Plasma Urea Nitrogen Concentration and Growth Performance of Finishing Pigs Fed Sorghum-Soybean Meal, Low-Protein Diets

J.L. Figueroa*, M. Martínez, J.E. Trujillo, V. Zamora,
J.L. Cordero, M.T. Sánchez-Torres

Programa de Ganadería
Campus Montecillo, Colegio de Postgraduados
Km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Montecillo, Texcoco
Estado de México, C.P. 56230, Mexico

(Received March 15, 2007; accepted January 4, 2008)

Abstract

Figueroa, J.L., Martínez, M., Trujillo, J.E., Zamora, V., Cordero, J.L. and Sánchez-Torres, M.T. 2008. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration and growth performance of finishing pigs fed sorghum-soybean meal, low-protein diets. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 7-12.

To determine the lowest CP level in sorghum-soybean meal diets of finishing pigs using plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentration as rapid response criterion, two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, four CP (%) levels: T1) 14.0, control; T2) 12.5; T3) 11.0; and T4) 9.5, were tested in a crossover design with four periods of 7 days each. On the last day of each period, blood was collected to determine PUN. The lowest PUN indicated that CP can be reduced up to 9.5%. The best regression model (highest R2 and lowest SEM) was the nonlinear exponential. In experiment 2, three CP (%) levels were: T1) 14; T2) 12.5; and T3) 9.5. The feed : gain ratio increased and the longissimus muscle area and PUN were reduced as CP was reduced. These results indicate that PUN can be reduced with lower dietary CP.

Key words: Finishing pigs, sorghum-soybean meal diets, low-protein diets, plasma urea nitrogen concentration, growth performance.

*Corresponding author: Tel./Fax: + 52 (595) 952-0279;
E-mail: jlfigueroa@colpos.mx

A New Method of Extravesical Antireflux Operation in the Rabbit Model (Extravesical Gill-Vernet)

S. Shakeri^1*, P. Masoudi¹, D. Mehrabani^2,3, N. Tanideh^2,3,
A.R. Aminsharifi¹, R. Askari¹, M. Yazdani⁴

¹Department of Urology
Shahid Faghili Hospital

²Gastroenterohepatology Research Center
Departent of Pathology
³Experimental Pathology Research Center
⁴Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
School of Medicine
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Shiraz, Iran

(Received February 12, 2007; accepted October 30, 2007)

Abstract

Shakeri, S., Masoudi, P., Mehrabani, D., Tanideh, N., Aminsharifi, A.R., Askari, R. and Yazdani, M. 2008. A new method of extravesical antireflux operation in the rabbit model (extravesical gill-vernet). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 13-16.

To introduce a novel surgical technique of repair of primary vesicoureteral reflux extravesical Gill-Vernet, ten rabbits with bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (20 renal units) were operated by this new technique and after 6 weeks, the effectiveness of the surgery was evaluated by cystogram and intravenous urography (IVU) for detection of persistent reflux or ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO), respectively. Post-operative radiograms revealed persistent reflux in only two (10%) and obstruction in none of the renal units. There were few operative and post-operative complications with no mortality. The favorable success rate (90%) and low morbidity (no UVJO) support the use of the new method of surgery for an uncomplicated reflux.

Key words: Vesicoureteral reflux, extravesical antireflux, rabbit.

*Corresponding author: Tel: +98-711-2351089-97;
Fax: +98-711-6256051; E-mail: pmasoudi@hotmail.com

Effect of Lycopene Administration on Plasma Glucose, Oxidative Stress and Body Weight in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

Vesile Duzguner^*, Altug Kucukgul^*, Suat Erdogan^*1, Sefa Celik^*, Kazim Sahin^#

^*Department of Biochemistry
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Mustafa Kemal University
31034 Hatay, Turkey

^#Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disease
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Firat University
Elazig, Turkey

(Received February 8, 2007; accepted September 06, 2007)

Abstract

Duzguner, V., Kucukgul, A., Erdogan, S., Celik, S. and Sahin, K. 2008. Effect of lycopene administration on plasma glucose, oxidative stress and body weight in streptozotocin diabetic rats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 17-20.

