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We investigated the association between 157 SNPs located in 75 candidate genes involved in the immune system and proxy traits for resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. A total of 211 lambs from eight flocks were sampled. Nematode eggs per gram were counted and classified as: (i) Strongyles, (ii) Nematodirus spp., (iii) Trichuris spp. and (iv) Marshallagia marshalli. Single‐ and multiple‐locus models were used to test the marker–trait associations. Seven significant SNPs were identified on chromosomes OAR6, 15, 16, and 19. These findings provide insights for breeding nemarode‐resistant traits in low‐input production systems. General linear model, fixed and random model circulating probability unification, and Bayesian‐information and linkage‐disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway analyses identified a significant association between the eggs per gram of Strongyles nematodes and a specific variant of the PRLR gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of intersexuality in goat breeds is one of the most popular, and challenging issues. Therefore, understanding the genetic complexity of this phenomenon at the DNA level may help to discover the molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation in this species. A solution to this problem is proposed in the development of a DNA test using sex-determination candidate genes. With this motivation, the main goal of the present report was to identify the pseudohermaphrodite polled goats based on ZFX and SRY sexdetermination candidate gene findings. Overall, data were collected from 11 individuals (4 females, 4 males, and 3 anatomically female goats (intersex) were chosen for PCR analysis using ZFX and SRY specific primers sequence. For this reason, genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification were done according to routinely available laboratory protocol. Two ZFX and SRY-specific primer sets were applied for PCR amplification. Interestingly, our results were re-confirmed, and PCR products were amplified by ZFX primer yielding a band of 445 bp in both female and intersex goats. Furthermore, SRY expressed 169 bp in both male and intersex goats. In summary, these results suggest that SRY candidate gene may provide insight into the factors affecting the intersexuality issue in goat breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to provide advanced insights into scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (oAD-MSCs). In this study after isolation and proliferation of ADMSCs, their cell surface markers characterized using antibodies RT-PCR. SEM was used to study of ultrastructure of oAD-MSCs. Adipose tissue was obtained from tail fat of sheep. Surface markers (CD44, CD90, CD34, CD31) evaluated by RT-PCR. RT-PCR was done for CD44, CD90, CD34 and CD31 to identify of cells. Morphological characterization was done by inverted microscope and SEM. Cells was prepared by glutaraldehyde for first fixation and tetroxide osmium for second fixation and dehydration with different percent of ethanol. Finally, cells coated with gold and observed in SEM. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) were isolated and proliferated. They were positive for CD44 and CD90 markers and negative for CD31 and Cd34 markers in RT-PCR technique. AD-MSCs showed a fibroblast-like, spindleshaped morphology after they attached to the culture flasks observing in inverted microscope. Explanted specimens were imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM provides the main technology to visualize surface features. In SEM the outer surface of the mesenchymal cells could be observed; so, in this study, the pseudopods arising from each cell and extending through each other were clearly shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronization can improve the reproductive performance of ewe lambs during the non-breeding season, though seeking a simple method can be more practical for farmers. Accordingly, the study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewe lambs during the non-breeding season using different clomiphene citrate (CC) protocols compared with progesterone sponge (PS) + equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) protocol. In this study, 40 Ghezel ewe lambs were divided into four randomly groups: 1) PS + eCG group: PS insertion (day 0-12) + 500 IU eCG injection on day 12; 2) PS + CC group: PS insertion (day 0-12) + oral administration of 100 mg CC/day (day 7-12); 3) CC + eCG group: oral administration of 100 mg CC/day (day 7-12) + 500 IU eCG injection on day 12; 4) CC group: oral administration of 100 mg CC/day (day 7-12). Ram introduction was done for five days. Blood samples were taken on 1, 11, 14, and 40 days, and serum levels of estradiol and progesterone were measured. Pregnancy and lambing rates were also assessed. Results indicated that pregnancy and lambing rates were the highest in PS + eCG group, while the lowest or no performance was observed in CC groups (P<0.05). Based on the overall results of the present study, the best synchronization method during the non-breeding season for ewe lambs was PS + eCG compared with the CC protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) of native goat using different media along with cryoprotectant. Morphological differentiation and immunocytochemistry tests were used to identify the cells. Furthermore anti-vimentin and anti-Oct-4 immuno staining methods were used for identification of sertoli cells and SSCs, respectively. Cryopreservation of SSCs was done with two sets of media. One with 40% dulbecco's modified eagle's medium (DMEM), 50% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The second medium included 90% FBS and 10% DMSO. Post thaw cryopreserved cells were subjected to viability and colony area formation on 4th, 8th and 12th days of culturing after and before cryopreservation. Results clearly indicated the viability, area and number of colonies in the first medium registered to 61.37%, 0.87 mm² and 246.88 averagely in every 25 cm² culture flask, respectively. Similarly with second medium, post thaw cryopreserved sperm registered viability, area and number of colonies to 73.87%, 2.74 mm² and 364.36 in every 25 cm2 culture flask, respectively. After the thawing of spermatogonial cells, the best viability percentage was obtained in the freezing medium containing 90% FBS. Thus the study demonstrated that serum concentration had a distinct positive effect on the maintenance and