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Broiler chicks in the immediate posthatch handling period are exposed to thermal stress, with potentially harmful consequences for muscle growth and structure (e.g., less protein and more fat deposition). We addressed the effects of broiler chicks' exposure to various ambient temperatures during the first 13 D posthatch on their performance, as well as on muscle development and structure, up to day 35. Body weight and pectoralis muscle growth were lower throughout the entire period in the high-heat-exposed chicks (39°C, Hot) and to a lesser extent in the mild-heat-exposed chicks (35°C, Hot Mild) than in the Control chicks that were raised under a commercial protocol. In the cold-exposed chicks (29oC, Cold), BW and pectoralis muscle absolute growth were similar to the Control group throughout the entire period. The lower body and muscle growth in the Hot and Hot Mild groups were reflected in a lower number of myonuclei expressing proliferating cell nuclear cell in pectoralis major muscle cross sections sampled on day 8, in the distribution of myofibers as the experiment progressed, and in mean myofiber diameter on day 35, whereas in the Cold group, these numbers exceeded that of the Control group. However, TUNEL assay revealed similar cell survival in all groups. Hematoxylin-eosin and Oil red O staining revealed the highest fat deposition in the pectoralis muscle derived from the Hot group, whereas lower fat deposition was observed in the Control Cold group. These results were corroborated by immunostaining for CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β in the pectoralis muscle, the levels of which were significantly higher in the Hot and Hot Mild groups on day 35 than in the Control group. Similar results were observed with Sirius red staining for collagen content in the pectoralis muscle. Together, the results imply long-term effects of chronic heat stress vs. cold stress in the early posthatch period on the broiler's body and muscle growth in general and myodegeneration of the pectoralis muscle in particular., (© 2019 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

The present study investigated whether delaying the first feeding of colostrum affected ileum and colon mucosa-associated microbiota in calves. Twenty-seven male Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups, fed colostrum at 45 min, 6 h, and 12 h after birth, respectively. Ileum and colon mucosa were collected at 51 h after birth, and their associated microbial profiles were assessed using amplicon sequencing. Both ileum and colon mucosa-associated microbiota were predominated by genus Escherichia-Shigella. The negative correlation between the molar proportion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ileum mucosa-associated opportunistic pathogens, and the positive correlation between the molar proportion of SCFA and colon mucosa-associated beneficial bacteria, suggest that SCFA might play an important role in maintaining the gut health of 2-d-old calves. A higher relative abundance of ileum mucosa-associated Enterococcus and Streptococcus was detected when the first colostrum feeding was delayed for 12 h. The relative abundance of colon mucosa-associated Lactobacillus tended to be lower in calves fed colostrum 12 h than those under the other 2 treatments, whereas that of Faecalibacterium tended to be lower in calves fed colostrum immediately after birth than those fed colostrum 6 and 12 h after birth, respectively. Our findings suggest that delayed first colostrum feeding affects the establishment of ileum and colon mucosa-associated bacteria, which may have long-term effects on gut health of calves., (Copyright © 2019 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Exposure of the developing fetus to Zika virus (ZIKV) results in a set of brain abnormalities described as the congenital Zika syndrome. Although microcephaly is the most obvious outcome, neuropathologies, such as intracranial calcifications and polymicrogyria, can occur in the absence of microcephaly. Moreover, the full impact of exposure on motor, social, and cognitive skills during development remains uncharacterized. We examined the long-term neurobehavioral consequences of neonatal ZIKV exposure in four genetically divergent inbred mouse strains (C57BL/6J, 129S1/SvImJ, FVB/NJ, and DBA/2J). Male and female mice were infected on postnatal day 1, considered comparable with exposure late in the second trimester of humans. We demonstrate strain differences in early susceptibility to the virus and the time course of glial reaction in the brain. These changes were associated with strain- and sex-dependent differences in long-term behavioral abnormalities that include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and motor incoordination. In addition, the adult brains of susceptible mice exhibited widespread calcifications that may underlie the behavioral deficits observed. Characterization of the neuropathological sequelae of developmental exposure to the Zika virus in different immunocompetent mouse strains provides a foundation for identifying genetic and immune factors that contribute to long-term neurobehavioral consequences in susceptible individuals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Developmental Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is now known to cause brain abnormalities in infants that do not display microcephaly at birth, and the full impact of these more subtle neuropathologies has yet to be determined. We demonstrate in a mouse model that long-lasting behavioral aberrations occur after developmental ZIKV exposure. We compare four divergent mouse strains and find that the effects of Zika infection differ greatly between strains, in terms of behavioral changes, sex differences, and the intracranial calcifications that develop in the brains of susceptible mice. These findings provide a foundation for identifying susceptibility factors that lead to the development of abnormal behaviors secondary to ZIKV infection early in life., (Copyright © 2019 the authors.)

We have recently demonstrated that micro-scale Sharp waves in the first few hours EEG of asphyxiated preterm fetal sheep models are the reliable prognostic biomarkers for Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Higher number of sharp waves within the first 2 hours from a hypoxic insult is shown to be significantly correlated to subcortical neuronal survival in caudate nucleus of striatum. Cerebral therapeutic hypothermia is also shown to be optimally neuroprotective only if initiated as soon as possible during a short window of opportunity within the first 2-3 hours of HI insult, called the latent phase. Therefore there is an urgent necessity for reliable automated algorithms to robustly identify such biomarkers to help early diagnosis of HIE, in real time at birth, before the optimal window of opportunity for treatment is missed.We have previously introduced successful automated signal processing strategies based on the fusion of wavelet and fuzzy techniques, for real-time identification and quantification of sharp waves along a profoundly suppressed EEG/ECoG background, post HI-insult, during the latent phase of sheep models. This work, in particular, for the first time represents a novel online fusion strategy based on the combination of a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in conjunction with Wavelet Scalogram (WS) for the real-time identification and classification of micro-scale sharp wave biomarkers within the 1024Hz high resolution ECoG recordings as well as the down-sampled 256Hz signals, from in utero preterm fetal sheep. The WS-CNN classifier highlights ability in the identification of HI sharp waves with remarkable high accuracies of 95.34% for 1024Hz and 94.62% for 256Hz data tested over one hour HI ECoG within the most important interval during the first 2 hours of the latent phase, where experiments have suggested hypothermia is optimally effective.

Sow environment during gestation can generate maternal stress which could alter foetal development. The effects of two group-housing systems for gestating sows on piglet morphological and physiological traits at birth were investigated. During gestation, sows were reared in a conventional system on a slatted floor (C, 18 sows), demonstrated as being stressful for sows or in an enriched system in larger pens and on deep straw bedding (E, 19 sows). On gestation day 105, sows were transferred into identical individual farrowing crates on a slatted floor. Farrowing was supervised to allow sampling from piglets at birth. In each litter, one male piglet of average birth weight was euthanized immediately after birth to study organ development and tissue traits. Blood samples were collected from 6 or 7 piglets per litter at birth and 2 piglets per litter at 4 days of lactation (DL4). At birth, mean piglet BW did not differ between groups (P > 0.10); however, the percentage of light ( 0.10) between C and E piglets, but the insulin to glucose ratio was greater (P = 0.02) in C than in E piglets. Compared with E piglets, C piglets had a lighter gut at birth (P = 0.01) and their glycogen content in longissimus muscle was lower (P < 0.01). In this muscle, messenger RNA levels of PAX7, a marker of satellite cells and of PPARGC1A, a transcriptional coactivator involved in mitochondriogenesis and mitochondrial energy metabolism, were greater (P < 0.05), whereas the expression level of PRDX6, a gene playing a role in antioxidant pathway, was lower (P = 0.03) in C than in E piglets. Other studied genes involved in myogenesis did not differ between C and E piglets. No system effect was observed on target genes in liver and subcutaneous adipose tissue. On DL4, C piglets exhibited a lower plasma antioxidant capacity than E piglets (P = 0.002). In conclusion, exposure of sows to a stressful environment during gestation had mild negative effects on the maturity of piglets at birth.

