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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: A combination of Trachyspermum ammi L., Curcuma longa L., Cuminum cyminum L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Anethum graveolens L and Zingiber officinale Roscoe is used as immunity booster and reproductive efficiency enhancing agents in folklore medicine., Aim of the Study: The present study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory, uterine cleansing and reproduction enhancing effects of polyherbal mixture in post-partum buffaloes., Materials and Methods: Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to investigate the effects of polyherbal mixture feeding on for quantification of neutrophil functions and blood progesterone hormone estimation. Ultrasonography was used to assess the status of uterine involution, fluid in uterus and ovarian follicular status. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of chemokine genes CXCR1, CXCR2 AND IL-8. Artificial insemination with cryopreserved semen was used to breed the animals. Reproductive efficiency parameters were assessed using standard calculation methods., Results: Neutrophil functions and transcriptional abundance of chemokine genes were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in buffaloes supplemented with polyherbal mixture compared to buffaloes in control group. The rate of cervical and uterine involution was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment group compared to control group. The service period was shorter, days to first insemination was earlier and the number of services per conception was lower in buffaloes supplemented with polyherbal mixture compared to the buffaloes in control group. The proportion of buffaloes with large ovarian follicles within 28 days of post-partum was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment group compared to the control group., Conclusions: The polyherbal mixture used in the study improved the immunity of the buffaloes, facilitated early involution of cervix and uterus, efficient cleansing of lochia and improved subsequent fertility. It has the potential to be used in dairy animals for improving post-partum reproductive efficiency., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of protected fat plus yeast, niacin, zinc, and chromium dietary supplementation on the reduction of heat stress in Karan Fries (KF) heifers during hot humid months., Materials and Methods: The basal ration for both the control and treatment groups was the same, containing maize as green fodder and concentrate mixture. However, the treatment group was supplemented with protected fat (2.5% of dry matter intake [DMI]), yeast (10 g/animal/day), niacin (6 g/animal/day), zinc (40 mg/kg DMI), and chromium (1.5 mg/kg DMI)., Result: The overall mean value of afternoon rectal temperature for control and treatment group was 103.17±0.09 and 102.72±0.10°F, respectively, and was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the treatment group. The overall mean value of afternoon respiration rate for control and treatment group was 76.35±0.56 and 73.13±0.58 breaths/min, respectively, and was also significantly (p<0.01) lower in the treatment group. The overall mean value of afternoon pulse rate for control and treatment group was 97.09±0.63 and 94.67±0.67 beats/minute, respectively, and was also significantly (p<0.01) lower in the treatment group. Finally, the mean cortisol concentration for control and treatment group was 3.94±0.05 ng/ml and 3.70±0.06 ng/ml, respectively, and was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the treatment group., Conclusion: The present study shows that supplementation with the above feed additives could serve as a heat stress abatement strategy in growing KF heifers during extreme conditions in summer months.

Thirty-six cross-bred cows were used to study the effect of long-chain (flaxseed) or short-chain (butyric acid) fatty acid supplementation on metabolic status, ovarian function and reproduction performance during transition period. Control cows received a routine feed of transition diet, while the cows in two treatment groups were supplemented with either 750-g crushed flaxseed or 250 g butyric acid per cow per day. Ovarian activity was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography on 10th, 20th and 30th days post-partum. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into heparinized polystyrene tubes; plasma was prepared and stored under -20 °C until analysis. Results indicated that cows in flaxseed group were in positive energy balance as indicated by lower NEFA and Beta hydroxy Butyrate and higher glucose concentrations. Uterine involution was completed well within 30 days post-partum in all the cows in flaxseed fed group compared to 76.9% in butyric acid supplemented and 61.5% in control groups. The size of dominant follicle and corpus luteum was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for flaxseed group compared to control group, which in turn resulted in higher concentrations of plasma progesterone. Cows fed on diets supplemented with flaxseed exhibited post-partum heat earlier and bred sooner (p < 0.05) than control cows. It has been noticed that supplementation of flaxseed and butyric acid enhanced involution of uterus, early resumption of cyclicity and thereby early breeding. However, in view of the encouraging results obtained for flaxseed supplemented group, its organic nature and easier availability at farmer's gate, we concluded that flaxseed can be safely included in transition diet to