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Showing papers in "Animal Science Journal in 2007"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the environmental impacts of a beef cow-calf system using a life cycle assessment (LCA) method and investigated the effects of scenarios to reduce environmental impacts on the LCA results.
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the environmental impacts of a beef cow–calf system using a life cycle assessment (LCA) method and to investigate the effects of scenarios to reduce environmental impacts on the LCA results. The functional unit was defined as one marketed beef calf, and the processes associated with the cow–calf life cycle, such as feed production, feed transport, animal management, the biological activity of the animal and the treatment of cattle waste were included in the system boundary. The present results showed that the total contributions of one beef calf throughout its life cycle to global warming, acidification, eutrophication and energy consumption were 4550 kg of CO2 equivalents, 40.1 kg of SO2 equivalents, 7.0 kg of phosphate (PO4) equivalents and 16.1 GJ, respectively. The contribution of each process to the total environmental impact in each environmental impact category showed a similar tendency to the contribution of each process in each environmental category reported in the case of the beef fattening system as a whole. The results from this analysis showed that shortening calving intervals by 1 month reduced environmental impacts by 5.7–5.8% in all the environmental impact categories examined in the current study, and increasing the number of calves per cow also reduced environmental impacts in all the categories, although the effects were smaller.

168 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In conclusion, AA administration in goats reduced the adverse effects of road transportation stress and impaired their homeostatic mechanism.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the physiological responses of transported Red Sokoto goats (RSG) treated with ascorbic acid (AA). Ten RSG treated orally with ascorbic acid served as experimental subjects, while seven goats treated with sterile water served as the control. The goats were transported for 8 h. The ambient temperature and relative humidity during the study period fluctuated between 21 and 38°C and 51 and 91%, respectively, which indicated that the season was thermally stressful and did not favor transportation of goats. The rectal temperature obtained in the control goats was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the value in the experimental goats after transportation. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in eosinophil counts and an increase (P < 0.01) in neutrophil counts and neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio recorded in the control goats after transportation, which suggested that the control goats were physically and emotionally stressed. The control goats lost 11.9% of their initial liveweight, while the experimental goats lost only 1.04% after transportation. Multiple stresses, including extreme meteorological factors, acted upon the transported goats and impaired their homeostatic mechanism. In conclusion, AA administration in goats reduced the adverse effects of road transportation stress.

88 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for 11 representative rumen bacterial species were validated and considered to be sufficiently reliable for monitoring all 11 bacterial species in the rumen.
Abstract: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for 11 representative rumen bacterial species were validated. The sensitivity was tested by using the serially diluted target 16S rDNA from respective bacterial species. The recovery of the target DNA and the assay reproducibility were determined using DNA from rumen fluid spiked with different quantities of the target. Minimum detection levels for the target were 10-100 copies in pure culture. The recovery of the added target ranged from 82.4 to 116.6%. The intra- and inter-assay variations of each assay were <9.4 and <12.6%, respectively. Therefore, the real-time PCR assays evaluated in the present study are considered to be sufficiently reliable for monitoring all 11 bacterial species in the rumen. The assays were then applied to the monitoring of the bacterial species attached to ruminally incubated rice straw. Among the monitored fibrolytic species, Fibrobacter succinogenes was found to be the most dominant, accounting for 2.61% of total bacteria after 24 h incubation. Selenomonas ruminantium and Streptococcus bovis, non-fibrolytics, were detected on the rice straw at 8.96% and 1.16% of total bacteria, respectively. Such high levels of non-fibrolytics on the plant fiber suggest a synergistic relationship between fibrolytics and non-fibrolytics.

57 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of intramuscular fat deposition on the chemical composition, tenderness, and free amino acids (FAA) concentration of beef were studied using various classified carcasses of 21 Japanese Black (Wagyu) steers.
Abstract: Effects of intramuscular fat deposition on the chemical composition, tenderness, and free amino acids (FAA) concentration of beef were studied using various classified carcasses of 21 Japanese Black (Wagyu) steers. The Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) No., judged on the market in 1998, and fat content, ranged from 2 to 10 and 4.8 to 39.0% in the M. longissimus thoracis, respectively. Moisture content was negatively correlated with the fat content (r =−0.98, P < 0.01). In contrast, protein content was relatively constant up to approximately 23% fat, corresponding to BMS No.4, and decreased as the fat content increased. Cooking loss was also constant up to approximately 28% fat, corresponding to BMS No.4, and markedly decreased with fat content increase. The beef in these cases were, however, classified into BMS No. around 9 and 11, respectively, according to the BMS model in 1988. A negative correlation was found between the shear-force value and the fat content (r =−0.83, P < 0.05). Most FAA concentrations on the wet weight of meat were correlated negatively with the fat content, except glutamine, and this negative relationship was still observed when the concentrations were recalculated on the basis of protein. These results indicate that higher marbling Wagyu beef (above approx. 23% fat) would have an extremely lower content of protein, which would partly explain the lower cooking loss and FAA with fat increase. In addition, some other reasons not relating to protein content (e.g. high fat content preventing the breakdown of protein to FAA) seem to explain the negative correlation between fat and FAA.

