Laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing cows

The main objective of this study was to evaluate laparoscopic ovariectomy and to develop an optimal surgical technique for this procedure in standing cattle.

Eight cows underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy. In two cows, a bilateral flank approach was used and in six cows, both ovaries were removed via a left flank approach.

An important prerequisite for ensuring sufficient intrabdominal space for instrumentation, optimal endoscopic orientation and easy access to the ovaries and uterus was withholding feed for at least 36 h prior to surgery. The cows were sedated with xylazine and the portal sites infiltrated with lidocaine. The portal for the laparoscope was at the ventral angle of the left paralumbar fossa, approximately 10 cm cranioventral to the tuber coxae. The instruments were inserted through two portals approximately 20 cm and 30 cm ventral to the tuber coxae. After abdominal insufflation with carbon dioxide, the left ovary was grasped and local anesthetic was injected into the mesovarium and mesosalpinx. The mesovarium was transected using bipolar cauterization and the ovary removed through an extended instrument portal. The right ovary was removed in the same way. The incisions were closed with single interrupted absorbable sutures in the musculature and single interrupted non-absorbable sutures in the skin. The procedure lasted 120–150 min.

Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy via left flank approach in standing cows is feasible. This procedure involves special instrumentation, but is minimally invasive and allows optimal visualization of the ovaries and uterus.     

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing donkeys by using a new instrument

Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed in six female donkeys. Laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed in standing position by using a new laparoscopic instrument which was developed by the authors. We used the instrument for isolation, coagulation and cutting of mesovarium. One laparoscope portal and two instrument portals were located in each paralumbar fossa. The ovary was removed through an enlarged second portal. The contralateral ovary was removed through the opposite paralumbar fossa. Hemostasis, coagulation and cutting of the mesovarium were achieved successfully using the new laparoscopic instrument. The time required for removal of each ovary was between 2 and 4 min (average 2.8 min). While the total time of unilateral ovariectomy was between 10 and 15 min (average 12 min). No additional ligature was required in all operations. There was no complication, hemorrhage or oozing of blood from the mesovarium during or after the operations. In conclusion, laparoscopic ovariectomy in donkeys by using this new instrument was safe and effective. The new instrument reduced the time of operation and provided a viable hemostasis and coagulation for blood vessels within the mesovarium. Also cutting of the mesovarium was very easy.     

Designing better water troughs: 2. Surface area and height,but not depth,influence dairy cows’ preference

Water consumption affects milk production of dairy cows. In a previous study, we found that dairy cows preferred to drink from larger than from smaller troughs and that intake was higher when water was offered in the larger, preferred troughs. In this study, we investigated some of the trough's characteristics that may underlie such preference. The volume of water consumed, time spent drinking and number of sips taken by cows (n = 18) were compared when water was offered in two troughs differing in surface area (1.13 m² or 0.28 m²; experiment 1), height (30 cm or 60 cm; experiment 2) or depth (30 cm or 60 cm; experiment 3). In each experiment, each cow was tested individually for six consecutive days with the troughs randomly placed in each side. In experiment 1, cows took more sips (P < 0.01), spent more time drinking (P < 0.01) and drank more water (P < 0.01) from the trough with larger surface area. In experiment 2, cows took more sips from the higher than from the lower trough (P < 0.02) and showed a tendency to consume more water (P = 0.08) and to spend more time drinking (P = 0.08) from the higher than from the lower trough. Trough depth did not influence any of the variables recorded.     

Effects of estrous cycle stage and transport temperature of ovaries on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes

