039952   ANUSIYADEVI K, LEKESHMANASWAMY M (PG and Research Zoology Dep, Kongunadu Arts and Science Coll, Coimbatore- 641 029, Email: dranudevi@gmail.com) : Haematological changes in a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) exposed to raw sewage. Adv Appl Res 2020, 12(1), 21 - 7.

The effect of raw sewage discharged into Perur Chettipalayam Lake on an economically important fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) was studied. The calculated 96 hour LC₅₀ for the water sample at 95 percent confidence limit was 39.5 % with a lower limit of 33.80 % and an upper limit of 44.67 %. A noticeable difference of low values of haematological parameters was observed when compared to the control fish. However, the WBC count increased in the sewage treated fishes. The study revealed haemotoxicity in Labeo rohita due to exposure to sewage contaminated water.

1 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

039777   JATIN, K, SHRIVASTAVA, V K, MAHOR D (Entomology Dep, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Email: jatinento36@gmail.com) : Performance of sorghum genotypes against ear head bug and ear head worm. J Appl Zool Res 2020, 31(1), 58-61.

Study was conducted to screen the performance of various sorghum genotypes reaction against the panicle pests like ear head bug ( ) and ear head worm ( ) at Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Gwalior during the season 2016 with 20 genotypes in a randomized block design with 3 replications to find out the least susceptible genotype for ear head bug and ear head worm. Observations were recorded during the milky stage of the plant. Test genotypes differed significantly with respect to number of ear head bugs. The lowest number of ear head bug population was recorded in genotype ICSSH 88 (4.47 bugs/plant) where as highest was recorded in genotype DHBM4 (7.8 bugs/ plant) which was significantly more than rest of the genotypes. The significant lower number of ear head worms found in genotype ICSSH 86 (5 worms/ear head), while highest attack was on genotype ICSV15006 (10.33 worms/ear head) which was significantly more than other genotypes.

1 table, 12 ref

039540   DEHNOW A H, KRISHNA M S (Zoology Dep, Mysore Univ, Mysore- 560 006, Email: drosokrish@gmail.com) : Creatine supplement effect similar in rotenone induced and transgenic pd flies in drosophila melanogaster. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 84-93.

Creatine (Cr) is known nutritional supplement having the properties bioenergetics, anti exitoxic and anti-oxidant. Present study has been under taken to investigate protective effects of creatine supplement against rotenone induced and transgenic PD flies using oxidative stress, mortality and neurotoxicity in D. melanogaster. It was noticed that significant reduction in the levels of oxidative markers in whole body homogenates and better performance in a negative geotaxis assay of flies exposed to creatine supplement of rotenone (Rot) induces and transgenic PD (Parkinson’s disease) flies. Further dopamine level also increased in creatine supplement of rotenone induced and transgenic PD flies. These studies suggests that protective role of creatine supplement is similar in both rotenone (Rot) induced as well as in transgenic PD models of D. melanogaster

9 illus, 47 ref

039329   ALAJMI R, HADDADI R, GABER R A, ALKURIJI M (Zoology Dep, King Saud Univ, Saudi Arabia, Email: ralajmi@ksu.edu.sa) : Molecular phylogeny of Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on rRNA sequences of mitochondrial gene. J Genet 2020, 99, 28.

Many studies on forensic entomology have focussed on Diptera and lack the Hymenopteras population. Nonetheless, hymenopterans are part of the entomofaunal colonization of a corpse. Morphologically, it is difficult to identify and distinguish between them. In this study, using mitochondrial DNA knowledge, the molecular analysis was performed to classify the recovered species of hymenoptera collected from rabbit carcass, quickly and accurately. A molecular identification method with a 251-bp fragment of the 16S ribosomal gene RNA (16S rRNA) from a single ant species was evaluated. The maximum likelihood method analysis has recovered a generally well-supported phylogeny, with most taxa and species groups currently being recognized as monophyletic. The aculeate consists of some Hymenoptera’s best known. Their sister group has traditionally been considered in Ichneumonoidea. In addition, Trigonaloidea was found as the aculeates’ sister group and Crabronidae in Apoidea forming the Formicidae’s sister group. These results will play an important role in the implementation of the Saudi database forensically relevant ants.

1 illus, 94 ref

039303   SINGH D, KAUR N (Zoology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: navneet.kaur2k89@gmail.com) : COI gene: A reliable tool for tracing the phylogeny in sphingid moths (Lepidoptera: sphingidae). Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 27-33.

In the current study, a partial sequence of 536 bp (approx) of COI gene for seven species belonging to family Sphingidae were analysed. The study was conducted on a collection of moths from northern India, mainly in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. The sequences have been added to the database at GenBank NCBI. The analysis showed mean K2P divergence of 0.59 % at intraspecific level, 6.3 % at interspecific and 12.2 % at intergeneric level. The analysis showed a hierarchal increase in K2P mean divergence across different taxonomic levels giving an intraspecific range of 0.0 % to 3.6 %, interspecific range of 5.8 % to 9.3 % and intergeneric range of 8.6 % to 13.8 %.

22 ref

039182   K RASHMI , SHENOY K B (Applied Zoology Dep, Mangalore Univ, Karnataka - 574 199, Email: kshenoyb@gmail.com) : Hepatoprotective studies of aqueous leaf and root extracts of Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. against ethanol induced hepatic stress in rats. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 152-7.

The liver is of vital importance in intermediary metabolism ad in the elimination of toxic substances. To maintain the liver in a healthy condition is crucial for overall wellbeing of an individual. A number of plants have been the sources of raw materials for various drug formulations used to treat liver ailments. Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn., is one of the medicinal plant used in Ayurveda which is well-known to have hepatoprotective property. In the present study, the hepatoprotection of aqueous leaf (LWBA) amd root (RWBA) extracts of B.acutangula, at does 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were evalutedon ethanol induced hepatic damage in Wistar strain, male albino rats (150-200 g body weight). The liver protective efficacy of the extracts was indicated by reduced levels of serum enzyms, bilirubin, lipid peroxidation and improvement in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and protien content in adose dependent manner. The results obtained in the enzymse assays were supported by the histopathological observations. The findings shows that the LWBA extract has better hepatoprotection againts ethanol induced liver injury than RWBA extract and justify the Ayurvedic applications of B. acutangula in the management of liver diseases.

1 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

039181   AOCHEN C, KRISHNAPPA R, FIRAKE D M, PYNGROPE S, AOCHEN S, NINGOMBAM A, BEHERE G T, NGACHAN S V (ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya, Email: dfirake@gmail.com) : Loungu (carpenter worm): Indigenous delicious insects with immense dietary potential in Nagaland state, India. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 145-51.

Carpenter worms of genus Cossus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) are common wood-boring insects that can cause significant damage to several economically important plant species across the globe. Nevertheless, these worms are a popular delicacy among the indigenous population of Nagaland state of India since age old days. The carpenter worms (locally known as ‘Loungu’) are culturally significant during the Te-l Khukhu festival of Southern Angami region, annually held during July. The direct larval consumption is also cited for medicinal value. Rearing of carpenter worm is gaining popularity in hill tracts of Nagaland, because of its potential as a viable source of income for the rural population. The present study aimed to determine the eventual nutritional value of the larva by approximating its nutritional potential for the first time. Proximate analysis presents a significantly higher value of crude fat (37 %), crude protein (48 %), crude fibre (12.90 %) and an appreciable calorific value. Close correlation between increased polyphenol value with its higher antioxidant capacity and pigment content is strongly evident. Nevertheless, the larva also provides appreciable quantities of dietary minerals reflected in terms of higher zinc and iron content. Analysis of thin layer chromatography undertaken in the study interestingly identified some of the essential amino acids, viz., methionine, lysine, leucine, histidine, threonine etc. This is the first report pioneering other detail studies to establish the significant value of carpenter worm larvae as an exotic dietary supplement among the indigenous Naga population, thereby providing more impetus for its promotion and commercialization.

2 illus, 2 tables, 47 ref

039170   SINGH B N (Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: bashisthsingh2004@rediffmail.cpm) : Drosophila ananassae: A species characterized by spontaneous male recombination in appreciable frequency. J Genet 2020, 19, 1-12.

Mutation and recombination are primarily responsible for generating the genetic variability in natural populations of microorganisms, plant and animal species including humans. Upon such genetic variations, elemental forces of evolution such as natural selection, random genetic drift and migration operate to bring about micro-evolutionary changes. Recombination or crossing-over produces new combinations of genes due to interchange of corresponding segments between nonsister chromatids of homologous chromosomes, thus, it is an important evolutionary factor. Since the time of T. H. Morgan, Drosophila has been subjected to extensive investigations on crossing over while employing a number of markers, which were used for gene mapping. Interestingly, recombination occurs in females of D. melanogaster but not in males. Later on, male crossing over was investigated in various species and its occurrence was reported in D. melanogaster, D. ananassae, D. simulans, D. willistoni, D. littoralis and D. bipectinata. Recombination occurs at very low rate in all these species except for D. ananassae, which shows spontaneous male crossing over in appreciable frequency, which is meiotic in origin. This unusual phenomenon in D. ananassae is influenced by various genetic factors as well as it shows strain variation as far as frequency of male recombination is concerned. Further, the presence of chiasmata during meiosis in males at a frequency capable of accounting for the observed recombination frequency extends evidence for meiotic origin of recombination in males of D. ananassae.

