Role of Central Serotonergic Systems on the Regulation of Feeding Behavior of Chicks in Two Different Strains

K. Sashihara, T. Bungo¹, R. Ando, A. Ohgushi,
S.-I. Kawakami², D.M. Denbow³, M. Furuse^*

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

¹Laboratory of Animal Science
Department of Agrobiological Science, Faculty of Agriculture
Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan

²Department of Animal Production
Kyushu National Agricultural Experiment Station
Kumamoto, Japan

³Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

(Received August 28, 2001; accepted January 23, 2002)

Abstract

Sashihara, K., Bungo, T., Ando, R., Ohgushi, A., Kawakami, S.-I., Denbow, D.M. and Furuse, M. 2002. Role of central serotonergic systems on the regulation of feeding behavior of chicks in two different strains. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 17-23.

Significant role of 5-HT for control of feeding behavior in mammalian and avian species is well known. To study the strain difference in the mechanisms of serotonergic systems on food intake, effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of serotonin (5-HT) or 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-(propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT: 5-HT_1A receptor agonist) on two strains of chicks (Cobb and Ross Chunky) was examined. Central administration of 5-HT suppressed food intake of chicks in both strains, but 5-HT induced anorexia lasted longer in Cobb than in Ross Chunky. Food intake in Ross Chunky enhanced by the highest dose of 8-OH-DPAT, but not in Cobb. The difference of sensitivity for 5-HT between two strains could be because of the density or binding affinity of 5-HT_1A receptor. This evidence suggests that there are some genetic differences in central serotonergic systems between two strains on the regulation of food intake.

A Note on the Effects of Preweaning Concentrate Supplementation on Performance of Meat Goats

A.L. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, T. Sahlu

E (Kika) de la Garza Institute for Goat Research
Langston University
P.O. Box 730, Langston, OK 73050, USA

(Received May 19, 2001; accepted September 22, 2001)

Abstract

Goetsch, A.L., Detweiler, G. and Sahlu, T. 2002. A note on the effects of preweaning concentrate supplementation on performance of meat goats.
J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 25-34.

Sixty-four Spanish does with 104 Boer×Spanish or Spanish kids were used to determine effects of preweaning feeding of concentrate-based supplement on preweaning and early postweaning growth. In mid-April, from approximately 6 to 14 wk after birth, animals grazed wheat forage (Phase 1), followed by 5 wk on native grass pasture (Phase 2) and an 8-wk postweaning period with a moderate level of supplemental concentrate (Phase 3). Treatments were no supplementation in Phases 1 and 2 (C), ad libitum consumption of a concentrate-based supplement in Phases 1 and 2 (A), no supplementation in Phase 1 and ad libitum consumption of supplement in Phase 2 (A-2), and limit feeding of supplement (approximately 1% of live weight, DM; L). Supplement intake averaged 30, 74, 90, 157 and 158 g/d for L and 36, 87, 192, 240 and 229 g/d for A in wk 2-4, 5-6 and 7-8 of Phase 1 and wk 1-2 and 3-5 of Phase 2, respectively; supplement intake averaged 171 and 249 g/d for A-2 in wk 1-2 and 3-5 of Phase 2, respectively. In wk 1, 3, 5 and 7 of Phase 1 and wk 1, 3 and 5 of Phase 2, forage DM mass averaged 2474, 2062, 1315, 1434, 2245, 1405 and 1161 kg/ha and hand- plucked forage samples were 12.7, 15.9, 14.2, 16.8, 8.1, 7.1 and 7.1% crude protein and 42.6, 47.8, 51.0, 52.5, 66.3, 70.4 and 72.2% neutral detergent fiber, respectively. Kid live weight gain was similar among treatments in Phases 1 (108, 133, 118, and 113 g/d) and 2 (82, 40, 43, and 78 g/d) and lower (P < 0.05) for C than for A and A-2 in Phase 3 (44, 59, 90 and 83
g/d for C, L, A, and A-2, respectively). In conclusion, under conditions of this experiment preweaning feeding of concentrate-based supplement did not enhance kid growth preweaning but generally improved early postweaning growth. However, within genotype preweaning supplementation did not impact overall pre- or postweaning live weight gain.

Effect of Supplementing Corn or Hay to Beef Cattle Consuming Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) on Performance and Nutrient Utilization^*

B.J. Rude¹, K.C. Hanson, W.B. Tucker

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences
Mississippi State University, MS, 39762, USA

(Revised received February 5, 2002; accepted February 15, 2002)

Abstract

Rude, B.J., Hanson, K.C. and Tucker, W.B. 2002. Effect of supplementing corn or hay to beef cattle consuming annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) on performance and nutrient utilization. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 35-48.

