The ovulatory and LH responses to the male effect in dominant and subordinate goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the LH and ovulatory response of dominant and subordinate dairy does following the introduction of males. A behavioral study was carried out to determine the individual success index (SI) of 35 anestrous does according to their ability to dominate other females. The 8 highest-ranking (highest SI) and the 8 lowest-ranking does (lowest SI) in terms of dominance were separated from the rest of the herd and placed together in the same pen, where a male was later introduced. Blood samples for plasma LH determinations were obtained from the 16 females at 30 min intervals from 0 to 6, 12 to 18 and 33 to 39 h after the introduction of the male, using an intravenous catheter. After day 8, plasma progesterone was also measured daily in order to determine the occurrence of ovulation. None of the does showed LH pulses during the sampling period prior to the introduction of the male. The dominant does showed significantly (p < 0.05) more LH pulses (2.0 ± 0.18 ng/ml vs. 1.2 ± 0.25 ng/ml) and a higher mean plasma LH concentration (0.25 ± 0.03 ng/ml vs. 0.14 ± 0.03 ng/ml) than the subordinate goats during the first 6 h of exposure to the male. There were no differences in LH pulsatility or concentrations at other times. The frequency of goats that ovulated tended to be greater in high-ranked than low-ranked does (87% vs. 37%). It could be concluded that the immediate LH response to the presence of the male (number of LH pulses) is higher in the dominant, compared to the subordinate goats, and this is associated with a higher number of dominant goats ovulating in response to the male effect.     

Effects of intermittent watering on water balance and feed intake in male Ethiopian Somali goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulation of water balance and dry matter (DM) intake of male Ethiopian Somali goats. Twenty-eight goats were grouped into four treatments; goats watered every day (W1), every 2nd day (W2), every 3rd day (W3) and every 4th day (W4) for a total period of 72 days. Plasma sodium and potassium were analyzed by flame photometry, plasma osmolality by freezing point depression, plasma protein concentration by TS refractometry, and the plasma vasopressin concentration by radioimmunoassay. Goats were fed grass hay ad libitum and were given 200 g of concentrates daily. The calculated daily water intake (ml/kg BW^0.75) of W1, W2, W3 and W4 was 128 ± 4, 86 ± 4, 88 ± 4 and 78 ± 4, respectively, (P < 0.001, W1 versus the other groups). Calculated total concentrates intake did not change, whereas Group W2 and W4 consumed less hay on days of water deprivation (W1 versus W2, P < 0.01; W1 versus W4, P < 0.001). Plasma sodium concentration of W1 was 143 ± 1 mmol/l. Intermittent watering increased plasma sodium concentration from 140 or 141 ± 1 mmol/l to 145 or 146 ± 1 mmol/l every 2nd day in group W2. In W3, it increased from 139 ± 1 to 146 ± 1 mmol/l and in W4 from 137 ± 1 to 149 ± 1 mmol/l (P < 0.001 for all) on days after watering compared to last day of water deprivation, respectively. Corresponding changes were observed in plasma osmolality. Total plasma protein concentration increased only in W3 from 65 ± 1 to 67 ± 1 mmol/l on day 3 (P < 0.01) and in W4 from 65 ± 1 to 67 and 68 ± 1 mmol/l on days 3 and 4, respectively (P < 0.05). The plasma vasopressin concentration of W1 was close to 0.80 ± 0.28 pmol/l on all days, but it increased on dehydration days in W2 (P < 0.05). In W3, the vasopressin concentration increased from 0.95 or 1.19 pmol/l the day after watering to 3.11 ± 0.28 pmol/l on day 3 (P < 0.01). In W4, it was 0.82 ± 0.31 pmol/l the day after watering and reached 6.06 ± 0.31 pmol/l on day 4 (P < 0.001). We conclude that male Ethiopian Somali goats can be watered once every 3rd days, and that longer interval is not recommended because it demands marked mobilization of water saving mechanisms and causes decreased DM intake.     

