bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of β-lactoglobulin and κ-casein genes polymorphism on milk composition in indigenous Zel sheep
Authors: Yousefi S. , Azari M. A. , Zerehdaran S. , Samiee R. , Khataminejhad R.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The effect of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and κ-casein (CSN3) genotypes on milk composition were evaluated in Iranian indigenous Zel sheep breed. Genotypes were determined by PCR amplification followed by digestion with RsaI enzyme for exon II of the β-LG gene and SSCP method for exon IV of the CSN3 gene. Polymorphism was detected in all PCR products. β-lactoglobulin showed two alleles and three genotypes and CSN3 gene revealed two conformational patterns, respectively. Results indicated that there were significant associations between AB genotype of β-LG gene with higher fat and lactose percentages and also between K1 pattern of CSN3 gene with higher lactose percentage. Therefore, it is feasible to improve milk composition in Zel sheep breed using β-LG and CSN3 genes.
Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on goat oocyte meiotic maturation
Authors: Amale M. H. , Shahneh A. Z. , Nasrollahi S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Nitric oxide is a biological signalling molecule that plays a crucial role in oocyte maturation of mammalians. It is generated by the nitric oxide synthase enzyme from L-arginine. In this study we assessed the effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on meiotic maturation of goat oocytes. So, different concentrations of L-NAME (0.1, 1, 10 mM) were added to the maturation medium to evaluate the effect of inhibiting nitric oxide synthase on cumulus expansion and meiotic resumption of goat oocytes. The results showed that none of the concentrations affected cumulus expansion but the formation of the first polar body of the oocytes was suppressed in a dose dependent manner. The highest inhibitory effect was observed with 10 mM L-NAME. Moreover, to confirm the results and to evaluate whether this effect is reversible, 0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor) was added only to the maturation medium which had the highest concentration of L-NAME (10 mM). The concomitant addition of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor with nitric oxide donor reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NAME on meiotic maturation. These results indicated that the nitric oxide / nitric oxide synthase system is involved in the maturation of goat oocytes and that nitric oxide requirement for nuclear maturation is higher than that for cumulus expansion.
Model comparisons and genetic parameter estimates of growth and the Kleiber ratio in Shal sheep
Authors: Mohammadi H. , Shahrebabak M. M. , Shahrebabak H. M. , Bahrami A. , Dorostkar M.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated for lamb growth traits for the Shal sheep using an animal model. Data on lamb growth performance were extracted from available performance records at the Shal sheep Station in Qazvin, Iran. Studied traits were body weights of lambs at birth (BW), at 3 months of age as weaning weight (WW), 6 months weight (6MW), 9 months weight (9MW), yearling weight (YW), average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG) and Kleiber ratio from birth to weaning (KR). Significant random effects for each trait were determined by fitting additive direct genetic effects, additive maternal effects, covariance between additive direct and additive maternal effects, maternal permanent environmental and maternal temporary environmental (common litter) effects under twelve animal models. Univariate analyses were carried out under the most appropriate model, determined by AIC test. Direct heritability estimates for BW, WW, ADG, KR, 6MW, 9MW and YW were 0.13, 0.19, 0.18, 0.05, 0.16, 0.18 and 0.19, respectively. Maternal additive genetic effects were fitted only for BW and WW; corresponding estimates of 0.12 and 0.10 obtained for maternal heritability of BW and WW, respectively. Maternal permanent environmental effects have low contribution in expression of KR and lead to estimates of 0.06 and 0.06 for maternal permanent environmental variance as a proportion of phenotypic variance (c2) of these traits, respectively. All pre-weaning traits, except KR, were affected by litter effects. The magnitude of ratio of common litter variance to phenotypic variance (l2) was 0.05, 0.12 and 0.14 for BW, WW and ADG, respectively. Direct genetic correlations were positive and ranged from 0.09 for KR-YW to 0.80 for WW-ADG; phenotypic ones ranged from 0.18 for KR-YW to 0.87 for WW-ADG.
Effect of lactation period on the fatty acid composition in mares’ milk from different breeds
Authors: Pietrzak-Fiećko R. , Tomczyński R. , Smoczyński S. S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Analyses were carried out on the fatty acid composition of milk fat originating from mares of three breeds: Polish Cold-Blooded, Wielkopolski and Konik Polski. Milk was collected from mares in the early, mid and late lactation. Determination of fatty acids was conducted with the gas chromatography method. The analysis of the fatty acid composition demonstrated that over the entire lactation period unsaturated fatty acids (from 52.96 % to 62.46 %), represented mainly by linolenic (22.15 %) and oleic (19.98 %) acid, were predominantly present only in samples originating from mares of the Wielkopolski breed. In milk of mares of Konik Polski, saturated fatty acids appeared to predominate (51.95 % and 52.95 %) in the early and mid lactation, whereas unsaturated fatty acids (62.28 %) predominated in the late lactation. In the case of milk samples of the Polish Cold-Blooded mares, saturated fatty acids (represented mainly by palmitic acid) were observed to prevail in the early and late lactation (55.77 % and 61.31 %), whereas unsaturated fatty acids (52.20 %) were found to negligibly prevail in the mid lactation. The study confirmed that fatty acid composition was determined by the period of lactation and breed of the mares.
Relationship between urinary zearalenone concentration and embryo production in superovulated cattle
Authors: Takagi M. , Hirai T. , Shiga S. , Uno S. , Kokushi E. , Otoi T. , Deguchi E. , Tshering C. , Fink-Gremmels J.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This field study aimed to investigate the relationships between the urinary zearalenone (ZEN) concentration, which reflects dietary ZEN intake, and the numbers of total and transferable embryos in superovulated cattle. A total of 38 cows (Japanese Black, n=16; Holstein, n=22) were superovulated for commercial embryo production. Urine samples were collected from all cows at the time of embryo flushing and the urinary ZEN concentration was measured. The ZEN concentration was corrected for the creatinine (Crea) concentration as follows: ZEN (pg/mL)/Crea (mg/dL); the corrected ZEN concentration was expressed in pg/mg Crea. The cows were divided into two groups according to whether the urinary ZEN level was less than (group 1) or more than (group 2) the mean value for each breed (Japanese Black: 97.4 pg/mg Crea; range 44.5–91.3 pg/mg Crea; Holstein: 155.5 pg/mg Crea; range 32.7–146.9 pg/mg Crea). The embryo flushing results were compared between the two groups within each breed. Overall, the total number of embryos collected and the number of transferable embryos did not differ significantly between the groups. These results suggest that natural ZEN contamination resulting in urine levels below the threshold value (i.e. below the maximal permissible urinary ZEN concentration) does not affect embryo production in Japanese Black and Holstein cows undergoing superovulation.