48 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed that there were diversity in each L. helveticus family and products, and there were common strains found in airag and tarag in the same family.
Abstract: The traditional fermented dairy products were collected from three nomadic families in Donto-Govi prefecture in Mongolia (central Mongolia), and those microbiota were analyzed. These samples consist three of ‘airag’, two of ‘tarag’, two of ‘isgelen tarag’ and ‘qoormog’, and some cheeses. In airag, Lactobacillus (L.) helveticus, L. kefiri, and Saccharomyces (S.) dairensis were common, and L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. farciminis, S. cerevisiae, Issachenkia (I.) orientalis, Kluyveromyces (K.) wickerhamii were also found. In tarag, isgelen tarag and qoormog, L. helveticus, L. kefiri, L. fermentum, L. paracasei and L. acetotolerance were found. L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was also found in one tarag and one qoormog samples. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed that there were diversity in each L. helveticus family and products, and there were common strains found in airag and tarag in the same family.

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigations demonstrate that the high values of villus height, cell area and cell mitosis numbers as well as protuberated epithelial cells are hypertrophied by ingested feeds, related with growth performance in chickens and piglets.
Abstract: The general histological features of the small intestine are well known. However, histological intestinal alterations induced by ingested feeds have not been established. To demonstrate such a relationship; (i) the post-hatching development of intestinal villi in chickens was observed; (ii) histological intestinal differences were compared in White Leghorns and broilers; and (iii) histological intestinal alteration was investigated in fasting and refeeding treatments, using chickens and piglets. Histological intestinal recovery responses; (iv) to luminal nutrient absorption, intraluminal physical stimulation, or intravenous parenteral alimentation in fasted chickens, as well as; (v) to particle size and nutritional level of refed diets in fasted chickens and piglets were also compared. To induce compensatory enlargement of ileal villi; (vi) the jejunum was surgically resected. To reconfirm the histological intestinal alterations induced artificially; (vii) conventional feeding experiments were enforced in chickens and piglets. These fundamental investigations demonstrate that the high values of villus height, cell area and cell mitosis numbers as well as protuberated epithelial cells are hypertrophied by ingested feeds. Finally, as examples of practical use in the animal production field; (viii) useful feed resources to improve the growth performance by activating the intestinal function in chickens and piglets; and (ix) an effective forced molting method are introduced. Based on the histological intestinal alterations related with growth performance in chickens and piglets, this article reviews progress in the establishment of a histological intestinal index to assess the intestinal function.

44 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Dairy farming in Chiang Mai was established in 1965 by the Thai–German Dairy Project and was subsequently taken over by Department of Livestock development in 1970, but still faces numerous problems.
Abstract: Dairy farming in Chiang Mai was established in 1965 by the Thai–German Dairy Project and was subsequently taken over by Department of Livestock development in 1970. Starting from 1979, the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand also supports the development of dairy farming in northern Thailand. However, dairy farming in Chiang Mai still faces numerous problems. At present, farm sizes are relatively medium, with an average of 23.75 cattle/farm (cows, heifers and calves). Almost all dairy farmers are member of a dairy co-operative that provides them with an artificial insemination service, supplies of concentrated feed, loans and a center for collecting milk. The average pasture area is 0.3 ha/farm. The main feed resources are green forage from the farm pasture, public areas and roadside pastures, which are abundant only in the rainy season. The farmers are forced to use crop by-products as roughage in the dry season, especially rice straw, even though its nutritive value is limited due to its low digestibility, low nitrogen and low mineral and vitamin content. To improve the nutritional value of crop by-products, physical and chemical treatments are implemented. Agro-industrial wastes such as pineapple waste, sugarcane molasses, the peel, husk or silk of sweet corn and baby corn are also used as dairy feed.

