Effect of Daytime Grazing of Fresh Grass without Supplemental Feed on Serum and Milk a-Tocopherol Concentrations of Holstein Dairy Cows

Yoshi-Nori Nakamura¹, Akio Shiga², Shigeru Akasaka², Takafumi Gotoh¹*

¹Graduate School Kuju Agricultural Research Center
Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University
Kuju-cho, Oita, 878-0201, Japan

² Faculty of Agriculture
Iwate University
Morioka-shi, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan

(Received March 10, 2007; accepted August 17, 2007)

Abstract

Nakamura, Y., Shiga, A., Akasaka, S. and Gotoh, T. 2007. Effect of daytime grazing of fresh grass without supplemental feed on serum and milk a-tocopherol concentrations of Holstein dairy cows. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 119-124.

The effect of switching 5 Holstein dairy cows from concentrate-fed to roughage-fed conditions without supplemental feed for seven weeks on serum parameters and milk chemical composition in morning and afternoon milk samples was investigated. BW was not affected and blood hematocrit and total protein, glucose and triglyceride concentrations varied within normal values throughout the experiment. During day grazing period, serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), milk somatic cell counts (SCC), total solids, lipids and milk and serum a-tocopherol values increased, whereas, those of milk yield, milk protein, lactose and solids-non-fat decreased. For diurnal changes, NEFA concentrations were lower, whereas, SCC, milk lipid and milk a-tocopherol concentrations were higher in the afternoon. Changes in milk chemical composition, when cows were switched from concentrate-fed to roughage-fed conditions including daytime grazing, were related to the chemical composition of the feeds consumed.

Keywords: a-tocopherol, milk, Holstein dairy cow, pasture.

Author's Contact: Tel: +81-974-76-1377; Fax: +81-974-76-1218; e-mail: gotoh@farm.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Efficiency of Tuna Oil to Modify Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profile in Pork as Affected by Gender and Slaughter Weight

S. Jaturasitha^1*, T. Srikanchai¹, M. Kreuzer²

¹Department of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture
Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

²ETH Zurich, Institute of Animal Science
Universitätstrasse 2, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland

(Received February 27, 2007; accepted September 16, 2007)

Abstract

Jaturasitha, S., Srikanchai, T. and Kreuzer, M. 2007. Efficiency of tuna oil to modify meat quality and fatty acid profile in pork as affected by gender and slaughter weight. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 125-131.

In order to determine the highest efficiency of tuna oil (TO) supplementation, 48 barrows and 48 gilts fed on diets containing 0 or 20 g TO/kg diet were fattened either to 90, 100 or 110 kg live weight (2×2×3-factorial design). Variables describing water-holding capacity and texture of the M. longissimus dorsi were generally not influenced by TO as such. With one exception in shear force, no significant interactions among experimental factors were found. Incorporation of highly unsaturated n-3 fatty acids increased with TO supplementation, but this at the cost of fat shelf life. The n-3 fatty acids were reduced in proportion with increasing slaughter weight. In contrast, gender differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids found in unsupplemented pigs (higher in gilts), were balanced by TO supplementation. In conclusion, TO-fed pigs should be slaughtered early, while there is no need to differentiate for gender.

Keywords: Fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, performance, carcass, pork quality.

Author's Contact: Tel: +66 53 944070-3; Fax: +66 52 357601; e-mail: agisjtrs@chiangmai.ac.th

Effect of a Chemical Preservative on Fermentation, Aerobic Stability and Nutritive Value of Whole-Crop Wheat Silage

Ismail Filya^*, Ekin Sucu

Animal Science Department
Faculty of Agriculture
Uludag University, 16059 Bursa, Turkey

(Received August 24, 2006; accepted September 1, 2007)

Abstract

Filya, I. and Sucu, E. 2007. Effect of a chemical preservative on fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritive value of whole-crop wheat silage. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 133-138.

To evaluate the effect of formic acid based preservative (FAP) on fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritive value of whole-crop wheat silage, wheat was harvested at early dough stage and ensiled for 90 d with 0, 2 , 3 and 4 ml/kg FAP. The FAP treatment did not affect the concentrations of lactic and acetic acid but increased formic and propionic acid and decreased concentrations of butyric acid, ethanol, ammonia-N and gas losses of the silages. Under aerobic conditions, FAP treated silages had lower pH, CO₂ production and the numbers of yeasts (except FA2) and moulds than the control silage (P<0.05). Contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and cellulose decreased in the FAP treated silages, but 96 h in vitro gas production and in vitro organic matter digestibility of the silages were not affected by FAP treatment. Applying 4 ml/kg FAP on wheat silages was most effective.