Embryo production and progesterone profiles in ewes superovulated with different hormonal treatments

The superovulatory response and embryo yield following hormonal treatments of Merino ewes during late spring and their estrous cycle were evaluated. Ewes (n=17) were treated with progestagen-impregnated sponges and assigned to Group I (800 IU PMSG plus 11.5 mg FSH-p); Group II (1200 IU PMSG); Group III (1600 IU PMSG). Ewes were naturally mated and followed by laparotomy 6 days later. After laparotomy, ewes were injected with a prostaglandin analogue (PGF) and serum samples were obtained prior to surgery and then for 25 days to measure progesterone (P4) by radioimmunoassay. There were no differences among groups neither for estrous incidence (Group I: 83.3%; Group II: 83.3%; Group III: 100%), nor for the time interval to estrous onset (Group I: 26.4±2.4 h; Group II: 28.8±2.9 h; Group III: 24.0±3.8 h). Group I had more corpora lutea than Group II (14.2±1.2 and 6.2±0.8; P<0.05), and Group III was intermediate (11.0±3.0). There was a low incidence of persistent follicles in all treatments (Group I: 0.5±0.5; Group II: 0.6±0.4; Group III: 1.8±1.2). Number of collected ova were 9.0±2.6, 3.8±0.6 and 6.5±0.9 for Groups I, II and III, respectively. Significant differences in number of ova were detected between Groups I and II. Unfertilized ova did not differ among groups (Group I: 3.5±1.0; Group II: 2.8±0.8; Group III: 5.2±1.4; P>0.05). Embryos and high viability embryos were higher (P<0.05) in Group I (5.2±1.9 and 4.8±2.0) than in Group II (1.0±0.5 and 1.0±0.5) or Group III (1.2±0.6 and 1.0±0.5). Total plasma progesterone (P4) and P4 per corpus luteum before PGF administration did not vary (P>0.05) among groups (Group I: 71.0±14.7 and 4.9±0.7 nmol/l; Group II: 50.6±13.3 and 7.9±1.6 nmol/l; Group III: 90.4±42.6 and 6.8±1.8 nmol/l). There was a significant and positive correlation between P4 before PGF administration and number of corpora lutea (r=0.76). No significant differences were detected among groups for: interval PGF to P4 <3.18 nmol/l (Group I: 2.7±0.3 days; Group II: 1.8±0.6 days; Group III: 2.2±0.5 days), cycle length (Group I: 18.3±1.4 days; Group II: 17.9±0.5 days; Group III: 16.8±0.9 days), duration of P4 levels <3.18 nmol/l (Group I: 11.3±1.9 days; Group II: 7.1±1.0 days; Group III: 7.2±2.4 days), duration of P4 levels ≥3.18 nmol/l (Group I: 7.0±1.3 days; Group II: 10.8±0.8 days; Group III: 9.5±1.7 days) and peak of P4 (Group I: 7.4±0.4 nmol/l; Group II: 10.8±1.6 nmol/l; Group III: 9.2±1.9 nmol/l). It was concluded that PMSG–FSH-p treatment was more efficient than PMSG alone for superovulation and embryo production in ewes while P4 profiles were similar among groups.     

Plasma prolactin,blood metabolites and milk production in bromocryptine-treated crossbred goats

To determine the effect of bromocryptine on plasma prolactin, metabolites and milk production, six healthy crossbred goats in their second or third lactation were selected from the institute’s goat herd. The goats were injected with bromocryptine @ 5 mg per day intramuscularly for a period of 5 days during 55–60 days of lactation (period I) and treatment was repeated after 14 days for an additional 5 days (period II). Blood samples were collected for 5 consecutive days before, during and after administration of bromocryptine during both periods of the study. Milk samples were collected on days coinciding with the days of blood sampling. During period I, bromocryptine administration decreased (P < 0.01) milk yields by 27.4%. After withdrawal of bromocryptine the yields increased (P < 0.01); however, during period II, bromocryptine treatment did not decrease milk yields. During period I bromocryptine treatment suppressed prolactin level (P < 0.01) which coincided with decrease in milk yield, but in period II such decreases in prolactin did not coincide with changes in milk yields. Fat content increased (P < 0.01) after bromocryptine administration in both periods. A decrease (P < 0.01) in protein and lactose content indicated a possible role of prolactin in the synthesis of these constituents by the mammary gland cell in goats. Blood glucose and NEFA were not affected by bromocryptine in period I but in period II an increase in blood glucose with a simultaneous decrease in NEFA was observed (P < 0.01).From this study it is concluded that prolactin has a role in the maintenance of milk secretion through protein synthesis by the mammary gland. However, it does not seem to have any direct role on milk fat synthesis.     