43 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A reduction in mortality from ascites was noted in broilers who experienced early skip-a-day feed removal under both environmental conditions, and the heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was numerically higher for the cold environment and increased when birds were exposed to fasting, but these differences were not significant.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a skip-a-day feed removal early in life on physiological parameters and ascites occurrence in broilers reared at a high altitude (2100 m above sealevel) under regular or cold temperatures. Three hundred 1-day-old male broilers were divided into two equal groups. One group was placed in an enclosure with standard thermal management. The other group treated for the induction of ascites was raised under cold temperature conditions. In each enclosure, birds were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (three replicate floor pens of 25 chicks per treatment group): (i) a control was fed a standard starter and grower diet according to the National Research Council; or (ii) a skip-a-day feed removal, which was similar to the control except for 24 h fasting intervals at 9, 11 and 13 days of age. Results indicate that live bodyweight following the feed removal at up to 42 days of age was significantly different between the control and skip-a-day restricted birds (P < 0.01). Skip-a-day feed removal resulted in decreased weight gain (P = 0.005) but did not influence feed conversion ratio. The heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was numerically higher for the cold environment and increased when birds were exposed to fasting, but these differences were not significant. Hematocrit was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) in broilers raised in cold conditions whereas it was not influenced by feed restriction. Circulatory thyroid hormone concentrations were not influenced by the feed restriction program under both environments. Birds subjected to cold had significantly lower (P = 0.0023) carcass yield compared to those reared at normal temperature. Breast yield and abdominal fat deposition were not influenced by cold or feed restriction. A reduction in mortality from ascites was noted in broilers who experienced early skip-a-day feed removal under both environmental conditions.

41 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results suggest that sTLR2-expressing HEK293 cells may be useful in certain molecular immunoassay systems for producing new physiologically functional foods with intestinal immunomodulatory abilities, such as the maintenance of Th1/Th2 polarization.
Abstract: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a receptor for a variety of microbial components, and it also mediates activation signals in the cell relating to the innate immune system. In order to evaluate the precise molecular immunoregulation by various strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) via TLR2, the swine TLR2 (sTLR2)-expressing transfectant was constructed using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. It is demonstrated that intact immunobiotic LAB can induce immune responses through TLR2, and that different nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activities of various strains can be accurately detected by sTLR2-expressing HEK293 cells. Furthermore, cellular activation of NF-κB via TLR2 is reflected in enhanced binding and uptake of LAB. The sTLR2-expressing HEK293 cells were also useful for characterizing the expression pattern of type I helper T (Th1) and type II helper T (Th2) cytokines by the stimulation of immunobiotic LAB. These results suggest that sTLR2-expressing HEK293 cells may be useful in certain molecular immunoassay systems for producing new physiologically functional foods with intestinal immunomodulatory abilities, such as the maintenance of Th1/Th2 polarization.

38 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The G system is an integral part of ovarian physiology, which ensures that the ovary experiences only beneficial effects of G, and acts in coordination with major reproductive events.
Abstract: Glucocorticoid (G) directly modulates ovarian functions through binding to G receptor. The actions of G are both agonistic and antagonistic depending on the developmental stage of follicles and corpora lutea (CL). During follicular maturation, G suppresses follicular differentiation by downregulating expression of P450 aromatase and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor in granulosa cells. During ovulation, G protects the ovulatory follicle from inflammatory damage and promotes luteinization, ensuring a smooth transition of the follicle to CL. Throughout life the ovary is exposed to periodic and sporadic waves of G. The Ovary appears to cope with this situation by locally modulating levels of active G. The primary regulatory mechanism consists of two isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) that catalyze conversion between active and inactive G. During follicular maturation the levels of active G are suppressed by the dehydrogenase activity of 11βHSD, whereas during the ovulatory process, levels of active G are further increased by the oxo-reductase activity of 11βHSD. The expression of these enzymes is under the control of gonadotrpins and local regulatory factors such as cytokines, allowing the mechanism to act in coordination with major reproductive events. Thus the G system is an integral part of ovarian physiology, which ensures that the ovary experiences only beneficial effects of G.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The potential of this animal has never been realized and it could be harnessed as a prospective milk producing animal as discussed by the authors, however, it is still a neglected species in Pakistan and has not received proper attention of researchers and scientists.
Abstract: Camels have the potential for milk, meat and draught power and can contribute a handsome share of the production of these commodities. The potential of this wonderful animal has never been realized and it could be harnessed as a prospective milk producing animal. The future of animals that can thrive under harsh environmental conditions, the camel being at the top of the list, is bright. The camel is still a neglected species in Pakistan and has not received the proper attention of researchers and scientists. The population explosion, urbanization and industrialization have expanded agricultural activities to produce more food for the rapid growing human population of the country. Cultivated areas are shrinking, thus reducing the fodder production area for buffalo and cattle. Under these circumstances we have to search for other available sources to enhance milk production. The environmental changes occurring on the earth and the water shortage in the region have also adversely affected the production potential of buffalo, cattle, goats and sheep. Under these changing ecological circumstances, rearing camel is the best option for more milk production and the proper utilization of the vast unused lands of this country. Most studies also have named the camel as an animal of great socioeconomic importance in large tracts of the industrializing world. The camel serves as a cheaper source of power for drawing water from wells, plowing and leveling land, working mini extraction mills (extracting from oil seeds), grinding wheat, corn and other grains and crushing sugarcane and pulling carts for the transportation of goods as well as people.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Several studies have shown that oocytes superovulated with immunization against inhibin α-subunit have the ability to develop normally, suggesting that inhibin immunization could be used as a practical method for superovulation in a wide range of animal species.