Objective: Glutamate-gated N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are instrumental to brain development and functioning. Defects in the GRIN2A gene, encoding the GluN2A subunit of NMDARs, cause slow-wave sleep (SWS)-related disorders of the epilepsy-aphasia spectrum (EAS). The as-yet poorly understood developmental sequence of early EAS-related phenotypes, and the role of GluN2A-containing NMDARs in the development of SWS and associated electroencephalographic (EEG) activity patterns, were investigated in Grin2a knockout (KO) mice., Methods: Early social communication was investigated by ultrasonic vocalization (USV) recordings; the relationship of electrical activity of the cerebral cortex with SWS was studied using deep local field potential or chronic EEG recordings at various postnatal stages., Results: Grin2a KO pups displayed altered USV and increased occurrence of high-voltage spindles. The pattern of slow-wave activity induced by low-dose isoflurane was altered in Grin2a KO mice in the 3rd postnatal week and at 1 month of age. These alterations included strong suppression of the delta oscillation power and an increase in the occurrence of the spike-wave bursts. The proportion of SWS and the sleep quality were transiently reduced in Grin2a KO mice aged 1 month but recovered by the age of 2 months. Grin2a KO mice also displayed spontaneous spike-wave discharges, which occurred nearly exclusively during SWS, at 1 and 2 months of age., Significance: The impaired vocal communication, the spike-wave discharges occurring almost exclusively in SWS, and the age-dependent alteration of SWS that were all seen in Grin2a KO mice matched the sleep-related and age-dependent manifestations seen in children with EAS, hence validating the Grin2a KO as a reliable model of EAS disorders. Our data also show that GluN2A-containing NMDARs are involved in slow-wave activity, and that the period of postnatal brain development (postnatal day 30) when several anomalies peaked might be critical for GluN2A-dependent, sleep-related physiological and pathological processes., (Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2019 International League Against Epilepsy.)

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation because DDGS contain about 10% crude fat, which is largely composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. l-carnitine serves an important function in fatty acids β-oxidation, and also has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of l-carnitine in the DDGS diet of gestating and lactating sows on reproductive performance, milk composition and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. One hundred and twenty sows (Landrace×Large white, mean parity 4.2, initial BW 230 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n=30 sows/treatment). Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial with two levels of dietary DDGS (0 v. 250 g/kg in gestating diets and 400 g/kg in lactating diets) and two levels of dietary l-carnitine (0 v. 100 mg/kg in gestating diets and 0 v. 200 mg/kg in lactating diets). Distillers dried grains with solubles had no significant effect on litter size but significantly reduced the birth weights and weaning weights of piglets (P0.05). Supplementing the diets with l-carnitine had no significant effect of total litter size (P>0.05) but increased the number of piglets born alive and piglets weaned, birth weight and weaning weight of piglets and litter weight at birth and weaning (P<0.05). l-carnitine supplementation also increased the concentration of l-carnitine in milk and l-carnitine status of piglets (P<0.05). The antioxidant enzyme activities of new born and weaning piglets were increased (P<0.05) by maternal dietary l-carnitine but this did not extend to finishing pigs. In conclusion, including DDGS in the sows diet could induce oxidative stress, which may be associated with the reduced individual birth and weaning weight of piglets. Dietary l-carnitine supplementation improved the antioxidant and l-carnitine status of sows, which may be associated with the improved reproduction and piglet performance and the antioxidant status of piglets at birth and weaning. There were no interactions between DDGS and l-carnitine.

Motor patterns in legged vertebrates show modularity in both young and adult animals, comprising motor synergies or primitives. Are such spinal modules observed in young mammals conserved into adulthood or altered? Conceivably, early circuit modules alter radically through experience and descending pathways' activity. We analyze lumbar motor patterns of intact adult rats and the same rats after spinal transection and compare these with adult rats spinal transected 5 days postnatally, before most motor experience, using only rats that never developed hind limb weight bearing. We use independent component analysis (ICA) to extract synergies from electromyography (EMG). ICA information-based methods identify both weakly active and strongly active synergies. We compare all spatial synergies and their activation/drive strengths as proxies of spinal modules and their underlying circuits. Remarkably, we find that spatial primitives/synergies of adult injured and neonatal injured rats differed insignificantly, despite different developmental histories. However, intact rats possess some synergies that differ significantly, although modestly, in spatial structure. Rats injured as adults were more similar in modularity to rats that had neonatal spinal transection than to themselves before injury. We surmise that spinal circuit modules for spatial synergy patterns may be determined early, before postnatal day 5 (P5), and remain largely unaltered by subsequent development or weight-bearing experience. An alternative explanation but equally important is that, after complete spinal transection, both neonatal and mature adult spinal cords rapidly converge to common synergy sets. This fundamental or convergent synergy circuitry, fully determined by P5, is revealed after spinal cord transection., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

External thermosensation is crucial to regulate animal behavior and homeostasis, but the development of the mammalian thermosensory system is not well known. We investigated whether temperature could play a role in the control of movements in a mammalian model born very immature, the opossum ( Monodelphis domestica ). Like other marsupials, at birth the opossum performs alternate and rhythmic movements with its forelimbs (FLs) to reach a teat where it attaches in order to continue its development. It was shown that FL movements can be induced by mechanical stimulation of the snout in in vitro preparations of newborns consisting of the neuraxis with skin and FLs intact. In the present study, we used puff ejections of cold, neutral (bath temperature) and hot liquid directed toward the snout to induce FL responses in such preparations. Either the responses were visually observed under a microscope or triceps muscle activity was recorded. Cold liquid systematically induced FL movements and triceps contractions, but neutral and hot temperatures were less potent to do so. Sections of the trigeminal nerves and removal of the facial skin diminished responses to cold and nearly abolished those to hot and neutral stimulations. Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) being the major cold receptor cation channel in adult mammals, we employed immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to test for its expression, but found that it is not expressed before 13 postnatal days. Overall our results indicate that cold thermosensation exerts a strong influence on motor behaviors in newborn opossums., (Copyright © 2019 Corriveau-Parenteau et al.)

1. The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of the central dopaminergic system on N/OFQ-induced feed intake in 3-h feed-deprived neonatal broilers. 2. In experiment 1, chicken received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of a control solution, SCH 23 390 (D 1 receptors antagonist, 5 nmol), N/OFQ (16 nmol) or their combination (SCH23 390 + N/OFQ). In experiment 2, a control solution, AMI-193 (D 2 receptors antagonist, 5 nmol), N/OFQ (16 nmol) or their combination (AMI-193 + N/OFQ) were ICV injected into chickens. In experiment 3, birds received ICV injections of a control solution, NGB2904 (D 3 receptors antagonist, 6.4 nmol), N/OFQ (16 nmol) and co-injection of NGB2904 + N/OFQ. In experiment 4, ICV injections of the control solution, L-741,742 (D 4 receptors antagonist, 6 nmol), N/OFQ (16 nmol) or their combination (L-741,742 + N/OFQ) were applied to broilers. In experiment 5, birds were ICV injected with control solution, L-DOPA (dopamine precursor, 125 nmol), N/OFQ (16 nmol) and L-DOPA + N/OFQ. Cumulative feed intake was recorded until 120 min after injection. 3. According to the results, ICV injection of N/OFQ significantly increased feed intake ( P < 0.05). Co-injection of N/OFQ and D 1 receptor antagonist (SCH 23390) amplified hyperphagic effect of N/OFQ ( P < 0.05). The N/OFQ-induced feed intake was increased by the D 2 receptor antagonist ( P < 0.05). The hyperphagic effect of N/PFQ was weakened by co-injection of L-DOPA + N/OFQ ( P < 0.05). 4. These results suggested that an interaction exists between dopamine and N/OFQ via D 1 and D 2 receptors on central feed intake in neonatal broiler chickens.