modulate reproductive performance of dairy cattle., (Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Twenty Crossbred (Baladi× Brown-Swiss) male growing-calves, 6 to 8 months old, weighing an average of 115 to 125 kg were subjected for evaluating ZADO supplementary effects on blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, thyroid activity, and growth efficiency of calves under semi-arid conditions. The experimental units were pinned equally in two groups. The control (G1) fed the basal ration, and the 2nd, treatment group (G2) fed the basal ration + a daily supplement of 10 g ZADO (exogenous enzymes) calf− 1 day− 1 in a powder form mixed well with ration. The results showed that ZADO treatment reduced (P < 0.001) each of respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), urea, creatinine, and cortisol. Also, caused a marked decline in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. However, supplemented ZADO to growing calves diets improved antioxidant status including reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total antioxidant capacity, serum total protein, albumin, and globulin, as well as IgG and IgM besides. ZADO enhanced (P < 0.01) thyroid activity, and feed efficacy parameters. Finally, supplementing growing calves with ZADO under semi-arid circumstances alleviates the heat stress effect, and leads to an improvement in calves' growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of washing frequency on the physiological responses and performance of buffalo calves was studied in hot summer. Thirty Nili-Ravi calves aged 4-6 months were divided into three uniform groups of ten. The calves of group A, B and C were washed two (9 a.m. and 3 p.m.), three (8 a.m., 12 noon and 4 p.m.) and four (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.) times in a day, respectively. They were washed with water for 5 min at a stretch. The mean linear body measurements, body weight, dry matter intake through concentrate, green fodder and physiological responses, i.e. rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate before and after washing under different daily washing frequency were recorded fortnightly. The average daily gain was also calculated. The mean total dry matter intake was increased with the increase frequency of washing. The maximum mean daily body weight gain was recorded in group C followed by group B and A. There were statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences between the three washing groups. Calves were more comfortable with increase number of washing in a day in hot summer. The rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate also varied significantly (P < 0.05) between the three experiment groups. It can be concluded that daily four times washing in hot summer had more beneficial effects over three and two times washing of young Nili-Ravi buffalo calves to decrease rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate and to increase average feed utilization and daily gain under tropical climate.

Objective: Objective of the study was to reduce heat stress in Murrah buffaloes and maintain their milk production and other vital functions during heat stress. Methods: A total of 21 dyads of calf-mother Murrah buffalo were selected for the study and equally divided in 3 treatment groups. First treatment group was restricted calf contact (RCC), second treatment group was fence line calf contact (FCC) and third treatment groups fence line calf contact and heat stress protection (FCC-HSP [time-controlled fan-fogger system] in the shed). Present study was conducted from April to mid-September 2021. Results: Maximum temperature and temperature humidity index in FCC-HSP shed were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in FCC and RCC shed. Higher (p<0.05) mean daily milk yield in both the treatment groups FCC (10.36±0.30) and FCC-HSP (10.97±0.31) than RCC (8.29±0.41) was recorded. Though no significant difference between FCC and FCC-HSP in daily milk yield but FCC-HSP yielded 600 gm more milk than FCC. Pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were lowest in FCC-HSP followed by FCC and RCC, respectively. Cortisol and prolactin levels were lower (p<0.05) in FCC-HSP followed by FCC and RCC, respectively. Conclusion: Hence, FCC along with heat stress ameliorative measures helped the buffaloes to be free of stress and maintain milk yield during heat stress period of the year in tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the susceptibility of two imported dairy cattle breeds to Algerian local climatic conditions, with a primary focus on heat stress (HS) and its repercussions on fertility traits. The dataset comprises 20,926 artificial insemination records involving 6,191 Prim'Holstein and 5,279 Montbéliarde cows. The animals originated from three distinct agro-ecological regions: littoral (L), semi-arid (SA), and arid (Ar), characterized by average annual Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) values of 75.2, 69.53, and 74.75, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models were performed to analyze the relationship between the THI on the AI day, season, and agro-ecological origin of the animals with the Conception Rate at 1st Artificial Insemination (CR 1stAI), Conception Risk (CR), Services per Conception (SPC), and reproductive period (RP). The results demonstrated a significant negative impact (P < 0.001) of THI > 72 compared to THI ≤ 72 on CR1st AI and CR for both cattle breeds (Prim'Holstein: -49.7% and - 17%, respectively; Montbéliarde: -20.7% and - 15%, respectively). Seasonal