Abstract: Inhibins are gonadal glycoprotein hormones selectively and potently inhibiting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion from the pituitary gland. Inhibins are produced mainly by the ovary and are purified from follicular fluid. Inhibins were shown to be produced in two forms through dimeric assembly of an α-subunit and one of two closely related β-subunits to form inhibin A (α-βA) and inhibin B (α-βB). Although inhibin subunits are expressed in various tissues, the gonads are the major source of circulating inhibins. While inhibins may act as a paracrine or autocrine factor in some tissues, their best understood roles are as endocrine regulators of pituitary FSH. In this review we focus our attention on more recent developments in inhibin research. We describe patterns of inhibin A and B secretion during the estrous cycle. We also review the immunization against inhibin α subunit as a practical method for superovulation. Superovulation has been induced successfully by passive or active immunization against the inhibin α-subunit in several species such as mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, cows, mares, ewes and goats. Furthermore, several studies have shown that oocytes superovulated with immunization against inhibin α-subunit have the ability to develop normally, suggesting that inhibin immunization could be used as a practical method for superovulation in a wide range of animal species.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of high environmental temperature on ascorbic acid, sulfhydryl (SH) residue and oxidized lipids concentrations in plasma from a total of 128 dairy cows was investigated.
Abstract: Information on oxidative stress under hot conditions from the levels of cells to organs and the whole body has accumulated in the last decades. Although a hot climate decreased dairy performance, changes of oxidative stress markers under hot conditions have remained obscure. Therefore, the effect of high environmental temperature on ascorbic acid, sulfhydryl (SH) residue and oxidized lipids concentrations in plasma from a total of 128 dairy cows was investigated. The monthly average maximum day temperature varied from 9.2°C in January to 32°C in August of 2004 in this institute. High ambient temperatures increased the rectal temperature of dairy cows up to 39.3°C in August. One of the reducing equivalents in plasma, SH residue concentration, decreased in July compared with December (P < 0.05). Another antiradical molecule, ascorbic acid concentration in plasma, also decreased in July (P < 0.01). The oxidative stress index, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), which was produced from the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids under oxidative conditions, increased in summer (P < 0.05). A significant positive relationship of SH residue and ascorbic acid concentrations in the hot season was observed (P < 0.01). A negative correlation between rectal temperatures and ascorbic acid concentrations in the hot season was obtained (P < 0.01). However, TBARS concentration varied independently of the SH residue and ascorbic acid concentration. These results suggest that the response of oxidative stress markers of SH residue, ascorbic acid and TBARS concentration to oxidative stress under hot conditions were not shown to be the same, and that oxidative stress in dairy cows in the hot season increased.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A better understanding of intestinal immune regulation through cytokine networks holds out promise for basic food immunology research and the development of immunobiotic foods to prevent specific diseases.
Abstract: Recent interest has focused on the importance of intestinal immunity for the host defense, but to date, not much is known about the underlying mechanisms. The toll-like receptor (TLR) family plays an important role in host defense through recognizing bacterial pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Our recent research on the physiological function of food products has investigated the immunoregulatory effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) via TLR. Studies of swine, which often substitute for a human model, have demonstrated intestinal immunoregulation by the probiotic LAB mediated by TLR in the gut. On the basis of our study, efforts have also been made to develop a molecular immunoassay system for probiotic LAB and find novel immunostimulatory DNA sequences from probiotics and high potential immunobiotic LAB strains via TLR signaling. These findings may provide important clues at the molecular level on TLR signal transduction pathways and recognition mechanisms for the ligands. They also provide impetus to further delineate the activation mechanism of the innate immune response. In addition to identifying immunoregulatory factor immunogenics from LAB, a better understanding of intestinal immune regulation through cytokine networks holds out promise for basic food immunology research and the development of immunobiotic foods to prevent specific diseases.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The live traits, carcass yield and the physical, chemical, processing and sensory properties of meat from 20 Brahman grade cattle and crossbred water buffalo and Philippine carabao meat were found to be similar.
