Ghrelin Activates Behavior of Neonatal Chicks in a Short Period of Post-Intracerebroventricular Injection

Ei-suke Saito, Tomo Takagi, Tomonori Nakanishi, Kouichi Sashihara, Mitsuhiro Furuse^*

Laboratory of Advanced Animal and Marine Bioresources
Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences
Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

(Received December 24, 2001; accepted July 06, 2002)

Abstract

Saito, E., Takagi, T., Nakanishi, T., Sashihara, K. and Furuse, M. 2002. Ghrelin activates behavior of neonatal chicks in a short period of post-intracerebroventricular injection. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 33-41.

Ghrelin, a novel growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide with an acylated side chain, is the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of ghrelin stimulates GH secretion and feeding of rats, but ghrelin inhibited feeding of neonatal chicks. It was also confirmed that ghrelin induced sleep-like behavior later than 30 minutes post-administration in neonatal chicks. However, exciting behavior was observed in a short period (less than 30 min) in previous reports. Thus, we further investigated the behavioral changes in neonatal chicks by ICV administration of ghrelin within a short period. Chicks were divided into two groups and administered ICV saline or 2 µg of ghrelin and the numbers of step and vocalization were monitored. Just after behavioral test, the amount of monoamines of chick hypothalamus was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Central ghrelin enhanced the numbers of step and kept the numbers of vocalization, but no significant difference in the amount of monoamines was detected. In conclusion, central ghrelin activates chick behavior in a short period without modification of hypothalamic monoamine contents.

Effect of Varying the Amount of Potato Chip Scraps in the Diet of Pigs at Different Stages of Growth on Their Performance

S. Rahnema, R. Borton

The Ohio State University
Agricultural Technical Institute
Wooster, OH 44691-4000, USA

(Received November 11, 2001; accepted July 4, 2002)

Abstract

Rahnema, S. and Borton, R. 2002. Effect of varying the amount of potato chip scraps in the diet of pigs at different stages of growth on their performance. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 49-60.

To determine the effect of changing the amount of potato chip scraps (PCS) at different stages of growth on DMI, ADG and gain to feed ratio (G:F), pigs (n = 176, 8.63 ± .15 kg) were stratified by sex and weight and used in a randomized block design with four treatments in four blocks. Each treatment consisted of four pens of 10 or 12 pigs each. Treatment 1 (control), pigs were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet supplemented to meet NRC requirements. In Treatments 2, 3 and 4, 10%, 12.5% and 20% of the corn, respectively, were replaced with PCS. The concentration of PCS (none) in the control and 12.5% PCS diets was kept unchanged throughout the experiment. However, the concentration of PCS in the 10% diet was increased to 15% and then to 20%, and the 20% PCS diet was lowered to 15% and then to 10% at the growing and finishing stages, respectively. However, DMI tended to be lower (P = .09) for pigs on the 12.5% PCS vs the control and 20% PCS diets. Also, the ADG for pigs that were initially started on the 20% PCS diet was lower (P = .01) than the other three treatments. Of the carcass characteristics and organoleptic factors studied in this experiment,only juiciness and overall ratings for chops from pigs on the 12.5% PCS diet were rated lower than the control and 10% (initial diet, nursery) PCS diets. This experiment demonstrated no advantage in varying the level of PCS diets over continuous feeding of zero or 12.5% PCS diets.

Comparative Study on the Performance of Crossbred Goats under Çukurova
Subtropical Climate

Nazan Darcan, Okan Güney

Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture
Çukurova University
01130, Adana, Turkey

(Received December 24, 2001; accepted May 24, 2002)

Abstract

Darcan, N. and Güney, O. 2002. Comparative study on the performance of crossbred goats under Çukurova subtropical climate. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 61-64.