The steroid hormone progesterone is well-known for its role in neuroprotection, in the pre- and postnatal brain development, and is also recognized as a potent respiratory stimulant that reduces the frequency of sleep apnea in adult female subjects. Over the past few years, we have used newborn rats or mice to provide convincing evidence that the respiratory effect of progesterone involves a balance between excitation mediated by progesterone receptors, and an inhibition due to the fast conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone, a positive allosteric modulator of GABA A receptors. This review focuses on the sex- and age- specific roles of nuclear and membrane progesterone receptors (nPR or mPR), and highlight the clinical potential of these receptors for the treatment of apnea of prematurity. We present original data showing that in newborn rats, selective nPR or mPR agonists are more efficient to reduce apnea frequency at postnatal days 12 than at postnatal day 1, and appear more efficient in males than in females. Furthermore, new results obtained by using intra-cisternal injection of specific siRNA targeting mPRα, mPRβ (two mPR with high brain expression) or nPR suggest that mPRβ regulates the stability of the breathing pattern in males, while effects of nPR appear in females. While several important questions remain to be addressed before a safe clinical use could be proposed, these results highlight the potential role of these drugs as complementary, and sex-specific tools for the treatment of apnea in preterm neonates., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of NDF in high-concentrate diets on performance and aspects ruminal, blood, and carcass parameters of finishing lambs. Twenty-four lambs, with initial BW of 24 ± 3 kg, were randomly divided into individual pens, in a completely randomized design, comprising three treatments with eight repetitions each. The treatments consisted of dietary levels of 15%, 20%, and 25% of NDF, based on DM. The diets were composed of corn, soybean meal, minerals, and corn silage and were offered twice a day, with daily control of what was offered and refused, to determine dry matter intake (DMI). The animals were weighed weekly and slaughtered after 50 days of confinement. Performance evaluations, blood parameters, carcass, and ruminal parameters were evaluated. Lambs fed with lower dietary fiber had better carcass yield (P < 0.005). Blood count, blood biochemical parameters, rumen short-chain fatty acid production and protozoan population were not affected by the dietary NDF level. It was concluded that in high-concentrate diets with 15% NDF resulting in better weight gain of the animals in the confinement, good carcass yields without the animal having altered health and ruminal parameters.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of visceral fat and meat from lambs. Eighteen six-month-old Santa Inês male lambs (18.9 ± 2.4 kg of body weight (BW)) were used. Animals were assigned to two treatments according to their sexual condition: uncastrated (U) or castrated (C). During a 98-day experimental period, animals were kept on an Andropogon gayanus grass pasture area of 1 ha and supplemented with 200 g/animal/day of concentrate mixture. Water and mineral salt were available ad libitum. The lambs were weighed fortnightly, and at the last day of the trial, they were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and fatty acids profile of perirenal fat and longissimus lumborum muscle samples. Castrated lambs showed higher BW than U during most part of the experiment (p < 0.05). Fat deposition was higher in C lambs as evidenced by their increased carcass fat cover. Meat from U lambs showed lower content of C 16:0 and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p < 0.05) than that from C (U, 14.3 and C, 10.5%). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content was not affected by castration (p > 0.05) (U, 0.74 and C, 0.76%). The cis-9, cis-12 C 18:2n-6 (U, 10.6 and C, 6.86%) fatty acid and the PUFA:SFA (saturated fatty acids) ratio (U, 0.36 and C, 0.25) were higher in the muscle of U lambs (p < 0.05), indicating that the meat from U animals may provide more benefits to human health than that of C.

Heat stress during late gestation in cattle negatively affects the performance of the dam and its calf. This brief exposure to an adverse environment before parturition affects the physiological responses, tissue development, metabolism, and immune function of the dam and her offspring, thereby limiting their productivity. During the dry period of a dairy cow, heat stress blunts mammary involution by attenuating mammary apoptosis and autophagic activity and reduces subsequent mammary cell proliferation, leading to impaired milk production in the next lactation. Dairy cows in early lactation that experience prepartum heat stress display reduced adipose tissue mobilization and lower degree of insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. Similar to mammary gland development, placental function is impaired by heat stress as evidenced by reduced secretion of placental hormones (e.g., estrone sulfate) in late gestation cows, which partly explains the reduced fetal growth rate and lighter birth weight of the calves. Compared with dairy calves born to dams that are exposed to evaporative cooling during summer, calves born to noncooled dry cows maintain lower BW until 1 yr of age, but display a stronger ability to absorb glucose during metabolic challenges postnatally. Immunity of the calves, both passive and cell-mediated immune function, is also impaired by prenatal heat stress, resulting in increased susceptibility of the calves to diseases in their postnatal life. In fact, dairy heifers born to heat-stressed dry cows without evaporative cooling have a greater chance leaving the herd before puberty compared with heifers born to dry cows provided with evaporative cooling (12.2% vs. 22.7%). Dairy heifers born to late-gestation heat-stressed dry cows have lower milk yield at maturity during their first and second lactations. Emerging evidence suggests that late-gestation heat stress alters the mammary gland microstructure of the heifers during the first lactation and exerts epigenetic alterations that might explain, in part, their impaired productivity., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Maternal insufficiency during fetal development can have long-lasting effects on the offspring, most notably on nephron endowment. In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), variability in severity of disease is observed and maternal environment may be a modifying factor. In this study, we first established that in a rodent model of PKD, the Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK) rat's nephron numbers are 25% lower compared with wildtype animals. We then investigated the effects of prenatal and postnatal maternal environment on phenotype and nephron number. LPK pups born from and raised by homozygous LPK dams (control) were compared with LPK pups cross-fostered onto heterozygous LPK dams to improve postnatal environment; with LPK pups born from and raised by heterozygous LPK dams to improve both prenatal and postnatal environment and with LPK pups born from and raised by Wistar Kyoto-LPK heterozygous dams to improve both prenatal and postnatal environment on a different genetic background. Improvement in both prenatal and postnatal environment improved postnatal growth, renal function and reduced blood pressure, most notably in animals with different genetic background. Animals with improved postnatal environment only showed improved growth and blood pressure, but to a lesser extent. All intervention groups showed increased nephron number compared with control LPK. In summary, prenatal and postnatal environment had significant effect in delaying progression and reducing severity of PKD, including nephron endowment.