proliferation of SSCs in culture after cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For chickens, arginine considered an essential amino acid due to the lack of urea cycle in birds. Arginine deficiency causes growth retardation, higher prevalence of disease due to the malfunction of immune system, and lower gastrointestinal capacity. However, higher levels of arginine in the diet improved growth performance, muscle hypertrophy, and meat quality. Arginine reduces carcass fat accretion by reducing liver lipogenic enzyme expressions and activities, but it improves muscle fat content. As an immunonutrition, feeding arginine shows some immunostimulatory and thymotrophic role and improves both humoral and cellular immunity. Also, in ovo injection of arginine improves both growth and immune function of birds. Arginine also improves insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid hormone secretion and by which, improves growth in a dose dependent manner. Arginine also improves small intestine histomorphology and enzyme activity and then, improves bird digestive system capacity and efficiency. Accordingly, the aim of this review article was to focus on the effects of arginine on growth, immune system, and meat quality of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regardless of reasonable reproductive performance of ewe lambs of many breeds, Ghezel ewe lambs have a very poor fertility rate, but Ghezel yearling ewes have a high fertility rate. So, comparing ewe lambs with yearling ewes can help us to understand the reason of this difference. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate body weight, body biometrical parameters, serum metabolites, progesterone concentration, and trait correlations of Ghezel ewe lambs and yearling ewes. During the breeding season, Ghezel ewe lambs (n=36, 7 months old) and yearling ewes (n=39, 18 months old) were weighed, their body biometrical parameters were measured, blood samples were collected, and serum metabolites and progesterone concentrations were measured. Then, all data were analyzed by the general linear model procedure of SAS software. The results of this study indicated higher relative body weight, all body biometrical parameters (except head length), and progesterone concentration in yearling ewes in comparison with ewe lambs (P<0.01). However, serum urea and glucose concentrations were lower in yearling ewes in comparison with ewe lambs (P<0.05). Also, results indicated a positive correlation of relative body weight and age with progesterone concentration of yearling ewes (P<0.01). On the other hand, results indicated a negative correlation of serum progesterone, relative body weight and age with urea concentration of yearling ewes (P<0.05). The overall results of this study indicated that Ghezel ewe lambs had lower relative body weight, body parameters, and progesterone concentration, but higher blood glucose and urea concentrations in comparison with yearling ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wool growth depends on hormones activity. Owing to hormonal status is extensively affected by surgical excision of endocrine glands, disease or severe congenital abnormalities, wool growth will be altered. This study intends to assess the effect of prepubertal castration at different ages on wool traits and testosterone with draw in male lambs. One month of age Ghezel male lambs (n=20) were selected and allotted in 5 groups (n=4 lambs per group), 4 groups (1, 2, 3, 4 month ages) were surgically castrated, while the fifth group served as control. All animal were fed with the same ration for 240 days. At 9-month of age, hair samples were taken from the mid-side and shoulder regions and analyzed by image analysis. Blood samples were taken from all animals from 1 month of age to 9 month monthly to measure plasma levels of testosterone. The average fiber diameter in castrated lambs was lower compared with intact males (35.21 μm vs. 36.40 μm; P<0.05). Also, 4-month castrated lambs showed significant differences in the average diameter of wool fiber in comparison to the other castrated groups (P<0.05). The plasma level of testosterone in castrated lambs remained in basal levels (0.51 ng/mL), contrasting to values recorded in intact male lambs at 9- month of age (2.33 ng/mL; P<0.05). The diameter of fibers was strongly correlated (P<0.05) with testosterone plasma concentration (r=0.94) in castrated and in intact lambs (r=0.86). Therefore, it is concluded that testosterone concentration affects the diameter of wool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire is the property of Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse 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.)

The objective of this study was to specify the effects of centrifugation and different surface of soybean lecithin- based extender on post-thaw Sperm quality of Ghezel ram semen. Semen samples were gathered from 5 mature Ghezel ram two/week for 3 weeks. After initial evaluation, the approved semen samples were pooled together and split into equal parts in Falcon tub s. Three samples were combined with Tris buffer at 30 °C and then centrifuged to remove the seminal pla ma. After centrifugation and removal of the supernatant, samples were diluted with Tris-citrate-fructose extender + different concentrations of soybean lecies thin (1%, 1.5% and 2% weight/volume) with 7% glycerol; and residual one samples, which were not centrifuged, were diluted with the (1.5% weight/volume) soybean lecithin. Samples then cooled to 5 °C and frozen in 0.25 mL French straws and straws were thawed in a 37 °C water bath. The results of different concentrations of soybean lecithin showed that total motility (TM) and motion parameters of average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and lateral head displacement (ALH) and and the percentage of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes were significantly higher in soybean lecithin (SL) 1.5% compared to other semen extenders (P<0.05). Total motility and sperm-motion parameters (VAP, VSL, VCL and ALH), in SL1.5% without centrifugation were higher than the groups with 1%, 1.5% or 2% and with centrifugation (P<0.05). Generally, the results suggest that SL1.5% extender was better (with or without centrifugation) than other extenders in most in vitro evaluated sperm parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire is the property of Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse 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.)

