Ghrelin, obestatin, and nesfatin-1 peptides are regarded as the primary regulators of the body’s appetite and energy balance. However, few studies have explored the roles of these peptides in milk and in metabolic adaptation in sheep. The presence of these peptides was investigated in blood samples from sheep and lambs and in milk samples from sheep during the early lactation phase in the current study. Thirty healthy ewes along with their single lambs were followed through their 3 rd to 5 th week after giving birth. Blood samples from ewes and lambs, and matched milk samples, were collected and analyzed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Sampling was conducted over three weeks, and differences among time periods were compared. A significant increase was recorded for ghrelin and obestatin levels in plasma, whereas nesfatin-1 levels were decreased to a considerable extent. The milk samples followed a similar pattern with ghrelin and obestatin levels increased, whereas nesfatin-1 levels decreased. Nevertheless, a similar pattern was recorded for plasma samples. This study detected obestatin and nesfatin-1 peptides from the sheep milk for the first time. It is thought that coordinated action of these peptides affects the body, milking and offspring of sheep during early lactation phase. The increased ghrelin and obestatin levels along with decreased level of nesfatin-1 decreases work in coordination to fulfill energy needs of sheep. The detection of these peptides in milk samples warrants that energy balance of offsprings can be altered by maternal metabolism. This study provides first evidence for the presence of these peptides in the milk samples and confirms that these peptides can alter feeding behavior and energy regulation in lambs.

Considering the anti-inflammatory and shock-reversing effects of nesfatin-1 (NESF-1), the current study aimed to investigate the changes in plasma NESF-1 levels in septic shock conditions that produce both hypotensive and inflammatory effects. The changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) plasma levels, which have anti-inflammatory activity and play a role in regulating Ca metabolism, such as plasma NESF-1, in septic shock conditions, were also investigated in the study. In the current study, adult male Wistar albino rats were used. Under sevoflurane anesthesia, the animals were catheterized in the femoral arteries to provide monitoring of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), as well as for blood sampling. Then, the cecal ligation and incision (CLI) method was applied to rats to induce experimental septic shock. For control, sham-operated animals were used. The cardiovascular parameters of all animals were monitored for 3 hours starting from hour 0. In addition, 0.5 ml of blood samples in the tubes containing EDTA were collected from the animals through the arterial catheter at 0, 1, and 3 hours. NESF-1, PTH, and CT levels from plasma extracted from collected blood samples were measured using the ELISA method. Septic shock gradually caused a decrease in the MAP and an increase in the HR of the rats. Remarkably, animals in the septic shock group exhibited a statistically significant time-dependent increase in plasma NESF-1, PTH, and CT levels compared to the control group. This preliminary data, indicating an elevation in plasma levels of NESF-1, PTH, and CT in correlation with the severity of septic shock, suggests a potential protective role for endogenous NESF-1, PTH, and CT in the pathophysiology of septic shock. Additionally, these increases may be a prognostic biological indicator related to the severity of septic shock.

Vitamin (Vit) D, which is produced by exposure of the skin to sunlight, is necessary for mineral metabolism and skeletal health, as well as having anti-inflammatory and immune boost effects in the organism. It is also known that melatonin, which regulates the sleep/wake cycle, circadian and seasonal rhythms, has immunostimulatory activity like Vit D. It is also known that there is a relationship between melatonin and Vit D at the level of the Vit D receptor, thus causing Vit D to increase its cellular activities. In the light of this information, it was aimed to investigate the effects of chronic Vit D mechanism on some blood parameters in rats in this study. Spraque Dawley rats used in the study were divided into 4 groups. For 4 weeks, animals in the control, melatonin, Vit D, and Vit D restriction groups were chronically injected saline (1 ml/kg; ip), melatonin (10 mg/kg; ip), Vit D (2.5 μg/kg; ip), and saline (1 ml/kg; ip), respectively. Vit D restriction was applied to rats in the Vit D restriction group, both as a light source and through feeding. At the end of the experiment, 1 ml of EDTA blood sample was collected from the animals and hematocrit (PCV, %), hemoglobin amount (Hb, g/dl), red blood cell count (RBC, x106/mm3), white blood cell count (WBC, x103/mm3), leukocyte ratio (%), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, mm/h) were measured. The current findings demonstrate that chronic Vit D, melatonin use and chronic Vit D restriction causes the decrease in PCV and Hb without changing the other RBC related parameters. In terms of WBC, chronic Vit D, melatonin use and chronic Vit D restriction led to decrease in N/L ratio without altering number and other leucocytes ratios.

