Evaluation of Soft Red Winter Wheat Forage Yield, Nutritive Value and Tetany Hazard as Influenced by Sampling Date and Nitrogen Fertilization

Clayton R. Bailey, Lathan B. Daniels, Wayne K. Coblentz, Elizabeth B. Kegley, Levi J. McBeth, James E. Turner, Troy J. Wistuba, Charles F. Rosenkrans, Jr.

Department of Animal Science
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

(Received January 27, 2007; accepted June 20, 2007)

Abstract

Bailey, C.R., Daniels, L.B., Coblentz, W.K., Kegley, E.B., McBeth, L.J., Turner, J.E., Wistuba, T.J. and Rosenkrans Jr., C.F. 2007. Evaluation of soft red winter wheat forage yield, nutritive value and tetany hazard as influenced by sampling date and nitrogen fertilization. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 1-6.

A study was conducted from December through March using a completely randomized design to evaluate yield, nutritive value and tetany hazard of soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) forage as influenced by nitrogen (N) fertilization rate and date of sampling. Dry matter (DM) yield, forage DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), organic matter (OM), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) were evaluated. Nitrogen fertilization had no effect (P>0.05) on forage yield, OM, ADF, NDF, IVDMD, Ca or Mg. Forage DM (P<0.01) decreased while CP (P<0.01) and K (P<0.05) increased linearly with increasing levels of N fertilization. Date of sampling exhibited linear, quadratic, cubic and quartic effects (P<0.01) on concentrations of forage CP, DM, IVDMD, ADF, NDF and K. With respect to sampling date, linear (P<0.01) and quadratic (P=0.01) effects were observed for DM yield, but only linear effects were noted for OM (P<0.01). Calcium responded to sampling date with linear and cubic (P<0.01) patterns, while Mg exhibited linear (P<0.01), quadratic (P<0.01), and cubic (P=0.02) effects. No N x sampling date interactions were observed. Increasing levels of N enhanced concentrations of CP and decreased DM content, but had no effect on yield or other forage quality parameters. However, sampling date affected forage quality by decreasing concentrations of CP and IVDMD, while increasing concentrations of ADF and NDF.

Key words: Soft red winter wheat, tetany hazard, sampling date, nitrogen fertilization.

Cysteine-Mediated Excitotoxic Neuronal Death is an Apoptosis - Necrosis Continuum

Safaa Y. Qusti¹, Richard B. Parsons², Rosemary H. Waring¹, David B. Ramsden²

¹School of Biological Sciences

²Department of Medicine
School of Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK

(Received May 7, 2006; accepted April 10, 2007)

Abstract

Qusti, S.Y., Parsons, R.B., Waring, R.H. and Ramsden, D.B. 2007. Cysteine-mediated excitotoxic neuronal death is an apoptosis - necrosis continuum. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 7-12.

To explore the mechanism whereby cysteine induces cell death this study was undertaken using a human medulloblastoma cell-line as the model system. Low levels of cysteine induced several well described phenomena associated with apoptosis, phospatidyl serine exposure, mitochondrial membrane disruption, cleavage of DNA into 50 Kb fragments and induction of caspase 3, whereas higher concentrations tended to cause necrosis. We have speculated on the role of cysteine in excitotoxicity, which occurs clinically following cerebral ischemia.

Key words: Cysteine, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, necrosis, neurone, phosphatidylserine, mitochondria, caspase-3.

Evaluation of Cyanoacrylate and Fibrin Glue for the Repair of Urethral Incision in Male Goats

Tarunbir Singh, Amarpal*, P. Kinjavdekar, H.P. Aithal, A.M. Pawde,
G.R. Singh, K. Pratap, H.C. Setia

Division of Surgery
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243122, India

(Received May 7, 2006; accepted January 11, 2007)

Abstract

Singh, T., Amarpal, Kinjavdekar, P., Aithal, H.P., Pawde, A.M., Singh, G.R., Pratap, K. and Setia, H.C. 2007. Evaluation of cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue for the repair of urethral incision in male goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 13-17.

