*Department of Animal Sciences and Industry

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas, USA, 66506-0201 and ^†Lonza, Inc., Alendale, New Jersey USA 07410

(Revised received January 31, 2007; accepted May 28, 2007)

Abstract

Musser, R.E., Dritz, S.S., Davis, D.L., Tokach, M.D., Nelssen, J.L., Goodband, R.D. and Owen, K.Q. 2007. Effects of L-carnitine in the gestating sow diet on fetal muscle development and carcass characteristics of the offspring. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 105-111.

A total of 232 sows were used to determine the effects none or an additional 50 ppm of L-carnitine in the gestation diet on sow and offspring performance. Sows were fed dietary treatments from breeding until d 110 of gestation. Offspring from sows were ear-notched according to maternal treatment at birth and carcass data were obtained at slaughter. Sow plasma IGF-I concentration was similar (P>0.10) between control and L-carnitine supplemented sows on d 30 and 60 of gestation at 2 h after feeding. No differences were observed in either the immediate or subsequent number of pigs born per litter. No differences were observed in a sub-sample (n = 181) of pig weight at birth, weaning or d 59 of age between control and treatment offspring. Analysis of newborn pigs revealed no differences in semitendinosus cross-sectional area or primary (slow-twitch, red) fibers. Offspring of sows fed L-carnitine had a numerical tendency (P = 0.11) for a lower ratio of secondary:primary fibers compared with offspring of control sows. No differences were observed in hot carcass weight (87.6 kg); however, loin depth (57.0 vs 59.4 mm; P < 0.01) and percentage lean (54.45 vs 55.10; P < 0.01) were increased, and backfat decreased (18.4 vs 17.8 mm: P < 0.01) in offspring of sows fed L-carnitine during gestation. Therefore, while feeding L-carnitine during gestation had no effect on the number of pigs born, it improved carcass leanness of the offspring at market weight and tended to lower ratio of secondary:primary fibers at birth.

Keywords: L-carnitine, gestation, muscle development, sow.

¹University of California

1004 E. Holton Rd., El Centro CA, 92243 U.S.A.

²Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias

Universidad Autónoma de Baja California

Obregón y Julián Carrillo S/N, 21100, Mexicali, Baja California, México

³ Facultad de Medicina veterinaria y Zootecnia

Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

Apartado Postal 263. Carretera Cd. Victoria-Cd. Mante km 6.5

Cd. Victoria, Tam. 87000, México

(Received March 17, 2006; accepted November 25, 2006)

López, J.R., Montaño Gómez, M.F., Jorquera, A.P., Chavira, J.S. and Zinn, R.A. 2007. Dietary phosphorus requirement of Holstein steers during early growing period. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 113-115.

Ninety-six Holstein steer calves (120.7±5.3 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of dietary phosphorus level (0.27, 0.31, 0.35 and 0.39%, DMB) on growth-performance during the initial 105 d on feed. Dicalcium phosphate was the source of supplemental phosphorus. All diets were formulated to contain 0.85% calcium (DMB). Dietary phosphorus level did not affect (P>.10) DMI or body size measurements. However, increasing dietary phosphorus level increased ADG (linear component, P<.05), gain efficiency (quadratic component, P<.05) and dietary NE (quadratic component, P<.05). It is concluded that during the initial growing period ADG, gain efficiency and dietary NE are optimal at a dietary phosphorus level of 0.35%, 15% lower than current NRC recommendations.

Keywords: Requirement, phosphorus, Holstein, growth, feedlot.

Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Soybean on Embryonic Growth and Ossification Indices in Mouse

Zahra Vojdani^1*, Tahereh Talaei Khozani¹, Farzaneh Dehghani¹,
Mohammad Reza Panjehshahin², Afrooz Habibi³, Davood Mehrabani⁴

¹Department of Anatomy

²Natural and Medicinal Chemistry Research Center
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

³Department of Anatomy
Jahrom Medical School, Jahrom, Iran

⁴Gastroenterohepatology Research Center
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

(Received June 6, 2006; accepted January 30, 2007)

Abstract

Vojdani, Z., Khozani, T.T., Dehghani, F., Panjehshahin, M.R., Habibi, A. and Mehrabani, D. 2007. Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of soybean on embryonic growth and ossification indices in mouse. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 117-120.