To evaluate the role of lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant, on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, 12 female rats received a single intraperitonial injection of STZ at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight of which 6 were given 10 mg/kg lycopene orally (test group) once daily for 21 days. The administration of STZ caused a significant increase in plasma glucose and decrease in body weight. The supplementation of lycopene significantly reduced diabetic plasma glucose level by 25% and prevented body weight loss starting from 14th day of lycopene administration. Although tissue lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) levels were unchanged, lycopene administration significantly reduced diabetes-elevated lipid peroxidation and NO in plasma. It was concluded that lycopene supplementation may be valuable for correcting hyperglycemia and preventing diabetic complications caused by lipid peroxidation and free radicals.

Keywords: Diabetes, lipid peroxidation, lycopene, STZ, rat.

¹Corresponding author Tel: +90-326-2455845/1538,
Fax: +90-326-2455704; E-mail: serdogan@mku.edu.tr

Amino Acid Digestibility and Energy Value of Yellow-seeded Rapeseed Meal in Broiler Chicken Performance

A.A. Saki*, H. Mahmoudi, M.M. Tabatabaei, A. Ahmadi

Animal Science Department
Faculty of Agriculture
Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

(Received March 29, 2007 ; accepted December 10, 2007)

Abstract

Saki, A.A., Mahmoudi, H., Tabatabaei, M.M. and Ahmadi, A. 2008. Amino acid digestibility and energy value of yellow-seeded rapeseed meal in broiler chicken performance. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 21-24.

To determine the nutritive value of yellow-seeded rapeseed meal (YRSM), this protein source and soybean meal (SBM) were fed to 16 mature cockerels to determine nitrogen-corrected true metabolisable energy (TMEn) and amino acid digestibilities. TMEn of YRSM was 0.51 MJ/kg lower than SBM. Average amino acid digestibilities (14 Amino acids) were 89.47 and 84.90% for SBM and YRSM, respectively. Three hundred and four ten-day-old unsexed Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments with four replications per treatment and 19 birds per replication (pen). A diet based on corn-soybean meal was used as control and in other three treatments SBM was replaced with graded levels of YRSM at 150, 225 and 300 g/kg of diet. Feed intake, weight gain, feed to gain ratio and carcass characteristics of birds fed 300 g/kg YRSM were inferior to that of birds of other treatments. It was concluded that up to 225 g/kg YRSM can be incorporated in the broiler diet without any adverse effect.

Key words: Yellow-seeded rapeseed meal, TMEn, amino acid digestibility, broiler.

Evaluation of Mushroom Catheter for Diverting Loop Ileostomy: An Experimental Study in Dog

H.R. Abbasi¹, S. Yazdani¹, D. Mehrabani², N. Tanideh^2,3, M. Vasei⁴,
A.R. Rasehkhi⁵, S.V. Hosseini^1,2*, M. Amini¹

¹Department of Surgery
Division of Colorectal Surgery

²Gastroenterohepatology Research Center
³Department of Pharmacology
Nemazee Hospital
⁴Department of Pathology
⁵Department of Radiology
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Shiraz, 71345-1744, Iran

(Received November 21, 2006; accepted October 6, 2007)

Abstract

Abbasi, H.R., Yazdani, S., Mehrabani, D., Tanideh, N., Vasei, M., Rasehkhi, A.R., Hosseini, S.V. and Amini, M. 2008. Evaluation of mushroom catheter for diverting loop ileostomy: an experimental study in dog. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 25-28.

This experiment was conducted to examine a new surgical method of ileostomy for fecal diversion using mushroom catheter in an animal model. In 10 dogs, a mushroom catheter was inserted in the lumen of terminal ileum and was fixed to the abdominal wall. It was removed after 2 weeks and an enterocutaneous fistula was created. Finally at the end of 4th week after operation, samples were provided from terminal ileum and the colon anastomosis site and were studied radiologically and pathologically. Two dogs succumbed to complications and the remaining 8 dogs were alive till the end of 4th week post-operation. In all dogs, catheters were removed by themselves in 8-13th post-operation day and drainage from the created enterocutaneous fistula (site of mushroom catheter) was stopped after 2 weeks. Radiological studies showed closure of fistula without any stenosis in the site of purse suturing of the lumen of terminal ileum at the end of 4th week post-operation. We suggest this new method of ileostomy to be able to divert fecal stream for about one month (in order to preserve distal colon anastomosis).