The study was carried out on 12 male goats (6-9 m, 10-15 kg), divided into 4 equal groups, to evaluate the suitability of cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue for the repair of urethral incision. Post-scrotal urethrotomy was performed under lumbosacral epidural analgesia in all the animals. The urethral incision was then closed using silk in group I, cyanoacrylate adhesive in group II and fibrin glue in group III. In the animals of group IV, urethra was left unsutured after putting an indwelling catheter (control). Mild leakage of urine was seen in one animal of group I and two animals of group III. Leakage of urine was severe in all the animals of group IV. Significant (P<0.01) increase in total leucocytes (TLC) characterized by neutrophilia and lymphocytopaenia was recorded in animals of groups III and IV. There was complete urethral healing in all the animals of group II, two animals of group I and one animal of group III. It was concluded that N-butyl-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and not the fibrin glue can be used for the repair of urethra.

Key words: Cyanoacrylate, fibrin glue, goats, healing, silk, urethra.

Inclusion of Maize or Oats-vetch Silage for Grazing Dairy Cows in Small-scale Campesino Systems in the Highlands of Central Mexico

J. Guadarrama-Estrada¹, A. Espinoza_Ortega¹, C.E. González_Esquivel^1,
C.M. Arriaga-Jordán²

¹Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias

²Secretaría de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
Instituto Literario # 100, 50000 Toluca
Estado de México, México

(Received October 4, 2006; accepted April 04, 2007)

Abstract

Guadarrama-Estrada, J., Espinoza_Ortega, A., González_Esquivel, C.E. and Arriaga-Jordán, C.M. 2007. Inclusion of maize or oats-vetch silage for grazing dairy cows in small-scale campesino systems in the highlands of Central Mexico. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 19-23.

The productive and economic response of cows fed 6 kg DM/day of maize (Zea mays) (MS) or oats-vetch (Avena sativa-Vicia sativa) (OVS) silage under 9 h/day continuous grazing of ryegrass-white clover pasture was evaluated at a stocking rate of 4 cows/ha supplemented with 4 kg/day of commercial concentrate. Six Holstein cows were grouped in pairs by parity and lactation days and randomly assigned to treatments in a split-plot design. Mean liveweight and daily milk yields were not affected by treatments but maize silage resulted in better (P>0.05) body condition score with better returns. Thus maize silage was found superior to oats-vetch silage.

Keywords: Maize silage, oats_vetch silage, dairy cows, grazing, small-scale systems, highlands, Mexico.

Changes in Gross Chemical Compositions of Ewe and Goat Colostrum During Ten Days Postpartum

Mahmut Keskin¹ , Zehra Güler, Sabri Gül, Osman Biçer

Mustafa Kemal University
Agriculture Faculty
31034 Antakya-Hatay, Turkiye

(Received May 15, 2006; accepted March 18, 2007)

Abstract

Keskin, M., Güler, Z., Gül, S. and Biçer, O. 2007. Changes in gross chemical compositions of ewe and goat colostrum during ten days postpartum. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 25-28.

This study was carried out to determine the exact `Colostrum producing period' in Awassi ewes and Shami (Damascus) goats in Hatay province of Turkiye based on changes in gross composition of milk during 10 days post partum. Goats produced high crude protein and fat milk for 3-5 days post partum. Whereas, in ewes it was 3 days. Ewe's colostrum was richer in respect to total solids (TS), crude protein (CP), fat, lactose and ash as compared to goat's colostrum. It is recommended that first three days milk (colostrum) must be fed to kids/ lambs for maximum benefits.

Key words: Awassi ewes, Shami goats, colostrum.

Prevalence of Pathogens in Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) from the Western Cape, South Africa

Patricia Assunção¹*, Marta de Ponte Machado², Christian De la Fe¹,
Ana S. Ramírez¹, Ruben S. Rosales¹, Nuno T. Antunes¹,
Carlos Poveda¹, Jose B. Poveda¹

¹Unidad de Epidemiología y Medicina Preventiva
Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Spain

²Avian Demography Unit
University of Cape Town
Private Bag 7701, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa

(Received July 23, 2006; accepted June 20, 2007)

Abstract

Assunção, P., Machado, M.P., Fe, C.D., Ramírez, A.S., Rosales, R.S., Antunes, N.T.,Poveda, C. and Poveda, J.B. 2007. Prevalence of pathogens in great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) from the Western Cape, South Africa. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 29-32.