Postpartum ovarian activity and uterine involution in non-seasonal Shiba goats,with or without nursing

Postpartum ovarian activity, uterine involution, and the relationship with hormonal profiles were studied in non-seasonal Shiba goats, with or without nursing of their kids. After parturition, does were allocated to one of two groups, with either weaning on the day of parturition (n = 3; non-nursing group) or weaning at 7–10 weeks after parturition (n = 4; nursing group). Blood sampling (starting 7 days prior to expected day of parturition) and transrectal ultrasound evaluations (starting 2 days after parturition) were conducted every other day or daily to monitor the follicular dynamics, uterus size, and the levels of plasma progesterone, blood glucose, and insulin concentration until at 3 weeks following the first postpartum ovulation. In the nursing group, blood samples were also collected every 10 min for an 8 h period on the day before weaning, 2 and 6 days after weaning, for the analysis of the pulsatile patterns of LH release. In all animals, the blood glucose concentrations increased transiently on the day before parturition and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those on the day of parturition (mean of 144 ± 48.8 mg/dl vs 63 ± 11.2 mg/dl). In the non-nursing group, the first postpartum ovulation was observed 9.3 ± 3.2 days after parturition, while in the nursing group, no ovulation occurred before weaning in any of the goats. Here ovulation was observed 18.8 ± 5.0 days after weaning, which was significantly (p < 0.05) later than in the non-nursing group. After first ovulation, all animals in both groups showed early luteal regression. No significant difference in the time required for the completion of uterine involution was recorded between the non-nursing and nursing groups (18.3 ± 4.2 days vs 19.3 ± 3.6 days, respectively), nor in the plasma LH pulse frequency obtained before (1.3 ± 0.5 pulses/8 h), 2 (1.3 ± 1.0 pulses/8 h) and 6 days (2.0 ± 0.8 pulses/8 h) after parturition, in the nursing group. It can be concluded that no ovulation occurs during nursing postpartum, suggesting that nursing is a determinant of the resumption of ovulation in these non-seasonal goats. Ultrasonic observations of the ovary suggest that uterine involution was not influenced by nursing or suckling.     

Expression of progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2, serpine mRNA binding protein 1 (SERBP1) and nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) in the bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle and the first trimester of pregnancy

Progesterone (P4) is involved in the regulation of essential reproductive functions affecting the target cells through both nuclear progesterone receptors (PGRs) and membrane progesterone receptors. The aim of this study was to determine the mRNA and protein expression for PGRMC1, PGRMC2, SERBP1 and PGR within the bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle and the first trimester of pregnancy. There were no changes in PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 mRNA and protein expression during the estrous cycle, however, mRNA levels of PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 were increased (P < 0.001) in pregnant animals. SERBP1 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05), while the level of this protein was decreased (P < 0.05) on days 11–16 of the estrous cycle. The expression of PGR mRNA was higher (P < 0.01) on days 17–20 compared to days 6–10 and 11–16 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. PGR-A and PGR-B protein levels were elevated on days 1–5 and 17–20 of the estrous cycle as compared to other stages of the cycle and during pregnancy. In conclusion, our results indicate that P4 may influence endometrial cells through both genomic and nongenomic way. This mechanism may contribute to the regulation of the estrous cycle and provide protection during pregnancy.     

