Morphometric relationship of length–weight and chelae length–width of eastern white river crayfish (Procambarus acutus acutus, Girard, 1852), under culture conditions

Length–weight (TL vs WWT) and chelae length–width (ChL vs ChW) relationships were described for juveniles, males and females, and for form I and form II males of Procambarus acutus acutus. The length–weight relationships for juveniles, form I, form II males, and females could be described as: WWT = 5 × 10⁻³ TL^3.09, WWT = 6 × 10⁻³ TL^3.61, WWT = 6 × 10⁻⁹ TL^3.26, and WWT = 6 × 10⁻⁴ TL^3.5, respectively. In all forms, growth was allometric (P < 0.05). The ancova test indicated that slopes and intercepts of the length–weight regressions were significantly different between sex and sexual stages. The regressions for chelae length–width relationships for form I and form II males, and females were: ChW = −0.81 + 0.27CL, ChW = −0.33 + 0.25CL, and ChW = −0.82 + 0.32CL, respectively. Although the slope and intercepts of regressions for ChL and ChW were similar for those of form I and form II males, the slopes and intercepts of regressions of females were significantly different from form I and form II males. No statistical difference was observed in mean ChL between form II males and females (P > 0.05), but a significant difference was detected in mean ChL between form I and form II males (P < 0.05) and form I and females (P < 0.05). Form I males had longer ChL than form II males and females. The same trend was observed in mean ChW for form I and form II males, but a significant difference was detected between form II males and females (P < 0.05). In addition, results indicated that chelae lengths and widths increased allometrically with total length (TL) for both sex and sexual stages.     

Chemical characteristics and lipid fraction quality of sardines (Sardina pilchardus W.): influence of sex and length

An experimental investigation was carried out on sardines (Sardina pilchardus W.) with the aim to evaluate the influence of sex and total length (TL) on total weight (TW) and fillet weight (FW), chemical composition, and lipid fraction quality. Special emphasis was given with respect to the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are considered important from a dietary, nutritional, and functional point of view. Sardines were subdivided as a function of TL and sex. Four groups were obtained: (i) males, TL 130–155 mm, (ii) males, TL 155–180 mm, (iii) females, TL 130–155 mm, (iv) females, TL 155–180 mm. Fatty acid composition and chemical analyses were subsequently carried out on the sardine fillets; results showed higher TW and FW in female sardines and higher percentage value of FW/TW ratio in male sardines, indicating a higher incidence of viscera and other non‐edible parts in females than in males. Moreover, total lipids were on average significantly higher (P < 0.05) in longer specimens (TL = 155–180 mm) than in shorter ones (TL = 130–155 mm). Finally, total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and total mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) values were found to be significantly higher in females than in males; such values increased significantly (P < 0.01) only for total SFA from shorter to longer sardines. As for total PUFA, both ω6 and ω3 were found to be higher in male than in female sardines and significantly higher (P < 0.001) in larger than in smaller sizes. Total PUFA/total SFA ratio were in all cases close to 1, with higher values in male than in female sardines and in larger than in smaller specimens.     

Seasonality of thermophilic Campylobacter populations in chickens

The small intestines and caeca of chickens were monitored for seasonal variation of thermophilic campylobacters over a 12-month period. There was a significant seasonal fluctuation in the carriage rate which correlated with the following environmental parameters: sunshine hours (P = 0.0003) and minimum (P = 0.007) and maximum temperatures (P = 0.003). The number of campylobacters in the small intestine and caeca also showed significant seasonal variation (P = 0.0008); however, the periodicity in the caeca was significantly different from that in the small intestine (P = 0.007). The numbers of Campylobacter in the caeca were significantly higher than those in the small intestine (P = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the numbers of campylobacters in the caeca and small intestines and the environmental parameters monitored.     

