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Simple Summary: Recently: more attention has been given to low-birth-weight calves, often without considering gestation length. Similar to human medicine, calves classified as small for gestational age (SGA) weigh below the 10th percentile at birth. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects on fertility, productive performance, and overall survival in Holstein Friesian (HF) heifers born SGA. We found that while SGA calves showed initial catch-up growth at six months of age, they were still significantly lighter at twelve months. SGA heifers required significantly more inseminations to conceive compared to their average (AGA) and large (LGA) counterparts. Additionally, more SGA heifers were culled during their first lactation and had lower survival rates to the second calving. SGA heifers also had a higher risk of leaving the herd prematurely. Although overall lifespan and total milk yield were similar among all groups, SGA heifers produced less milk per productive day. This study reveals that HF calves born SGA face significant long-term health and productivity challenges, emphasizing the need for further research on the economic impact of rearing SGA heifers. Recently: more attention has been given to low-birth-weight calves, often without considering gestation length. Calves can be classified as small for gestational age (SGA) when their birth weight is below the 10th percentile, similar to the definition in human medicine. While SGA babies face various health risks, it remains unclear if SGA calves face similar long-term health consequences. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects on fertility, productive performance, and overall survival in Holstein Friesian (HF) heifers born SGA. Chi-squared analysis assessed culling and survival rates, and linear mixed-effect models evaluated the impact of gestational age group (small, average, or large for gestational age, respectively, SGA, AGA, and LGA) on growth, fertility, milk yield, and lifespan. SGA calves showed catch-up growth at six months but weighed significantly less at twelve months (p = 0.003). Age at first insemination and calving did not differ significantly, although SGA heifers required more inseminations (2.3 ± 1.50) compared to AGA and LGA heifers (1.7 ± 0.98 and 1.5 ± 0.89, respectively, p = 0.006). SGA calves tended to be culled more during the first lactation than AGA calves (25.0% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.078) and showed lower survival to second calving (p = 0.019) compared to AGA and LGA heifers. The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a tendency for gestational age to affect overall survival (p = 0.1), with SGA heifers having a higher risk of leaving the herd prematurely (p = 0.035, hazard ratio = 1.53). Milk yield per productive day was significantly lower in SGA heifers (21.2 ± 8.73 kg) compared to AGA and LGA heifers (26.9 ± 5.01 kg and 26.3 ± 3.38 kg, respectively, p = 0.006). This study reveals that HF calves born SGA suffer long-term consequences, although further research is needed to understand the economic impact of rearing SGA heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to infer phenotypic responses and genetic parameters of the F1 calf diseases diarrhoea (DIAR) and pneumonia (PNEU) in dependency of the prenatal maternal health status (PMHS) of the dam and of the herd-calving year. The PMHS considered diagnoses for the cow disease mastitis (MAST) and claw disorders (CD) during gestation of F0 dams. Furthermore, 305-d milk production traits of F1 offspring from either healthy or diseased dam groups were compared. The study comprised 20,045 female calves (F1 = generation 1) and their corresponding dams (F0 = parental generation 0), kept in 41 large-scale herds. All F1 calves were from their dams' 2nd parity, implying that all dam (maternal) diseases were recorded during the first lactation and dry period of the dams. The F1 calves were phenotyped for DIAR up to 30 days post-partum, and for PNEU up to 180 days of age. At least one entry for the respective disease implied a score = 1 = sick, otherwise, a score = 0 = healthy, was assigned. Production records of the 10,129 F1 cows comprised 305-d records in first lactation for milk yield (MY), protein yield (PY) and fat yield (FY). Linear and generalised linear mixed models were applied to infer phenotypic responses of F1 traits in dependency of the PMHS for CD and MAST. A diagnosis for MAST or CD in F0 cows during gestation was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with an increased prevalence for DIAR and PNEU, with pairwise differences of least-squares-means between calves from healthy and diseased cow groups up to 3.61%. The effects of PMHS on 305-d production traits in offspring were non-significant (p > 0.05). In bivariate genetic analyses, DIAR and PNEU were defined as different traits according to the PMHS, i.e., DIAR-MAST healthy and DIAR-MAST diseased , DIAR-CD healthy and DIAR-CD diseased , PNEU-MAST healthy and PNEU-MAST diseased , and PNEU-CD healthy and PNEU-CD diseased . The direct heritabilities for DIAR and PNEU were quite similar in the healthy and respective diseased dam group. Slightly larger direct