Unlike other domestic animals, in vitro maturation (IVM) of canine oocytes still has limited success. The present study investigated the effects of estrous cycle stage and transport temperature of ovaries on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes. The donor bitches were categorized into three groups based on stage of estrus cycle: follicular (proestrus or estrous), luteal (diestrus) and anestrus. One ovary of each pair collected from 39 mature bitches was transported in Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) at 4 °C while the other was transported at 37 °C. A total of 1138 Grade I COCs obtained from all ovaries were grouped and matured in modified synthetic oviduct fluid (mSOF) supplemented with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), essential and non-essential amino acids at 38.5 °C in a humidified 5% CO₂, 5% O₂, and 90% N₂ atmosphere for 72 h. The nuclear maturation rates were evaluated by aceto–orcein staining.Oocytes harvested from follicular and luteal ovaries have a significantly higher maturation rates (MI + MII) than the oocytes from anestrual ovaries in the 37 °C group (p < 0.05). However, oocytes harvested from anestrual ovaries transported at 4 °C had the highest maturation (MI + MII) rate, and the difference between anestrual and luteal ovary groups was significant (p < 0.05). The oocytes from anestrual ovaries transported at 4 °C have significantly higher maturation rates than those transported at 37 °C (p < 0.0001). However, the transport temperature (37 or 4 °C) did not significantly affect the maturation (MI + MII) rates of oocytes harvested from the luteal (p = 0.61) and follicular (p = 0.48) stage ovaries.It can be concluded from this study that (1) both transport temperature and transport temperature × estrus cycle stage interaction effected the maturation rates, while estrus cycle stage alone did not, and (2) transporting canine ovaries at 4 °C can improve in vitro maturation rates in oocytes harvested from anestrous ovaries.     

Identification of pre-zygotic reproductive and morphological barriers limiting controlled crossed seed production of triploid Acacia mearnsii

A study of the reproductive biology of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii de Wild) was conducted, specifically with regard to the compatibility of the diploid × tetraploid cross to produce a triploid variety, together with identifying ways of increasing triploid seed production. Fluorescent microscopy was used to determine pollination and fertilisation rates and to identify any pre-zygotic barriers at the stigma, style and ovary. Both diploid and tetraploid families were tested as maternal parents to establish if this was imperative to producing a triploid. Morphological measurements were documented in order to determine any incompatibilities in the cross to produce a triploid. The in vivo results showed that successful fertilisation of the ovary was possible whether one used a diploid or tetraploid maternal parent. When the maternal parent was a tetraploid, however, the pollination rate (polyads adhering to the stigma) and ovary fertilisation rates were significantly (p < 0.05) greater. Morphological measurements and observations also revealed that tetraploid floral parts were significantly (p < 0.05) larger than the diploids. The morphological size differences between the diploid and tetraploid polyads and pistils did not appear to influence the fertilisation of the ovaries and thus did not pose any identifiable barrier in the cross to produce a triploid. When considering the results from the cross to produce a triploid (2n × 4n or 4n × 2n), the diploid polyads were significantly (p < 0.05) more vigorous and suitable in fertilising the tetraploid ovaries as opposed to the reverse. Possible pre-zygotic barriers at the stigma, style or ovary were investigated and the only area that could be identified limiting seed production was within the ovary.     

Avoidance distance test in goats: A comparison with its application in cows

The present study investigates the feasibility in goats of an avoidance distance (AD) behaviour test set-up for cattle, and compares the results in the two species to assess the suitability of the test for on-farm welfare evaluation in goat farms.The tests were performed on 324 lactating cows (170 in small farms and 154 in large farms) and 271 lactating goats (108 in small farms and 163 in large farms), housed in free stall farms (12 dairy cattle and 17 dairy goat farms) in the Province of Sondrio, Northern Italy, following a protocol validated for dairy cows in the Welfare Quality^® project.After the assessors were adequately trained, this test was relatively easy to perform and no major difficulties were faced in either species. Goats exhibited a higher level of confidence with humans, as showed by lower AD (goats: 68.60 ± 4.98 cm; cows: 71.36 ± 4.37 cm; p < 0.10) and higher frequency of contacts (AD = 0) (goats: 45.8%; cows: 31.2%; p < 0.001).Farm size significantly affected AD values (lower in small farms) and frequency of contacts (higher in small farms) in goats, but not in cows. This was probably due to the less marked management difference between large and small farms of cattle than those of goats.The AD test seems feasible in goats; however, the experimenter contacted nearly half of the goats. To improve the sensitivity, a further level – represented by the possibility of gently stroking the goat's head after the contact – may be included in the test in addition to contact.     