Voluntary feed intake and growth performance of boars and barrows in dependence on lysine-to-energy ratio
Authors: Otten C. , Berk A. , Dänicke S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Boars (entire male pigs) consume less feed than barrows (castrated male pigs) under practical ad libitum feeding conditions, but the knowledge about possible reasons is only limited. Since the lysine and energy contents of the diet are known to be important determinants of voluntary feed intake, it was of interest if sex specific responses to selected dietary lysine-toenergy ratios could explain the differences in feed intake between boars and barrows.
The influence of glucagon on the concentration of triacylglycerols and cholesterol in the liver and kidney of mice
Authors: Klusek J. , Witek B. , Klusek J. , Tomasik E. , Kamińska A. , Kołątaj A.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The experiment was performed on sexually mature male Swiss mice to determine the effect of pharmacological doses of glucagon administered over a period of 4 or 8 days on the concentration of triacylglycerols and cholesterol in liver and kidneys of mice selected for fast rate of body weight gain and unselected ones, kept on a high-protein and low-protein diet. On the basis of the results obtained it was concluded that the selection and the diet, as well as glucagon injections, were lowering the content of triacylglycerols and cholesterol in the examined organs of mice, in many cases confirmed in a statistically significant way.
Genetic analysis of milk yield, fat and protein content in Holstein dairy cows in Iran: Legendre
Authors: Abdullahpour R. , Shahrbabak M. M. , Nejati-Javaremi A. , Torshizi R. V. , Mrode R.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Data including 219 105 test day records of 22 569 first parity Holstein cows in 56 herds were analysed for milk yield, fat content and protein content. Legendre polynomials were used in a random regression model to explain traits curves, additive genetic and permanent environmental effects along days in milk (DIM). Legendre polynomials of order 3 were used to describe additive genetic effects on the traits. For permanent environmental effects, for milk the order of 6 and for fat and protein content the order of 4 were used. Heterogeneity of residual variance was considered. Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology was used to estimate the required parameters. Variations in genetic, permanent environment and residual effects and heritability changes along DIM were computed and illustrated. Daily heritability estimates averaged as 0.22, 0.14 and 0.23 for milk, fat and protein contents, respectively. Minimum correlations between DIM for additive genetic effects were as 0.49, −0.01 and 0.34 for milk, fat and protein contents. There were higher genetic correlations between test day milk yield and protein content compared to fat content. The genetic trend of milk yield has increased over the years from 1971 to 2005, while the genetic trend for fat and protein content declined.
The effect of the design of housing systems for calves on the microclimatic conditions of the rearing environment
Authors: Němečková D. , Knížková I. , Kunc P. , Stádník L.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The objective of this study was to compare microclimatic conditions in three different housing systems designed for calf rearing – individual wooden hutches, individual tarpaulin hutches and individual pens under shelter – and to evaluate the thermal comfort of calves reared in these systems. Air temperature, relative air humidity and the rectal temperature of calves (n=324) were measured in the hutches and pens during three consecutive years. The hypothesis that the climatic conditions of different housing system designs used in calf rearing affect the thermal comfort of calves was confirmed, as the design of the individual housing systems affected microclimatic conditions and subsequently the rectal temperature of the housed calves as well. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were found between the shelter and individual outdoor calf hutches in relation to the measured parameters. In the summer, the shelter showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower air temperature and significantly higher level of both relative air humidity and calf rectal temperature. These significantly higher rectal temperatures in both summer and in transitional periods (from March to June and from September to December) can be explained by microclimatic conditions and specifically by the combination of air temperature and the highest relative humidity that caused less comfortable microclimatic conditions for calves. The high relative humidity is probably caused by inadequate ventilation under the shelter. Therefore, new technology of calf housing under shelter could be recommended as suitable housing only if adequate ventilation is provided.
The influence of temperament on cortisol concentration and metabolic profile in Tsigai lambs
Authors: Pajor F. , Kovács A. , Tőzsér J. , Póti P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between temperament score and blood cortisol concentration, as well as energy metabolic parameters (glucose, triglyceride, non-esterified fatty acid and cholesterol) in Tsigai lambs during fattening. The temperament of lambs was assessed (scored) by a temperament score test, where the behaviour of animals was evaluated in a 5-score system (1: calm, 5: nervous) while spending 30 sec on the scale during weighing. Based on temperament scoring at the beginning of fattening 7, 6 and 7 lambs were selected according to temperament categories as calm (1 score 1), intermediate (score 3) and nervous lambs (scores 4 and 5), respectively. At this time, our study did not show any correlation between temperament score, blood cortisol concentration and the metabolic profile. However, at the end of fattening, the calmer lambs had lower cortisol concentrations (2.60 nmol/l) compared to the more nervous lambs (8.07 nmol/l). The calm lambs had lower (P<0.05) non-esterified fatty acid (0.37 mmol/l), cholesterol (1.44 mmol/l) and glucose (3.29 mmol/l) and higher triglyceride (0.98 mmol/l) concentrations and daily weight gain (447.45 g/day) compared to the excitable ones (0.81, 1.86, 4.14, 0.57 mmol/l and 366.84 g/day). These data prove that an increased temperament score, through the higher cortisol concentration, has a great effect on the lambs' energy metabolic profile, which influences the fattening performance.