heritabilities in the diseased dam groups were due to increased genetic variances. Maternal heritabilities were quite stable and smaller than the direct heritabilities. In random regression models, genetic parameters for DIAR and PNEU were estimated along the continuous herd-calving-year prevalence scale, considering a prevalence for MAST and CD (based on the 20,045 dam records plus 16,193 herd contemporary records) in the range from 0% to 30%. Direct heritabilities for PNEU were quite stable along the herd-calving-year gradient for MAST and CD. For DIAR, we observed stronger estimate fluctuations, especially increasing direct heritabilities in dependency of the herd-calving-year prevalence for MAST from 0.13 (at a MAST prevalence of 0%) to 0.30 (at a MAST prevalence of 30%). Consequently, obvious genotype x herd-calving-year PMHS interactions were observed for DIAR on the prenatal MAST scale, with a minimal correlation of 0.48 between direct genetic effects at 0% MAST prevalence and at 30% MAST prevalence. The correlations between direct genetic and maternal genetic effects were antagonistic at all herd-calving-year prevalence levels, displaying strongest fluctuations for "DIAR-MAST." The genotype x herd-calving-year PMHS interactions for DIAR suggest consideration of specific sires according to the herd health status for CD and for MAST., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study was carried out on pregnant uteruses obtained from healthy Hair goats (Capra aegagrus hircus). A total of thirteen pregnant uteruses, six second and seven third trimesters, were used. Morphometrically, placentome numbers, lengths, widths and depths were measured. Randomly selected placentomes from the second and third trimesters were stained with the triple staining method. Caruncular and cotyledonary areas, capillary numbers and areas were measured using Qupath v0.5.0 software. The Minitab (version 21.4.1) was used for statistical analysis. While no statistical difference was observed in the number of placentomes between trimesters (p > 0.05), placentome length, width and depth were higher in the third trimester compared to the second trimester (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in the number of caruncular and cotyledonary capillaries in the second trimester. In the second trimester, the caruncular capillary area was higher than the cotyledonary capillary area (p < 0.05). Both caruncular and cotyledonary capillary area parameters were higher in the third trimester than in the second trimester (p < 0.001). In the third trimester, the caruncular capillary area was higher than the cotyledonary capillary area (p < 0.001). The number of caruncular capillaries and cotyledonary capillaries was statistically significantly higher in the third trimester compared to the second trimester. In addition, the number of cotyledonary capillaries was higher than that of caruncular capillaries in the third trimester (p < 0.001). A positive and significant correlation was found between the day of pregnancy and the number of placentomes in the second trimester (p < 0.05). No correlation was observed between the day of pregnancy and the number of placentomes in the third trimester. Vascular area density showed a faster development in foetal tissue than in maternal tissue. Placentome size and angiogenesis increased with the progression of pregnancy., (© 2024 The Author(s). Reproduction in Domestic Animals published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Survival rate (SR) number of parities and length of productive herd life (LPHL) were evaluated for Holstein Friesian cows that calved beginning January 1, 2000 through May 2021 in a research dairy farm. A total of 870 lactation records were examined. Average Survival Rates (SRs) were 75.8% to parity 2, 49.7% to parity 3, 37.3% to parity 4, 18.6% to parity 5, 11% to parity 6, 6.3% to parity 7 and 3.3% to parity 8. A change for a better survival rate of cows over the span, years 2011-2021 compared with 2000-2010 was found to parity 2 and to parity 3 (significant differences). For the rest of parities (to 4, to 5, to 6, to 7 and to 8) the differences were non-significant. Average number of parities over the spam years 2000 to 2015 was 2.81. Linear regression of average of parities on year of first calving was positive (R=0.2786) and this means that was a weak direct relationship between variables. A change in the year of first calving with 1 impacted a change in the number of parities with 0.006. Average productive herd life (months) over the span years 2000 to 2015 was 33.86. Linear regression of average LPHL by year of first calving was positive (R=0.6513) and this means that was a strong direct relationship between variables. A change in the year of first calving with 1, impacted a change in the number of parities with 0.1889. The results of this study can give important information for economic studies on dairy herd management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a contaminant that is generated in the environment through processes such as smoke, incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust emissions, entry into the body is through inhalation, and consumption of contaminated food. It is an omnipresent