Serum LH peak and ovulation following synchronized estrus in goats

This study was aimed at comparing the temporal relationship between estrus, the LH peak and ovulation following estrous synchronization in goats using medroxiprogesterone acetate (MGA) or fluorogestone acetate (FGA). Twenty-four cyclic goats were randomly assigned to two treatments: MGA group (n = 12) that individually received a daily oral dose of 0.22 mg MGA for 12 days, and a FGA group (n = 12) treated for 12 days with intravaginal sponges containing 45 mg FGA. The goats from both groups were treated with a prostaglandin analogue (75 μg Cloprostenol i.m.) during the last day of their progesterone treatment. Estrous detection was carried out every 4 h after the end of the treatment, and blood samples for the determination of the serum LH concentrations collected at 2 h intervals for 24 h from the onset of estrus. Ovulation was detected with the aid of transrectal ultrasonography, performed every 4 h starting 15 h after the onset of estrus. All goats showed estrus. In the MGA group the onset of estrus occurred later and was more variable in relation to the end of treatment (86.7 ± 3.9 h), compared to the FGA group (44.4 ± 1.5 h; P < 0.01). The interval between the LH peak and ovulation was significantly (P < 0.05) longer in the MGA group (26.2 ± 1.1 h) than the FGA group (22.4 ± 0.8 h). There were no differences regarding the intervals from the onset of estrus to the LH peak (14.9 ± 1.8 and 15.3 ± 0.9 h) and to ovulation (40.1 ± 2.3 and 37.6 ± 0.5 h) for the MGA and FGA groups, respectively. The amplitude of the LH peak was not different between groups. It could be concluded that the timing of the LH peak and ovulation is not related to the end of treatment, but with the time of onset of estrus. The longer and more variable interval for estrous demonstration following MGA treatment, represents a serious limitation for its use in synchronization programs in goats, where mating is to be performed on a fixed-time basis.     

Serum zinc is associated with plasma leptin and Cu–Zn SOD in elite male basketball athletes

This paper investigates the relationship between plasma trace element and plasma leptin, as well as percent fat mass, in 16 male basketball athletes. Blood samples were obtained before intensive training and 24 h after intensive training to measure plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and leptin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total and cholesterol (TC) levels were determined using commercially available kits for humans. Subjects presented similar values in terms of age (21.1 ± 2.2 years old), body mass index (23.9 ± 2.00 kg/m²), percent body fat (14.40 ± 1.52%), plasma hemoglobin (150.1 ± 9.4 g/L), plasma Zn (17.47 ± 1.28 μmol/l), plasma Cu (13.42 ± 1.40 μmol/L), plasma Ca (2.41 ± 0.14 mmol/L), and plasma Mg (0.96 ± 0.02 mmol/L). The correlation analysis between degree of plasma leptin and plasma element contents was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. Plasma Zn correlated positively with plasma leptin (r = 0.746, P < 0.01), Cu–Zn SOD (r = 0.827, P < 0.01), and negatively with percent fat mass (r = –0.598, P < 0.05) under no-training conditions. Meanwhile, plasma Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe did not correlate with plasma leptin or percent fat mass (P > 0.05). In conclusion, plasma Zn may be involved in the regulation of plasma leptin and may serve as a lipid-mobilizing factor in Chinese men's basketball athletes.     

Prevalence and loads of gastrointestinal parasites of goats in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

A longitudinal survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and loads of gastrointestinal parasites in goats raised by communal farmers of Qaukeni (QA) and Nkosana (NK) communities of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa between June 2007 and April 2008. One hundred and seventy one goats were weighed and had faecal samples collected from their recta in four seasons; cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet and the post-rainy seasons. The samples were examined by the modified McMaster technique for nematode egg types. Goats in QA weighed more (P < 0.05) than those in NK in the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry seasons. However, in the hot-wet season, goats in NK had higher (P < 0.05) weights than those in QA. The most frequently detected gastrointestinal eggs were the strongyle egg type (68.4 ± 8.49 in QA and 96.1 ± 12.01 in NK), followed by coccidial oocysts (53.3 ± 8.76 in QA and 68.8 ± 8.00 in NK). The other identified nematodes were Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus egg types. Higher loads (P < 0.05) of strongyle eggs were observed in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, whilst the other egg types showed a peak in the hot-wet season. Strongyle egg counts were higher (P < 0.05) in NK compared to QA. The results indicate that strongyles are the major gastrointestinal egg types negatively affecting body weights of goats.     