The milk and reproduction performance of crossbred genotypes (German Fawn x Hair first back cross, Damascus crossbred, Çukurova and Taurus types) improved by the Çukurova University Agriculture Faculty Dairy Goat Farm Unit in the subtropical Mediterranean climatic conditions of Turkey, were compared during 1999, 2000 and 2001. The performances of all crossbred does increased from 1999 to 2001. Besides German Fawn×Hair crossbred does have shown higher performances than the others. Positive and significant correlations were found between year×genotype.

Effect of Calcium Soaps on Rumen Fermentation, Protein Degradability of Barley, Rapeseed Meal and Soybean Meal

Wlodzimierz Nowak, Andrzej Potkanski

Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management
Agricultural University of Poznan
Wolynska 33, Poland

(Received November 7, 2001; accepted June 15, 2002)

Abstract

Nowak, W. and Potkanski, A. 2002. Effect of calcium soaps on rumen fermentation, protein degradability of barley, rapeseed meal and soybean meal. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 65-74.

Three Jersey heifers were used in 3x3 Latin Square with 28-d experimental period to determine the effects of increasing amounts of calcium soaps prepared from rapeseed oil on rumen fermentation and ruminal degradability of barley grain, rape seed meal and soybean meal. Heifers were fed isonitrogenous concentrates mixtures of 3 kg/day which contained one of either 0% (0CS), 10% (10CS) or 20% (20CS) of calcium soaps (CS) with meadow hay (1kg) and corn silage fed ad lib. Dry matter intake did not differ between treatments. Higher level of CS addition (20CS) lowered the acetate to propionate ratio, whereas both levels of calcium soaps decreased the concentration of ammonia in the rumen. The effective ruminal protein degradability of the three test feeds was not affected by CS addition.

Anatomy and Histology of the Atrio-Ventricular Bundle in the heart of Goats (Capra hircus)

A. Nabipur, S. Khanzadi, M. Banihassan

Department of Anatomical Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Mashhad, 91775-1793, Iran

(Received November 20, 2001; accepted August 10, 2002)

Abstract

Nabipur, A., Khanzadi, S. and Banihassan, M. 2002. Anatomy and histology of the atrio-ventricular bundle in the heart of goats (Capra hircus). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 75-80.

The detailed anatomy and histology of the atrio-ventricular bundle (AVB) was studied in 5 female goats. The trunk of the AVB was a direct continuation of the atrio-ventricular node (AVN) with no sharp line of demarcation between the node and the bundle. Histologically, the fibers of the AVB appeared to be organized into fascicles separated by the fine fibrous septa. The cells of the AVB were ovoid in shape with light cytoplasm and one or two central nucleus. The size of these cells were shorter and broader than working myocardial cells and stained paler than them. Myofibrils were located at the periphery of the cells and a large perinuclear clear zone was present. These cells showed faint cross striations and there were intercalated discs at intercellular connections.

Effects of Dietary Vanadium on Performance and Immune Responses of Commercial Egg-Type Laying Hens¹

2Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Florida
P.O. Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32611-0136, USA

³Department of Animal Sciences
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida
P.O. Box 110910, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA

(Revised received May 4, 2002; accepted May 10, 2002)

Abstract

Davis, E.G., Miles, R.D., Butcher, G.D. and Comer C.W. 2002. Effects of dietary vanadium on performance and immune responses of commercial egg-type laying hens. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 113-124.

The influence of dietary supplementation of vanadium (V) on feed consumption, feed conversion, egg production, egg interior quality, egg weight, egg shell weight, cell-mediated and humoral immune responses was investigated in a 6-wk experiment using White Leghorn laying hens. Four dietary treatments consisting of a corn/soybean meal basal control diet supplemented with 0, 10, 20 and 30 ppm V were used. Feed consumption was not significantly different among treatments, but a decline in feed intake resulted as higher levels of supplemental V were fed. Hen-day egg production declined in the hens fed the two highest supplemental levels of V, but the decline was only significant for hens fed 30 ppm supplemental V. Egg weight and egg shell weight were similar for birds fed all four diets, but on d 24 and 29 of the experiment egg shell weight was significantly lower for hens fed the diet supplemented with 20 ppm V and on d 24 for those fed 30 ppm V. Egg interior quality declined within 48h after the supplemental vanadium diets were fed. After d14 and until the end of the experimental period hens fed the V supplemented diets had poorer interior egg quality compared to the birds fed the control diet. Across all treatments no significant differences were observed for the cell-mediated and humoral immune response.