environmental pollutant with unavoidable exposure. BaP metabolites are observed in the male reproductive system, especially in the testes and epididymis of animals, and are responsible for reduced testicular and epididymal function. The protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on testicular damage was investigated previously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of ATV on testicular toxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) during pregnancy in Wistar rats. This experimental laboratory study involved 40 adult rats, divided into seven groups and maintained under standard environmental conditions. The groups received different diets [control, corn oil, ATV (10 mg/kg), BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg), and ATV + BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg)] at gestation Days 7-16, orally. Male offspring were examined 10 weeks after birth. Testis and serum samples were collected, and testosterone level, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Histological and immunohistochemical assays were performed under a light microscope. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with analysis of variance and Tukey tests to assess significant differences between groups. ATV significantly reduced MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat testes following BaP administration. Treatment with ATV at doses of 10 mg/kg increased GSH levels, correcting disruptions in the antioxidant system caused by BaP. Testosterone concentration in rats treated with ATV and BaP substantially prevented the decrease induced by BaP. Histomorphometry revealed that ATV significantly prevented the detrimental effects of BaP on the thickness of spermatogenic epithelium and the diameter of seminiferous tubules. Under ATV treatment, testicular tissue histopathology improved, and spermatogenesis returned to a almost back to normal state. Caspase-3 expression decreased, and apoptosis activity in testicular tissue improved under ATV treatment, indicating a positive effect of ATV in reducing apoptotic damage caused by BaP. In conclusion, exposure to BaP can induce oxidative stress-related damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by an increase in MDA levels, which ATV treatment can mitigate. Additionally, ATV enhances intracellular antioxidant GSH and protects the testes against BaP-induced damage while increasing testosterone levels, which are reduced due to exposure to BaP., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

1. A new assessment method for duck footpad dermatitis (FPD) evaluation was developed, combining visual and histological characters using the images and sections of 400 ducks' feet at 340 d of age. All ducks were graded as G0 (healthy), G1 (mild), G2 (moderate) and G3 (severe) according to the degree of FPD. 2. To reveal the potential biomarkers in serum related to duck FPD, non-targeted metabolomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were used to explore differential metabolites in each group. 3. There were 57, 91 and 210 annotated differential metabolites in groups G1, G2 and G3 compared with G0, which meant that the severity of FPD increased in line with the number of metabolites. Four metabolites, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, L-leucine and L-lysine, were considered potential biomarkers related to FPD. 4. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the FPD was mainly involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway and amino acid metabolism. These are related to production metabolism and can affect the physiological activities of ducks, which might explain the decrease in production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the longevity and productive lifetime traits between Shami and Holstein cows under subtropical conditions, in addition to assess the effect of age at first calving (AFC), first lactation milk yield (FLMY), year and season of first calving on the studied traits in both breeds. The available data included 495 records for Shami and 1129 records for Holstein from birth to disposal date during the period from 1982 to 2014.The studied traits were lifespan (LS), productive life (PL), cow efficiency index (CEI), number of calvings (NC), lifetime milk production (LMP), total lactation periods (TLP), lifetime daily milk production (LDMP), and total dry periods (TDP). The least squares means of LS, PL, CEI and NC were 96.3±1.80 months, 73.2±2.80 months, 64.9±0.008 % and 4.3±0.12 calving for Shami cows in respective order. The corresponding figures for Holstein cows were 66.1±1.81 months, 43.5±2.81 months, 56.4±0.012 % and 3.5±0.19 calving, respectively. The means of LMP, TLP, LDMP and TDP were 7713±563.38 kg, 787±33.43 days, 2.7±0.13 kg and 890±25.55 days for Shami cows and 14406±875.77 kg, 1049±51.96 days, 5.9±0.20 kg and 275±39.72 days for Holstein, respectively. The effect of breed was highly significant (P<0.01) on all studied traits. Cows for both breeds with AFC less than 24 months had more PL and NC. Also, cows with the highest average FLMY had the highest LMP, LDMP and TLP. It could be concluded that under the subtropical conditions, Shami cows exhibit superiority for longevity traits compared to