effects revealed a notably higher CR1stAI in winter and spring (≈ 25%) for Prim'Holstein and Montbéliarde cows compared to summer (19.41%) and autumn (19.12%), respectively. Furthermore, a reduced likelihood of conception at 1stAI and subsequent AI was observed during summer (0.839) and autumn (0.818) compared to winter for the Montbéliarde cows. Taking into account the littoral region as a reference, the likelihood of 1stAI success increased for both breeds in the SA region and decreased for the Ar region (P < 0.001). SPC increased for both breeds in THI > 72 categories (Prim'Holstein: 6.3%, Montbéliarde: 7.1%, P < 0.01), in the Ar region (Prim'Holstein: 30.9%, Montbéliarde: 26%, P < 0.001), and in the SA region (4%, P < 0.05) compared to the L region No significant seasonal effect on SPC was observed for either breed (P > 0.05). The RP increased in the THI > 72 category (Prim'Holstein: 4.1%, Montbéliarde: 7.4%, P < 0.001) and in the Ar region (Prim'Holstein: 122%, Montbéliarde: 73.4%) for both breeds. RP decreased in autumn compared to winter (Prim'Holstein: 15.3%, Montbéliarde: 8.4%). This study underscores the adverse impact of mild to severe heat stress (HS) and related factors (season, region) on fertility of Prim'Holstein and Montbéliarde cows under Algerian conditions, emphasizing the necessity for heat stress mitigation strategies, especially in adverse littoral humid and Saharan-arid environmental conditions., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Society of Biometeorology.)

This study assessed the effect of heat stress mitigations on the physiological, behavioural, and hormonal responses of buffalo during the hot summer season. Twenty Murrah buffalo male calves were distributed randomly into controlled (C, n = 10) and treatment groups (T, n = 10). The buffalo calves in the C group were housed in the existing shed (10-12-ft height and 10-ft width). Buffalo calves of the T group were allocated in the modified shed: 15-ft height and 20-ft width along with time-controlled pressure mist with fans and rubber mats on the floor. Fans were running all days. The cool water was misted on calves at the rate of 1 min in 5 min, from 11:00 to 18:00 h. The water misting system was installed below the roof, but at 3.5 m above the floor. The calves' body weight, rectal temperature, infrared temperature of the eye, blood samples, respiration rate, and pulse rate were recorded fortnightly for two consecutive months. In one-way ANOVA, rectal temperature, eye temperature, cortisol level, and afternoon's respiration and pulse rate were higher in the calves of C group than that of T group (P < 0.05). Conversely, eating and resting time (min/day) and triiodothyronine were lower in the calves of C group than that of T group (P < 0.05). Therefore, an increase in shed's height and width, using rubber mats on the floor, and cool water misting to buffaloes during the hot summer seasons positively influence their physiological, hormonal, and behavioural responses., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Society of Biometeorology.)

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) supplementation on nutrient utilization, milk yield, and reproductive performance of early lactating Sahiwal cows. Control cows (GC) received a basal diet, while the treatment cows (GM) were supplemented with concentrate comprising 12% MOLM. Ovarian activity and uterine involution were monitored by trans-rectal ultrasonography on the 21st, 28th, 35th, and 42nd days postpartum. The result indicated that MOLM-supplemented cows required fewer days (P ≤ 0.05) to complete uterine involution. As lactation progresses, there was a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in the diameter of the cervix and uterine horns in GM than GC. There was a significant increase in the number of follicles on the 21st day and average milk yield in GM than GC. The incidence of endometritis and cystic ovarian disease was less in MOLM supplemented group. The use of MOLM in the diet reduced the total cost per cow per successful service. It is concluded that MOLM can be safely included at 12% in the diet of early lactating cows to modulate the reproductive performances of dairy cows. Dairy farmers can use moringa leaf meal to feed their dairy cows, which is cheaper and improves production and reproduction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% on dry matter basis for 9 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of chopped green maize fodder. Milk production and its fat % were recorded twice daily, whereas for the remaining components samples were collected weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p<0.05) milk yield, production efficiency, and nutrient utilization at all three inclusion levels; however, milk composition remained unaffected. A numerical but non-significant (p>0.05) increase in performance was noticed with higher doses of Bet. Superoxide dismutase in all three treatments and glutathione peroxidase in Bet 0.2% inclusion level were higher (p<0.05) as compared to the control. However, malondialdehyde was not significantly affected. Inclusion of Bet in the concentrate ration of lactating buffalos at 0.2% level on the dry matter basis is recommended as it positively influenced the production and also improved their antioxidant status during summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is a major production disease, causing significant economic losses for dairy farmers in South-Asian countries, as well as other parts of the world. Udder health control programs (UHCP) have been established in developed