1 illus, 67 ref

039150   MAURYA A K, K V RADHAKRISHNAN, KUMAR R (Fisheries Resource Management Dep, Central Agricultural Univ, Tripura- 799 210, Email: krishnaradh76@gmail.com) : Population characteristics and level of exploitation of Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) in Rudrasagar Lake, a Ramsar site in North-eastern India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 298-302.

Population characteristics and exploitation level of Anabas testudineus from Rudrasagar lake, North-eastern India were studied to understand the dynamics of resource for suggesting necessary strategies for sustainable exploitation. A total of 1187 specimens were sampled to collect the length frequency data from May, 2015 to April, 2016. The length-weight relationship of the fish was found to be Log W = - 4.08+2.9 LogL (r²=0.99). The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters i.e., asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated using ELEFAN-I as 216.25 mm and 0.78 yr-1respectively. The growth performance index (φ’) was calculated as 4.56. The approximate longevity (Tmax) was estimated as 3.8 years. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) rates were estimated to be 1.95, 1.54 and 0.41 per year, respectively. The exploitation ratio (E) and exploitation rate (U) were observed to be 0.21 and 0.18, respectively. The results of relative yield-per-recruit (Y’/R) and relative biomass-per-recruit (B’/R) estimated as a function of Lc/L∞ and M/K were 0.46 and 1.95 respectively. The MSY level was estimated at 3.8 tonnes per year at F factor-0.8. Since the current level of exploitation of the species is well below Emax (0.50) and the observed landings are lower than the MSY level, it could be concluded that the fish is presently underexploited in the Lake. Reasonable fishing effort can be increased in order to obtain more yields so as to reach the MSY level and in that way increase the income of the economically poor fishermen communities of North-eastern India.

6 illus, 28 ref

039060   BORAH N, DAS S K, BHAKTA D (FRM Dep, West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata- 700 094, Email: dassudhirkumar1@gmail.com) : Temporal changes in feeding and bio-indices of Polynemus paradiseus Linnaeus, 1758 occurring in Hooghly-Matlah estuary, West Bengal. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 118-23.

Temporal changes in feeding and bio-indices of Polynemus paradiseus were studied at selected stretches of Hooghly-Matlah estuary for a period of eight months (December to July). It indicated that the fish mainly feeds on shrimps, fishes,and insects. The highest amount of shrimps (45.49 %) was recorded in December and those of fishes (16.10 %) during June and copepods and insects (7.31 %) in July. The presence of a considerable amount of small fishes, insects and crustaceans ingut contents indicated carnivore-feeding habits of fish. Adult size of the species mainly feeds on shrimps and fishes where as juveniles feed on shrimps, copepods, insects, and zoobenthos. Gastro-somatic index (GaSI) was maximum during March and April and minimum during June and December in fish. The monthly mean gonado-somatic index (GSI) values varied from 0.74 (December) to 1.32 (June) in males and 0.82 (December) to 5.44 (June) for female fish, respectively.

3 illus, 36 ref

039055   PAWASE S V, NIRMALE V H, BHOSALE B P, PAWAR R A, SAWANT M S, KENDE D R (Fisheries Coll, Maharastra, Email: durgesh.kende15@gmail.com) : Study on biology of Thryssa dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1848) from the coast of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 87-94.

The Dussumier’s thryssa, Thryssa dussumieri is one of the important component of by-catch of trawl and mini purse seine landings at Ratnagiri. The length-weight relationship indicated the isometric growth in T. dussumieri with generalized equation W = 0.0066 L 3.¹⁰⁷⁷. The month-wise relative condition factor showed two peaks coinciding with peak spawning season. All morphometric lengths showed varying degree of correlation with total length. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of food revealed Thryssa dussumieri to be a carnivore, feeding mainly on mysids, copepods, diatoms and juvenile shrimps.The highest GSI value, for females, was observed during March, October, December and January. The male:female ratio was found to be 1:1.4. T. dussumieri has got a prolonged spawning season extending from September to April. The absolute fecundity ranged from 3367 to 14130 eggs with an average of 7420 eggs. Length at sexual maturity has been estimated to be 12.8 cm.

5 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

039054   KUMARI S, JAISWAR A K, JAHAGEERDAR S, CHAKRABORTY S K, KUMAR T (ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata- 700 120, Email: akjaiswar@cife.edu.in) : Morphometric and meristic variation of congeneric sciaenid fishes Otolithes cuvieri Trewavas, 1974 and Otolithes ruber (Schneider, 1801) from Maharashtra, west coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 80-6.

Two closely related species Otolithes cuvieri, Trewavas, 1974 and Otolithes ruber, (Schneider, 1801) have been differentiated based on morphometric and meristic traits. A simple yet useful criterion based on a pair of canine teeth present on the upper and lower jaw as well as position of the mouth is currently used to differentiate two congeneric sciaenid fish species the O. cuvieri and O. ruber. Findings of the present study indicated that simply two morphometric and meristic characters are sufficient to differentiate these two species. MANOVA (Multivariate analysis of variance) and stepwise discriminant function were used to decide the morphometric traits, significant for differentiation of the species of family Sciaenidae. Discriminant function analysis revealed that 98 % of the species were correctly classified based on five morphometric characters namely Pre-pectoral fin length (PPFL), Pre-anal fin length (PAL), Post orbital head length (POHL), Post anal fin length (POAL) and Body depth (BD). The m-transformed morphometric traits were found to be useful tools in generating canonical variables in differentiating the species. The first canonical variables showed altogether 98 % variance. The scatter plots by first three canonical variables have well differentiated the species. Two meristic characters such as the number of gillrakers present on lower limb of first gill arch and figure of arborescent appendages on the swim bladder are important in differentiation of these species.

3 illus, 9 tables, 32 ref

039012   CHUKWUNOMSO J P, BEDE O E, NONYE A L (Animal Production Technology Dep, Federal Agriculture Coll, Ebonyi State, Nigeria) : Effect of diets with iron tree (Prosopis africana) pulp on performance and blood characteristics of growing rabbits. Asian J Anim Sci 2020, 14(2), 61-8.

 Animal protein tends to rank better than plant protein because of its  higher  essential amino acids. Some plant parts have been reported to have phytogenic and growth promoting properties. The study aimed to determine the influence of iron  tree  ( Prosopis  africana ) pulp containing diets on growth  indices, feed intake and blood characteristics  of rabbits. Twenty four male rabbits were used for this study. They were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups of 6 animals each. Each group was assigned to one of the experimental diets containing Prosopis africana  Pulp (PAP) at 0 % (control), 10, 20 and 30 % for 50 days in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Blood samples were obtained from each rabbit on the last day of the trial. Results: It was observed that PAP is abundant in phytochemicals. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were (p<0.05) best for rabbits on PAP containing diets. However, feed intake was best (p>0.05) for rabbits in the control group. Haemoglobin, red blood cells, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes and neutrophils showed significant (p<0.05) difference across the groups. Sodium, potassium and cholesterol showed significant (p<0.05) difference and tended to be higher in T1. The results indicated that PAP enhanced body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion. In addition, all the haematological and serum biochemical parameters examined fell within the normal physiological range indicating that the diets were not deleterious to the animals.
 

6 tables, 34 ref

039011   DESOUKY A Y, MOHAMED M A, SULTAN K, ELHAWARY N M, AMMAR N I (Parasitology Dep, Kafrelsheikh Univ, Kafrelsheikh- 33516, Egypt) : Levamisole hydrochloride as immunostimulant drug synergies the effect Eimeria tenella lab-made vaccine: Experimental trial. Asian J Anim Sci 2020, 14(2), 54-60.