The effect of the absence or presence of a corpus luteum on the ovarian follicular population and serum oestradiol concentrations during the estrous cycle in Sanjabi ewes

The aim of this study was to determine if the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) during estrous synchronization in ewes can affect the ovarian follicular population and the serum oestradiol concentrations. The estrous cycles of 197 Sanjabi ewes were synchronized using a 12-day treatment with intravaginal progestagen sponges (Chronogest^®). Estrus was detected in 144 ewes, 27–39 h after sponge removal. Blood samples were taken daily from day 2 and continued for 19 days and analyzed for serum oestradiol concentration. Nine ewes were slaughtered on each experimental day (days 1–16 after estrus) for ovary collection. The ovaries per ewe were classified as those without, or with one or two CL's, for each slaughter day. Visible follicles on the surface of the ovaries were classified, based on their diameter, into (i) very small (<2 mm), (ii) small (2–3.4 mm), (iii) medium (3.5–5 mm) and (iv) large (>5 mm) categories, and the respective numbers recorded. Results indicated, the number of ovarian follicles to decrease (P < 0.01) from days 1 to 5 of the cycle and showed a significant increase on day 7. Numbers were high again on day 11 and decreased (P < 0.01) on day 16 of the estrous cycle. The serum oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the double than in the single ovulating animals (one or two CL's, respectively) on days 2–0. However serum levels were also significantly higher (P < 0.001) in single, than twin ovulating animals on days 4–5 and 12–16 of the estrous cycle. There were no significant differences in the total number of very small follicles between animals without and those with two CL's. The number of small, medium and large follicles in ewes, with or without a CL on the ovary was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than ewes with two ovulations at certain stages of the estrous cycle. The present study provides evidence of differences in the follicular ovarian population in ovaries without CL's and double ovulations. The existence of an intraovarian effect of the CL numbers on follicular population is demonstrated.     

Postpartum resumption of ovarian cycling activity in first-calf suckled beef cows exposed to familiar or unfamiliar bulls

The objective of this experiment was to determine if the proportion of first-calf suckled beef cows that resumed ovulatory cycles and the interval to resumption of ovarian cycling activity differ after exposure to either “unfamiliar” bulls or cows on d 35 postpartum, after exposure to either “familiar” bulls or cows for the first 30–32 d after calving. Fifty Angus × Hereford cows were stratified by calving date, calf BW, and calf sex by d 3 postpartum, and assigned to be exposed to familiar epididectomized bulls (BEF; n = 25) or familiar mature ovariectomized (OVX) cows (CEF; n = 25). On d 35 after calving, 12 BEF cows were assigned to be exposed to unfamiliar bulls (BEU); likewise, 12 CEF cows were assigned to be exposed to unfamiliar OVX cows (CEU). Cows were in their treatments for either 95 d (BEF and CEF) or 60 d (BEU and CEU) during the experiment. Blood samples were collected every third d from the beginning to the end of the experiment. A rise in progesterone concentration of >0.5 ng/mL in consecutive samples was used as the criterion for resumption of ovulatory cycles. Exposing cows to bulls on d 5 after calving and then switching a subset of these cows to be exposed to unfamiliar bulls 30–32 d later did not (P > 0.10) alter: (1) the proportion of cows that resumed cycling activity; and (2) postpartum interval to resumption of ovarian cycling activity compared to cows exposed to familiar bulls. However, 32% more (P < 0.05) cows exposed to bulls (BEF and BEU) resumed cycling activity by approximately 14.8 d before cows that were exposed to OVX cows (CEF and CEU). We conclude that the familiarity of first-calf cows to either bulls or ovariectomized cows, did not affect the postpartum occurrence of cycling activity or the interval from calving to resumption of ovulatory cycles. However, bull exposure, whether familiar or unfamiliar, stimulates first-calf cows to resume ovulatory cycles sooner after calving than if they are not exposed to bulls.     