To evaluate the effects of soybean hydro-alchoholic extraction on growth and ossification indices, fifty female mice were randomly selected and caged with males overnight. The day when vaginal plug was observed was considered as zero day of gestation. Pregnant mice were fed 3, 30, 150 and 300 mg/kg of soybean extract and water as the control to 10 mice each from 5th to 16th day of gestation. Then they were sacrified on 17th day and fixed. Fetus weight, its crown-rump length (CRL) and the biparietal diameter (BPD) were measured. The ossification index (OI) was determined. The OI differed from control with the highest soybean extract group only. It is concluded that overuse of phytoestrogen rich feeds such as soybean should not be recommended during pregnancy.

Keyword: Soybean, embryo, phytoestrogen, growth, osteogenic indices.

An Algebraic Model from Mitscherlich Function to Describe Lactation Curves of Dairy Animals

Shiv Prasad

Division of Livestock Economics
Statistics and Information Technology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Revised received August 24, 2006; accepted November 6, 2006)

Abstract

Prasad, S. 2007. An algebraic model from Mitscherlich function to describe lactation curves of dairy animals. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 121-123.

The Mitscherlich function [Y_t = a (1 _ b e^-ct)] is generally used as growth model. A lactation curve model Y_t = a (1 _ b e^-ct) _ dt + e_t was derived from this function by subtracting the linear function (Y = dt) without intercept. The curve attains the peak position after time t_m = [ln (abc/d)]/c since parturition. This model was compared with four parameter models by fitting them on average weekly milk production of crossbred cattle and graded Murrah buffaloes. The proposed model was found to be the best for describing the lactation curves and also performed better than Mitscherlich x Exponential model.

Key words: Lactation curve, Mitscherlich function, peak yield, peak period, goodness-of-fit.

X.G. Zhao^1,2, J. An³, Q.J. Luo⁴, Z.L. Tan¹*

¹Institute of Subtropical Agriculture

Chinese Academy of Sciences

Changsha 410125

²Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Beijing 100039

³Centre of Experimental Animal

Xinjiang Medical University

Urumchi 830054

⁴Department of Animal Sciences

Xinjiang Agricultural University

Urumchi 830052

Peoples Republic of China

(Received June 19, 2006; accepted March 16, 2007)

Zhao, X.G., An, J., Luo, Q.J. and Tan, Z.L. 2007. Effect of method and level of urea supplementation on nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation in sheep fed a maize stover-based diet. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 125-130.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of method and level of urea supplementation on feed intake, N efficiency, site of digestion and ruminal fermentation in sheep fed a maize stover-based diet. Treatments included an un-supplemented control, two urea supplementation levels and two urea supplementation methods. Feed intakes were not affected (P>0.05) by method or level of supplementation. Total N intake increased (P<0.001) with urea supplementation. N digestibility (P<0.001) and retained N (P<0.05) increased with urea supplementation. It also influenced ruminal DM, OM, ADF and N disappearances. Urea supplementation method or level did not affect rumen pH, however, it influenced rumen NH3-N concentration. The results suggested that ruminants mainly consuming low protein feeds efficiently used urea as N source. However, spraying higher levels of urea were not beneficial.

Keywords: Urea supplementation, nitrogen utilization, ruminal fermentation, sheep.

Genetic Variability in Six Mexican Gray Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) Populations Determined by Microsatellite Markers

M.T. Jaramillo-Jaimes^1*, A.M. Sifuentes-Rincón², M.T. Sánchez Torres-Esqueda¹, G.D. Mendoza-Martínez¹, F. Clemente-Sánchez³, J.I. Olivera-López⁴, M. Molina Hernández⁵, S.C. Martínez-Tripp⁶

¹Programa de Ganadería
IREGEP, Colegio de Postgraduados

²Centro de Biotecnología Genómica
IPN-Tamaulipas

³Colegio de Postgraduados
Campus San Luis Potosí

⁴Depto. Biología de la Reproducción, CBS, UAMI

⁵Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas
Universidad Veracruzana

⁶Laboratorio GenóMA, Mexico

(Received February 6, 2006; accepted January 20, 2007)

Abstract

Jaramillo-Jaimes, M.T., Sifuentes-Rincón, A.M., Sánchez Torres-Esqueda, M.T., Mendoza-Martínez, G.D., Clemente-Sánchez, F., Olivera-López, J.I., Molina Hernández, M. and Martínez-Tripp, S.C. 2007. Genetic variability in six Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) populations determined by microsatellite markers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 131-136.