Great White pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) breed in Africa, Europe and Asia from Greece to Vietnam. In Africa, the Western Cape is probably the only place in the world where pelican numbers have shown a sustained increase over the past few decades. Nothing is known regarding the prevalence of pathogens present in these populations. Therefore, 50 Great White Pelicans from Western Cape were tested for the presence of various bacteria and viruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was observed that 49 pelicans were positive for Mycoplasma spp., 22 for Salmonella spp. and 3 for NDV, making these a potential risk to domesticated avian species, as well as human beings. This information is to be considered while planning any expansion/control programme for this species.

Key words: Great white pelicans, pathogens, Salmonella, Mycoplasma, NDV.

Effect of Experimental Distal Ileal Obstruction on Clinical, Hematological, Serum and Urine Biochemical Parameters in Sheep

K. Mostaghni*, K. Badiei, A. Moghaddam Jafary

Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine
Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran

(Received July 21, 2006; accepted April 25, 2007)

Abstract

Mostaghni, K., Badiei, K. and Jafary, A.M. 2007. Effect of experimental distal ileal obstruction on clinical, hematological, serum and urine biochemical parameters in sheep. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 33-36.

To determine clinical and paraclinical changes in blood and urine following experimental distal ileal obstruction in sheep, 7 Iranian crossbred male sheep (2-2.5 years, 45-50 kg) were used. A polyethylene tube reinforced with braided cotton tape was surgically placed around the ileum 8 to 10 cm cranial to the ileocecal valve one week prior to the experiments. Both ends of the tube were brought out through the opening in abdominal wall, which were tightened on day 0. Observations were recorded for 6 days. At the end of experiment the animals became lethargic, anorexic, weak and dehydrated. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in temperature, respiratory and heart rate as well as in hematocrit, total protein, RBC and WBC counts. Metabolic acidosis was seen in experimental sheep. Significant increases (P<0.05) were detectable in serum concentrations of urea nitrogen and creatinine. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in urinary concentrations of urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as in urinary pH. In conclusion, distal ileal obstruction in sheep leads to dehydration, tachypnea, tachycardia, azotemia and metabolic acidosis.

Key words: Sheep, ileal obstruction, hematology, biochemical factors.

Oestrous Synchronisation and Fertility in Cycling Damascus Does Using the Synthetic Prostaglandin F2a, Iliren

M. Zarkawi

Division of Animal Production
Department of Agriculture
Atomic Energy Commission
P.O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syria

(Received July 26, 2006; accepted March 26, 2007)

Abstract

Zarkawi, M. 2007. Oestrous synchronisation and fertility in cycling Damascus does using the synthetic prostaglandin F2a, Iliren. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 37-40.

To assess the effect of synthetic prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) Iliren, on oestrous synchronisation and other related parameters, 9 intact indigenous Damascus does each were either intramuscularly injected twice with 2 ml of synthetic prostaglandin F2a, Iliren (0.3 mg Tiaprost) at an interval of 12 d (P) or served as control (C) with no treatment. Does in group P responded to the treatment and exhibited oestrus at an average of 96 h; whereas, does in group C exhibited oestrus at an average of 199 h after bucks introduction. The treatment had no significant effect (P>0.05) on duration of pregnancy, fecundity rate of does, birth or weaning weight of kids at 3 months of age. At the second injection of PGF2a, there were active corpora lutea formed in some ovaries of the does treated with Iliren as indicated by the high concentration of progesterone. It could be concluded that it is possible to use the synthetic prostaglandin F2a, Iliren, at a dose of 2 ml (0.3 mg Tiaprost) given twice at an interval of 12 d for oestrous synchronisation in local Damascus does during the breeding season with no adverse effect on the reproductive or growth parameters.