The effect of breed and housing system on dairy cow feeding and lying behaviour

In Ireland there is growing interest in managing dairy cows on out-wintering pads (OWPs) during the winter, as a low cost alternative to housing indoors. This study investigated feeding and lying behaviour of two breeds of dairy cow (Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian Red) at pasture (PAS) and in winter (WIN) confinement. Cows (n = 36) were managed as one herd while lactating at PAS, then dried off on entering WIN on 17 November 2005 and assigned to one of the three treatments using a randomised complete block design: (1) indoor matted cubicles [IC], (2) unsheltered OWP [UP] and (3) sheltered OWP [CP] (feed system = concrete feedface). Feeding behaviour was recorded for 1 × 24 h period during PAS and WIN using IGER grazing behaviour recorders. Standing/lying was recorded every 5 min for 2 × 24 h periods at PAS and 1 × 24 h period during WIN using modified voltage dataloggers (Tinytag Plus, Chichester, UK). Although not compared statistically, cows spent more time feeding at PAS (530.7 ± 69.66 min/day) than in any winter confinement system (UP, IC, CP = 453.9 ± 37.36, IC = 462.7 ± 37.31 and CP = 505.9 ± 37.36 min/day). In contrast, cows spent more time lying during the winter period (UP, IC, CP = 11.7 ± 0.45, IC = 10.8 ± 0.39 and CP = 11.0 ± 0.39 h/day) than when at PAS (9.4 h/day). Holstein-Friesian cows had a higher bite rate and fewer mastications while feeding, than Norwegian Red cows (P < 0.05 for both). Shorter feeding times at WIN were likely primarily due to lower metabolic requirements associated with the dry period, although the higher fibre content of the silage may also have contributed. The increase in ruminating times between PAS and WIN is likely also due to the higher fibre content of silage than grass. Differences in feeding behaviour between breeds may be indicative of reduced motivation to ingest food quickly. This may be an indirect consequence of a selection index that has led to improvements in body condition and self-maintenance. The similarity in lying and feeding times during WIN indicates that during these winter weather conditions the feeding and lying behaviour of cows on unsheltered OWPs was not inhibited compared with sheltered cows.     

Milk fatty acid composition of dairy cows grazing at two pasture allowances and supplemented with different levels and sources of concentrate

Milk fatty acid (FA) composition of dairy cows from two grazing studies was examined. In the first study, effects of concentrate supplementation and pasture allowance were evaluated using 20 multiparous Holstein cows in five 4 × 4 Latin squares. The four treatments resulted from the combination of two pasture allowances (i.e., low, 25 versus high, 40 kg dry matter/cow/day) and two concentrate supplementation levels (i.e., 0 versus 1 kg concentrate/4 kg milk). No interactions occurred between concentrate supplementation and pasture allowance for milk FA composition. Concentrate supplementation increased short-chain FA content, and reduced the content of long-chain FA, trans11 C18:1, and cis9, trans11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (1.36 versus 1.18 g/100 g). Concentrate supplementation increased saturated FA (58.6 versus 54.0 g/100 g) and reduced unsaturated FA content (39.9 versus 43.8 g/100 g). Grazing at high pasture allowance increased short-, medium-, and long-chain FA content, without affecting cis9, trans11 CLA content. Saturated FA content was higher (57.1 versus 55.6 g/100 g), and unsaturated FA content was lower (41.3 versus 42.5 g/100 g), when cows grazed at high pasture allowance. Concentrate supplementation reduced unsaturated FA and cis9, trans11 CLA in milk of dairy cows grazing at two pasture allowances. In the second study, two experiments evaluated effects of different energy supplements in grazing dairy cows. In Experiment 1, 25 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to a cracked corn (CC) or a steam flaked corn (SFC) supplement containing 667 g/kg of corn grain plus a pelleted protein/mineral supplement. In Experiment 2, 22 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to a ground corn grain (GC) or a non-forage fiber (NFF) supplement. The GC supplement contained 850 g/kg of corn grain, and the NFF supplement contained 440 g/kg of non-forage fiber sources (i.e., beet pulp, soyhulls, wheat middlings) that partially replaced corn grain. Milk FA composition was not affected by corn processing or carbohydrate source. The content of short-, medium-, long-chain FA, and cis9, trans11 CLA (2.5 g/100 g in Experiment 1; 2.1 g/100 g in Experiment 2) was similar between supplements in both experiments. The type of supplement did not affect the content of saturated (62.6 g/100 g in Experiment 1; 65.4 g/100 g in Experiment 2) and unsaturated FA (37.5 g/100 g in Experiment 1; 34.6 g/100 g in Experiment 2). Supplementation with supplements differing in the rate and extent of ruminal carbohydrate digestion did not affect the milk FA composition of grazing dairy cows.     