Key words: Mushroom catheter, loop ileostomy, dog.

*For correspondence : Tel: +98-711-2293004;
Fax: +98-711-6276212; E-mail: hoseiniv@sums.ac.ir

PCR-RFLP analysis of IL-2Rgand IL-15Ra genes in Specialized Layer Chicken Lines¹

A.P. Singh, Sanjeev Kumar², Taran Gupta

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

(Received September 25, 2006; accepted November 30, 2007 )

Abstract

Singh, A.P., Kumar, S. and Gupta, T. 2008. PCR-RFLP analysis of IL-2Rg and IL-15Ra genes in specialized layer chicken lines. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 29-31.

DNA polymorphism of IL-2Rg and IL-15Ra was studied in 70 birds belonging to third generation of specialized White Leghorn chicken lines, divergently selected for humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes by PCR-RFLP technique using specific primers. Amplification revealed product of 600bp for IL-2Rg and 246bp for IL-15Ra genes. These amplicons digested with Hph I and Alu I revealed similar and monomorphic patterns in specialized layer chicken lines. It may be inferred that although specific primers amplified the target gene sequence but the PCR-RFLP pattern varied under different genetic backgrounds.

Keywords: Nucleotide polymorphism, immune response, chicken, PCR, RFLP.

Isolation, Sequence Identification and Tissue Expression Distribution of Three Novel Porcine Genes-UBC1, TRA2A and SH21A

G.Y. Liu, S.M. Zhao, X.L. Song, J. Wang, S.Z. Gao*

Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed of Yunnan Province
Yunnan Agricultural University
Kunming 650201, China

(Received March 02, 2007; accepted January 03, 2008)

Abstract

Liu, G.Y., Zhao, S.M., Song, X.L., Wang, J. and Gao, S.Z. 2008. Isolation, sequence identification and tissue expression distribution of three novel porcine genes UBC1,TRA2A and SH21A. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 33-38.

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2-25 kDa (UBC1), transformer-2 protein homolog TRA-2 alpha (TRA2A) and SH2 domain protein 1A (SH21A) genes are most important genes highly related or potentially related with the porcine production. The complete coding sequences of these three porcine genes were amplified using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on the conserved sequence information of the mouse or other mammals and referred highly homologous pig ESTs. Porcine UBC1 gene encodes a protein of 200 amino acids which contains the conserved putative UBCc domain and has high homology with the UBC1 proteins of three species—human, mouse and bovine (100%). The porcine TRA2A gene encodes a protein of 279 amino acids that contains the conserved putative RNA recognition motif (RRM) domain and has high homology with the TRA2A proteins of two species-human (99%) and mouse (97%). The porcine SH21A gene encodes a protein of 128 amino acids that contains the conserved putative src homology 2 (SH2) domain and has high homology with the SH21A proteins of two specieshuman (92%) and mouse (86%). The tissue expression analysis indicated that the swine UBC1, TRA2A and SH21A genes were expressed in different tissues including lung, fat, small intestine, large intestine, liver, muscle, spleen and kidney. Our experiment is the first to establish the primary foundation for further research on these three swine genes.

Keywords: Pig, UBC1, TRA2A, SH21A, tissue expression analysis.

*Corresponding author: e-mail: liuyg4567@163.com

Effect of Harsh Environmental Conditions on Nutrient Utilization and Blood Parameters of Awassi Sheep and Kilis Goat Fed Different Levels of Concentrate Feed

A. Cana, N. Denekb, M. Ôekera

^aDepartment of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture
bFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Harran
Sanliurfa, Turkey

(Revised received July 10 2007; accepted August 1, 2007)

Abstract

Can, A., Denek, N. and Ôeker, M. 2008. Effect of harsh environmental conditions on nutrient utilization and blood parameters of Awassi sheep and Kilis goat fed different levels of concentrate feed. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 39-43.