Regression Analysis for Predicting AU Triumph Tall Fescue Forage Quality
from Chemical Composition Data in North Alabama

M. Lema*, N. Knox, L. Walker

Department of Food and Animal Science
Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL-35762, USA

(Received September 05, 2001; accepted March 03, 2002)

Abstract

Lema, M., Knox, N. and Walker, L. 2002. Regression analysis for predicting AU Triumph tall fescue forage quality from chemical composition data in North Alabama. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 81-90.

Statistical models may be better alternatives for forage quality estimation as chemical analysis, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and in vitro digestion are in most instances time-consuming, expensive and hard to obtain and some times utilize hazardous chemicals. A study was conducted to calibrate AU Triumph tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb) forage quality (IVDMD, NDF, ADF and CP contents) predictive equations from chemical analysis data. AU Triumph tall fescue pasture samples collected over a 2-year period were analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid-detergent fiber (ADF), neutral-detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), acid-detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL), ash and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Quadratic, cubic and logarithmic relations between independent variables and quality parameter were considered and the data subjected to stepwise regression and correlation analysis. The best fitting equation to predict IVDMD and CP contained only NDF (IVDMD=154.97-1.41 NDF, R²=0.92, RMSE=1.99; CP=41.39-0.51 NDF, R²=0.87, RMSE=0.90) while the best equation to predict NDF contained only EE (NDF=86.80-19.03 EE + 2.98 EE², R²=0.92, RMSE=1.34). Ash and CEL were the best predictors of ADF (ADF=0.47 + 0.14 Ash + 0.96 CEL, R²=0.99, RMSE=0.04). Model validation using independent samples gave correlation coefficients of validation ranging from 0.86 to 0.97. The results show that tall fescue forage quality parameters (IVDMD, NDF, ADF and CP) can be estimated with high accuracy using simple equations requiring one or two chemical determinations. These equations provide convenient alternatives to chemical analysis for estimating tall fescue forage quality in North Alabama.

Effect of Tethered and Free-Stall Housing Systems on the Fattening Performance of Holstein Friesian Bulls at Two Different Ages

Leyla Turgut, Mete Yanar, Naci Tüzemen,
Sadrettin Yüksel, A. Vahap Yaganoglu¹

Atatürk University, Department of Animal Science
College of Agriculture
25240, Erzurum, Turkey

(Received November 24, 2001; accepted June 6, 2002)

Abstract

Turgut, L., Yanar, M., Tüzemen, N., Yüksel, S. and Yaganoglu, A.V. 2002. Effect of tethered and free-stall housing systems on the fattening performance of Holstein Friesian bulls at two different ages. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 91-95.

Fattening performance and feed efficiency ratio characteristics of young Holstein Friesian bulls housed in free-stall or tie-stall barn at two different age groups i.e. 9-12 months and 14-17 months of age were investigated. A total of 19 Holstein bulls were fattened for 142 days. Adjusted average final weights of the young bulls kept in free-stall and stall barn were 395.50 and 404.95 kg, respectively. Average total weight gain of the bulls in loose housing system was 4.7 kg, higher than those in tethered barn. The feed efficiency ratio values for free-stall system was better than tethered barns. The free-stall housing system might be successfully used without causing detrimental effect on the fattening performance of Holstein cattle.

Effect of Jelly Fish Crude Venom on Liver, Thyroid and Harderian Glands of
Female Mice

Nagwa Mouhamed El-Sawi Mahmoud*

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
South Valley University, Sohag, Egypt

(Received October 6, 2001; accepted March 15, 2002)

Abstract

El-Sawi, N.M. 2002. Effect of jelly fish crude venom on liver, thyroid and Harderian glands of female mice. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 97-104.