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine and compare the live traits, carcass yield and the physical, chemical, processing and sensory properties of meat from 20 Brahman grade cattle (crossbred cattle) and crossbred water buffalo (Philippine carabao x Murrah, Bulgarian or Indian) with an average age and weight of 29 months and 434 kg, respectively. The animals were fed a similar diet for 180 days before slaughter. A survey was performed to establish consumer meat preference between the two species. Live weights before slaughter of the two species were found to be different (P < 0.05) with the crossbred water buffalo showing higher bodyweight. However, the crossbred water buffalo had a lower (P < 0.05) dressing yield based on hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight. The lower dressing yield of crossbred water buffalo can be attributed to its higher (P < 0.05) weights of edible and non-edible slaughter by-products. The chilled carcass yield of the forequarters and hindquarters from crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo were comparable when expressed as percent of live weight and chilled carcass weight. The estimated lean yield was higher in crossbred cattle than crossbred water buffalo. Crude protein, ash, fat, cholesterol, myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and insoluble protein contents of the beef and carabao meat were all similar. Water holding capacity, pH, muscle fiber diameter, tenderness, firmness and marbling score in carabeef were all comparable to the beef. Redness was found to be higher (P < 0.05) in carabeef than the beef as measured with a color meter. The consumer meat preference survey showed that 55.9% selected the beef while 44.1% preferred carabeef. The color and amount of fat on the outside of the beef sample were primary in buyer selection.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the furnished cages, equipping the nest box was important not only for the birds to perform nesting behavior, but also for the subordinate birds to use the facility as a refuge especially just after introduction to the cage.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to search for differences in the behavior, use of resources and the physical condition between dominant and subordinate birds in furnished cages. In total, 60 commercial White Leghorn layers were used. At the age of 54 weeks, these birds were divided into two groups. Each group consisted of six cages with four birds per cage and six cages with six birds per cage. The dominance hierarchy was measured, to identify the highest dominant bird and the lowest subordinate bird in the hierarchy of each furnished cage. Behavioral observations using scanning techniques at 10 min intervals were conducted on the birds at 57 and 67 weeks of age for 3 days, respectively. Their physical condition (bodyweight and claw length) was also measured. Dominant birds used the dust bath more (P < 0.1) and nest box less (P < 0.01) than subordinate birds did. The use of the nest box decreased for subordinate birds from 57 to 67 weeks of age (P < 0.05). The dominant birds performed aggression and exploring more frequently than the subordinate birds (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the comfort behaviors, the dominant birds performed dust-bathing, as well as the using the dust bath, more than subordinate birds did (P < 0.1). In their exploring behavior, including scratching and litter pecking, dominant birds performed both behaviors more frequently, as well as using the dust bath and dust-bathing in it, than subordinate birds did (P < 0.1 and P < 0.05, respectively). Aggression decreased for dominant birds from 57 to 67 weeks of age. In contrast, eating (P < 0.1) as well as drinking (P < 0.1) and other comfort behaviors (P < 0.1) increased for subordinate birds from 57 to 67 weeks of age. There was no significant difference between dominant and subordinate birds in their physical conditions. In conclusion, dominant birds had priority to use the dust box compared with the subordinate birds in the furnished cages. Conversely, the subordinate birds stayed in the nest box more than the dominant birds did. In the furnished cages, equipping the nest box was important not only for the birds to perform nesting behavior, but also for the subordinate birds to use the facility as a refuge especially just after introduction to the cage.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that trees in grassland provide a good environmental enrichment object that satisfies cattle's potential needs of grooming and did not restrict their general behavior.
Abstract: We examined the role of trees as grooming objects in grazing pasture and investigated their necessity. Four grazing Japanese Black cows were used. Experimental pastures with restricted (RST) and released (RLS) grooming with trees were established. Examination was carried out for 24 h in each RST and RLS. The respective frequencies and duration of self-grooming, allo-grooming (social grooming) and grooming with trees was recorded by a continuous scan sampling method, and maintenance behavior was recorded by a 2-min group animal scan sampling method. Grooming with trees in RLS occurred 29 ± 12 times/24 h and for 1342 ± 475 s/24 h. Total frequencies and duration of grooming in RLS tended to increase from that in RST (P = 0.08, P = 0.06, respectively). However, self-grooming and allo-grooming exhibited no differences. The results indicate that cattle may enrich their grooming through the use of trees if the latter are available. Furthermore, they may not substitute grooming with trees with other forms of grooming if no trees are available in the grassland. No difference was observed in the general proportion of their maintenance behavior. These results suggest that trees in grassland provide a good environmental enrichment object that satisfies cattle's potential needs of grooming and did not restrict their general behavior.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, six lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups and used in a double reversal trial with three periods of 14 days each to evaluate the rumen fermentation, milk production and milk composition of cows fed brewer's grain (BG).