To evaluate the performance and nutrient utilization of cattle consuming annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), two trials were conducted. Trial 1: 36 heifers (278±6.7 kg) grazed ryegrass for 140 days during year one and 56 days during year two. Six paddocks and three treatments (1) no supplement; (2) cracked corn supplemented three times per week to provide an average of 1.1 kg/heifer day and (3) ad libitum access to bermudagrass hay were utilized (2 paddocks per treatment). No differences (P>0.05) were detected for nutrient composition of ryegrass or for dry matter intake between the paddocks. Weight gains were similar (P>0.05) across treatments for the first 3 periods (year one). Total gains were slower (P<0.05) for heifers not supplemented and those receiving corn compared to those supplemented with hay. Only during period 3 heifers receiving hay had less (P<0.05) blood urea N than those not supplemented or receiving corn. Trial 2: 12 steers (264±10.7 kg) were fed ryegrass soilage in individual metabolism crates and assigned to the same three treatments except that hay in treatment 3 was restricted to three times per week to provide an average of 1.1 kg/steer day. Total dry matter intake was similar (P>0.05) among treatments; however, ryegrass dry matter intake was less (P<0.05) for steers consuming hay than corn or no supplement. Apparent dry matter, neutral- and acid-detergent fibre digestibilities were similar (P>0.05) among treatments. Apparent organic matter and energy digestibility was greater (P<0.05) for steers not supplemented than steers consuming hay or corn. Apparent protein digestibility was greater (P<0.05) for steers not supplemented than for those consuming corn. Supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) protein or energy utilization. In summary, providing hay to cattle consuming ryegrass increased gains, but did not alter protein digestion or utilization. By contrast, providing corn to cattle consuming ryegrass did not increase gains above that of unsupplemented cattle. Moreover, corn supplementation decreased protein digestibility.

Dietary Sorbose Failed to Ameliorate Hyperglycemia in Alloxan-injected Diabetic Mice

1Laboratory of Grassland Science, University Farm
Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences
Nagoya University, Togo, Aichi 470-0151, Japan

²Laboratory of Animal Nutrition
Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences
Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan

³Nutrition Physiology Division
National Livestock Research Institute
#564, Omokchun-dong, Suwon 441-350, Korea

⁴Division of Animal and Marine Bioresources Science
Graduate School of Bioresource and Bio-environmental Sciences
Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

(Received July 24, 2001; accepted January 16, 2002)

Abstract

Kita, K., Kitayama, Y., Nagao, K., Hwangbo, J., Furuse, M. and Okumura, J. 2002. Dietary sorbose failed to ameliorate hyperglycemia in alloxan-injected diabetic mice. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 49-55.

The influence of dietary sorbose on body weight change, food intake and hyperglycemia in alloxan-injected diabetic mice was examined. Body weight of alloxan-injected diabetic mice was markedly decreased by feeding a sorbose diet. The lower food intake of mice given sorbose was observed from day 2 of experiment. Analysis of covariance to assess the effect of alloxan injection on the relationship between food intake and body weight change except the influence of different dietary sugar was conducted. It showed that only when mice were fed the diet containing sorbose, body weight change could be explained by the difference in food intake caused by alloxan injection. Blood glucose concentration in alloxan-injected diabetic mice was not decreased by feeding the sorbose diet to the level of intact normal mice given sucrose. In conclusion, dietary sorbose failed to ameliorate hyperglycemia in alloxan-injected diabetic mice.

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Awassi, Tushin and
Awassi x Tushin (F₁) Lambs Under Grazing with Concentrate Supplementation

Nurinisa Esenbuga, Muhlis Macit, Mevlut Karaoglu

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

(Received August 6, 2001; accepted January 23, 2002)

Abstract

Esenbuga, N., Macit, M. and Karaoglu, M. 2002. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Awassi, Tushin and Awassi x Tushin (F₁) lambs under grazing with concentrate supplementation. J. Appl. Anim. Res.,
21: 57-64.

Growth performance, slaughter traits and carcass characteristics of Awassi (A), Tushin (T) and AwassixTushin (AxT) male and female lambs weaned at 2.5 months of age and subjected to semi intensive feeding during grazing period for 70 days were evaluated. There was no difference among genotypes in terms of daily weight gain and the amount of concentrate feed consumed in addition to pasture per unit live weight gain. AxT crossbreds had larger (P<0.05) longissimus dorsi (LD) area and hot dressing percentage. Rib, hindshank and kidney fat were significantly (P<0.05; P<0.01) affected by the genotype. The crossbred lambs were superior to both A and T lambs in terms of certain carcass traits.