Postoperative plasma copeptin levels independently predict delirium and cognitive dysfunction after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Copeptin can reflect individual's stress state and are correlated with poor outcome of critical illness. The occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is associated with worse outcome after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of postoperative plasma copeptin level to predict POD and POCD in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Postoperative plasma copeptin levels of 108 patients were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was demonstrated that plasma copeptin levels were substantially higher in patients with POD than without POD (1.8 ± 0.6 ng/mL vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and in patients with POCD than without POCD (1.9 ± 0.6 ng/mL vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Plasma copeptin level and age were identified as independent predictors for POD [odds ratio (OR), 67.386; 95% confidence interval (CI), 12.031–377.426; P < 0.001 and OR, 1.202; 95% CI, 1.075–1.345; P = 0.001] and POCD (OR, 28.814; 95% CI, 7.131–116.425; P < 0.001 and OR, 1.151; 95% CI, 1.030–1.285; P = 0.003) using a multivariate analysis. For prediction of POD, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the copeptin concentration (AUC, 0.883; 95% CI, 0.807–0.937) was markedly higher than that of age (AUC, 0.746; 95% CI, 0.653–0.825; P = 0.020). For prediction of POCD, the AUC of the copeptin concentration (AUC, 0.870; 95% CI, 0.792–0.927) was markedly higher than that of age (AUC, 0.735; 95% CI, 0.641–0.815; P = 0.043). Thus, postoperative plasma copeptin level may be a useful, complementary tool to predict POD and POCD in patients undergoing CABG surgery.     

Improvement in Pancreatic β-Cell Function with Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation in Vitamin D-Deficient Nondiabetic Subjects

ObjectiveThere are varied reports on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on β-cell function and plasma glucose levels. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on β-cell function and plasma glucose levels in subjects with vitamin D deficiency.MethodsNondiabetic subjects (N = 48) were screened for their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) status. Subjects with 25-OHD deficiency underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Cholecalciferol (9,570 international units [IU]/day; tolerable upper intake level, 10,000 IU/day; according to the Endocrine Society guidelines for vitamin D supplementation) and calcium (1 g/day) were supplemented.ResultsThirty-seven patients with 25-OHD deficiency participated in the study. The baseline and postvitamin D/calcium supplementation and the difference (corrected) were: serum calcium, 9 ± 0.33 and 8.33 ± 1.09 mg/dL (− 0.66 ± 1.11 mg/dL); 25-OHD, 8.75 ± 4.75 and 36.83 ± 18.68 ng/mL (28.00 ± 18.33 ng/mL); PTH, 57.9 ± 29.3 and 36.33 ± 22.48 pg/mL (− 20.25 ± 22.45 pg/mL); fasting plasma glucose, 78.23 ± 7.60 and 73.47 ± 9.82 mg/dL (− 4.88 ± 10.65 mg/dL); and homeostasis model assessment-2–percent β-cell function C-peptide secretion (HOMA-2–%B C-PEP), 183.17 ± 88.74 and 194.67 ± 54.71 (11.38 ± 94.27). Significant differences were observed between baseline and post-vitamin D/calcium supplementation serum levels of corrected calcium (Z, − 3.751; P < .0001), 25-OHD (Z, − 4.9; P < .0001), intact PTH (Z, − 4.04; P < .0001), fasting plasma glucose (Z, − 2.7; P < .007), and HOMA-2–%B C-PEP (Z, − 1.923; P < .05) as determined by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Insulin resistance as measured by HOMA was unchanged.ConclusionOptimizing serum 25-OHD concentrations and supplementation with calcium improves fasting plasma glucose levels and β-cell secretory reserve. Larger randomized control studies are needed to determine if correction of 25-OHD deficiency will improve insulin secretion and prevent abnormalities of glucose homeostasis. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:129-138)     

