Alpha-helical CRF9-41, Blocks Stress- and CRF-induced Behavior Changes in Chicks

R. Zhang, A. Ohgushi, T. Takagi, T. Nakanishi,
E.-S. Saito, T. Yoshimatsu, D.M. Denbow1, M. Furuse*

Laboratory of Advanced Animal and Marine Bioresources
Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences
Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

(Received February 15, 2002; accepted July 18, 2002)

Abstract

Zhang, R., Ohgushi, A., Takagi, T., Nakanishi, T., Saito, E.-S., Yoshimatsu, T., Denbow, D.M. and Furuse, M. 2002. Alpha-helical CRF9-41, blocks stress- and CRF-induced behavior changes in chicks. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 169-176.

Three experiments were conducted to test the role of the brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system in mediating stress-induced behaviors and regulating food intake by using CRF receptor antagonists (a-helical
CRF9-41 and astressin) in chicks. In Experiment 1, birds were intracerebro-ventricularly (i.c.v.) injected with 10 µg of a-helical CRF9-41 or saline and placed individually into an acrylic glass recording chamber 20 min post-injection and automatically monitored by an audio analysis application for 60 seconds. The number of distress vocalizations (DVs) induced by isolation was significantly suppressed by a-helical CRF9-41 compared to the control group. Chicks were similarly treated with astressin in doses of 0, 5 and 10 µg in Experiment 2, but no significant difference of DVs was observed. In Experiment 3, after a 3h fast, birds were i.c.v. injected with either saline, 0.1 µg of CRF, 0.1 µg of CRF + 5 µg of a-helical CRF9-41 or 0.1 µg of CRF + 10 µg of a-helical CRF9-41 and food intake was measured for 2h. CRF suppressed food intake and a-helical CRF9-41 partially blocked such effect. The results suggested that 1) a-helical CRF9-41 attenuated the behavior changes induced by isolation and exogenous CRF; 2) CRF receptors in avian species may be somewhat different from that in mammals.

Repair of Third Metacarpal Bone Fracture in a Foal Using DCP and Thomas Splint -A Case Report

K. Sardari, K. Sharifi

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
P.O. Box 91775-1714, Iran

(Revised received September 16, 2002; accepted October 7, 2002)

Abstract

Sardari, K. and Sharifi, K. 2002. Repair of third metacarpal bone fracture in a foal using DCP and Thomas Splint-A case report. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 177-182.

Third metacarpal bone fracture in a 1.5 month thoroughbred foal was diagnosed. The foal was treated by using internal plate fixation with DCP (Dynamic Compression Plate) and Thomas splint. After 60 day postoperatively, the plate was removed and the limb was again immobilized with Thomas splint. After 5 days the Thomas splint was removed and plaster cast was applied which was subsequently changed after 6 days and kept for another 6 days. There after, the plaster cast was removed and no external support was provided and foal was left to enjoy himself for normal walking and exercise schedule.

Feeding and Drinking Responses and Hypothalamic Monoamine Concentrations of Neonatal Chicks Following Intracerebroventricular Injection of 6-OHDA

T. Bungoa*, T. Tachibanab, K. Sashiharac,
S.-I. Kawakamid, A. Ohgushic, M. Furusec, H. Uedaa

aLaboratory of Animal Science
Department of Agrobiological Science
Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University
Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan

bDepartment of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University
Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan

cDepartment of Animal and Marine Bioresources Science
Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences
Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

dDepartment of Animal Production
Kyushu National Agricultural Experiment Station
Kumamoto 861-1192, Japan

(Revised received June 5, 2002; accepted June 10, 2002)

Abstract

Bungo, T., Tachibana, T., Sashihara, K., Kawakami, S.-I., Ohgushi A., Furuse, M. and Ueda, H. 2002. Feeding and drinking responses and hypothalamic monoamine concentrations of neonatal chicks following intracerebroventricular injection of 6-OHDA. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 183-192.