Background: Non-human primate models of developmental programming by maternal obesity (MO) are needed for translation to human programming outcomes. We present baboon offspring (F1) morphometry, blood cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from 0.9 gestation to 0-2 years., Methods: Control mothers ate chow; MO mothers ate high-fat high-energy diet pre-pregnancy through lactation., Results: Maternal obesity mothers weighed more than controls pre-pregnancy. Maternal obesity gestational weight gain was lower with no correlation with fetal or placenta weights. At 0.9 gestation, MO and control F1 morphometry and ACTH were similar. MO-F1 0.9 gestation male cortisol was lower, rising slower from 0-2 years vs control-F1. At birth, male MO-F1 and control-F1 weights were similar, but growth from 0-2 years was steeper in MO-F1; newborn female MO-F1 weighed more than control-F1 but growth from 0-2 years was similar. ACTH did not change in either sex., Conclusions: Maternal obesity produced sexually dimorphic fetal and postnatal growth and hormonal phenotypes., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Infant handling describes cases in which youngsters are temporarily removed from the care of their mothers and "taken care of" (held, carried, etc.) by other conspecifics. Handlers may gain indirect fitness benefits from these actions and can practice mothering skills, thereby improving the odds of survival of their own infants. Great apes are notable for displaying little infant handling. Apart from anecdotal observations, no published data exist on infant handling in wild mountain gorillas. We tested two of the most pertinent explanations ("kin selection" and "learning to mother") in a wild population of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. We predicted that (a) nulliparous females would exhibit infant handling (i.e., carrying) more than parous females and (b) maternal kin would exhibit more infant handling than nonkin., Methods: We collated 8 years of data on infant carrying behavior collected in 13 groups monitored by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Karisoke Research Center., Results: Infant handling is an infrequent behavior (1,783 instances over 25,600 observation hours). A strong positive effect of relatedness and handler parity on the frequency of infant handling emerged., Conclusions: While the nature of handler-infant interactions (affiliative, abusive, etc.) remains unstudied, they could constitute alloparental care and could therefore attenuate maternal energetic burden and ultimately allow increased birth rates. However, the rarity of this behavior makes it an unlikely contributor to mountain gorillas' relatively short interbirth intervals., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To determine the degree of agreement between arterial and venous blood gases in anesthetized lambs using a point-of-care analyzer., Study Design: Prospective experimental study., Animals: A group of 12 female Dorset cross-bred lambs, weighing 37.3 ± 7.4 kg (mean ± standard deviation)., Methods: Lambs were anesthetized with isoflurane for catheterization of the jugular vein and femoral artery, and blood samples were collected simultaneously for analysis of pH, PCO 2 , PO 2 , base excess (BE), bicarbonate ( [Formula: see text] ), total carbon dioxide (tCO 2 ), oxygen saturation (SO 2 ), ionized calcium (iCa) and potassium (K + ) using the Vet Scan i-STAT handheld analyzer. The Bland-Altman method was used to calculate agreement between arterial and venous measurements., Results: Strong agreement was identified between arterial and venous pH (bias = 0.04; 95% limits of agreement = 0.02-0.06), K + (bias = -0.1 and 95% limits of agreement = -0.8 to 0.5) and iCa (bias = 0.04; 95% limits of agreement = -0.08 to 0.0003). There was poor agreement for PO 2 (bias = 168.0; 95% limits of agreement = 77.4-258.7) and SO 2 (bias = 9.1; 95% limits of agreement = 2.8-15.3), as these values were higher in arterial blood than in venous blood. Moderate agreement was present for BE (bias = 1.7; 95% limits of agreement = -2.7 to 6.1), PCO 2 (bias = -2.1; 95% limits of agreement = -7.5 to 3.4), [Formula: see text] (bias = 1.1; 95% limits of agreement = -3.1 to 5.3) and tCO 2 (bias = 1.0; 95% limits of agreement = -3.3 to 5.3)., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Venous blood can be used for the measurement of pH, K + and iCa in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs. Arterial blood is required for accurate measurement of PO 2 , SO 2 , PCO 2 , [Formula: see text] , tCO 2 and BE to assess systemic blood oxygenation and pulmonary function in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs., (Copyright © 2019 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study we aimed to identify possible causes of within-litter variation in piglet birth weight (birth weight variation) by studying follicular development of sows at weaning in relation to their estimated breeding value (EBV) for birth weight variation. In total, 29 multiparous sows (parity 3 to 5) were selected on their EBV for birth weight variation (SD in grams; High-EBV: 15.8±1.6, N=14 and Low-EBV: -24.7±1.5, N=15). The two groups of sows had similar litter sizes (15.7 v. 16.9). Within 24 h after parturition, piglets were cross-fostered to ensure 13 suckling piglets per sow. Sows weaned 12.8±1.0 and 12.7±1.0 piglets, respectively, at days 26.1±0.2 of lactation. Blood and ovaries were collected within 2 h after weaning. The right ovary was immediately frozen to assess average follicle size and percentage healthy follicles of the 15 largest follicles. The left ovary was used to assess the percentage morphologically healthy cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) of the 15 largest follicles. To assess the metabolic state of the sows, body condition and the circulating metabolic markers insulin, IGF1, non-esterified fatty acid, creatinine, leptin, urea and fibroblast growth factor 21 were analysed at weaning. No significant differences were found in any of the measured follicular or metabolic parameters between High-EBV and Low-EBV. A higher weight loss during lactation was related to a lower percentage healthy COCs (β= -0.65, P=0.02). Serum creatinine, a marker for protein breakdown, was negatively related to average follicle size (β= -0.60, P=0.05). Backfat loss during lactation was related to a higher backfat thickness at parturition and to a higher average follicle size (β=0.36, P&lt;0.001) at weaning. In conclusion, we hypothesise that modern hybrid sows with more backfat at the start of lactation are able to mobilise more energy from backfat during lactation and could thereby spare protein reserves to support follicular development.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different durations of heat treatment on passive transfer of IgG from high-, medium- and low-quality colostrum. Colostrum was collected from The Pennsylvania State University dairy herd and divided by quality (high, medium, or low) based on colostrometer measurements. Colostrum was pooled by quality to create 3 unique batches. Each batch was further divided in thirds as follows: frozen to be fed without heat treatment, heated at 60°C for 30 min, or heated at 60°C for 60 min. Colostrum samples from each treatment were collected and analyzed for standard plate count, gram-negative noncoliforms, coliforms, and total IgG concentration. Serum samples were collected from 108 Holstein calves before feeding colostrum and 24 h after birth. Blood samples were analyzed for total protein, total IgG, and hematocrit. Colostrum quality (high, medium, or low), heat treatment (unheated, 60°C for 30 min or, 60°C for 60 min), and their interaction were analyzed as fixed effects, with calf sex included as a random block effect. Colostrum IgG was different between quality groups (92.5, 59.4, and 48.1 mg/mL of IgG). Heating colostrum reduced IgG concentration compared with the control by 9% when heated for 30 min and by 12% when heated for 60 min. Colostrum heated for 60 min had a lower standard plate count than colostrum heated for 30 min or not heated (1.8, 2.0, and 3.6 log cfu/mL, respectively). Serum IgG concentration at 24 h increased as colostrum quality increased (18.0, 22.2, and 24.8 mg/mL) and tended to increase as heat treatment time increased (19.7, 20.3, and 25.0 mg/mL of IgG). Apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was greater in calves that received medium-quality colostrum compared with calves fed high-quality colostrum (38.1 and 25.0%, respectively). These results suggest an upper limit may exist to the amount of IgG absorption in a given time period and that medium- or high-quality colostrum yields similar blood IgG concentration given the same volume of intake., (Copyright © 2019 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Several manufacturers recommend to feed mixture comprising equal amounts of oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution and milk for diarrheic calves after milk withdrawal. Such a feeding method is expected to supply more nutrients and energy compared to feeding only the ORS solution. However, little is known about the effects of feeding milk diluted with ORS solution on calves' digestive process. This study examined the abomasal contents, volumes, and emptying rates in calves fed whole milk, milk diluted by 50% with ORS solution (50% ORS-milk), and ORS solution. Ultrasonography identified curds in the milk-fed calves, but not in the 50% ORS-milk-fed or the ORS-fed calves. The abomasal fluid of the 50% ORS-milk-fed calves contained not only β-lactoglobulin but also α-casein (CN), β-CN, and κ-CN, which were used for curd formation and undetectable in the milk-fed calves. Abomasal pH was relatively higher in the 50% ORS-milk-fed than that in the milk-fed calves. Abomasal emptying rates were significantly faster in the ORS-fed than in the 50% ORS-milk-fed and the milk-fed calves. These data indicate that the formation of abomasal curd is inhibited in the 50% ORS-milk-fed calves due to the resultant high abomasal pH and low κ-CN concentration. The 50% ORS-milk may not provide rehydration as quickly as the ORS solution. In conclusion, we do not recommend feeding 50% ORS-milk to calves.

When rat pups are isolated from their mothers, they emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Although previous studies have reported that USVs are related to anxiety, others have reported that they are related to simple, nonemotional factors, such as physiological reactions to coldness. In this study, we examined the influence of three maternal separations on rat pups. The number of USVs during 5 min of USV test under maternal separation, latency in the righting reflex as motor function, and body temperature were recorded twice (the first and second tests) before and after the pups were put in various environments for 10 min. The environments were no maternal separation (Control: CON), maternal separation with littermates (LMS), and single maternal separation with a heater (SMS). In the second test, the SMS pups had fewer USVs, a lower body temperature, and a more rapid righting reflex than the CON and LMS pups. In addition, there was no strong correlation between USVs and righting reflex. As a result, pups undergoing 10 min of SMS while being kept warm by the heater showed rapid righting reflex. Thus, by a single maternal separation, the number of USVs decreased but the decrease was unrelated to decrease in motor function.

Early death of mouse pups is a commonly known problem in breeding mice colonies, which is still often regarded as 'normal' or is even overlooked due to the counting procedures applied. As reduced breeding performance probably indicates reduced well-being, this seems to be an underestimated welfare issue in laboratory mouse breeding. The present study compares the influence of three different forms of enrichment in breeding cages on infant survival rate and development of C57BL/6J mice. Our data reveal that lack of enrichment results in greater preweaning pup mortality, reduced weight and delayed development. Changing the environmental conditions after birth cannot prevent litter loss but improves the development of pups born in impoverished environments. Overall, our results underline the importance of early counting of mice for optimizing refinement strategies to ensure well-being and breeding success.

During the neonatal period, constant adaptations to the extrauterine environment are required. These adaptations are made impossible or hindered when unexpected obstetrical events take place. This study aimed to identify clinical changes of vitality, metabolic and acid-base balance, and oxidative stress of newborn calves born to assisted dams that experienced different durations of calving. A prospective and observational study was conducted with 44 Holstein calves allocated to 3 groups according to the duration of calving: 2 h (n = 16), 2-4 h (n = 16), and >4 h (n = 12), and to 2 subgroups: spontaneous calving (n = 22) and assisted calving (n = 22). We observed that obstetric assistance was beneficial when calving lasted more than 4 h, because 100% of assisted calves had a high Apgar score (≥7) at 5 min, similar to that of spontaneously born calves after 2 h of calving. Rectal temperature of all calves remained within normal values, albeit with a reduction at 20 min of life. Calves born after a calving time >4 h had the highest rectal temperatures, especially those that required obstetrical assistance. There was a progressive increase in blood oxygenation with time, but calves in the >4 h group showed the highest partial pressure of carbon dioxide at birth, whereas calves in the 2 h and 2-4 h groups had lower values. A decrease in partial pressure of CO 2 was observed at 120 min in the 2-4 h and >4 h groups. In the 2-4 h group, calves with obstetrical assistance had higher oxidative stress (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) at 120 min of life compared with that at birth. In spontaneously born calves, TBARS increased only after 240 min. In the >4 h group, TBARS increased progressively with time, regardless of obstetrical subgroup. Calves born spontaneously within the 2 h group had higher TBARS values at birth than calves in the >4 h group with obstetrical assistance. Calves in the >4 h group showed higher levels of glutathione peroxidase (an antioxidant enzyme) at birth than those in the remaining groups. Glutathione peroxidase decreased at 120 min in the >4 h group and at 240 min for the 2 h and 2-4 h groups. In conclusion, obstetric assistance did not improve neonatal vitality and blood oxygenation when calving lasted less than 2 h. Calves born after 2 h of calving showed decreased vitality, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, and increased antioxidant status (glutathione peroxidase)., (Copyright © 2019 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

