Physiology and Endocrinology III.

The article presents abstracts of various papers related to animal physiology that were presented during the symposium held on July 27, 2005 in Cincinnati, Ohio, which was organized by the American Dairy Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, and the Canadian Society of Animal Science. One of the papers discussed is "Effects of Feeding Pattern on Plasma Ghrelin Concentrations in Pigs," by C. Brown, R. Harrell, and C. Whisnant. The independent role of ghrelin regulation continues to be controversial. Ghrelin, a 28 amino acid peptide identified as the endogenous ligand for growth hormone (GH) secretoagogue receptor, is found in the gastrointestinal tract, predominantly the stomach. Ghrelin stimulates GH secretion, increases feed intake, adipose tissue, and decreases gastric acid. The aim of this study was to determine if a change in meal patterns might affect ghrelin levels in barrows. Another paper discussed is "NEFA and Glucose Levels in Serum of Periparturient Dairy Cows are Indicative of Pregnancy Success at First Service," by M. Burkhart, R. Youngquist, J. Spain and others. Higher serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and lower serum levels of glucose indicate a negative energy balance in periparturient dairy cows. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between NEFA and glucose levels in periparturient dairy cows and subsequent fertility.