Eimeria tenella  is one of the most important parasitic pathogens threaten chickens particularly broilers worldwide. Levamisole hydrochloride is known to be an immunostimulant agent.  The  present  study  described  the  experimental evaluation  using  Levamisole  hydrochloride  in  combination  with  a  Lab-made  vaccine against  E.  tenella  infection in  broilers.  A lab-made vaccine of E.tenella  Egyptian strain sonicated sporulated oocysts was prepared. Eighty broiler chickens (one day old) were used; the chicks were divided in to 4 groups. The 1^st group (G1) kept as control negative (no vaccine, no challenge). The 2^nd group (G2) vaccinated with inactivated Lab-made vaccine. The 3^rd group (G3) immunized with inactivated Lab-made vaccine I/M as (G2) then Levamisole administrated orally. The 4th group (G4) kept as control positive. For testing the efficacy and comparison; OPG (oocyst per gram), serum Interleukin 4 (IL4) levels, Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in both serum and ceca, as well as histopathological changes in ceca of tested groups were evaluated. The results of immunological parameters, parasitological OPG level  and  histological  examination  indicated vaccinated groups showed better immunological response than non-vaccinated group, more over vaccinated group that given Levamisole orally showed better response to challenged infection. Sonicated E.  tenella  oocysts when used as a vaccine gave good immune response against infection, moreover adding of Levamisole orally may enhance the effect of coccidial vaccine. Further studies on coccidiosis vaccination and its improvements are strongly recommended. 

3 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

039009   OGUNBODE A A, TIJANI K O (Animal Production Technology Dep, Oyo State Coll of Agriculture and Technology, Nigeria) : Sawdust in the diet of crossbred weaned pigs: Effects on serum lipid profile. Asian J Anim Sci 2020, 14(2), 40-3.

Sawdust is a waste product derived from sawmill industries which constitutes nuisance to the environment and it can be included in swine diet in order to reduce competition between man and animal. Thus a 56 day of feeding trial was conducted in a completely randomized design to determine serum lipid profile of crossbred (large white x landrace) weaned pigs fed sawdust based diets. Eighteen weaned pigs were randomly allotted into three dietary treatment groups: T₁ (0 % control), T₂ (5 %) and T3 (10 %) with each treatment comprising 3 replicates of 6 pigs/triplicate; parameters measured include cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein using spectrophotometer. The result revealed that there were significant (p<0.05) difference in the values obtained for cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. There were no significant (p>0.05) difference for values obtained in triglycerides across the dietary treatments. The highest statistical value (40.33 mg dL^-1) of high density lipoprotein was observed in pigs fed diet 3 while diet 1 and 2 had the least value 37.33 mg dL^-1 and 38 mg dL^-1, respectively. Diet 1 had the highest value (22.73 mg dL^-1) of low density lipoprotein while the least value was obtained in pigs fed the T₃.  Based on this result, it can be concluded that inclusion of sawdust in the diet of crossbred weaned pigs up to 10 % has no deleterious effect on the serum lipid profile of crossbred weaned pigs.

1 table, 19 ref

039008   SHITTU M D, ADEJUMO D O, EWUOLA E O, ALABA O, ALAGBE O J, OJEBIYI O O (Animal Production and Health Dep, Ladoke Akintola Univ, Ogbomoso, Nigeria) : Gut morphometric characteristic and ecological response of broiler starter fed varied levels of protein. Asian J Anim Sci 2020, 14(1), 33-9.

 Meeting nutrient requirement of broiler chicks to supply animal protein requirement cannot be overemphasized.Therefore research was designed to determine gut morphometric and ecological response of broiler starter fed varied levels of protein.  A total of 144 days-old-broiler chicks were used for the study. Broiler standard starter mash with varied protein percentages of 20, 23 and 26 %, respectively for treatments 1, 2 and 3 were used. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at "0.05. Except feed conversion ratio (FCR) other parameters measured were significantly different, 26 % CP had most efficient FCR (2.85). Average feed intake, daily feed intake, cost per kg feed and cost per kg weight gain increase with increase in the levels of protein. Weight of gut sections of broiler differ significantly (p<0.05) across treatments except oesophagus, proventriculus, duodenum and large intestine. Coliform forming unit of total aerobic microbes (CFU g^-1) was higher than other identified microbes in the GIT of broiler chicks. Caecum total aerobic plate count and total anaerobic plate count were higher compare to other sections.  Enterobacter  aerogenes  was found in all regions of broiler examined irrespective of dietary protein levels.  Salmonella  species  also present across the treatments and present in every section except intestinal of broilers fed 26 % CP.  Lactobacillus  species was found common in caecum and intestine of broilers.There is need for broiler farmers to embark on phase feeding to allow fast growing of broilers and sound biosecurity to suppress the growth of the pathogenic microbes. 

6 tables, 30 ref

006779   SOMU C, KARUPPIAH H, SUNDARAM J (Zoology Dep, Madras Univ, Chennai- 600 025, Email: janas_09@yahoo.co.in) : Antiviral activity of seselin from Aegle marmelos against nuclear polyhedrosis virus infection in the larvae of silkworm, Bombyx mori. J Ethnopharmacol 2019, 245, 112155.

Traditional Indian medicine has utilized Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. commonly called as bael in several indigenous systems against various diseases. Bioactive components isolated from various plant parts of A. marmelos were used in ethno-medicine. More precisely they are known for its antiviral property against various human and animal viruses. The study was conducted to investigate the antiviral activity of A. marmelos against Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV). Among the various crude extracts tested, hexane extracts of leaves of A. marmelos with promising anti-BmNPV activity was subjected to bioactivity guided fractionation based on column chromatography. Out of 40 fractions obtained from the fractionation, fractions showing similar TLC profiles were pooled into 14 fractions. A fraction with potential activity was used to purify a molecule with anti-BmNPV activity. This molecule was characterized through structural and functional analyses. The functionally and structurally characterized molecule in the fraction with prospective anti-BmNPV activity revealed a single crystal compound ‘seselin’ (8, 8-dimethyl pyrido oxazine-2-one). It is therefore understood that this seselin compound could be used as a natural medicine for the management of NPV infection in the silkworm larvae under commercial conditions after suitable field evaluations.

68 ref

006786   VERMA V K, HALDAR C, PAL S (Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: chaldar2001@yahoo.com) : Oxidative damage and apoptosis induction by L-thyroxine in the spleen of a tropical bird Perdicula asiatica: Rescue by melatonin. J Endocrinol Reprod 2019, 23(2), 109-22.

Avian thyroid gland is known to influence the immunity and reproduction in an opposite manner. In this study, we evaluated the immunostimulatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic roles of melatonin in a tropical bird, Indian jungle bush quail, Perdicula asiatica, having L-thyroxine (thyrotoxicity)-induced oxidative stress. Administration of L-thyroxine (100 μg/kg body weight) enhanced the thyroidal lipid peroxidase (LPO), with a parallel decrease in the levels of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GPx, CAT, MDA & NO) activities. Cellular immune response (%SR) and humoral immune response (anti-KLH-IgG level) of splenocytes along with general hematological parameters (TLC, LC & HF/L ratio) decreased significantly upon L-thyroxine treatment. Further, decrease in circulatory anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and TNFα suggested drastic effects of induced thyrotoxicity (elevated levels of T3 & T4) on immunity. Melatonin pre-treatment (25 μg/100g BW) during evening hours (prior to L-thyroxine treatment in the afternoon) for 30 days circumvented the deleterious effects of L-thyroxine-induced oxidative stress (level of Corticosterone) and apoptosis index of the avian spleen. Our results clearly indicate the potential of melatonin in rescuing/reducing the thyrotoxicity-induced oxidative damage to avian immunity

7 illus, 27 ref

006749   GAYATHRY R, PETER V S, PETER M C S (Zoology Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 581, Email: subashpeter@yahoo.com) : In vivo action of nitric oxide donor Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) on mitochondrial ion transporter function in brain segments of immersion-stressed air-breathing fish (Anabas testudineus Bloch). J Endocrinol Reprod 2019, 23(2), 99-107.

The neuronal circuitries of brain and the corresponding ion transporters contribute to the maintenance of ion homeostasis in fish brain. The sensitivity of these neuronal clusters in response to environmental clues brings neural plasticity and subsequent regulation of stress acclimation. Nitric oxide (NO), a gasotransmitter, is involved in ion transport in many peripheral tissues of fishes including air-breathing fish. However, the role of NO in mitochondrial ion transporter activity has not yet been investigated in fish brain. We, therefore, investigated the short-term in vivo action of a NO donor, Sodium Nitro-Prusside (SNP), on mitochondrial ion transporters such as H^+- Ca^2+- and Mg^2+- dependent ATPases in brain segments such as Prosen-Cephalon (PC), Mesen-Cephalon (MC) and Meten-Cephalon (MeC) of immersion-stressed Anabas testudineus. Intraperitoneal injection of SNP for 30 min lowered the activities of bafilomycin-sensitive H⁺ ATPase and vanadate sensitive Ca2+ATPase in PC, whereas in MeC, these transporters showed significant rise in activities after SNP treatment. The oligomycin-sensitive Mg²⁺ ATPase activity showed a significant decrease in PC and MC of brain after SNP treatment in non-stressed fish. Induction of stress by water immersion altered the activities of these ion transporter activities. However, the treatment of SNP in immersed fish showed recovery of the immersion-induced modulation in the activities of these mitochondrial ion transporters. Our data, thus, provide evidence for a decisive role of NO in the recovery process of mitochondrial ion transporters function during immersion stress, confirming a direct differential role of NO in mitochondrial ion homeostasis in teleost brain.