A study was conducted to evaluate genetic diversity in six Mexican gray wolf populations based on six microsatellite loci. Allelic frequencies, heterozygosity and genetic distances were determined with a pairwise analysis of the genetic distance means to demonstrate that the six wolf populations are genetically very close (0.17-0.41), with marked grouping between populations. Notable differences were observed between allelic frequency profiles for the six microsatellites in the six studied Mexican gray wolf populations. Further studies using Mexican gray wolf populations and other related canid populations are recommended.

Key words: Microsatellite, DNA, polymorphism, genetic diversity, Mexican gray wolf.

Development of a Babesia bigemina Specific Probe from Monomorphic Fragment of RAPD-PCR

R. Ravindran, A.K. Mishra, J.R. Rao

Division of Parasitology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Revised received March 24, 2007; accepted April 20, 2007)

Abstract

Ravindran, R., Mishra, A.K. and Rao, J.R. 2007. Development of a Babesia bigemina specific probe from monomorphic fragment of RAPD-PCR. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 173-176.

A highly species specific Dig labeled DNA probe has been developed for detection of Babesia bigemina with an analytical sensitivity of 2 µg B. bigemina DNA from a monomorphic fragment of RAPD-PCR .

Keywords: Babesia bigemina, DNA probe, RAPD-PCR.

Effect of Dietary Protein Intake on Turnover and Oxidation Rates of Plasma Glucose in Adult Sheep

H. Sano*, M. Kajita, T. Fujita

Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University
Ueda 3-18-8, Morioka 020-8550, Japan

(Received June 18, 2006; accepted January 10, 2007)

Abstract

Sano, H., Kajita, M. and Fujita, T. 2007. Effect of dietary protein intake on turnover and oxidation rates of plasma glucose in adult sheep. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 177-180.

An isotope dilution method of [U-¹³C]glucose with open circuit calorimetry was applied to determine the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) intake 5.6, 7.7 and 10.8 g/kg BW^0.75/d on turnover and oxidation rates of plasma glucose in four adult sheep. Isotopic enrichments of plasma [U-¹³C]glucose and exhaled ¹³CO₂ were determined for calculating the parameters of plasma glucose metabolism. Turnover and oxidation rates of plasma glucose did not change with dietary CP intake levels. It is likely that in adult sheep, plasma glucose metabolism is not influenced by dietary CP intake, when sufficient digestible energy is supplied.

Key words: Glucose metabolism, dietary protein intake, isotope dilution method, sheep.

Effects of Larvae Transfer Conditions on Queen Bee Productivity

A. Dodologlu, B. Emsen

Department of Animal Science
Ataturk University
25240, Erzurum-Turkey

(Received March 23, 2006; accepted October 10, 2006)
 

Abstract

In this study, the Doolittle method was used to examine the effects of transfer conditions (a tent, a caravan and a hygienic grafting room) of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) larvae on queen bee productivity. The higher larvae acceptance rate was obtained in the hygienic grafting room. Also better results for the heights of sealed queen cells, queen weights and shortest pre-oviposition period based on grafted larvae were observed in the same transfer room. The hygienic grafting room is suggested to rear high quality queen bees.

Key words: Queen bee, rearing, transfer conditions, grafting.

Babesiosis in a Steppe Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) _ A Case Report

Ciamak Ghazaei

Mohaghegh Ardabili University
Phase 1, Sabalan-plake 722, P.O. Box 179, Ardabil, Iran

(Received April 10, 2006; accepted December 22, 2007)

Abstract

Ghazaei, C. 2007. Babesiosis in a steppe Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) - a case report. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 183-184.

An endangered Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) showing clinical signs of infection with Babesia was found near the Ardabil desert of Iran. The bird was treated with Imidocarb Dipropionate (Imizol, Pitman-Moore Ltd) and made a complete recovery. This appears to be the first report of avian babesiosis in this species.

Keywords: Babesia, steppe falcon,Fulco cherrug, Imidocarb dipropionate.