1. The present study was conducted to investigate whether brain somatostatin increases feed intake in neonatal chickens. The mediating role of neuropeptide Y receptors on feed intake induced by somatostatin was investigated. 2. In this study, seven experiments were designed, each with four treatment groups (n = 44 in each experiment). In Experiment 1, chicks received control solution and 0.5, 1 and 2 nmol of somatostatin through intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. In experiments 2, 3 and 4, chickens were ICV injected with control solution and 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg of B5063 (NPY 1 receptor antagonist), SF22 (NPY 2 receptor antagonist) and SML0891 (NPY 5 receptor antagonist), respectively. In experiment 5, 6 and 7 chickens received ICV injection of B5063, SF22, SML0891, with a co-injection of + somatostatin, control solution and somatostatin. The cumulative feed intake was measured until 120 min post injection. 3. Somatostatin significantly increased feed intake in FD3 chicks. Both B5063 and SML0891 dose-dependently decreased feed intake compared with the control group, while SF22 led to a dose-dependent increase in feed intake. In addition, the hyperphagic effect of somatostatin significantly decreased with co-injection of B560 plus somatostatin (p < 0.05), but SF22 and SML0891 had no effect on feed intake induced by somatostatin in chicks (p > 0.05). 4. Based on the results of this study, it is likely that somatostatin increased feed intake and NPY 1 receptor acts as a mediator in hyperphagic effect of somatostatin in neonatal chicks.

Abnormal fetuses, neonates and adult offspring derived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been reported in humans, rodents and domestic animals. The use of ART has also been associated with an increased likelihood of certain adult diseases. These abnormalities may arise as a result of an excess of or missing maternally derived molecules during invitro culture, because the invitro environment is artificial and suboptimal for embryo development. Nonetheless, the success of ART in overcoming infertility or improving livestock genetics is undeniable. Limitations of invitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle include lower rates of the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and an increased incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated long-term effects of IVEP in cattle, including increased postnatal mortality, altered growth and a slight reduction in the performance of adult dairy cows. This review addresses the effects of an altered preimplantation environment on embryo and fetal programming and offspring development. We discuss cellular and molecular responses of the embryo to the maternal environment, how ART may disturb programming, the possible role of epigenetic effects as a mechanism for altered phenotypes and long-term effects of ART that manifest in postnatal life.

The limitation in feed availability in the semi-arid region during the lean period can result in a variation of the body condition, body weight of pregnant ewe which in turn may affect the lamb birth weight, colostrum immunoglobulin, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Therefore, the present study was initiated to assess the interrelationship between late gestational ewe factor and early life lamb factors in the semi-arid tropical region. For this purpose, 83 Malpura and 45 Avikaline pregnant ewes were selected and their body condition score (BCS) at late gestation, body weight at lambing, and birth weight of lambs was recorded. The BCS of ewes in late gestation had significant (P < 0.001) positive correlation (r 2  = 0.465) with the birth weight of lambs. The body weight at lambing was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in single-lamber ewes as compared to twin-bearing ewes. The plasma IGF-1 of lamb increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increase of BCS of ewe at the late gestation as well as body weight after lambing. The colostrum of twin-lamb producing ewes had higher (P < 0.05) IgG content than single-lamb producing ewes. The concentration of IGF-1 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in single-born lamb as compared to twin-born lamb. Based on the results of the present study, it is to conclude that higher BCS at late gestation and higher body weight of ewes at lambing is desirable for producing lambs with a higher birth weight having higher growth potential as well as chances of survival.

Global interest in alternative indoor farrowing systems is increasing, leading to a growing number of farms utilising such systems alongside standard crates. There is evidence that interchanging sows between different farrowing systems affects maternal behaviour, whilst the subsequent effect of this on piglet mortality is unknown. The current study hypothesised that second parity piglet mortality would be higher if a sow farrowed in a different farrowing system to that of her first parity. Retrospective farm performance records were used from 753 sows during their first and second parities. Sows farrowed in either standard crates (crates), temporary crates (360s) or straw-bedded pens (pens), with mortality recorded as occurring either pre- or post-processing. Inter- and intra-parity sow consistency in performance were also investigated. Overall, total piglet mortality reduced from the first to the second parity, being significantly higher in the crates and higher in the 360s during the first or second parity, respectively. In the second parity, an interaction of the current and previous farrowing systems resulted in the lowest incidence of crushing for sows housed in the same system as their first parity for the crates and pens, but not the 360s. Post-processing mortality was significantly higher in the crates if a sow previously farrowed in the 360s and vice versa. Sows which previously farrowed in a pen had a significantly larger litter size and lower pre-processing mortality from crushing in their second parity than sows previously housed in the crates or the 360s. No inter-parity consistency of sow performance was found, whilst intra-parity consistency was found in the first but not second parity. In conclusion, returning sows to the same farrowing system appears to reduce piglet mortality, whilst farrowing in a pen during the first parity significantly increased second parity litter size without increasing piglet mortality.

Producers are interested in utilising farrowing systems with reduced confinement to improve sow welfare. However, concerns of increased mortality may limit commercial uptake. Temporary confinement systems utilise a standard crate which is opened 3 to 7 days postpartum, providing protection for neonatal piglets at their most vulnerable age and later increased freedom of movement for sows. However, there is anecdotal evidence that piglet mortality increases immediately after the temporary crate is opened. The current study aims were to determine if piglet mortality increases post-opening, to trial different opening techniques to reduce post-opening piglet mortality and to identify how the different opening techniques influence sow behaviour. Three opening treatments were implemented across 416 sows: two involved opening crates individually within each farrowing house when each litter reached 7 days of age, in either the morning or afternoon (AM or PM), with a control of the standard method used on the farm to open all crates in each farrowing house simultaneously once the average litter age reached 7 days (ALL). Behavioural observations were performed on five sows from each treatment during the 6 h after crate opening, and during the same 6 h period on the previous and subsequent days. Across all treatments, piglet mortality was significantly higher in the post-opening than pre-opening period (P&lt;0.0005). Between opening treatments, there were significant differences in piglet mortality during the 2 days after crate opening (P&lt;0.05), whilst piglet mortality also tended to differ from crate opening until weaning (P=0.052), being highest in ALL and lowest in PM. Only sows in the PM treatment showed no increase in standing behaviour but did show an increased number of potentially dangerous posture changes after crate opening (P=0.01), which may be partly attributed to the temporal difference in observation periods. Sow behaviour only differed between AM and ALL on the day before crate opening, suggesting the AM treatment disrupted behaviour pre-opening. Sows in AM and PM treatments showed more sitting behaviour than ALL, and therefore may have been more alert. In conclusion, increases in piglet mortality after crate opening can be reduced by opening crates individually, more so in the afternoon. Sow habituation to disturbance before crate opening may have reduced post-opening piglet mortality, perhaps by reducing the difference in pre- and post-opening sow behaviour patterns.

Background: The aetiology of equine metacarpal condylar fractures is not completely understood and a developmental cause has been postulated., Objectives: To investigate the subchondral bone trabecular microarchitecture of the lateral parasagittal groove and condyle in equine neonates and its adaptation with maturation and athletic activity., Study Design: Ex vivo observational study., Methods: Distal metacarpi of neonates, yearlings and adult racehorses (n = 24) were harvested. Dorsal and palmar frontal histological sections, containing the lateral parasagittal groove and condyle, were studied. The sections were digitalised and subchondral trabecular bone quantity and quality parameters and trabecular orientation in the frontal plane were measured., Results: Trabecular spacing and length were greater (P = 0.004 and P = 0.0005 respectively) whereas bone fraction, trabecular number and connectivity were all lower (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0001 and P = 0.001 respectively) in the lateral parasagittal groove compared with the condyle in neonatal foals. Trabecular thickness and bone fraction increased with age in racehorses and trabecular spacing decreased. The predominant trabecular orientation had a consistent pattern in neonates and it changed with maturity and the cumulative effect of racing at all the ROIs except for the palmar lateral parasagittal groove that retained a more 'immature' pattern., Main Limitations: Samples were investigated in 2D. 3D processing could have provided more information., Conclusions: Already at birth there are striking differences in the subchondral bone trabecular microarchitecture between the lateral parasagittal groove and condyle in foals. Adaptation of trabeculae is confirmed with maturity in racehorses, with the greatest adaptation measured in bone quantity parameters. The trabecular orientation had a unique and more immature orientation pattern in the lateral palmar parasagittal grooves in adult racehorses and may reflect a weaker structure at this site., (© 2018 EVJ Ltd.)

