Feed and water samples for 828 sows collected at weaning and weekly during gestation were assayed for atrazine content. Atrazine intake >3 µg d^-1 resulted in reduced litter size and increased female:male litter sex ratio (P < 0.05). Of 1483 mummified fetuses, the majority of them were male (2.5:1), and mortality primarily occurred in weeks 7 and 8.

The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene polymorphism and litter size in pigs of synthetic line 990 (n = 374). Prolactin receptor gene variants were determined by PCR–RFLP method. It was demonstrated that the analyzed polymorphism had significant influence (P ≤ 0.05) on reproduction traits in the first parity.

Three hundred and sixty Hubbard broiler eggs were divided into two equal groups. In the first group, eggs were incubated at 37.5 °C for up to 19 d, while those in the second group were incubated at the same temperature except for 3 d (days 6, 7, and 8) when they were exposed to 40.0 °C for 3 h each day. Eggs were equally classified into three ascorbic acid (AA) treatments. The first one was sprayed with distilled water (control), while the second and third treatments were sprayed with same solution but containing 20 and 30 g AA L^-1, respectively. The highest embryo weight (EW) per gram and lowest yolk sac weight (YSW) per gram were obtained in the chronic group (P ≤ 0.05). Embryonic mortalities were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased, while hatchability was significantly decreased in the chronic group compared with the control group. Chick weight (g) and glucose and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the chronic group compared with the control group. The heterophil–lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected by incubation temperature. Body weight (g) and percentages of liver, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in broilers in the chronic group compared with the control group. Referring to AA treatment, EWs (g) were not affected, whereas YSW per gram, packed cell volume (PCV) (%), red blood cells (RBCs) (10⁶), H/L ratio, and bursa percentage were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected.

The Hebao pig is a Chinese breed with high fecundity and vitality and excellent meat quality. This study aimed to explore polymorphisms of genes related to reproductive characteristics (ESR and FSHβ) and meat quality (MC4R, H-FABP, and A-FABP) by polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in Hebao and commercial pigs (Landrace, Duroc, and Large White). Hebao and commercial pig crossbreeds were compared for fattening performance, reproduction traits, and carcass and meat quality. Piglet number per litter in pigs harboring the AA genotype for ESR was highest, with a significant difference between Landrace and Hebao pigs. For FSHβ, the AA genotype in Hebao and Duroc pigs produced the largest litter. The most abundant AA genotype in Hebao pigs produced lower backfat thickness compared with each commercial breed. Genotype distribution of H-FABP and A-FABP was significantly different between Hebao pigs and commercial pigs, reflecting Hebao pigs’ significant higher intramuscular fat (IMF). Reproduction traits of Berkshire × Hebao and Liaoning black × Hebao pigs were similar, with significant differences in individual weight at birth, weaning, and milking yield, higher in Berkshire × Hebao pigs than in Liaoning black × Hebao pigs. Hebao pigs have better fat distribution and meat quality compared with commercial breeds. In our preliminary crossbreeding study, a Berkshire and Hebao cross yielded the best hybrid pigs.

The experiment was conducted on 30 single born Polish Merino ram lambs. At the age of 112 d, 10 ram lambs were slaughtered at 20 kg (group 1), 25 kg (group 2), and 30 kg (group 3) live weight. Plasma leptin increased between 20 and 25 kg, as well as 25 and 30 kg live weight. The differences between group 1 vs. group 3 and group 2 vs. group 3 were statistically important (P < 0.001). The lack of differences in meat content of the pelvic limb between the groups and, at the same time, the lower fat content (P < 0.001) in group 1, plus the higher fat content of the two remaining groups, are evidence of the higher fatness of carcasses in groups 2 and 3. The fat tissues except the subcutaneous fat were significantly related with the leptin concentrations at slaughter. The leptin concentration of lambs slaughtered at 30 kg live weight surpassed significantly the values noted in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The correlations between leptin and body composition indicate that plasma leptin concentration at 30 kg live weight can be a predictor of body fat. The correlation of meat weight with leptin concentration has shown no statistical differences.