To study the effect of jelly fish Eutonina indicans crude venom on liver, thyroid and Harderian glands, a sublethal dose was injected i.p. to female mice (1.78 mg/20g body weight). The concentration of porphyrin (µg/100mg) and the levels of serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyrotropic hormone (TSH) were determined. Histology of tissues from Harderian and thyroid gland were performed. The data indicate that the crude venom induced a highly significant increase (p<0.001) of porphyrin concentration, T3, T4 and TSH levels as compared with those of the control animal due probably to bradykinin which stimulates the synthesis or release of growth hormone or through the activation of prostaglandin synthesis and the thyroid hormones that act directly on Harderian gland. Also lipid peroxides (LPO), total thiols, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase were assayed in liver homogenate and showed alterations of free radicals and antioxidants. The results suggest that this extract may be effective in elevation of T3 and T4 levels in the hypothyrodism patients.

Nutritional Quality of Sun-dried Swine Excreta for Beef Cattle

¹Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias

Universidad de Colima
A.P. 36, C.P. 28100, Tecomán, Colima, México
²Universidad de Guadalajara

Departamento de Producción Animal
Av. Colón s/n. Guzmán, Jalisco, México
³Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales

Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. Acueducto y Tzintzuntzan s/n. C.P. 58240, Morelia, Michoacán, México
(Received October 30, 2001; accepted May 26, 2002)

Abstract

García-Rodríguez, A., Ramírez-Carrillo, J.T., Rocha-Chávez, G., Lezama-Gutiérrez, R. and Gutiérrez-Vázquez, E. 2002. Nutritional quality of sun-dried swine excreta for beef cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 105-112.

The effect of drying fresh swine excreta (FSE) previously mixed with ground corn (GCS) or sorghum straws (GSS) by sun exposure (10, 15, 20 cm deep bed; 10, 20, 30 and 40 h) on its nutritional quality and acceptance by beef cattle was studied in a 3x3x4 factorial arrangement. The reduction in protein content of the excreta mixed with ground straw was slightly lower as compared with excreta alone at 40 hours of sun exposure. In a second experiment, two groups of nine Bos indicus x Brown Swiss growing bulls.

An Outbreak of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Infection in Lambs

Ahmad Reza Movassaghi, Mehrnaz Rad

Department of Pathobiology
School of Veterinary Medicine
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Mashhad 91775-1793, Iran

(Received August 6, 2001; accepted January 22, 2002)

Abstract

Movassaghi, A.R. and Rad, M. 2002. An outbreak of yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in lambs. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 22: 125-128.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a gram-negative coccobacillus, is primarily a pathogen of rodents. In addition to farm and domestic animals, birds are also natural reservoirs. Five affected lambs were presented with the signs of diarrhoea and emaciation. Grossly, there were intestinal effusions and enlargement of mesenteric lymph nodes. The most important macroscopic finding was whitish hepatic foci. Histopathological examination revealed fibrinohemorrhagic enterocolitis and multiple foci of coagulative necrosis associated with microabscess formation in the liver. The isolated organism, based on morphological and biochemical characteristics confirmed as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

Efficiency of Compensatory Growth of Borana Bulls (Bos indicus) Following Different Levels of Feed Restriction

1Adami Tulu Research Center

P.O. Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia
²International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Revised received on April 8, 2002; accepted on May 10, 2002)

Abstract

Tolla, N., Mirkena, T. and Yimegnuhal, A. 2002. Efficiency of compensatory growth of Borana (Bos indicus) bulls following different levels of feed restriction. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 129-136.