This study aimed to compare the effect of hCG or eCG administered at the end of a short-term estrus synchronization treatment on the estrus parameters and pregnancy rates in non -lactating Saanen goats during the breeding season. The estrus cycles of does were synchronized with an intravaginal sponge containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for five days and an injection of 125 mu g of D-cloprostenol at the time of sponge insertion. Does were injected intramuscularly either 1 ml physiological saline solution (Control -Group; n=16), 400 IU hCG (hCG-Group; n=14) or 400 IU eCG (eCG-Group; n=14) at the time of sponge removal. The estrus behavior was observed using teaser bucks and the ovulation time was monitored using transrectal ultra sonography twice daily for 96 h after the sponge removal. Does in estrus were allowed a single copulation using fertile bucks. Blood samples were collected on the same days to determine serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations. No significant differences were observed between the groups in term of estrus parameters, ovarian structure and serum P4 concentrations. Although serum E2 concentration was similar between groups in the first three days. Serum E2 concentrations differed between the eCG and the other two groups on the fourth day, and between the eCG and control groups on the fifth day. As a result, it can be concluded that the effects of hCG or eCG administration on estrus behavior, ovarian findings and pregnancy rate at the time of sponge removal are similar, therefore hCG can be an alternative to eCG.

This study aimed to compare the effects of a single dose of GnRH or hCG administered at the beginning of the short-term oestrus synchronization protocol on ≥4 mm diameter follicles in Saanen goats during the breeding season. The goats es-trus cycles were synchronized with intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg of medroxy-progesterone acetate for five days. Additionally, 1 ml of physiological saline solution (control-group; n=30), 0.004 mg of buserelin acetate (GnRH-group; n=31) or 150 IU of hCG (hCG-group; n=31) were injected intramuscularly to the goats during the sponges insertion. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination was performed immediately be-fore and 24 h after intravaginal sponge application into all goats and follicles with a diameter of ≥4 mm in the ovaries were counted. Blood samples were collected on the same days to determine serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations. At the first ultrasonographic examination, the percentages of ≥4 mm diameter follicles were 56.66% (17/30), 54.83% (17/31) and 70.96% (22/31) in the control, GnRH and hCG groups, respectively. The percentage of goats with reduced follicle diameters 24 h later was 29.41% (5/17), 52.94 (9/17) and 59.09% (13/22) in the same groups, respectively. The mean regression rates of follicle diameters between days 0 and 1 in each group were significantly different (P<0.05). Serum E2 concentrations were significantly differ-ent (P<0.05) between days 0 and 1 in hCG group. There were no differences in serum E2, P4 concentrations and mean regression rates in follicle diameters between days 0 and 1 for all groups. As a result, a significant relationship between the administration of hCG or GnRH and the reduction of large follicle diameters could not be established. Primerjava hCG in GnRH za sinhronizacijo folikularnega vala pri kozah Saanen med sezono parjenja Izvleček: Namen te študije je bil primerjati učinke enkratnega odmerka GnRH ali hCG danega na začetku kratkotrajnega protokola za sinhronizacijo estrusa na folikle s premerom ≥ 4 mm pri kozah pasme Saanen med sezono parjenja. Cikle estrusa pri kozah smo pet dni sinhronizirali z intravaginalnimi gobicami z vsebnostjo 60 mg medroksi progesteron ace-tata. Poleg tega smo jim v času vstavljanja gobic intramuskularno aplicirali 1 ml fiziološke fiziološke raztopine (kontrolna skupina; n=30), 0,004 mg buserelin acetata (skupina GnRH; n=31) ali 150 IU hCG (hCG-skupina; n=31). Neposredno pred in 24 ur po intravaginalni uporabi gobice smo pri vseh kozah opravili transrektalni ultrazvočni pregled in prešteli jajčne fo-likle s premerom ≥ 4 mm. Ob istih dnevih smo odvzeli tudi vzorce krvi za določitev serumskih koncentracij progesterona (P4) in estradiola (E2). Ob prvem ultrazvočnem pregledu so bili odstotki foliklov s premerom ≥ 4 mm 56,66 % (17/30) v kontrolni, 54,83 % (17/31) v GnRH in 70,96 % (22/31) v hCG skupini. Odstotek koz z zmanjšanim premerom foliklov 24 ur pozneje je bil 29,41 % (5/17) v kontrolni, 52,94 % (9/17) v GnRH in 59,09 % (13/22) v hCG skupini. Povprečna stopnja regresije premerov foliklov med dnem 0 in 1 se je pomembno razlikovala (P<0,05) v vseh skupinah. Koncentracija E2 v serumu se je med dnem 0 in 1 pomembno razlikovala (P<0,05) v skupini hCG. V serumskih koncentracijah E2 in P4 ter povprečni stopnji regresije v premeru foliklov med dnevi 0 in 1 ni bilo razlik v nobeni skupini. Posledično ni bilo mogoče potrditi povezave med dajanjem hCG ali GnRH ter zmanjšanjem premera velikih foliklov. Ključne besede: sinhronizacija estrusa; folikel; hCG; GnRH; koza

Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Add Paper to My Library Share: Permalink Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely Copy URL Copy DOI

In this study, serum amyloid A (SAA), serum calprotectin (SCalp) and fecal calprotectin (FCalp) levels were investigated in neonatal calves with infectious diarrhea. Total of 70 calves were divided into E. coli, C. parvum, C. parvum + viral, viral and control groups. Clinical parameters were recorded on days 0 and 7, post treatment. On these days, blood and stool samples were also taken. SAA, SCalp and FCalp levels were measured with commercial ELISA kits. Mean SAA levels on day 0 were measured as 0.54 (0.16-2.18) ng/ml and 38.40 (8.28-83.96) ng/ml for the diarrhea and healthy group, respectively (P < 0.001). Statistically significant difference was also obtained between the diarrhea [68.02 ng/ml 46.66-101.67] and control [24.05 ng/ml 11.92-56] groups in terms of SCalp levels on day 0 (P < 0.001). Cut-off value of SCalp to distinguish E. coli originated diarrhea from viral diarrhea was found to be 70.969 ng/ml (Sens: 94%). FCalp levels on day 0 were 93.08 (22.17-122.88) ng/ml and 87.01 ± 3.33 ng/ml in the diarrhea and healthy groups, respectively (P = 0.04). Cut-off concentration of FCalp was found to be 91.804 ng/ml (P = 0.0057). In addition, as a result of the logistic regression analysis, FCalp's ability to identify animals with diarrhea was found to be 6.316 times (P = 0.009) higher. The highest levels of SCalp and FCalp measured on day 0 were found among E. coli group. As a result, the importance of FCalp and SCalp in diagnosing the status of infectious diarrhea in calves for the first time in the veterinary literature is emphasized.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rosemary essential oil (REO) supplementation on growth performance, some blood metabolites and rumen fermentation in calves throughout the suckling period. Fourty Holstein calves were randomly divided to four dietary groups. Each group consisted of 10 calves; control with no REO supplementation (CON), supplementation of 500 mg/d REO (REO1), supplementation of 1000 mg/d REO (REO2) and supplementation of 2000 mg/d REO (REO3). REO supplementation quadratically increased (P<0.05) the calf starter (CS) intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency. Calves fed REO1 and REO2 had the highest CS intake and ADG. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration was lower (P=0.02) for calves fed REO3 than calves fed REO1, but total volatile fatty acids concentration was higher (P<0.01) for calves fed REO1 compared with calves fed CON and REO3. The concentrations of ghrelin, NEFA and BHBA increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of REO. Calves fed REO2 and REO3 had the highest concentration of ghrelin. Cholesterol concentration decreased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing REO levels on d 56. Calves fed REO2 and REO3 had the lowest cholesterol concentration. Also, serum IgG concentration was higher (P<0.01) in calves fed REO2 and REO3 compared with calves fed CON on d 28. It was concluded that the addition of different amounts of rosemary essential oil can positively change some rumen and blood metabolites of calves, as well as the supplementation of REO may have a beneficial effect on growth performance by increasing ghrelin.