3 illus, 42 ref

006769   RAJU L L, THOMAS A M, MANISH K, PETER V S, PETER M C S (Zoology Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 581, Email: subashpeter@yahoo.com) : Impact of restraint stress on mitochondrial ion transporter activity in mice brain-gut regions and gender response to aging. J Endocrinol Reprod 2019, 23(2), 65-79.

The ability to respond suitably and maintain a steady state after exposure to stressors is an essential dynamic element in maintaining ion homeostasis. Besides the factors linked to the stressor itself, there are aspects intrinsic to the organisms that are pertinent to shape the stress response, such as age, gender and genetics. This study in mice analyses the functional role of mitochondria, which may affect the integrated responses to psychological stress. Mitochondria depend on a series of ion transporters to interface the communication between the cytosol and the site of energy production, which is key to the survival of the organism. Ion transporters, like mCa2+ATPase, F1F0ATPase and mH+ATPase, are the functional components of the mitochondria involved in Ca2+, H+ homeostasis and energy production. Since the process of aging starts with the birth, and ends with the death of an organism, physiological and molecular processes tend to vary throughout aging. Moreover, males and females have qualitatively different mitochondria, and only a little is known about the mitochondrial responses to stressors. Therefore, we hypothesized that mitochondrial ion transporter functions would modulate the organism’s multisystemic response to psychological stress in an age-, gender- and tissue-specific manner. In this study, BALB/c mice of different age groups (4 weeks-, 8 weeks-, 16 weeks- and 24 weeks-old mice) were subjected to restraint stress of 30 minutes for two consecutive days and the ion transporter activity was quantified in the different regions of the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus) and the gut (duodenum of the intestine, fundus and pyloric regions of the stomach). Overall, the data indicate that in mice both gender-specific and age-specific differential sensitivities to restraint stress exist in mitochondrial ion transporter function in the brain and gut regions. This further points to a decisive interactive role of stress and sex hormones in the energetics and ion transport performance of brain-gut axis in mice

6 illus, 23 ref

006737   ANJALI V R, REMYA V S, RESHMI S, MAHIM S S, DEVI C A (Zoology Dep, Univ Coll, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 034, Email: anjaliminitvm@gmail.com) : Impact of bisphenol s as an endocrine disruptor in a freshwater fish, Oreochromis mossambicus. J Endocrinol Reprod 2019, 23(2), 49-63.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have the potential to alter the hormonal pathways concerned with regulation of the normal homeostatic mechanisms. The adverse effects of EDCs can be observed in areas where pollution is high, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, where persistent environmental chemicals accumulate. In the present study, we investigated the endocrine disrupting effects of Bisphenol S (BPS), if any, in the levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, cortisol and sex steroidal [17βestradiol (E2) and testosterone(T)] hormones in juvenile as well as adult Oreochromis mossambicus. Drastic changes in serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels showed that BPS treatment resulted in disruption of thyroid gland function. Alteration to significant levels in serum cortisol indicated acute stress and impairment of hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis. Significant changes (p<0.05) occurred in the steroidal hormone levels which are biomarkers of endocrine disruption as they affect hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in fish. Bisphenol S also revealed estrogenic potency by inducing significant alteration in the E2/T ratio. DNA fragmentation, if any, induced by BPS was also analyzed in juvenile fish. There was no significant DNA fragmentation observed in gel electrophoresis, but a significant elevation was seen in percent fragmented DNA in the diphenylamine method. Therefore, it could be concluded that BPS at different sublethal concentrations have a profound impact on endocrine physiology of fish.

8 illus, 81 ref

006778   SNEHI G (Zoology Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: gunjasnehi01@gmail.com) : Feedback loops in circadian clocks of Drosophila and mammals. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 88-95.

Circadian rhythm is 24-hour cycle rhythmicity in organisms, which is endogenous, entrained by environmental cues, and temperature-compensated. Circadian rhythm is driven by circadian clock, which is present in all the cells and tissues of the body. Small ventral lateral neurons located in the lateral brain in Drosophila and suprachiasmatic nucleus in mammals are the central oscillators which regulate all the peripheral clocks present throughout the body. The circadian rhythm is maintained by a conserved transcriptional–translational autoregulatory loop, which generates oscillations in the expression of clock genes. Here, this review focuses on the interconnected feedback loops present in Drosophila and mammals.

3 illus, 65 ref

006754   JAIKUMAR I M, PERIYAKALI S B, RAJENDRAN U S, RAMASAMY K (Zoology Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: bhavan@buc.edu.in) : Authentication of commercially available frozen shrimp meats using DNA barcoding. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 79-87.

Shrimps and prawns are quite nutritious and provide quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, certain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like iodine. Therefore, they are healthy food for human consumption. In order to find out fish fraud in value-added products, in this study, six frozen shrimp species packed and sold by different commercial companies were purchased, correctly identified using DNA barcoding of mt-COI gene, and the sequences were authenticated properly with the GenBank. The genomic DNA isolated from frozen shrimp samples showed greater than 10 kb. Their amplified products showed 564–770 bp of mt-COI gene. The BLAST results for the labeled frozen shrimp sample Litopenaeus vannamei showed maximum similarity (99%–100%) with the same species sequences available with NCBI database. Five unlabeled sample sequences (two samples taken from two independent packets, and three samples taken from one mixed shrimp packet) showed maximum similarity with the sequences available in the NCBI database and exactly identified as Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, Penaeus monodon, Fenneropenaeus indicus, Penaeus semisulcatus, and P. monodon, respectively. These six sequences showed more variable amino acid sites than the identical and similar amino acid residues within themselves. The AT biases (61.5%–67.51%, P. semisulcatus and P. monodon taken from unlabeled mixed packet) and GC biases (32.9%–38.6%, P. monodon and P. semisulcatus) varied among these six species sequences, which indicated less NUMTs gene. The interspecies divergence rate calculated for these six species ranged between 0.434 and 3.401 (L. vennamei vs. F. indicus, and F. merguiensis vs. P. monodon, taken from unlabeled independent packet). Thus, it is recommended that DNA barcoding of mt-COI gene can be used to identify any unlabeled or labeled shrimp/prawn/seafood available in the market to avoid fish fraud.

3 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

006741   BARROS T A, CASSIANO E C O, MARINO C T, PACHECO R D L, FERREIRA F A, JUNIOR F P, MARTINS M F, MEYER P M, MILLEN D D, ARRIGONI M D B, et al. (Campo Grande, Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul 79106550, Brazil, Email: caroltobias@hotmail.com) : Polyclonal antibodies as a feed additive for cattle adapted or not adapted to highly fermentable carbohydrate diets. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 565-72.

The effect of a polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP) against Streptococcus bovis and Fusobacterium necrophorum on ruminal fermentation and digestion in ruminally cannulated cows was investigated in two 3 × 3 Latin squares in factorial arrangement of treatments 3 × 2 regarding two feed additives (PAP in powder (PAPP) and in liquid (PAPL) presentation) plus control (CON) and two managements of diets (with or without adaptation to highly fermentable carbohydrate diets). Adapted group had greater DMI (p < 0.0001) and DM (p < 0.0001), NDF (p = 0.03) and total carbohydrates (p < 0.0001) apparent digestibility when compared to non-adapted group. PAPL had greater DM (p = 0.02), NDF (p = 0.03) and total carbohydrates apparent digestibility when compared to PAPP or CON. Adapted animals had lower (p < 0.0001) rumen pH when compared to non-adapted animals. Moreover, PAPL group had greater (p = 0.04) rumen pH values when compared to PAPP and CON. PAPL showed potential effect as an additive by increasing apparent digestibility of DM, NDF and total carbohydrates and also for being more efficient to prevent the drop in rumen pH during the peak of fermentation.

2 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

006763   MAGALHÃES L C, JÚNIOR E S L, GUIMARÃES A D S L, MIRANDA M D S, SOUZA T T D S, MONTE A P D O, SILVA A A D A, SAMPAIO L S, NASCIMENTOC T V C, SOUSA P H F, et al. (Animal Science Dep, Federal Univ, Bahia, Brazil, Email: thiagovcn_vet@hotmail.com) : Comparison between Day 0 and traditional protocols for estrus synchronization and multiple ovulation in crossbred hair sheep. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 560-4.