To clarify the involvement of catecholaminergic systems in the regulation of food and water intake in the neonatal chick, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or fusaric acid (FA) was administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) and the concentrations of monoamine in the hypothalamus were determined. We found that food intake was significantly increased by ICV injection of 6-OHDA (25, 50 and 100 µg) until 60 min after injection, but the effect disappeared at 120 min. Although both 6-OHDA and FA had no significant effect on water intake, the water consumption in chicks treated with FA tended to be higher than that with saline (control). Norepinephrine (NE) in the hypothalamus was reduced in chicks treated with 6-OHDA (P<0.05). These results indicate that changes in NE concentration of the hypothalamus mainly influence food intake in chicks.

Restoration of the Crested Ibis, Nipponia nippon

Y.M. Xi, B.Z. Lu1, Y.M. Zhang1, N. Fujihara*

Division of Animal Resource Science
School of Agriculture
Graduate School Kyushu University
Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

(Received February 20, 2002; accepted August 31, 2002)

Abstract

Xi, Y.M., Lu, B.Z., Zhang, Y.M. and Fujihara, N. 2002. Restoration of the crested ibis, Nipponia nippon. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 193-200.

In China, the crested ibis Nipponia nippon was thought to have become extinct until seven birds were rediscovered in 1981. After its rediscovery, various projects for the conservation of the species in the wild and for captive breeding were begun with the goal of managing the population. A total number of this species increased to more than 200 birds including about 100 in the wild and 130 in captivity by 2000. Despite captive breeding inbreeding depression has not been observed. In the course of research, however, various factors were influencing the rate of increase of the crested ibis population. The factors include: habitat loss, the increased human population within the species’ range, environmental pollution resulting from the use of agro-chemicals in particular pesticides and also predators such as snakes and birds. The fate of the crested ibis probably depends largely upon the life style of humankind.

Effects of Dietary Level of Protein, Lysine and Methionine and Strain of Bird on Production and Egg Yolk Cholesterol

T.M. Shafey, J.G. Dingle1, M.W. McDonald1

Department of Animal Production
University of King Saud, College of Agriculture
P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

(Received February 15, 2002; accepted August 31, 2002)

Abstract

Shafey, T.M., Dingle, J.G. and McDonald, M.W. 2002. Effects of dietary level of protein, lysine and methionine and strain of bird on production and egg yolk cholesterol. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 201-208.

The effects of dietary level of protein (151, 181 g/kg), lysine (nil, 10g
L-lysine hydrochloride/kg) and methionine (nil, 5 g DL-methionine/kg) on the production performance and egg yolk cholesterol of two strains of birds were studied for 12 weeks. Birds fed on the high protein diet had higher body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), rate of lay, egg weight and mass and yolk weight and mass. A high lysine diet decreased feed intake and improved FCR. High dietary level of methionine increased egg yolk cholesterol. There were differences between strains of laying bird in feed intake, rate of lay, egg and yolk weights and egg cholesterol content. It is concluded that strain of bird and dietary level of protein and lysine influenced the production performance of birds. Whilst, egg yolk cholesterol was not reduced by any of the factors studied.

Effects of Different Levels of Sunflower Oil in Diets on Lipoproteins, Cholesterol and Triglyceride in Geese

Necati Utlu, Necati Kaya1, Osman Yucel2

Ataturk University
Occupational Health Service School
Erzurum-Turkey

(Received January 22, 2002; accepted September 17, 2002)

Abstract

Utlu, N., Kaya, N., Yucel, O. 2002. Effects of different levels of sunflower oil in diets on lipoproteins, cholesterol and triglyceride in geese. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 209-212.

To evaluate the effect of sunflower oil (SO) in diet on serum lipid profile, 40 goslings were divided into four equal groups and fed on ration containing 0, 2, 4 or 6% SO in basal diet for eleven weeks. Cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with increasing levels of SO in diet. Triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol also decreased (P<0.05) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol increased but differences from control group were significant only at the highest level of SO in the diet. It is suggested that meat from geese fed on lipids containing PUFA may have better human acceptance.