Abstract: Six lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups (n = 3) and used in a double reversal trial with three periods of 14 days each to evaluate the rumen fermentation, milk production and milk composition of cows fed brewer's grain (BG). The control diets contained 14% chopped Sudangrass hay, 24% corn silage, 18% alfalfa hay cube, 34% concentrate mixture-1 and 10% concentrate mixture-2 (wheat bran, soybean meal and cottonseed). In the experimental diet, wet BG replaced the concentrate mixture-2. The protozoal population, concentration of ammonia-N and volatile fatty acids in the ruminal fluid did not differ between the control and BG diets. The molar percentage of acetic acid was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with the BG diet at 5 h after feeding. The milk yield, the percentage of protein, lactose, solids not-fat and somatic cell counts of milk did not differ between the two diets. The percentage of milk fat tended to increase with the BG diet. The BG diet significantly increased the proportions of C18:0 and C18:1 in milk fat (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) and tended to increase that of conjugated linoleic acid.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Under a hot environment, the performance of old layers in large furnished cages was lower compared with that in small conventional cages, which might be due to their greater aggressive interactions, however, it was not evident that welfare level was lower inLarge furnished cages compared with conventional cages.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare old layers' level of welfare and performance between conventional and large furnished cages under hot environmental conditions. At the age of 80 weeks, 104 Boris Brown layers were divided into two groups: 12 conventional cages (two hens/cage) and four large furnished cages (20 hens/cage, 240 cm wide × 62 cm deep). The room temperature was set to fluctuate between 25 and 33°C in a day. The hens' behavior, immune response, performance and physical condition were measured. Aggression and moving were more frequent in furnished than in conventional cages (P < 0.05 for both items). Egg production (P < 0.05), egg mass (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) were better in conventional cages than in furnished cages. No significant differences were found in the birds' immune responses or physical condition between the cage designs. In conclusion, under a hot environment, the performance of old layers in large furnished cages was lower compared with that in small conventional cages, which might be due to their greater aggressive interactions. However, it was not evident that welfare level was lower in large furnished cages compared with conventional cages. Hereafter, additional studies about large furnished cages using young layers over a long term should be performed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In conclusion, behavior was not restricted in the furnished cages, but activity and bodyweight gain were affected by group size (density) rather than cage design.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare the welfare level and performance of laying hens between conventional and small furnished cages. At the age of 54 weeks, 120 White Leghorn layers were divided into four groups: four (C4) or six hens/cage in conventional cages and four or six (F6) hens/cage in furnished cages. Their behavior, number of steps taken, performance and physical condition were measured. Sham dust-bathing was greater in conventional cages than in furnished cages (P = 0.05) and dust-bathing, litter scratching and litter pecking were also observed in furnished cages. Other comfort behavior, moving and number of steps taken were more frequent in the four-hen cages than in the six-hen cages (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Though egg production and egg mass in C4 and F6 were lower than in the other groups, no significant differences were found in the other production measurements. Bodyweight gain was larger in the four-hen cages than the six-hen cages (P < 0.01). In conclusion, behavior was not restricted in the furnished cages, but activity and bodyweight gain were affected by group size (density) rather than cage design. Hereafter, the studies on suitable density in each cage design, using young layers, are required.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The nutrients in legume seed are reviewed and might offer an important information on legume seeds for pig feed to nutritionists.
Abstract: Raw legume seeds are important source of protein and other nutrients for monogastric animals. However, these legume seeds include many kinds of anti-nutritive factors (ANF) such as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors, lectins and tannins. Although these ANF vary by species, cultivation areas and harvesting methods, they play a role in decreasing the utilization of nutrients. The pig is a monogastric animal which is slightly tolerant to the ANF in raw legume seed. Nevertheless, the optimal use of legume seed as a pig feed necessitates a lowering of the toxicity in the raw seed until it is appropriate for incorporation in the feed. There are many methods to improve the utilization of nutrients in legume seed, such as breeding improvement, physical treatments (decortications, dehulling, milling and others), heat treatments (toasting, boiling, extrusion, streaming or autoclave), chelating substances for binding toxics, radiation and soaking. The choice of the treatment depends on the availability of facilities and economic considerations. This article reviews and discusses the nutrients in legume seeds and might offer an important information on legume seeds for pig feed to nutritionists.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An overview of granulosa cell apoptosis regulated by death ligand-receptor signaling is provided and the roles of death ligands and receptors, caspases, apoptotic protease-activating factor 1, TNFR-associated factor 2 and cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein in granulosity cells are discussed.