To determine the season effect (summer vs winter) on nutrient utilization and blood, rumen parameters of Awassi ram lambs and male Kilis goats fed different concentrate levels, 8 each of Awassi ram lambs and Kilis male goats were arranged in 2 x 2 x 2 factorial in which season (summer vs winter), animal species (sheep vs goat) and concentrate level (80 vs 50%) were the main effects. Ram lambs consumed more DM (P<0.05) than goats (2.63 vs 2.40% of BW). During the summer season, water consumption of animals was almost twice that of winter season. During winter nutrient digestibilities decreased. High concentrate diet resulted in higher DM, OM, CP digestibilities and lower ADF, NDF digestibilities. Rectal and nose temperatures were recorded lower during winter season. Serum glucose level increased during winter but other parameters were within normal physiological limits. It is concluded that Kilis goat coped better with heat load but not with cold exposure as compared to Awassi sheep.

Keywords: Season, goat, sheep, digestibility.

^aFor correspondence: Tel: 90 414 247 3862;
e-mail: a_can_2000@yahoo.com

Chemical Composition and Ruminal in vitro Degradation of Fresh or Silage of Agave salmiana Otto ex. Salm-Dick

J.M. Pinos-Rodríguez¹, S. Gonzalez-Muñoz², B. Badillo², J.C. García-López1, J.R. Aguirre-Rivera¹, S. Infante²

¹Instituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas
Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. Altair 200
Fracc. del Llano. 78377. San Luis Potosí. S.L.P. México

²Programa de Ganadería
Colegio de Postgraduados. Montecillo, México

(Received July 10, 2007; accepted December 01, 2007)

Abstract

Pinos-Rodríguez, J.M., Gonzalez-Muñoz, S., Badillo, B., García-López, J.C., Aguirre-Rivera, J.R. and Infante, S. 2008. Chemical composition and ruminal in vitro degradation of fresh or silage of Agave salmiana Otto ex. Salm-Dick. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 45-48.

Chemical composition and in vitro DM ruminal degradation of whole plant or leaves of Agave salmiana immature, mature or castrated, fresh or silage were estimated. Results suggest that silage process affected pH, DM, NDF, ADF, ash and in vitro DM ruminal degradation, but did not reduce saponin concentration. DM, OM, CP, ADF, ash and DM degradation rate was modified by maturity. Moreover, segment plant impacted OM, CP, ash, saponin and DM degradation rate. Fermentative compounds were found in normal
concentrations in the A. salmiana silages.

Keywords: Agave salmiana, silage, chemical composition, nutritional quality.

Effects of Repetitive Temperature Changes on the Stress Response and Growth of Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

Jun Wook Hur¹, Han Kyu Lim^2*, Young Jin Chang³

¹School of Marine life Science
Kunsan National University
Gunsan 573-701, Korea

²Aquaculture Management Team
National Fisheries Research and Development Institute
Gijang, Busan 619-902, Korea
³Department of Aquaculture
Pukyong National University
Busan 608-737, Korea

(Revised received January 10, 2008; accepted January 28, 2008)

Abstract

Hur, J.W., Lim, H.K. and Chang, Y.J. 2008. Effects of repetitive temperature changes on the stress response and growth of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 49-54.

This study has examined the effects of repetitive and rapid changes of water temperature (such as sudden rises and falls) on the stress response and growth of olive flounder. Whereas, 3C and 6C rise didn’t change the plasma level of cortisol or glucose, 9C rise significantly increased both stress indicators. On the other hand, only 9C fall meaningfully increased plasma level of cortisol. Rise in water temperature significantly decreased feed intake, total length and body weight, which was restored to normal once the stress was withdrawn. Survival rate was adversely affected by rise in temperature but not with fall. As a result of olive flounder getting repetitive stress from water temperature, the first response is a rise in their plasma level of cortisol and the second is a negative effect on their growth and survival. Besides, rising water temperature stressed them much more than falling water temperature.

Key words: Olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, water temperature, stress, cortisol, growth.