To study the efficiency of compensatory growth following different levels of feed restriction, 25 Borana bulls were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to five dietary treatments of ad libitum feeding for the entire period (control), maintenance feeding for 91 days (maintenance), 15 per cent weight loss in 91 days (-15%), 20 per cent weight loss in 91 days (-20%) and 25 per cent weight loss in 91 days (-25%) followed by 105 days of ad libitum (compensatory) feeding. The feed restriction imposed for treatments - 15 per cent, -20 per cent and -25 per cent during the initial period resulted in weight losses of -15 per cent, -19 per cent and -23 per cent, respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference among treatments on feed intake during compensatory feeding period. Daily gain (ADG) for the restricted animals was directly proportional to the level of feed restriction. There was also significant (P<0.05) treatment effect on dressing percentage and proportion of fat in carcass. Animals subjected to weight losses of -15 per cent, -20 per cent and -25 per cent had lower yield of these carcass characteristics than the control and maintenance treatments.

Intra-Species Mice Hybridomas Against a Recombinant Protein of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis

Mahavir Singh*, Mahtab Z. Siddiqui, R.P. Singh¹

National Biotechnology Centre
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar - 243 122, India

(Received September 12, 2001; accepted April 4, 2002)

Abstract

Singh, M., Siddiqui, M.Z. and Singh, R.P. 2002. Intra-species mice hybridomas against a recombinant protein of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22 : 137-144.

Effects of Supplemental Thiamin on Growth Performance and Immune Function in Stressed Stocker Cattle¹

K. Beers, L.B. Daniels

Department of Animal Science
University of Arkansas, AR 72701, USA

(Received August 14, 2001; accepted April 17, 2002)

Abstract

Silzell, S.A., Hellwig, D.H., Kegley, E.B., Coffey, K.P., Beers, K. and Daniels, L.B. 2002. Effects of supplemental thiamin on growth performance and immune function in stressed stocker cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 145-156

Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of supplemental thiamin in a receiving ration on thiamin status, immune response and growth performance of stocker calves. In Experiment 1, 32 crossbred calves (211±3.2 kg) were weaned, blocked by weight and assigned randomly to one of the eight pens. Pens were then assigned randomly within block to treatment. Treatments were control (no supplemental thiamin) or 956 mg/d supplemental thiamin as thiamin mononitrate. Calves were kept in 0.45 ha mixed grass pastures and fed 1.82 kg/d of a corn and soybean meal supplement. Daily gains for the 28-d study (P<0.10) were decreased by supplemental thiamin. On d14, blood thiamin monophosphate (TMP; P<0.001) and thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) concentrations (P<0.001) were greater for calves fed supplemental thiamin. In vivo cell-mediated immunity,measured on d 27 by determining the response of calves to an intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were not altered (P>0.10) by supplemental thiamin. In Experiment 2, 88 crossbred heifers (205±1.6 kg) were blocked by weight, assigned randomly to one of the 16 pens and then pens within a block were assigned randomly to treatments. Treatments were identical to Exp. 1. Heifers had ad libitum access to bermudagrass hay in this study. Average daily gain was not different between treatments (P>0.10) for the 42-d study. Supplemental thiamin did not improve ADG, antibody response, cell-mediated immune response or morbidity rates, but did increase TPP and TMP concentrations in these studies.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome : Growth Rate of Bones in Rats

I.C. Nwaogu

Department of Veterinary Anatomy
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria
Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

(Received October 6, 2001; accepted March 30, 2002)

Abstract

Nwaogu, I.C. 2002. Foetal alcohol syndrome : growth rate of bones in rats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 000-000.

The effect of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the growth rate of humerus and femur were studied in 168 offspring of rats. Experimental foetal alcohol syndrome was produced by giving 10% ethanol (v/v) in water to eight-week old female albino rats for 2 weeks, then 20% ethanol (v/v) for another 3 weeks and mating them overnight. When confirmed pregnant, the alcohol concentration was increased to 30% until delivery when alcohol consumption was stopped. The birth weights as well as lengths of humerus and femur of the control rats were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of prenatally alcohol fed rats at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 weeks of age. The relative growth rates of femur were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the experimental than the control group. It is concluded that alcohol consumption by pregnant rats adversely affected the growth rates of humerus and femur of their offsprings prenatally and at least up to 14 weeks of age.