed the F diet until the age of 42 d (P<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the Q value was lower in DU6i, and higher with F diet irrespective of strain. UCP1 mRNA expression was twice as high in DUKsi as in DU6i (P<0.05). Between 42 d and 98 d of age, DU6i mice were more susceptible to body mass gain and fat deposition in response to the F diet due to insufficient increase in fat oxidation and energy expenditure possibly related to lower UCP1 mRNA expression.
Developmental changes of GHR and IGF-I mRNA expression in lamb rumen
Authors: Cheng S. , Li F. , Guo J. , Pei J. , Ma Y. , Wei Y. , Yang B. , Xiao Y.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Lambs from birth (0-day-old) to 56-day-old were selected in present study to investigate developmental changes of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA expression in their rumen tissue. Forty-five lambs (5 lambs per group) were slaughtered at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 days of age respectively for sampling the tissue of the rumen dorsal sac. The abundance of GHR and IGF-I mRNA were detected through real-time quantitative PCR method. The results indicated that the expression levels of GHR and IGF-I mRNA had similar change tendency in rumen tissue that the GHR and IGF-I mRNA abundance decreased with age from birth to 56-day-old. There was significant positive correlation between the two gene mRNA expression levels. The results suggested that GHR and IGF-I gene expression levels had the specific developmental pattern in rumen tissue.
Reanalysis of and attribution to near-surface ozone concentrations in Sweden during 1990–2013
Authors: Andersson Camilla , Alpfjord Heléne , Robertson Lennart , Karlsson Per Erik , Engardt Magnuz
Published: November 2017

Abstract. We have constructed two data sets of hourly resolution reanalyzed near-surface ozone (O3) concentrations for the period 1990–2013 for Sweden. Long-term simulations from a chemistry-transport model (CTM) covering Europe were combined with hourly ozone concentration observations at Swedish and Norwegian background measurement sites using retrospective variational data analysis. The reanalysis data sets show improved performance over the original CTM when compared to independent observations. In one of the reanalyses, we included all available hourly near-surface O3 observations, whilst in the other we carefully selected time-consistent observations. Based on the second reanalysis we investigated statistical aspects of the distribution of the near-surface O3 concentrations, focusing on the linear trend over the 24-year period. We show that high near-surface O3 concentrations are decreasing and low O3 concentrations are increasing, which is reflected in observed improvement of many health and vegetation indices (apart from those with a low threshold). Using the CTM we also conducted sensitivity simulations to quantify the causes of the observed change, focusing on three factors: change in hemispheric background concentrations, meteorology and anthropogenic emissions. The rising low concentrations of near-surface O3 in Sweden are caused by a combination of all three factors, whilst the decrease in the highest O3 concentrations is caused by European O3 precursor emissions reductions. While studying the impact of anthropogenic emissions changes, we identified systematic differences in the modeled trend compared to observations that must be caused by incorrect trends in the utilized emissions inventory or by too high sensitivity of our model to emissions changes.