Use of Factor Analysis Scores in Multiple Linear Regression Model for Determining Relationships between Milk Yield and Some Udder Traits in Goats

Siddik Keskin¹  , Askin Kor², Serhat Karaca²

¹Department of Biostatistics
Faculty of Medicine
Yüzüncü Yil University, 65200, Van, Turkey

²Department of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture
Yüzüncü Yil University, 65080, Van, Turkey

(Received March 18, 2006; accepted January 17, 2007)

Abstract

Keskin, S., Kor, A. and Karaca, S. 2007. Use of factor analysis scores in multiple linear regression model for determining relationships between milk yield and some udder traits in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 185-188.

In present study, the relationships between daily milk yield (DMY) and 10 udder traits (upper height, bottom height, depth, width, circumference, left and right teat length, left and right teat circumference, teat angle) were examined by using of factor analysis scores in multiple linear regression model. Four factors (teat, udder and height measurements and teat angle) with eigenvalues greater than 1 were selected as independent or explanatory variables and used for multiple linear regression analysis. It was found that four factors had significant effects on daily milk yield and these factors together accounted for 75.4 % of variation in daily milk yield.

Keywords: Communality, eigenvalues, varimax rotation, determination coefficient.

Evaluation of Tree Fodder Silage in the Feeding of Lactating Goats

F.J. Solorio-Sánchez, J.A. Sol-Jiménez, C.A. Sandoval-Castro, J.F.J. Torres-Acosta

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
University of Yucatan
Km 15.5 carret. Xmatkuil, Apdo. 4-116
CP 97100, Mérida, Yucatán, México

(Received April 10, 2006; accepted November 25, 2006)

Abstract

Solorio-Sánchez, F.J., Sol-Jiménez, J.A., Sandoval-Castro, C.A. and Torres-Acosta, J.F.J. 2007. Evaluation of tree fodder silage in the feeding of lactating goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 189-192.

Milk yield and quality of goats fed silage made with Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and either Albizia lebeck or Piscidia piscipula was evaluated. Six Creole goats received three different diets i) A. lebeck and ii) P. piscipula silage and iii) control diet of taiwan grass and commercial concentrate supplement. The voluntary intake of DM, as well as the digestibility of DM and OM were not different (P>0.05). The silage from A. lebeck had the highest ADF and NDF digestibility and N-balance. The milk yield and quality were similar for the three treatments. It was concluded that the silage made with tree fodders mixed with grass is of good quality and can be fed to lactating goats.

Keywords : Tree fodder, Albizia lebeck, Piscidia piscipula, intake, digestibility, milk production, milk composition, goat.

Effect of Slaughter Age on Fattening Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

I. Seker*, M. Bayraktar, S. Kul, O. Ozmen

Department of Zootechny
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Firat University 23119, Elazig-Turkey

(Received May 5, 2006; accepted November 17, 2006)

Abstract

Seker, I., Bayraktar, M., Kul, S. and Ozmen, O. 2007. Effect of slaughter age on fattening performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 193-195.

To determine the most economic slaughter age for male Japanese quails a total of 220 quail chicks were fed a standard feed up to 49 days. Rate of live weight gain started decreasing after 28 days of age. Feed consumption showed similar trend after d35. However, the feed required for each gram of weight gain exhibited steep increase after d42. Dressing percentage was the highest when the birds were slaughtered on d35. Considering these results the slaughter of male Japanese quails is recommended at 42 days of age.

Keywords: Fattening performance, carcass, slaughter age, quail.

Evaluation of Local Side Effects of Captopril Gel in the Rabbit Model

Mehdi Shirazi, Abbas Hassanpour, Abdolaziz Khezri, Soleiman Mohammadi Samani, Ahmad Monabbati, Nader Tanideh, Mohammad Arabzadeh Bahri, Davood Mehrabani

Department of Urology, Faghihi Hospital
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran

(Received June 6, 2006; accepted March 1, 2007)

Abstract

To evaluate the safety of using captopril gel as an antifibrotic agent for preventing recurrence of urethral stricture after a direct vision internal urethrotomy, twelve rabbits were divided into three equal groups, and three types of gel were instilled into the urethra using a lubricating gel as placebo (group I), 0.1% captopril gel (group II), and 2.5% captopril gel (group III). One more rabbit served as control. Changes in the urethral mucosa were evaluated at the end of one week and three months. Mild ulceration and denudation of proximal and distal urothelium were seen with secondary aggregation of inflammatory cells beneath the lamina propria in the early phase in all three groups. No inflammation, scarring, or other side effects were seen in the late phase. As the local side effects of captopril gel on the urothelium were not significant its application in human urethral stricture is recommended.