This study was carried out to compare Day 0 and traditional protocols for in vivo embryo production. Twenty-two crossbred ewes were used as embryo donors and assigned to two groups. Ewes from Traditional protocol were submitted to estrus synchronization with CIDR for 14 days and superovulation treatment was induced 60 h before the withdrawal of CIDR with 240 mg pFSH. Donors from Day 0 protocol were subjected to a short-term protocol of estrus synchronization (6 days) and superovulation treatment was the same to the other group, but it started 84 h after CIDR withdrawal. Embryo recoveries were performed using the transcervical method. All embryo donors (100%) presented estrus regardless of the hormone protocol used. The treatments did not affect the ovarian response, as well as quality and viability of embryos (P > 0.05). Treatments had a small dispersion of estrus, 81.81% (9/11) animals from the Traditional protocol group presented estrus 20 h after CIDR withdrawal and 90.9% (10/11) of the Day 0 protocol group presented estrus 24 h. Regarding embryo production, there was no significant difference between hormonal treatments for the different parameters evaluated (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that the Day 0 protocol was not different from the Traditional protocol in crossbred ewes.

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

006770   RAMADAN N, FARRAN M T, KAOUK Z, SHAIB H (Animal and Veterinary Sciences Dep, American Univ of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, Email: hs45@aub.edu.lb) : Impact of dietary methionine on respiratory tissue integrity and humoral immunity of broilers challenged with Mycoplasma gallisepticum and treated with Pulmotil AC. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 552–9.

The experiment was performed to determine the effect of 20 % dietary DL-Methionine (Met) in excess of modern breeder requirement level compared to Tilmicosin (Pulmotil AC^®) on the humoral immune response and histopathological parameters of male broilers challenged with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). Birds of Treatments 1–4 remained unchallenged while those of Treatments 5–8 were challenged with MG at 10 days of age. Diets with excess Met were formulated for birds of Treatments 3, 4, 7 and 8. Broilers of Treatments 2, 3, 6 and 7 were administered Pulmotil AC^® in drinking water. The 20 % excess dietary Met significantly reduced tracheal deciliation, preserved the integrity of tracheal mucosal layer and significantly decreased goblet cell degeneration in MG-challenged birds. Furthermore, MGchallenged broilers administered 20 % excess Met manifested higher ELISA titers against MG and a significantly higher antibody response to p33 (MG-cytadhesin putative gene) and p66 (MGhemagglutinin protein A (pMGA)) in comparison to the other treatments. The 20 % excess Met thereby maintained the health of the respiratory system and embodied an increased protection against MGputative gene and a greater humoral response to MG challenge in broilers.

6 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

006751   HA J-J, YANG K-Y, OH D-Y, YI J-K, NEJAD J G (Animal Science and Technology Dep, Konkuk Univ, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea, Email: jalilgh@konkuk.ac.kr) : Group sizes effects on growth performance and behavioural characteristics in Korean native calves. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 546–51.

Effects of group size on performance and behavioural characteristics in Hanwoo calves including heifers (BW = 140.7 ± 3.8 kg, 8 ± 0.5 month) and steers (BW = 167.2 ± 3.4 kg, 8 ± 0.6 month) were evaluated. Fifty-four calves (27 steers and 27 heifers) were assigned to three group sizes, with either 4 (G4), 3 (G3) or 2 (G2) animals per pen, with 3 pen replicates. Data obtained were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. BW was measured bimonthly until the end of the study, and behavioural observations were performed weekly. In heifers, BW showed no differences (P > .05) at neither 8 nor 10 months, however, it was higher (P < .05) in the G4 than the G2 in both 12 and 14 months of age, respectively. In steers, there were no significant differences (P > .05) among the groups in BW, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio at 8 and 10 months. In heifers, drinking, self-grooming, pairwise grooming were higher in the G4 and G3 than the G2 group (P < .05). The effect of time on performance and behavioural characteristics was highly significant (P < .01). Collectively, the number of 4 calves per pen (32 m² ) can be suggested to improve growth performance in Hanwoo calves.

1 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

006748   GANDRA J R, SENO L O, BORQUIS R R A, ESCOBAR A Z, OLIVEIRA E R D, SANTOS R J A, CONSOLO N R B, ACOSTA A P (Animal Science Dep, Federal da Grande Dourados Univ, Dourados, Brazil, Email: jeffersongandra@ufgd.edu.br) : Milk yield and composition of primiparous recipient cows influence the performance and carcass ultrasonography of Nellore calf. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 506-13.

This study investigates the influence of the breed of primiparous recipient cows on milk yield and composition during the lactation stage, as well as evaluating the carcass and performance characteristics of their calves at weaning. The experiment was conducted in a commercial Nellore herd with two groups of primiparous recipient beef cattle, Nellore (n = 11) and ½ Angus × Nellore (n = 11). Variables were measured monthly from birth to weaning. Days in milk affected milk intake and composition. There was an effect of the interaction of breed and time on milk fat, protein and lactose, measured in g/kg of milk. Calves from Angus primiparous cows had greater body weight, average daily gain (ADG), longissimus muscle area (LMA) and longissimus weight-to-width ratio than others, since those traits are associated with milk yield. In contrast, considering area/100 kg, backfat and marbling, the Nellore cows delivered similar calves to the Angus cows, due to the better quality of their milk. Milk intake was positively correlated with ADG, BW and LMA, but negatively correlated with milk protein, fat and lactose. The nutrients in milk were positively correlated with milk intake, and body weight was positively correlated with LMA, weight-to-width ratio, backfat, milk intake and ADG.

2 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

006782   TADESSE D, PUCHALA R, GIPSON T A, GOETSCH A L (Langston Univ, Langston, USA, Email: arthur.goetsch@langston.edu) : Effects of high heat load conditions on body weight, feed intake, temperature, and respiration of Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix sheep. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 492-505.

Forty-six Dorper, 46 Katahdin, and 43 St. Croix female sheep from four regions of the USA were used to evaluate responses to high heat load index (HLI) conditions. There were sequential 2-wk periods with target HLI during day/nighttime of 70/70 (thermoneutral zone conditions), 85/70, 90/77, and 95/81. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured at 07:00 (before daytime), 13:00, and 17:00 h (preceding nighttime). Region had few and minor effects. Intake of DM (g/day) was not influenced by period. Rectal temperature was considerably less for St. Croix than for Dorper and Katahdin at each time, with differences increasing as period advanced. Similarly, RR in periods 2, 3, and 4 was least for St. Croix, particularly at 07:00 h in period 4. Moreover, RT was slightly less for Katahdin vs. Dorper in period 4 at 13:00 and 17:00 however, RR was less for Katahdin than for Dorper in periods 3 and 4. Variance in RT in periods 3 and 4 ranked St. Croix < Dorper < Katahdin. In conclusion, based on RT and RR, resilience to high HLI conditions ranked St. Croix > Katahdin > Dorper, with lowest variability among individuals for St. Croix and greatest for Katahdin.

5 illus, 13 tables, 51 ref

006746   EARLY B, ARGUELLO A, O'RIORDAN E, CROSSON P, CAPPELLERI A, McGEE M (Animal and Bioscience Research Dep, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Co.Meath, Ireland, Email: bernadette.earley@teagasc.ie) : Antimicrobial drug usage from birth to 180 days of age in Irish dairy calves and in suckler beef calves. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 474-85.

Concern about the use of antimicrobials in food producing animals is increasing. The study objective was to quantify antimicrobial drug usage in calves using antimicrobial treatment records from Irish suckler beef and dairy farms. Antimicrobial treatment records for calves born between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015 on 79 suckler beef and 44 dairy farms were analyzed. Calves were followed from birth (day 0) until 6 months of age. According to standard farm protocol, calves exhibiting clinical signs of any disease were identified and antimicrobial treatment was administered. Farmers recorded the following information for each treatment administered: calf identification, age at treatment, disease event, drug name, number of treatment days, and amount of drug administered. In total, 3,204 suckler beef calves and 5,358 dairy calves, representing 540,953 and 579,997 calfdays at risk, respectively, were included in the study. A total of 1,770 antimicrobial treatments were administered to suckler beef (n = 841) and dairy calves (n = 929) between birth and 6 months of age. There was large variation in TIDDDvet and TIDCDvet by farm. This study provides new insights into the time periods and indications for which specific antimicrobial substances are used in Irish dairy and beef suckler calves.

4 illus, 6 tables, 53 ref

006790   YANG R-F, XIONG X-R, ZI X-D (Southwest Univ for Nationalities, Chengdu- 610 041, People’s Republic of China, Email: zixd2000@yahoo.com) : Effect of cysteine, insulin-like growth factor-1 and epidermis growth factor during in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro culture of yak-cattle crossbred embryos. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 463-6.

Some antioxidants and growth factors play an important role in promoting oocyte maturation and embryo development in many mammalian species, but there is little information about the yak (Bos grunniens). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate Cys, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and epidermis growth factor (EGF) on yak oocyte maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rates after in vitro fertilized with Jersey sperm. A single or different combination of Cys, EGF and IGF-1 was added to in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) media. The results showed that a single addition of Cys and IGF-1 increased oocyte maturation and blastocyst rates (p < .05), but did not increase cleavage rate; EGF or IGF-1 + EGF increased oocyte maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rates (p < .05) compared with the control. A combination of IGF-1 + EGF + Cys could have a beneficial effect (p < .05). These results indicated that supplementation of IVM and IVC media with Cys, IGF-1, EGF and their combinations could improve in vitro production efficiency of yak-cattle crossbred embryos.