Effect of short and long periods of separation on agonistic behaviour,injuries and stress in Hérens cows kept in loose housing

Hérens cows are typically not dehorned and are therefore housed in tie-barns during winter. Recently, however, farmers have started to also use loose housing systems. They separate single cows from their herd for periods of a few days to ensure undisturbed calving and to avoid excessive activity caused by animals in oestrus. As these cows are highly motivated to fight, the re-introduction of individuals after separation is usually associated with increased agonistic behaviour. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the length of separation with regard to behaviour, injuries and stress response.The study was conducted with 45 focal horned Hérens cows kept in four groups of 10, 20, 18 and 21 cows respectively on two Swiss farms: two groups were kept as suckler cows and two groups as dairy cows. Each focal cow was separated on two occasions, once for a short (median: 1 day; high oestrus in dairy, late pregnancy or lactation in suckler cows) and once for a longer (median: 2 days; high oestrus in dairy, calving in suckler cows) period. During the 6 h following the re-introduction, agonistic behaviour was recorded. Occurrence of fresh wounds was noted 10 h after re-introduction. As an indicator of physiological stress, faecal samples were collected and concentrations of the cortisol metabolite 11,17-dioxoandrostanes (11,17-DOA) were determined. All data were analysed using generalised linear mixed-effects models.Frequency and duration of agonistic interaction increased with longer separation (p < 0.02) and quickly decreased during the hours following the re-introduction of the focal cow (p < 0.001). The risk of injuries did not significantly change with duration of separation. Separating the cow from her group brought about an increase in concentration of 11,17-DOA (p = 0.012) that decreased over time (p < 0.001). Interestingly, concentrations during the re-introduction phase were lower in comparison with the separation phase (p < 0.001). The concentration of 11,17-DOA was lower during the longer separations (p = 0.018). We did not find any difference of practical importance in how cows reacted to long compared to the short separation related to the different hormonal states of dairy and suckler cows during separation, nor related to the changes in hormonal state within the suckler cows.In conclusion, the duration of a separation of a single Hérens cow from her herd should be minimised so as to reduce negative effects resulting from agonistic interactions.     

Effects of untreated and heat-treated canola presscake on milk yield and composition of dairy cows

Five primiparous and five multiparous Holstein cows were used in two Latin square design experiments to determine effects of feeding unheated and heated canola presscake on milk yield and composition, and milk fatty acid concentrations of lactating dairy cows. Five diets that differed in level and source of dietary fat were formulated: a low fat control diet with 30 g kg⁻¹ fat from tallow, an unheated canola presscake supplemented diet (50 g kg⁻¹ fat), a heated canola presscake supplemented diet (50 g kg⁻¹ fat), a high tallow plus unheated canola meal supplemented diet (50 g kg⁻¹ fat), and a high tallow plus heated canola meal supplemented diet (50 g kg⁻¹ fat). In sacco ruminal degradability of heated and unheated canola presscake was compared with that of heated and unheated canola meal in a randomized complete block design using two ruminally fistulated cows. Heat treatment reduced ruminal DM and CP degradability of canola presscake. Multiparous cows fed diets supplemented with heated or unheated canola presscake produced more milk than those fed diets containing similar levels of fat from tallow with heated or unheated canola meal, respectively. High levels of fat from any diet reduced milk fat percentage for cows of either parity. Feeding heated canola products increased milk and milk protein yields in primiparous cows only, but cows of both parities fed diets containing canola presscake produced milk with lower concentrations of C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0 fatty acids than cows fed the canola meal and tallow diets, although concentrations of C18:1 n-9 were unaffected by fat source or level. Feeding canola products to dairy cows can alter milk fatty acid profile, but only primiparous cows have increased productivity as a result of feeding heated, versus unheated, canola presscake.     