Length–length relationship, length–weight relationship, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, size at maturity and fecundity of Parastromateus niger (Carangidae) in Kuwaiti waters

Analyses of morphometric parameters of the black pomfret, Parastromateus niger, in the Kuwaiti waters of the Arabian Gulf during a 44‐month study revealed the following length‐length relationships: TL (cm) = 0.63 + 1.15SL (females), TL (cm) = 0.94 + 1.14SL (males) and TL (cm) = 0.75 + 1.15SL (both sexes including juveniles). The 95% CI of the exponent in length‐weight relationship varied from 2.788 to 2.796 in females, 2.726 to 2.732 in males, 2.779 to 2.784 for both sexes and 2.590 to 2.613 in juveniles, all indicating an allometric relationship. Simultaneous analysis of Fulton’s condition factor (K) and GSI indicate that spawning in black pomfret peaks in May and June even though the fish remain in good condition throughout the spawning season. The Fulton’s condition factor was statistically discriminatory in determining the well‐being of P. niger. Variation in average maximum condition was significant between sexes and also higher in 2004 as compared to 2005. The mean size at first sexual maturity (SL_50%) was 17.5 cm for males and 29 cm for females. Fecundity ranged from 71 305 to 3 895 449 eggs and correlated positively with: (a) ovary‐free body weight (P < 0.05), standard length (P < 0.05) and ovary weight (P < 0.05), and negatively with egg size (P > 0.05). Fecundity‐total length relationship was best described by the logarithmic equation of the form F = 0.898 + 3.15 × TL^3.15. The use of results of such morphometric studies in the management of the P. niger species in the Arabian Gulf is suggested due to its growing commercial importance.     

臭腹腺蝗（直翅目：锥头蝗科）胃盲囊的异速生长和功能特性

通过对臭腹腺蝗Zonocerus variegatus（直翅目：锥头蝗科）6个若虫期及成虫期主消化道和胃盲囊分段进行解剖和测量,对其胃盲囊的异速生长和功能特性进行了研究。结果表明,胃盲囊和主消化道的生长是不同速的。胃盲囊前段较后段生长速率更高,但两者生长速率显著相关。消化道和胃盲囊的平均长度亦显著相关。随年龄增长,消化道的生长速率降低,而胃盲囊的生长速率上升。与胃盲囊前段功能相同,胃盲囊后段亦具有消化和吸收功能,被认为能在营养缺乏的旱季起到增加肠胃吸收面的功能。     

黑斑侧褶蛙消化道重量及长度的性别和季节差异

消化道是联系脊椎动物能量摄入和能量支出之间关系的纽带,其重量和长度对外界环境具有高度的敏感性和弹性(flexibility)。以黑斑侧褶蛙(Pelophylax nigromaculata)为研究对象,测定了山东聊城地区2012年夏季(16只,8♀/8♂)、秋季(19只,9♀/10♂)及翌年春季(17只,8♀/9♂)其体重、体长、胴体湿重和干重系数、总消化道及各段(食道、胃、小肠和大肠)的湿重、干重和长度系数的性别和季节差异(双因素方差分析),对有性别差异的指标,用单因素方差分析分别比较了雌、雄蛙的季节差异。结果显示,1)雌蛙的体重、体长均高于雄蛙,都在秋季最高,春季或夏季最低;雄蛙的胴体湿重系数高于雌蛙,夏季高于秋季;胴体干重系数既无性别差异,也无季节差异。2)除食道湿重系数无性别差异外,雌蛙总消化道及各段的湿重系数均高于雄蛙;除胃湿重系数无季节差异外,春季或秋季的总消化道及各段的湿重系数都高于夏季;雌蛙的总消化道干重和胃干重系数高于雄蛙,食道、小肠和大肠的干重系数无性别差异,所有的干重系数均无季节性差异。3)除雌蛙的大肠长系数高于雄蛙外,总消化道及各段的长度系数均无性别差异,春季和秋季的总消化道长、食道长及胃长系数均高于夏季,小肠长和大肠长系数均无季节性差异。结果表明,随着季节更替,黑斑侧褶蛙消化道各段的重量和长度表现出一定的弹性特征,这与各器官的功能及其生活环境的多样性是相适应的。     

Body weight and some biometrical traits of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) at different ages

Although the growth of pheasants is an important issue, there are few publications providing information on body weight and morphometrics of pheasants at different ages. The aim of this study was to investigate body weight, tarsus length, wing length and wingspan in farmed pheasants aged 3-16 weeks. The study was carried out on 50 pheasants (31 females and 19 males). All one-day old birds were marked and kept until the 16th week of life. In the 3rd 8 h 12th and 16th weeks of life all pheasants were weighted and tarsus length, wing length and wingspan were measured. Male chicks appeared to be significantly heavier than females (P< or = 0.01) already in the third week of life. Also their wings were longer and their wingspan attained higher values (P < or = 0.05). Absolute gains of the majority of traits also differed between sexes (being larger in males) in all studied periods. Values of body weight, tarsus length and wingspan noted in the third week of life were significantly correlated with all later measurements. Thus body weight and some biometrical traits of pheasant chicks measured already at the 3rd week of life could be applied as predictors of future body weight and size.     