Effect of Mowing Height on Nutritive Value of Maize Silage

H. Kruczy½ska, K. Darul, W. Nowak

Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management
August Cieszkowski Agricultural University
Woly½ska 33, 60-637 Pozna½, Poland

(Received January 17, 2002; accepted September 6, 2002)

Abstract

Kruczy½ska, N., Darul, K. and Nowak, W. 2002. Effect of mowing height on nutritive value of maize silage. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 213-218.

Investigations encompassed maize silages prepared from varieties : Rasant FAO 200, Dragon FAO 210, LG 2252, FAO 230, San FAO 240 and Magister FAO 270. Dry matter content in case of plants mowed at the height of 15 cm (A) ranged from 33.4% (LG 2252) to 38.5% (Magister). Differences between varieties in terms of the chemical composition of silages were slight and not unidirectional. An increase in the height of mowing from 15 cm (A) to 55 cm (B) resulted in significant increase in the concentration of dry matter, decrease in the amount of structural carbohydrates (ADF, NDF) and improved NDF degradation in the rumen. Variety LG 2252 was characterized by the lowest ruminal degradation of starch. Starch digestibility in the whole digestive tract was 99-100 per cent.

Effect of Treatment with Enalapril, Frusemide and a Low-sodium Diet on Dogs with Mitral Regurgitation

E. Ynaraja1, A. Caro1, J.A. Montoya2*

1Internal Medicine
Faculty of Veterinary Science of Madrid, Spain

2Internal Medicine
Faculty of Veterinary Science of Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria University, 35416-Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain

(Received December 27, 2001; accepted September 7, 2002)

Abstract

Ynaraja, E., Caro, A. and Montoya, J.A. 2002. Effect of treatment with enalapril, frusemide and a low-sodium diet on dogs with mitral regurgitation. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 219-224.

Thirty-five dogs with congestive heart failure due to chronic mitral valve disease were treated with frusemide (1 mg/kg bid), enalapril (0.4 mg/kg bid) and a low-sodium diet to evaluated the effects produced by combination of these drugs and to ascertain the possible negative effects following the use of these drugs. The treatment was safe, effective and well tolerated. No major side effects and no significant changes in haematological and biochemical variables were observed.

A Comparison of Non-linear Models for Describing Weight-Age Relationships in N’Dama Cattle

O.O. Mgbere1, O. Olutogun

Animal Breeding & Genetics Division
Department of Animal Science
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

(Revised received May 20, 2002; accepted May 24, 2002)

Abstract

Mgbere, O.O. and Olutogun, O. 2002. A comparison of non-linear models for describing weight-age relationships in N’Dama cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 225-230.

Three non-linear models were used to fit weight-age data of N’Dama cattle reared under ranching conditions at Fashola, Nigeria. Comparisons were made among these models for computational difficulty, goodness of fit and lack of bias in estimate of mature weight. Brody’s and Bertalanffy’s growth models were easy and took less time to reach convergence in comparison to Richards’ model. Richards’ model with least residual mean squares was the best fit to the observed growth pattern of male and female N’Dama cattle. Bertalanffy’s model had the best Asymptotic estimate (A) for males’ data and could predict 99.40 per cent of their mature weight, while Richards’ model, which had the best ‘A’ estimate in females could predict 99.43 per cent of their mature weight.

Antigenic Characteristics of Fowl Adenovirus-4 (FAV-4) Isolates from Inclusion Body Hepatitis-hydropericardium Syndrome of Chickens

Gurpreet Kaur, N.K. Maiti, M.S. Oberoi

Department of Veterinary Microbiology
Punjab Agricultural University
Ludhiana-141004, India

(Received October 11, 2001; accepted May 20, 2002)

Abstract

Kaur, G., Maiti, N.K. and Oberoi, M.S. 2002. Antigenic characteristics of fowl adenovirus-4 (FAV-4) isolates from inclusion body hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome of chickens. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 231-236.