Keywords: Wheat, silage, chemical preservative, fermentation, aerobic stability, nutritive value.

Author's Contact: Tel.: +90 224 4428970 (231); Fax: +90 224 4428152; e-mail: ifilya@uludag.edu.tr

Influence of Selection for High Humoral Immunity on Selected and Unselected Traits in Black Variety of Turkey*

N.S. Singh¹, Sanjeev Kumar²

Molecular Genetics Laboratory
Central Avian Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received October 12, 2006; accepted February 2, 2007)

Abstract

Singh, N.S. and Kumar, S. 2007. Influence of selection for high humoral immunity on selected and unselected traits in black variety of turkey. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 139-143.

Direct and correlated changes were evaluated in the immunological traits (total, mercaptoethanol resistant (MER) and sensitive (MES) antibodies, serum lysozyme level and PHA-P response and body weights (0 to 24 weeks) in S₁ generation of Black turkey variety, selected for higher immune response to sheep RBCs (SRBC). The selected line had comparatively higher (P>0.05) LS means for all immunological traits except for serum lysozyme level. Hatch effect was significant on MER antibody titre and serum lysozyme level only. Females had significantly higher titres of HA and MES (P<0.1) and lower response to PHA-P (P<0.05). Control line had comparatively higher body weights at 20 and 24 weeks of age. Realized h² estimate as a response to selection was 0.499 indicating the effectiveness of selection.

Keywords: Turkey, humoral immunity, selection, immunological traits.

*Part of the Ph.D. dissertation of the first author, IVRI (Deemed University), Izatnagar-243 122, India.

¹Dept. of Animal Genetics & Breeding, College of Veterinary Science & A. H., NDUAT, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229, India.

²Correspondence: Email: skgcari@yahoo.co.uk

Animal Science Department
Faculty of Agriculture, Uludag University
Gorukle Campus, 16059 , Bursa, Turkey

1Animal Science Department
Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University
07058 Antalya, Turkey

(Received September 20, 2006; accepted August 20, 2007)

Elmaci, C., Oner, Y. and Balcioglu, M.S. 2007. b-Lactoglobulin gene types in Karacabey Merino sheep breeds using PCR-RFLP. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 145-148.

The genetic polymorphism of the b-lactoglobulin gene was investigated in 43 sheep of Karacabey Merino breed of Turkey by polymerase chain reaction _ restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RELP). Two genetic variants b-lgA and b-lgB were identified and the allelic frequencies were estimated as 0.7791 and 0.2209, respectively. It was concluded that the population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Keywords: Sheep, genetic polymorphism, b-lactoglobulin gene, PCR-RFLP.

Author's Contact: Tel.: 90 224 4428970; Fax.: 90 224 4428152, e-mail: elmaci@uludag.edu.tr, elmacic@yahoo.com

Chemical and Digestibility Characteristics of Some Woody Species Browsed by Goats in Central Mexico

J.M. Pinos-Rodríguez^a,c, J.R. Aguirre-Rivera^a, M. Mellado^b,c, J.C. García-López^a, G. Álvarez-Fuentes^a, J.C. Méndez-Villazana^a

^aInstituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas
Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Altair 200. Fracc. del Llano. 78377. San Luis Potosí, S.L.P. México

^bUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro
Departamento de Nutrición y Alimentos Saltillo, México

^cDepartment of Animal Science
University of Callifornia-Davis, 95616 USA

(Received March 21, 2007; accepted September 3, 2007)

Abstract

Pinos-Rodríguez, J.M., Aguirre-Rivera, J.R., Mellado, M., García-López, J.C., Álvarez-Fuentes, G., Méndez-Villazana, J.C. 2007. Chemical and digestibility characteristics of some woody species browsed by goats in Central Mexico. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 149-153.