Gonadosomatic index‐based size at first sexual maturity of the catfish Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) in the Ganges River (NW Bangladesh)

This study describes the size at first sexual maturity, length–weight relationships (LWR) in relation to size at first sexual maturity, and Fulton’s condition factor (K_F) of Eutropiichthys vacha in the Ganges River, northwestern Bangladesh. Sampling was done using traditional fishing gear including cast nets, square lift nets and conical traps during January and April, and July to December 2010. For each individual, total length (TL) was measured to the nearest 0.01 cm, and total weight (BW) was determined to the nearest 0.01 g. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated by the equation, GSI (%) = (Gonad weight in g/BW) × 100. The size at first sexual maturity of males and females was estimated by the relationship between gonadosomatic index and total length. A total of 583 specimens (289 males; 294 females) ranging from 8.30 to 27.00 cm TL and 3.16 to 159.50 g BW were analyzed. Sizes at first sexual maturity for male and female E. vacha were 13.15 and 14.00 cm TL, respectively. The analysis of covariance (ancova ) revealed significant differences in slope and intercept between early and late phases for males (F = 4.532, P < 0.001) and females (F = 21.984, P < 0.001). The K_F was not significantly correlated with TL for males (r_s = 0.052; P = 0.378), but was highly correlated for females (r_s = ?0.165; P = 0.005). This study establishes a strong base for monitoring changes in length at first sexual maturity attributable to high fishing pressures or other reasons within the Ganges and associated river ecosystems.     

Effects of xylanase and antibiotic supplementations on the nutritional utilisation of a wheat diet in growing chicks from genetic D+ and D- lines selected for divergent digestion efficiency

The experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design testing the two D+ and D- chicken lines selected for divergent digestion efficiency (fifth selection generation), xylanase (with or without) and ampicillin and collistin (with or without) supplementations. From 8 to 22 days, 144 chickens (18 birds per treatment) were fed a diet containing 55% wheat from a high-viscosity cultivar (Rialto). Effects of treatments were evaluated on individual growth performance (8 to 19 days), digestibilities of lipids and dry matter, dietary energy value (apparent metabolisable energy corrected to zero-nitrogen retention (AMEn)), digestive organ and breast sizes, and intestinal bile acids at 3 weeks of age. Individual variabilities were much lower in D+ than in D- birds for feed : gain ratios, digestibilities and AMEn values. In all cases, feed : gain ratios were lower in the D+ than in the D- line (P < 0.001), and D+ birds showed 22% to 86% higher values than in D- birds (P < 0.001) for digestibilities and AMEn. In D- birds, antibiotics but not xylanase supplementation had significant effects on lipid digestibility (P < 0.01) and AMEn (P < 0.05), whereas both supplements improved these parameters in D+ birds (P < 0.001 for both additives on lipids digestibility, P < 0.05 for xylanase and P < 0.01 for antibiotics on AMEn). Relative weights of gizzard and proventriculus, and gizzard : intestine weight ratio were higher in D+ than in D- birds, while relative weight of intestine was increased in D- birds compared with D+ birds. Antibiotics reduced intestine relative weight in D+ (P < 0.001) and D- (P < 0.01) lines. AMEn variations were efficiently predicted by the gizzard : intestine weight ratio. In conclusion, antibiotics were very efficient for improving growth performance, AMEn and digestibility values in both chicken lines. Xylanase was less efficient than antibiotics. Because of their low individual variabilities, D+ birds were much more efficient than D- ones for the detection of significant effects induced by xylanase supplementation. Differences between lines in feed : gain ratio, digestibilities and AMEn were reduced when xylanase and antibiotics were added together. Effects of xylanase supplementation and animal genetics on lipid digestibility could not be entirely explained in terms of intestinal bile acids. Other factors should be involved, especially for the lipid digestibility difference induced by animal genetics. The gizzard : intestine weight ratio was an efficient parameter for predicting AMEn variations due to animal genetics and additives.     