*Corresponding author: Tel.: 82-51-720-2423;
Fax: 82-51-720-2439; E-mail: limhk@nfrdi.re.kr

Evaluation of Human Amniotic Membrane as a Substitute for Transitional Epithelium of Bladder in Dog

Saeed Shakeri1, Parham Masoudi1*, Maryam Yazdani2, Ahmad Monabbati3, Davood Mehrabani4,5, Nader Tanideh5

1Department of Urology
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Shaheed Faghihi Hospital

3Department of Pathology
4Gastroenterohepatology Research Center
Nemazee Hospital
5Experimental Pathology Research Center
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Shiraz 71345-1744, Iran

(Received July 3, 2006; accepted December 1, 2007)

Abstract

Shakeri, S., Masoudi, P., Yazdani, M., Monabbati, A., Mehrabani, D. and Tanideh, N. 2008. Evaluation of human amniotic membrane as a substitute for transitional epithelium of bladder in dog. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 55-59.

To evaluate the use of fresh placental membrane as a feasible, economic and acceptable organic agent for bladder reconstruction and replacement, twelve cross hybrid dogs underwent partial cystectomy and subsequent closure (two controls) or patch augmentation with a 4×4 centimeter patch of human placental membrane, sutured to the remaining bladder in a watertight fashion. The dogs were sacrificed six weeks after surgery. Grafts remained in place in all cases, except in one of the dogs in the augmentation group which developed patch perforation, urine leakage and finally peritonitis. In others, histological examinations revealed evidence of regeneration of normal-appearing urothelium, lamina propria, neovascularization, retracting placental patch, and reconstitution of a normal- appearing and functioning bladder. This showed that placental membranes, because of their low antigenic properties, easy availability and tolerability by host urinary tract, provide an excellent graft material for the urinary tract reconstructions.

Keywords: Bladder reconstruction, placental membrane, graft.

*Corresponding author: Tel: +98-711-2351089-97;
Fax: +98-711-6256051; E-mail: pmasoudi@hotmail.com
 

Effect of Higher Levels of Dietary Vitamin E on Performance and Immune Response in Growing Japanese Quail

A. Biswas, J. Mohan*, K.V.H. Sastry, J.S. Tyagi

Division of Physiology and Reproduction
Central Avian Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received July 20, 2006; accepted December 1, 2007)

Abstract

Biswas, A., Mohan, J., Sastry, K.V.H. and Tyagi, J.S. 2008. Effect of higher levels of dietary vitamin E on performance and immune responses in growing Japanese quail. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 61-64.

To study the effect of increasing dietary vitamin E (VE) on performance and immune response, 240 day old chicks were randomly selected and divided into 12 groups with 20 chicks in each group (3 dietary treatments x 4 replicates). The basal diet contained 15 IU VE/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 150 IU and 300 IU VE/kg. Body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality were not affected by VE supplementation. Antibody titres, response to intradermally injected phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus were significantly (P<0.05) higher after feeding the two VE-supplemented diets. It is concluded that VE supplementation improved immune response but not performance in growing Japanese quail.

Key words: Antioxidant, vitamin E, immune response, Japanese quail.

¹Department of Animal Science

²Department of Horticulture
College of Agriculture
Ataturk University
25240 Erzurum, Turkey

(Received August 19, 2006; accepted July 12, 2007)

Dogru, U., Ozdemir, M. and Ercisli, S. 2008. Genetic polymorphism in Kappa-casein gene detected by PCRRFLP in cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 65-68.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method has been used to detect polymorphism in Kappa-casein gene in cattle. A 351 bp Kappa-casein gene fragment was amplified and the PCR products were digested with four different restriction enzymes i.e. Alu I, Hind III, Hinf I and Taq I. All these enzymes were able to distinguish between Kappa-casein A and B types, however Hind III, Hinf I and Taq I were found more effective for kappa-casein variants than Alu I.