This study aimed to compare the effect of hCG administered at 24 or 36 h following a short-term estrus synchronization treatment on the ovulation time and estrus parameters in non-lactating Saanen goats during the breeding season. The estrous cycles of does were synchronized with an intravaginal sponge containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for six days, and an injection of 125 µg of d-cloprostenol at the time of sponge insertion in addition to an injection of 300 IU of eCG 24h before sponge removal. After removal of the sponges, does were injected intramuscularly either 1 ml physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) solution after 12 h (Group1/Control; n=10), 100 IU hCG after 24 h (Group2; n=9) or 100 IU hCG after 36 h (Group3; n=9). Estrus behavior after sponge removal was observed twice daily for 84 h using teaser bucks and transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed twice a day for seven days to determine small, medium and large follicle numbers, luteal development and the time of ovulation. Blood samples were collected on the same days to determine serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations. No significant differences were observed in terms of estrus parameters, ovarian structure and serum P4 and E2 concentrations between the hCG-treated groups and the control group. Average values observed for all groups: estrous response (53.57%), the interval from sponge removal to estrus and ovulation (35.2 h and 67.86 h, respectively), duration of estrus (18.4 h), the interval from estrus onset to ovulation (50.37 h), ovulation rate (96.43%), number of ovulations (1.36), ovulatory follicle diameter (6.86 mm), corpus luteum diameter (8.22 mm), follicle and luteal growth rate (1.17 and 0.68 mm/day, respectively). In conclusion, administration of hCG at 24 or 36 h following a short-term estrous synchronization protocol does not affect ovulation time, estrus parameters, and serum P4 and E2 concentrations in goats during the breeding season.

This study conducted to determine effect of the rumen-protected choline and methionine supplementation to peripartum dairy cattle on metabolic profile, metabolic disorders and some reproductive parameters.For this, 3-6 year-old, multiparous, healthy and pregnant 32 high-yield Holstein dairy cows were divided into 4 different groups during trial as: a control (CON) group with no supplementation to the ration; a 75 gr/day rumen-protected choline chloride (CHOL) supplemented group, 42 gr/ day methionine (MET) supplemented group, 75 gr/ day choline chloride and 42 gr/ day methionine (MET + CHOL) supplemented group were during three weeks before and after parturation.Blood samples were taken at wk -3, calving, wk 3 and wk 10 and were analyzed.Health problems and reproductive data were recorded during treatment.Statistically significant differences were detected in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose, total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, total cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL).Results of this study suggested that rumen-protected choline and methionine supplementation to the rations of dairy cattle affected some metabolic profile parameters.The statistical differences in metabolic profile tests did not affect metabolic diseases and reproductive parameters.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) acts on the development of internal organs such as the small intestine and muscle in all animal species. Similar to IGF-1, GH is also essential for growth and is an effective hormone on intestinal development during neonatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diarrhea on IGF-1 and GH hormones in lambs with intestinal inflammation up to 63 days of age. The study material consisted of 15 healthy and 15 diarrheic lambs. Blood and fecal samples were collected on the first day of life and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 35th, 49th and 63rd postnatal days consecutively. Diarrhea was observed on 6 animals on the 7th day and 9 animals on 14th day visitation. IGF-1 showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between diarrheic and healthy animals on all measurement days. A significant association was found between the cut-off values determined after ROC analysis of the 7th day (Sens: 93.33%, Spec: 66.67%, P = 0.004) and 14th day (Sens: 73.33%, Spec: 80%, P = 0.0002) values of IGF-1 and diarrhea. Considering 14th day of IGF-1, a logistic regression analysis was performed, the risk of diarrhea is OR = 7.00 times higher if the concentration of the parameter is above the cut-off value. ROC analysis also showed significant cut-off values for GH on 14th day. In terms of sensitivity, the highest value was IGF-1's 7th day value, therefore it can be preferred for the determination of intestinal inflammation in cases with diarrhea. As a general evaluation, it is seen that the highest performance was given by the 7th day IGF-1 values according to the Youden's J index. In conclusion, elevations in IGF-1 and GH concentrations may be associated with intestinal inflammation. The inducing effect of the inflammatory response on IGF-I and GH may strengthen the relationship between the two parameters.