Copyright of Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire is the property of Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse 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.)

Psomopoulos has proved that $$[x^n, y] = [x, y^{n+1}]$$ for a positive integer n implies commutativity in groups. Here we show that cancellative semigroups admitting commutators and satisfying the identity $$[x^n, y] = [x, y^{n+k}]$$ implies that the element $$y^k$$ is central. The special case of $$k=1$$ yields the above mentioned commutativity theorem. To accommodate negative exponents, we consider the functional equation $$[f(x), y] = [x, g(y)f(y)] $$ where f and g are unary functions satisfying certain formal syntactic rules and prove that in cancellative semigroups admitting commutators, the functional equation $$[f(x), y] = [x, g(y)f(y)]$$ implies that the element g( y) is central i.e. $$xg(y) = g(y)x$$ for all x and y. By the way, these results are new even in group theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire is the property of Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse 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.)

Pedigree information of 3972 Holstein cows and bulls, from 1961 to 2008, was used to calculate inbreeding coefficients and their effects on production traits and subclinical mastitis of dairy farm cows in Azerbaijan province, Iran. Inbreeding was included in a linear mixed model as a class variable. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS by MIVQUE method. Results showed that average inbreeding coefficients were inferior in total population and inbred cows (0.8 and 1.3% in total population and inbred cows, respectively). Although the rate of inbreeding coefficients was low, inbreeding had decreasing effects (P<0.01) on milk, fat, and protein yields, while increasing effects (P<0.01) on prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Furthermore, animals with inbreeding coefficients between 0.59 to 1.11%showed a reduction in milk, fat, and protein yields by 2.4, 2 and 2%, respectively; whereas, animals with inbreeding coefficients between 1.11 and 1.75% showed a reduction in milk, fat, and protein yields by 2, 3.7 and 2.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to estimate the effects of parity, calving season and year of calving on the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Holstein cows. A total of 2682 records from 869 Holstein cows in a large dairy farm (Azarbaijan province, Iran), respecting the period from 2006 to 2009, were collected. Data was analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS software by MIVQUE method. Subclinical mastitis was also studied based on three different models including: 1) considering each udder quarter as a separate unit (Udder quarter model), 2) considering all the four udder quarters of a cow as one overall unit (Subclinm model) and 3) considering the sum of positive subclinical mastitis scores in all udder quarters of an animal (Episode model). Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis was based on California Mastitis Test. Results showed that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 20.83%. The prevalence of cows with only one udder quarter affected by subclinical mastitis was 23.71%. Parity and year of calving significantly affected the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (P<0.001). Older cows with higher parity number had increased prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Therefore, the highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed in cows having number of parities between 5 and 11. The lowest subclinical mastitis prevalence (using three mastitis models) was recorded in 2010, whilst its highest prevalence was observed in 2008. Season of calving also significantly influenced subclinical mastitis prevalence (P<0.05): cows calving in autumn had higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis than those calving in the other seasons. Concluding, data from the present study demonstrated that parity, calving season and year of calving influenced the prevalence of subclinical mastitis on the three mentioned models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the photoperiod on the seminal traits of crossbreed wool-producing rams throughout on year period. For the effect of photoperiod two periods were considered: decreasing daylight length (summer and autumn) and increasing daylight length (winter and spring). For the study 5 Baluchi ? Moghani (BL?MG) and 5 Arkharmerino ? Moghani (AM?MG) rams were used. Semen collection started from first of October 2010 to end of September 2011. After a training period of 2 weeks semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, total sperm count per ejaculate (TSE), spermatozoa concentration, semen color, wave motion, percentage of progressive motility, percentage of live and abnormal spermatozoa, semen pH, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) and semen index (semen volume ? spermatozoa concentration/mL ? live spermatozoa % ? progressive motility %). Analysis of the yearlong data showed that semen samples with the best quality were collected in September to November (P<0.05). Significant seasonal variations of semen traits were observed for all of seminal traits except for progressive motility, percentage of live spermatozoa and MBRT. Yet, no statistical differences were found between the two genetic groups (P>0.05). Although there were significant seasonal changes in semen characteristics of the crosses, the fresh semen showed adequate quality to be used for artificial or natural insemination all around the year. Photoperiod was found to influence semen production in two genetic groups at 38 °02' N, 46 °27' E at an altitude of 1567 m above sea level of Iran. However, these effects should are not detrimental to the use of rams for breeding purposes throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the antioxidant activity and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in seminal plasma cross breed rams and their relationship with semen characteristics. It demonstrates the positive significant correlation between seminal plasma, GPx with motility and viability of spermatozoa. Results suggest that semen quality of crossbreed rams can be maintained in proper values through GPx influence.