Keywords: Ilerin, reproduction, Damascus does, progesterone.

Qualitative Analysis of Feed Management Practice on Goat Herds by Self Organizing Maps in Murcia Region of Spain

C. Fernández¹*, E. Soria², R. Magdalena², J.D. Martín², C. Mata¹

¹Departamento de Producción Animal
Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud
Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU. Moncada, Valencia, Spain

²Departamento de Ingeniería Electrónica
E.T.S.E. Universidad de Valencia
Burjassot, Valencia, Spain

(Received July 26, 2006; accepted April 30, 2007)

Abstract

Fernández, C., Soria, E., Magdalena, R., Martín, J.D. and Mata, C. 2007. Qualitative analysis of feed management practice on goat herds by self organizing maps in Murcia region of Spain. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 41-47.

Self organizing maps (SOM) were used to analyze data from ninety four herds. Data were obtained from surveys and management practices were evaluated. The 18% of farms were dairy goat farms with milking machines, with a herd size of 100 to 200 goats and most of these bought compound feed. 12% has the same characteristics but farmers prepared their own diet. 16% were similar to previous prototypes, but farmers in addition to dairy goat production kept sheep as well. 23% of dairy goat farms practised hand milking. 14% of dairy goat farms had larger herd size (200-400) and fed goats with total mixed rations. Remaining 17% were sheep farms dedicated to lamb production for meat purposes. Such information can be used for better utilization of available resources in a particular area.

Keywords: Goat herd, food management, SOM.

Sequence Analysis of VP2 Gene Hyper Variable Region of a Cell-culture Adapted Indian Classical Infectious Bursal Disease Virus of Chicken

R.S. Kataria¹, A.K. Tiwari², G. Butchaiah³, A. Rai²

¹DNA Fingerprinting Unit
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
Karnal-132 001, India

²Division of Veterinary Biotechnology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

³Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
Pondicherry 605 009, India

(Received May 30, 2006; accepted June 7, 2007)

Abstract

Kataria, R.S., Tiwari, A.K., Butchaiah, G. and Rai, A. 2007. Sequence analysis of VP2 gene hyper variable region of a cell-culture adapted Indian classical infectious bursal disease virus of chicken. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 49-54.

An Indian classical infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), adapted to grow in primary chicken embryo fibroblast culture, was characterized by RT-PCR/RFLP and sequence analysis of VP2 gene hyper variable region. The Indian classical virus displayed restriction profile similar to that already reported for attenuated IBDV strains. Sixteen nucleotide changes in Indian classical virus were revealed as compared to majority consensus with four unique changes 797A-T, 887C-A, 953A-C and 1017A-G. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed two unique changes 270A-K and 296I-V. Presence of amino acid changes 253Q-H, 279D-N and 284A-T, as well as 330S-R indicated this virus to have undergone attenuation after serial passaging in cell-culture. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed this virus to be most closely related to attenuated strain, PBG-98. Antigenic index analysis and hydrophilicity plots clearly show differences in the peaks of cell culture adapted, classical and very virulent viruses. The present study confirmed that Indian very virulent viruses having not originated from Indian classical virus.

Keywords: Infectious bursal disease, classical virus, VP2 gene, RT-PCR/RFLP, sequence analysis.

Polymorphism in Growth Hormone Gene and its Association with Production Traits in Goats

X.Y. Lan², H. Chen^1,2*, C.Y. Pan², L.J. Ming², C.Z. Lei²,
L.S. Hua², C.L. Zhang¹, S.R. Hu²

¹Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology
Xuzhou Normal University
Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China

²College of Animal Science and Technology
Northwest A & F University
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture
Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China

(Received July 3, 2006; accepted June 20, 2007)

Abstract

Lan, X.Y., Chen, H., Pan, C.Y., Ming, L.J., Lei, C.Z., Hua, L.S., Zhang, C.L. and Hu, S.R. 2007. Polymorphism in growth hormone gene and its association with production traits in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 55-60.