This study is aimed at describing the ovarian follicular dynamics, corpora lutea and their hormonal control during early pregnancy in Saanen goats. The ovaries of pregnant goats (n = 10) were monitored daily for follicles (≥ 2 mm) and corpora lutea by transrectal ultrasound over the 35 days after mating. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture at the time of ultrasonography and were analysed for the concentrations of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), inhibin, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). The pattern of follicular growth was characterised by five (n = 2; 20 %), six (n = 5; 50 %) and seven (n = 3; 30 %) follicular waves during early pregnancy. The first corpora lutea (size 6.8 ± 0.4 mm, mean + SEM) were detected at 5.0 ± 0.3 days after the mating with a maximum diameter (12.2 ± 0.3 mm) observed on day 24.0 ± 1.1 of pregnancy. The dominant follicle diameter of waves 1 and 4, and the duration of waves 1-4 and 7 were maximal during the early pregnancy period (P < 0.05). In addition, the inter-wave interval of the 5 waves was significantly (P < 0.05) longer compared to the six and seven inter-wave intervals (7.0 ± 0.1, 5.8 ± 0.1 and 5.0 ± 0.2 days, respectively). Although the number of small and medium-sized follicles did not differ with the days post-breeding, the number of large-sized follicles in the same period significantly decreased between 16 and 26 days and was negatively correlated with the period of pregnancy (P < 0.05). The plasma LH and E2 concentrations were negatively correlated with the P4 concentration. The inhibin concentrations were negatively correlated with FSH, but positively correlated with the number of large-sized follicles. These results indicate that ovarian follicular growth during the first 35 days of pregnancy in goats was characterised by a wave-like pattern and there was a close relationship between the number of FSH peaks and the number of follicular waves.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect on the ovulation time and estrus parameters of a GnRH agonist (buserelin acetate) administered 24 or 36 h following a short-term estrus induction and synchronization treatment in non-lactating Saanen goats during the transitional period. Goats received 20 mg FGA sponges for 6 days plus 300 IU eCG and 125 μg d-cloprostenol 24 h prior to sponge removal. After removal of the sponges, goats were given either 1 ml physiological saline (0.9% NaCI) solution (Group1; n = 9) after 12 h, 0.004 mg GnRH (Group2; n = 10) after 24 h or 0.004 mg GnRH (Group3; n = 10) after 36 h. The follicle development and ovulation in the ovaries were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography starting from the sponge application until the fifth day of the estrus cycle. Blood samples were collected on the same days to determine the plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2). No statistical differences among groups were detected in any synchronization parameters, ultrasonic evaluations and plasma P4 and E2 concentrations. The evaluation of pooled data showed that the response of Saanen goats to treatments was comparable to the results of other published trials. Results of this study indicate that administration of GnRH at 24 h or 36 h after sponge removal, at the end of a short estrus induction and synchronization protocol, does not affect plasma P4 and E2 concentrations, estrus parameters and ovulation time in goats, during the transition period.

Nesfatin-1 is a multifunctional neuropeptide having crucial autonomic roles. It is well known that nesfatin-1 collaborates with other central neuromodulatory systems, such as central corticotropin-releasing hormone, melanocortin, oxytocin, and cholinergic systems to show its autonomic effects. Central arachidonic acid cascade plays an important role to provide the homeostasis by exhibiting similar autonomic effects to nesfatin-1. Based on these similarities, the current study was designed to show the effects of intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected nesfatin-1 on the hypothalamic arachidonic acid (AA) cascade. Immunochemistry and western blot approaches demonstrated that ICV administration of nesfatin-1 provokes an increase in the hypothalamic cyclooxygenase (COX) -1, -2 and lipoxygenase (LOX) protein expression. Moreover, the microdialysis study demonstrated that centrally injected nesfatin-1 increased the posterior hypothalamic extracellular AA products. In conclusion, these findings report that while nesfatin-1 is generating its autonomic effects, it also might be using central prostaglandins and leukotrienes by activating central COX and LOX pathways.