1 table, 31 ref

006781   SU Y, DENG Y, CHENG C, MA H, GUO Z, FENG J (South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Guangdong- 510 300, People’s Republic of China, Email: juanfeng@scsfri.ac.cn) : Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the CCR9 gene from cobia (Rachycentron canadum) following bacterial and poly I:C challenge. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 454-62.

Chemokine receptors play an important role in coordination of cell trafficking in many biological processes. In this study, a CC chemokine receptor 9 of cobia Rachycentron canadum (RcCCR9) was identified. Analysis of the ORF (1119 bp) of RcCCR9 revealed a predicted protein of 41.87 kDa with typical seven transmembrane domain architecture. RcCCR9 shared several conserved structural features with homologs from mammals and other fish, and had a consistent relationship with phylogenetic trees and sequence identities. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR analysis showed ubiquitous RcCCR9 transcripts in healthy cobia, mainly in immune-related organs, with the highest levels in blood and lower levels in intestines and brain. After challenge with inactivated Vibrio harveyi or viral mimic poly I:C, RcCCR9 expression was up-regulated in head kidney and down-regulated in spleen. Compared with poly I:C, V. harveyi induced a stronger up/down-regulation of CCR9 mRNA levels in the central immune organs. RcCCR9 seems to be strongly involved in host defense against bacterial infection.

6 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

006761   LUPO C R, GRECCO F C A R, ELEODORO J I, FILHO L F C C, SERAFIM C C, SANTOS J S D, LUDOVICO A, ALMEIDA M F D, ZUNDT M, GARRIDO J V, HERNANDES C (Pitágoras Unopar Univ, Paraná, Brasil, Email: josiane_ito@outlook.com) : Viability of the use of bovine milk whey at lamb finishing: performance, carcass, and meat parameters. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 449-53.

Bovine milk whey is a co-product of the dairy agroindustry that has potential for use in lamb feeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of bovine milk whey on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing lambs. Eighteen male lambs were distributed in three treatments (control diet – CD, diet with whey powder – DWP, and diet with liquid whey – DLW) with six replicates. The performance variables, loin-eye area measurements, cover and subcutaneous fat, marbling, yield, morphometry, conformation, and finishing of the carcasses were evaluated. There was a difference in the dry matter intake, with the CD (3.22%) and DWP (3.08%) treatments having higher levels than that of the DLW (2.46%) treatment. The averages for loin-eye area, subcutaneous fat, and marbling were 9.88 cm² , 2.97 mm, and 1.39, respectively. There was a difference among the treatments for ethereal extract content of the meat; it was higher in CD (7.90%) and lower in DLW (5.19%). The inclusion of bovine milk whey did not alter the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the carcass; however, it altered the levels of ethereal extract content in the meat.

4 tables, 22 ref

006784   VARGAS-BELLO-PÉREZ E, HERNÁNDEZ-CASTELLANO L E (Animal Science Dep, Aarhus Univ, Tjele, Denmark, Email: lhc@anis.au.dk) : Practical and innovative solutions to overcome language barriers in veterinary and animal science education in the European Union. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 429-32.

Academic mobility and cultural diversity have continuously increased in higher education in recent years. Consequently, the language barrier has become an important issue in the learning process, mainly in Europe where there are 24 official languages. In animal and veterinary sciences, the complexity of vocabulary used during the learning process exacerbates this problem. To overcome this problem, lecturers must create an interactive and engaging classroom atmosphere, provide a reduced and concise lecture and promote interaction between students through the promotion of discussion. The use of e-tools also contributes to student interaction. When teaching animal biological processes, hands-on laboratory exercises and case-based activities also help overcome language barriers between students and lecturers. Lecturers need to create an interactive classroom through the use of direct and concise language and new technologies to promote learning in international classrooms.

1 table, 37 ref

006752   HAO R, ZHENG Z, DU X, JIAO Y, DENG Y (Guangdong Ocean Univ, Zhanjiang, People’s Republic of China, Email: gdhddxd@hotmail.com) : Cloning and characterization of O-xylosyltransferase gene from Pinctada fucata martensii. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 408-16.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG), an important component of proteoglycan (PG), was biosynthesized with the initiation by peptide O-xylosyltransferase. O-xylosyltransferase activity was presented as a marker for increased PG synthesis. In the present study, a novel O-xylosyltransferase (OXT) gene was identified from Pinctada fucata martensii (PmOXT). The PmOXT-deduced protein sequence carried a typical watersoluble carbohydrate domain, branch domain, and xylosyltransferase domain. Homologous analysis of PmOXT presented the conserved DXD motif and catalytic structure characteristics. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed the traditional taxonomy and PmOXT clustered with Crassostrea gigas. PmOXT was expressed in all the detected tissues and developmental stages. PmOXT had a significantly higher expression level in the shell formation associated tissues and developmental stages. PmOXT expressed significantly decreased in the central zone of the mantle and marginal zone of the mantle after RNA interference; additionally, OXT activity and GAG content in the extrapallial fluid were significantly reduced compared with the control. Furthermore, the crystal tablets of prismatic layer displayed obvious holes and disordered crystals with obviously rough surface and irregular crystal tablets were observed in the nacre after RNAi. Results suggested that PmOXT affected the shell formation by influencing the formation of GAGs in the process of addition to the core proteins.

7 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

006758   LI N, ZHAO Z, BAI J, LIU B, MI H, ZHANG L, LI G, YANG L (Animal Science Dep, Hebei Univ of Engineering, Handan- 056 021, People’s Republic of China, Email: yangling@hebeu.edu.cn) : Characterization of the Th cytokines profile in ovine spleen during early pregnancy. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 386-93.

The spleen combines the innate and adaptive immune systems, and the early conceptus must regulate the maternal intrauterine immune and systemic immune response during early pregnancy in sheep. However, it is unclear whether early pregnancy exerts its effects on the characterization of the T helper (Th) cytokines profile in the spleen during early pregnancy in ewes. In this study, spleens were obtained at day 16 of the oestrous cycle and at days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnancy (n = 6 for each group) from ewes, and qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyze the Th cytokines profile of the spleens. Our results showed that there was down-regulation of IFN-γ at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy, but there was upregulation of IL-2, IL-5 and IL-6 at day 25 of pregnancy, TNF-β at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and IL-4 and IL-10 in all pregnant groups. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the IL-6 protein was limited to the capsule, trabeculae and splenic cords. This paper reported, for the first time, that characterization of the Th cytokines profile varied in the maternal spleen during early pregnancy, which may be essential for successful pregnancy in sheep.

3 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

006760   LÓPEZA C L, CELAYA R, FERREIRA L M M, GARCÍA U, RODRIGUES M A M, OSORO K (Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, Asturias, Spain, Email: rcelaya@serida.org) : Comparative foraging behaviour and performance between cattle and horses grazing in heathlands with different proportions of improved pasture area. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 377-85.

The objective of this study was to compare the diet selection and productive performance of beef cattle (Asturiana de los Valles breed) and crossbred horses grazing on heather-gorse shrublands with different available surface of improved pasture (IP): 80% (IP80) or 25% (IP25). Twelve and 10 lactating dams per species with their offspring were managed in IP80 (19 ha) and IP25 (22 ha), respectively, during two grazing seasons (spring-autumn). Visual recordings at IP25 indicated that horses grazed for longer than cattle. Both species grazed preferentially on IP and increased the utilization of shrublands as season advanced and available sward height in the IP area decreased. Diet composition estimates using faecal markers showed greater dietary percentages of white clover in cows than in mares during springsummer. During autumn cows selected greater percentages of heather and lower of gorse than mares. Mares achieved more favourable body weight (BW) changes than cows during the whole grazing season, although differences were mainly confined to IP80. Calves showed higher BW gains than foals during the whole grazing season, with scarce differences between vegetation mixtures. Mares compete with cattle for the use of quality pastures, negatively affecting BW recoveries of cows when both species graze together.

4 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

006774   SICHONANY M J D O, ROCHA M G D, PÖTTER L, BERGOLI T L, SEVERO P D O, DOTTO L R, ROSA V B D, MARTINI A C (Animal Science Dep, Federal Univ, Santa Maria, Brazil, Email: paulasevero.zoot@gmail.com) : Canopy structure and foraging behavior associated with phenological stages of winter forage. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 369-76.