The Potential Clinical Application of a Lower Bilateral Adrenal LIMB Width Ratio (L/RW) in Patients with Bilateral Primary Hyperaldosteronism

Objective: This study investigated the characteristics of the adrenal limbs of primary aldosteronism (PA) patients and evaluated the value of the adrenal limb width measurement for the differentiation of unilateral PA from bilateral PA.Methods: A total of 122 PA patients (93 unilateral PA, ages ranged from 23 to 72 years; 29 bilateral PA, ages ranged from 30 to 68 years) who had undergone successful adrenal venous sampling (AVS) and adrenal gland computed tomography (CT) scan were retrospectively included. The maximum width of each adrenal gland limb (normal area on CT images) was measured, the left adrenal limb width to right adrenal limb width ratio (L/Rw) was calculated, and its potential value in the differentiation of unilateral PA and bilateral PA was analyzed.Results: The mean widths of the left adrenal limbs and the right adrenal limbs were 0.52 ± 0.10 cm and 0.43 ± 0.09 cm in unilateral PA patients, versus 0.52 ± 0.10 cm and 0.49 ± 0.12 cm in bilateral PA patients. The L/Rw ratio was 1.22 ± 0.24 in unilateral PA patients and 1.11 ± 0.23 in bilateral PA patients (P<.05). In the subgroup of PA patients over 55 years of age, compared with AVS, the sensitivity and specificity of the L/Rw ratio at 1.06 for subtype classification were 75% and 82%, respectively.Conclusion: A lower L/Rw ratio, referring to the ratio of the left adrenal limb width to the right adrenal limb width, may be a predictor of bilateral PA, especially in PA patients over 55 years of age.Abbreviations: APA = aldosterone-producing adenoma; AVS = adrenal venous sampling; BAH = bilateral adrenal hyperplasia; BMI = body mass index; CT = computed tomography; L/Rw = ratio of left adrenal limb width to right adrenal limb width; PA = primary aldosteronism     

A primary Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis low dose infection in alpacas (Lama pacos) protects against a lethal challenge exposure

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the agent of alpaca's lymphadenitis. The present study was to demonstrate the effect of a primary infection with low (1.1 × 10³), moderate (1 × 10⁴), and high (1.2 × 10⁵) doses of C. pseudotuberculosis against a significant higher challenge dose of 9 × 10⁸ CFU of C. pseudotuberculosis. Three groups of 4 healthy male alpacas were inoculated subcutaneously (SC) in the left flank behind the costal arch with the above doses of bacteria. A fourth group of 4 alpacas was sham inoculated with phosphate buffered saline as control. After 5 weeks all animals were challenged with a dose of 9 × 10⁸ CFU of C. pseudotuberculosis inoculated SC in the right flank. The alpacas were clinically inspected for local and regional abscesses, body temperature and behavior changes. The primary infected alpacas had a febrile response, and abscesses at the inoculation point and regional lymph nodes. However, after challenge, the primary infected animals showed no superficial lesions or febrile response. In contrast, the immune naïve alpacas from group D developed a severe disease characterized by fever, abscesses in regional lymphnodes, and in one alpaca a subcutaneous edema and sudden death 2 weeks after exposure. In addition, primary infected alpacas had a robust antibody response against C. pseudotuberculosis cell wall antigen with significant differences with respect the naïve challenged alpacas. At necropsy, the primary infected alpacas had abscesses only in the regional or internal renal-lymph nodes from the left or primary inoculation side of the body, with no lesions in the right challenged side. In contrast, the primary sham inoculated alpacas had abscesses in the regional and internal lymph nodes from the right challenged side. This work showed that a primary infection with at least 1.1 × 10³ viable C. pseudotuberculosis induces protection against a second high dose exposure to this bacterium. These results will be useful for further study of prevention methods to control lymphadenitis in alpacas.     