Supplementation of vitamins, probiotics and proteins on oxidative stress, enzymes and hormones in post-moult male broiler breeders
Authors: Khan R. U. , Rahman Z. , Javed I. , Muhammad F.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study was planned to investigate the comparative effect of vitamin E and C, probiotics, protein level and the combination of these treatments on body weight, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol and some minerals in Zn-induced male broiler breeders. A total of 180 Hubbard male broiler breeders (65 weeks of age) were induced to moult. After moulting, the birds were randomly distributed into six groups. One group was fed vitamin E (100 IU/kg feed), second group was fed vitamin C (500 IU/kg feed), third group was fed probiotics (50 mg/L), fourth group was fed lower protein level (14 % crude protein) and the fifth group was fed the combination of the mentioned treatments. The sixth group served as control. The results revealed that serum TAC significantly increased (P<0.05) while TOS and OSI decreased (P<0.05) in the vitamin E fed group compared to the other treated groups. The analyses of the samples indicated that AST and ALT decreased significantly in the vitamin E supplemented group while T3 and T4 increased significantly as a result of this treatment. Cortisol concentration decreased significantly in the vitamin E fed group. Serum Mg increased significantly in the vitamin E supplemented group. The results indicated that the physiological biochemistry disrupted in male breeders as a consequence of moulting could be compensated by feeding vitamin E.
Effect of the judge and definition of the trait for horse free jumping evaluation
Authors: Lewczuk D.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The presented research investigates the effect of the judge on scores for horse free jumping skills, the agreement of judge's scores and relations of these scores with measured jumping parameters received by video image analysis in order to recognise judging preferences and trait definition. The investigation was based on a group of 32 warm-blooded stallions that were judged in free jumping by six experienced judges in five routinely evaluated jumping traits. Simultaneously horses were filmed during jumping and linear jumping parameters were measured. Additional jumping parameters were calculated to describe the jumping style in a more detailed way. The influence of the effect of the judge was estimated by analysis of variance, the relationships between judges' notes and jumping parameters by analysis of correlations. The effect of the judge was statistically significant for all traits. The correlations between individual judges' notes were not equal. The notes for particular traits were in some cases more correlated with other traits like with notes for the same trait. Mean notes for evaluated traits were correlated above 0.6 between each other. Correlations between judges' notes and measured jumping parameters were low and medium. Some jumping parameters were correlated with all traits whereas some parameters were not correlated at all. Received results showed that the definition of the traits evaluated by judges is not the same for all of them. However, for all judges the distance of landing, elevation of the body and lifting of front limbs were the most important parameters of the jump.
Genetic evaluations of the German Sport Horse: Population structure and use of data from foal and mare inspections and performance tests of mares
Authors: Schöpke K. , Wensch-Dorendorf M. , Swalve H. H.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of the study was to characterize the population of the German Sport Horse, a sub-population of the German Riding Horse, in terms of population structure and genetic parameters. Data from 26 490 horses with information from foal inspections (FI; n=17 881), broodmare inspections (BI; n=12 069) and mare performance tests (MPT; n=2 756) from the years 1990-2006 were used for analysis. A total of 21 traits as scored in the three types of performance tests were analysed. Heritability estimates for traits from FIs ranged from 0.24 ± 0.01 (conformation) to 0.50 ± 0.01 (type). For BIs estimates ranged between 0.15 ± 0.02 (forelegs) and 0.50 ± 0.02 (head). Traits evaluated in the MPT showed heritabilities between 0.18 ± 0.02 (rideability) and 0.46 ± 0.02 (trot). Genetic correlations within and across the three tests were all positive. An analysis of the structure of genetic relationships revealed that the population is influenced by different German Riding Horse sub-populations as well as by thor ough breds. The genetic connectedness within the population is of a complex structure and appeared to be sufficient for genetic analyses. Differences between the genetic pa rame ters estimated in this study for the GSH and those used in the national breeding value esti ma tion system are predominantly insignificant. These results confirm that the GSH is both adequately represented in the national system and that the population itself is a rep re sen tative part of the entire German Riding Horse population.
Expression profiles of growth hormone receptor and insulin-like growth factor I in cattle and yak tissues revealed by quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: . Pei J. , Lang X. , Bao P. , Liang C. , Chu M. , Feng R. , Yan P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The goals of this study were to compare the mRNA expression profiles of growth hormone recep tor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in various tissues of cattle and the semi-wild yak (Datong yak) and to find out whether the mRNA levels of the two genes are correlated. The mRNA levels of GHR and IGF-I in heart, lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, muscle, mammary gland and ovary of cattle and yak were investigated by using quantitative real-time po ly mer ase chain reaction (PCR). The experiments showed that the transcript levels of the two genes were signif icantly higher in liver (P<0.05) than in the other tissues for both species and that IGF-I levels varied more among tissues (P<0.01) than did GHR levels. The GHR tran script level in pancreas was higher in yak (P<0.05) than in cattle. There was no statistically sig nif i cant difference in IGF-I tran script levels among all the tissues of both bovine groups. Growth hormone receptor and IGF-I transcript levels were positively correlated in mammary gland (P<0.01), lung (P<0.05) and muscle (P<0.05) in yak, negatively correlated in cattle heart (P<0.05) and not correlated in the other tissues. The results indicate that the two genes are reg u lated differently in various tissues under normal physiological conditions in these two bovine species.