Preliminary Trials on Development of Vaccine Against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides type LC Infection in Goats

Jai Sunder¹, N.C. Srivastava, Vijendra P. Singh*

National Referral Laboratory on Mycoplasma
Division of Bacteriology and Mycology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar- 243122 India

(Received June 18, 2001; accepted January 6, 2002)

Abstract

Sunder, J., Srivastava, N.C. and Singh, V.P. 2002. Preliminary trials on development of vaccine against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides type LC infection in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 75-80.

Studies were carried out on development of a killed vaccine against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides type LC (MmmLC) infection in goats. Twenty five goats were immunized with 1 ml dose of the vaccine containing 2.5 mg protein of MmmLC with 3.0 mg sterile saponin through s/c route followed by a booster of the same dose and route at 4th week PI. Group of these goats was challenged with virulent MmmLC (7.3x10⁹ cfu) by i/t route. The vaccine gave 80%, 80%, 71.5%, 75% and 75% protection at 21 days and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of challenge, respectively. Thus, it appears to be ready for testing on large scale before its release.

Genetic Diversity of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Between Big and Small Populations

S.G. Fang, Q.H. Wan, N. Fujihara¹

Stage Key Laboratory of Conservation Genetics and
Reproductive Biology for Endangered Wild Animals
Ministry of Education/College of Life Sciences
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, P.R. China

¹Animal Resource Science Section
College of Agriculture, Graduate School Kyushu University
Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

(Received September 21, 2001; accepted January 25, 2002)

Abstract

Fang, S.G., Wan,Q.H. and Fujihara, N. 2002. Genetic diversity of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) between big and small populations. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 65-74.

Genetic diversity of the giant panda was examined by DNA fingerprinting method in order to determine genetic distances between two groups, big and small populations. Results obtained suggest that small population may induce the reduction of genetic diversity of the giant panda and result in extinction of the species. These results suggest the need for reintroduction of individuals into small population for preventing the reduction of genetic diversity in giant panda population.

Orchardgrass versus Alfalfa for Lactating Dairy Cattle : Production, Digestibility
and Nitrogen Balance

1Department of Animal Science
²Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

(Received February 26, 2001; accepted December 27, 2001)

Abstract

Jonker, J.S., Cherney, D.J.R., Fox, D.G., Chase, L.E. and Cherney, J.H. 2002. Orchardgrass versus alfalfa for lactating dairy cattle : production, digestibility and nitrogen balance. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 81-92.

Effects of forage fiber source on milk production, digestibility and nitrogen balance were studied for three hay forages: early bloom alfalfa (ALF), early bloom orchardgrass (OG-E) and late bloom orchardgrass (OG-L). Multiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows were used in a 3x3 Latin square design replicated four times (12 cows) for the production trial and replicated three times (9 cows) for in vivo digestibility and nitrogen balance. Cows were fed one of three isonitrogenous and isocaloric rations containing
9.5 g kg^-1 NDF per kg BW from forage. Cows consumed similar quantities of NDF (14.7±0.8g kg^-1 BW) and the ALF, OG-E and OG-L diets produced 29.1, 30.1 and 32.5 kg d^-1 of milk, respectively. Apparent digestibility for NDF and DM was higher for the orchardgrass rations than the alfalfa based ration. Higher N intake resulted in higher N output in both urine and milk, but N excretion in feces was not different between diet treatments. Efficiency of conversion of N to milk was 25.9%. Home grown forage accounted for 78.8% of N in the ALF diets, while only 47.8% and 22.7% of N came from OG-E and OG-L, respectively. Balanced orchardgrass dairy rations can be well utilized by lactating dairy cattle and can clearly have a place in nutrient management systems, provided grass is harvested at a high yield and quality.

A Rapid Protocol for Preparation of Clostridium septicum Genomic DNA

S. Narayanan, S.D. Singh, C.S. Bakshi*,
Meenakshi Malik, R.K. Singh

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

(Received September 26, 2001; accepted January 26, 2002)

Abstract

Narayanan, S., Singh, S. D., Bakshi, C. S., Malik, M., and Singh, R. K. 2002. A rapid protocol for preparation of Clostridium septicum genomic DNA. J Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 93-96.

Clostridium septicum is known to produce the largest amount of DNase, which poses a challenge in preparation of DNA of good integrity and quality for enzymatic manipulations. A method was evolved using mercuric chloride and a high concentration of SDS for the preparation of genomic DNA of
C. septicum, yields genomic DNA of good quality and integrity. This method, therefore, circumvents the earlier tedious purification procedures involving cesium chloride/Ethidium bromide density gradient centrifugation.