Holstein ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Poor fertility is the main reason for premature culling of cattle. Dam factors and external variables can both influence how the calf fetus develops, known as fetal programming. Dam factors include age, parity, body condition, health and milk yield. External variables include nutrition and the environment during pregnancy. These all affect placental growth and the nutrient supply to the fetus, which in turn influence the size, shape and body composition of the calf. Postnatal growth rates, organ structure and immunity can all be affected. The impact on organs such as ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus is dependent on the stage of pregnancy during which the fetal environment is sub-optimal. Regulatory systems which influence growth, metabolism and fertility can be permanently reprogrammed. Most changes affecting fertility are probably indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, age and size at first calving, and the ability to adapt to lactation after calving can all alter future reproductive potential. The size of these effects is hard to quantify due to practical difficulties in obtaining data over a sufficient time period. Nevertheless, there is compelling evidence that the fertility of some cows is compromised by events happening before their birth. Cattle fertility remains sub-optimal despite recent improvements in genetic selection. The extent to which an individual heifer fulfils her genetic potential can be influenced by fetal programming during pregnancy. This paper reviews the evidence that a dam's age, milk yield, health, nutrition and environment during pregnancy may programme permanent structural and physiological modifications in the fetus. These can alter the morphology and body composition of the calf, postnatal growth rates, organ structure, metabolic function, endocrine function and immunity. Potentially important organs which can be affected include the ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus. Insulin/glucose homeostasis, the somatotropic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis can all be permanently reprogrammed by the pre-natal environment. These changes may act directly at the level of the ovary to influence fertility, but most actions are indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, the age and body structure at first calving, and the ability to balance milk production with metabolic health and fertility after calving can all have an impact on reproductive potential. Definitive experiments to quantify the extent to which any of these effects do alter fertility are particularly challenging in cattle, as individual animals and their management are both very variable and lifetime fertility takes many years to assess. Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling that the fertility of some animals is compromised by events happening before they are born. Calf phenotype at birth and their conception data as a nulliparous heifer should therefore both be assessed to avoid such animals being used as herd replacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern poultry industry, newly hatched chicks are unavoidably transported from the hatching to the rearing foster. Stress caused by multiple physical and psychological stressors during transportation is particularly harmful to the liver. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) possesses multiple benefits against hepatic metabolic disorders. Given that transport stress could disturb hepatic glucolipid metabolism and the role of APS in metabolic regulation, we speculated that APS could antagonize transport stress-induced disorder of hepatic glucolipid metabolism. Firstly, newly hatched chicks were transported for 0, 2, 4, and 8 h, respectively. Subsequently, to further investigate the effects of APS on transport stress-induced hepatic glucolipid metabolism disturbance, chicks were pretreated with water or APS and then subjected to transport treatment. Our study suggested that APS could relieve transport stress-induced lipid deposition in liver. Meanwhile, transport stress also induced disturbances in glucose metabolism, reflected by augmented mRNA expression of key molecules in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Surprisingly, APS could simultaneously alleviate these alterations via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Moreover, APS treatment regulated the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), thereby alleviating transport stress-induced alterations of VLDL synthesis, cholesterol metabolism, lipid oxidation, synthesis, and transport-related molecules. These findings indicated that APS could prevent the potential against transport stress-induced hepatic glucolipid metabolism disorders via PGC-1α/SIRT1/AMPK/PPARα/PPARγ signaling system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryonic or fetal loss in cattle is associated with problems that occur during oocyte maturation, early embryonic development, conceptus elongation, maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP), and/or placental attachment and implantation. Many of these problems manifest as inadequate or asynchronous communication between