Effects of dietary inclusion of triticale,rye and wheat and xylanase supplementation on growth performance of broiler chickens and fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract

An experiment was performed over a period of 5 weeks with 576 one-day-old cockerels (Cobb 500), which were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (12 replicate cages with 8 birds/cage). The objective of the experiment was to estimate whether different grain types (wheat, rye or triticale) and exogenous xylanase inclusion influence the performance and the gastrointestinal ecosystems of broiler chickens as regards intestinal viscosity, pH as well as the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid (LA). The rye-based diets resulted in the poorest production results followed by wheat and triticale-based diets. Ileal viscosity decreased in the range: rye (140 cps), triticale (6.1 cps) and wheat (2.5 cps). Xylanase supplementation reduced ileal viscosity significantly only in birds fed with rye. The cereal type influenced the fermentation process in the broiler gastrointestinal tract more than the xylanase supplementation. The total concentration of organic acids was highest in the caeca, followed by the crop, ileum and gizzard. Lactic acid concentrations were highest in the content of the crop followed by ileum, gizzard and caeca. Propionate was only detected in caecal contents, whereas butyrate was also found in small amounts in the contents of the crop of birds from all treatments. The concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total organic acid concentration in caecal contents of chickens receiving the rye-based diets were lower than in birds fed the other cereals (P<0.001). Enzyme supplementation reduced the relative weight of the caeca in rye-fed birds (P=0.001).     

Zinc availability and digestive zinc solubility in piglets and broilers fed diets varying in their phytate contents, phytase activity and supplemented zinc source

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary zinc addition (0 or 15 mg/kg of Zn as inorganic or organic zinc) to three maize-soybean meal basal diets varying in their native Zn, phytic P contents and phytase activity (expressed in kg of feed: P- with 25 mg Zn and 1.3 g phytic P, P+ with 38 mg Zn and 2.3 g phytic P or P+/ENZ being P+ including 500 units (FTU) of microbial phytase per kg) in two monogastric species (piglets, broilers). Measured parameters were growth performance, zinc status (plasma, and bone zinc) and soluble zinc in digesta (stomach, gizzard and intestine). The nine experimental diets were fed for 20 days either to weaned piglets (six replicates per treatment) or to 1-day-old broilers (10 replicates per treatment). Animal performance was not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05) except that all P- diets improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in piglets (P < 0.05). Piglets fed P- diets had a better Zn status than those fed P+ diets (P < 0.05). In both species, Zn status was improved with supplemental Zn (P < 0.05), irrespective of Zn source. Phytase supplementation improved piglet Zn status to a higher extent than adding dietary Zn, whereas in broilers, phytase was less efficient than supplemental Zn. Digestive Zn concentrations reflected the quantity of ingested Zn. Soluble Zn (mg/kg dry matter) and Zn solubility (% of total Zn content) were highest in gizzard contents, which also presented lower pH values than stomach or intestines. The intestinal Zn solubility was higher in piglet fed organic Zn than those fed inorganic Zn (P < 0.01). Phytase increased soluble Zn in piglet stomach (P < 0.001) and intestine (P = 0.1), but not in broiler gizzard and intestinal contents. These results demonstrate (i) that dietary zinc was used more efficiently by broilers than by piglets, most probably due to the lower gizzard pH and its related higher zinc solubility; (ii) that zinc supplementation, irrespective of zinc source, was successful in improving animal's zinc status; and (iii) suggest that supplemented Zn availability was independent from the diet formulation. Finally, the present data confirm that phytase was efficient in increasing digestive soluble Zn and improving zinc status in piglets. However, the magnitude of these effects was lower in broilers probably due to the naturally higher Zn availability in poultry than in swine.     

Relations among measures of body composition, age, and sex in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)

Few studies of body composition have been done in New World primates. In the study reported here, four methods of assessing body composition (body weight, anthropometry, labeled-water dilution, and total body electroconductivity) were compared in 20 marmosets, aged 0.96 to 7.97 years. Males and females did not differ in any measure (P > 0.05). Body weight ranged from 272 to 466 g, and body fat estimates varied from 1.6 to 19.5%. Strong positive correlations were observed between total body water and total body electroconductivity (R2 = 0.77), body weight and fat-free mass (males R2 = 0.95; females R2 = 0.91), and body weight and fat mass (males R2 = 0.86; females R2 = 0.85; P < 0.01). Male and female slopes were equivalent (P > 0.05) for the regressions of fat and fat-free mass against body weight. Positive correlations also were observed between girth measures and fat-free mass (R2 = 0.48 to 0.78) and fat mass (R2 = 0.60 to 0.74; P < 0.01). A good second- order polynomial relationship was observed between age and fat-free mass for the combined sample (R2 = 0.64). Results indicated that: subjects were lean; there was no sexual dimorphism relative to measures; body weight provided a reliable estimate of fat and fat-free mass; and within-subject body weight changes reflected a similar relationship between body weight and fat-free mass as did that across subjects.     