To detect the polymorphism in growth hormone gene in goats, five pairs of primers i.e. GH1 & GH2 (for 5' UTR region), GH3 and GH4 (for 2^nd exon region and flanking regions) and GH5 (for 5^th exon and flanking 3' UTR region) were used to amplify the respective regions. Polymorphic SSCP patterns were detected in all the amplified regions. Only association between SSCP in the 5^th exon regions and milk yields in the third and fourth lactation was significant. There were several sequence variations in different amplified regions, however, 1651T-to-G mutation in exon 5 and flanking 3' UTR region was used for PCR-RFLP genotyping of different goat breeds with KpnI. The KpnI PCR-RFLP identified two alleles i.e. GH-T and GH-G allele and two genotypes (TT/TG) in seven goat populations. Frequencies of GH-G allele were 0.142, 0.092, 0.032, 0.131, 0.059, 0.050 and zero for Xinong Sannen dairy, Laoshan dairy, Guanzhong dairy, Shaannan White, Guizhou White, Angora and Boer populations reared in China. The association between TT and TG genotype with milk performance, litter size and weight may be useful for studying breed characteristics.

Key words: Goat, GH gene, polymorphism, PCR-RFLP, association.

Potential for Early Breeding of K2v2rc2k (Western Thrace) Ewes

M. Koyuncu^*, S. KaraUzun, S. Ozis

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

(Received June 19, 2006; accepted March 10, 2007)

Abstract

Koyuncu, M., KaraUzun, S. and Ozis, S. 2007. Potential for early breeding of K2v2rc2k (Western Thrace) ewes. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 61-64.

This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of early breeding of ewe lambs in K2v2rc2k sheep breed. Mating and reproduction performances were investigated in normally mated (15-16 months old) and early mated (7 months old) females. The rates of pregnancy, lambing, single birth, survival up to weaning, the number of lambs born per ewe lambing and the number of the weaning lambs per ewe lambed were found as 78.33 and 94.33%, 78.33 and 94.33%, 91.49 and 89.00%, 90.20 and 96.67%, 1.09 and 1.20, 0.98 and 1.16, respectively, in early and normally mated ewes. Though early breeding resulted in lower fertility, twinning and lambs born and weaned per ewe lambed, saving of eight months is an important factor to recommend early mating.

Keywords: Sheep, K2v2rc2k, early breeding, live weight, reproduction characters.

Structure of Barbel in Sturgeon (Acipenser percicus)

Z. Saadatfar*, D. Shahsavani**

*Department of Anatomical Science

**Department of Clinical Science
School of Veterinary Medicine
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

(Received August 10, 2006; accepted March 28, 2007)

Abstract

Saadatfar, Z. and Shahsavani, D. 2007. Structure of barbel in sturgeon (Acipenser percicus). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 65-67.

Acipenser percicus had a short pair snout barbel. It was 2-2.5 cm that is about 1.5% of its body length. Its diameter at the base was 2.5-3 mm and at its apex was 0.7-1 mm. Its epidermis was multilayered epithelium that had columnar cells, club cells and squamous cells. There were taste buds especially on the apex of barbel. The size of barbel was 50 µm in height and 25-30 µm in width. The dermis had collagen bundle similar to striated muscle. Myelinated fibers were in the core of barbel, they were for innervation of taste buds in the barbel. This fish had an elastic cartilaginous skeleton and the barbel of this fish was from flexible cartilage, with taste buds and without intrinsic muscle.

Key words: Acipenser percicus, sturgeon, barbel, anatomy, fish.

Using Permutation Tests to Reduce Type I and II Errors for Small Ruminant Research

Hasan Önder

Biometry and Genetics Unit
Department of Animal Science
Faculty of Agriculture
Ondokuz May2s University
55139 Samsun-Turkey

(Received August 2, 2006; accepted March 30, 2007)

Abstract

Önder, H. 2007. Using permutation tests to reduce type I and II errors for small ruminant research. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 69-72.

Although parametric tests (F or t) are considerably effective, these are sometimes ineffective when the assumptions needed by model are not provided. In such a case, permutation test unaffected by the assumptions can be applied as a non-parametric method. It has been observed by citing an example that permutation test produces more reliable results than one-way ANOVA in terms of type I error rate and power of the test and permutation test is recommended in order to avoid type I and II errors and to prevent the potential profit lost.