the developing conceptus and endometrium, resulting in pregnancy failure. This review will provide an overview of how various conceptus-endometrial paracrine signaling systems control the fate of early pregnancy in cattle and other ruminants. We begin by summarizing the actions of interferon-tau, the classic MRP signal in ruminates, and then explore how other secretory factors derived from either the conceptus or endometrium influence establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Insight into how the endometrium responds to male vs. female conceptuses or conceptuses produced by in vitro methods will also be described. Specific focus will be placed on describing how "omic" technologies and other cutting-edge techniques have assisted with identifying novel conceptus and/or endometrial factors and their functions. Recent findings indicate that the endometrial transcriptome and histotroph are altered by conceptus sex, quality, and origin, suggesting that the endometrium is a sensor of conceptus biochemistry. Although the endometrium has a certain level of flexibility in terms of conceptus-maternal interactions, this interplay is not sufficient to retain some pregnancies. However, new information inspires us to learn more and will help develop technologies that mitigate early embryonic loss and reproductive failure in ruminants and other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraovarian growth factors play a vital role in influencing the fate of ovarian follicles. They affect proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GC) and can influence whether small antral follicles continue their growth or undergo atresia. Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα), an oocyte-derived growth factor, is thought to regulate granulosa cell function; yet its investigation has been largely overshadowed by emerging interest in TGF-beta superfamily members, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Here, effects of TGFα on bovine GC proliferation, intracellular signaling, and cytokine-induced apoptosis were evaluated. Briefly, all small antral follicles (3–5 mm) from slaughterhouse specimens of bovine ovary pairs were aspirated and the cells were plated in T25 flasks containing DMEM/F12 medium, 10% FBS, and antibiotic-antimycotic, and incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2 for 3 to 4 d. Once confluent, the cells were sub-cultured for experiments (in 96-, 12-, or 6-well plates) in serum-free conditions (DMEM/F12 medium with ITS). Exposure of the bGC to TGFα (10 or 100 ng/mL) for 24 h stimulated cell proliferation compared to control (P  < 0.05; n  = 7 ovary pairs). Proliferation was accompanied by a concomitant increase in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling within 2 h of treatment, as evidenced by phosphorylated ERK1/2 expression (P  < 0.05, n  = 3 ovary pairs). These effects were entirely negated, however, by the MAPK inhibitor, U0126 (10uM, P  < 0.05). Additionally, prior exposure of the bGC to TGFα (100 ng/mL) failed to prevent Fas Ligand (100 ng/mL)-induced apoptosis, as measured by caspase 3/7 activity (P  < 0.05, n  = 7 ovary pairs). Collectively, the results indicate TGFα stimulates proliferation of bGC from small antral follicles via a MAPK/ERK-mediated mechanism, but this action alone fails to prevent apoptosis, suggesting that TGFα may be incapable of promoting their persistence in follicles during the process of follicular selection/dominance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiology during late gestation and the transition period to lactation changes dramatically in the sow, especially during the latter period. Understanding the physiological processes and how they change dynamically as the sow approaches farrowing, nest building, giving birth to piglets, and producing colostrum is important because these processes greatly affect sow productivity. Glucose originating from assimilated starch accounts for the majority of dietary energy, and around farrowing, various organs and peripheral tissues compete for plasma glucose, which may become depleted. Indeed, physical activity increases shortly prior to farrowing, leading to glucose use by muscles. Approximately ½ to 1 d later, glucose is also needed for uterine contractions to expel the piglets and for the mammary gland to produce lactose and fat for colostrum. At farrowing, the sow appears to prioritize glucose to the mammary gland above the uterus, whereby insufficient dietary energy may compromise the farrowing process. At this time, energy metabolism in the uterus shifts dramatically from relying mainly on the oxidation of glucogenic energy substrates (primarily glucose) to ketogenic energy supplied from triglycerides. The rapid growth of mammary tissue occurs in the last third of gestation, and it accelerates as the sow approaches farrowing. In the last 1 to 2 wk prepartum, some fat may be produced in the mammary glands and stored to be secreted in either colostrum or transient milk. During the first 6 h after the onset of farrowing, the uptake of glucose and lactate by the mammary glands roughly doubles. Lactate is supplying approximately 15% of the glucogenic carbon taken up by the mammary glands and originates from the strong uterine