Genetic selection, sex and feeding treatment affect the whole-body chemical composition of sheep

Hypotheses on total body chemical composition were tested using data from 350 Suffolk sheep grown to a wide range of live weights, and fed in a non-limiting way, or with reduced amounts of feed, or ad libitum on feeds of reduced protein content. The sheep were from an experiment where selection used an index designed to increase the lean deposition rate while restricting the fat deposition rate. Ultrasound muscle and fat depths were the only composition measurements in the index. The animals were males and females from a selection (S) line and its unselected control (C). The protein content of the lipid-free dry matter was unaffected by live weight, sex or feeding treatment with only a very small effect of genetic line (0.762 kg/kg in S and 0.753 kg/kg in C; P < 0.05). The form of the relationship between water and protein was not affected by any of the factors; in the different kinds of sheep it was consistent with no effect other than through differences in mature protein weight. The water : protein ratio at maturity was estimated as 3.45. Over the whole dataset, lipid weight (L) increased with protein weight (P) according to L = 0.3135 × P1.850. Allowing for this scaling, fatness increased on low-protein feeds, was greater in females than in males and in C than in S (P < 0.001). Lipid content (g/kg fleece-free empty body weight) was reduced by restricted feeding only in males at the highest slaughter weight (114 kg). The lines differed in lipid content (P < 0.001) with means of 265.1 g/kg for C and 237.3 g/kg for S. Importantly, there was no interaction between line and feeding treatments. A higher proportion of total body protein was in the carcass in S than in C (0.627 v. 0.610; P < 0.001). For lipid, the difference was reversed (0.736 v. 0.744; P < 0.05). The total energy content increased quadratically with slaughter weight. At a particular weight, the energy content of gain was higher in females than in males and in C than in S. Genetic selection affected body composition at a weight favouring the distribution of protein to the carcass and lipid to the non-carcass. Once allowing for effects of genetic selection, sex and feeding treatment on fatness, simple rules can be used to generate the chemical composition of sheep.     

Seasonal variation in fatty acid composition of silver pomfrets,Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen), in Kuwait waters

Proximate and fatty acid composition of wild silver pomfrets, Pampus argenteus, were studied in Kuwait waters for a period of 1 year (November 2007–October 2008) to see whether there were any seasonal compositional differences between males and females. Ten adults (five males, five females) were sampled each month during (i) Pre‐spawning (March–May), (ii) Spawning (June–August), (iii) Post‐spawning (September–November), and (iv) Winter (December–February). Both sexes had significantly (P < 0.05) higher whole body moisture and lower crude protein and lipid contents in winter compared to the respective males and females sampled in other seasons. However, females had significantly higher (9.1%) lipid content during the pre‐spawning season than females in other seasons (7.0–8.2%). The most abundant fatty acid in whole body lipid in both sexes was C16 followed by C18:1n‐9, which accounted for about 31–35% and 22–24% of total lipids, respectively. Males in the pre‐spawning and spawning seasons had significantly higher total monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than males and females in post‐spawning and winter. Males had significantly higher total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during post‐spawning seasons than females in pre‐spawning and winter seasons. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total saturated fatty acids (SFA), PUFA, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) or n‐3/n‐6 ratios between respective males and females in different seasons. Livers in males had significantly (P < 0.05) higher MUFA, SFA, PUFA, EPA and DHA than respective females in all months during the spawning season. Female gonads had significantly (P < 0.05) higher MUFA and PUFA but lower SFA content than males in different months during the spawning season. In contrast to the liver, the gonad DHA content and n‐3/n‐6 ratios in females were significantly higher than in males. The gonads from both sexes contained more than double the amount of EPA present in liver; in the case of DHA this was more than three‐fold higher in female gonads, but not in males. Thus, the presence of higher proportions of PUFA, EPA and DHA in gonads, particularly in eggs of silver pomfret, indicates their need for these fatty acids, which may be used as a guideline for dietary essential n‐3 fatty acid requirements for feed formulation of this species. A higher content of DHA in eggs also indicates the higher requirement for DHA in the broodstock diet of silver pomfret.     