Data from eight experiments were jointly analysed to characterize the ingestive behavior, displacement patterns, use of feeding stations and the dynamics of meals of beef heifers in different phenological stages of winter forages. The experiments included 360 heifers, with initial age of eight months and average body weight of 145.0 ± 17 kg. The grazing method was put-and-take stocking with variable number of animals. Grazing time, duration of meal and interval between meals were similar in the morning shift, regardless of the phenological stage. At the vegetative and pre-reproductive stages, in the afternoon, meals were longer. The average daily gain was greater at pre-reproductive being associated with the duration of the meal in the afternoon shift. Heifers change their ingestive behavior, bite rate, duration of meals, interval between meals, patterns of forage selection and number of steps per minute according to phenological stages and evaluation shifts in order to maintain a similar bite mass.

2 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

006759   LI Y, LI R, YE Y, MU C, WANG C (Ningbo Univ, Ningbo, People’s Republic of China, Email: muchangkao@nbu.edu.cn) : ¹H NMR metabolic profiling revealed characteristic metabolites in mud crab Scylla paramamosain for different geographical origins. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 314-21.

ABSTRACT The geographical origin of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) has been arousing increasing interest to consumers due to their flavour and market price. In this study, an NMR-based metabolomics method was used to characterize the differences in the chemical composition of muscle samples of mud crabs caught in four different geographical areas of China. The results showed that a statistically significant separation existed between each of the groups of mud crabs in terms of their geographical origins. The major metabolites responsible for differentiation included inosine 5’-monophosphate (IMP), adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP), and some amino acids. A gradual increase in the AMP level in conjunction with a declining IMP level was closely associated with the growth latitude of the mud crab, which means that these metabolites could potentially be used to characterize the specific geographic origin of mud crabs. This information might be useful for assessing the quality of mud crabs from different geographical origins.

5 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

006772   SANTOSA M C B , ARAÚJOA A P C , VENTURELLIA B C, FREITASJR J E, BARLETTA R V, GANDRA J R , PAIVA P G D, ACEDO T S, RENNÓA F P (Animal Science Dep, UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulist, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil, Email: bocazoo@hotmail.com) : Effects of increasing monensin doses on performance of mid-lactating Holstein cows. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 297-302.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing monensin doses on intake, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, milk yield and composition of lactating dairy cows. Twelve Holstein cows (135 ± DIM; 580 ± kg of BW) were assigned to three 4 × 4 Latin square design, with 21-d periods. Cows were randomly assigned within each square to receive one of the following treatments: Control (C): 0 mg kg⁻¹ DM of monensin; Monensin 12 (M12): 12 mg kg⁻¹ DM of monensin; Monensin 24 (M24): 24 mg kg⁻¹ DM of monensin and Monensin 48 (M48): 48 mg kg⁻¹ DM of monensin. Monensin had quadratic effect on intake of dry matter. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM were similar between treatments; however, digestibility of CP increased. Monensin had no effect on ruminal pH, NH₃ concentration, but propionate increased by monensin. Blood urea nitrogen was increased linearly by monensin. There was a quadratic effect of monensin on N intake. Monensin had a quadratic effect on milk yield, whereas 3.5% FCM was decreased linearly. These results suggest that monensin improves performance of mid-lactating dairy cows fed corn silage-based diet, and monensin can be added up to 24 mg/kg of DM diets

5 tables, 33 ref

006739   AREEWONG C , SANGCHANTIP R , RUNGPHATTANACHAIKUL S, RITTIPORNLERTRAK A , FHAIKRUAE I, WONGKALASIN W, NOMSIRI R, BOONTONG P, VONGCHAN P, STHITMATEE N (Veterinary Public Health Dep, Chiang Mai Univ, Chiang Mai- 50100, Thailand, Email: drneaw@gmail.com) : Production and characterization of polyclonal antibody against Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) immunoglobulin G. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 289-96.

The immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody is important for detecting and evaluating immune responses. Despite increasing opportunities for tigers to be exposed to emerging diseases due to global changes coupled with increasing interaction with humans, there is no available antibody specific to tigers. Aims of this study were to produce a rabbit anti-Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) IgG polyclonal antibody and to determine its specificity. The molecular weight of the purified Bengal tiger IgG was approximately 170 kDa. The cross-reactivity of rabbit anti-Bengal tiger IgG to IgG of other wild felid species and other domestic animals was analyzed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cross reactivity to other related wild animals ranged from 53.69% to 75.63%. There was high crossreactivity with domestic cats (63.58%) and pigs (38.45%) and low cross-reactivity with domestic cows (10.46%), goats (8.60%), sheep (7.25%), and chickens (6.91%). To confirm cross-reactivity with domestic animals’ IgG, western blotting was performed. These results indicated that the purified rabbit antiBengal tiger IgG polyclonal antibody strongly reacted with species in the family Felidae. The polyclonal antibody generated in this study has the potential to aid in the development of useful tools for further novel immunological investigations on tigers and related felid species.

4 illus, 2 tables, 56 ref

006747   FAN S, ZHAOU D, XU Y, YU D (Beibu Gulf Univ, Qinzhou, PR China, Email: 18602058697@163.com) : Cloning and functional analysis of BMP3 in the pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata). J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 250-61.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted cytokines that play important roles in bone formation. In the present study, a homologous BMP3 gene was identified from Pinctada fucata (PfBMP3). PfBMP3 was 2710 bp length, contained 1470 bp of ORFs. PfBMP3 gene was expressed at all stages tested, with the highest expression during the trochophore and metamorphosis stages. PfBMP3 gene was expressed in all tissues tested, with high levels detected in the gill and mantle. In situ hybridization of the mantle revealed that PfBMP3 was highly expressed in the inner epidermis of the inner fold, the outer epidermis of the middle fold, and outer epidermis of the mantle. In the shell notching experiments, the expression of PfBMP3 was up-regulated after treatment. These results indicated that PfBMP3 might play a role in P. fucata shell formation. The expression level of PfBMP3 in a low calcium aquacultural environment was higher than that in a high calcium aquacultural environment, suggesting that PfBMP3 might participate in calcium ion metabolism regulation. RNA interference (RNAi) showed that the expression level of the calmodulin gene PfCaM was downregulated after RNAi, implying that the involvement of PfBMP3 in calcium ion metabolism might be through action with PfCaM

11 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

006765   MARTINEZ-ROS P, GONZALEZ-BULNES A, GARCIA-ROSELLO E, RIOS-ABELLANA A, ASTIZ S (Cardenal Univ, Valencia, Spain, Email: paula.martinez@uchceu.es) : Effects of short-term intravaginal progestagen treatment on fertility and prolificacy after natural breeding in sheep at different reproductive seasons. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 201–5.

The present study indicates that short-term progestagen-based protocols for synchronization of estrus and ovulation in sheep involving 7 days of progestagen insertion with administration of prostaglandin F2α at either insertion or removal of the progestagen sponge resulted in 80–90% fertility during the breeding season, while a classical long-term protocol of 14 days of progestagen insertion resulted in 77% fertility. During the non-breeding season, fertility was significantly higher for the 7-day protocol with prostaglandin administration at sponge insertion (79.2%) and for the 14-day protocol (80%) than for the 7-day protocol with prostaglandin administration at sponge removal (59.1%; P = 0.018). Prolificacy, in contrast, varied significantly with genotype, being higher in prolific breeds, but it did not vary with progestagen protocol or breeding season. These results suggest that short-term progestagen-based treatments can provide similar reproductive efficiency as long-term treatments, which may help practitioners reduce welfare and health issues while maintaining productivity.

3 illus, 20 ref

006788   WEN Y, LIU H, CAO H, MAO H, DONG X, YIN Z (Zhejiang Univ, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email: yzhzh@zju.edu.cn) : Comparison of nine growth curve models to describe growth of partridges(Alectoris chukar). J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 195–200.

In this study, nine non linear growth curve models were used to determine the goodness of fit by the bodyweight measurements of the total number of 178 partridges (Alectoris chukar), 93 females, and 85 males, respectively. The R² (coefficients of determination) values for the total partridges, females and males in Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, von Bertalanffy, asymptote regression,exponential, Monomolecular, Richards and Weibull-type were 0.985, 0.980 and 0.984, 0.997, 0.998 and 0.998, 0.996, 0.999 and 0.999, 0.995, 0.995 and 0.996, 0.985, 0.980 and 0.984, 0.891, 0.871 and 0.892, 0.985, 0.980 and 0.984, 0.997, 0.999 and 0.999, 0.997, 0.999 and 0.999, respectively. The R² values for Gompertz, Logistic, von Bertalanffy, Richards and Weibull-type were >0.99, while the exponential (<0.90) had the lowest. What’s more, the Gompertz, Logistic, Richards and Weibull-type models best described the data because of lower MSE (mean square error), AIC (Akaike’s information criteria) and BIC(Schwarz Bayesian information criterion), higher adj. R² (Adjusted coefficient of determination) and r(the correlation coefficient between measured body weight and estimated body weight) and there was not an autocorrelation between the residual values. As a result, based on goodness of fit criteria; R² , adj.R² , MSE, r, AIC, BIC values, the Weibull-type model best described live weight data of the Partridges (Alectoris chukar).