Keywords: Captopril gel, urethra, rabbit, side effect.

Factor Analysis Scores in a Multiple Linear Regression Model for the Prediction of Carcass Weight in Akkeci Kids

Siddik Keskin^a1 , Irfan Daskiran^b, Askin Kor^b

^aDepartment of Biostatistics
Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University
65200, Van, Turkey

^bDepartment of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture, Yuzuncu Yil University
65080, Van, Turkey

(Received April 02, 2006; accepted February 26, 2007)

Abstract

Keskin, S., Daskiran, I. and Kor, A. 2007. Factor analysis scores in a multiple linear regression model for the prediction of carcass weight in Akkeci kids. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 201-204.

In this study, the relationships between carcass weight and 10 body measurements (slaughter weight, withers height, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest circumference, leg circumference, leg width, leg length and rump width) were examined through factor and multiple linear regression analyses. It was observed that three factors e.g. Form, Circumference and Wideness had significant effects on carcass weight and these factors together accounted for 83.9% of variation in carcass weight.

Key words: Body measurements, communality, eigenvalues, rotation, determination coefficient.

Genetic Polymorphism Among Red Jungle Fowl and Domesticated Chicken Detected by DNA Markers

Amit Tomar¹, P.K. Shukla¹, Jaiyashi Gupta, Anup Singh,
R.R. Churchil, Deepak Sharma*

Genome Mapping Laboratory
Central Avian Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

Abstract

Tomar, A., Shukla, P.K., Gupta, J., Singh, A., Churchil, R.R. and Sharma, D. 2007. Genetic polymorphism among Red Jungle Fowl and domesticated chicken detected by DNA markers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 205-208.

Genetic polymorphism was detected between Red Jungle Fowl (RJF), White Leghorn (WL), Rhodes Island Red (RIR), White Plymouth Rock (WR), Red Cornish (RC), Aseel (AS) and Kadaknath (KN) using 3 DNA marker systems i.e. Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymorphism (RAPD, 20 primers), Microsatellite/ Minisatellite Associated Sequence Amplification (MASA, 3 primers) and Microsatellite markers (8 primers). Out of 119 bands amplified from the 18 polymorphic RAPD primers, 48% were polymorphic. Using MASA primers_, a total of 17 loci were amplified and about 39% of them were polymorphic. Out of 8 microsatellite markers, five markers were polymorphic. Number of alleles amplified with different microsatellite markers ranged from 3 to 6 with an average of 5.0 alleles per marker. Using three marker assay, comparatively lower genetic similarity was estimated between RJF and other domestic breeds, among whom, native breeds, specially Aseel was comparatively closer to RJF.

Keywords: Red Jungle Fowl, RAPD, MASA, microsatellite, genetic polymorphism.

Histochemical Study of the Effects of Noise on the Cell Surface and Extracellular Matrix Glycoconjugates of the Developing Mouse Cochlea

Tahereh Talaei-Khozani, Melihezaman Monsefi, Zahra Vojdani, Farzaneh Dehghani

Department of Anatomy
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Shiraz, Iran

(Received December 29, 2005; accepted March 14, 2007).

Abstract

Talaei-Khozani, T., Monsefi, M., Vojdani, Z. and Dehghani, F. 2007. Histochemical study of the effects of noise on the cell surface and extracellular matrix glycoconjugates of the developing mouse cochlea. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 209-212.

To determine whether noise could change the glycoconjugate pattern of developing cochlea 42 pregnant mice (2-4 m) were exposed to 100 dB continual sound for 2.5 h daily. After parturition, the cochlea of the offspring in the first, seventh and fourteenth day after birth were removed, prepared histologically and stained with lectins , WGA (wheat germ agglutinin), PNA ( peanut agglutinin), GSA (Griffonia simplicifolia) and DBA (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin). Exposure to noise led to decrease in the uptake of the PNA by spiral limbus and ligament in the seventh and fourteenth postnatal days. It is concluded that alternation in glycosilation of glycoconjugates in the noise exposed cochlea could be responsible for the structural and functional changes such as fetal noise induced hearing loss.