Despite the high rates of perinatal mortality in dogs, the study of canine perinatology did not receive strong scientific interests until recently, probably due to the difficulties in studying long term changes evaluations without incur with ethical issues. In the recent years, however, the usefulness of new matrices, such as the claws, collectable without invasiveness and providing information about a long-term, retrospective window of time were reported to be a suitable tool for the study of canine perinatology in spontaneously dead puppies. The present study was therefore aimed to assess the usefulness of claws as matrices collectable without invasiveness for the study of immunoreactive cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) in alive puppies at birth, at 30 and at 60 days of age. Beside the effect played by the sampling time, the possible effect of type of birth, vaginal delivery (VD) or elective Cesarean section (CS), as well as of some other maternal or neonatal factors was assessed. The results showed a significant decrease of both hormones from birth to 30 and to 60 days of age (p < 0.001) and from 30 to 60 days of age (p < 0.05), and highlighted, for both hormones, the influence of the type of birth, with newborns born by VD having higher concentrations of immunoreactive cortisol (p < 0.01) and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) (p < 0.001) than the newborns born by elective CS in collections made at birth. No other significant effect was detected. The study confirmed the usefulness of claws as matrix collectable without invasiveness for the retrospective, long-term assessment of hormonal changes in alive newborn puppies and that both hormones declined from birth to 60 days of age. The differences between puppies born by vaginal delivery or elective Caesarean section suggest a possible different HPA activation in puppies born by the two types of birth., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The neonate distress cry, which displays a similar acoustic structure across a range of mammalian species, is highly effective in attracting, even compelling, parental care. However, if this cry is defective, as found in human and rodent neonates with poor neurobehavioral function, is the signal less enticing? Using playback recordings of a ewe's own co-twins as stimuli in a two choice test, we compared the preference of each sheep dam for acoustic features of lamb distress calls to assess the impact of signal quality on maternal response. The results of this study indicate that lamb vocalizations with acoustic parameters reflecting poor vocal fold engagement and arousal were less likely to be preferred by their dam. Additionally, these calls were associated with delayed vocal initiation and poor infant survival behavior suggestive of subtle cognitive deficit; and support the possibility that, as in deer and rodents, ovine vocalizations within a specific fundamental frequency range may well be a trigger for optimal maternal behavior. This research has important implications for understanding failed maternal-young interactions in ungulate and other species, and for verifying standardization of infant stimuli used in maternal behavior studies., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The maternal environment has a profound effect on the development of offspring, including responses to stress mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In rodents, perinatal high fat diet (HFD) has been shown to program the HPA axis in a manner that persists throughout adulthood, however the effects of perinatal HFD on stress-related behaviors and physiology in neonates are limited. The first two weeks of life in rodents are known as the stress hyporesponsive period, during which animals do not respond to stressors that are otherwise known to elicit behavioral and physiological responses in mature animals. As neonates emerge from the hyporesponsive period, the maturing neural systems mediating the HPA axis leads to the suppression of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and movement in the presence of threatening stimuli, such as male adult rat odor. In this study, we investigated the effects of perinatal HFD exposure, spanning the maternal pregestation, gestation and lactation period, on stress-related behaviors and physiology in neonatal rat offspring throughout the stress hyporesponsive period. During the stress hyporesponsive period, postnatal day (PND) 7, HFD pups had higher corticosterone levels in response to the presence of male odor, produced fewer USVs, and had an increase in basal corticotropin releasing hormone (Crh) transcript levels in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. As pup emerged from the stress hyporesponsive period, PND 13, HFD offspring exhibited higher adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in response to male odor, increased anxiety-like behaviors as shown by increased USVs and immobility, and lower glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1) transcript abundance in the ventral hippocampus. These results indicate an alteration in the typical physiological and behavioral responses to stress during the hyporesponsive period of the HPA axis as a function of perinatal HFD exposure, which involves changes in the regulation of key genes mediating the HPA axis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In utero exposure to the ubiquitous plasticizer, bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with offspring obesity. As adipogenesis is a critical factor contributing to obesity, we determined the effects of in vivo maternal BPA and in vitro BPA exposure on newborn adipose tissue at the stem-cell level. For in vivo studies, female rats received BPA before and during pregnancy and lactation via drinking water, and offspring were studied for measures of adiposity signals. For in vitro BPA exposure, primary pre-adipocyte cell cultures from healthy newborns were utilized. We studied pre-adipocyte proliferative and differentiation effects of BPA and explored putative signal factors which partly explain adipose responses and underlying epigenetic mechanisms mediated by BPA. Maternal BPA-induced offspring adiposity, hypertrophic adipocytes and increased adipose tissue protein expression of pro-adipogenic and lipogenic factors. Consistent with in vivo data, in vitro BPA exposure induced a dose-dependent increase in pre-adipocyte proliferation and increased adipocyte lipid content. In vivo and in vitro BPA exposure promotes the proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes, contributing to an enhanced capacity for lipid storage. These findings reinforce the marked effects of BPA on adipogenesis and highlight the susceptibility of stem-cell populations during early life with long-term consequence on metabolic homeostasis.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) features hypoxemia, pulmonary vasoconstriction, and impaired cardiac inotropy. We previously reported low basal and stimulated cAMP in hypoxic pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). We now examine pulmonary arterial adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and regulation in hypoxic PPHN. PPHN was induced in newborn swine by normobaric hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen 0.10) for 72 h and compared with age-matched normoxic controls. We studied relaxation of pulmonary arterial (PA) rings to AC activator forskolin and cGMP activator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) by isometric myography, ATP content, phosphodiesterase activity, AC content, isoform expression, and catalytic activity in presence or absence of Gαs-coupled receptor agonists, forskolin, or transnitrosylating agents in human and neonatal porcine PASMCs and HEK293T stably expressing AC isoform 6, after 72 h hypoxia (10% O 2 ) or normoxia (21% O 2 ). Relaxation to forskolin and SNP were equally impaired in PPHN PA. AC-specific activity decreased in hypoxia. PASMC from PPHN swine had reduced AC activity despite exposure to normoxia in culture; transient hypoxia in vitro further decreased AC activity. Prostacyclin receptor ligand affinity decreased, but its association with Gαs increased in hypoxia. Total AC content was unchanged by hypoxia, but AC6 increased in hypoxic cells and PPHN pulmonary arteries. Impairment of AC6 activity in hypoxia was associated with nitrosylation. PPHN PA relaxation is impaired because of loss of AC activity. Hypoxic AC is inhibited because of S-nitrosylation; inhibition persists after removal from hypoxia. Downregulation of AC-mediated relaxation in hypoxic PA has implications for utility of Gαs-coupled receptor agonists in PPHN treatment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to show the effects of alternative farrowing systems (pens with temporary crating) on the behaviour of sows and piglets. Moreover, performance data of sows in two different alternative farrowing pens and in the conventional crate were compared under practical conditions., Material and Methods: Over the trial period (April 2016 - February 2017), production data from a total of 113 sows in two alternative farrowing pens ("Petra" [P] and "Freya" [F]) and in the conventional crate (K) were recorded. In behavioural observations of 103 sows and their piglets, the lying down behaviour of the sows according to defined parameters for a "careful" lying down behaviour and the activity behaviour of the piglets were documented. Furthermore, each crushing event of piglets was analysed., Results: There were no significant differences in production performance between the three different farrowing systems. The majority of crushing events occurred in the farrowing pens while crating. Sows in the two alternative farrowing pens showed a more careful lying down behaviour than sows in the crate. A significantly higher activity of the piglets in pen F could be shown in comparison with pens K and P throughout the entire observation period (p < 0.001)., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: According to the results, a reduction of the fixation in the crate and a greater space affects the behaviour of the sows in a positive manner. Moreover, a positive influence of the alternative farrowing pens on the piglets' behaviour could be demonstrated. On the basis of the production data recorded in this study, fixation of the sows over the entire suckling period to avoid piglet losses is not necessary and this practice cannot be justified regarding animal welfare., Competing Interests: Die Autoren bestätigen, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

We recently reported augmentation of lipid peroxidation products in the liver of intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) piglets fed a high load of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) during suckling period. The underlying mechanisms of MRPs effects remain unknown. Here, we studied the long-term impact of MRPs exposure on liver oxidative status of IUGR juvenile pigs. Livers of 54-day-old pigs suckled with formula containing either a high (HHF, n=8) or a low (LHF: n=8) load of MRPs were analyzed for protein carbonylation levels , activities and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of glutathione (GSH) and main antioxidant regulators of redox homeostasis [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. In addition, mRNA levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were measured. The liver of HHF group exhibited a high level of lipid peroxidation with significantly increased expression and activity of SOD. Further in liver of HHF group, CAT activity was decreased as compared with LHF group, though with comparable total protein carbonyl contents, GSH contents, and expression of GPx and microRNAs (miRNA-21 and miRNA-155). Our findings suggest that the potential mechanism of MRPs-mediated oxidative stress programming in liver of IUGR piglets may occur via impairment of antioxidant defenses.