The effect of cattle breed, season and type of diet on nitrogen fractions and amino acid profile of raw milk
Authors: Křížová L. , Hanuš O. , Roubal P. , Kučera J. , Hadrová S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of the study was to describe the differences in nitrogen fractions and deepen the knowledge in the amino acid profile of raw milk affected by the breed of cattle, season and type of feeding. The study was conducted from June 2005 to February 2007 on 64 bulk milk samples collected from eight herds consisting of Czech Fleckvieh (four herds) and Holstein (four herds) breed. One half of the herds of each breed was grazed while the other half was not. Samples were collected twice in winter and twice in summer. The effect of the breed resulted in differences in milk yield that was lower in Czech Fleckvieh (5 385.50 kg) than in Holstein (7 015.15 kg, P<0.05). The content of nitrogen fractions was higher in Czech Fleckvieh than in Holstein (P<0.05). No effect of the breed on the amino acid profile of milk was observed except on the concentration of Glu (P<0.05). The effect of the season was demonstrated in the decrease of the concentrations of nitrogen fractions and Met during summer in comparison to winter (P<0.05). The effect of the type of feeding resulted in lower milk yield (5 197.50 and 7 203.75 kg) and lower concentrations of nitrogen fractions in grazed herds compared to non-grazed herds (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, the amino acid profile of milk differed significantly between grazed and non-grazed herds (P<0.05).
Affects of boron administration on serum Ca, Mg and P ofperipartum Cows
Authors: Kabu M. , Birdane F. M. , Civelek T. , Uyarlar C.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of sodium borate on the concentrations of serum calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) in dairy cattle in the peripartum period. In the study, 14 healthy Holstein cows in the periparturient period (four weeks before and three weeks after calving) were divided into two equal groups according to oral treatments with sodium borate (30 g/day, group B), while some cows from the group were not treated (group C). Blood samples were obtained weekly from the prepartum 4 weeks until postpartum 3 weeks. At calving, changes were observed for the concentrations of the serum Ca, Mg and P in B and C groups. Ca (p>0.05) and Mg (p<0.001) concentrations were higher in group B than group C at calving. During the postpartum periods serum Ca and Mg concentrations increased (p<0.05) in group B compared to group C. Serum P concentrations were not affected by boron. The results suggest that sodium borate may be useful for sustaining metabolic balance and perhaps in preventing metabolic disorders such as milk fever and hypomagnesemia in dairy cattle during the periparturient period.
Effect of varying supply of amino acids on nitrogen retention and growth performance of boars of different sire lines
Authors: Otten C. , Berk A. , Hagemann L. , Müller S. , Weber M. , Dänicke S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Three diets with varying amino acid levels were fed in two nitrogen balance studies and two fattening experiments in order to determine the nitrogen retention and growth performance of boars of different sire lines. A total of 12 boars, 6 crossbreed boars sired by Piétrain boars (Study 1) and 6 crossbreed boars sired by Duroc boars (Study 2) were used in the nitrogen balance studies. The feeding trials with 214 boars (109 crossbreeds of Piétrain sire line 1×hybrid sow [Pi 1] and 105 crossbreeds Piétrain sire line 2×hybrid sow [Pi 2]) in Experiment 1 and 212 boars (106 Piétrain sire line 3×hybrid sow [Pi 3] and 106 Duroc×hybrid sow [Du]) in Experiment 2 were carried out in three performance test centres in parallel to the nitrogen balance studies.
Application of nanosilver based preparation in ammonia reduction in broiler house
Authors: Czyż K. , Patkowska-Sokoła B. , Dobrzański Z. , Opaliński S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of the study was to determine the dose of a nanotechnological-mineral preparation based on nanosilver and vermiculite for an effective ammonia reduction, and the influence of the preparation on physical properties of litter and air. The preparation used was obtained by spreading water nanosilver suspension on vermiculite with an addition of 5 % of humodetrynite. Research animals were broiler chickens divided into three groups. The particular groups were differentiated regarding the prepared application. The measurements of ammonia concentrations were conducted in upper litter layer and about 30 cm above the litter. Litter temperature, humidity and pH, and air humidity and temperature were monitored. The measurements were conducted at day 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 of the experiment. Ammonia content above the litter was reduced in group I and II. The highest ammonia concentration was observed in the control group at sampling four while the lowest one was noted in group II at sampling two. In all groups an influence of the preparation on ammonia content above the litter was visible. Decrease in ammonia concentration in experimental groups compared to the control group was more distinct than in the case of ammonia concentration above the litter. Based on the results it is difficult to determine unequivocally an influence of the preparation on litter temperature, pH and humidity, and also on air temperature and humidity. Taking into account the level of ammonia reduction, the results may be a premise for further studies in the range of nanosilver application for the sanitization of animal buildings.
Effects of calf separation and injection of oxytocin on milk performance and milk composition of the Polish Red cows
Authors: Dymnicki E. , Sosin-Bzducha E. , Gołębiewski M.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyse the yield and composition of milk from Polish Red cattle after 12-hour isolation of calves. Sixty six Polish Red cows were kept together with calves. Control milkings were carried out once a month after 12-hour isolation of calves. Five subsequent milkings after calving were taken under consideration. In the season (May–July 2012) oxytocin (OXT, 1 ml, 3 min before control milking) was injected. The milk of cows milked mechanically after 12-hour isolation of calves was characterized by a very low fat content (0.47–0.58 %) depending on the month after calving. There were no differences in protein and lactose content compared to the standard composition of cow’s milk. The milk yield was 6.16 kg in the first milking after calving and 3.55–4.01 kg in the four further milkings. After administration of OXT a significant increase of milk was observed in the first (12.9 kg) and subsequent months of lactation (8.5–12.4 kg). Milk fat content was significantly higher (4.14 % in the first and 3.39–3.86 % in the further milkings).