Forty male silver foxes were used to investigate the effects of increasing dietary fat:carbohydrate (F:C) ratio {34:34, 41:28, 48:22, and 55:17 [metabolizable energy basis (ME)]} on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, and pelt quality during the winter fur-growing period. The results showed that average daily feed intake, average daily ME intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and protein digestibility were improved (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) when dietary F:C ratio ranging from 34:34 to 48:22. However, foxes that received the 55:17 feed had lower (P < 0.05) ADG and protein digestibility than the other groups. The fat digestibility was increased (P < 0.01), and the carbohydrate digestibility was decreased (P < 0.01) with the increasing dietary F:C ratio. In addition, serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased (P < 0.05) as dietary F:C ratio increased. Changing dietary F:C ratio from 34:34 to 48:22 resulted in an increase in pelt quality, but it had negative effects on growth and pelt quality when foxes received 55:17 feed. We conclude that the optimal dietary F:C ratio for silver foxes during the winter fur-growing period was 48:22.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. and antimicrobial resistance profiles isolated from in livestock feces in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 400 fecal of livestock samples were collected, and the presence of Campylobacter species was studied by culture and polymerase chain reaction-based assays and antimicrobial susceptibility test. A total of 28 Campylobacter isolates including 22 Campylobacter jejuni and 6 Campylobacter coli were recovered from feces of livestock. The prevalence rates of Campylobacter spp. were observed in this study in sheep (10%), goat (8%), cattle (5.3%), and camel (4%). The highest prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was found in the summer (10%) and the lowest was in winter (4%). Among the isolates from livestock, both C. jejuni and C. coli from fecal samples had the highest frequency of tetracycline (75.1%) and ciprofloxacin (57.1%) resistance. The results of this study showed a high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in livestock feces in Isfahan, Iran. The presence of Campylobacter in livestock feces can contaminate the environmental and human food chain. Therefore, detection of Campylobacter spp. in livestock-originated samples is important to identify possible sources of infection and to have that a better understanding of the epidemiology of infection virulence genes of isolates is considered essential.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pea protein isolate–alginate capsules (PPCs) on probiotic viability during transit of the porcine gastrointestinal tract. A Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 isolate selected for rifampin plus streptomycin resistance (LRR) was encapsulated in a pea protein isolate and alginate (LRR–PPC) using an extrusion and cross-linking method prior to freeze-drying. An in vitro study in simulated gastric juice showed that encapsulation increased (P < 0.001) survival in strong acid. After incorporation into the diet of weaned pigs, LRR were recovered from feces and digesta by selective culture. Fecal shedding of LRR from pigs fed LRR–PPC was higher (P < 0.001) than from pigs fed nonencapsulated LRR. Viable LRR counts were not different in homogenized stomach contents; however, higher (P < 0.001) counts were observed in distal intestinal contents for pigs fed LRR–PPC. Probiotic encapsulation using pea protein–alginate matrix can protect bacteria during upper intestinal transit improving viability in the distal gut and permitting a broader range of sensitive bacterial species candidates for probiotic application.

A laparoscopic catheterization of portal and ileal veins as well as abdominal aorta was performed in eight pigs under general anesthesia for quantitative determination of portal-drained viscera metabolism. Three polyurethane catheters were introduced into the target vessels through an abdominal wall cannula using the guide catheter and wire. Surgery duration, length of incisions, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. On days 7 and 30, portal vein blood flow rates were measured by paraaminohippuric acid method. On day 35, a second laparoscopy was performed to monitor the setup of intraabdominal catheters. The laparoscopic procedures were completed with a mean operative time of 82 ± 9 min, and mean total incision size was 4.5 ± 0.5 cm. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The second laparoscopy showed that position and fixation of catheters remain stable 35 d after the surgical preparation. Portal vein blood flow remained similar (P > 0.05) from 7 to 30 d after the laparoscopic surgical procedure. Retention of catheters in six pigs was more than 60 d, and the other two were 42 and 56 d. We conclude that this novel technique is an attractive alternative to traditional surgical catheterization procedures.