A study was conducted during fall in Central Mexico to determine the chemical composition, the in situ disappearance and rate of in situ fermentation of ten common woody species used by goats in a semi-humid landscape. Leaves of Parkinsonia aculeata, Pithecellobium dulce, Ceratonia siliqua, Leucaena glauca, Crataegus pubescens, Calliandra eriophylla, Dalea bicolor, Eysenhardtia texana, Atriplex canescens and Amelanchier denticulata were analyzed. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ash content of fodder tree leaves ranged between 29.3 and 63.9, 8.5 and 28.2 and 3 and 18.9, respectively. Both acid detergent fiber (21_47%) and neutral detergent fiber (56.4_81.2%) contents were high. DM disappearance of shrubs and trees was in the range 48_85%, with the highest (P<0.05) disappearance rate at all incubation time for Atriplex canescens, Pithecellobium dulce and Leucaena glauca. These data reaffirm the considerable potential of Atriplex canescens, Leucaena glauca and Pithecellobium dulce as high quality forages for ruminants.

Keywords: Woody species, in situ disappearance, ADF, NDF, CP.

1College of Animal Science and Technology

Yangzhou University
Yangzhou, 225009, China
2Department of Animal Production

Faculty of Veterinary Science
University of Nyala, Sudan
(Received April 4, 2007; accepted October 7, 2007)

Musa, H.H., Chen, G.H., Bao, W.B., Cheng, J.H. and Mekki, D.M. 2007. Association of SNPs in intron 8 of avian lipoprotein lipase gene with cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoprotein concentrations. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 155-159.

A total of 118 blood samples were collected from Anka and Rugao chickens at 12 weeks of age and total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, VLDL and LDL were determined. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) SNPs in Anka and Rugao were detected at 14538bp (C/A) and 14977bp (T/C). Allele frequency was significantly (P<0.01) different in Rugao at LPL10 locus. LPL gene was found to be significantly (P<0.01) different in Anka and Rugao chicken populations. SNPs at LPL9 locus were significantly (P<0.05) associated with LDL in Anka. In addition, total cholesterol and HDL were found to be significantly (P<0.05) different between SNPs genotype at LPL10 locus in both Anka and Rugao chickens. It is concluded that in avian, LPL SNP was significantly associated with LDL in fat chickens and with total cholesterol and HDL in both fat and lean chickens.

Keyword: SNPs, lipoprotein lipase, cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoproteins.

Author's Contact: e-mail: hassan_hm30@yahoo.com

Evaluation of Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) as Forage in a High Concentrate Total Mixed Ration on Finishing Lambs

J.M. Pinos-Rodríguez^a*, J.C. Velásquez-Blanco^b, S.S. González-Muñoz^b, J.C. García-López^a, J.R. Aguirre-Rivera^a, R. Bárcena^b

^aInstituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas

Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
S.L.P. México 78377
^bPrograma de Ganadería

Colegio de Postgraduados
Montecillos, Mexico
(Received May 10, 2006; accepted August 31, 2007)

Abstract

Pinos-Rodríguez, J.M., Velásquez-Blanco, J.C., González-Muñoz, S.S., García-López, J.C., Aguirre-Rivera, J.R. and Bárcena, R. 2007. Evaluation of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) as forage in a high concentrate total mixed ration on finishing lambs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 161-164.

A study was conducted to compare two total mixed rations with similar level of NDF using cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) or alfalfa as forages, in a high level concentrate rations on (i) growth performance in finishing lambs, (ii) nutrients in vivo digestibility and N and energy balance and (iii) ruminal pH and volatile fatty acid (VFA). The high moisture level of cactus pear limited its incorporation in the ration, which was less than 2% of DM, compared to 12% of alfalfa hay. Average daily gain, dry matter intake, N, energy balance and ruminal pH in lambs fed on a ration containing cactus pear were lower than those fed on alfalfa hay as forage. The inclusion of 1.6% (DM basis) of cactus pear in the ration was not an appropriate level to consider the cactus pear as sole forage source for lambs.

Key words: Opuntia ficus-indica, cactus pear, growth, digestibility, ruminal fermentation.

Author's Contact: e-mail jpinos@uaslp.mx

SINE-like Sequence Insertion on Zinc Finger-Y Gene and Sexual Dimorphism in Wild Boars

Sang-Hyun Han, Sung-Soo Lee, In-Cheol Cho*

National Institute of Subtropical Agriculture

Rural Development Administration
1696 Odueng-dong, Jeju 690-150, Korea
(Received January 22, 2007; accepted September 7, 2007)

Abstract

Han, S-H., Lee, S-S. and Cho, I-C. 2007. SINE-like sequence insertion on zinc finger-Y gene and sexual dimorphism in wild boars. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 165-168.