contractions. Thereafter, the mammary uptake of glucose and lactate declines, which suggests that the amount of colostrum secreted starts to decrease at that time. Optimal nutrition of sows during late gestation and the transition period should focus on mammary development, farrowing performance, and colostrum production. The birth weight of piglets seems to be only slightly responsive to maternal nutrition in gilts; on the other hand, sows will counterbalance insufficient feed or nutrient intake by increasing mobilization of their body reserves. Ensuring sufficient energy to sows around farrowing is crucial and may be achieved via adequate feed supply, at least three daily meals, high dietary fiber content, and extra supplementation of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor maternal nutrition can negatively affect fetal and placental growth and development. However, the mechanism(s) that contribute to altered placenta growth and function are not well understood. We hypothesized that poor maternal diet would impact signaling through the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 12-CXCL4 axis and/or placental expression of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. Using our established sheep model of poor maternal nutrition, we examined the effects of restricted- and over-feeding on ewe placentome gene and protein expression. Specifically, ewes were fed a control (CON; 100%), restricted (RES; 60%), or over (OVER; 140%) diet beginning at day 30.2 ± 0.02 of gestation, and samples were collected at days 45, 90, and 135 of gestation, representing periods of active placentation, peak placental growth, and near term, respectively. Placentomes were separated into cotyledon and caruncle, and samples snap frozen. Protein was determined by western blot and mRNA expression by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and significance determined at P ≤ 0.05. Ewes fed a RES diet had decreased CXCL12 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α protein compared with CON ewes in caruncle at day 45 (P ≤0.05). In day 45 cotyledon, CXCR7 protein was increased and mTOR was decreased in RES relative to CON (P ≤0.05). At day 90, CXCR4 and CXCR7 were reduced in RES caruncle compared with CON, whereas VEGF was reduced and mTOR increased in cotyledon of RES ewes relative to CON (P ≤0.05). In OVER caruncle, at day 45 CXCR4 and VEGF were reduced and at day 90 CXCR4, CXCR7, and TNFα were reduced in caruncle compared with CON (P ≤0.05). There was no observed effect of OVER diet on protein abundance in the cotyledon (P > 0.05). Expression of IGF-II mRNA was increased in OVER at day 45 and IGFBP-3 was reduced in RES at day 90 in caruncle relative to CON (P ≤0.05). Maternal diet did not alter placentome diameter or weight (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that restricted- and over-feeding negatively impact protein and mRNA expression of key chemokines and growth factors implicated in proper placenta development and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential impact of microplastics (MPs) on health has caused great concern, and a toxicology platform that realistically reproduces the system behaviour is urgently needed to further explore and validate MP-related health issues. Herein, we introduce an optically assisted thrombus platform to reveal the interaction of MPs with the vascular system. The risk of accumulation has also been evaluated using a mouse model, and the effect of MPs on the properties of the thrombus are validated via in vitro experiments. The microfluidic system is endothelialized, and the regional tissue injury-induced thrombosis is then realized through optical irradiation. Whole blood is perfused with MPs, and the invasion process visualized and recorded. The mouse model shows a cumulative risk in the blood with continuous exposure to MPs (P-value < 0.0001). The on-chip results show that MP invasion leads to decreased binding of fibrin to platelets (P-value < 0.0001), which is consistent with the results of the in vitro experiments, and shows a high risk of thrombus shedding in real blood flow compared with normal thrombus. This work provides a new method to further reveal MP-related health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP s) are members of the transforming growth factor-β family of proteins that have been implicated in the paracrine regulation of granulosa cell (GC) function, but whether responses to BMPs change with follicular size or interact with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) or BMP antagonists (e.g. gremlin [ GREM ]) to directly affect GC function of cattle is unknown. Therefore, to determine the effects of BMP4 on proliferation and steroidogenesis of GCs and its interaction with GREM or CTGF, experiments were conducted using bovine GC cultures. In vitro, BMP4 (30 ng/mL) inhibited (P < 0.05) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-induced progesterone and estradiol production by large- and small-follicle GCs, but the inhibitory effect of BMP4 on estradiol production was much more pronounced in large-follicle GCs. In small-follicle GCs, BMP4 had no effect (P > 0.10) on IGF1-induced proliferation, but GREM inhibited (P < 0.05) cell proliferation and