Effect of rumen-protected methionine on production
and composition of early lactating Shami goats
milk and growth performance of their kids
Authors: Al-Qaisi Mohmmad A. , Titi Hosam H.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of the University of Jordan in the Jordan valley to evaluate the effect of supplementing rumen-protected methionine to early lactating Shami goats on milk production, composition, fatty acid profile, and growth performance of their kids. Twenty-four fresh lactating Shami goats were randomly assigned into three dietary treatment groups (eight each) in a completely randomized design. Diets were a control with no supplements or supplemented with either 2.5, or 5.0 g/head/d rumenprotected methionine. The experiment started exactly after kidding and lasted for 60 days thereafter. Production variables studied were milk production, milk composition, body weights, feed intake, kids weaning weight, and milk fatty acids. Daily milk production and energy corrected milk were not affected by protected me thionine supplementation. Milk Percentages of fat, protein, total solids, and casein were also not affected by protected methionine supplementation. Likewise, fat and protein yields were not different among dietary treatments of protected methionine. No differences in milk fatty acids composition were observed by supplementing rumen protected methionine in the experiment. Feed intake, feed to milk ratio, and final body weight of dams were not changed among treatments. No differences were observed in weaning weights, average daily gain, and milk to gain ratio of kids born to dams in the experiment regardless to sex of kids. In conclusion, results indicated that supplementing rumen protected methionine to dairy goats diet did not improve their milking performance, the composition of their milk, or growth performance of their kids.
Comparison of different chromatin staining techniques for bull sperm
Authors: Andraszek Katarzyna , Banaszewska Dorota , Czubaszek Magdalena , Wójcik Ewa , Szostek Małgorzata
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Morphological analysis of semen is a very important step in fertility assessment, but many semen defects are not detectable at the morphological level. These include pathological changes in sperm chromatin structure. During mammalian spermiogenesis, histone proteins associated with DNA structure are replaced by specific protamines, with which chromatin does not form nucleosomal complexes. In the fully developed, mature sperm, the histones are replaced with protamines. Disruptions of nucleoprotein structure can be treated as possible indicators of the biological value of spermatozoa. The experimental material consisted of sperm from one-and-a-half-year-old bulls, isolated post mortem from the tail of the epididymis. The smears were stained with silver nitrate (AgNO3), acridine orange (AO), aniline blue (AB) and chromomycin A3 (CMA3). Sperm dimensions largely depend on individual variability among the bulls. In most cases, differences in sperm dimensions were identified between individuals, which was confirmed in the statistics. Sperm with elevated, abnormal histone levels were proportionally quite scarce (1.4 %). Studies of nuclear proteins in the context of infertility demonstrate the important influence of normal chromatin structure on sperm functions.
Molecular cloning, sequence characterization, and gene
expression profile of a novel water buffalo (Bubalus
bubalis) gene: Na+, K+-ATPase β2-subunit (ATP1B2)
Authors: Song Shen , Huo Jinlong , Yuan Feng , Ou-Yang Yina , Li DaLin , Yuan YueYun , Chen Tao , Li LianJun , Miao YongWang
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The Na+, K+-ATPase is a transmembrane carrier protein which plays an important role in Na-K transport and energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to obtain the full-length coding sequence (CDS) of water buffalo Na+, K+-ATPase β2-subunit (ATP1B2) using RT-PCR and to investigate the characterizations of its sequence and tissue expression patterns. Sequence analysis revealed that the CDS of water buffalo ATP1B2 encodes an enzyme of 290 amino acid residues with a deduced molecular weight of 33.39 KDa and a PI of 8.37. Water buffalo ATP1B2 was presumed to have a signal peptide, a strong hydrophobic region and to exert its function in the plasma membrane with high reliability. In addition, water buffalo ATP1B2 has a conserved Na+, K+-ATPase β domain which belongs to Na+, K+-ATPase superfamily. The sequence of water buffalo ATP1B2 gene shares 97.6, 97.4, 92.2, 93.2, 89.9, 93.2, 89.5 and 62.9 % identify with its homologous sequence of cattle, sheep, dog, human, mouse, baboon, rat and African clawed frog, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on the CDS of ATP1B2 gene showed that water buffalo has a closer genetic relationship with cattle than with other species. The ATP1B2 gene was widely expressed in the tissues examined, being high in the pituitary gland and brain, moderate in the muscle, spleen, liver, mammary gland, kidney and rumen, weak in the heart, small intestines and skin, and not expressed in the lung and adipose tissue. This study will establish a foundation for further insights into this novel water buffalo gene.
Genetic parameters for longevity measures in Brazilian Holstein cattle using linear and threshold models
Authors: Kern Elisandra Lurdes , Cobuci Jaime Araujo , Costa Cláudio Napolis , Neto José Braccini , Campos Gabriel Soares , McManus Concepta Margaret
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim in this study was to estimate variance components and heritability of different longevity measures related to productive life and survival at a specified age, using linear and threshold models, to specify the more appropriate measure to express longevity in Brazilian Holstein cows. Production and reproduction records of Holstein cows were collected from 1991 to 2010, for cows born between 1987 and 2006. Variance components were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) for measures of productive life and a Bayesian analysis for survival measures. The heritability estimates for longevity measures ranged from 0.06 to 0.09, using the linear model and from 0.05 to 0.18 for traits using the threshold model. This suggests an inexpressive genetic gain using selection for these traits, whereas improvements in environmental factors which affect these animals may lead to greater phenotypic gains. Survival up to 48 months from first calving was the measureing point defined as the most appropriate to be included in future official genetic evaluations of Holstein cattle in Brazil.
Multilocus phylogeny of the parasitic wasps in the tribe Euphorini (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with revised generic classifications
Authors: Zhang Yuanmeng Miles , Stigenberg Julia , Meyer Jacqueline Hope , Sharanowski Barbara Jo-Anne
Published: May 2018