Determination of carotenoid and vitamin A concentrations in everted salmonid intestine following exposure to solutions of carotenoid in vitro

Carotenoid (astaxanthin and canthaxanthin) concentrations in everted intestine from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, L.) exposed to micelle solubilised carotenoid, have been determined. Following exposure (1 h) to astaxanthin solution (5 mg l(-1)), trout pyloric caeca and mid intestine had higher (P<0.05) mean tissue astaxanthin concentrations (0.50+/-0.08 microg g(-1) and 0.54+/-0.09 microg g(-1), respectively) compared to hind intestine (0.04+/-0.01 microg g(-1); n=11+/-S.E.). Furthermore, the astaxanthin concentration in pyloric caeca (0.50+/-0.08 microg g(-1)) was greater (P<0.05) than that of canthaxanthin (0.11+/-0.01 microg g(-1); n=11, +/-S.E.) when exposed to solutions of similar carotenoid concentration (5.11+/-0.16 mg l(-1) and 5.35+/-0.16 mg l(-1), respectively; n=3+/-S.E.). However, no differences (P>0.05) were recorded between trout and salmon intestinal tissue in terms of astaxanthin concentration following exposure. Trout caeca exposed to astaxanthin solution had significantly (P<0.05) more vitamin A (514.1+/-36.4 microg g(-1)) compared to control tissues (316.5+/-61.7 microg g(-1); n=8+/-S.E.). Vitamin A(1) concentrations in caeca (287.7+/-11.0 microg g(-1)) exposed to astaxanthin solution were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to controls (174.9+/-26.9 microg g(-1)). However, vitamin A(2) concentrations were not significantly (P>0.05) different (226.3+/-28.2 microg g(-1) and 141.6+/-35.2 microg g(-1), respectively).     

Composition, growth and conditionindex for a population of Poecilia reticulata (Pisces: Poeciliidae), in a pond in Heredia, Costa Rica

A pond population of Poecilia reticulata was studied in Santo Domingo, Heredia, Costa Rica, between September and November of 1998. The sex ratio was 1:0.49 (males:females). The mean total length was 34.43 +/- 7.26 mm for females, 23.50 +/- 2.24 mm for males and 12.27 +/- 3.41 mm for juveniles. The mean total weight was 0.69 +/- 0.48 g for females: and 0.16 +/- 0.05 g for males and 0.026 +/- 0.027 g for juveniles. The total length-weight relationship for the total population was P= 6 x 10(-5) Lt 3.3272 (r2 = 0.9613). The condition index equation was K = 25.755 e(0.004Lt) (r2 = 0.8925) for females and K = 26.767 e(0.003Lt) (r2 = 0.907) for males. The mean condition index was 31.29 +/- 0.55% for females and 28.52 +/- 0.19% for males. Both sexes reached the sexual maturity when the males and females overcame the 20.00 mm and 23.5 mm of Lt respectively.     

猪部分内脏器官性状和乳头数的QTL检测

对内脏器官重量性状的QTL定位研究,所见报道不多;对于猪的繁殖性状,尚需做进一步的探讨。本研究在总共214头(180头F2个体)组成的资源家系中,在猪的SSC4、SSC6、SSC7、SSC8 和 SSC13上共选取39个微卫星标记,检测了8种内脏器官的重量性状:心重 (HW)、肺重 (LW)、肝 胆重 (LGW)、脾重 (SPW)、胃重 (STW)、小肠重(SIW)、大肠重(LIW) 和肾重(KW);其他一些胴体性状:胴体长性状1(自第一颈椎,CL1)、胴体长性状2(自第一胸椎,CL2)、肋骨数(RNS)和繁殖性状乳头数(TNS)的QTL定位。结果表明,检测到3个染色体极显著水平的QTL(P≤0.01),它们是HW QTL定位在SSC6上30 cM处,RNS QTL定位在SSC7上115 cM处和TNS QTL定位在SSC7上 110 cM处;另外6个染色体显著水平的QTL(P≤0.05)是:LW(SSC13上119 cM处)、LGW(SSC6上94 cM处)、SPW(SSC8上106 cM处)、SIW(SSC 4上0 cM处)、LIW(SSC 4上170 cM 处)和TNS(SSC 6上95 cM处)。上述QTL解释的表型变异从 0.04% 到 14.06%,有些位点的 QTL 可以解释表型变异的 10%以上,如 HW 的 QTL 解释表型变异的9.52%、SIW的QTL解释表型变异的13.47%、定位在SSC6上的TNS QTL解释表型变异的14.06%,而定位在 SSC7上的TNS QTL解释表型变异的11.30%。多数内脏器官重量性状的QTL定位结果未见报道。胴体长未见显著水平的QTL,而在SSC7上定位染色体极显著水平的肋骨数QTL。     