estradiol and progesterone production in IGF1 plus FSH-treated GCs. In large-follicle GCs, BMP4 (10 to 30 ng/mL) increased (P < 0.05) GC numbers and GREM (100 ng/mL) blocked this effect. In large-follicle GCs, CTGF inhibited (P < 0.05) FSH plus IGF1-induced progesterone and estradiol production, and CTGF blocked the stimulatory effect of BMP4 on GC proliferation. These results indicate that BMP4, GREM, and CTGF inhibit GC aromatase activity and progesterone production. Also, the stimulatory effect of BMP4 on GC proliferation and the inhibitory effects of BMP4 on GC steroidogenesis are more pronounced in large vs. small follicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Poultry Science / Archiv für Geflügelkunde is the property of Verlag Eugen Ulmer and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Endometritis in dairy cows is a major economic problem worldwide; without advances in lifestyle management and drug treatment, it causes high morbidity and death. Micro ribonucleic acid (miRNAs) these days is seen as an important part of gene control networks. It is a class of small nucleotides 20–25, single-stranded RNA molecules. In endometritis, the inflammatory response caused by the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) alters the expression of miRNA which can regulate the innate immune system. This manuscript reviews (1) the interaction of miRNAs with the signaling of NF-κB and dysregulation of miRNAs and NF-κB activity in endometritis and (2) the activity of miR-let-7c, miR-148a, and miR-488 in NF-κB activation and their effect on endometritis. Cows with reduced immunity are more vulnerable to transition diseases, such as endometritis. During post-partum, cows undergo stress, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, negative energy balance, and changes in diet. One of the many categories of regulatory molecules, which explain its natural function and pathological impact on NF-κB dysregulation, is important to inform the complexity of the immune system and to develop treatments for endometritis. It shows that miRNAs could have multiple applications in veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, a comprehensive study of is essential which should be aimed at exploring the role of microRNA at physiological level and its effect due to dysfunction and dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dairy cow, negative energy balance affects milk yield and composition as well as animal health. Studying the effects of negative energy balance on dairy cow milk production is thus essential. Feed restriction (FR) experiments attempting to reproduce negative energy balance by reducing the quantity or quality of the diet were conducted in order to better describe the animal physiology changes. The study of FR is also of interest since with climate change issues, cows may be increasingly faced with periods of drought leading to a shortage of forages. The aim of this article is to review the effects of FR during lactation in dairy cows to obtain a better understanding of metabolism changes and how it affects mammary gland activity and milk production and composition. A total of 41 papers studying FR in lactating cows were used to investigate physiological changes induced by these protocols. FR protocols affect the entire animal metabolism as indicated by changes in blood metabolites such as a decrease in glucose concentration and an increase in non-esterified fatty acid or β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations; hormonal regulations such as a decrease in insulin and insulin-like growth factor I or an increase in growth hormone concentrations. These variations indicated a mobilization of body reserve in most studies. FR also affects mammary gland activity through changes in gene expression and could affect mammary cell turnover through cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and exfoliation of mammary epithelial cells into milk. Because of modifications of the mammary gland and general metabolism, FR decreases milk production and can affect milk composition with decreased lactose and protein concentrations and increased fat concentration. These effects, however, can vary widely depending on the type of restriction, its duration and intensity, or the stage of lactation in which it takes place. Finally, to avoid yield loss and metabolic disorders, it is important to identify reliable biomarkers to monitor energy balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic infections increase morbidity and reduce performance in livestock, and thus understanding the comprehensive physiological changes associated with infections can benefit production sustainability. In this study, we sought to investigate such physiological responses to an acute immune challenge in lambs. Polypay wethers received single IV injections of 1.5 µg/kg lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS -injected; n = 6) or saline (controls; n = 6). Corneal temperatures (via infrared thermography), rectal temperatures, blood, plasma, and saliva were assessed every 2 hr for 10 hr after injections. Blood was also assessed at 24 hr. LPS-injected lambs exhibited elevated (P < 0.05) corneal and rectal temperatures that peaked at 4 hr but