Abstract: Several hundred thousand primordial follicles are present in the mammalian ovary, however, only 1% develop to the preovulatory stage and finally ovulate. The remainder will be eliminated via a degenerative process called ‘atresia’. The endocrinological regulatory mechanisms involved in follicular development and atresia have largely been characterized but the precise temporal and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of these events remain unknown. Many recent studies suggest that apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells plays a crucial role in follicular atresia. Notably, death ligand-receptor interaction and subsequent intracellular signaling have been demonstrated to be the key mechanisms regulating granulosa cell apoptosis. In this review we provide an overview of granulosa cell apoptosis regulated by death ligand-receptor signaling. The roles of death ligands and receptors [Fas ligand (FasL)]-Fas, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-TNF receptor and TNFα-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-TRAIL receptor (TRAILR)] and intracellular death-signal mediating molecules (Fas-associated death domain protein), TNF receptor 1-associated death domain protein, caspases, apoptotic protease-activating factor 1, TNFR-associated factor 2 and cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein in granulosa cells are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was concluded that the magnitude of the seasonal effects was not sufficient to prevent the rams being used for breeding throughout the year and that seasonal variation within the variables affected the social ranks differently.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of day length on seminal characteristics, testicular size, sexual behavior and testosterone concentration (T4) in dominant and subordinate Pelibuey rams. Six groups of three animals were evaluated every 2 weeks over a 12 month period. Dominant (D), medium (M) and subordinate (S) animals in each group were identified through a food competition test every 15 days. All rams ejaculated and produced semen throughout the year. A linear hierarchy was clearly established and maintained during the year. S rams had lower levels (P 0.05) by their social position. D rams were more affected by the photoperiod, decreasing (P < 0.05) reaction times, increasing (P < 0.05) T4 and producing more (P < 0.05) sperm per ejaculation than S rams during short days (14.65 ± 1.22 vs 26.92 ± 1.65 s; 8.68 ± 0.44 vs 7.37 ± 0.40 ng/mL and 3.37 ± 0.17 vs 2.04 ± 0.16 sperm/109, respectively). Semen volume and sperm concentration were significantly (P < 0.05) greater during short days in all rams, regardless of their social status, with the exception of sperm concentration in D rams where no variation was found. M rams displayed variable values in the range between the D and S rams. It was concluded that the magnitude of the seasonal effects was not sufficient to prevent the rams being used for breeding throughout the year and that seasonal variation within the variables affected the social ranks differently.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results may suggest that both R. palustris and R. Capsulatus can contribute significant health benefits and seems to be feasible to investigate in future research.
Abstract: This comparative study was to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effects of dietary Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Rhodobacter capsulatus on rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Thirty male Wister–Imamichi rats were assigned to three groups and fed on either a high cholesterol diet, or a high cholesterol diet supplemented with 2.0% R. palustris or R. capsulatus for 4 weeks. Compared to the control diet, both of the R. palustris and R. capsulatus supplemented diets significantly reduced the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic triglycerides, but increased hepatic cholesterol in rats. In addition, both of the R. palustris and R. capsulatus supplemented diets may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, as the ratio of high density lipoprotein cholesterol to the total cholesterol was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Both the R. palustris and R. capsulatus supplemented diets led to an increase in the serum palmitic acid, compared with the oleic acid and linoleic acid. No significant differences were postulated between the rats fed R. palustris and R. capsulatus supplemented diets during the 4 weeks of the experimental period. Thus, the results may suggest that both R. palustris and R. capsulatus can contribute significant health benefits and seems to be feasible to investigate in future research.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the functional maturation of the T cell does not always correlate with an increase in T cell numbers, m maturity of innate immunity may occur earlier than that of T cells and possibly the dietary composition modifies the developmental pattern.
Abstract: Developmental changes in the immune-related cells of the gut during the first 2 weeks post hatching were determined in broiler chickens fed a corn–soybean meal (CS) based diet, a semi-purified diet with high fat (HF) and a high carbohydrate (HC) diet. The expression of CD3 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) mRNA increased during 3–7 days of age. When the chicks were fed the CS diet, the expression of interleukin-2 mRNA in the foregut did not increase with age. The expression of iNOS mRNA was lowered at 3 days of age in the fore- and mid gut but the expression was constant at the other days of age. TLR-2 mRNA expression increased in three section of the gut during 3–7 days of age, while TLR-4 expression increased during 0–3 days of age. Chicks fed the HC diet showed higher interleukin-2 but lower IFN-γ mRNA expression than birds fed the CS diet. Feeding the HF diet tended to decrease the expressions determined. These findings suggest that the functional maturation of the T cell does not always correlate with an increase in T cell numbers, maturation of innate immunity may occur earlier than that of T cells and possibly the dietary composition modifies the developmental pattern.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of the present study suggest that in lactating cows adiponectin plays an important role in insulin resistance in the adipose tissue; in the mammary gland, GLUT12 expression is believed to be an important factor for insulin-dependent glucose metabolism.
Abstract: Glucose delivery and uptake by the mammary gland is a rate-limiting step in milk synthesis. Insulin resistance is believed to increase throughout the body following the onset of lactation. To study glucose metabolism in peak-, late-, and non-lactating cows we analyzed the expression of an adipokine, namely, adiponectin, decreased insulin resistance, leptin, and a novel insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT12) in the adipose tissue and mammary gland by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results demonstrated that the mRNA level of adiponectin in the adipose tissue was greater in non-lactating cows than in peak-lactating cows. In the adipose tissue, there were no significant differences in the abundance of GLUT12 mRNA between the peak-, late-, and non-lactating cows. In contrast, in the mammary gland, the mRNA level of GLUT12 was greater in non-lactating cows than in peak- and late-lactating cows. In the adipose tissue, the mRNA level of leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) was greater in non-lactating cows than in peak-lactating cows. The results of the present study suggest that in lactating cows adiponectin plays an important role in insulin resistance in the adipose tissue; in the mammary gland, GLUT12 expression is believed to be an important factor for insulin-dependent glucose metabolism.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An important single nucleotide polymorphism at 725 position of the MC1R coding region is found, which may help in cattle breed identification, and the E+/e genotype was present in China Holstein red-white cattle and Luxi Yellow cattle.