The sex chromosome-encoding zinc finger protein genes (ZFX and ZFY) were analyzed and tested for molecular sexing using the amplification patterns of intron 7 flanking region of ZFX-ZFY in the Korean wild boar (Sus scrofa coreanus). The amplified products from males showed two distinct bands: one was common to all DNA samples of wild boars, indicating that this band was amplified from ZFX on the X chromosome, while another was specific to just males, indicating that it might be from ZFY on the Y chromosome. A transposable element, short interspersed nuclear element (SINE)-like sequence was found on the intron 7 of ZFY but not on that of ZFX and was very similar to commonly found SINE1A_SS. We suggest that this PCR strategy for determining the sex by comparing the amplification patterns of the sexual dimorphic ZFX-ZFY genes on the X and Y chromosomes is a convenient and precise method for discriminating the sex in wild boars.

Keywords: SINE-like sequence, sexual dimorphism, wild boar, ZFY.

Author's Contact: Tel: +82-64-754-5731; Fax: +82-64-754-5713; e-mail: choic4753@rda.go.kr

Study of Pancreas in "Huso huso"

Z. Saadatfar^*, D. Shahsavani^**, S.H. Taevighi^*

*Department of Anatomical Science

**Department of Clinical Science

School of Veterinary Medicine

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, I.R. Iran
(Received January 10, 2007; accepted August 15, 2007)

Abstract

Saadatfar, Z., Shahsavani, D. and Taevighi, S.H. 2007. Study of pancreas in "Huso huso". J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 169-172.

The histology of pancreas of Huso huso has been studied using H&E, Van Gisson , Maldonado and Gomori's stains. It is a compact encapsulated gland lying in the concavity of the intestine. The acinus cells have large eosinophilic granules in their apical region. There are large arteries, many nerve bundles and lymphatic nodules between acinus. The duct system of this gland is like a compound gland. The islets are distributed between exocrine pancreas and their size are 100µ-200µ. The cells of endocrine are arranged in cord shape and A-cells are more than B-cells.

Keywords: Histology, pancreas, fish, Huso huso.

Some Environmental Factors Affecting Somatic

Cell Count of Holstein Cows
H. Erdem* , S. Atasever, E. Kul

Department of Animal Science

Faculty of Agriculture
University of Ondokuz Mayis
55139-Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey
(Received September 11, 2006; accepted May 7, 2007)

Abstract

Erdem, H., Atasever, S. and Kul, E. 2007. Some environmental factors affecting somatic cell count of Holstein cows. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 173-176.

This study was conducted to determine some effective factors on somatic cell count (SCC) of 123 Holstein cows raised in a private dairy farm in Samsun, Turkey on 70±14, 140±14 and 210±14 days in milk in 5 parities and 4 seasons. It was found that logSCC numbers increased with advanced parities and also in the summer season. Effect of stage of lactation on SCC was not significant (P>0.05) but, correlations between logSCC values of each stage of lactation and overall mean of logSCC was significantly high (P<0.01). Thus, the results of the present study demonstrate that mastitis risks rise with increasing age or parity and during summer, late spring and early autumn.

Keywords: Mastitis risk, somatic cell count, environmental factors, Holstein cow.

Author's Contact: Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi, Ziraat Fakultesi, 55139 Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey.

Tel: 90-362-3121360 x 1160; Fax: 90-362-4576034; e-mail: hserdem@omu.edu.tr

Short-term Betacarotene Supplementation Positively Affects Ovarian Follicular Development and Ovulation Rate in Goats

G. Arellano-Rodriguez², C.A. Meza-Herrera^1*, R. Rodriguez-Martinez²,

G. Velazquez-Mendez¹, M. Mellado², H. Salinas³,
M.A. Perez-Razo⁴, F. Sanchez^5
1Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zonas Aridas

Universidad Autónoma Chapingo
²Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro

³ Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales

Agrícolas y Pecuarias
⁴Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlan
⁵Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana _ Xochimilco

México
(Received January 20, 2007; accepted August 02, 2007)

Abstract

Arellano-Rodriguez, G., Meza-Herrera, C.A., Rodriguez-Martinez, R., Velazquez-Mendez, G., Mellado, M., Salinas, H., Perez-Razo, M.A. and Sanchez, F. 2007. Short-term betacarotene supplementation positively affects ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 177-180.