Relationship between plasma copeptin levels and complications of community-acquired pneumonia in preschool children

High plasma copeptin level has been associated with clinical outcomes after acute illness. The present study was undertaken to investigate the plasma copeptin concentrations in preschool children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to analyze the correlations of copeptin with CAP-related complications and pleural effusion. Plasma copeptin concentrations of 100 healthy children and 165 preschool children with CAP were measured. 35 children (21.2%) presented with complicated CAP and 28 children (17.0%) presented with pleural effusion. The admission copeptin levels were significantly increased in all patients (49.7 ± 21.4 pmol/L), children with complicated CAP (73.0 ± 16.9 pmol/L), those with uncomplicated CAP (43.4 ± 17.8 pmol/L), those with pleural effusion (70.9 ± 17.4 pmol/L) and those without pleural effusion (45.3 ± 19.5 pmol/L) compared with healthy control individuals (9.0 ± 2.7 pmol/L, all P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that plasma copeptin levels were independently related to CAP-related complications (odds ratio 1.214, 95% confidence interval 1.104–1.872, P < 0.001) and pleural effusion (odds ratio 1.226, 95% confidence interval 1.109–1.917, P < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed plasma copeptin level better predicted CAP-related complications (area under curve 0.876, 95% confidence interval 0.815–0.922) and pleural effusion (area under curve 0.831, 95% confidence interval 0.765–0.885). Thus, plasma copeptin level may represent a novel biomarker for predicting CAP-related complications in preschool children.     

Effect of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats

The objective of three experiments was to determine the influence of high condensed tannin (CT) grain sorghum on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts (FEC). Sixteen naturally infected Boer crossbred mixed-sex goats were used. Animals that were supplemented with grain daily were removed from pasture and placed in individual pens and fed treatment diets for 21 or 14 days (Experiment 3). Goats were allowed ad libitum access to water and diets containing high or low CT cracked grain sorghum. On day 0 and every 7 days thereafter, PCV, FEC and FAMACHA^® eyelid color scores (EYE; Experiment 1 only) were recorded. For Experiment 1, percentage of animals dewormed, PCV and EYE were not influenced by treatment and averaged 13.6 ± 4.5% per treatment period, 23.4 ± 0.8% and 3.2 ± 0.12, respectively, for all animals. The FEC increased after day 0 for control but not high tannin grain sorghum fed goats (treatment by day interaction, P < 0.02). As expected, EYE and PCV were negatively related (r = −0.45; P < 0.0005). For Experiment 2, there was no influence of diet on PCV or FEC, but there was an effect of day on FEC (P < 0.002) in which all goats had higher FEC on day 0 (1956 ± 219 eggs/g) than any other sampling day. For Experiment 3, there was no effect of feeding high CT grain sorghum on FEC (2992 ± 591 eggs/g) or PCV (25.1 ± 0.5%). In these studies, high CT grain sorghum did not consistently influence FEC and did not impact PCV or number of animals requiring chemical anthelmintic treatment.     

The relationship between fetal and maternal selenium concentrations in sheep and goats

In this study, biological samples (slaughterhouse material) were collected from 30 sheep and 36 goats and classified according to gestational stage into either early or late gestation. Samples consisted of allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid, fetal liver, fetal kidney, fetal thyroid gland, maternal plasma and liver to determine selenium (Se) concentrations throughout gestation. The Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid, fetal liver and kidney increased significantly (p < 0.01) during late gestation. Concurrently, the Se concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal plasma and liver decreased significantly (p < 0.01) over time. Significant (p < 0.01) positive relationships were recorded between the age of the fetus and Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid (r = 0.57–0.75), fetal liver (r = 0.43–0.59) and kidney (r = 0.80–0.81) in both sheep and goats. A significant (p < 0.05) positive relationships were also recorded between the Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid and fetal liver (r = 0.35–0.37), the maternal plasma and liver Se concentrations (r = 0.37–0.57) between sheep and goats. A significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was recorded between the Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid with maternal plasma of sheep (r = −0.41) as well as between the fetal liver and maternal liver Se (r = −0.22 to 0.50) and a negative correlation (r = −0.42 to 0.43) (p < 0.01) between Se concentrations in the fetal liver and amniotic fluid in both sheep and goats, respectively. Se concentration in the fetal liver was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of the kidney and thyroid. In the thyroid gland no morphological differences were noted. Strong fetal–maternal relationships in Se concentration were evident throughout the gestational period and dams seem to sacrifice Se levels in order to maintain that in the fetus. Se concentrations in the amniotic and allantoic fluids could be used as a possible indicator of the Se status of the fetus throughout gestation.     