were still slightly greater (P < 0.05) than controls at 10 hr. Circulating total white blood cells, monocytes, and granulocytes were reduced (P < 0.05) in LPS-injected lambs within the first 4 hr but were subsequently greater (P < 0.05) than in controls. Lymphocytes were reduced (P < 0.05) in LPS-injected lambs over the first 8 hr and did not differ from controls thereafter. Red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were increased (P < 0.05) in LPS-injected lambs over the first 6 hr, indicating mild dehydration. Blood glucose briefly increased (P < 0.05) in LPS-injected lambs at 2 hr but was less (P < 0.05) than in controls thereafter. Blood lactate was greater (P < 0.05) in LPS-injected lambs between 6 and 10 hr after injections, which together with reduced (P < 0.05) CO2 partial pressure indicated a metabolic shift toward glycolysis. LPS-injected lambs exhibited a transient increase (P < 0.05) in plasma TNFα at 2 and 4 hr only and sustained increases (P < 0.05) in CXCL9 and CXCL10 beginning at 6 and 4 hr, respectively. They also exhibited a mild, paradoxical increase (P < 0.05) in the anti-inflammatory sFRP3. Salivary TNFα was increased (P < 0.05) in LPS-injected lambs at 2 hr only. Regression analyses indicated that rectal temperatures were a generally poor predictor of the other inflammatory components in this study, with the exception of circulating leukocyte populations. Likewise, correlations among the 10 cytokines measured in this study were generally weak, with notable exceptions between CXCL9 and CXCL10 and between IL-21 and IFNγ. These findings demonstrate that physiological changes to even short-lived immune challenges are dynamic in nature and persist beyond the time frame of febrile responses and other common assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. To investigate the physiological role of FABP4 in the goose ovary, this study determined the effects of overexpressing and siRNA interfering FABP4 on progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) production in granulosa cells. Measurements were made by ELISA, real-time qRT-PCR and western blotting. 2. The concentrations of P4 and E2 in the FABP4 overexpression granulosa cells were increased compared to the control group (P > 0.05 for P4; P < 0.05 for E2). Likewise, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Conversely, the concentrations of P4 and E2 in the FABP4 silencing granulosa cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Likewise, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001, or P < 0.01). 3. The study indicated that the FABP4 gene may regulate steroid hormone secretion and the expression of the steroidogenic genes in geese ovarian granulosa cells. These results support the possibility that the FABP4 gene mediates ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis function and reproduction in geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In calf rearing, the first weeks of life are critical and associated with the highest mortality due to enteric and respiratory diseases. A well-implemented hygiene management can help to protect calves' health preventively by reducing the load of pathogenic bacteria and interrupting infection chains. The aim of this study was to identify deficiencies in hygiene management of individually housed dairy calves by surveying current practice and examining feeding and housing equipment with different hygiene indicators. On 11 farms, different locations in 2 pens or hutches for individual calf rearing prepared for restocking and 2 feeding buckets per farm, including the inner and outer surfaces of artificial teats, were visually scored for cleanliness and sampled with swabs (housing equipment: n = 167; feeding equipment: n = 120). The sanitation of floors was tested with sock samples (n = 41). A total of 328 samples were analyzed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and protein residues, aerobic total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Escherichia coli , methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria (ESBL), and Salmonella spp. After evaluation of these results, the farmers were informed about the findings and trained on improvement in hygiene management personally. The sampling was repeated after 1 year to detect possible changes in hygiene management. The highest bacterial loads (TVC, TCC, and E. coli) were observed in feeding equipment, especially the inner teat of milk feeding buckets. Environmental samples, primarily the sidewalls and back walls of tested pens and hutches, exhibited the lowest bacterial counts and ATP and protein residues. All samples were negative for MRSA and Salmonella spp. In 10.5% of all samples, ESBL was detected, and in 6.8%, ESBL E. coli was detected, predominately in sock samples, followed by feeding equipment samples. Training in hygiene management showed only limited effects. In conclusion, there is still great potential to improve the implementation of hygiene measures in individual calf housing. In particular, more attention should be paid to the cleaning of feeding buckets and artificial teats, as this is a simple means of interrupting the possible spread of pathogens among calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]