We describe and compare the ovarian follicular dynamics and plasma progesterone concentrations in nulliparous Saanen does during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Does were monitored daily using transrectal ovarian ultrasonography for a full oestrous cycle in the breeding (n = 19) and a 21-day period in the non-breeding season (n = 20). At two-day intervals, blood samples were taken to determine plasma progesterone by ELISA. The pattern of follicular growth was characterised by four and five follicular waves in both seasons. Although the number of follicular waves was similar in the two seasons, the number of codominant follicles (p=0.027), the diameter of the largest follicle of waves 1 (p=0.036) and 4 (p=0.031), the duration of waves 3 (p=0.029) and 4 (p=0.034), the diameter of the largest follicle (p=0.042), the sums of the durations of all waves (p=0.037), the interwave interval (p=0.026) and the follicle growth rate (p=0.044) were higher in the breeding than in the non-breeding season. In addition, the numbers of small, medium and large follicles and the total number of all follicles of all waves differed between the seasons (p=0.037). In the breeding season, we found significant differences between the waves in the diameter of the largest follicles (p=0.042) and the duration of the waves (p=0.037); in the non-breeding season, no significant differences were found. Ovulatory follicles were most common in the fifth follicle wave. In the breeding season, the mean inter-oestrus and inter-ovulatory intervals and the numbers of ovulations after a synchronized oestrus with PGF2a were 21.47 +/- 0.19 days, 20.47 +/- 0.19 days and 1.84 +/- 0.86. The results indicate that follicular growth in Saanen goats during the breeding and non-breeding season is characterised by a wave-like pattern that differs between seasons.

Phoenixin (PNX) and nesfatin-1 are localised in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Moreover, the most of the PNX-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus also co-express nesfatin-1. These outcomes may suggest that there is an interaction between PNX and nesfatin-1, at least in terms of neuroendocrine-mediated regulations. Hence, the study was planned to find out the effects of centrally delivered PNX and nesfatin-1 on male sex hormones or to show the interactive association of intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected PNX+nesfatin-1 combination on the release of male hormones. PNX and nesfatin-1, single or together, were delivered ICV to different male Wistar Albino rat groups. Both PNX and nesfatin-1 induced a significant enhancement in plasma FSH, LH and testosterone without inducing any alteration in plasma GnRH in the rats. The central combinatorial treatment of both the neuropeptides produced a more potent rise in male plasma hormone levels than treating with single neuropeptide. In summary, our preliminary data show that centrally delivered PNX and nesfatin-1 can affect plasma male hormone levels. Moreover, that the combinatorial treatment with both the neuropeptides in male rats leading to a more potent effect on the plasma male hormone levels might suggest that both these neuropeptides act synergistically in terms of regulation of male HPGA.

Brain histamine holds a key position in the regulation of behavioral states, biological rhythms, body weight, energy metabolism, thermoregulation, fluid balance, stress and reproduction in female animals. However, it is not clear whether central histamine exerts any effect on hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular in male rats and if so, the involvement of type of central histamine receptors. The current study was designed to determine the effect of centrally administrated histamine on plasma gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone level, and sperm parameters, and to show the mediation of the central histaminergic H1, H2 and H3/H4 receptors on histamine-evoked hormonal and sperm parameters' effects. Studies were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. A total of 50 or 100 nmol doses of histamine were injected intracerebroventricularly (icy). 100 nmol dose of histamine significantly caused increases in plasma GnRH, LH, FSH and testosterone levels of animals, but not 50 nmol dose of histamine. Moreover, central pretreatment with chlorpheniramine, histaminergic H1 receptor antagonist (100 nmol), ranitidine and histaminergic H2 receptor antagonist (100 nmol) completely prevented histamine evoked increase in plasma GnRH, LH, FSH and testosterone levels, while thioperamide, histaminergic H3/H4 receptor antagonist (100 nmol) pretreatment failed to reverse sex hormones responses to histamine. Both central histamine treatment alone and central histamine treatment after central histaminergic receptors antagonists' pretreatments did not alter any sperm parameters in rats. In conclusion, our findings show that centrally administered histamine increases plasma GnRH, LH, FSH and testosterone levels of conscious male rats without change any sperm parameters. Moreover, according to our findings, central histaminergic H1, and H2 receptors mediate these histamine-induced effects.