countries as an effective strategy for mastitis control but have not yet been introduced in South-Asian low-income countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. To launch UHCP successfully in dairy herds in South-Asia, it is important to know the current prevalence and risk factors for subclinical mastitis (SCM). Therefore, a narrative literature review was conducted with the aim to describe the dairy sector, the prevalence of SCM and its causal agents, risk factors for mastitis occurrence and the control measures suggested by different studies conducted in the selected countries. The literature revealed that India had the highest cattle population. Milking was mainly done by hand in all of the studied countries. Stall feeding was done in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and limited access to grazing was also reported in some farms in India and Pakistan. There was substantial variation in the prevalence of SCM between studies in all 4 countries, ranging from about 20% to about 80%, but the average prevalence across all studies was high (50%). The most common causal agents for SCM were non-aureus staphylococci (NAS), Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia (E.) coli. The management related risk factors reported for SCM were stall feeding of cows, a higher stock density, cracked floors, open drains, the presence of flies, poor drainage, peri-parturient diseases, infrequent dung removal and earth floors. The control measures suggested in these studies were to improve the hygiene and sanitation of cows, to improve the cleanliness of farms and milker's hands, to apply dry cow therapy, supplementing micronutrients and routine screening for SCM combined with taking intervention measures like isolation of cows or milking infected cows last, and proper treatment. Also, full hand milking, complete milking, machine milking, and providing feed and water immediately after milking have been recommended. Finally, we show that current literature often studies the same set of (non-manageable) risk factors, so more research is needed to obtain a comprehensive picture of the determinants of SCM. Randomized controlled trials are needed to truly quantify the effect of intervention under field conditions. Altogether, our work gives an overview of the udder health situation in South-Asia and provides the basis for the design of UHCP in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effect high-energy diet with supplemented with copper and zinc on oxidative stress, leukocyte function and reproductive performance during the transition period in the crossbred cow under tropical settings. Advanced pregnant crossbred cows of two to four parity and lactation yield of >10 L/day were divided into three equal groups (n = 10 cow/group). Group I cows were fed basal diet to serve as control. Group II cows were supplemented with 20% additional concentrate, copper (15.7/kg DM) and zinc (22 mg/kg DM). Group III cows were provided with only energy in the form of 20% additional concentrate. Copper and zinc were supplemented from −4 before to +8 week of calving, whereas concentrate was given from +2 to +8 week after calving. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval from −4 to +8 week of calving. Group II had a significantly lower MDA, higher TAC and decreased activity of SOD and CAT than that of Group I (P < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and lymphocytic activity increased from 3 to 8 weeks postpartum (P < 0.05) in Group II and III indicating early restoration of leukocyte function. Resumption of postpartum oestrus was shorter in group II (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In software, text is often represented using Unicode formats (UTF‐8 and UTF‐16). We frequently have to convert text from one format to the other, a process called transcoding. Popular transcoding functions are slower than state‐of‐the‐art disks and networks. These transcoding functions make little use of the single‐instruction‐multiple‐data (SIMD) instructions available on commodity processors. By designing transcoding algorithms for SIMD instructions, we multiply the speed of transcoding on current systems (×64 and ARM). To ensure reproducibility, we make our software freely available as an open source library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Heat stress during the transition period of dairy cows disturbs the homeostasis of their physiology and ultimately their health and production. Our objective was to study the seasonal variations of plasma cortisol levels and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 12 periparturient Sahiwal cows. Blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals from three weeks prepartum to three weeks postpartum during the winter (Temperature–humidity index, THI = 59.7) and summer (THI = 81.5) seasons. Gene expression study of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines was done by RT-PCR and plasma cortisol by sandwich ELISA. The plasma concentration of cortisol and the relative mRNA expression of various inflammatory cytokines in PBMC were higher (p< 0.01) in the summer compared to winter season irrespective of the days of the transition period. Highest levels of cortisol and greater expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were recorded on the day of calving in both seasons. Our study showed a higher inflammatory response, immune disturbance and greater levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) during the summer season, particularly on the day of calving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted on Sahiwal and Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers to investigate the ameliorative effect of astaxanthin supplementation on oxidative stress and attainment of puberty during summer season. The heifers of both the breeds were equally divided into two groups i.e. control (fed as per ICAR, 2013) and treatment groups (additionally supplemented with astaxanthin @ 0.25 mg/kgBW/day/animal). THI was calculated at fortnightly interval during experimental period to assess the level of summer stress. The physiological responses were recorded and blood samples were collected at fortnightly interval from both the groups of both the breeds. The physiological response (RR, PR and RT) and plasma TBARS was (P ≤ 0.05) higher in control compared to treatment group of both the breeds. Plasma TAC and GH were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher, while, IGF-1 was numerically higher in treatment group of Sahiwal and Karan Fries heifers than control group. Astaxanthin supplementation alleviated the adverse effect of heat stress and improved the weight gain of heifers and hence helps in early attainment of puberty through conservation of energy, which could be otherwise used in dissipation of heat stress. The result was more pronounced in KF than Sahiwal heifers due to their exotic inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the corpus luteum (CL) contains high concentrations of lipid in the form of steroid hormone precursors and prostaglandins, little is known about the abundance or function of other luteal lipid mediators. To address this, 79 lipid mediators were measured in bovine CL, using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CL from estrous cycle days 4, 11, and 18 were compared and, separately, CL from days 18 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy were compared. Twenty-three lipids increased as the estrous cycle progressed (P < 0.05), with nine increasing between days 4 and 11 and fourteen increasing between days 4 and 18. Overall, this indicated a general upregulation of lipid mediator synthesis as the estrous cycle progressed, including increases in oxylipins and endocannabinoids. Only 15-KETE was less abundant in the CL of early pregnancy (P < 0.05), with a tendency (P < 0.10) for four others to be less abundant. Notably, 15-KETE also increased between estrous cycle days 4 and 18. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA, Qiagen) indicated that functions associated with differentially abundant lipids during the estrous cycle included leukocyte activation, cell migration, and cell proliferation. To investigate changes in CL during maternal recognition of pregnancy, this lipid dataset was integrated with a published dataset from mRNA profiling during maternal recognition of pregnancy. This analysis indicated that lipids and mRNA that changed during maternal recognition of pregnancy may regulate some of the same functions, including immune cell chemotaxis and cell-cell communication. To assess effects of these lipid mediators, luteal cells were cultured with 5-KETE or 15-KETE. One ng/mL 5-KETE reduced luteal progesterone on day 1 of culture, only in the absence of luteinizing hormone (LH), while 1 ng/mL 15-KETE induced progesterone only in the presence of LH (10 ng/mL). On day 7 of culture, 0.1 ng/mL 15-KETE reduced prostaglandin (PG)F2A-induced inhibition of LH-stimulated progesterone production, while 1 ng/mL 15-KETE did not have this effect. Overall, these data suggest a role for lipid mediators during luteal development and early pregnancy, as regulators of steroidogenesis, immune cell activation and function, intracellular signaling, and cell survival and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impacts of grape seed extract (GSE) fed with or without chromium nicotinate (CN) on beef steers under heat stress conditions, 40 Simmental × Qinchuan steers (400 ± 10 days old; 410 ± 8.0 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four diets (n = 10 per group): basal diet (CON group); basal diet + 33 mg/day CN (CN group); basal diet + 65 mg/kg DM GSE (GSE group); and basal diet + 33 mg/day CN + 65 mg/kg DM GSE (CN + GSE group). This study was conducted in summer and the steers were housed in outdoor shaded pens (10 steers/pen) and fed individually. The experiment lasted for 35 days, the first 7 days for diet and housing condition adaptation. The amount of feed intake was recorded daily; individual bodyweight was recorded on Days 8, 22, and 36. On Day 36 before feeding, six steers per group were slaughtered for collection of blood and tissue samples. Average daily liveweight gain and dry matter intake of steers were increased by the GSE, CN, and CN + GSE treatments (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase in plasma (P < 0.05) and plasma concentration of interleukin 10 on Days 22 and 36 (P < 0.05), whereas decreased plasma concentration of tumour necrosis factor-α on Day 22 (P < 0.05). Overall, supplementation of GSE alone or with CN had positive effects on the growth performance of steers under heat stress conditions. Heat stress brings numerous negative impacts to beef production. This study showed that grape seed extract alone, and with chromium nicotinate, had positive effects on the growth performance of steers through improving intestinal mucosa morphology, enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting inflammatory reaction. Therefore, grape seed extract can be used as a promising anti-heat stress agent for beef production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted on 12 Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers (10–12 months) to assess the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on heat stress amelioration and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway for prevention of heat stress–induced inflammatory changes and apoptosis in the cell during the summer season. The heifers were randomly and equally divided into two groups, i.e., control (fed as per ICAR 2013) and treatment groups (additionally supplemented astaxanthin at a dose rate of 0.25 mg/kg BW/day/animal). Temperature humidity index used to assess the levels of summer stress during the experimental period. Blood samples were collected at the fortnightly interval for quantification of plasma cortisol and IL-12 from both the groups of the heifers and from collected blood samples, RNA was isolated and transcribed into cDNA for real time PCR, for genes expression of NF-κB, IL-2, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Plasma cortisol, IL-12 levels, and expression pattern of NF-κB, IL-2, and caspase-3 were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in treatment group of Karan Fries heifers than control group, whereas, Bcl-2 was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in astaxanthin supplemented group. The temperature humidity index had a positive correlation (P ≤ 0.05) with plasma cortisol and IL-12 and expression pattern of NF-κB, IL-2, and caspase-3. However, it was negatively correlated with Bcl-2. The supplementation of astaxanthin can ameliorate the impact of summer stress through NF-κB downregulation, might be due to the quenching of free radicals, which regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and apoptotic genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical countries, one of the major threats for diary animal production is climate change. Ambient management interventions are beneficial and are the dire need of animal production in tropics. Ambient management intervention and its effect on physiological performance of lactating NiliRavi buffaloes were investigated during the hot dry months (April to June) of Pakistan. Fifteen lactating NiliRavi water buffaloes of similar size, age, and same parity were randomly stratified into three groups, comprising of five animals in each group, designated as group S, SF, and SFS. Animals of group S (control) were kept just under the shade while the animals in group SF were provided shade plus fan, animals in group SFS were provided the shade, fan as well as sprinklers during the hot day hours between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Shed conditions were same for all animals, isonitrogenous and isocaloric feed was provided to all animals. Milk production decreased with the increase in ambient temperature. Average dry matter intake in group S, SF, and SFS were 75%, 80%, and 90% of the total feed offered to the experimental animals, respectively. The mean rectal temperatures (°F) were 101.69, 101.19, and 100.85 in group S, SF, and SFS, respectively. Heat stress had pronounced effect on blood glucose level as indicated by the mean glucose concentration in group S and SFS being recorded at 78.04 mg/dl and 90.47 mg/dl, respectively. It is concluded that the buffaloes should be provided with sprinklers and fans to minimize heat load and maximize the production during hot dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorted lists of integers are commonly used in inverted indexes and database systems. They are often compressed in memory. We can use the single-instruction, multiple data (SIMD) instructions available in common processors to boost the speed of integer compression schemes. Our S4-BP128-D4 scheme uses as little as 0.7 CPU cycles per decoded 32-bit integer while still providing state-of-the-art compression. However, if the subsequent processing of the integers is slow, the effort spent on optimizing decompression speed can be wasted. To show that it does not have to be so, we (1) vectorize and optimize the intersection of posting lists; (2) introduce the SIMD GALLOPING algorithm. We exploit the fact that one SIMD instruction can compare four pairs of 32-bit integers at once. We experiment with two Text REtrieval Conference (TREC) text collections, GOV2 and ClueWeb09 (category B), using logs from the TREC million-query track. We show that using only the SIMD instructions ubiquitous in all modern CPUs, our techniques for conjunctive queries can double the speed of a state-of-the-art approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY In many important applications-such as search engines and relational database systems-data are stored in the form of arrays of integers. Encoding and, most importantly, decoding of these arrays consumes considerable CPU time. Therefore, substantial effort has been made to reduce costs associated with compression and decompression. In particular, researchers have exploited the superscalar nature of modern processors and single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) instructions. Nevertheless, we introduce a novel vectorized scheme called SIMD-BP128⋆ that improves over previously proposed vectorized approaches. It is nearly twice as fast as the previously fastest schemes on desktop processors (varint-G8IU and PFOR). At the same time, SIMD-BP128⋆ saves up to 2 bits/int. For even better compression, we propose another new vectorized scheme (SIMD-FastPFOR) that has a compression ratio within 10% of a state-of-the-art scheme (Simple-8b) while being two times faster during decoding. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]