The behaviour of a nursing dam influences the development, physiology, and behaviour of her offspring. Maternal behaviours can be modulated both by environmental factors, including diet, and by physical or behavioural characteristics of the offspring. In most studies of the effects of the environment on maternal behaviour, F 0 dams nurse their own F 1 offspring. Because the F 1 are indirectly exposed to the environmental stressor in utero in these studies, it is not possible to differentiate between effects on maternal behaviour from direct exposure of the dam and those mediated by changes in the F 1 as a consequence of in utero exposure. In this study, we used a mouse model of high-fat (HF) diet feeding, which has been shown to influence maternal behaviours, combined with cross-fostering to discriminate between these effects. We tested whether the diet of the F 0 dam or the exposure experienced by the F 1 pups in utero is the most significant predictor of maternal behaviour. Neither factor significantly influenced pup retrieval behaviours. However, strikingly, F 1 in utero exposure was a significant predictor of maternal behaviour in the 15 min immediately following pup retrieval while F 0 diet had no discernable effect. Our findings suggest that in utero exposure to HF diet programmes physiological changes in the offspring which influence the maternal behaviours of their dam after birth., (© 2018 The Author(s).)

Maternal care behaviour is crucial for offspring quality and survival in pigs. Defining care is therefore essential for ensuring the welfare of pigs and sustainability of pig production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sow nest building, communication with piglets (sniffing, nudging, grunting) during resting and activity, and piglet survival in three different sow breeds: a maternal line selected for high weaned pig production (Landrace), a paternal line selected for meat traits (Duroc), and a crossbred line (Landrace and Yorkshire). We predicted that a higher frequency of nest building and sow communication would have a positive impact on piglet survival. Secondly, we predicted that a high level of maternal care outside the time of nursing (nest building and communication) would increase the quality of the litter (weight at weaning). We also predicted that nest building activity and sow communication would be more pronounced in maternal sow lines selected for maternal traits than in a non-selected, paternal line, and that primiparous sows would perform more nest building behaviour and communicate more than multiparous sows due to high investment in their first litter. Finally, an impaired condition around farrowing (i.e. low body condition score and presence of shoulder lesions) was predicted to be negatively correlated to care behaviours. Data was collected on 38 sows with 511 born piglets. Sows with their litters, were loose-housed in individual farrowing pens until weaning. Nest building activity can be partly considered as maternal care behaviour as it prepares the sows for motherhood and is associated with a lower proportion of stillborn piglets (P < 0.001), starved piglets (P = 0.004), and overlaid piglets (P = 0.034). As predicted, sows that communicated more while being active had lower postnatal piglet mortality (starvation (P < 0.001), less overlying (P < 0.001), overlying with (P < 0.001), and without the milk in the stomach (P < 0.001) and fewer that died of other causes (P < 0.001), higher piglet survival (P < 0.001) and litter weight (P < 0.001) at weaning irrespective of the breed. A higher level of communication while active was associated with more pronounced shoulder lesions in sows (P = 0.010), suggesting a positive association between good maternal care and prevalence of shoulder lesions. We also found that resting sows that communicated more with piglets outside the time of nursing, had higher postnatal piglet mortality (P < 0.001) due to starvation (P < 0.001), overlying (P < 0.001), overlying with (P < 0.001), or without milk (P < 0.001). Communication during resting was more pronounced with increasing litter size at birth (P < 0.001), especially for thin sows (P < 0.001). Communication during resting was more pronounced in the non-selected Duroc line (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that sow communication while being active is a good predictor of good maternal care, piglet survival and litter quality in three different breeds of domestic pigs., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Selection of sows for large litter size has adverse consequences including lesser and more variable birth weights, reduced piglet viability and greater peri- and post-natal piglet mortality. One approach to improve survival might be to feed caffeine to the sow, which improves piglet viability after induced farrowing, but has not been evaluated in sows which farrow naturally. Large White x Landrace sows were fed 0 (CON: n = 30) or 6 g/day caffeine (CAF: n = 34) with their daily feed from 3 days before expected parturition until farrowing. Numbers of piglets born alive and stillborn, as well as piglet vitality and meconium staining score were recorded at birth. Piglet rectal temperature was measured at 3 and 24 h and piglet survival was recorded through lactation. Compared with CON animals, sows of the CAF group had longer gestations (CON: 115.6 ± 0.3 days; CAF: 116.6 ± 0.3 days, P = 0.01) and piglets of CAF sows had greater rectal temperatures 3 h after birth (CON: 37.6 ± 0.2 °C, CAF 38.0 ± 0.2 °C, P<0.05). Although there was no difference in the stillborn numbers per litter fewer CAF sows delivered stillborn piglets when compared to CON sows (CON: 43.3%, CAF: 20.6%, P = 0.05). Piglet survival to day 18 of lactation was not altered by treatment (CON: 90.4 ± 3.2%, CAF: 92.0 ± 2.4%, P>0.05). The current data suggest that maternal supplementation with caffeine is a promising treatment to prevent premature farrowing and increase piglet temperature at birth, and may decrease the incidence of litters with stillborn piglets., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In adult rodents, neuroblasts originating from the subventricular zone migrate tangentially through the rostral migratory stream (RMS) toward the olfactory bulb where they differentiate into interneurons. Neuroblasts in the RMS migrate in chains for a long distance along specifically arranged blood vessels which promote their migration. Although blood vessels in the neurogenic region of the forebrain are present early in development, their rearrangement into this specific pattern takes place during the first postnatal weeks. Here we examined the relevance of this rearrangement to the migration-guiding "scaffold" for the neurogenic processes in the RMS such as cell migration and proliferation. To disturb the reorganization of blood vessels, endostatin - an inhibitor of angiogenesis, was administered systemically to rat pups during the first postnatal week. Ten days or three months later, the arrangement of blood vessels, migration and proliferation of cells in the RMS were assessed. As we expected, the inhibition of angiogenesis disrupted rearrangement of blood vessels in the RMS. The rearrangement's failure resulted in a strong disruption of the mode and direction of neuroblast migration. Chain migration failed and neuroblasts migrated out of the RMS. The inhibition caused a slight increase in the number of proliferating cells in the RMS. The consequences were more obvious ten days after the inhibition of angiogenesis, although they persisted partly into adulthood. Altogether, here we show that the process of rearrangement of blood vessels in the RMS during the early postal period is crucial to ensure the regular course of postnatal neurogenesis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: In dogs, due to better alignment with the aortic outflow, the subcostal (SC) transducer site provides greater Doppler-derived velocities than those obtained from the left parasternal view. The feasibility of this imaging approach has never been described in equine echocardiography., Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the SC view in newborn foals and compare aortic two-dimensional and Doppler-derived velocity measurements with those of standard parasternal long-axis (LAX) views., Study Design: A prospective observational study., Methods: Twenty-three newborn healthy Standardbred and Warmblood foals, aged from 7 h to 6 days, underwent transthoracic two-dimensional (2DE), M-mode and Doppler echocardiography that was performed in lateral recumbency. Right and left parasternal long-axis (R-LAX, L-LAX) and SC views were obtained to perform 2DE and Doppler assessments of the aortic valve (AoV). Aortic diameter at the sinus of Valsalva (AoS D) was measured from R-LAX and SC images. Aortic maximal velocity (AoV Vel max ), velocity time integral (AoV VTI) and pressure gradient (AoV PG) were obtained by pulsed wave Doppler spectra from SC and L-LAX views., Results: The SC view was feasible in all foals. No significant difference was found in AoS D between different views (P = 0.06), and no significant correlation was detected for bodyweight (BW). AoV Vel max , VTI and PG obtained from the SC view were greater than from the L-LAX view (P<0.0001, P = 0.0001 and P<0.0001 respectively), especially in foals with lower BW., Main Limitations: The order of the transducer site was not randomised among foals, and the observer was not blinded during offline measurement., Conclusions: The SC view can be easily obtained in recumbent newborn foals and provides optimal alignment with aortic outflow, leading to more reliable Doppler flow velocity than the conventional L-LAX view. Further investigations of the potential use of this view in Doppler estimation of aortic outflow and cardiac assessment of sick foals are recommended., (© 2018 EVJ Ltd.)