Regional brain and sex differences in the plasma progesterone concentration of sheep

Progesterone concentration was measured in specific brain regions of the ram and anestrous ewe to provide reference values for future studies to investigate if local CNS lesions resulting from neurodegenerative diseases of sheep are associated with progesterone loss. Using radioimmunoassay, plasma progesterone was recorded throughout all brain regions assayed. No significant differences were found between the ewe and ram for any brain regions. There were however, significant differences between the different regions of an individual brain (P < 0.05). Plasma progesterone concentration for the highest to the lowest value recorded was as follows: 2.93 ± 0.85 and 2.77 ± 0.51 ng/g in the frontal cortex; 2.33 ± 0.67 and 2.25 ± 0.48 ng/g in the parietal cortex; 1.32 ± 0.36 and 1.29 ± 0.35 ng/g in the temporal cortex; 1.25 ± 0.32 and 1.25 ± 0.31 ng/g in the occipital cortex; 1.24 ± 0.30 and 1.23 ± 0.31 ng/g in the corpus callosum; 1.16 ± 0.30 and 1.21 ± 0.38 ng/g in the cerebellum; 1.09 ± 0.30 and 1.12 ± 0.39 ng/g in the medulla oblongata of the ewe and ram, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentration in the ewe (0.28 ± 0.06 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the ram (0.10 ± 0.03 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, plasma progesterone concentration in all sheep was several times lower than that of any regions of the brain. The results indicate that the sheep brain accumulates progesterone in significant levels, which may be independent of the circulating progesterone. The brain progesterone concentration in CNS regions assayed was similar for the ram and anestrous ewe. Neurodegenerative processes in visna, border disease and enzootic ataxia should be questioned in further studies if they are associated with local progesterone loss.     

Changes in plasma orexin A and orexin B concentrations during the estrous cycle of the pig

Orexin A (OXA) and orexin B (OXB) are neuropeptides synthesized mainly in the lateral hypothalamus, which are involved in the control of various physiological functions such as energy homeostasis, sleep, wakefulness and feeding behavior. The present study analyzes orexins A and B levels in the porcine plasma during the estrous cycle. The highest plasma concentrations of orexin A were observed on days 2–3 of the estrous cycle (p < 0.05 relative to days 10–12 and 14–16) and the lowest (p < 0.05) on days 14–16. The highest orexin B levels in the blood plasma were noted on days 17–19 (p < 0.05 vs. days 14–16). We demonstrated the presence of OXA and OXB in porcine blood plasma and the impact of the phase of the estrous cycle on the observed changes in plasma orexin levels.     

Toxicokinetics of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its effects on luteal function in sheep

The aim of the present study was to determine the toxicokinetics of short-term exposures to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its effects on ovarian cyclicity and luteal function using a sheep experimental model. For establishing the model, we examined the clearance of DEHP after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of a single dose of 25 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) and after i.m. administration of two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.; DEHP25 and DEHP50, respectively) three times a week for two months. Results showed a significant, dose-dependent effect of DEHP administration, when compared to the control group (CTL; untreated ewes; n = 6), on the duration of the ewes’ estrous cycles (17.1 ± 0.5 days, CTL; 15.1 ± 0.9 days, DEHP25; 12.0 ± 0.8 days, DEHP50; p < 0.05); 94.9% of the cycles were of regular duration (15–19 days) in CTL, but only 51.1% and 25.4% in DEHP25 and DEHP50, respectively. Corpora lutea (CL) were smaller in DEHP50 than in DEHP25 (p < 0.05) and were smaller in both groups than in CTL (p < 0.005), but the maximum plasma concentrations of progesterone were greater (p < 0.05) in DEHP25 and DEHP50 than in CTL. In conclusion, the exposure of cycling ewes to DEHP causes shortening of the ovulatory cycles due mainly to a reduction in the size and lifespan of CL. However, the exposure to the phthalate is also associated with an increase in circulating concentrations of progesterone, suggesting the influence of DEHP on steroid metabolism.     