Keywords: Permutation test, ANOVA, power of the test, type I and II errors, hair length.

Fertility and Wool Properties in East Friesian x Awassi Crossbred (F₁) Ewes

S. Kul, I. Ôeker

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

(Revised received April 4, 2007; accepted July 06, 2007)

Abstract

Kul, S. and Ôeker, I. 2007. Fertility and wool properties in East Friesian x Awassi crossbred (F₁) ewes. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 73-75.

To determine the fertility, wool yield and wool characteristics of East Friesian x Awassi crossbreds (F₁), a total of 40 sheep were sheared and inseminated. 97.50% conceived, 76.92% gave birth to twins. There were 1.85 lambs per sheep. Wool yield was 3.10 ± 0.05 kg with 31.38 ± 0.26 µm mean fiber diameter, 14.07 ± 0.30 g resistance, 29.21 ± 0.46% elasticity and 9.43 ± 1.90 cm staple length. Most of these characteristics differed in samples taken from shoulder, rib, rump and ridge regions. These (F₁) sheep have high twin rate and lambing percentage and wool is best suited for blanket and carpet-weaving industry.

Key words: Fertility, wool yield, East Friesian, Awassi, crossbred.

Application of mtDNA Sequencing Method for Individual Identification in Rustling*

Yufang Liu¹, Xingbo Zhao^1**, Nai Zhang¹, Xiaolin Luo², Zibao Tong²

¹State Key Lab for Agrobiotechnology
Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding
China Agricultural University
Beijing, 100094, P.R. China

²Qinghai Academy of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Xining, Qinghai Province, 810016, P.R. China

(Received September 6, 2006; accepted May 20, 2007)

Abstract

Liu, Y., Zhao, X. Zhang, N., Luo, X. and Tong, Z. 2007. Application of mtDNA sequencing method for individual identification in rustling. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 77-80.

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing has extensive use in human forensics particularly for identification of individuals. In this case report a cattle was being claimed by two owners. Using this technique the disputed cattle was compared with purported mothers, brother, sister and son and the real relatives were identified. However, it has the limitation of being used only in case of different maternal lineages.

Key words: Cattle, mtDNA, PCR, genealogy, maternal inheritance.

Comparison of Method of Application on the Effect of Amylolytic Enzymes on In vitro Ruminal Starch Digestion

R. Rojo^a, G.D. Mendoza^b,*, F.X. Plata^b, A. Lara^c, R. Bárcena^d

^aUniversidad Autónoma del Estado de México
México

^bUniversidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco
Departamento de Produccción, Agricola y Animal, 04960 México D.F.

^cUniversidad Autónoma Chapingo
Estado de México, 56230

^dColegio de Postgradados, Campus Montecillo
Estado de México 56230

(Received November 14, 2006; accepted May 31, 2007)

Abstract

Rojo, R., Mendoza, G.D., Plata, F.X., Lara, A. and Bárcena, R. 2007. Comparison of method of application on the effect of amylolytic enzymes on in vitro ruminal starch digestion. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 81-84.

An in vitro experiment was designed to study the efficacy of two amylolytic enzymes on starch digestion of corn applied to grain 24 h before incubation or at the beginning of the fermentation. Both enzymes, amylase from B. licheniformis and glucoamylase from A. niger, increased starch digestion and there was no effect of the aspersion of the enzyme before the incubation, or the addition of the solution during the fermentation. It is concluded that even when enzymes are soluble proteins, resistance to ruminal degradation is not improved by the contact with the grain before incubation.

Key words: Amylase, glucoamylase, corn, exogenous enzymes, in vitro digestibility.

Effect of Factors Separated from the Venoms of Scorpion and Jelly Fish on Fertility in Immature Male Mice

Nagwa M. El-Sawi Mahmoud

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
Sohag University
Sohag, Egypt

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

Abstract

El-Sawi, N.M. 2007. Effect of factors separated from the venoms of scorpion and jelly fish on fertility in immature male mice. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 85-88.