Abstract: In order to estimate the influence of TYR and MC1R on the color of the cattle hide, the MC1R and TYR in Luxi Yellow, Bohai Black, China Holstein black-white and China Holstein red-white cattle (20 animals of each of the four breeds) were sequenced. The comparison of TYR among the four hide color phenotypes revealed no sequence difference. The sequences of the MC1R coding region revealed three alleles (ED, E+ and e), which were previously reported. Furthermore, we found an important single nucleotide polymorphism at 725 position of the MC1R coding region, which may help in cattle breed identification. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to investigate the gene frequencies of the four breeds. Most China Holstein black-white cattle had ED and E+ alleles (ED = 0.12, E+ = 0.80) and no homozygous e/e and most Bohai Black cattle had ED and E+ alleles (ED = 0.52, E+ = 0.47). Therefore it is consistent with the hypothesis that ED and E+ induce black pigment synthesis. On the other hand, most of the China Holstein red-white cattle and Luxi Yellow cattle had the e allele (e/e = 0.95). Unexpectedly, the E+/e genotype was present in China Holstein red-white cattle and Luxi Yellow cattle.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This is the first report that H. neapolitanus has been found in cattle manure compost, and a single strain of SOB was isolated from a colony formed on the plates and identified as Halothiobacillus neapolitanUs.
Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide causes offensive odors. We attempted to isolate sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) from cattle manure compost. A most probable number assay could not detect SOB by using a Cha medium which had been applied in order to isolate the SOB from active sewage. Cultivation using a Cha plate medium revealed 5.75 × 107 colony forming unit/g of bacteria. A single strain of SOB was isolated from a colony formed on the plates and identified as Halothiobacillus neapolitanus. This is the first report that H. neapolitanus has been found in cattle manure compost.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of being fed lauric acid on rumen characteristics were evaluated in a double 3 × 3 Latin square design using six Holstein steers with ruminal cannulas on a high grain diet.
Abstract: The effects of being fed lauric acid on rumen characteristics were evaluated in a double 3 × 3 Latin square design using six Holstein steers with ruminal cannulas on a high grain diet. The steers were fed commercial concentrate (8.7 kg/day/steer) with one of three levels of lauric acid (0, 25 or 50 g/day/steer) and timothy hay (1.8 kg/day/steer). The feed intake and digestibility were determined. Ruminal fluid was collected at 3 h after feeding to determine chemical, physical and microbial parameters. An in vitro pure culture study was performed to determine the effects of lauric acid on Streptococcus bovis, a potent bloat- and acidosis-promoting rumen bacterium. There were no differences in feed intake and digestibility among the treatments. The proportion of butyrate and the viscosity of the rumen fluid tended to be lowered (P < 0.08 and P < 0.09, respectively) and the stable ingesta volume increase was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) by the lauric acid feed. The abundance of protozoa and bacteria did not differ among the treatments. In the in vitro study, the growth of S. bovis was inhibited by the lauric acid (100 nmol/L) but it showed an adaptive growth to lauric acid in long-term subculturing. The S. bovis that had adapted to lauric acid showed decreased viscosity and lactate production (P < 0.01) in culture with sucrose. These results indicate that supplemental lauric acid added to a high grain diet improves physical properties, possibly by altering the metabolic activity of S. bovis, and it may prevent the occurrence of feedlot bloat and acidosis in beef cattle.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: One of the bovine growth hormone (GH) genetic variants is a substitution of leucine (Leu) to valine (Val) at amino acid position 127 of the protein.
Abstract: One of the bovine growth hormone (GH) genetic variants is a substitution of leucine (Leu) to valine (Val) at amino acid position 127 of the protein. The GH genotypes of 14 Japanese black steers used in the present study were Leu/Leu (A, n = 7) and Val/Val (B, n = 7). The steers in each genotype group were divided into two groups based on intended growth rate (high, 1.0 kg/day; low, 0.6 kg/day) during 10–17 months of age. The overall mean concentration of plasma GH was higher (P 0.05). The rib thickness of the 1.0 kg/day group was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the 0.6 kg/day group. The crude fat content of longissimus muscle was greater (P < 0.05) for the 0.6 kg/day group compared with the 1.0 kg/day group.