Key words : Kappa-casein, PCR-RFLP, genetic polymorphism

Assessment of Egg Production Indices of Layers Following Dietary Inclusion of Composite Cassava (Manihot esculanta) Meal

C.O. Okereke¹, S.N Ukachukwu², D.O. Umesiobi^3*

¹National Root Crops Research Institute
Umudike, PMB 7006
Umuahia, Nigeria

²Michael Okpara University of Agriculture
Umudike, PMB 7267
Umuahia, Nigeria
³School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Central University of Technology
Free State, Private Bag X20539
Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa

(Received February 19, 2007; accepted December 15, 2007)

Abstract

Okereke, C.O., Ukachukwu, S.N. and Umesiobi, D.O. 2008. Assessment of egg production indices of layers following dietary inclusion of composite cassava (Manihot esculanta) meal. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 69-72.

Ninety (90) 40-week-old laying hens of the Lowman Brown strain were used in a 10 weeks experiment to determine the effect of replacing dietary maize meal at 0%,10%, 20%, 30% and 40% levels with composite cassava meal (CCM) on the performance of laying birds. Feed intake and feed per dozen eggs increased with increasing level of CCM in diet. Other parameters were generally similar among all groups. Results suggest that the diets containing various inclusion levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% CCM were equally utilised by the laying hens.

Keywords: Manihot esculanta meal, egg production, egg quality, Lowman Brown layer breed.

*Corresponding author: Tel.: +27-51-5073272, Cell: +27-82-
3903717; Fax: +27-51-5073435; E-mail: umesiobi@cut.ac.za

First Karyological Analysis of an Endemic Fish, Isfahan Tooth-carp, Aphanius isfahanensis (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontidae) from Iran

H.R. Esmaeili, M. Ebrahimi, A. Teimory, T.H. Ansary

Department of Biology
College of Sciences, Shiraz University
Shiraz, 71454, Iran

(Received March 02, 2007; accepted December 08, 2007)

Abstract

Esmaeili, H.R., Ebrahimi, M., Teimory, A. and Ansary, T.H. 2008. First karyological analysis of an endemic fish, Isfahan tooth-carp, Aphanius isfahanensis (actinopterygii: cyprinodontidae) from Iran. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 73-76.

The karyotype of Isfahan tooth-carp, Aphanius isfahanensis has been investigated by examining metaphase chromosomes spreads obtained from gill epithelial and kidney cells. The diploid chromosome number of this species was 2n=48. The karyotype consisted of 6 pairs of submetacentric and 18 pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes. The arm number (NF) was 30. Sex chromosomes were cytologically indistinguishable in this tooth-carp.

Keywords: Aphanius, karyotype, chromosome, idiogram, Iran.

Tel.: +98-711-2280916; Fax: +98-711-2280926;
E-mail: esmaeili@susc.ac.ir

Detection and Partial Purification of Salmonella serovar Typhimurium Cytotoxic Protein Affecting Seed Germination

Mahtab Z. Siddiqui¹, B.R. Singh², Mudit Chandra, Ravi Kant Agarwal, R.K. Agarwal, S.K. Srivastava*

National Salmonella Centre
Division of Bacteriology and Mycology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received November 14, 2006; accepted October 6, 2007)

Abstract

Siddiqui, M.Z., Singh, B.R., Chandra, M., Agarwal, Ravi Kant, Agarwal, R.K. and Srivastava, S.K. 2007. Detection and partial purification of Salmonella serovar Typhimurium cytotoxic protein affecting seed germination. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 77-79.

Cells of a virulent strain of Salmonella Typhimurium (E-2391), a highly ubiquitous and zoonotic serovar, were sonicated and the cell-free supernatant was precipitated using increasing concentration of ammonium sulphate (30-80%). Inhibition of seed germination by various precipitated fractions revealed that the activity was present in the fraction precipitated at 70% saturation of ammonium sulphate. Out of the two peaks obtained on Seralose 6B chromatography, the second peak was found to possess germination-inhibition activity at a level as low as 0.1 mg/ml of this protein. SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of fewer proteins in the second peak but no specific protein responsible for the inhibition could be deduced. The study indicated that the in vitro seed germination inhibition technique can be utilized for testing of Salmonella isolates for the cytotoxic properties instead of resorting to expensive in vivo methods involving use of animals.

Key words: Salmonella Typhimurium, cytotoxic protein, germination-inhibition.