A pedigreed population containing 71 calves and 8 sires was used to compare sire qualification using three genotyping platforms [14 microsatellite, real-time quantitative PCR, and 100, 200, 500, and 1000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays]. Parentage was also qualified in an unknown-pedigree population containing 8480 calves with 460 sires using SNP arrays. The three platforms qualified the true sire in the known-pedigree population with zero mismatches. The 100 and 200 SNP arrays yielded specificities of 0.92 and 0.99 with a 1% mismatch rate in the known-pedigree population, respectively. In the larger population, SNP panels of the 500 and 1000 highest minor allele frequency SNPs were also evaluated. The 1000 SNP panel qualified paternity to a single sire for 82.1% of calves with 1% or 2% mismatches. Not all commercial sires were genotyped, which accounts for missing paternity for some calves. In this larger population, the 100 SNP array qualified multiple sires to 0.42% of calves and single sires to 80.84% of calves without mismatches. The 200 SNP array assigned unique paternity, and 79.8% of calves were qualified to a sire without mismatches. With a 2% mismatch rate, sire qualifications agreed with the 1000 SNP array. This study highlights the interplay among population size, genotyping error rates, and the specificity and sensitivity of parentage platforms.

The study describes the steps of spermiogenesis and stages of seminiferous epithelial cycle in breeding guinea cocks. Sections embedded in epoxy resin were employed for the determination of the stages of seminiferous epithelial cycle in the guinea fowl. Acrosomic granules aided in identifying the initial steps of spermiogenesis, whereas nuclear morphological changes facilitated the identification of subsequent stages. Eleven steps of spermiogenesis and nine stages of seminiferous epithelium were recognized in the guinea fowl testis. Three spermatogonial types, namely, spermatogonial A, B and intermediate were identified in the guinea fowl seminiferous epithelium. Spermatogonial A and preleptotene spermatocytes had the largest (P < 0.05) nuclei diameters in the seminiferous epithelium, whereas round spermatids had the least. Within germ cells, no significant (P > 0.05) differences were found among birds in spermatogonial A and intermediate spermatogonial nuclei diameters. Spermatogonial B, preleptotene primary spermatocyte, type I spermatocyte (primary spermatocyte in prophase I), and round spermatid nuclei diameters were, however, bigger (P < 0.05) in some birds than others. The classification of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in the guinea fowl was similar to that described in other birds and mammals.

The exposure of silages to air during storage and during transfer between silos may lead to the growth of aerobic microorganisms and so compromise the chemical composition, silage quality, and in vitro digestibility. In this study, we simulated the transfer and re-ensiling of silages to check for possible effects of exposure to air in relation to chemical composition, in vitro digestibility of dry matter, and silage quality and aerobic stability. Twenty silos were made, and after 150 d, 15 of them were opened and re-ensiled after 12, 24, and 48 h of exposure to air. During the aerobic exposure period, temperature varied from 9.1 to 28.9 °C (mean: 18.5 °C). Among the parameters evaluated, we observed variation only in lignin content; however, this variable did not affect the in vitro digestibility of the silage. A linear increase of pH values as increasing air exposure time (P < 0.05) also was observed. However, these changes did not have practical importance due to the small observed variation. The pH values of the experimental samples were lower than 4.2, which is indicative of well-preserved corn silages. Therefore, the chemical composition, the quality, and the aerobic stability of silage were not influenced by different periods of air exposure.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of phytase supplementation and coccidial vaccine challenge (CVC) on jejunal and ileal nutrient and energy digestibility and the expression of genes of some markers of inflammation and nutrient transporters in broilers. Ross 708 broilers (384 males) were randomly assigned to six treatments in a factorial arrangement with two levels of CVC (0× or 25×) and three levels of phytase [0, 1000, or 5000 phytase units (FTU) kg^-1 diet] with eight birds per pen and eight replicates per treatment. On day 42 post hatching, 192 birds received no challenge (NCH) or challenged (CHA) with 25× coccidial vaccine. Birds received the experimental diets from day 49 post hatching until day 55. Jejunal dry matter and energy digestibility decreased (P < 0.05) with CVC, but phytase supplementation increased (P < 0.05) nitrogen (49.1%–55.2%) and phosphorus (18.0%–58.3%) digestibility. Ileal nitrogen and P digestibility increased (P < 0.05) with phytase supplementation. In the jejunum, CVC (P = 0.053) and phytase (P = 0.063) showed a tendency to decrease the expression of active sodium-dependent phosphate transporter. The results from this study show that the interaction between CVC and phytase resulted in higher feed efficiency (at the level of 5000 FTU), lower jejunal dry matter digestibility (DMD), and digestible energy (at the level of 1000 FTU). Also, older broilers, especially those with gastrointestinal tract inflammation (CHA), may benefit more from phytase super dosing compared with the NCH birds.