Bradykinin potentiating factors (BPF) from 2 sources, Egyptian scorpion (Leiurus quinquistriatus) and Jelly fish (Cassiopea andromeda) were injected intraperitoneally as a single dose (24 h). Amplification with bradykinin B2 receptor - specific primers, gave a single 739 bp product from cRNA. The amount of BK expression increased distinctly after injection of scorpion and jelly fish venom. Both factors induced an increase in the level of testosterone hormone and number of interstitial cells. The results suggested that these 2 extracts might be effective in improvement of the infertility patients.

Key words: Venom, scorpion, jelly fish, fertility, mice.

Nutritive Value of Maize Stover Harvested at Two Stages of Maturity and Mixed with Different Types and Levels of Protein Supplements

J.O. Ouda, I.V. Nsahlai^#

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

(Received February 9, 2007; accepted July 1, 2007)

Abstract

Ouda, J.O. and Nsahlai, I.V. 2007. Nutritive value of maize stover harvested at two stages of maturity and mixed with different types and levels of protein supplements. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 89-95.

Studies were conducted on maize stover harvested at grain milk (MM) or dry (MD) stages and mixed with graded ratios (20, 40, 60, 80%) of protein supplements (PS) including lucerne hay (LH), lespedeza hay (LPZ) and sunflower seed cake (SC). Automated in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT) was used. The degradability (Deg) was higher (P<0.001) in MM than MD (775.9 vs 720 g/kg DM). Also, MM rations had higher (P<0.001) gas production (GP) than MD. Only ST x PS interaction had effect (P<0.001) on the Deg:GP ratio i.e. the partitioning factor (PF), in which MD:LPZ rations had highest values apparently as a result of suppressed GP. The rate of GP from fibre fraction (b₁) was increased (P<0.001) by PS although the margins were small across the rations. Supplementation of LPZ increased (P<0.01) lag time, which was highest in MD:LPZ rations. Among the PS, LH and SC had similar but superior nutritive effects relative to LPZ. It is suspected that the presence of tannins in LPZ might be responsible for the poor nutritive attributes observed. The results suggest that supplementation of the stover with at most 40% DM contributed by LH or SC would optimize their utilization.

Key words: Maize stover, maturity stage, protein supplements, gas production, ruminants.

Effect of L-Carnitine on Oxidative Damage to Liver, Kidney and Spleen Induced by Phenylhydrazine in Mice¹

A. Ozcan¹, E. Atakisi¹*, M. Karapehlivan¹, O. Atakisi¹, M. Citil²

¹Department of Biochemistry

²Department of Internal Medicine

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Kafkas, Pasacayiri 36040 Kars, Turkey

(Received August 3, 2006; accepted March 18, 2007)

Abstract

Ozcan, A., Atakisi, E., Karapehlivan, M., Atakisi, O. and Citil, M. 2007. Effect of L-carnitine on oxidative damage to liver, kidney and spleen induced by phenylhydrazine in mice. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 97-100.

To investigate the ameliorative effect of L- carnitine on phenylhydrazine induced oxidative damage to liver, kidney and spleen, twenty-eight Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups and injected 0.9% NaCl (control), 40 mg/kg/day phenylhydrazine, phenylhydrazine+L-carnitine or 1000 mg/kg/day L-carnitine. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was found to be significantly (P<0.001) lower in phenylhydrazine+L-carnitine group compared to the phenylhydrazine group in all tissues. Reduced kidney glutathione (GSH) level in phenylhydrazine given group was restored to normal by L-carnitine. However, increased uric acid level by phenylhydrazine was not decreased by L-carnitine administration. It appears that L-carnitine may prevent tissue damage and lipid peroxidation induced by phenylhydrazine.

Key words: Phenylhydrazine, L-carnitine, mice, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, uric acid.