Background

Parasitic wasps in the family Braconidae are important regulators of insect pests, particularly in forest and agroecosystems. Within Braconidae, wasps in the tribe Euphorini (Euphorinae) attack economically damaging plant bugs (Miridae) that are major pests of field and vegetable crops. However, the evolutionary relationships of this tribe have been historically problematic. Most generic concepts have been based on ambiguous morphological characters which often leads to misidentification, complicating their use in biological control.

Methods

Using a combination of three genes (COI,28S, andCAD) and 80 taxa collected worldwide, we conducted Bayesian inference using MrBayes, and maximum likelihood analyses using RAxML and IQ-Tree on individual gene trees as well as the concatenated dataset.

Results

The monophyly of the tribe Euphorini and the two generaPeristenusandLeiophronwere confirmed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The subgeneric classifications ofLeiophron sensu latowere not supported, and the monotypic genusMamawas also not supported.

Discussion

Euphoriella,Euphoriana,Euphorus, andMamasyn. n,have been synonymized underLeiophron. Mama mariaesyn. nwas placed as a junior synonym ofLeiophron reclinator. The generic concepts ofPeristenusandLeiophronwere refined to reflect the updated phylogeny. Further we discuss the need for revising Euphorini given the number of undescribed species within the tribe.
Impact of input data (in)accuracy on overestimation of visible area in digital viewshed models
Authors: Lagner Ondřej , Klouček Tomáš , Šímová Petra
Published: May 2018