Perches serve as a behavioural enrichment and may yield benefits on broiler foot health and growth performance. The benefit may be greater for birds fed high crude protein (HCP) diets, which results in poorer litter conditions. This study investigated the effect of two perch configurations (I shaped vs. X shaped, compared with no perch) and dietary crude protein (CP) level (standard vs. high) on behaviour, foot pad health, bone density, growth performance, and carcass traits of broilers raised to 35 d of age. Perch configuration did not affect body weight (BW) at day 35 or overall average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F). Likewise, there was no effect of perch provision independent of CP level for any carcass variable. Feeding standard CP (SCP) level resulted in greater bone density, carcass weight, and dressing percentage but lower breast, wing, and total edible meat yield. We confirmed that greater litter moisture (16%) related to excess dietary CP (13%) caused footpad dermatitis in broilers trending from 3 wk old to significant at 27 and 35 d of age. Provision of barrier perches did not reprieve from litter contact (perching), although more focal birds were observed resting against them and did not affect growth performance, bone density, or carcass traits.

To test the hypothesis that increased circulating estradiol increases hepatic glutamine synthetase (GS) content in young and aged cows, and two nonclassical nongenomic estradiol pathway intermediates [β-catenin, G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30)], 12 young (3–4 yr) and 12 aged (≥8 yr) cows were randomly allotted (n = 6) and received either none or estradiol (TRT) implants (Compudose^®) for 28 d. Blood and liver samples were collected on days 16 and 28 and the effects of TRT, cow age (age), time after implant (day), and their interactions were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Plasma estradiol was increased by TRT in young and aged cows on days 16 and 28 and on day 28 vs. day 16. An age × day interaction (P = 0.01) revealed lower GS mRNA at day 28 in young cows but increased mRNA in aged cows. Aged cows had less GS protein than young cows, and a TRT × day interaction (P = 0.02) reflected 134% more of GS on day 16 in TRT in aged cows. No main or interaction effects were found for progesterone, β-catenin, or GPR30. We conclude that hepatic GS expression is transiently stimulated by increased circulating estradiol, whereas expression of β-catenin or GPR30 was not affected.

A total of forty 24 kg male Dorset weaning lambs were allocated in four dietary treatment groups: ad libitum concentrates (C), restricted concentrates (RC), zero grazing (ZGR), and grazing (GR). Lambs were slaughtered at 47 kg. Meat from grass-fed lambs (ZGR and GR) had a lower ultimate pH (P = 0.04) and L* value (P = 0.03) compared with that from C-fed lambs. However, a*, b*, hue angle, chroma values, shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation index, sarcomere length, as well as fat, protein, and collagen contents were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). No difference was found in juiciness and tenderness, but typical lamb flavour was more pronounced in C-fed lambs than in GR-fed lambs (P = 0.03). Grazing and ZGR increased the percentage of cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (P < 0.0001), and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P < 0.01) and decreased the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA (P < 0.0001) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, whereas C-fed lambs had higher proportion of trans-10 C18:1 (P < 0.0001) and lower proportion of trans-11 C18:1 (P < 0.0001) than the other treatments, which may indicate an altered rumen biohydrogenation. Dietary treatments had minimal effect on meat eating quality but affected meat fatty acid profile.