Background: Foals can follow the herd within hours of birth, but it has been shown that kinetic gait parameters and static balance still have to mature. However, development of dynamic balance has not been investigated., Objectives: To objectively quantify landing and pressure pattern dynamics under the hoof during the first half year of life., Study Design: Prospective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm., Methods: Pressure plate measurements at walk and trot from ten Dutch warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to quantify toe-heel and medial-lateral hoof balance asymmetry indexes and to determine preferred landing strategy. Concurrently, radiographs of the tarsocrural and femoropatellar joints were taken at 4-6 weeks and after 6 months to check for osteochondrosis. A linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of time point, limb pair (front/hind), side (left/right) and osteochondrosis status of every foal., Results: At 25% of stance duration at walk, front limbs were more loaded in the heel region in weeks 6-20 (P≤0.04), the medial-lateral balance was more to the lateral side from week 6 onwards at both walk and trot (P≤0.04). Landing preference gradually changed in the same directions. Variability in pressure distribution decreased over time. (Subclinical) osteochondrosis did not influence any of the measured parameters., Main Limitations: This study is limited by the relatively small sample size only containing one breed from a single stud farm., Conclusions: Dynamic hoof balance in new-born foals is more variable and less oriented towards the lateral side of the hoof and to the heel than in mature horses. This pattern changes gradually during the first weeks of life. Knowledge of this process is essential for the clinician when considering interventions in this area in early life., (© 2018 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.)

Most living organisms show circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior. These oscillations are generated by endogenous circadian clocks, present in virtually all cells where they control key biological processes. To study peripheral clocks in vivo, we developed an original model, the Rev-Luc mouse to follow noninvasively and longitudinally Rev-Luc oscillations in peripheral clocks using in vivo bioluminescence imaging. We found in vitro and in vivo a robust diurnal rhythm of Rev-Luc, mainly in liver, intestine, kidney and adipose tissues. We further confirmed in vivo that Rev-Luc peripheral tissues are food-entrainable oscillators, not affected by age or sex. These data strongly support the relevance of the Rev-Luc model for circadian studies, especially to investigate in vivo the establishment and the entrainment of the rhythm throughout ontogenesis. We then showed that Rev-Luc expression develops dynamically and gradually, both in amplitude and in phase, during fetal and postnatal development. We also demonstrate for the first time that the immature peripheral circadian system of offspring in utero is mainly entrained by maternal cues from feeding regimen. The prenatal entrainment will also differentially determine the Rev-Luc expression in pups before weaning underlining the importance of the maternal chrononutrition on the circadian system entrainment of the offspring.

Objective: The aim of this field study was to examine the loose farrowing system in view of practicability, particularly to monitor piglet losses and their causes, on a farm proceeding in accordance with the BIO AUSTRIA production guidelines from summer 2015 until summer 2017. The so-called "Ethobox" (HAKA, Josef Häufele GmbH & Co. KG, Erbach-Dellmensingen, Germany) had been installed into two cold barns with access to outdoor areas., Material and Methods: The reproductive rate was recorded routinely on charts. Piglet losses were categorized as crushed piglets or other losses, and the timing of the loss was noted., Results: In total, the data of 490 litters (sow: German Large White x German Landrace; boar: Pietrain/Pietrain x Duroc) were acquired (mean litter number: 2.5 ± 1.3; mean number of piglets born alive: 10.5 ± 2.8; mean number of stillborn piglets: 0.8 ± 1.7). A mean of 0.72 piglets were crushed per litter. Other piglet losses comprised 0.58 piglets per litter. Total piglet mortality amounted to 12.4 %. Of all the losses through crushing, 98.6 % were recorded within the first week of life. During this time period, 53.1 % of the other piglet losses occurred., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: This study confirms that the first week of life can be considered to be a "critical stage of life" for the piglets regarding losses through crushing. According to the results, the investigated farrowing system has been proven practicable for the farm. In particular, the smaller number of piglets born alive appears to play a considerable role when regarding the comparatively low number of piglet losses., Competing Interests: Die Autoren bestätigen, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of birth order on the physiological and metabolic responses of the newborn piglet the first hours after birth. A total of 281 randomly selected newborn piglets were included, classified according to birth order in 12 groups (L1-L12). The expulsion interval, neonatal vitality, latency in connecting to the maternal teat and physiological profile were recorded for each piglet. The number of piglets born alive and dead was also recorded. The blood gases, electrolytes and glucose levels of the neonates were obtained by means of an automatic blood gas and electrolyte analyzer. Groups L1, L2, L11, and L12 had the least score on the vitality scale, the longest expulsion intervals, and longest latency to connect with the maternal teat, as well as greater physiological alterations (hyperglycemia, hyperlactatemia and hypercapnia) compared to groups L4 to L9. Likewise, type-II stillbirths only occurred in the first and last quarter of the birth order of the litter. In conclusion, piglets born in the first and last quarter of the birth order of the litter had a greater risk of having physiological and behavioral alterations during farrowing., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Neonatal immediate adaptation to extrauterine life depends mainly on adequate lung function, which is under the influence of previous fetal maturation and obstetrical condition, both acting to stimulate the efficient liquid removal from the pulmonary parenchyma during the immediate transition period. The objective of the present study is to identify chest radiographic changes of neonatal calves born under the influence of different duration of calving and obstetric assistance and correlate with clinical analysis and blood acid-base balance. Experimental groups were determined according to the duration of calving: 2 h (n  =  16), 2-4 h (n  =  16) and >4 h (n  =  12), and additionally by two sub-groups: no-intervention calving (n  =  22) and intervention calving (n  =  22). Neonatal calves were evaluated for heart and respiratory rate at birth, 5 min, every 10 min until 90 min. Arterial acid-base balance was determined immediately after calving and thoracic radiographs were made at 10 min of life. Lung radiopacity was higher in the 2-4 hr Group compared to the 2 hr Group. When calving duration was greater than 4 hours, a significant respiratory depression was observed. Calving greater than 2 hours slower neonatal pulmonary clearance, 100% and 91.6% of the calves born in the 2-4 hr and >4 hr Groups, respectively, had mild to moderate lung parenchyma opacity. There was a positive correlation between lung radiographic changes and blood TCO2 and negative correlation between pulmonary opacity score and blood PaO2 and SO2. Hence, it is possible to infer that neonatal hypoxia during prolonged calving has an imperative influence on pulmonary fluid absorption in calves. In conclusion, calving greater than 2 hours impacts pulmonary function at birth, leading to altered lung gas exchange, pulmonary clearance, cardiac and respiratory pattern. Conversely, obstetric intervention when calving has duration greater than 4 hours is beneficial for neonatal oxygenation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency and clinical safety of postnatal administration of a GnRH agonist on canine puberty postponement. Sexual steroids and histological gonadal changes were also described. Twenty-four littermate puppies were randomly assigned to: Deslorelin acetate 18.8 mg sc (DESLO; n = 12) or Placebo: sc (PLACE; n = 12) postnatally. The dogs were clinically and endocrinologically followed up until puberty when they were gonadectomized and their gonads histomorphometrically studied. Deslorelin postponed the age of puberty (72.7 ± 4.8 vs. 35.8 ± 1.9 weeks; P < 0.01) in these dogs. At the time of this submission, 3 DESLO dogs (108 weeks old) remain non-pubertal. All dogs concluded growing at a similar age (29.75 ± 2.44 vs. 29.25 ± 0.90 weeks; P > 0.1) independently of their group and pubertal status. None of the females had side effects while the 2 non pubertal DESLO males presented bilateral cryptorchydism. All the bitches ovulated at puberty (P > 0.1) and the 2 DESLO that were mated became pregnant. Deslorelin postponed basal serum sexual steroids up to puberty in both genders (P < 0.01). The histomorphometrical study of the testes revealed that the tubular diameter (P < 0.05), germinal epithelium height and composition (P < 0.01) were decreased in DESLO group. Ovarian structures did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). It was concluded that postnatal deslorelin decreased sexual steroids reversibly postponing puberty in both genders without side effects in bitches and causing 2/6 of cryptorchydism and impairment of testicular histomorphometry in male dogs., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Disturbance of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators is thought to underlie the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies of 15q dup mouse models of ASD with human 15q11-13 duplication have revealed that restoring serotonin (5-HT) levels can partially reverse ASD-related symptoms in adults. However, it remains unclear how serotonin contributes to the behavioral symptoms of ASD. In contrast, oxytocin (OXT) has been found to involve social and affiliative behaviors. In this study, we examined whether serotonin-OXT interaction during the early postnatal period plays a critical role in the restoration of social abnormality in 15q dup mice. OXT or the 5-HT 1A receptor agonist 8OH-DPAT treatment from postnatal day 7 (PD7) to PD21 ameliorated social abnormality in the three-chamber social interaction test in adult 15q dup mice. The effect of 8OH-DPAT was inhibited by blockade of OXT receptors in 15q dup mice. Thus, serotonin-OXT interaction via 5-HT 1A receptors plays a critical role in the normal development of social behavior in 15q dup mice. Therefore, targeting serotonin-OXT interaction may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of ASD.