Keyword: Glycoconjugate, noise, cochlea, lectin.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Cathelin-like

Prepro Region from Bubalus bubalis, Hemen Das, Bhaskar Sharma, Ashok Kumar

Division of Biochemistry
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243122, India
(Received June 24, 2006; accepted January 18, 2007)

Abstract

In the present study primers from the conserved region of reported Bos taurus cathelicidins were designed and a cathelin-like prepro region of 273 bp from myeloid cells of water buffalo was amplified which codes for 10.5 kDa peptide of 91 residues. This prepropeptide shares 86.4% and 80.2% sequence identity at nucleotides and amino acids level, respectively, with the prepro region of the earlier reported buffalo cathelicidin amplified using primer designed from cattle indolicidin. The results are suggestive of the presence of a different cathelicidin congener in Bubalus bubalis.

Keywords: Cathelin, antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin, prepro region, buffalo, cloning.

Dietary Phosphorus Requirement of Holstein Steers During Early Growing Period

J. Rosales López¹, M.F. Montaño Gómez² , A. Plascencia Jorquera²,
J. Salinas Chavira³, R.A. Zinn^1*

¹University of California
1004 E. Holton Rd., El Centro CA, 92243 U.S.A.

²Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Obregón y Julián Carrillo S/N, 21100, Mexicali, Baja California, México

³ Facultad de Medicina veterinaria y Zootecnia
Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
Apartado Postal 263. Carretera Cd. Victoria-Cd. Mante km 6.5
Cd. Victoria, Tam. 87000, México

(Received March 17, 2006; accepted November 25, 2006)

Abstract

López, J.R., Montaño Gómez, M.F., Jorquera, A.P., Chavira, J.S. and Zinn, R.A. 2007. Dietary phosphorus requirement of Holstein steers during early growing period. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 113-115.

Ninety-six Holstein steer calves (120.7±5.3 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of dietary phosphorus level (0.27, 0.31, 0.35 and 0.39%, DMB) on growth-performance during the initial 105 d on feed. Dicalcium phosphate was the source of supplemental phosphorus. All diets were formulated to contain 0.85% calcium (DMB). Dietary phosphorus level did not affect (P>.10) DMI or body size measurements. However, increasing dietary phosphorus level increased ADG (linear component, P<.05), gain efficiency (quadratic component, P<.05) and dietary NE (quadratic component, P<.05). It is concluded that during the initial growing period ADG, gain efficiency and dietary NE are optimal at a dietary phosphorus level of 0.35%, 15% lower than current NRC recommendations.

Keywords: Requirement, phosphorus, Holstein, growth, feedlot.

Microsatellite Marker Based Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Kankrej Cattle

M. Sodhi*, M. Mukesh, B. Prakash, B.P. Mishra, R.C. Sobti¹,
K.P. Singh², S.P.S. Ahlawat

National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
Karnal-132 001, India

¹Department of Biotechnology
Punjab University, Chandigarh, India

²Gujarat Agriculture University
Sardar Krushi Nagar, Dantiwada, Gujarat, India

(Received April 24, 2006; accepted October 10, 2006)

Abstract

Sodhi, M., Mukesh, M., Prakash, B., Mishra, B.P., Sobti, R.C., Singh, K.P. and Ahlawat, S.P.S. 2007. Microsatellite marker based characterization of genetic diversity in Kankrej cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 153-158.

This study contributes to the knowledge of genetic structure/diversity of Kankrej cattle (a dual purpose breed) from Gujarat state of India. Molecular data generated using bovine specific microsatellite markers was utilized to assess the existing genetic diversity. The mean number of observed and effective alleles was 8.2 and 4.2, respectively. The average observed heterozygosity values (0.694) compared to the average expected heterozygosity values (0.717) did not show significant differences in the selected population (P>0.05), suggesting random mating in Kankrej. The allele diversity and gene diversity values imply a substantial amount of genetic variability in Kankrej cattle. Population inbreeding estimates (F_IS = -0.013) indicated the absence of inbreeding (P<0.05) in this breed.

Keywords: Kankrej cattle, characterization, microsatellite markers, genetic diversity.

Economic Analysis of Beef Cattle Farms in Turkey

V. Demircan^1*, H. Koknaroglu², H. Yilmaz¹, Z. Dernek¹

¹Department of Agricultural Economics

²Department of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture
Süleyman Demirel University
32260 Isparta, Turkey

(Received April 10, 2006; accepted December 06, 2006)

Abstract

Demircan, V., Koknaroglu, H., Yilmaz, H. and Dernek, Z. 2007. Economic analysis of beef cattle farms in Turkey. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 143-148.