*Corresponding author: E-mail: sksrivastava@ivri.up.nic.in
Present address: ¹PPD Division, Indian Institute of Natural
Resins and Gums (Formerly ILRI), Namkum, Ranchi, India.
²National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India

Construction and Evaluation of Directionally Cloned cDNA Libraries from Lactating and Non-lactating Mammary Gland of River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): A Resource for Gene Identification in Bubaline Genome

M. Mukesh^a, R.S. Kataria^a, V. Kumar^a, D. Pandey^a, M. Sodhi^a, S.P.S. Ahlawat^a,1, R.C. Sobti^b, B.P. Mishra^a*

^aNational Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
PO Box-129, Baldi Bye Pass, Karnal-132 001, India

^bPanjab University
Chandigarh-160 012, India

(Received January 15, 2007; accepted October 4, 2007)

Abstract

Mukesh, M., Kataria, R.S., Kumar, V., Pandey, D., Sodhi, M., Ahlawat, S.P.S., Sobti, R.C. and Mishra, B.P. 2008. Construction and evaluation of directionally cloned cDNA libraries from lactating and non-lactating mammary gland of river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): A resource for gene identification in bubaline genome. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 81-84.

Directionally cloned cDNA libraries from lactating (Lac-MG) and non-lactating (NLac-MG) buffalo mammary gland were constructed and characterized. The total number of independent primary clones were: 8.0 x 104 and 1.1 x 105 for Lac-MG and Nlac-MG cDNA libraries, respectively, with >90% of the clones having cDNA inserts. The occurrence of large cDNA insert length (average 0.90 Kb: range 0.45-2.5 Kb in Lac-MG and average 0.57 Kb: range 0.32-1.8 Kb in NLac-MG cDNA libraries) was indicative of the good quality status of both the libraries. The single-pass sequencing of randomly selected cDNA clones found several full-length cDNA sequences with complete 5’ and 3’ UTR. The initial sequence analysis showed several clones harboring milk protein, ribosomal and regulatory gene transcripts like ubiquitin, mammary derived growth inhibitor, lipoprotein lipase etc. The two cDNA libraries can be utilized as gene resources for cataloguing and annotation of mammary gland transcripts/ESTs in river buffaloes.

Keywords: River buffalo, mammary gland, cDNA library, expressed sequence tags.

*For correspondence: Tel: +91-184-2267918;
Fax +91-184-2267654; E mail: bpmishra@nbagr.ernet.in
¹Present address: Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Izatnagar-243 122, India.

 A Comparison Between Osteogenic Index, Gross and Skeletal Abnormalities in the Embryo of Treated Mice with Herbal Lavandula officinalis and those with Chemical Phenytoin Antiepileptic Drugs

Soghra Bahmanpour¹*, Faegheh Bahaadinie², Abbas Jafarian Dehkordi³, Fatemeh Akhondi³

¹Anatomy Department
²Pharmacology Department
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
³School of Pharmacy
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Shiraz, Iran

(Received January 19, 2007; accepted October 5, 2007)

Abstract

Bahmanpour, S., Bahaadinie, F., Dehkordi, A.J. and Akhondi, F. 2008. A comparison between osteogenic index, gross and skeletal abnormalities in the embryo of treated mice with herbal Lavandula officinalis and those with chemical phenytoin antiepileptic drugs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 85-88.

To compare a synthetic drug, phenytoin and an herbal drug, Lavandula officinalis, used as antiepileptic remedy, their teratogenic abnormalities were compared using BalbC mice. The essential oil and phenytoin both reduced the embryo weight, CRL index, length and ossification of femur and tibia and increased the number of abnormal embryos. But these ill effects were more pronounced with phenytoin than with L. officinalis. It can be concluded that herbal remedy L. officinalis is better than synthetic phenytoin with less congenital abnormalities in mice.

Keywords: Lavandula officinalis, antiepileptic, essential oil, herbal medicine.

For correspondence: Tel: +98-711-2304372;
Email: bahmans@sums.ac.ir

Effect of hCG on Rat Endometrium at Preimplantation Stage

Soghra Gholami^1*, Gholamali Jelodar², Hamed Alborzinia¹

¹Department of Anatomy and Histology
²Department of Physiology
School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University
Shiraz 71345-1731, Iran

(Received April 9, 2007; accepted December 1, 2007)

Abstract

Gholami, S., Jelodar, G. and Alborzinia, H. 2008. Effect of hCG on rat endometrium at preimplantation stage. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 89-92.