Effect of a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin on estrous response and conception rate in goats

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin, on estrous induction and conception rate during the non-breeding season at different times of the year. In Experiment 1 the melatonin powder was dissolved in an oily vitamin A, D, E solution and injected subcutaneously randomly to goats in two dose treatment groups of 20 mg (MLT-20; n = 20) and 40 mg (MLT-40; n = 20) in January (winter). Twenty does were injected with 1 ml vitamin A and served as the control. In the MLT-20 treated goats 70% of the does were in estrus within 20.0 ± 2.0 days, whereas in the MLT-40 group 85% of the does were in estrus within 15.5 ± 2.5 days and 100% and 80% of the does, respectively, conceived on mating with the bucks. Only 10% of the untreated control does exhibited estrus, but none conceived. The breeding season was thus initiated earlier by 1–1.5 months in the treated goats. In Experiment 2, goats were treated with similar MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments in May (spring), with 20 goats in each treatment group and 20 control goats. The proportion of goats that responded to the melatonin treatments was 80% and 90% in the MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments, respectively, with no significant differences recorded regarding the estrous response. However, in the MLT-20 treatment group the estrous induction interval was significantly longer (P < 0.05), compared to the MLT-40 treatment. The pregnancy rates were not significantly different for the MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments, with melatonin resulting in significantly higher pregnancy rates than in the control (88.4% versus 33.3%) and the breeding season initiated 2 months earlier. It could be concluded that a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin can initiate the breeding season (irrespective of the season of the year) earlier by 1–2 months in goats and this could be advantageous when using accelerated breeding systems.     

Lower dipeptidyl peptidase-4 following exercise training plus weight loss is related to increased insulin sensitivity in adults with metabolic syndrome

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is a circulating glycoprotein that impairs insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the effect of exercise on plasma DPP-4 in adults with metabolic syndrome is unknown. Therefore, we determined the effect of exercise on DPP-4 and its role in explaining exercise-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity. Fourteen obese adults (67.9 ± 1.2 years, BMI: 34.2 ± 1.1 kg/m²) with metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria) underwent a 12-week supervised exercise intervention (60 min/day for 5 days/week at ∼85% HR_max). Plasma DPP-4 was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin sensitivity was measured using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (40 mU/m²/min) and estimated by HOMA-IR. Visceral fat (computerized tomography), 2-h glucose levels (75 g oral glucose tolerance), and basal fat oxidation as well as aerobic fitness (indirect calorimetry) were also determined before and after exercise. The intervention reduced visceral fat, lowered blood pressure, glucose and lipids, and increased aerobic fitness (P < 0.05). Exercise improved clamp-derived insulin sensitivity by 75% (P < 0.001) and decreased HOMA-IR by 15% (P < 0.05). Training decreased plasma DPP-4 by 10% (421.8 ± 30.1 vs. 378.3 ± 32.5 ng/ml; P < 0.04), and the decrease in DPP-4 was associated with clamp-derived insulin sensitivity (r = −0.59; P < 0.04), HOMA-IR (r = 0.59; P < 0.04) and fat oxidation (r = −0.54; P < 0.05). Increased fat oxidation also correlated with lower 2-h glucose levels (r = −0.64; P < 0.02). Exercise training reduces plasma DPP-4, which may be linked to elevated insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation. Maintaining low plasma DPP-4 concentrations is a potential mechanism whereby exercise plus weight loss prevents/delays the onset of type 2 diabetes in adults with metabolic syndrome.