This study evaluated the effect of short-term betacarotene supplementation in goats upon ovarian activity. Adult goats (n=22, 34 mo.) were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups: 1) Betacarotene (BETA, n=10) and 2) Control (CONT, n=12). Once estrually synchronized with P4-vaginal sponges, the BETA group received 50 mg of betacarotene on a daily basis during 35 d pre- and 17 d post-ovulation. Once ovulation occurred, towards the end of the late luteal phase (d 18), transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed in all animals to evaluate total follicles (FT), corpus luteum number (CLT) and total ovarian activity (TOA). The BETA group goats had higher ovarian activity (P=0.07). Results suggest that betacarotene supplementation positively affected ovarian activity in goat.

Keywords: Goat, betacarotene, ovarian function, follicular growth, corpus luteum number.

Author's Contact: Galeana 585 Poniente, Colonia Centro, Lerdo, Durango, Mexico-35150

e-mail: cmeza2000@hotmail.com

Effect of Replacing Wheat Straw with Almond Hull and Shell in Diets on Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Parameters of Goat

A. Can^a*, N. Denek^b, M. Ôeker^a

^aDepartment of Animal Science

Faculty of Agriculture
^bFaculty of Veterinary Medicine

University of Harran

Sanliurfa, Turkey
(Received December 02, 2006; accepted August 11, 2007)

Abstract

Can, A., Denek, N. and Ôeker, M. 2007. Effect of replacing wheat straw with almond hull and shell in diets on nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of goat. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 181-183.

To determine the effect of replacing wheat straw with almond hulls and shell in diets on nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of goat, eight male Kilis goats were arranged in 4x4 Latin square design using 4 animal groups (2 animals of each), four diets and four periods. Diets were 20% or 40% wheat straw or almond hull and shell, balance being a compound feed. Almond hull and shell consuming goats had higher DM intakes with no effect on digestibility or blood parameters except decreased blood urea level. Thus almond hull and shell seem to be a safe and palatable roughage for goats and can replace wheat straw.

Keywords: Almond hull- shell, goat, digestibility.

Author's Contact: Tel: 90 414 247 3862; e-mail: a_can_2000@yahoo.com

Microglossia in a Female Calf

S. Azimpour¹, S. Nazifi²*, E. Khajehali²

¹Science and Research Branch

Islamic Azad University
Tehran, Iran
²Department of Clinical Studies

School of Veterinary Medicine
Shiraz University
Shiraz, 71345-1731 Iran
(Received December18, 2006; accepted August 6, 2007)

Abstract

Azimpour, S., Nazifi, S. and Khajehali, E. 2007. Microglossia in a female calf. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 185-186.

A one-month old calf with history of dysphagia was separated in a farm located in the suburb of Tehran. Clinical examination revealed the presence of microglossia. This is the first report of this malformation in calves.

Keywords: Microglossia, calf.

Author's Contact: Tel: +98-711-2286940; Fax: +98-711-2286950; e-mail: nazifi@shirazu.ac.ir

DNA Polymorphism of BoLA-DRB3.2 Gene in Tharparkar Cattle (Bos indicus) by PCR-RFLP

Bharat Bhushan^*, B.N. Patra, Chandan Paswan, Umang,

Pushpendra Kumar, Triveni Dutt^**, P.J. Das, Arjava Sharma, S.P.S. Ahlawat
Animal Genetics Division

Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India
(Received June 14, 2006; accepted August 18, 2007)

Abstract

Bhushan B., Patra, B. N., Paswan, C., Umang, Kumar, P., Dutt, T., Das, P.J., Sharma, A. and Ahlawat, S. P. S. 2007. DNA polymorphism of Bola-DRB3.2 gene in Tharparkar cattle (Bos indicus) by PCR-RFLP. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 187-190.