Muscle architecture variations along the human semitendinosus and biceps femoris (long head) length

The purpose of this study was to examine whether muscle architecture of the long head of biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles varies along their length. The ST and BF muscles were dissected and removed from their origins in eight cadaveric specimens (age range 67.8–73.4 years). One-way analysis of variance designs were used to compare fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) between proximal, mid-belly and distal positions. Tendon and muscle length properties were also quantified. For the BF muscle, one-way analysis of variance tests showed a higher PA (23.96 ± 3.82°) and FL (7.12 ± 0.48 cm) proximally than distal positions (PA = 17.78 ± 1.95° and FL = 6.35 ± 0.89 cm, respectively). For the ST, there was a significantly (p < 0.05) lower PA (8.81 ± 1.22°) and FL (13.10 ± 1.54 cm) proximally than distally (PA = 14.69 ± 1.09° and FL = 15.49 ± 2.30 cm, respectively). Muscle thickness significantly increased from distal to more proximal positions (p < 0.05). These data suggest that the ST and BF architecture is not uniform and that measurement of these parameters largely depends on the measurement site. Modeling these muscles by assuming a uniform architecture along muscle length may yield less accurate representation of human hamstring muscle function.     

Lying patterns of high producing healthy dairy cows after calving in commercial herds as affected by age,environmental conditions and production

An animal expresses its physiological and well-being status by its behaviour. Changes in behaviour can be associated with health, production or well-being problems and therefore with the profitability of the farm. The objectives of the present study were to analyse lying patterns of healthy cows, collected with a commercial behaviour sensor, in early lactation in relation to environmental conditions, age of the cow and production performance. In future, these results may be used as a ‘baseline’ for detection of alterations in behaviour that indicate health problems. The study involved 210 healthy multiparous Israeli Holstein cows in three commercial dairy farms. Only healthy cows during the first 28 days after calving were included in this study. Data were analysed in relation to calving season, age of cows and correlation between milk production and lying time.The results show that lying time increased significantly with age and is significantly (P < 0.05) higher in winter than in summer (summer lactation 2: 491 ± 17 min/day (mean ± SD), summer lactation 3 and more: 520 ± 25 min/day, winter lactation 2: 531 ± 25 min/day, winter lactation 3 and more: 579 ± 38 min/day).The proportion of positively and negatively milk production and lying time correlated cows is affected by calving season.This study indicates that behaviour variables in early lactation are affected by calving season, lactation number and type of correlation between milk production and lying time.     

Valoración de la musculatura isquiosural en personas mayores

Objectiveto evaluate hamstring flexibility in older adults.Materials and methodsa total of 177 subjects (13 men and 164 women) aged between 43 and 80 years old (mean age = 63.4 ± 6.7 years) who attended fitness classes were evaluated. The mean height was 161 ± 10 cm and the mean weight was 74 ± 5.6 kg. Hamstring flexibility was evaluated using the straight leg raise test.Resultsthe mean flexion in the right hip was 72° ± 13.2° and the mean flexion of the left hip was 72.4° ± 13.8°. No significant differences were found in the values obtained from the straight leg raise test in the left and right legs. For the right leg, 48.02% of the subjects’ values were within the normal range, while 28.81% showed grade I shortness, and 23.61% showed grade II shortness. For the left leg, 49.94% showed normal values, 29.94% showed grade I shortness, and 22.03% showed grade II shortness.Conclusionshalf of the adults and elderly individuals that took part in the present study had hamstring shortness, which increased in frequency with age.     

Effects of 17β-estradiol replacement on the apoptotic effects caused by ovariectomy in the rat hippocampus

AimsThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different periods of ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol replacement on apoptotic cell death and expression of members of the Bcl-2 family in the rat hippocampus.Main methodsHippocampi were obtained from rats in proestrus, ovariectomized (15 days, 21 days and 36 days), ovariectomized for 15 days and then treated with 17β-estradiol for 7 or 21 days, and rats ovariectomized and immediately treated with 17β-estradiol for 21 days.The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax and the number of apoptotic cells were determined.Key findingsOvariectomy decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax expression and the number of apoptotic cells. Replacement with 17β-estradiol (21 days) throughout the post-ovariectomy period reduced the number of apoptotic cells to the control levels, and prevented the effects of ovariectomy on Bax expression, but only partially restored the Bcl-2 expression. After 15 days of ovariectomy, the replacement with 17β-estradiol for 21 days, but not for 7 days, restored the Bcl-2 and Bax expression and the percentage of apoptotic cells to the levels found in the proestrus control.SignificanceThe present results show that a physiological concentration of 17β-estradiol may help maintain long-term neuronal viability by regulating the expression of members of the Bcl-2 family. Even after a period of hormonal deprivation, treatment with 17β-estradiol is able to restore the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 to control levels, but the duration of the treatment is a key factor to obtain the desired effect. These data provide new understanding into the mechanisms contributing to the neuroprotective action of estrogen.     

Heart rate and arterial pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats

AimsThe present study evaluated the effects of ovariectomy on heart rate and arterial pressure variability and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in female spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY).Main methodsSham-surgery animals were used as control. Sixteen weeks after ovariectomy or sham-surgery, animals were recorded. Time series of pulse interval (PI) and systolic AP (SAP) were analyzed by means of autoregressive spectral analysis, which quantifies the power of very low (VLF = 0.01–0.25 Hz), low (LF = 0.25–0.75 Hz) and high frequency (HF = 0.75–2.5 Hz) bands. BRS was assessed by means of linear regression between changes of PI and SAP induced by vasoactive drugs or calculation of α-index, a spontaneous BRS index.Key findingsThere was no difference in baseline PI or SAP between ovariectomized and sham SHR. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability suggested a shift of sympatho-vagal balance toward sympathetic predominance in ovariectomized SHR (LF/HF = 1.8 ± 0.2 versus 0.7 ± 0.2 in sham SHR, p < 0.05). Ovariectomy increased total variance and VLF power of SAP in SHR (29.1 ± 9.6 mmHg² and 18.6 ± 6.3 mmHg² versus 9.1 ± 2.1 mmHg² and 4.3 ± 1.4 mmHg², respectively, in sham SHR, p < 0.05). In addition, ovariectomy reduced reflex bradycardia in SHR (0.18 ± 0.03 ms/mmHg versus 0.34 ± 0.06 ms/mmHg in sham SHR, p < 0.05). Ovariectomy did not affect heart rate and SAP variability or BRS in WKY.SignificanceThese data showed that ovarian hormones deprivation induced marked changes on cardiovascular control, increasing SAP variability and cardiac sympatho-vagal balance and blunting BRS in female hypertensive animals, which reinforce the possible protective role of ovarian hormones on the cardiovascular system.     

The effects of EGF and IGF-1 on FSH-mediated in vitro maturation of domestic cat oocytes derived from follicular and luteal stages

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-1) on the in vitro maturation of cat oocytes recovered from follicular and luteal stage ovaries. Oocytes from follicular (n = 580) and luteal (n = 209) stages were harvested and divided into four groups, which were cultured in FSH-mediated maturation medium supplemented with: (1) EGF alone (25 ng/mL); (2) IGF-1 alone (100 ng/mL); (3) EGF + IGF-1 (25 ng/mL EGF + 100 ng/mL IGF-I); or (4) no growth factor (control). The proportion of follicular stage oocytes reaching the metaphase II stage was significantly higher than that of oocytes obtained at the luteal stage in both control and study groups (p < 0.001). The percentages of oocytes reaching the metaphase II stage during the follicular period were 62.6% in control; 70.9% in EGF; 72.8% in IGF-1, and 78.1% in EGF + IGF-1 groups, whereas the respective values for gametes collected from luteal stage ovaries were 12.5%, 17.5%, 12.5%, and 16.9%. Additionally, the differences between the study and control groups were significant in the case of follicular stage oocytes. Finally, supplementing the maturation medium with EGF and/or IGF-1 significantly enhanced the meiotic maturation of oocytes recovered from follicular stage ovaries. The present study also demonstrated that the combination of EGF and IGF-I provides an additional or synergic effect on meiotic maturation of oocytes recovered from the follicular stage.