Two-dimensional (crossed) immunoelctrophoresis of 10 FAV-4 isolates revealed 6 immunoprecipitate peaks with FAV-4 antiserum. Purified isolates and standard FAV-4 strain revealed 8 structural polypeptides in SDS-PAGE ranging between 18 to 116 KD in molecular weight. Out of the eight polypeptides, only six polypeptides between 35-166 KD molecular weight were found to be immunogenic in immunoblotting study. This indicated no antigenic differences in the FAV-4 isolates from IBH-HPS cases.

Some Metabolic Effects of Three Different Rations Following Laparotomy in Sheep

M. Mohebbi1, A.H. Meimandi2, M. Eskandarpour

1Department of Animal Health and Nutrition
2Department of Clinical Studies
School of Veterinary Medicine
Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345-1731, Iran

(Received October 27, 2001; accepted August 14, 2002)

Abstract

Mohebbi, M., Meimandi, A.H. and Eskandarpour, M. 2002. Some metabolic effects of three different rations following laparotomy in sheep. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 237-242.

To evaluate the effect of energy and protein of the diet after major surgery, three groups of sheep (n=4) fed a basal diet of alfalfa hay and wheat straw were subjected to left flank laparotomy with some manipulation of internal organs. After surgery, sheep received either basal ration alone or supplemented with barley and soybean meal for next three weeks. The highest dry matter intake and the lowest weight loss were observed in group III, where the diet had the lowest bulk and the highest energy and crude protein content. Serum glucose increased significantly in all groups for 6 days
(p £0.05). Total protein and albumin decreased and BUN increased in all groups (p £0.05), but these changes were prolonged in control group. It is concluded that manipulating the diet following a major surgery may be effective in meeting nutritional requirements of the animal, re-establishing normal metabolic status and reducing utilization of body reserves.

Genetic Parameter Estimation of Partial Egg Production Traits in Layers*

Y. Ünver**, ¤ O?uz, Y. AkbaÕ

Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture
Department of Animal Science
Izmir - Turkey

(Received November 24, 2001; accepted August 16, 2002)

Abstract

Ünver, Y., O?uz, ¤. and AkbaÕ, Y. 2002. Genetic parameter estimation of partial egg production traits in layers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 243-248.

To estimate heritabilities of different partial egg production traits and their correlations with each other and to use it as a selection criteria, egg productions of 1980 animals from 43 sires and 8 dams per sire were used. Heritability estimates of the second period egg production were the lowest based on sire and sire+dam variance components, while it was the lowest in the third period based on animal model. The highest heritability estimates were obtained for 31-40 weeks of age for all models used. Heritability estimates for animal model were generally close to heritability from sire model. Due to high correlations of sub-partial egg productions with 22-40 weeks of egg production, the former can be used as a selection criterion.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome : Growth Rate of Bones in Rats

I.C. Nwaogu

Department of Veterinary Anatomy
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria
Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

(Received October 6, 2001; accepted March 30, 2002)

Abstract

Nwaogu, I.C. 2002. Foetal alcohol syndrome : growth rate of bones in rats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 249-253.

The effect of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the growth rate of humerus and femur were studied in 168 offspring of rats. Experimental foetal alcohol syndrome was produced by giving 10% ethanol (v/v) in water to eight-week old female albino rats for 2 weeks, then 20% ethanol (v/v) for another 3 weeks and mating them overnight. When confirmed pregnant, the alcohol concentration was increased to 30% until delivery when alcohol consumption was stopped. The birth weights as well as lengths of humerus and femur of the control rats were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of prenatally alcohol fed rats at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 weeks of age. The relative growth rates of femur were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the experimental than the control group. It is concluded that alcohol consumption by pregnant rats adversely affected the growth rates of humerus and femur of their offsprings prenatally and at least up to 14 weeks of age.

Anatomy and Histology of the Atrio-Ventricular Node of Goats (Capra hircus)

A. Nabipur

Department of Anatomical Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Mashhad, 91775-1793, Iran

(Received December 13, 2001; accepted September 7, 2002)

Abstract

Nabipur, A. 2002. Anatomy and histology of the atrio-ventricular node of goats (Capra hircus). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 255-260.