Successful Production of Transgenic Chicken by DNA Injection into Germinal Crescent Region (GCR) of Chicken Embryos

T. Morimoto, T. Arima, H. Furuta, N. Fujihara*

Animal Resource Science Section
Faculty of Agriculture
Graduate School Kyushu University
Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

(Received July 24, 2001; accepted February 22, 2002)

Abstract

Morimoto, T., Arima, T., Furuta, H. and Fujihara, N. 2002. Successful production of transgenic chicken by DNA injection into germinal crescent region (GCR) of chicken embryos. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 97-108.

A foreign gene (Green Fluorescent Protein; GFP) was injected into the germinal crescent region (GCR) of chicken embryos (stage 9-11) to produce germ-line transgenic chickens. After 3 days of injection, 21 manipulated embryos (19.4%) had the expression of GFP gene in embryonic tissues. The presence of injected gene was recognized in the gonads (95.5%), blood (35.0%) and sperm cells (14.3%) when examined by PCR analysis. In addition, in the progeny test, the fertility (42.9%) of the cross breed between DNA treated chickens was lower than that (88.0%) of the cross breed between the treated chickens and the normal ones. The expression of GFP gene in the progeny embryos (F₀) was not confirmed under a fluorescent microscope. The presence of GFP gene in the progenies was approximately 80% for the hybrid between treated chickens and approximately 29% for the hybrid between the treated chicken and normal ones. In this experiment, on the other hand, some of the treated chicken showed abnormal characteristics such as low fertility and production of abnormal egg. Collectively, the present study suggests the possibility of successful production of transgenic chicken by means of the introduction of foreign gene into the developing chicken embryos.

Effect of Roughage Source on Ruminal Kinetics and Passage of Individual Feed Components in Finishing Diets for Steers

aColegio de Postgraduados, Especialidad de Ganaderia
Montecillo México, Km 36.5 Carr. México-Texcoco
Estado de México, 56230 México

^bDepartment of Animal Science
University of Arizona
Tucson, Az. 85721, USA

(Received June 13, 2001; accepted January 21, 2002)

Abstract

Bárcena-Gama, R., Swingle, R.S., Moore, J.A. and Poore, M.H. 2002. Effect of roughage source on ruminal kinetics and passage of individual feed components in finishing diets for steers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 109-121.

Two 4 x 4 Latin square experiments were conducted to determine the effect of substituting chopped alfalfa hay (AH) in a diet containing 10% AH (DM basis) for chopped wheat straw (WS), chopped bermudagrass straw (BS) or cottonseed hulls (CSH), on diet utilization and kinetics of ruminal digestion and passage of roughage and grain. In experiment 1, total tract digestion coefficients for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and starch were determined. Particulate passage rates for grain and roughages in each diet (rare earth metals) and liquid dilution rate (Co-EDTA) were also measured. In experiment 2, four mature ruminally cannulated steers were used to determine kinetics of in situ ruminal digestion of DM, NDF and starch for milo and roughage components of the diets. Replacing AH by low quality roughages depressed (P<0.05) total tract digestion of DM and NDF but not for starch. Potential extent of digestion (72 h in situ) of DM for milo was lower (P<0.05) in the CSH diet. The extent of digestion for DM and NDF were higher (P<0.05) for AH than for the lower quality roughages. Diets containing WS or BS promoted a higher (P<0.05) raft formation than AH or CSH diets. The AERD for DM and NDF from milo was not affected (P>0.05) by roughage source and ruminal pH did not differ (P>0.05) among diets. These results suggest that substitution of AH for low quality roughages depresses total tract digestibility and that the effect on kinetics of ruminal digestion and passage for the grain fraction was minimal. However, the data also suggest that inclusion of WS in 90% concentrate diets may function to improve rumen conditions for NDF digestion and to reduce the incidence of metabolic acidosis.

Evaluation of Hematological Parameters in Caprine Besnoitiosis

1Department of Clinical Studies and
²Department of Pathobiology
School of Veterinary Medicine
Shiraz University
Shiraz, 71345-1731, Iran

(Received March 19, 2001; accepted September 21, 2001)

Abstract

Nazifi, S., Oryan, A. and Mohebbi, H. 2002. Evaluation of hematological parameters in caprine besnoitiosis. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 123-128.

To evaluate the hematological parameters in caprine besnoitiosis, blood samples from 24, each infected with severe besnoitiosis as well as normal goats, were compared. To identify the besnoitia positive goats, biopsies and tissue samples were taken from mid region of the skin of the right tarsal and carpal joints of the goats that showed symptoms of besnoitiosis. Red blood cells, lymphocytes count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit values of the infected goats were significantly (P<0.05) lower and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to those of normal ones. Severity of infection effected differences in some of these parameters.