The gastrointestinal tracts of broiler chickens contain complex microbial communities that influence numerous aspects of the chickens’ health and development. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the composition and diversity of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract sections of broiler chickens. This analysis was performed by 454 pyrosequencing using the V3–V6 region of the 16S rRNA genes. Samples collected from 14 healthy, 42 d old Cobb broiler chickens revealed that the dominant bacterial phyla in the seven gastrointestinal sections were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, Lactobacillus was predominant in the upper gut (gizzard, proventriculus, duodenum, and jejunum) and ileum, whereas unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, unclassified Synergistaceae, Bacteroides, and Ruminococcus were predominant in the lower gut (ceca and cloaca). Eight lactic acid bacteria species were found in the gastrointestinal tract sections of chickens. Principal coordinates analysis showed that the microbial communities from each gastrointestinal section could be separated into three groups according to similarity of community composition: the upper gut, ileum, and lower gut. Venn diagrams illustrated the distribution of shared and specific operational taxonomic units among the different gastrointestinal tract sections. Our results might be attributed to the probiotic development and performance improvement of broiler chickens.

Thirty hour in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of three barley cultivars such as ‘CDC Cowboy’ [high-neutral detergent fiber digestibility (H-NDFD)], ‘CDC Copeland’ [intermediate-neutral detergent fiber digestibility (I-NDFD)], and ‘Xena’ [low-neutral detergent fiber digestibility (L-NDFD)] was ranked from 80 commercial silage samples. Cultivars were seeded on the same day, harvested at mid-dough, and ensiled in mini or bunker silos. Mini silos were sequentially opened over 60 d, and day 60 samples were exposed to air for 21 d. Bunker silos were sampled after 60 d. Cultivars did not differ in NDFD, while terminal pH was lower (P < 0.01) for H-NDFD than other silages. The pH of H-NDFD was greater (P < 0.01) and pH of I- and L-NDFD lower (P < 0.01) in bunker than mini silos. Lactate and acetate were greater (P < 0.05) for H-NDFD in mini silos, with lower (P < 0.01) acetate in mini than bunker silos. Intermediate NDFD mini silos were greater (P < 0.01) in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and NDF compared with other silages, traits which were also greater (P < 0.01) for H-NDFD and L-NDFD in bunker vs. mini silos. High-NDFD silage was less aerobically stable than other silages. Using NDFD of field silage samples to select barley silage cultivars for improved NDFD is not a viable strategy based on the results of this study.

We investigated the effects of a combination of protease, xylanase, and phytase in maize- or sorghum-based diets for broilers. Two experiments were conducted with male chicks randomly distributed in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three replacement levels of maize with sorghum (0%, 50%, and 100%) with or without enzymes. In the first trial, 1152 chicks were allotted to 36 floor pens to determine performance, relative organ weight, and litter moisture. A second trial was performed with 150 and 120 chicks allotted in 30 cages with five and four broilers per cage to determine nutrient and energy utilization from 11 to 21 d and from 25 to 35 d, respectively. Enzyme supplementation improved body-weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Total maize replacement with sorghum compromised body-weight gain from 1 to 14 d and from 1 to 35 d. Nitrogen retention was reduced by partial and total maize replacement with sorghum at starter phase and by total replacement at grower phase. Enzyme supplementation improved nitrogen retention at starter phase and apparent metabolizable energy at starter and grower phases. Therefore, partial maize replacement with sorghum is viable and on top application of an enzyme blend containing protease, xylanase, and phytase improves performance and nutrient retention of broilers.