Analyses of Crossbreeding Parameters for Juvenile Body Weight in Broiler Chicken

M. Nath*, B.P. Singh, V.K. Saxena, R.V. Singh

Avian Genetics & Breeding Division
Central Avian Research Institute
Izatnagar 243 122, India

(Revised received January 16, 2007; accepted February 4, 2007)

Abstract

Nath, M., Singh, B.P., Saxena, V.K. and Singh, R.V. 2007. Analyses of crossbreeding parameters for juvenile body weight in broiler chicken. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 101-106.

A complete diallel experiment involving four parent broiler lines namely CSML, WSML, CSFL and NNL was conducted to estimate crossbreeding parameters for body weight at different age groups. Body weight data on 1451 birds of 16 genetic groups at 2, 4, 5 and 6 weeks body weight were recorded. Purebred effect (PE), general combining ability (GCA), maternal ability (MA), specific combining ability (SCA) and sex linked effect (SLE) were highly significant for body weights at all age groups. NNL had the highest body weight and showed the highest estimates of PE and GCA while the CSFL showed the highest MA in all age groups. The results showed that relative rankings of estimates of most of the crossbreeding parameters for different lines did not change over time. Further, positive estimates of PE and GCA of lines and SCA and SLE of crosses showed increasing trend from 2 to 6-week, while positive estimates of MA of lines recorded decreasing trend with increased age. In general, results indicated that both additive and non-additive genetic effects are important for body weight traits and therefore estimation of crossbreeding parameters would help in identifying the lines that would combine well for production of high yielding commercial broilers.

Key words: Crossbreeding, diallel, body weight, broiler.

DNA Polymorphism at IL-2Rg and IL-15Ra Genes
in Aseel Native chicken*

Rajesh Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar**, D.P. Singh, Priyanka Gaur

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

(Received October 17, 2006; accepted January 31, 2007)

Abstract

Kumar, R., Kumar, S., Singh, D.P. and Gaur, P. 2007. DNA polymorphism at IL-2Rg and IL-15Ra genes in Aseel native chicken. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 107-110.

DNA polymorphism at Interleukin-2R g-chain (IL-2Rg) and Interleukin-15R a-chain (IL-15Ra) genes was studied by PCR-RFLP technique in 60 random bred Aseel native chicken, selected out of 251 birds, on the basis of their response to sheep erythrocytes and categorized into high, medium and low groups. Amplification of these regions yielded products of 600 and 246 bp, respectively. Hph I digestion of IL-2Rg PCR product generated fragments of 465, 454 bp sizes. Only one type of homozygotes (with 465 bp fragment) and heterozygotes (with both 465 and 454 bp fragments) were observed. The gene and genotypic frequencies of A and B alleles and AA and AB genotypes were 0.82 and 0.18 and 0.64 and 0.36, respectively. Alu I PCR-RFLP analysis of IL-15Ra revealed fragments of 123 and 80 bp in all the samples; a pattern of heterozygotes. Heterozygotes at IL-2Rg gene revealed significantly higher HA titres than the homozygote. Heterozygotes at IL-15Ra gene however, revealed significantly lower HA titre than the population average. Aseel breed of native chicken showed higher immunocompetence status than that reported in other chicken breeds.

Key words: Aseel, native chicken, polymorphism, IL-2Rg, IL-15Ra, PCR-RFLP.

A PCR-RFLP Method for Specific Detection of Theileria annulata

R. Ravindran*, B.C. Saravanan, J.R. Rao, A.K. Mishra, G.C. Bansal, D. Ray

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

(Received October 30, 2006; accepted July 06, 2007)

Abstract

Ravindran, R. , Saravanan, B. C., Rao, J. R. , Mishra, A. K., Bansal, G.C. and Ray, D. 2007. A PCR-RFLP method for specific detection of Theileria annulata. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 111-112.

A polymerase chain reaction amplifying the ribosomal RNA gene from the genomic DNA was standardized and it amplified monomorphic ~564 bp product from B. bigemina, T. annulata and host leucocyte genomic DNA templates. Use of the enzyme kpnI resulted in restriction digestion only with T. annulata specific PCR product yielding 466 and 98 bp fragments.

Key words: PCR-RFLP, Theileria annulata, bovines.