PCR-RFLP study of BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 was carried out in 36 Tharparkar cattle using three restriction enzymes namely HaeIII, RsaI and PstI. Two genotypes i.e. HaeIII-aa and HaeIII-ab with frequencies 0.833 and 0.167 and major fragment sizes as 167, 52 and 65 and 219, 167, 52 and 65, respectively, were observed when the 284 bp PCR products were digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme. Digestion with RsaI revealed 10 different patterns (I, II, III, IV, V, I/II, I/III, II/III, III/? and I/?) and out of these five alleles were new and all these alleles were in heterozygous conditions. The frequencies of these were 0.031, 0.156, 0.281, 0.125, 0.156, 0.063, 0.031, 0.063, 0.063 and 0.031, respectively. 75% animals were found homozygous for RsaI enzyme site. The results revealed loss of polymorphism of DRB3 haplotypes. However, further studies may help to understand the mechanisms of loss of polymorphism.

Keywords: DRB3.2 gene, PCR-RFLP, Tharparkar cattle.

Author's Contact: Tel: +91-581-2303382; Fax: +91-581-2303284; e-mail: bb@ivri.up.nic.in & bbhushan_ivri2003@yahoo.co.in

**LPM Section, IVRI, Izatnagar-23 122, India

Experimental Struvite Urolithiasis in Goats

J.A. Corbera, M. Morales, F. Doreste, C. Gutierrez^a

Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery

Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas
35416, Arucas, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
(Received February 15, 2007; accepted September 28, 2007)

Abstract

Corbera, J.A., Morales, M., Doreste, F. and Gutierrez, C. 2007. Experimental struvite urolithiasis in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 191-194.

To study the occurrence of the experimental struvite urolithiasis in goats in a semi-arid region of the Canary Islands, where urolithiasis is relatively common, 18 one-year old Canary female goats were divided into three equal groups: Group A received a concentrate ration of 3 parts corn to 1 part cottonseed meal; Group B received the same diet with wheat straw added ad libitum and Group C received a balanced diet for 10 weeks. Crystaluria was observed in all groups, but was more evident in Group A. Goats belonging to this group showed a progressive calcium/phosphorus disbalance. Epithelial cells and bilirubin crystals were also more evident in the Group A. It is concluded that high grain diet resulted in struvite urolithiasis in goats.

Keywords: Urolithiasis, struvite, calculi, goat.

Author's Contact: Tel.: 00 34 928451115; Fax: 00 34 928451142; e-mail: cgutierrez@dpat.ulpgc.es

Department of Animal Science

Faculty of Agriculture
Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, 32260, Turkey
(Received November 11, 2006; accepted September 12, 2007)

Bozkurt, Y., Aktan, S. and Ozkaya, S. 2007. Body weight prediction using digital image analysis for slaughtered beef cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 195-198.

To predict body weight of beef cattle using traditional methods and digital image analysis system, 140 animals were used and prediction models were developed. The R2 values of prediction equations were 52.1, 63.6, 53.2, 47.1, 43.1 and 49.8% for body area, body length, wither height, hip height, hip width and chest depth, respectively. The regression equations which included only body area, body length or wither height showed that the prediction ability of digital image analysis system was better than the equations including other body traits. The results showed that the prediction ability of digital image analysis system was very promising to predict body weight.

Keywords: Prediction, body weight, body measurements, digital image analysis, beef production.

Author's Contact: Tel: +90 246 211 46 50; Fax: +90 246 237 16 93; e-mail: ybozkurt@ziraat.sdu.edu.tr

Effect of Supplementary Feeding on Honey Bee Colony

A. Dodologlu, B. Emsen

Department of Animal Science

Ataturk University
25240, Erzurum, Turkey
(Received December 8, 2006; accepted June 30, 2007)

Abstract

Dodologlu, A. and Emsen, B. 2007. Effect of supplementary feeding on honey bee colony. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 199-200.

Some changes in physiological characteristics of honey bee colonies were investigated by using supplementary feeding in addition to pasture conditions in spring. The supplementary feeds were cakes prepared with (1) honey and pollen, (2) soya flour, pollen, sucrose and water, (3) yeast, pollen, sucrose and water, (4) yeast, sucrose and water (5) soya flour, sucrose and water, with an unsupplemented control group (6). Use of honey and pollen cake as supplementary feed for beekeeping is recomended.

Keywords: Honey bee (Apis mellifera), supplementary feeding, colony performance.