To analyze economic structure of different beef cattle farm sizes in Afyon province in Turkey, data were obtained by conducting a questionnaire with 100 beef cattle farms selected by stratified random sampling method. Beef cattle farms were divided into three groups containing 5-10, 11-25 or >25 animals. Production costs per animal ranged between 1.647 and 1.658 US$. Net profit was negative for first and second group and was positive for third group. It was found that 1 kg of liveweight, liveweight gain and carcass production cost decreased as farms size increased. Development of national policies to reduce feed cost and increase farm income by subsidy on forage production and cattle raising are advocated.

Keywords: Beef cattle, production cost, profit, performance, Turkey.

Effect of Nigella sativa L. Oil on Roridin E Toxin Administration on Liver of Male Mice

Safaa Y. Qusti, Nagwa M. El-Sawi Mahmoud*

Biochemistry Department
Faculty of Science
King Abdulaziz University
Geddah, 21551-42805, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

(Received May 7, 2006; accepted February 27, 2007)

Abstract

Qusti, S.Y. and El-Sawi, N.M. 2007. Effect of Nigella sativa L. oil on roridin E toxin administration on liver of male mice. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 161-164

To study the effect of Nigella sativa L Oil (N.S.) on mice given roridin E toxin, 30 albino mice were divided in 3 equal groups. Control group mice were given only the carrier of roridin E. Second group mice were given roridin E (2 mg/kg bw). Third group mice were given toxin as in group 2 but were given 800mg/kg bw of NS oil additionally. Liver tissue and blood serum analysis indicated that lipid peroxidation parameters were increased by toxin but NS oil brought these to normal level. Thus NS oil as antidote to rordin E toxicity is demonstrated.

Keywords: Mycotoxin, roridin E, Nigella sativa L. oil, trichothecene, antioxidants, serum, liver.

Estimation of Optimum Fattening Period in Broilers

V. Dademir^1*, O. Demir¹, M. Macit²

¹Department of Agricultural Economics

²Department of Animal Science
College of Agriculture, Atatürk University
25240- Erzurum, Turkey

(Received February 27, 2006; accepted April 04, 2007)

Abstract

Dademir, V., Demir, O. and Macit, M. 2007. Estimation of optimum fattening period in broilers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 159-160.

The optimum fattening period of broilers was estimated by a mathematical function using weight gain and feed intake data of a previous study conducted on 910 day-old chicks at IPC Livestock Barneveld College, The Netherlands. Forty one day fattening period has been recommended to be optimum fattening period. But calculated optimum fattening period can vary according to chicken meat and feed prices. When feed price is low and chicken meat price is high, fattening period can increase.

Key words: Broiler, performance traits, mathematical function, fattening period.

First Detection of Brucella abortus in Camel Serum in Saudi Arabia Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction

M.A.A. Alshaikh¹, A.I. Al-Haidary¹, R.S. Aljumaah¹, O.B. Mohammed²,
M.M. Al-Korashi¹, Sawsan A. Omer², A.R. Gar ElNabi¹, M.F. Hussein¹

¹Department of Animal Production
College of Food Sciences and Agriculture
King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

²King Khalid Wildlife Research Center
National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development
P.O. Box 61681, Riyadh 11575, Saudi Arabia

(Received August 3, 2006; accepted February 15, 2007)

Abstract

Alshaikh, M.A.A., Alhaidary, A.I., Aljumaah, R.S., Mohammed, O.B., Al-Korashi, M.M., Omer, S.A., Gar ElNabi, A.R. and Hussein, M.F. 2006. First detection of Brucella abortus in camel serum in Saudi Arabia using the polymerase chain reaction. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 149-152.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to diagnose brucellosis in camels. DNA was extracted from 26 serum samples of camels that tested positive for brucellosis by two or more serologic tests. PCR products indicating the presence of a Brucella spp. DNA were detected in all samples with primers that amplify the 31 kDa membrane protein and 18 samples with primers that amplify the 905 bp of the 16S rRNA. Using primers that amplify the IS711 locus 8 samples revealed DNA amplification at around 500 bp, indicating that the organism involved was B. abortus. This is the first report on the use of the PCR as a diagnostic tool for brucellosis in the serum of the camel and the first record of B. abortus in that animal in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Brucellosis, camel, PCR, diagnosis, Saudi Arabia.