Viewshed analysis is a GIS tool in standard use for more than two decades to perform numerous scientific and practical tasks. The reliability of the resulting viewshed model depends on the computational algorithm and the quality of the input digital surface model (DSM). Although many studies have dealt with improving viewshed algorithms, only a few studies have focused on the effect of the spatial accuracy of input data. Here, we compare simple binary viewshed models based on DSMs having varying levels of detail with viewshed models created using LiDAR DSM. The compared DSMs were calculated as the sums of digital terrain models (DTMs) and layers of forests and buildings with expertly assigned heights. Both elevation data and the visibility obstacle layers were prepared using digital vector maps differing in scale (1:5,000, 1:25,000, and 1:500,000) as well as using a combination of a LiDAR DTM with objects vectorized on an orthophotomap. All analyses were performed for 104 sample locations of 5 km2, covering areas from lowlands to mountains and including farmlands as well as afforested landscapes. We worked with two observer point heights, the first (1.8 m) simulating observation by a person standing on the ground and the second (80 m) as observation from high structures such as wind turbines, and with five estimates of forest heights (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 m). At all height estimations, all of the vector-based DSMs used resulted in overestimations of visible areas considerably greater than those from the LiDAR DSM. In comparison to the effect from input data scale, the effect from object height estimation was shown to be secondary.
Visual and Anatomical Outcome Of Ozurdex Implant In Non-Infectious Intermediate Or Posterior Uveitis In Treatment Naive Patients
Authors: Mehrotra Navneet , Nagpal Manish , Jain Hardik , Juneja Rakesh
Published: May 2018

Aim:-

To determine the visual and anatomical outcome of Ozurdex implant in non-infectious intermediate or posterior uveitis in treatment naïve patients.

Design:-

Retrospective study.

Materials and Methods:-

25 eyes receiving Ozurdex implant (0.7mg dexamethasone) for treatment of naïve non-infectious intermediate or posterior uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME) having a minimum 6 month follow up. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) was measured at baseline, 1, 3 & 6 months.

Results:-

Mean baseline logMAR BCVA improved significantly from 0.477 to 0.181 (p<0.05) at 3 months and to 0.193 (p<0.05) at 6 months. The mean CFT reduced from its baseline value of 481.3µto 250.41µ (p<0.05) at 3 months and to 274.8µ(p<0.05) at 6 months.

Conclusion:-

Significant improvement in BCVA and CFT from baseline to 3 and 6 months has proven Ozurdex implant to be a promising treatment option in cases of treatment naïve non-infectious posterior uveitis.
External Ophthalmomyiasis By Sheep Nasal Bot Fly A-Rare Case Report From Tropical Region of India
Authors: Agrawal Pallavi , Yadav Varsha , Kathiriya Vidhi , Kanhere Minal
Published: May 2018

Myiasis is infection of tissues or organs of animals or man by larvae of a fly. Ophthalmomyiasis is classified as ophthalmomyiasis externa if the larvae are present on the conjunctiva, ophthalmomyiasis interna when there is intraocular penetration of larvae and orbital/ocular ophthalmomyiasis if larvae penetrate the orbit. This condition is rare in India, with no case reports from Mumbai. We report a rare case of Ophthalmomyiasis externa in a 25 year old male who presented with sudden onset foreign body sensation in his right eye, followed by intense watering, irritation and redness since 2 hours. Visual acuity was 6/6 and N6 in both eyes. The right eye showed superficial congestion for chemosis; and no evidence of a foreign body. On detailed examination, three motile larvae were found and removed from the conjunctiva, which were later identified as larvae of Oestrus ovis (Sheep nasal botfly). The patient was started on antihistaminics and antibiotics and showed improvement within 24 hours. Our case highlights two things - firstly, the importance of early detection of this condition by creating awareness amongst ophthalmologists as being one of the causes of conjunctivitis during spring/summer seasons especially in developing countries like India; and secondly, plain irrigation of the conjunctiva is unsuccessful in washing out of the larvae.
A Retinal Surprise
Authors: Chauhan Anubhav
Published: May 2018

We report a case of a 48 year old asymptomatic male who came to us for routine ocular examination but was diagnosed with retinal vasoproliferative tumour(VPT) and angioid streak. Retinal vasoproliferative tumours(VPTs) are a rare entity and after an extensive search on the internet, this is probably and to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case of VPT in association with angioid streak.
Development of Hydrotalcite Based Cobalt Catalyst by Hydrothermal and Co-precipitation Method for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Shareef Muhammad Faizan , Arslan Muhammad , Iqbal Naseem , Ahmad Nisar , Noor Tayyaba
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the effect of a synthesis method for cobalt catalyst supported on hydrotalcite material for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The hydrotalcite supported cobalt (HT-Co) catalysts were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal method. The prepared catalysts were characterized by using various techniques like BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), TGA (Thermal Gravimetric Analysis), XRD (X-ray diffraction spectroscopy), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). Fixed bed micro reactor was used to test the catalytic activity of prepared catalysts. The catalytic testing results demonstrated the performance of hydrotalcite based cobalt catalyst in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with high selectivity for liquid products. The effect of synthesis method on the activity and selectivity of catalyst was also discussed.
Influência da classificação sanguínea realizada em lâmina sobre a administração profilática de imunoglobulina anti-D em pacientes obstétricas
Authors: Bezerra Ana Katarina Moraes Monteiro , Esteves Fabrício Andrade Martins
Published: May 2018

