Search

The aim was to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproduction and milk production in cattle. Holstein cows (primiparous; n = 22], multiparous; n = 28) housed at the Kansas State University dairy were randomly assigned to two diets: omega-6:omega-3 ratio of 6:1 (Control, n = 26), or 2:1 (OMG3, n = 24), and allocated randomly into 6 pens (3 controls and 3 OMG3). Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. GreatOPlus, which is an extruded feed containing flaxseed and Nannochloropsis oculata algae, was used in OMG3. Cows were milked 3x/d, and fed fed experimental diets from 15 days in milk (DIM) until ~140 DIM 1x/d. Data were analyzed using the Glimmix procedure (SAS 9.4). Body condition score was not different (P = 0.15) between Controls and OMG3 diets at -21, 0, 21, 50, 75, or 110 DIM. Multiparous OMG3 cows (60.8 ± 2.2 kg) tended (P = 0.1) to produce more milk (15 to 140 DIM) than multiparous Controls (55.6 ± 2.2 kg). Primiparous (41.5±1.7 kg) produced less (P < 0.01) milk than multiparous, with no difference between diets. Based on milk and blood samples from 15, 50, 75, and 110 DIM, milk protein (2.84 ± 0.34%) and fat (3.27 ± 1.08%) were not different between diets (P > 0.45), but plasma ratio omega-6:omega-3 was reduced (P < 0.001) in the OMG3 at 50, 75, and 110 DIM compared with Controls. Thus, hypothesis 1 was supported, that OMG3 would not influence milk protein or fat content but would have greater omega-3 concentration. Oocyte quality was assessed by a single oocyte harvest at 50 DIM, and number of follicles (> 3 mm) or recovered oocytes did not differ between diets (P > 0.3), but a diet-by-parity interaction was detected (P = 0.0007) for the number of grade I and II oocytes/total recovered oocytes: primiparous-Controls = 58.5 ± 8.6%; multiparous-Controls = 59.7 ± 7.9%; primiparous-OMG3 = 31.2 ± 7.8%; multiparous-OMG3 = 70.5 ± 7.5%. Cows received first and second TAI at 75 and 110 DIM, respectively, and weekly ovarian ultrasound was performed from day 11 post-TAI until day 30 to evaluate CL volume and blood flow. On day 30 post-TAI, pregnancy was diagnosed by an embryo with heartbeat. From days 30 to 60 post-TAI, pregnant cows had CL, embryo, and amniotic vesicle evaluations. Only pregnant primiparous-Controls (n = 6), primiparous-OMG3 (n = 7), and multiparous-Controls (n = 9) were compared post-TAI due to lack of representation in the multiparous-OMG3. CL volume did not differ (P > 0.3) among groups, but CL blood flow was less in primiparous-Controls on days 25 and 39 post-TAI. Finally, embryo and vesicle size did not differ among groups (P > 0.7). Thus, hypothesis 2 was partially supported, that omega-3 enhances oocyte quality and in vivo embryo development. In conclusion, omega-3 supplementation increases omega-3 in blood and enhanced oocyte and CL quality, but it is unclear if this can translate into direct benefits on embryos from day 30 to 60 of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to assess the 18-year outcome of the Ross operation (RO), with emphasis on survival, reoperations, and late function of the pulmonary autografts (PAs) and the right-sided pulmonary allografts. METHODS Between May 1995 to July 2013, 414 patients with a mean age (mean ± standard deviation) of 30.8 ± 13.1 years were submitted to an RO with the root replacement (n = 356) or the inclusion (n = 58) technique. The most prevalent aetiology was bicuspid valve (n = 206, 49.8%). Patients were divided in four groups depending on the type of allograft used on the right side. The mean follow-up was 8.2 ± 5.2 years and was 97.7% complete. In addition to longitudinal outcomes determined by means of the Kaplan–Meier analysis, log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were used to identify predictors of valve failure. RESULTS The early mortality rate was 2.7% and the late survival rate was 89.3% at 15 years, similar to an age- and sex-matched population. There were 22 reoperations on the PA (90.7% freedom at 15 years) and 15 on the pulmonary allografts (92.5% freedom at 15 years). The freedom rate from more than mild aortic insufficiency (AI) was 73.1% at 15 years. Thirty-three patients presented with a late root diameter >45 mm, corresponding to a freedom rate of 72.4% at 15 years. Patients with AI and a dilated annulus, especially males, are at greater risk for these complications. Among the right-sided allografts, fresh decellularized allografts showed significantly superior freedom from structural valve dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The RO was associated with excellent long-term survival and low incidence of reoperations up to 15 years. Male patients with AI and dilated annulus are at increased risk for late insufficiency and root dilatation. Fresh decellularized allografts presented the best results for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]