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

006762   LYNCH E, McGEE M, EARLEY B (Animal and Bioscience Research Dep, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland, Email: Bernadette.earley@teagasc.ie) : Weaning management of beef calves with implications for animal health and welfare. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 167–75.

Weaning is a necessary husbandry practice in which nutritional, social, physical and psychological stressors are imposed on the beef calf causing alterations in behavioural and physiological responses. The present paper is a review of studies on the influence of weaning stress at housing on beef calves. To date, few studies have examined the effect of weaning on the extended physiological and immunological responses of beef calves and cows. Studies indicate that weaning in combination with immediate housing decreased total leukocyte numbers, reduced in vitro production of interferongamma and increased concentrations of acute phase proteins compared with deferring housing for 35 days post weaning. In cows, transitory neutrophilia (increase in neutrophil number) and lymphopenia (decrease in lymphocyte number), reduced interferon-γ production, and increased concentrations of acute phase proteins were evident post weaning, whereas post-housing, changes were less marked. Thus, there is a greater transitory reduction in immune function biomarkers in calves immediately post weaning. These immune biomarkers may be used in the future to help identify animals susceptible to weaning stress and that are more likely to succumb to respiratory infection.

2 tables, 85 ref

006753   IBRAHIM D, SAYED R E, ABDELFATTAH-HASSAN A, MORSHEDY A M (Anatomy and Embryology Dep, Zagazig Univ, Zagazig, Egypt, Email: doibrahim@vet.zu.edu.eg) : Creatine or guanidinoacetic acid? Which is more effective at enhancing growth, tissue creatine stores, quality of meat, and genes controlling growth/myogenesis in Mulard ducks. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 159-66.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) with or without methionine (Met) compared to creatine (CREA) at enhancing duck’s performance, restoring tissue CREA and improving meat quality. Mulard ducklings (n = 250) were randomly assigned to control (without additives), or control plus CREA, GAA, GAA + 0.2%Met (GAAMet0.2) or GAA + 0.4%Met (GAAMet0.4) groups in a completely random experimental design. Dietary supplementation of CREA or GAA significantly increased (P < 0.05) overall weight gain and improved feed:gain ratio. Supplementation of GAA (especially GAAMet0.4 group) significantly increased (P < 0.05) carcass and breast yield. Meat pH values were higher (P < 0.05) with dietary GAA + Met or CREA. Providing of dietary GAA + Met led to higher levels of plasma CREA than dietary CREA itself. The molecular investigation indicated that dietary CREA or GAA with Met enhanced the gene expression of hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1, growth hormone and muscle myogenin. Finally, dietary GAA + Met was superior to CREA in improving duck’s performance based on molecular markers related to growth (IGF-1 and growth hormone) and myogenesis (upregulating myogenin and downregulating myostatin). Although, dietary GAA + Met enhanced muscle’s CREA loading than CREA, the long-term GAA supplementation in ducks may induce methyl-groups shortage for protein synthesis, this was resolved with Met addition in our study.

1 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

006740   BALCI B A, AKTOP Y (Akdeniz Univ, Antalya, Turkey, Email: abalci@akdeniz.edu.tr) : Histological assessment of seasonal gonad maturation of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L., 1758) in Antalya Bay of Mediterranean in Turkey. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 63-71.

In this study, gonadal changes of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L., 1758) were investigated by histologically in Antalya Bay of Eastern Mediterranean in Turkey. A total of 890 specimens were collected monthly between May 2015 and October 2016 from fishing boats. The age of 890 red mullets was found to range from 0⁺ to VI⁺ . Their gonads were dissected and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formaldehyde. They were embedded in paraffin blocks after histochemical processes. The sectioned tissue samples were stained with Haematoxylin-Eosin and Masson Trichrome. Two different stages in females and in males were observed according to gonadal development. Histologically, female individuals had in immature female (66 fish, 0⁺ -IV⁺ ages), chromatin-nucleolus (67 fish, I⁺ -VI⁺ ages), perinucleolus (63 fish, I⁺ -IV⁺ ages), cortical alveoli (55 fish, I⁺ -V⁺ ages), vitellogenesis (50 fish, I⁺ -V⁺ ages), maturity (39 fish, I⁺ -VI⁺ ages) and post-ovulation stages (59 fish, I⁺ -VI⁺ ages). Male individuals had in spermatogenesis (96 fish, 0⁺ -VI⁺ ages), spermiogenesis (97 fish, I⁺ -IV⁺ ages), spermiation (85 fish, I⁺ -VI⁺ ages), sperm release (84 fish, I⁺ -VI⁺ ages) and resting stages (116 fish, I⁺ -VI⁺ ages). Results show that the spawning season of M. barbatus is between May and September, and that egg diameters range from 31.00 ± 15 to 428.00 ± 40 µm.

12 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

006734   ABUTARBUSH S M, AL-RUKIBAT R K, QURAN W, HANANEH W M (Veterinary Clinical Sciences Dep, Jordan Univ of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, Email: smabutarbush@just.edu.jo) : Laboratory findings of tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage in normal adult dairy cattle. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 46–53.

Tracheal Wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are not well documented in adult cattle and published studies were undertaken on diseased animals aiming at isolating the causative agent of respiratory diseases. This study was undertaken to establish the normal cytological and microbiological findings of TW and BAL in normal adult cattle and compare between the laboratory analysis findings of both techniques. Eighteen healthy adult cattle were divided into two groups. BAL was completed the first group (n = 10) and TW was completed the second group (n = 8). Normal cytological findings of TW in healthy adult cattle were found to be primarily neutrophils (42.7 ± 35.7)% intermixed with lower numbers of columnar epithelial cells (26.2 ± 34.8)%, alveolar macrophages (14.7 ± 15.4)%, squamous epithelial cells (10 ± 28.6)%, lymphocytes (6.8 ± 16.1)% and rarely seen eosinophils (0.1 ± 0.0)% with a total cell count of 457 ± 310.1 cells/µl. Cytological findings of BAL were found to be mainly alveolar macrophages (94.3 ± 3.9)%, intermixed with lower number of neutrophils (4.3 ± 3.9)% and lymphocytes (1.3 ± 1.2)% and rarely seen eosinophils (0 ± 0.1)% with a total cell count of 238 ± 169 cells/µl. There are remarkable differences in TW and BAL cytological findings and the degree of contamination was higher in TW samples than that seen in BAL lavage.

6 illus, 6 tables, 32 ref

006744   CHO G H, HA K-M (Inje Univ, Gyeongnam 50834, Korea, Email: ha1999@hotmail.com) : Emergency awareness for animals: A Korean experience. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 34-40.

Despite the significant number of animals or the high frequency of animal-related emergencies, Korea remains in the middle of emergency unawareness when it comes to handling the animals. The goal of this article is to examine how emergency unawareness for animals in Korea can be improved for the ultimate goal of emergency management. This article used qualitative content analysis as the major methodology. A careful comparison between emergency unawareness and emergency awareness for animals was done by cross-examining various animals and major stakeholders. One major finding is that Korea needs to recognize and strengthen the need for emergency awareness toward animals that are affected by emergencies (e.g. rescuing of pets during natural disasters like typhoons with flooding) as well as toward animals that caused and at the same time that are affected by emergencies (e.g. bird flu). Neighbouring nations may learn the significance of comprehensive emergency management for their animal emergency issues. This research is valuable because it used a more comprehensive perspective on animal issues compared with similar studies.

1 illus, 39 ref

006755   KOIRALA R K, WEIHONG J, PAUDEL P, COOGAN S C P, ROTHMAN J M, RAUBENHEIMER D (Massey Univ, Auckland, New Zealand, Email: raj.koirala68@gmail.com) : The effects of age, sex and season on the macronutrient composition of the diet of the domestic Asian elephant. J Appl Anim Res 2019, 47(1), 5-16.

Limited data are available on the relationship between seasonal diets and macronutrient and energy intake of domestic Asian elephants. The effects of age, sex and season on the nutrient composition and intake of food were investigated using 16 domesticated Asian elephants of different ages and sexes. There were no significant seasonal differences in the protein content of the major food plants. However, a seasonal variation in the intake of protein was evident. We used geometric modelling of non-protein (NP) neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and protein to examine seasonal nutrient variability within different ages, sexes and physiological states. The model suggested that most individual elephants maintained their recommended metabolizable energy intake from their diet across all seasons. However, we had anticipated less energy intake from poor diet due to less protein and higher NDF in the feeding ground during winter, pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Despite eating a lower variety of plants with less protein and higher NDF, elephants maintained a consistent pattern of diet intake in these seasons, suggesting that they acquired the recommended energy intake by regulating their diet, most likely through over-ingesting low-quality, non-complementary food as they did not have the opportunity to select from a variety of plants.

8 tables, 47 ref