Anatomy and histology of the atrio-ventricular node was studied in 5 female goats. The atrio-ventricular node (4.23mm x 2.13mm x 0.61mm) was located beneath the endocardium, in the lower right side of interatrial septum and between the ostium of the coronary sinus and septal cusp of the tricuspid valve. It was irregular elongated oval shaped. Histologically, within the node there was a mass of twisting interconnecting bundles of fibers and intercalated discs were not seen. At the posterio-dorsal and anterio-ventral of the node there were a number of arterioles which supplied the node. Nerve fibers were abundant in the node and parasympathetic ganglions were present in adjacent fibrous ring.

Growth, Non-carcass Components and Retail Cut Percentages of Morkaraman Lambs Slaughtered at Different Weights

M. Macit

Department of Animal Science
Ataturk University, College of Agriculture
25240, Erzurum, Turkey

(Received December 26, 2001; accepted June 19, 2002)

Abstract

Macit, M. 2002. Growth, non-carcass components and retail cut percentages of Morkaraman lambs slaughtered at different weights. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 261-266.

The carcass characteristics (dressing percentage, organ weights and retail cuts) of 15 Morkaraman male lambs slaughtered at approximately 47.5, 52.5 or 57.2 kg live weight were evaluated. All lambs were fed with a diet consisting of 65% concentrate and 35% hay on the basis of biweekly adjustment of the amount offered. The differences between most of the parameters studied were not affected, whereas, most of the fat estimating characteristics were higher when lambs were slaughtered at 57.2 kg live weight than lighter weights (47.5 and 52.5 kg). The results indicate that 75 days of fattening and 47.5 kg of slaughter weight were most appropriate for getting a leaner carcass.

Effect of Rearing Systems on Kid Performance, Lactation Traits and Profitability of Shami (Damascus) Goats

M. Keskin

Mustafa Kemal University
Agricultural Faculty
Hatay-Turkey

(Received February 5, 2002; accepted August 10, 2002)

Abstract

Keskin, M. 2002. Effect of rearing systems on kid performance, lactation traits and profitability of Shami (Damascus) goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 267-271.

To compare the growth performance of kids, lactation characteristics and profitability of Shami (Damascus) goats, thirty three 4-years old does and their 39 kids were divided into two groups: In the traditional kid rearing group, kids were reared with dams without commercial milking and in the second group does were separated from the kids during the day and milked commercially once a day (MOD). During 60 days of study, no significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to kid growth, lactation yield and lactation length of dams. However, the MOD group appeared to be more profitable because it allowed more milk to be marketed.

Effects of Duration of Feed Restriction on Carcass Composition of Leghorn Cockerels

J.E. Rossi, S.C. Loerch1

Department of Animal Sciences
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
The Ohio State University
Wooster, Ohio 44691, U.S.A.

(Received December 26, 2001; accepted July 18, 2002)

Abstract

Rossi, J.E. and Loerch, S.C. 2002. Effects of duration of feed restriction on carcass composition of Leghorn cockerels. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 00-00.

To study effects of duration of feed restriction on carcass composition of Leghorn cockerels, three-hundred sixty 7-d-old Leghorn cockerels were allotted to thirty-six pens with 10 cockerels per pen. Treatments were
ad libitum consumption of feed (AL) or feed intake was restricted to 80% of ad libitum intake for two (R-2), five (R-5), or eight (R-8) wk, followed by ad libitum feeding for the remainder of the experiment. Nine birds per treatment were slaughtered when mean body weight (BW) within a treatment was 250, 500, 1000 and 1310 g. At 250 g BW, carcass protein concentration was lower (P<0.01) and carcass fat concentration was greater (P<0.01) for birds in the AL and R-2 feeding regimens compared with birds in the
R-5 and R-8 regimens. At 1310g BW, there were no significant (P>0.33) treatment effects on carcass protein and fat concentrations. Carcass protein concentration and protein accretion rate appeared to be affected more by body weight than feeding regimen. Carcass fat concentration and accretion rate decreased during a feed intake restriction period, but rapidly increased during realimentation.