Cerca de 15% das mulheres são Rh negativas e podem ser sensibilizadas por seus filhos Rh positivos. A isoimunização RhD pode ser prevenida pela administração de imunoglobulina anti-D. Por esse motivo, é especialmente na população obstétrica que a classificação Rh não pode deixar dúvidas. Em 0.7% dessas classificações são encontradas hemácias D fraco, que têm uma redução no número de moléculas D na sua superfície. Dessa forma, visamos a determinar a possível presença do antígeno D fraco em gestantes, puérperas e neonatos que foram atendidos por uma maternidade no município de Caruaru (PE) e classificados como RhD negativos. Testes de Coombs indireto e direto também foram realizados para avaliar a presença de anticorpos irregulares nas gestantes e a sensibilização eritrocitária nos neonatos. Este estudo foi do tipo descritivo no qual avaliamos 29 gestantes puérperas e 14 neonatos, que foram classificadas para os sistemas ABO e RhD por meio de teste de aglutinação em lâmina. As amostras foram enviadas ao laboratório da ASCES, onde foi realizada a classificação sanguínea por meio de teste de aglutinação em tubo e pesquisa do antígeno D fraco naqueles casos que foram Rh negativos confirmados. Foram encontradas duas mães que eram D fraco, uma mãe com teste de Coombs indireto positivo e um neonato que é Rh positivo, mas tinha sido classificado como Rh negativo. Para que se possa prevenir a isoimunização RhD, é necessária a realização da classificação sanguínea e pesquisa do antígeno D fraco em gestantes, puérperas e neonatos, de modo que seu resultado seja confiável.
Use of rapid test for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in parturients
Authors: Capobiango Jaqueline Dario , Baldy José Luís Da Silveira , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Morimoto Helena Kaminami , Costa Tatiana Inácio , Silva Cristina Mara da , Matsuo Tiemi
Published: May 2018

The diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in parturient women is used to prevent or change the course of HIV perinatal transmission through the zidovudine prophylaxis regimen. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of the HIV infection using the rapid test, to evaluate its acceptance for the diagnosis of HIV infection, and to determine the risk factors for HIV infection in parturients. Interview and a rapid test for anti-HIV were carried out on 4,341 parturients attended at two main public maternities (Maternity of the University Hospital and Municipal Maternity “Lucilla Ballalai”), in the city of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, from May, 2000, to September, 2001. The rapid test was positive in 23 (0.52%) parturients evaluated. Of them, the seropositivity in the conventional (screening and confirmatory) tests was obtained in 19 (0.44%; 95% CI: 0.27 – 0.70). The rate of the rapid test acceptance was 99.7%. Among HIV-infected. parturient it was found higher frequency (52.6%) of intravenous drug-user sexual partner (Odds ratio 51.63, 95% CI: 18.67-143.51, p< 0.0001) when compared with HIV-uninfected parturients, and also with a diagnosed seropositive partner (42.1%) when compared with HIV-uninfected parturients (Odds ratio 1011.88, 95% CI: 201.87-5766.26, p<0.0001). However, 15.8% of the HIV-infected parturient denied the existence of any risk factor for HIV infection. The results of this study emphasize the useful of the rapid test to diagnose the HIV infection in all parturient.
Alterações na função hepática de pacientes pediátricos infectados pelo vírus da dengue em Salvador
Authors: Macêdo Talita Barreto , Silva Luciana Rodrigues , Soares Gúbio , Bandeira Antonio Carlos De Albuquerque , Mendonça Dilton Rodrigues , Brandão Cláudio José de Freitas , Sardi Sílvia
Published: May 2018

A infecção pelo vírus da dengue possui um amplo espectro de manifestações clínicas: desde sintomas semelhantes aos do resfriado comum até uma apresentação grave, podendo evoluir para óbito. Alguns dos quadros mais graves podem associar-se à síndrome do choque da dengue, frequentemente, fatal em crianças. Essa infecção pode também determinar comprometimento da função hepática, com um quadro difuso de hepatite. Apesar de o acometimento hepático ser, geralmente autolimitado, alguns casos podem evoluir com maior gravidade. Foram avaliadas informações clínicas e laboratoriais relacionadas à função hepática em 55 pacientes pediátricos atendidos em um serviço de pronto atendimento em Salvador, que tiveram diagnóstico de dengue confirmado por quadro clínico e laboratorial (ELISA, imunocromatografia). Foram observados: 61,80% (34/55) de alteração na ALT e 50,90% (28/55) na AST. A variação dos valores de ALT foi de 7-432U/l e de AST foi de 25-537U/l. Náuseas e (ou) vômitos foram referidos por 40,0% (22/55) dos pacientes, assim como dor abdominal, e 3(5,4%) apresentaram hepatomegalia. A elevação de enzimas hepáticas ocorreu em todos os pacientes diagnosticados com síndrome do choque da dengue, enquanto que a alteração de função hepática foi documentada em 51,0% dos pacientes diagnosticados com febre clássica da dengue. Esses dados revelam a importância da avaliação hepática sistemática nos pacientes com dengue clássico e dengue hemorrágica e a necessidade do treinamento dos profissionais de saúde para a atenção a esse aspecto na assistência de pacientes com essa infecção.