A new protocol with aglepristone to induce parturition in ewes with pregnancy toxemia has been reported in the present manuscript. Four experimental groups were defined: Group AG5 (n = 10), Group DEX (n = 10), Group NC (n = 5) and Group PT (n = 5) in which ewes were injected twice with 10 mg/kg of aglepristone and 5 ml dexamethasone in first two groups, respectively; whereas negative control and pregnancy toxemia groups received no treatment for parturition induction. Different clinical parameters associated with parturition in ewes and their newborns were investigated. Blood hematology and biochemical measurements were carried out both in ewes and lambs. Blood pH values of lambs were recorded during the study. The injection time-lambing time, injection time-vaginal discharge intervals, placental expulsion periods, placental weight and vaginal delivery interval between lambs, hematological and biochemical results were not statistically different among the groups (p > 0,05). Increased NEFA and 3-HBA concentrations accompanied the disease and all ewes in AG, DEX and PT Groups developed clinical pregnancy toxemia (NEFA; P = 0,009) and beta-HBA; (P = 0,039). The differences in rectal body temperature of lambs were not significant (p > 0,05), whereas birth weight was found statistically significant among groups (p <0,05). Blood pH, biochemical and hematologic measurements of lambs had also significant differences depending on different time points. Parturition pathology by means of incomplete cervical dilatation was severely observed in DEX Group. The results of this study show that aglepristone application in pregnancy toxemia to induce parturition could precisely control lambing time without any side effects in either mothers or lambs. Apart from these, it could be speculated that dexamethasone seems to induce parturition causing crucial pathologies, which results in important and risky changes in newborns' life. Incomplete cervical dilatation and continued ineffective uterine contractions could be a major factor of newborn losses because of placental separation and cessation of blood supply. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the relationship between adiponectin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, albumin, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), calcium, phosphorus and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels in healthy cows and cows suffering clinical or subclinical ketosis in the early postpartum period. A total of 45 Holstein-Fresian dairy cows, consisting of 15 with clinical ketosis, 15 with subclinical ketosis and 15 healthy controls, was used in the study. Selection of animals was based on blood BHBA levels and urine ketone strip results on day 7 after parturition. Blood adiponectin, NEFA, glucose, albumin, GGT, calcium, phosphorus and BUN were also measured on day 7 postpartum. Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in both Clinical Ketosis and Subclinical Ketosis groups compared to the control group. NEFA levels were higher and glucose and calcium levels were lower in both ketosis groups when compared to the control animals. On the other hand, blood albumin, GGT, phosphorus and BUN levels did not differ among study groups. Based on the results of the study, it can be stated that adiponectin may play a role in the pathogenesis of ketosis. This role could be lower milk yield and better energy balance in early postpartum dairy cows with high adiponectin levels due to increased whole body tissue insulin sensitivity..

The current experiment was conducted to examine the impact of a supplement of microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum) on the performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites in lambs during summer. Forty lambs were used in a 49-day experiment. The lambs were group-fed either a basal diet (alfalfa hay and concentrate, n = 20) or the basal diet along with 5 g/day microalgae (n = 20). Feed intakes were recorded daily and body weight (BW) was measured weekly. Overall, microalgae feeding increased (P < 0.05) the BW and average daily gain. There were no significant differences for average feed intake or feed efficiency (P > 0.05). Microalgae feeding decreased rumen pH (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce proportion of acetate (P < 0.1), while it increased total rumen volatile fatty acid concentration (8.6%; P < 0.01) and proportions of propionate (13.9%, P < 0.01) and valerate (P < 0.01; 26.5%) compared with the control animals. Microalgae feeding increased (P < 0.05) blood glucose (98.47 vs. 84.97 mg/dL) and insulin (64.14 vs. 29.26 ng/mL), whereas it lowered total cholesterol concentrations in blood (62 vs. 58 mg/dL, P < 0.1) compared with the control animals. The results of this study indicate that microalgae supplement influences productivity and enhances dietary energy utilization in lambs during the summer.