The gastrointestinal tract of Adélie penguins – morphology and function

The aim of this study was to provide data on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). It was found to consist of a long oesophagus, a two-chambered stomach, a small intestine measuring only 5.22body length, two rudimentary caeca and a short colon, typical of carnivorous birds. The stomach comprised a glandular proventriculus and a muscular gizzard that frequently contained grit. An acidic pH was recorded in both chambers. Ultrastructural studies of the small intestinal mucosal membrane revealed epithelial cells with elongated, irregular microvilli and high affinity for toluidine blue, absorptive intestinal epithelial cells and goblet cells. Numerous large lymphocyte-like cells were observed close to the brush border of the epithelium, and empty spaces on the epithelial surface reflected normal cell loss in the small intestine. The rudimentary caeca and colon provide relatively little volume and time for symbiotic bacteria to aid the digestion of crustacean chitin.     

母代高脂饮食诱导子代在小鼠生命早期出现糖脂代谢紊乱且具有雄性易感性

目的：探讨孕期和哺乳期的高脂饮食能否导致子代在生命早期出现糖脂代谢紊乱。方法成年雌性C57BL/6J小鼠与正常饮食雄性小鼠进行交配,孕鼠随机分为高脂饮食组和正常饮食组,在孕期和哺乳期喂养高脂饲料或正常饲料,至交配后第一代鼠断乳时（3周龄）观察其糖脂代谢相关性指标以及肝脏病理表现。结果较正常饮食组子鼠相比,高脂饮食子鼠出生体重更低（ P＜0.05）。在断乳时,高脂饮食组雄性子鼠体重较重（ P ＝0.038）,腹腔糖耐量实验30 min和60 min血糖明显升高（P值分别为＜0.001和＜0.01）,糖耐量曲线下面积较大（P＝0.0016）,HOMA-IR值较大（P＜0.05）,雌性子鼠腹腔糖耐量实验在30 min血糖高于正常组（P＜0.01）,而糖耐量曲线下面积和HOMA-IR值在两组之间无明显统计学意义。雄性和雌性子代小鼠空腹胆固醇水平高脂饮食组均高于正常饮食组（ P值分别为＜0.0001和0.0004）,而两组雄性和雌性子代小鼠空腹胰岛素和甘油三酯水平差异均无显著性（ P均＞0.05）。另外,在断乳时高脂饮食子鼠出现肝脏脂肪变性,雌性和雄性子鼠无明显差异。结论母鼠孕期和哺乳期高脂饮食能够诱导子代在生命早期就能出现糖脂代谢紊乱并且雄性子鼠更易出现肥胖、糖耐量异常、胰岛素抵抗。     

Fmr1基因敲除小鼠脏器重量和脏器系数的比较分析

目的通过对Fmr1基因敲除小鼠雌雄两性和FVB小鼠的脏器重量和脏器系数进行比较分析,了解其脏器重量的差异,探讨Fmr1基因对动物生长发育等方面的影响。方法分别测定Fmr1基因敲除小鼠雌雄两性和FVB小鼠内脏器官的绝对重量和脏器系数,并进行统计学处理和分析。结果相同年龄的Fmr1基因敲除小鼠雄性的体重、心、肺、肝和肾的绝对重量均极显著的大于雌性（P〈0.01）。雌雄间脏器系数除肾脏（P〈0.05）和脑（P〈0.01）外,其余无显著差异。与FVB小鼠比较,Fmr1基因敲除小鼠心脏较轻（P〈0.01）,肾脏（P〈0.01）、体重和脑较重（P〈0.05）。脏器系数肾脏较大（P〈0.01）,心脏（P〈0.01）、脑和脾（P〈0.05）较小。结论Fmr1基因可影响动物的某些脏器重量和脏器系数。