Author's Contact: Ziraat Fakultesi Zootekni Bolumu 25240 Erzurum/Turkey

Tel.: +90 442 231 26 77; Fax: +90 442 236 09 58; e-mail: dodol@atauni.edu.tr

A PCR Assay for Detection of Babesia bigemina Infection Using Clotted Blood in Bovines

Harkirat Singh*, A.K. Mishra, J.R. Rao, A.K. Tewari

Division of Parasitology

Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India
(Received December 20, 2006; accepted October 1, 2007)

Abstract

Singh, H., Mishra, A.K., Rao, J.R., Tewari, A.K. 2007. A PCR assay for detection of Babesia bigemina infection using clotted blood in bovines. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 201-202.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay was developed and evaluated for rapid detection of Babesia bigemina infection in experimentally infected live and dead cross bred bovine calves. An amplification of 278 bp DNA fragment using as little as 15 µg of blood clots from live and dead animals are suggestive of the sensitivity of the assay. This amplification was possible even after 26 h of death of the animal. Specificity of the test was confirmed by the fact that amplification products were not detected with DNA from other blood parasites including Trypanosoma evansi and Theileria annulata as well as nucleic acid free samples. The PCR based assay provides a valuable tool for sensitive detection of B. bigemina infection in live and dead bovine calves.

Keywords: Babesia bigemina, blood clot, bovine, PCR.

Author's Contact: Tel: 091-09471-2371430; e-mail: drharkiratsingh@gmail.com

Effect of First Feed Intake Time on Broiler Performance and Carcass Traits

Metin Petek^1*, Erbu— Y2lmaz², Recep C2b2k³

¹Department of Zootechnics

³Department of Food Hygiene and Technology

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Uludag
²Veterinary Consultant

Bursa-16059, Turkey

Received August 25, 2006; accepted April 20, 2007)

Abstract

Petek, M., Y2lmaz, E. and C2b2k, R. 2007. Effect of first feed intake time on broiler performance and carcass traits. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 203-206.

Influence of first feed intake time on broiler performance parameters and carcass traits have been evaluated using 225 newly hatched male chicks (Ross), randomly divided into three treatment groups and post-hatch initial feeding times as 0h, 18h and 36h. During the first four weeks, body weight gain of delayed fed groups were lower than control group. However, by the end of the 42 d experimental period body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival rate and carcass trait parameters were not different (P>0.05) among the groups. Performance deficiencies caused by delayed feeding disappeared in subsequent days suggesting that this process had no detrimental effect on broiler performance.

Keywords: Broiler, time to first feed, performance.

Author's Contact: Tel.: +90 224 4429200 x 131; Fax: +90 224 4428025; e-mail: petek@uludag.edu.tr

Production and Characterization of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Against Haemagglutinin Protein of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Vaccine Virus

S. Saravanan, R.P. Singh*, V. Balamurugan, P. Saravanan,

A. Sen, B. Sahay, J. Sarkar, R.K. Singh
Division of Virology

Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Mukteswar, Nainital-263 138, India
(Received November 27, 2006; accepted May 7, 2007)

Abstract

Saravanan, S., Singh, R.P., Balamurugan, V., Saravanan, P., Sen, A., Sahay, B., Sarkar, J. and Singh, R.K. 2007. Production and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against haemagglutinin protein of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine virus. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 207-210.

A set of nine Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus specific hybridoma clones were produced against PPR vaccine virus (Sungri-96 strain) of Indian origin. In virus neutralization test (VNT), cell culture supernatants of these clones showed either complete or partial neutralization with 100 TCID₅₀ PPR virus (PPRV). Of nine clones secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), three were associated with complete neutralization of PPR virus and two of these (5C3, 5D4) were identified to be against heamagglutinin (H) protein of PPRV and of IgG2 isotypes. These MAbs were further studied for their potential diagnostic application, especially with regard to the detection of antibodies against PPRV in competitive ELISA

(c-ELISA). These 5C3 and 5D4 MAbs proved effective for detection of PPR antibodies and could be employed for the development of specific PPR diagnostic assays.

Keywords: Peste des petits ruminants virus, neutralizing, monoclonal antibodies, haemagglutinin protein, diagnostic applications, competitive ELISA.

Author's Contact: Division of Biological Products, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India.

Email: rpsingh@dr.com