To compare histological changes in the endometrium of non pregnant, pregnant, pseudopregenant and hCG treated rat at preimplantation stage, twenty mature female rats at estrus stage were randomly divided in four groups of non pregnant (negative control), pregnant (positive control), pseudopregnant and treatment (hCG treated). Pseudopregnant and control positive groups were caged with vasectomised and intact male rat; respectively, while, control negative and test groups were not mated. Test group received hCG (10 IU) subcutaneously on second day of estrous cycle. On day 4 of estrous cycle (expected day of implantation) their uteri were subjected to histological study. There were changes in endometrial epithelium, glands and stromal cells in pseudopregnant and treatment groups, which were very similar to pregnant group. In conclusion hCG exerted moderate endometrial changes and may have potential value to improve pregnancy rate post embryo transfer.

Key words: hCG, preimplantation, endometrium, rat.

*For correspondence: Tel.: +987112286950;
Fax: +987112286940; Email: gholami@shirazu.ac.ir

Nutritional Evaluation of Grain and Straw Fractions of Pea Genotypes Grown Under Arid Conditions

N. Tugba Bingol*¹, Duran Bolat¹, Taner Levendoglu¹, Yesim Togay², Necat Togay²

¹Department of Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty
²Department of Field Crops, Agricultural Faculty
Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, 65080 Turkey

(Received April 23, 2007; accepted December 12, 2007)

Abstract

Bingol, N.T., Bolat, D., Levendoglu, T., Togay, Y. and Togay, N. 2008. Nutritional evaluation of grain and straw fractions of pea genotypes grown under arid conditions. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 93-97.

The aim of this study was to select the best winter resistant pea genotype as ruminant feed suitable for arid conditions, based on nutritive value and yields. Twelve genotypes viz. A(1103220), B(110121-1), C(110121), D(101917), E(1084222), F(1101545), G(B 8), H(B 6), K(1131556), M(1131522), N(121918), and P(10431) were randomly assigned in three replicates to subplots within each main plot. B genotype had the greatest grain dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and digestible dry matter (DDM) yields. C genotype had the highest straw DM and DDM yields, whereas, F genotype had the lowest DM, CP and DDM yields (P<0.05). Based on total CP and DDM yields B and C genotypes appeared to be the most suitable for the arid region.

Key words: Pea, genotype, in vitro digestibility, grain, straw.

*For correspondence: E-mail: tnbingol1@hotmail.com

Genetic Analysis and Expression of NS3 Gene of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus 1 from India for Detection of Antibodies in Cattle

N. Mishra*, S.S. Pitale, H.K. Pradhan

High Security Animal Disease Laboratory
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Anand Nagar, Bhopal-462 021, India

(Received June 4, 2007; accepted December 20, 2007)

Abstract

Mishra, N., Pitale, S.S. and Pradhan, H.K. 2008. Genetic analysis and expression of NS3 gene of bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 from India for detection of antibodies in cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 99-103.

Considering the importance of NS3 antigen in diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection, we analysed genetically selected Indian isolates in NS3 gene region and generated recombinant NS3 protein in Escherichia coli for its use as ELISA antigen. High degree of conservation was observed when the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of Indian and the reference BVDV 1 isolates were analysed. The helicase domain of NS3 gene of an Indian isolate was cloned into pTriEx-2-Neo expression vector and a recombinant protein of 50 KDa was expressed as cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. The affinity purified protein showed antigenic properties in western blot with BVDV infected cattle serum. When used in ELISA, it could detect anti BVDV antibodies in bovine sera. The expression of NS3 recombinant protein showing immunological and diagnostic significance is first such study in India.

Key words: Bovine viral diarrhoea virus, expression, immuno-blotting, inclusion bodies, NS3 recombinant protein.

*For correspondence: Tel: 91-755-2759204;
Fax: 91-755-2758842; E-mail: mishranir@rediffmail.com